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St Joseph's College Mildura is a Sisters of Mercy, Catholic
Co-educational College Years 7 - 12 in Mildura in North West
Victoria, comprising 860 students, 105 staff, 500 families.
Jesus taught us:
I was hungry and you gave me food
I was thirsty and you gave me drink
I was a stranger and you made me welcome
I was naked and you clothed me
I was in prison and you came to see me
You call us to forget ourselves and to be givers, welcomers
and visitors of the sick and imprisoned…
This is the mantra by which Sandra not only runs the Canteen
of the College, but lives her life as well.
She is one of the most highly regarded staff members of the
College. Whenever there is a crisis of any kind, people run
to the Canteen. Not only will they receive food for the body,
but also food for the soul. She dispenses goodwill and wisdom
wherever she goes. Not only can she whip up morning tea for
ten with ten minutes notice, she feeds 800 teenagers twice
a day - without complaint, with loads of encouragement and
gentleness. The College Canteen also services the Catholic
Primary School of 300 students located next door. Sandra also
hosts and caters for all in-house and extra curricular events
outside of the school. The College Canteen also prides itself
on the nutritious items that it stocks … no cafeteria type
foods at all.
The Canteen relies on approximately 200 voluntary helpers
per year. Sandra co-ordinates and contacts each of these people
the evening before their rostered turn. Because of her welcoming
attitude, the volunteers keep coming back. Many problems of
the world are solved around the Canteen table. One of Sandra's
many quotes is "all items within the Canteen are Calorie free"!
Sandra has been part of the College Community since 1976.
From 1976 until 1980, she worked in purely a voluntary capacity
running the College Canteen. In 1980, she commenced as a part
time employee of 10 hours per week, but gave so much of her
own time; from 1980 until 1990 she continued in a part time
capacity. In 1990, she became a full time employee and has
continued in this role ever since.
To you she is but one - to us she is the world.
- Business Manager
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