Our Student Service Programs are designed to nurture compassion, responsibility, creativity, and a strong sense of community across all year levels. Through participation in structured, year based service initiatives, students are given meaningful opportunities to contribute to the life of the College while living out our Franciscan values of service, care for others, and respect for all.
These experiences encourage students to develop practical skills, build confidence, and grow as active, reflective members of our community learning that service is not only something we do, but a way we choose to live.
Why Service Matters
Service plays a vital role in the holistic development of young people. Through purposeful service experiences, students learn empathy, social responsibility, and the importance of contributing to the common good. Engaging in service helps students connect their learning to real‑world experiences, strengthen relationships, and develop leadership, collaboration, and problem‑solving skills.
At San Damiano College, service empowers students to understand that even small actions can make a meaningful difference shaping them into compassionate, confident, and socially aware individuals who are prepared to serve others beyond the classroom.
Year 7 Service Program – AMICI
The Year 7 AMICI Service Program is designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and a strong sense of community as students begin their service journey at San Damiano College. Throughout the term, students work in small groups to create arts and crafts that support a range of College events, including Celebration Days, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and other significant occasions.
Through these shared, hands‑on experiences, students learn the value of contributing to others while developing essential skills such as teamwork, planning, time management, and community awareness. AMICI encourages Year 7 students to build friendships, take pride in their contributions, and understand the joy of service from the very beginning of their secondary schooling.
Year 8 Service Program – GIARDINO AMOR
The Year 8 GIARDINO AMOR Service Program nurtures responsibility, teamwork, and community engagement through participation in the Community Garden Initiative. Throughout the year, students work collaboratively to cultivate and maintain a garden that supports both the life of the College and the wider community.
This program provides meaningful opportunities for students to develop practical skills while gaining an appreciation for sustainability, environmental stewardship, and care for God’s creation. Through hands‑on service, students strengthen their leadership and collaboration skills, learning that service involves commitment, care, and working together for the common good.
Year 9 Service Program – ST CLARE'S
The Year 9 ST CLARE'S Service Program strengthens leadership, responsibility, and meaningful connections across year levels through service grounded in our Franciscan values. As part of this program, students support younger learners at St Clare’s, our sister primary school for Prep to Year 6 students, by participating in a reading support initiative during guided reading sessions.
Through this experience, students are invited to live out the Franciscan call to serve others with humility, compassion, and respect. Year 9 students develop confidence as leaders, contribute positively to the learning and growth of younger students, and deepen their understanding of service through relationships and mentorship. The program emphasises that service is about taking time to walk alongside others fostering a strong sense of community, shared purpose, and care for one another across our community.
Year 10 Service Program – PANE
The Year 10 PANE Service Program supports students in developing compassion, social awareness, and a strong sense of responsibility to others. Through PANE, students participate in the 5Fold Sandwich Hero Program, where they prepare sandwiches during supervised weekly sessions at school, which are then donated to support people in need within the local community.
This meaningful service experience helps students understand issues of social justice while developing practical life skills, teamwork, and empathy. The program encourages students to recognise their capacity to make a difference and to live out the Franciscan call to serve others with dignity and compassion.