14 August 2026
Last weekend St Peter’s College students, parents and staff took part in our final Mary Mags Dinners of the year. We had a wonderful group of volunteers who, over two evenings, cooked, prepared and served a three-course meal to 120+ people experiencing homelessness and cost of living pressures at the St Mary Magdalene Church in the city.
St Peter’s College has a long-standing relationship with the Collective of St Mary Magdalene. In 1912, the school built the Mission Hall, where the Mary Mags Dinners are served today.
A special mention to Franco Quaini (Year 12), who took part in his final Mary Mags Dinner after volunteering at every dinner since Year 10. With two dinners held each year, Franco’s commitment over the past three years is a wonderful example of service to others. We thank him for the time and care he has given to Mary Mags throughout his Senior School years.
Thank you also to Meegan Addison who coordinated a collection of donations from Year 11 SPSC parents for Mary Mags. The group donated sleeping bags, sleeping mats, blankets, bowls and mugs for those who access the centre.
Thank you to the Mary Mags volunteers:
Students
Franco Quaini, Will Roger, Josh Nguyen, Ned Noakes, Louis and Remi Bizot, George Tsmandanis, Liam Hindmarch-Meredith, Harry Steele, Harvey Kupniewski, Callum McLachlan, Charlie Angus, Seb Harms, Charlie Johnson and Vincent Truong
Parents representing the Mission Guild
Toula Tsamandanis (George’s mum), Bianca Harms (Seb’s mum) Meegan Addison (Ned’s mum), Lucy Bizot (Louis and Remi’s mum) and Jane McLachlan (Callum’s mum)
Staff
Ben Storer, Bianca Harms, Anthea Hagar, Lucy Johnson
Mission Guild
Thank you to Mission Guild for providing hands-on and financial support to enable our students to take part in this meaningful service opportunity. Learn more here: https://www.marymagsdinners.org/
Student reflections
“This experience has changed my perspective and shows how much I take for granted.”
Charles Johnson (Year 10)
“This is a rewarding experience that allows you to make a positive difference in people’s lives while developing confidence, empathy and valuable communication skills. Not only is it a great opportunity to volunteer for the community, but it also feels very special to create a warm and welcoming environment to the people who need it most.”
Josh Nguyen (Year 10)
“I would tell a younger student considering this opportunity to give it a go, even if they feel a little unsure at first, because it is such a rewarding experience that allows you to help others while also learning the value of giving your time to the community.”
Harry Steele (Year 10)
“You definitely get a sense of pride in doing something like this, even if it may seem small and as simple as cooking a meal. It goes a long well for the less advantaged people who do not have the privilege.”
Louis Bizot (Year 10)
“A moment that stood out to me was a man coming up to the counter asking if he could have two takeaway containers of the apple crumble, one for himself and one for his daughter. This showed me that not only are the people who are attending these dinners trying to provide for themselves, but they are also trying to provide for others at home who are relying on them.”
Harvey Kupniewski (Year 11)
“For my entire time volunteering at Mary Mags, I have seen many students, new and old, participate, whether it be the meal prep on Friday nights, or on Saturday nights plating up the freshly heated meals in the kitchen, or helping with coffee, or serving meals to the guests. These shared experiences not only lighten the load for the regular volunteers but also give some of the boys new perspectives on empathy, service, and connections that I believe hold after they finish school.”
Franco Quaini (Year 12)
Ms Ashleigh Day
Service Learning Programs and Partnerships Coordinator
