Hospitality in Action at Star of the Sea, Brighton

Hospitality – Welcoming All: Faith in Action

In 2025, our school community has brought the Kildare Ministries value, Hospitality – Welcoming All, to life through vibrant, inclusive and justice-centred initiatives that reflect our deep commitment to Gospel values, Presentation charism and the Living Justice Living Peace Charter.

Across the curriculum, students in Religious Education have explored the theme of Hospitality through scripture, Catholic social teaching and real-world application. From learning about Nano Nagle’s Spirit of Welcome in Year 7, to engaging with interfaith dialogue at Year 10 and VCE Religion and Society Unit 2: Ethical Dilemmas, Hospitality has been a thread woven through learning and reflection.

A highlight was the Year 10 Interfaith Reflection Day, where students were warmly received by Hindu, Islamic and Jewish communities at their places of worship. This experience beautifully embodied the spirit of Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis’ call to universal fraternity and hospitality. It offered students a profound opportunity to engage respectfully with diverse faith traditions, fostering greater understanding and peace.

Staff too have embodied Hospitality in meaningful ways. Regular gatherings through the Baking Club, Book Club and Social Committee have fostered belonging and connection among colleagues. On our Professional Learning Day, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) shared family recipes from their diverse cultural cuisines with our staff, nourishing us with more than just food. The ASRC actively supports asylum seekers, helping them rebuild their lives and to contribute their rich traditions for our community.

Significant visitors this year including Ireland’s Minister for Education and Youth, the Irish Ambassador to Australia and distinguished academics such as Associate Professor Ben Cleveland, Prof Beatriz Pederit Moreno from Chile and Sr Anne Lyons PBVM were welcomed with warmth and generosity, showcasing our community's openness to global perspectives and learning.

Faith celebrations offered powerful moments of unity. The first day of school was marked by a ceremony of welcome. The whole community were immersed in a smoking ceremony and the flying of the Australian, Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander flags, being the first time that this has occurred at Star after our new flagpoles were erected over the summer break. At the Foundation Day Mass, flags from across the globe were displayed, symbolising our diverse and welcoming identity. All members of the community - students, teachers and staff from maintenance, canteen and administration - participated in the Offertory procession, affirming that Hospitality lives in every corner of the College. The homily, delivered by our two College Captains, beautifully reflected on Jesus’ message of presence over perfection when welcoming others.

Social justice initiatives have powerfully embodied Hospitality in Action. Students volunteered at Tony’s Café and The Little Mission, providing meals for people experiencing homelessness. Year 9 and 10 students participated in the Companions Program, with Year 11 and 12 students participating in Friday Night Tutoring for migrant and refugee students and offering support to senior RSL residents. Celebrations such as Shrove Tuesday and International Women’s Day built joy and community, while environmental stewardship was expressed through beach clean ups.

During National Reconciliation Week, a mini series of educational videos were created and shared with students during Mentor. Two of Star’s First Nations students shared insight into their culture and language and explained how an Acknowledgement of Country differs from a Welcome to Country. Through sharing their experiences and knowledge, these students demonstrated excellent leadership and played an important role in educating the Star community and therefore working toward Reconciliation.

The Kildare Ministries Crossing New Seas Oration was hosted by Star, with an inspiring presentation by Emeritus Professor Gillian Triggs. The Kildare Ministries Social Justice Immersion was another highlight, where four students deepened their understanding of justice and hospitality. They returned energised and committed to leading initiatives that welcome all and build peace. Our support of Kildare Ministries Community Works continue with fundraising for BASP through the container deposit scheme, material aid and a sausage sizzle at our House Athletics Carnival, as well as tree planting at Saltbush Balnarring by Ave House.

Together, we have not just talked about hospitality – we have lived it.

Deeds Not Words.