From Our College Captains
Meat Free Mondays
Meat Free Mondays: Caring for Creation Through Laudato Si’
As Ecological Captain, I invite our College Community to embrace one of the three pillars of Lent, fasting, in a meaningful and faith-filled way.
In the spirit of Faith and Mission, we challenge all students and staff to commit to “Meat Free Mondays” for the rest of Lent. As we are reminded in Genesis 2:15, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” Therefore, by choosing simpler meals, we can practise self-discipline whilst living out this call to stewardship.
To support you in this commitment, we have gathered a selection of delicious meat-free recipes for you to try. Let us journey through this Lent together and sustainably!
Bailey Mitchell
Ecological Captain
Meat Free Recipes From Our Year 12 Students
We are committed to living out our Catholic identity not only in prayer and learning, but in the way we care for God’s creation. Inspired by Laudato Si’ by Pope Francis, we are reflecting on how small, everyday choices can make a meaningful difference to the health of our planet and our community. One simple yet powerful action is participating in Meat Free Mondays.
In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis reminds us that “the Earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor.” As stewards of creation, we are called to respond.
Reducing meat consumption — even just one day per week — can have significant environmental benefits:
- Lower greenhouse gas emissions: Livestock production contributes substantially to global emissions.
- Reduced water usage: Producing plant-based foods generally requires far less water than producing meat.
- Protection of biodiversity: Clearing land for grazing and feed crops contributes to habitat loss and species decline.
- Less pollution: Intensive farming can lead to soil degradation and water contamination.
Choosing plant-based meals one day a week is a practical way our school community can reduce its ecological footprint and stand in solidarity with vulnerable communities already experiencing the impacts of climate change.
As Pope Francis calls us to an “ecological conversion,” even small actions matter. When undertaken together as a community, they become a powerful witness of faith in action. Together, we can nurture a culture of care — for our students, for our neighbours, and for our common home.
- Try a new vegetarian recipe each Monday
- Pack plant-based lunches in reusable containers
- Discuss Laudato Si’ at home and reflect on ways your family can care for creation
- Encourage children to see food choices as part of their responsibility as global citizens
Our Year 12 Environmental Science class has researched some delicious recipes they will be making for their own family. We are sharing them for you to try at home.
Bailey Mitchell - Black Bean Taco Bowls
Dylan J - Pesto Pasta
William S - Veggie Vegan Burgers
Finn M - Lentil Pie with Sweet Potato
Finn M - 2 Ingredient Banana Soft Serve
Marcus L - Haloumi Shakshuka (5 ingredients)
Miyu V - Veggie Poke Bowl
Jack B - Vegan Choc Chip Cookies
Angus L - Vegan Pancakes
Alex C - Vegan Banana Bread
Christopher N - French Toast
Adam B - Banana Bars
Gabriel R - Vegan Cheesecake
Let us continue to walk gently on the Earth, guided by faith, hope and love.
Kylie Paterson-Zigouras
Integral Ecological Leader
Mission Action Day
Each year, we are all given the opportunity to contribute to the Lasallian community that we play such a vital role in. Understanding that our acts of service can have a huge impact on others and by supporting those in our society who are less fortunate than us, we can help improve their lives for the better.
Mission Action Day - MADis where we all work together to raise funds in service of our fellow Lasallian students in impoverished communities, particularly in Pakistan, Thailand, and also in the remote Indigenous community of Darby in Western Australia.
This Mission Action Day, we are looking for everyone to give 100% in their efforts -whether that is fundraising, getting involved in activities or simply being a positive member of the St Bede’s community.
The day itself sees all of us take a 10km walk or run along the bay, sponsored by family and friends to reach our fundraising target. This is the biggest event each year here and the fundraising creates opportunities and vital facilities for those who need it most.
That same day, we also celebrate Founders Day, with carnival rides, games and heaps of fun activities.
So let’s start preparing our ideas for MAD day and be ready to make a difference.
We look forward to seeing you for Mission Action Day on Friday 27 March.