Faith and Mission

Vinnies Winter Appeal

Your generous support is needed for the 2025 Vinnies Winter Appeal. Vulnerable people with nowhere else to turn and need our help to overcome the impacts of homelessness and poverty. 

Vinnie's Winter Appeal is seeking donations of food and personal items to help people in crisis. The College is taking collection of your donations between 22 to 25 July. 

Homelessness - the statistics are staggering! 

• More than 123,000 Australians are homeless
• Most homeless people are under 35 years of age
• Most families who are homeless are women and children escaping domestic violence
• Over 17,500 children under the age of 12 have no home

Let's unite to make a positive difference to these statistics. By donating new blankets, food and toiletries, we can help meet the greatest needs by those experiencing homelessness and poverty. 

Bentleigh East Campus: Please bring your donations to the Library Foyer

Mentone Campus: Please bring your donations to your Homeroom or Tutor Group

In solidarity, we pray

God of all, we thank you for meeting our daily needs of food, shelter and friendship. 

We pray for those who sleep rough every night. 

We will not ignore them, we will not blame them for their situation. 

We stand alongside them, confident that you are with us as we give, act and pray for justice. 

Amen.

Welcoming Br Peter Bray, fsc, Brother Visitor

St Bede’s College welcomed the recently appointed Brother Visitor of the De La Salle Brothers, Br Peter Bray, fsc, earlier this month. 

Br Peter addressed teaching staff in an after-school address. His presentation inspired, challenged and reminded us of the nature of Catholic education in a Lasallian school, describing its relational dynamic.

Later that evening, Br Peter addressed a small gathering of student leaders, Old Collegians, staff, Board members, Brothers and Chaplains at a Jubilee Year “Pilgrims of Hope” dinner. Unpacking the theme of ‘hope’, Br Peter shared recollections of his years at Bethlehem University, encouraging the students who were present to be signs of hope that the world yearns for. The gathering offered the opportunity for conversation, hospitality and Lasallian fraternity.

Br Peter's rich and diverse experience and leadership serves as incredible inspiration to us all. We invite you to learn more about him, courtesy of Lasallian Mission services. 

Br Peter Bray is a De La Salle Brother from New Zealand with more than 60 years of service to education, leadership, and social justice. He was born in a small town near New Plymouth in the shadow of Mount Taranaki on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. He was a first-day student at Francis Douglas Memorial College in New Plymouth when the De La Salle Brothers began the school in 1959. Having joined the Brothers, his vocation has taken him across the globe in service of the Lasallian mission.

He began his teaching career at De La Salle College, Ashfield, before returning to New Plymouth to teach at Francis Douglas Memorial College. He later served as Principal at schools in Mangere Eastin Auckland and then back in New Plymouth, before completing his doctorate in Leadership at the University of San Deigo. Following that he was principal at Benilde High School, Bankstown, establishing a reputation for compassionate and values-driven leadership.

Br Peter went on to lead the Wellington Catholic Education Centre and later served as Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University in the Holy Land for fifteen years, guiding the institution through complex social and political challenges, while advocating for students affected by conflict.

In 2024 as a practical gesture, he walked 730 kilometres along the Camino de Santiago in Spain to stand in solidarity with Palestine and raise funds for students at Bethlehem University impacted by war. His leadership and service have been recognised through the awarding of three Honorary Doctorates and the Papal Cross of Honour—the highest accolade given by the Pope.

Currently, Br Peter serves as Brother Visitor for the ANZPPNG District, continuing to lead with clarity, courage, and deep commitment to the values of faith, service, and community.

Archbishop-elect of Hobart: Most Reverend Anthony J Ireland, DD STD

Over the weekend, we received the news that Melbourne Auxiliary Bishop Tony Ireland has been appointed as Archbishop of Hobart.  For a number of years, Bishop Tony has been a great supporter of the faith life of St Bede’s College, most recently he celebrated our Founder’s Day Mass. 

We take this opportunity to thank him for his pastoral service and pray for him as he takes up the new pastoral appointment in Tasmania.

Ria Greene

Deputy Principal - Faith and Mission