Faith and Mission
Indigenous Immersion Program - Broome & Derby
Our delegation of Year 10 students and staff travelled to Broome, Beagle Bay and to the coastal community of Derby, in north-west Western Australia. This volunteer program grows students in their awareness, understanding and appreciation of Australia’s First Nations Peoples, their culture and relationship with the Land.
Along the journey, our students got to experience the vastness, grandeur and diversity of the Australian natural environment, and have unique opportunities to learn about Indigenous culture and volunteer with students at Holy Rosary School, which was run by the De La Salle Brothers from 1989 to 1993. Our students share their experiences.
Joel C
"One of the most meaningful parts was the opportunity to volunteer and give back to the community. The opportunities to garden at the Op Shop in Broome, help set up the Parish Op Shop in Derby and assisting around the school were all deeply rewarding and gave us a chance to make a difference.
People were so appreciative of the work we did and their gratitude made me realise how even small acts of service can have a massive impact. At the Holy Rosary School in Derby, I helped with laminating, gardening, cooking the BBQ, preparing the Boab Tree Parade float and spending time with the Pre-Primary Kids by teaching them, playing with them and learning from them too.
It was eye opening to see how different life was in remote communities when compared to what we are used to in Melbourne. Many of the kids spent their free time at the local Youth Recreation Centre, playing sports and hanging out with their friends. I also really enjoyed being part of the Derby Boab Tree Parade and helping the local Police hand out lollies to those in the crowd and helping to unite the community.
Exploring the Kimberley Region through road trips was another highlight as the landscapes were beautiful and it helped me appreciate parts of Australia I had never seen before. I am eternally grateful for the opportunities this trip gave me, it was one of the most eye opening and rewarding experiences of my life and I took away so much that will stay with me forever."
Owen R
"The trip was an amazing trip both developing knowledge of the Indigenous culture and also the sense of community up there. My favourite part was being at the primary school, helping out in the classrooms and seeing how different it is - with the community so grateful and happy with what they have.
You see how tightly connected the community is when we were welcomed to join in the float parade. So great to be a part of their community and felt so welcomed. I really appreciated the opportunity."
Jack W
"Going to class to see that you are making the kids' weeks and helping them out felt so good. They were always smiling and willing to welcome us.
My favourite thing about the trip was getting to know peers and teachers and the basketball game we played at the youth centre in town.
I found myself reflecting a lot, while on the trip and after, I was reflecting on how grateful I should be for my lifestyle and how different it may be in regional communities."
Australian Catholic Youth Festival
On Monday 28 July, a student delegation represented St Bede’s College at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF), a national gathering of Catholic young people established by the Australian Bishops more than ten years ago.
The Festival provides young people the opportunity to connect, deepen their relationship with Jesus, be empowered to live their faith in the world and experience the breadth of the Church in Australia. Students Cohen W, Jack W and Xander C speak to their festival experience.
“The introduction to ACYF was very interesting. We learned about connections to faith and how different people connect. We met students from Catholic schools all across Melbourne. We learned about the theme of the Jubilee Year “Pilgrims of Hope” and how that theme connects to a pilgrimage as a journey of faith. This can be mental and physical.
We connected the dots about how this relates to our everyday life and how every day is a new pilgrimage. The ACYF festival brings together young people of faith all across the Pacific. Kyle Correya, a singer, engaged everyone with a few songs about faith, and others song that weren’t. Pizza lunch and heaps of snacks helped everyone to refuel after deep spiritual sessions. The Youth Mission Team led some aspects of the day and they were very engaging with stories. Hearing one of the team’s story of how he got back in touch with his life after hitting some low points was inspiring.
We highly recommend anyone who wants to further their faith and connection with God to get in touch with Miss Greene and Brother Tony about attending the Australian Catholic Youth Festival at the Exhibition Centre on 30 November - 2 November 2025.”
Vinnies Donations
Our Vinnies Winter Appeal was a great success. This generosity will be greatly felt by those experiencing homelessness in Chelsea, Carrum and surrounding communities.
Taking opportunities to give selflessly, lovingly, and generously is fundamental to practicing Faith, Service and Community. Thank you to our students, families and staff for your kind donations, and our Lasallian Youth Leaders for their support.
“The Vinnies Winter Appeal was a great community initiative aiming to raise important resources and materials for people experiencing homelessness.
We encouraged all students to bring in non-perishable food items, toiletries, and blankets to help in this cause. As a Lasallian community, our values of Faith, Service and Community make this cause very close to our heart, allowing us an opportunity to help the vulnerable and put our Faith into genuine action.
A huge thank you to everyone who donated, it really does make a difference, and we look forward to growing this into next year.” – Will A Year 11 Lasallian Youth Leader
Ria Greene
Deputy Principal - Faith and Mission