Faith and Mission
Be Who God Calls You To Be
Our College Theme for 2026 is Be Who God Calls You To Be - Created in Love. Called with Purpose. Sent with Joy.
This theme was inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s address to the pilgrims of the Australian Catholic Youth Festival last November, where he said, “our lives find their ultimate purpose in becoming who God made us to be by living out his will in our lives.”
The first element of the theme, created in love, emphasises that our worth is found in the fact that we are loved by God. In quoting Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Leo affirmed that: “Each of us is willed, each of us is loved, each of us is necessary.” As emphasised at our recent Welcome Assembly, true achievement is rooted in the security of knowing one is loved by God. It is this foundation that provides the confidence to embrace risk and the freedom to truly learn.
The second element, called with purpose, emphasises stewardship. Every person has the responsibility to develop the gifts given to them. By doing this, they answer the call to be the best version of themselves, not for pride, but for growth. In our Lasallian tradition, community matters and is central to this call because we live and work in community with others. At St Bede’s College, there is a place for everyone; there is a role for every gift; and there is a purpose for every life.
The third element, sent with joy, emphasises that despite our struggles, being joyous and sharing this joy with others sets a tone of hope. When we live our identity, grounded in God, supported by community, and shaped by the Gospel, we bring light, justice, compassion, and hope wherever we go.
The reading below from the Gospel of Matthew strikes at the heart of our theme, reminding us that a lamp is never lit for its own sake, but to illuminate the way for others. Our prayer for 2026 is that every student at St Bede’s College uncovers their God-given gifts and allows them to shine - enriching our families, our friendships, and our College Community. This is the true definition of being who God calls us to be.
Matthew (5:14-16)
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
We pray ….
Loving God, You created each of us with love, care and purpose.
Before we were born, You knew us, loved us, and called us to lives filled with meaning and hope. Give us the courage to be originals, not copies of the world around us.
Guide us as we discover who You are calling us to be. Open our hearts in prayer, strengthen us through Your sacraments, and inspire us through the example of the saints: especially St John Baptist de La Salle, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, and St Carlo Acutis.
Teach us to use our gifts with generosity: to bring joy where there is sadness,light where there is confusion, and hope where people feel alone.
Fill our College community of St Bede’s College with unity and compassion. Help us to recognise the dignity of every person and to support one another on the journey of faith. Send us out with joy so that our lives may “set the world on fire” with Your love and goodness. Amen.
College Family Mass
You are all warmly invited to our 2026 St Bede’s College Family Mass to celebrate the opening of the school year with a special badge pinning ceremony for our Year 7 students, as well as recognising and commissioning all our 2026 College Captains alongside their families.
The Mass will be held at our Mentone Campus Sports Centre, followed by a light supper.
Please confirm your attendance here.
Mass in the Chapel
Students and staff are invited to Mass in the Mentone Campus Chapel on the first Friday of each month. Coming together as a community during the school term to celebrate Eucharist serves as a celebration of our Christian and Catholic identity, whilst also ensuring that our Lasallian heritage remains entrenched in love and service.
Mass begins 8:10 am and concludes by 8:40am in time for the start of the school day.
A New Chapter: Year 9 Begins 'The Rite Journey'
This week marks the beginning of a significant chapter for our Year 9 students as they embark on The Rite Journey.
Recognising that society often lacks a formal transition from childhood to adulthood, St Bede’s College has successfully integrated this year-long program to reinvent the ancient "Rite of Passage" for the 21st century. Unlike traditional subjects, The Rite Journey classes are held in a circle, fostering open dialogue about what it truly means to be a respectful and responsible adult today.
Throughout the year, students will navigate seven distinct stages, moving from The Calling and The Departure to the pivotal Abyss camp experience. Guided by dedicated teacher-mentors, students will face physical and emotional challenges designed to build resilience, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
Our goal is simple yet profound: to support your sons in leaving behind the dependency of boyhood and stepping confidently into their future as spirited young adults. We look forward to partnering with our Year 9 families on this transformative adventure.
2026 Immersion Programs
Stay tuned over the coming weeks for information about this year’s character-building and life-changing immersion programs that our Senior Years students will have the opportunity to participate in. These programs are opportunities for students in Years 10 and 11 to apply for, locally, interstate and internationally.
Broome and Derby, WA
A group of Year 10 students will travel to Broome and the coastal community of Derby. In Derby, students will have a unique opportunity to learn about Indigenous culture and spend time with students at Holy Rosary School. In Broome, the group will explore the history and culture, nearby communities and the Catholic contribution to health and education in the Kimberley.
Balnarring, VIC
A group of Year 10 students will join Kilbreda students to undertake a two-day cultural immersion experience at Balnarring on the Mornington Peninsula.
Thailand
A group of Year 11 students will travel to Sangkhlaburi on the Thai / Mayanmar border and work at the Lasalle Sangkhlaburi School and the Bamboo School to support stateless children in the region.
Mark Micallef
Deputy Principal - Faith and Mission