Faith and Mission
A Message of Hope from Malawi: A Visit From Fr Matthew Semba
On Monday, our Year 11 students were privileged to attend a powerful guest presentation by the Catholic Mission Team as part of the Religious Education and Retreat Program. The highlight of the morning was an animated and passionately delivered address by Fr Matthew Semba, who travelled from Malawi to share the realities faced by his community.
Fr Matthew did not shy away from outlining the stark poverty experienced by his people, noting that Malawi currently faces a staggering poverty rate of 71.3%. He shared moving accounts of the extreme conditions local families endure, including children who must walk barefoot for kilometres in extreme heat just to reach a classroom. Fr Matthew grounded these statistics by sharing the personal story of one resilient family, illustrating the profound daily hurdles they overcome - including navigating physical disabilities - to survive and care for their children. Looking around the Auditorium, it was clear our students were completely engrossed in Fr Matthew’s every word.
Despite these hardships, the core of Fr Matthew’s message was one of profound hope and transformation. He detailed how Catholic Mission is actively changing lives in Kampira Village through the construction of the new St Peter’s Nyamikuta Primary School, an initiative that provides stability, safety, and a genuine opportunity for children to thrive. This vital infrastructure will allow 800 children to receive a quality education close to home.
The project extends far beyond standard classrooms. Fr Matthew explained that the development includes building two small bridges to ensure safe student access during the rainy season, alongside the planting of 10,000 neem trees to create a natural windbreak that protects the school buildings and surrounding homes. Crucially, a daily feeding program will guarantee each student receives a nutritious meal of maize porridge to boost their concentration, energy, and learning capacity.
By sharing his lived experience, Fr Matthew brought our Lasallian principles and Catholic Social Teaching to life, providing a remarkable example of faith in action for our students.
Kicking Goals for Mission Month: Socktober at St Bede’s
October is World Mission Month, and this year, St Bede’s College is proudly participating in 'Socktober'. Socktober is a powerful initiative that brings communities together to support children in need around the world, with a special focus this year on raising funds and awareness for communities in Malawi.
At the heart of this campaign is the 'sockball' - a handcrafted, tattered ball made from recycled materials like old socks, t-shirts, and plastic bags. For many children overseas, the sockball serves as an iconic symbol of hope, reflecting their perseverance and the joy they find through sport despite facing daily challenges.
To support this cause, we are asking all students and families to donate clean, tattered socks, old t-shirts, and similar materials. We will use these items to craft our very own sockballs. These student-made creations will then take centre stage in a soccer tournament later this month between our students and staff.
Celebrating the Class of 2026: Year 12 Graduation Mass
On Friday 16 October, the St Bede’s College community gathered in the Sports Stadium to celebrate a beautiful and poignant Year 12 Graduation Mass. The overarching theme of the liturgy was deep thanksgiving, beautifully captured in the First Reading from Corinthians, "I never stop thanking God for you," and the Responsorial Psalm, which gave thanks for God’s enduring faithfulness and love.
We were blessed to be led in the Eucharist by Fr Michael Kong, Parish Priest of St Mary of the Cross Parish, Mordialloc and Aspendale. Fr Michael delivered a deeply moving homily, generously sharing his personal story of growing up in South Korea. He reflected on the stark differences and challenges of his youth, and how he eventually found his path in life. He offered a comforting message to our Year 12 students: that they too will find their unique way in the world, reassured by the knowledge that they will always have the unwavering support and loving presence of their families and God.
A striking visual of the morning was Year 12 students wearing their Graduation stoles. As an outer sign of an inner grace, the stole serves as a sacred symbol of duty, love, and spiritual responsibility. It formally identified the students as the Graduating Class of 2026, signifying their readiness to transition to the next stage of life and reminding them to make Christ present in the world through compassion, justice, and service to others.
The liturgy concluded with the Old Collegians tie ceremony, highlighting the transition from student to Old Collegian. As parents and carers assisted their sons in putting on their new ties, they recited a collective blessing. It was a touching reminder of the endless support, unconditional love, and guidance families offer their sons, not only through their schooling but for the rest of their lives.
A Resounding Success: Have a Ball Day 2026
On the final day of Term 3, St Bede’s College celebrated 'Have a Ball Day', and it was truly a wonderful sight to see our students proudly wearing their favourite sports team colours to mark the occasion.
We would like to express a huge thank you to the entire College community for your outstanding generosity. Together, we collected an impressive 495 sporting balls and pairs of sports boots. This is a fantastic effort that will undoubtedly bring immense joy to many young people. In the coming months, these donated balls will be delivered to schools across Arnhem Land, directly supporting students and promoting active play in remote communities.
In addition to the equipment, our community also raised close to $1,000 in vital funds to the Have a Ball Foundation. Thank you once again for your incredible spirit, your generosity, and for helping us make a tangible difference in the lives of others.
Mark Micallef
Deputy Principal - Faith and Mission