Student Stories, Achievements & Community News

Fiji Service Tour

Tom Gregory, 2024 College Vice-Captain 

"St Bede’s College 2024 Fiji Outreach Program was a very fulfilling experience. Over eight days, Ms Zigouras, Mr Shaw and five Year 12 Beda Boys aimed to live out our pillars of Faith, Service and Community. I believe we achieved this, not only through our work but how we carried ourselves and represented our College. 

 

It was lovely to meet such happy people at the Belanbelo Village, where we were welcomed with open arms, and stayed for most nights during our time in Fiji. The meals were generous and freshly prepared each day, by some of the village’s women, led by Juki. We were very productive throughout our working time, painting a swing and other structures at the school, along with two churches. We also planted chilli and eggplant seedlings, but still had time for card games of UNO, and many detours to the beach. Everywhere we went, the Fijian people were welcoming, and grateful for our contribution.

Thanks to Ms Zigouras for her great energy every day, and for ensuring everyone was organised for our program to run smoothly. Thanks to Mr Shaw for his leadership and arranging many of our necessities, and also for driving us around, for all those hours. Ultimately, I believe I speak for all seven, when I say the experience was very fulfilling and an eye-opener into how those who don’t have much, live with such joy and generosity. Thankyou to Ms Greene for organising the program. We were privileged to have the opportunity to participate in the Outreach Program and to experience a different way of life from our own. We highly recommend it for all future Year 12 students, as we gained far more than we could give."

Hugh Hopmans, Class of 2024

"From the moment we entered Balenabelo, we collectively knew there was something special in this village. We saw it when we talked to the people, when we helped with the village, when we sat and ate our meals, and especially on the farewell night whilst we talked with everyone. The connection between these people is unmatched, nothing like you’d ever seen. If someone needed help, everyone without hesitation would be there to provide. Our College motto is By Right Paths, and they follow this path like there is no tomorrow. Although everyone in the village is not blood related, they treat each other like family, and we’re lucky enough to be part of this family now."

Brandon Duong, Class of 2024

"Along with the immaculate sense of community and the hospitality of the Fijians, our volunteering work in the village of Balenabelo would be one of the most influential actions undertaken during the trip. One of these is the painting of the village’s church where the paint was chipping and peeling off under the humidity of Fiji. Additionally, we also took part in planting saplings which include chili, eggplant and pawpaw which would hopefully sprout into strong plants bearing full fruits that would feed the village. Furthermore, the group would also travel to the nearby primary school where we would visit the children and their staff members whilst providing donations in forms of stationary, books and sporting equipment which we would later use to play rugby with the children. Despite these small actions, we knew that these activities would carry a long sense of gratitude and appreciation in the people of Balenabelo as they would benefit from the strong sense of service that we have fostered at St Bede’s College."

Lucas Shaw, 2024 College Vice-Captain 

"On Day 6, we left Belo and visited another village Laselase. After being part of an incredible welcoming cava ceremony, we were tasked with painting the village's old church. The church was over 100 years old and in desperate need of repair. After we had done as much as we could and ran out of paint, we were welcomed for refreshments by the village's women in their current hall. We learned that the old church was being repurposed into a women’s centre for them to make and sell handmade goods to provide income for their families and for the village. The women were so grateful and appreciative of our efforts, and we felt very proud of the great impact we could make within such a welcoming place. While there’s so much work to be done in that church before it becomes operational, we are so glad we were able to help in someway. Hopefully future St Bede's students will be able to continue the hard work we started and truly help support the village of Laselase."

Congratulations

To Sonny T (Year 12) who is representing his hockey team in Japan this month. 

2024 College Journal

This year's College Journal is filled with hundreds of student photos, stories and great memories that we hope are treasured for many years to come. Each student has been given their own copy to take home today. 

If a student has not yet received his copy, please collect one from Mentone Reception between Monday 9 December to Monday 17 December, 10am to 3pm. 

Thank You

As 2025 draws to a close, the College wishes to thank the Committee Members of both the Parents and Friends Association and the Old Collegians Association. Many wonderful community building events were organised by these committees over the course of this year. As recently as last Friday, the Finian Foundation Charity Golf Day proved to be a tremendous success. A large list of sponsors and donors raised well over $20,000 to assist St Bede’s families under severe financial distress. A fun day was also had by all and the event included a speech by AFL legend, Mick Malthouse. 

We look forward to welcoming our community to 2025's schedule of events. 

In Memoriam

We pray for the loved ones of Bianca Jones (Class of 2023 Mentone Girls' Grammar School) and Holly Bowles (Class of 2023 Beaumaris Secondary College). Bianca and Holly passed away in Laos, Thailand in November. 

May God's love be a comfort at this time. 

Student Sport Opportunities

Mentone Cricket Club is offering U12s to U17s to join its Holiday Academy Campfrom January 13 to 22. For details, see flyer below.

St Bede's Mentone Junior Tigers Football Club is welcoming new and transferring players in January.