Faith and Mission
Kingston Youth Awards: Celebrating Our Lasallian Leaders
This week, our St Bede’s College students were proudly honoured and awarded at the Kingston Youth Awards for their exceptional service and dedication to others.
A special highlight was Benilde Captain, Angus receiving an individual award. Angus was commended for his remarkable personal contribution to MAD through his coordination of the inaugural MAD Swim. This innovative community event not only expanded our fundraising efforts but also inspired greater student participation across the board.
Our 2026 College Student Leadership Team was also recognised for their outstanding coordination of this year's Mission Action Day (MAD) and represented by College Vice-Captain Daniel and La Salle Vice-Captain Alexander. Under their guidance, the campaign raised an incredible $86,197 to support life-changing projects in Derby (WA), Thailand, and Pakistan. The team successfully united students, staff, local businesses, and families, fostering a deep culture of empathy, social justice, and student-led initiative within the College.
Through their hard work and commitment, these young men have created lasting positive outcomes for both our College and the global communities we support. Congratulations to Angus, Daniel, Alexander, and the entire Student Leadership Team!
Celebrating the Feast of the Nativity of Mary
This week on 8 September, our Church celebrates the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. In the Catholic tradition, Mary’s birth is a profound beacon of hope. She was an ordinary person invited to fulfill an extraordinary purpose, and her humble, courageous "yes" to God forever changed the course of human history.
As a Catholic school in the Lasallian tradition, Mary’s story deeply resonates with our mission. Saint John Baptist de La Salle often looked to Mary as the ultimate model of faith, quiet trust, and dedication to God's will. She reminds our students and staff that great strength and purpose often emerge from simple, faithful beginnings. We, too, are called to be attentive to God’s presence in our daily lives and to respond to the needs of our community with a willing heart.
A Prayer for Our Community
Loving God, we thank You for the gift of Mary. May her example of unwavering faith and gentle strength inspire us to say "yes" to Your call. Guide our College community to always be a place of love, hope, and service to others. Amen.
St Bede’s College Steps Up for World Mission Month
October is World Mission Month, a time when Catholic schools across Australia stand in solidarity with vulnerable communities globally. This year is particularly special as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of World Mission Month.
To ignite our students' passion for social justice, we proudly hosted Rachel Prince, the School Engagement Officer from Catholic Mission, on Tuesday, 8 September. Rachel facilitated an inspiring workshop, sharing her firsthand experiences in Malawi and working closely with our students to brainstorm meaningful ways St Bede’s can engage with the upcoming 'Socktober' campaign.
Furthermore, tomorrow, Friday 11 September, a dedicated group of our students will proudly represent the College at the official Socktober Launch and Celebration Mass. Celebrated by Archbishop Peter Comensoli and Fr Jackson Saunders at Penola Catholic College, this event unites us with the broader Archdiocesan community in a shared mission of faith in action.
By actively participating in these opportunities, our students are not only learning about global inequalities but are being equipped to be catalysts for positive change. They continue to bring our Lasallian values to life, demonstrating that true faith is always transformed into service for the most vulnerable.
Year 9 'The Rite Journey': Into the Abyss and Beyond
Over the final weeks of Term 3, our Year 9 students are at our outdoor education camp at Phillip Island, undertaking the pivotal Abyss stage of The Rite Journey. The Abyss is arguably the most challenging and transformative phase of the year-long program. By taking the boys out of their daily routines and comfort zones, this camp places them in environments that test their resilience, teamwork, and independence. By facing these physical and emotional hurdles head-on, our students discover their own inner strength and capability.
While the camp provides a concentrated challenge, The Rite Journey is equally about steady, ongoing growth. All Year 9 students and families are reminded to maintain their momentum with The Following stage - the Mentor Project. The significance of this mentorship cannot be overstated. The phrase "it takes a village to raise a child" is at the core of this stage. Working shoulder-to-shoulder with a trusted adult role model on a hands-on project allows each student to expand his support network, learn new life skills, and develop a trusting dynamic outside of his immediate family and teachers. Please continue to prioritise this valuable time together over the coming weeks.
As we look ahead to Term 4, our students will enter the final stages of the program: The Return and The Homecoming. These concluding stages will allow students to reflect on the obstacles they have overcome this year, celebrate their growth, and be acknowledged as young men ready to take on the responsibilities of their senior years.
We look forward to seeing the boys return from Phillip Island with new confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.
Kick Goals for Good: Have a Ball Day – Friday 18 September
On Friday 18 September, St Bede’s College will support the Have a Ball Foundation to assist children in remote Indigenous communities. The foundation provides sporting gear to remote areas and raises funds for Indigenous youth health, education, and wellbeing.
Students may wear casual clothes - dressing in their favourite team's colours where possible and are asked to bring one of the following donations:
- A new or good condition used ball
- Footy boots
- A gold coin donation
Let’s unite in faith and service to support young Australians in need!