Faith and Mission
Leah Pikoulos Australian Catholic University Study Tour to Rome and London.
Leah safely arrived in Rome to begin her 2 week ACU immersion into the Catholic Tradition and the Story of the West. She is joined by Yr 11 students from Melbourne, Geelong and Sydney along with ACU staff, Chaplain and teachers. Since arriving on November 16, Leah has already completed Module 1: An intensive on the Church and the West.
Reflecting on this module, Leah wrote, “We visited St Paul’s Basilica and learnt about his profound impact on spreading Christian faith. It was such a wonderful experience. We also visited the three fountains which is where St Paul was martyred. Visiting this site and viewing the place where his relics remain ignited such a profound spiritual experience within myself and my peers. We also visited the catacombs where thousands of Christian’s were laid to rest after dying for their faith. The tour really highlighted the power of faith, and the ability for Christianity to spread even during times of adversity.
We wish Leah and her fellow peers and staff the best and hope they soak up all that Rome has to offer her! The student will now begin exploring Module 2: Ideas which shaped the Church and shaped the West and Module 3 The democratic world and papal teaching.
Senior Leaders Kildare Ministries Seminar at Saltbush Balnarring
Each year, Renee Oberine, Mission Leader from Kildare Ministries, invites our College student Lamp Bearers and SRC leaders to the annual three day Student Leadership Seminar. The students stayed at Saltbush Balnarring. Saltbush, Balnarring Beach (Presentation Family Centre) was established by the Presentation Sisters of Victoria to provide a place of respite and recreation for families and individuals in difficult circumstances due to poverty, sickness, distress, misfortune or disability.
This retreat offered, through a range of sessions involving input, workshops and reflections, opportunities for incoming student leaders to prepare for their roles. Students spent time unpacking the Kildare Ministries value for 2025: Hospitality Welcoming All, and explored how it can provide a basis for their roles as mission leaders. Students were encouraged to form connections with one another as a support throughout their terms of leadership.
Guest Speaker Alice Kett, is a class of 2006 Kilbreda graduate and previous member of the student leadership team. She currently works as a health professions educator and facilitator in public health, helping build the knowledge and skills of professionals working in communicable disease management. She is a registered nurse, failed medical student and oodle lover. Alice holds a Bachelor of Nursing, a Graduate Certificate in Health Professions Education, Graduate Certificate in Sexual Health and is currently working towards a Masters by research of Health Professions Education. She specialises in helping professionals have difficult conversations and be themselves in how they think, act and feel at work.
What’s been happening during Step Up in Religious Education?
Year 9/10 Religious Education Elective: Awaken the Spirit
During the Step Up program, students in Awaken the Spirit have explored the Genesis stories, which offer a profound reflection on God's creative act and humanity's role within it. The narratives emphasise the intrinsic value of creation, highlighting God's intention for humans to cultivate and care for the Earth. This stewardship involves responsibly utilising resources, ensuring their sustainability, and sharing them equitably with all people, regardless of wealth or location.
The concept of dominion, often misunderstood, is central to this discussion. It does not imply absolute control or exploitation but rather a responsible authority to care for creation. This contrasts with an anthropocentric view, which places humans at the center of the universe, prioritising human needs over all else. A non-anthropocentric perspective, on the other hand, recognises the interconnectedness of all beings and the inherent value of the natural world.
By exploring these themes, students will be developing a deeper appreciation for the natural world and a sense of responsibility for its wellbeing. This understanding can inform their choices and actions, leading to a more sustainable and just future.
The photos attached show the beginning of our class exploration. These photos were taken by Awaken the Spirit students in their first lesson. The intention was to capture the beauty of God;s creation that we often don’t see or take notice of.
