Faith and Mission

Student Retreats

Year 9 The Rite Journey Retreat

As part ofThe Rite Journeyand Faith Formation programs, all Year 9 students were given the opportunity to spend a day out of the normal classroom for The Rite Journey Retreat; a day of prayer, reflection and activities. To highlight the importance of this endeavour, we took our students off-Campus for their Retreat to the Don Bosco Retreat Centre in Lysterfield.  The program included a walk up the hill through paddocks to the great granite boulders, cooperative trust games, mindfulness activities, creative arts, discussions, and recreational games. The program aimed to be the capstone experience of The Rite Journey; a program that accompanies students on the journey from childhood to early adulthood. 

"I really enjoyed the Retreat Day at Lysterfield, even though it was a very cold day. It was a great day out with mates, we all received a cookie which was delicious, and I loved the stick challenge with the Youth Ministers. I also loved the Mass, I was asked to do a reading and it was great to acknowledge God’s presence and be with Him at the end of the Retreat Day.  It was a cracking day and I would love to go to Lysterfield again!" Dan P, Year 9

Year 10 Little Long Walk Retreat & Leadership Formation

In late October, our Year 10s participated in their Retreat Day, a day of prayer, reflection and activities, including The Little Long Walk - an act of solidarity and cultural awareness, adapted from Michael Long's Walk from Melbourne to Parliament House, Canberra. 

While our walk was a much shorter return beach walk from St Bede’s College Mentone to the Deerimut Weelam Gathering Place at Mordialloc, we held the same sentiment of hope and change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues championed by Michael Long. 

In preparation, our student representatives worked with Indigenous artist Jenaya Serra to create banners for the walk. With banners held high, our students walked along the beach to Derrimut Weelam Gathering Place, where they were welcomed by staff headed by Kalie Kent – Bidjara, along with members of City of Kinston Youth Services. In the afternoon, our students engaged in a fun, high energy session with Indigenous Hip Hop Troupe from Indigenous Outreach Program. 

"I was lucky enough to be chosen to help paint a banner for the day. My group’s banner was based on the Aboriginal flag, with different tracks leading towards a campfire in the centre. It was really great to be able to draw this design and hear advice from an Aboriginal person about the meaning behind different symbols and the message of the campfire. I really enjoyed learning how art can tell stories and bring people together. The Little Long Walk from Mentone to Mordialloc along the beach was also a highlight and it was a great chance to connect with others and reflect on the importance of reconciliation." Joel C

"I really enjoyed the Little Long Walk and Leadership Retreat Day. It was fun going for a walk with mates along the beach while connecting with nature and listening to the Indigenous speakers at the Deerimut Weelam Gathering Place was interesting. I also loved watching the Indigenous Hip Hop dancers as they were so impressive, and it was even better when we all got to join in and learn one of their dances together. The leadership session was great too, as we got to learn more about each other and participate in activities together." Luca R 

"The whole day was full of fun and good energy. The walk to Derrimut Weelam and the Didgeridoo performance were great highlights, but the Hip Hop group’s performance really stood out. Their music and dancing beautifully showed the richness and uniqueness of Indigenous culture — a reminder that music connects with the heart in ways words can’t. The message about being confident and standing out from the crowd really hit home for me. It inspired me to get up and join in for a dance, which was a joyful moment. The day was both enjoyable and meaningful." Christopher K 

We also received a message from Derrimut Weelam Gathering Place's Kaylie Kent - Bijara regarding our students' engagement. 

“I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for including us in The Little Long Walk again this year.  We had such a wonderful time surrounded by your students — what an incredible group of young people. Your students are truly a reflection of the care, values, and guidance you provide. It was so humbling and uplifting to see such respect, kindness, and cultural awareness shining through in them. You are helping to raise the next generation of strong, compassionate leaders — and it’s inspiring to witness. Thank you again for allowing us to be part of such a meaningful experience.”

Our deepest appreciation to our students for their wonderful participation and embracing of the day's opportunities. 

A Prayer For The Month Of Remembrance

In a very special way, the month of November is dedicated to the memory of our deceased family and friends, and all who have gone before us.  We began this memorial month on the 1st of November, with the Feast of All Saints, the first of a two-day celebration of the saints and all who have died. 

We also remember our relatives and friends who have died who are in the presence of the Risen Christ. Many of them are not famous. Their statues are not in churches, but their pictures are in our homes and their stories are alive in our families and our hearts. We know of their goodness and rely on their concern for our well-being as our intercessors.

Prayer

Let us remember that we live in the presence of God.

Let us take a moment of silence to hold gently the memory of those who are dear to us who have gone to their eternal reward.

Let us pray:

Blessed are the clean of heart for they shall see God

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness

For theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven

St John Baptist de La Salle … pray for us.

Live Jesus in our hearts … forever

To mark the special way that the Catholic tradition responds to death, St Bede’s College has a Perpetual Memorial Book in our Mentone Campus Chapel as an invitation to others to join you in praying for your deceased relatives and friends.  

Please share the name/s of any family member or friend that you would like to have added to the Perpetual Memorial Book with Ria Greenergg@stbedes.catholic.edu.au

These names will be especially prayed for throughout November. 

Names already submitted remain in the book. 

Les Twentyman Foundation – Back to School Program

Keep your books! They can be donated to Les Twentyman Foundation. 

As students approach the completion of courses, they may have some books or other resources that can be donated to the Les Twentyman Foundation ‘Back to School’ program.

The Back to School Program redistributes used educational resources to students who would otherwise be unable to afford them. In 2024, the Foundation was able to assist over 600 students to access the supplies required to attend school.

St Bede’s College is collecting donations until Monday 8 December for: 

• Textbooks and study guides published since 2020 (all secondary year levels) 
• English novels and literature texts (i.e. novels / plays / poetry /DVDs)
• Bibles 

Please bring your donations to Student Services or Reception at your campus. 

Thank you in advance for your generosity. 

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

There are many people in our local community who struggle to make ends meet day-to-day. Christmas can be a very difficult time, as they wish to celebrate the way many of us do, but they don’t have the money to do so. Our contributions can make the difference in how they experience Christmas this year.  

We invite each student to donate one item to contribute - food (essential and celebratory) and/or personal care. Each Homeroom and Tutor Group will assemble a hamper to help make a difference in the lives of those in need this Christmas.  

The Appeal takes place during Flying Start - Monday 24 November. We appreciate your support at home in asking your son what he has offered to donate.

Thank you for your ongoing support of our students and our College. 

Ria Greene

Deputy Principal - Faith and Mission