Faith and Mission

Walking Together for Reconciliation: The Little Long Walk

To mark Reconciliation Week, three of our Year 12 leaders had the privilege of representing the College at the Little Long Walk hosted by St Louis de Montfort's Primary School in Aspendale. This significant community event brought students and special guests together to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and actively promote reconciliation. 

The morning commenced with an engaging assembly that included a heartfelt recognition of the Bunurung peoples and a wonderful performance of the Dreamtime story, Tiddalick the Frog, by the Year 6 students. Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from special guest speakers, including the Hon Mark Dreyfus, Mr Tim Richardson MP, and Jack, a representative from the Little Long Walk Foundation. These speakers shared the powerful history of Michael Long’s historic trek from Melbourne to Parliament House in Canberra, reminding everyone of the important role we all play in the ongoing journey of reconciliation. 

Following the presentation, our students proudly stepped into a leadership role to assist the younger participants. They had the special responsibility of leading the Prep to Grade 2 students on a walk through the local neighbourhood, carrying a banner designed by the primary students to mark the occasion.

"The experience not only broadened my understanding of sustainability education but also shifted the way I view community responsibility in Indigenous Australia. Seeing how engaged the younger students were reminded me that change doesn’t always start with largescale projects, but it often begins with small, consistent actions taught early."  Marcus Lobianco, Ecological Vice-Captain

 

"This was all about Indigenous culture, Michael Long and the walk he undertook from Melbourne to Parliament House in Canberra. We undertook our walk to honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and promote reconciliation." Ethan Thredgold, Lasallian Captain

 

"Participating in the Little Long Walk was a great opportunity to connect with the younger students and learn alongside them. The assembly was a standout moment, especially seeing the Year 6 students perform the Dreamtime story of Tiddalick the Frog. It really highlighted the importance of keeping these stories alive and sharing them with the next generation. Walking alongside the Year 2 students and helping them carry the banner they made was a simple but powerful way to show our solidarity. Being invited to guide and encourage the younger students was a deeply rewarding experience, and it felt great to be part of such a meaningful community event." Bailey Mitchell, Ecological Captain

Finding the "Well" in Our Lives: A Visit from Caritas Australia

Recently, St Bede's College was privileged to host Michael McGirr from Caritas Australia for a thought-provoking presentation. Michael opened our students' eyes to some of the most profound challenges currently facing our global community. Through compelling and deeply moving stories from Gaza, the Democratic Republic of Congo (during the Ebola outbreak), Afghanistan, and right here in Australia, he illustrated the vital, on-the-ground work that Caritas undertakes.

Michael's presentation offered a profound message of hope amid hardship. He explored how God’s presence can be found even in the midst of these immense global challenges. To bring this message home, he posed a powerful, guiding question to our students: "Where is the well in this village?" This beautiful metaphor challenged students to reflect on their own personal journeys and identify what is truly "life-giving" in their everyday lives. It was an inspiring session that reminded us to actively seek out the presence of God, both in the struggles of the wider world and within our own College community.

Vinnies Winter Appeal - Collecting Donations 

Your generous support is urgently needed this winter. As living costs rise, more people are being pushed into poverty. Often, one sudden crisis is all it takes to leave vulnerable people with nowhere else to turn, relying on our help to overcome the devastating impacts of homelessness. Through Vinnies Winter Appeal, we can help meet the greatest and most immediate needs of those experiencing crisis. 

The statistics surrounding homelessness in Australia are staggering:

• More than 123,000 Australians are currently homeless.
• The majority of those experiencing homelessness are under 35 years of age.
• Most homeless families consist of women and children escaping domestic violence.
• Over 17,500 children under the age of 12 have no home.

We are called to make a positive difference to these statistics by donating non-perishable food and toiletries. 

• Food Items: Tinned food (spaghetti, baked beans, soup), jams and spreads, teabags and coffee, breakfast cereal, sweet or dry biscuits, long-life milk, and dry pasta.
• Personal Items: Dishwashing liquid, toilet rolls, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, shampoo and conditioner, and deodorant.

The College will be collecting donations between 15 June and 26 June.

• Bentleigh East Campus: Please bring your donations to the Library Foyer
• Mentone Campus: Please bring your donations to your Homeroom or Tutor Group.

In solidarity, we pray: 

God of all, we thank you for meeting our daily needs of food, shelter and friendship. We pray for those who sleep rough every night. We will not ignore them, we will not blame them for their situation. We stand alongside them, confident that you are with us as we give, act and pray for justice. Amen.

Faith in Action: Community Service Programs

Our Senior Students have the wonderful opportunity to put their faith into action by volunteering in our local community service programs. Currently, Year 11 and 12 students can opt in to support two valuable initiatives: the John Paul College Companion Van in Frankston, and the St Vincent de Paul Afterschool Education Program in Noble Park.

The Afterschool Education Program at St Anthony’s Primary School, allows our Senior Students to mentor younger children from Years 1 to 6. This dedicated ‘homework’ program involves our students assisting the primary students with their reading and schoolwork.

The impact of this program is profound, both for the primary students and our own students. We recently received a beautiful message from Karen Coady, the outgoing Education Co-ordinator at St Vincent de Paul, regarding our students' involvement:

"It has been a pleasure to work with you and the St Bede’s students. The generosity and commitment your students have shown in supporting the program is truly commendable. They are a credit to themselves and their families, and a reflection of the compassionate, kind and community-minded young people St Bede’s is fostering. Thank you to the staff at your school for the work you are doing to instil Gospel values in your students."

We are incredibly proud of the compassion, leadership, and Lasallian spirit our students demonstrate in these programs.

If you are a Year 11 or 12 student looking to make a meaningful difference in the local community with either the Companion Van or the Afterschool Education Program, please reach out to Br Tony. 

Faith and Technology: Magnifica Humanitas

Pope Leo XIV introduced his first encyclical letter, Magnifica Humanitas on 15 May 2026. In this letter, Pope Leo XIV addresses one of the defining frontiers of our era: the rise of Artificial Intelligence. Subtitled On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence, the letter provides a timely framework for navigating rapid technological progress while maintaining our moral compass.

The Holy Father emphasises that technology must always serve, rather than supplant, human dignity. He beautifully reminds us that "algorithms lack the capacity for a human soul," urging global communities to ensure that technological advancement is always guided by ethics and love. Pope Leo XIV writes, "True progress is measured not by the sophistication of our tools, but by our capacity to safeguard the vulnerable." 

For our Lasallian community, Magnifica Humanitas serves as a powerful call to form young people who are not just technologically capable, but deeply anchored in empathy, conscience, and respect for the sacred dignity of every person.

Mark Micallef

Deputy Principal - Faith and Mission