Faith and Mission

Year 12 Religious Education

Guest Speaker, Sagalee Adem from ShoutOut

Our guest speaker, Sagalee, shared an inspiring and honest reflection on his journey after graduating, speaking about the uncertainty when he weren’t sure what direction to take next. 

Sagalee described how returning home to Ethiopia and reconnecting with his cultural identity helped him rediscover a sense of belonging and clarity. Through volunteering, Sagalee began to explore new opportunities and discovered a deeper purpose in helping others. He also reflected on how his upbringing shaped his values and choices, and how asking himself tough, honest questions became an important part of finding direction. 

Sagalee spoke about the positive power of journaling and the influence of the book The Four Agreements in supporting their personal growth. Bringing everything together, he encouraged our students to find their own place in the world, contribute positively to others, and live with purpose and authenticity.

Our students were invited to share their reflections on what part of Sagalee's story most resonated with them, the insights they gained about finding purpose, and how they might apply these lessons in their own lives:

"Follow your passions, volunteer and talk to people, you never know the perspectives of others fully if you don’t or try to make a connection with them." 

Zach K

"Do a career you will enjoy, the money will follow." Seb G

"Consider journaling, even if it makes you feel uncomfortable there is so much ore we can learn about ourselves by putting our thoughts on paper." Thomas L

"Take time to reflect on yourself  and how you can improve your wellbeing to be the best version of yourself." George S

"Always understand that you are in the right place at the right time; meaning you are always where you are for a reason." Campbell G

"Invest in yourself so you can help others most effectively." Finn C

"Always have a mantra that you say out loud; go back to it when you have the need." Max L

"Invest in yourself before anyone else … look after yourself physically and spiritually." Flynn S

"Do what you want to do in life; don’t let peer pressure stop you." Daniel H

"Stick to what you most enjoy in life." Dean F

"If you fail then fail forwards, setting smaller goals to reach a larger goal." Reuben J

"You are not behind; you are exactly where you need to be." Ben H

Year 12 RE Final Prayer Assembly

Our Year 12 students gathered in the College Chapel for their final Religious Education class. The reflective prayer service marked the completion of the Year 12 journey and the beginning of a new chapter. The service invited students to pause from the rush of the future, give thanks for their time at the College, and entrust their next steps to God.

Centred around themes of gratitude, letting go, and purpose, the liturgy guided students through moments of reflection, scripture, and symbolic candle lighting. Passages from Matthew and Philippians encouraged trust in God’s plan and the courage to “press on toward the goal.” The short film Gratitude inspired personal reflection on thankfulness, relationships, and hope for the future.

Students were then invited to consider their guiding principles — faith, honesty, respect, and service — as they discern their own “yes” in life’s journey. The service concluded with prayers of personal commitment, a blessing for the road ahead, and a reminder that they go forth as people of faith, hope, and purpose.

“May your gratitude become service, your faith become action, and your life become a blessing to others.”

After the service, we heard an inspiring final address from Mark Jones, Deputy Principal - Students, who encouraged students to carry forward the wisdom and calm of their time at St Bede’s into the wider world. His talk included the recitation of The Desiderata, reminding students to “go placidly amid the noise and haste” and to live with compassion and integrity. 

To conclude their assembly, our cohort took to the front oval overlooking the bay, where they shared a mindful moment of silence together; a powerful act of solidarity, gratitude, and peace as they prepared to conclude their days at St Bede’s College.

2026 Lasallian Volunteer Program

The Lasallian Volunteer Program is an 11-month experience that invites young Lasallians to live out Faith, Service, and Community in a life-changing way. Volunteers serve across Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Pakistan - growing in purpose, building relationships, and making a lasting impact through their service.

This opportunity is suited to the Class of 2025 and recent graduates. Communities include:

• Balgo WA, at remote Aboriginal community in the Kimberly, focusing on education support, youth engagement and outreach. 
• Mangere Auckland NZ, mentoring students primarly with Pacific Islander heritage/ 
• Middle Swan WA, assisting Aboriginal boarding students from Remote WA communities with learning support and weekend activities. 
• Port Moresby PNG, assisting in classes, workshops and community life for young people taking a second chance at education and trade skills. 

• Applications close: Friday 8 November 2025
• Interviews: Week of 10 November 2025
• Outcomes announced: Week of 17 November 2025
• Onboarding begins: 14 January 2026

For further information, please see the program flyer below. 

A New Saint - Saint Peter To Rot

Feast Day: July 7

Saint Peter To Rot was born in 1912 in Papua New Guinea and became the country’s first canonised saint. A devoted husband, father, and catechist, Peter was known for his deep faith, humility, and courage. 

During World War II, when the Japanese occupation banned Christian worship, Peter continued to lead secret prayer gatherings and care for his community. For his steadfast faith and defence of Christian marriage, he was imprisoned and martyred in 1945. His life stands as a powerful witness to faithfulness, courage, and love for God, even in times of great danger. Pope Leo XIV canonised Saint Peter To Rot on 19 October 2025.

Take some time to pray: 

Loving God, 

You gave Saint Peter To Rot a brave and faithful heart. 

In times of fear and persecution, he stood firm in his love for You and served his people with kindness and courage. 

Help us to follow his example; to live our faith boldly, to stand up for what is right, and to trust in Your presence in every challenge we face. 

May Saint Peter To Rot pray for us and for the people of Papua New Guinea, 

that we may always live with faith, hope, and love.

St John Baptist de La Salle …pray for us

Live Jesus in our hearts …forever!

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. 

Ria Greene

Deputy Principal - Faith and Mission