Faith and Mission 

Indigenous Immersion 2022 - Balnarring

By Lucas Shaw, Oliver Scott and Aaron Taylor (Year 10, St Bede's College)

"Before traveling to Balnarring, we met as combined St Bede’s College and Kilbreda College group in order to get to know each other through many fun team building activities and learn about the camp from Ms Ryan’s previous experiences. All students enjoyed the day and the food provided by the canteen!

The first day of camp consisted of many fun activities and created a positive start to the camp for all. Once we arrived at Balnarring and were welcomed by Adam Magenn our facilitator and a proud Bunurong man. We started the camp with a Smoking ceremony, with the purpose of binding the group together as a family and to commemorate the start of the camp. Throughout the rest of the day we were treated to a talk about Australian Geology, in which we were able to hold and look at fossils as old as life, and Indigenous tools that were used, such as obsidian knives and other tools. During the day we also had the opportunity to learn how to create paints, using sedimentary rocks and painted a mural to commemorate our time away. Adam taught us about the Yidaki (Aboriginal name for didgeridoo) and guided us through a meditation which was  very relaxing. To finish the day we watched the documentary “In my blood it runs” and had a lively discussion.

Thursday was a fun field day with a lot of new information about the Indigenous people in the area and their sacred places. We started off with a smoking ceremony at Cape Schanck. There were three plants we burnt to represent the strength of the women in their communities and family bonds. Following this we went whale watching. Although no one saw any whales it was a stunning view where we had many opportunities to take photos. We went down to the shore at Cape Schanck and discussed how the people used the rocks. Our guide, Adam showed us the cliff face where the young men would be initiated. When we returned to camp, we had the opportunities to throw traditional spears. Unlike other spears and javelins there was a tool which helped to improve distance and accuracy, called woomera. Everyone enjoyed these activities and we all sprang at the opportunity to have more tries to hone our abilities. Shortly, afterwards we went on a bush walk, being led by a Shaun a Aboriginal man from central Australia who taught us about the plants that the local groups used for food and medicine.

On Friday we packed up and went to Point Nepean. After the last smoking ceremony of the trip we visited old barracks which were set up in 1888 and shortly decommissioned following World War II. We split up into groups discovering everything it had to offer. We also visited the quarantine station and reflected on how Australia treated their newly arrived Australians in the past.  Finally, we went down to the shore near Point Nepean to talk about where five Bunurong women were taken by whalers when Australia was first colonised. This spot was especially sacred because this was where Bunurong women used to birth their children.  

Overall, it was an eye-opening experience where we learnt about the nation's first people. Everyone formed new friendships and the camp was a success with us forming memories and learning about the Indigenous people. "

Lasallian Youth Gathering

By Tom Gregory (Student - M10)

"The Lasallian Youth Gathering (LYG) was held over four days in Sydney, during the second week of the July school holidays. Four students from Years 10 and 11 attended - Liam Casey, Tom Gregory, Sam Harris and Cathal Brookes, along with Miss Connolly and two Youth Leaders. 

There were over 120 students from Lasallian schools across Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, but unfortunately COVID restrictions kept Perth students away, and visa issues prevented Pakistani and Papua New Guinean students from attending. 

The days and evenings were filled with activities related to our Lasallian identity, participating in self-improvement workshops, making new friends from other schools, sharing life experiences, listening to key note speakers, and planning ways to further enrich our own schools with Lasallian service. We also had a sports tournament which enabled us to join forces with students from other schools in teams. 

We were fortunate that Br Lewis Harwood was in Sydney at this time, and he gave a very powerful talk about his life journey, and how he became a Brother. We also heard from the CEO of Kids helpline, Tracy Adams, who gave a very powerful speech on the importance of access to quality help for young people facing mental health difficulties. 

On the final day of the gathering, we were given the privilege of leading the closing prayer. This was a great opportunity for us to show our Beda Spirit and what it means to us to walk ‘by right paths’ as young people in 2022.

Participating in the LYG has given me a deeper sense of agency and my personal journey. The St Bede’s participants are hoping to implement some skills learned at the LYG, to assist others with their own journeys."

St Vincent De Paul Donations

Many thanks to those in the College community who donated to the St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal.  We received the following message from the Chelsea Conference:

The Principal, Teachers, Parents and Students,

Once again please accept our sincere thanks for your generous contribution of food and toiletries you collected for St. Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal. It was wonderful to receive such  a large and varied variety. Our store room looks amazing and the bags of groceries we are able to take out on our daily visits are full of  great goodies. Please be assured that the clients on our visits are very grateful.

We would like to thank Ria Green for coordinating the food appeal between St Bede’s and our Conference. Thank you all for an amazing and valuable result.

May God Bless you all.

Chelsea Conference.  St Vincent De Paul.

President - Tim Welsford

Secretary - Carole Ryan 

Are you or a friend interested in becoming a Catholic? 

Have you ever thought about doing the sacraments and expanding your faith? What about joining with your children as they go through the sacramental program at school? 

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) begins with a 'come and see' information night (details below). RCIA is for adults who are not baptised, adults baptised in another Christian Church or faith and/or non-practising Catholics wishing to renew their faith. 

When:      Thursday 11 August at 7.30 pm

Where:     37 Dolphin Street, Aspendale 

                   St. Louis’ Aspendale

Please phone the Mordiallic Parish office for more information on (03) 9580 7981. 

“Come and see” 

Ria Greene

Deputy Principal Faith and Mission