Principal's Message

Over the Holiday 

Over the holiday break I had the privilege of spending 2 weeks with our 10 Year eleven students who volunteered and were chosen to work at the Lasalle Parmenie  school which is on the Thai/Burma border. This is a school that we have been going to for the past 3 years and contribute significantly too, financially and work wise. We have 2 groups of year 11 students who participate in the programme each year. Our year 12 students follow a similar programme in India at the end of each year.

Some features of the 2 weeks:

-10 students are selected from the 40 plus who volunteered.

-the students pay for their own airfare.

-the students have a building project which is a prime focus. The building project is paid for by the monies the whole student body raises on MAD Day.

-the students have a number of sessions before they go, in relation to: Thai language, culture, and religion. They are also given an opportunity to develop skills of how to work with younger students.

-the students selected also have to raise money in relation to gifts etc.

-while there, the following occurs; - each morning at 6 am and at 3:30 pm 2/3 students go on the truck to pick up students.

-they work on the project from 9 am – 4 pm. This year the first week was spent working in torrential rains and mud. They completed the task of laying the foundations for a new dining area as well as ensuring the roof was in place.

-after work, they spend time playing sports and other activities with the students. During the day they had the opportunity to visit classes and teach students different skills.

-evenings were spent visiting the orphans and also meeting for reflection and prayer.

The two weeks were very busy but I was impressed with the way the group accepted the many challenges and completed the task that they went there to do. I am sure that this applies to all other groups that have been or will go in the future. The quality of the young men at St Bede’s College is something that I saw first-hand and I am indeed proud of what I have seen.

As Principal I went this time to ensure that the monies gifted from MAD Day are being well spent. This was confirmed and we are committed to the school for the next 4 years. It was a pleasure to see the excellent work other St Bede’s College students have done and which is valued by the Lasalle Parmenie school.