Beyond its service elements, these immersive service experiences strengthened bonds and reinforced the College’s commitment to living out its Lasallian values of Faith, Service and Community. We look forward to the growth and impact that will emerge from these transformative journeys.
St Bede’s College students are living, learning and growing through the joy of service – actively engaging in our values.
Whether volunteering at schools in remote Indigenous communities in Australia, raising $93,000 in funds for Lasallian school children in Derby, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Thailand, or volunteering internationally, they have developed a deeper sense of community, gratitude and self.
In June, a delegation of Year 10 students and St Bede’s College staff travelled from Melbourne to Broome, Beagle Bay and the coastal community of Derby, in north-west Western Australia. The program was aimed to assist students grow in their awareness, understanding and appreciation of Australia’s First Nations Peoples, their culture and relationship with the Land.
St Bede’s students had the unique opportunity to learn about Indigenous culture and spend time with students at Derby’s Holy Rosary Primary School. Their role as volunteers was to assist teachers in their work with the students, often working on a one-to-one basis, ran an after-school AFL clinic and undertook gardening tasks. Their engagement with the school students and staff was impactful in a short period of time, and became ‘older brothers’ to the students and ‘brothers’ to one another.
“The Broome/Derby trip was one of the greatest decisions I’ve made so far. The experience has given me so much insight into what Aboriginal Communities go through. The time we spent at the school was a massive highlight to me. After spending a week with the students, none of us could imagine how much we would connect with each of them. With some of the students having such hard times at home, it was heart-warming to see how each of them looked up to us and how happy they were to see us in their classrooms.” – Lachlan D
“My time in Broome and Derby had a huge impact on the way I look at my everyday life. Seeing the children not having a lot but still being happy made me realise that I take things for granted.
I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity at the school in Derby, where we helped in classrooms and worked on projects in the school’s garden. This was my highlight, as I felt accomplished on the last day when the students thanked us for all our hard work. I have walked away from this experience wanting to continue to help people in need.” – Angus L
In the September school holidays, the College’s Service Program to Thailand officially relaunched, marking the first trip back since 2019. Ten Year 11 students and four staff members travelled to the beautiful town of Sangkhlaburi, eager to make a difference in the community.
The College’s mission was to support those who are often overlooked: the least, the last, and the lost. This immersion experience was truly transformative, allowing St Bede’s students and staff to engage in meaningful service, broaden their perspectives, and deepen their spiritual journeys.
The tour group helped with important projects to support two schools, Lasalle School and Bamboo School, including construction of a road to improve access to the school, created a rock garden and painted classrooms.
The group also supported educational experiences for the schools’ students, helping with English and Maths lessons to children at Lasalle School. A highlight for many was spending quality time with the girls – most of whom are orphaned – who live at Blue Sky House within Lasalle School.
“Our time in Thailand was a truly life-changing and beautiful experience. Our objective was to provide assistance in constructing a road, painting and landscaping. Collectively with a mighty and productive group effort, we managed to make an enormous difference at Lasalle School Sangklaburi and the Bamboo School.
Moments that will stick with me personally is how much our effort was appreciated and the affection and love we received when spending time with the students. It truly warmed my heart seeing the smiles on all their faces and high-fiving them.
I also am grateful for the opportunity for us boys to build life-lasting relationships with each other, further strengthening friendships and building new ones as we all went through the journey as a solid team.
I was amazed at our experiences amongst Thai culture, consuming and cooking food, visiting significant and beautiful Wats (Temples), as well as hearing the stories and communicating with different people over the two weeks. A trip I would absolutely recommend to everyone!” – Flynn S
