Acting Justly, Serving Others: Three Lasallian Profiles

Social justice and Catholic schools? A standard history might address the Australian Catholic belief in its sense of disadvantage in the earlier 20th century. Alternatively, the Goulburn education closure and protest of 1962. Today, schools and students are much more focussed on injustice on a global or local scale, and how youth can “make a difference” with their idealism.

For all Christians, it all goes back to Gospel values of human dignity, care for the suffering and marginalised (cf Matthew 25), and relationships established by extending one’s community outreach. In this last of our series, the activities of three Associated Lasallian schools – Mentone, Caringbah and Cronulla -  show young people ready to learn about injustice, and show compassion in our society and wider world.

 St Bede’s College Mentone

Some students learnt about service and social disadvantage through two unique immersion programs in 2024. Ria Greene, Religious Education Co-Ordinator, reports:

“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.”

At Derby’s Holy Rosary Primary School, they volunteered, working with students on a one-to-one basis, ran an after-school AFL clinic, and undertook gardening tasks. Lachlan D said: “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.”

Angus L believed that “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.”

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 goal promoted broadened perspectives and a deepening of people’s spiritual journeys.

It involved important projects to support two schools, Lasalle School and Bamboo School, including construction of a road to improve access to the school, creation of a rock garden and painting classrooms.

““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

In summary,  Ria said: “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.”

De La Salle College Caringbah

Angela Porro, Dean of Mission, mentions that “various events took place across four terms, highlighting community engagement and service. In Term 1, activities included Parish Gardening, the Vinnies Sandwiches initiative, and ‘One Meal’ through the Salvation Army”.

Later, students were involved in the ‘Vinnies Buddies Day’, and a visit to a nursing home.  Mid-year saw the Vinnies Winter Appeal and the introduction of the Vinnies Medallion. Term 3 included repeated efforts in ‘Chicken Coop Care’, and  participation in ‘Soktober’.

Additionally, there were fundraisers for Project Compassion and the creation of Refugee Kits, with several other involvements of students. Lastly, in Term 4, activities included the annual Christmas Wrapping, and the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. “Throughout all four terms, there was a consistent focus on community service, collaboration and support for those in need”.

St Aloysius College Cronulla

The new College, with its Lasallian heritage, also dived into a whole suite of activities which raised awareness of a world of need beyond the College gates. Therese Hughes, Dean of Mission, notes a Valentine’s Day activity involved buying lollypops, and giving each to some friends or acquaintances at school, with notes of gratitude. Term 1 also saw a creative ‘Harmony Day’ – 21 March. The ‘mufti-day’ invited students to wear something distinctive of their culture, accompanied by a prayer assembly in different languages.

“One Meal” activity saw Years 7 and 8 students serving a meal to needy or marginalised people locally, and giving home-brought desserts. It was repeated several times in the year. In May, students were encouraged to raise money by running in the annual Shire ‘Relay for Life’ event, which raises funds for the Cancer Council and honours the people in one’s life affected by cancer. There was food collection on World Refugee Day, benefitting the Jesuit Refugee Service.

Winter brought involvement in the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal through raising monies through a monster sleep-out by students in the College hall. In early December, 8 students from the junior years were incorporated by Lasallian Mission Services in ‘Camp La Salle’, for those in Sydney schools who could not afford an away-from-home camping experience.

All three Colleges created or provided many opportunities for students to be active, and to deepen community, by serving those in their immediate world or more globally.

“Transforming Lives, Energising Mission, Sustained by Faith”

Source: Br Gary Wilson