Robert Dempsey: a Mission-Minded Man

St Michael’s Adelaide can boast many things – as a prominent Catholic co-educational school over two campuses, and as a Lasallian college with a proud history. Part of that history is the involvement of Robert Dempsey, a firm Lasallian, and Director of Mission for the previous nine years at St Michael’s College Henley Beach.

Born and bred as a South Australian, Robert mentions that he is from Irish Catholic stock, grew up in Warradale Adelaide, and did his secondary education at the Marist Sacred Heart College. The University of Adelaide provided his B.Sc. in Physics and Applied Mathematics, Graduate Diploma in social sciences (educational counselling), and his Masters in Catholic Education. There was a teaching diploma, put in practice in the country, before an all-girls city school, and St Michael’s College- Secondary Campus. He was hired by Br John Pill, and taught sciences and mathematics with “lots of demonstrations and practical’s.” He was a Department Head of Science for 12 years.

From the early 2000’s he participated in the Narooma Lasallian Centre courses with Brs. Gerard Rummery and John Cantwell, among others.

“I resonated with the Lasallian charism and enjoyed the company of the Brothers and the Lasallian professional development,” he says.

In recent years he has been leader of the Catholic Lasallian Identity Committee which reviews activities and researches developments in the school, that support the Catholic Lasallian charism. One of Robert’s greatest satisfactions has been “working with students in presenting liturgy. How well they speak, prepare, and show the tone of the College during these services. Working with my Yr 12 Mission group on their initiatives that have enhanced the religious dimension of the College. Some of the Lasallian signage around the school is part of my commitment to the College (of 1600 students)”.

After his sabbatical overseas, he conceptualized a ‘reflective garden,’ with tiered benches for students, and running water, with a profusion of plants, where classes or groups can come for quiet times, prayer etc. He emphasizes that it is an inclusive space, no statues, crosses. Year 12 Leaders facilitate prayer with the Yr 7 pastoral classes during the year.

Robert talks about his strong connections as the Director of Mission, with  Lasallian Mission Services :

“I have always ensured we send staff to any opportunity available to learn about our charism. We also have had the team visit us to run new staff training, student retreat days, Lasallian methodology course. I was privileged to represent the District during the (2019) tercentenary year in Rome at a conference, celebration, and Pope Francis’ audience. I have a treasured photo of me shaking Pope Francis’ hand. I was in the first staff ‘Together for Mission’ course, and met many great Lasallians from across the District through this.”

He mentions that St Michael’s, “committed to the human and Christian education of students, especially the poor,” took up a slogan of the previous Principal, John Foley of “Community, Challenge, Choice,” with its stress on experience and action. Robert says the College supports a wide range of students, and that those with special needs are catered for.

The tag-line “Transforming lives” becomes real in  many pastoral programs. These include-

• Mass and chapel services regularly

• Year 12 morning prayer with Year 7 classes

• The retreat programs working with big brother / big sister (yr 12 with Yr 8 retreat day, and Yr 10 peer support students with Yr 7 retreat day)

• Social justice emphasis through Mission Action Day, fund-raising, soup-making, collecting material items for St Vincent de Paul etc.

• In 2025, the College hosted the Carlo Acutis Eucharistic exhibition at both senior and junior campuses

The ‘Beyond Borders’ program provides a structure with a dedicated teacher to ensure needs of new overseas students from needy countries are enhanced in their education. Over the years these pupils have come from Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Ukraine, Iraq, Pakistan, Argentina, Vietnam, and Venezuela.

The St Michael’s newsletter explains further:

“Our school community plays such an important part in helping (these)students who are trying to rebuild their lives after escaping danger and uncertainty. For our Beyond Borders students, community is more than just a school; it’s the difference between feeling like an outsider and feeling that they belong. There is, for example, an annual Beyond Borders Student-Staff Lunch in the staffroom. The students are so excited to share their traditional dishes; …some plan for weeks! “

For Robert, the mission is pursued within a team of personnel. The assistance of senior students in retreat programs is providing “great opportunities for student to develop leadership skills and organisation skills…for the future.” The presence over years of Philippe Dulawan, Amanda, Sebastian, and Damian from the Sydney Lasallian youth team has been beneficial, as has the Lasallian presence of a “Brothers-in-Residence” program incl. Brs Jeff Callaghan, Mandy Normandy and John Pill. At the Beverley campus Katrina Kreis is a campus minister, and at the senior campus Sharina Rabusic Lasallian campus minister. Sr Nithya focuses on family bereavements and liturgies.

As Director of Mission, Robert’s many years at St Michael’s are underpinned by the values he espouses:

“Supporting students where they are at, to develop and grow into great young people. To empower them to be great citizens for the future. Being present in the yard and having conversations with students and teachers. I believe leadership involves empowering people to grow as people and support but also set agendas that are achievable.”

Source: Br Gary Wilson FSC