On Friday, I had the great privilege of accompanying our Year 10 students on their excursion to the Great Stupa of Universal Compassion in Bendigo. This experience was both enriching and deeply reflective—not only for our students, but for me personally. Standing within such a sacred space, surrounded by symbols of peace, mindfulness and compassion from another faith tradition, I was reminded of the profound ways in which learning extends far beyond the classroom. The Great Stupa is one of the largest Buddhist temples in the Southern Hemisphere and provided our Year 10 students with a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of world religions, cultural diversity and respectful dialogue.
Experiences like this help our young people grow in awareness and understanding. They encourage students to approach others with curiosity and kindness and to recognise the value of different cultures and beliefs. When students step beyond the familiar and encounter new perspectives, they learn to appreciate difference and to respond with empathy and respect.
I thank our dedicated staff who organise these formative experiences and our parents and carers who support them. Together, let us continue to provide opportunities where our young people can be challenged, inspired and transformed—so that, in embracing Christ’s mercy, they may go on to transform the world.
As I reflect on this experience, I am mindful of the many ways learning is unfolding across the College this week.
Our Year 9 students and staff are currently away on camp. This is an important milestone in the middle years and supports independence, teamwork and respect for one another. I thank the staff who give so generously of their time to make this experience possible.
For our Year 10 and 11 students, this week marks the beginning of Revision Week as they prepare for their end of year examinations. We encourage them to plan well, seek support and approach this period with confidence.
We also hold in our prayers all students completing Unit 4 studies, including Year 12 students and a number of Year 11 students. Their commitment to study has been commendable. As they move through their examinations, we remind them that their worth is far greater than any single result.
Our students are also active in BAS sport, rowing and a range of summer co-curricular programs. These activities strengthen teamwork, discipline, respect and school pride. My thanks go to the coaches and staff who support students in both skill development and character formation.
In a complex world, these experiences help shape young people who can build bridges, foster peace and serve the common good. Through the lens of Christs mercy, we are invited to meet others with openness and love and to recognise the dignity of every person.
During this time in our liturgical calendar, we also pause to mark All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, followed soon after by Remembrance Day. These occasions call us to remember all those who have gone before us and to reflect on the faith, sacrifice and love that have shaped our shared story.
We give thanks for their teachers and families, who have walked beside our young people. May the gifts of the Holy Spirit, including wisdom, understanding and courage guide our community in the weeks ahead.
With every blessing,
Steven