Local student leaders gathered to meet with the Bishop of Sale, most reverend Greg Bennet to delve into their ideas of transforming their schools into vibrant “places of encounter”.
A total of 26 students, with representatives from St Francis Xavier College in Beaconsfield and St Peter’s College in Cranbourne, met with other schools to share their challenges and successes with their mission to “foster connection and engagement” within their schools.
Bishop Bennet commended the students for their dedication to their roles and impactful contributions, where their initiatives included organising fundraising events, hosting sports and music festivals, implementing anti-bullying programs, and celebrating multicultural days.
“By fostering a culture of encounter, the students are not only enriching their own communities by also living out the mission of Catholic education,” bishop Bennet said.
Other schools in attendance were Marist-Sion College from Warragul, Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College from Leongatha, Catholic College Sale, Lavalla Catholic College from Traralgon and Nagel College from Bairnsdale.
These student leaders were chosen by their school communities in 2023 and were tasked with their mission of connection and engagement, with the most recent meeting with the bishop an opportunity for them to present their initiatives and reflect.
Further student initiatives included engaging in youth ministry, mentoring, promoting social justice, and participating in community outreach efforts and more.
Ultimately, the meeting highlighted the “power of youth leadership” when it comes to facilitating “meaningful change within their schools”, with students expressing their enthusiasm for their ongoing projects and sharing stories of personal growth while navigating their roles as leaders.
