From the Chaplain
June 16, 2026 – Edition 8
25 Years of Incredible Work and Care
Recently, the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) celebrated 25 years of work supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
It initially started with a small Footscray shopfront as part of a two month TAFE project, founded on the belief that ‘no one should be left without food, safety or dignity’.
Now, 25 years later, they support and empower over 8,500 people each year with the vision of ‘maximising their physical, mental and social wellbeing’.
A few weeks ago, after the process of collecting donations in Harmony Week and shopping for additional donations, Mrs Williams and I accompanied a number of our Junior School and Senior School Captains as well as a number of parents to the ASRC in Dandenong. Together we had the privilege of delivering three carloads of donations, and hearing from Vincent, who has been working at the organisation for some time.
Below is a reflection from our School Captain, Sienna.
What struck me most about the experience was Vincent’s emotional reaction to the donations. Seeing him tear up while speaking about the impact our school community had made really hit home for me. It highlighted just how privileged many of us are.
Often, we hear people tell us that we are fortunate or privileged, and while we acknowledge it, I don’t think we always fully understand the reality of what that means until we witness experiences like this firsthand.
The passion Vincent had for ensuring families in the Dandenong community had reliable access to food was genuinely inspiring. He explained the serious planning involved in managing donations so that food can be stretched as far as possible for families who rely on the service.
On behalf of each of us who had the privilege to deliver the donations from our School Community, our sincerest thanks for your contribution, whether big or small.
Better People, Stronger Teams
We held our Trist and Reid Chapel this week, which was a fantastic chance to reflect, pray together and celebrate as we move towards the end of the term. It was beautiful to see the affirmations from our Mentors describing how they see their students continuing to grow and develop.
I see my students steadily growing into better people as they learn to listen deeply and support one another, particularly in challenging moments. – Ms Kearney
I see you stepping out of your comfort zone and discovering just how capable you are. – Mrs Paversh
I see you creating a community where everyone belongs. – Mrs Midwinter
I see resilience when you keep trying, even when things are difficult. – Mr Clutton
It was also wonderful to see the number of students who volunteered to help make the Chapel possible, including our singers: Tessa, Irushi, Joanne, Sophie, Arpita and Leia, along with Dihein, who played the piano.
We had our Captains, Heads of House and members of both Trist and Reid participating in a wide variety of ways. Our Acknowledgement of Country was led by Reid who created their own symbolic boomerangs in Reconciliation Week, and we recognised the incredible legacy of Neale Daniher through our reflection of the Trist charity, Fight MND.
In our prayers, we remembered those who live with the terrible daily reality of MND, along with the important work of scientists desperately seeking breakthroughs for a deeper understanding of the causes and appropriate treatments that may prolong quality of life.
We are grateful for the immense work of all those working towards a world where MND is no longer.
Invitation to Year 2 Families
Mrs Mathews and I are delighted to invite our Year 2 families and special guests (grandparents, younger siblings etc.) to join us for our Chapel services at the end of the term.
A letter with specific details has been sent to all families. Year 2 students are busy preparing their artwork, readings, songs and dances from their unit on the Holy Spirit to share with you. We hope to have many families join us to share in these special services.
Every blessing as we conclude what has been a busy and full term.
Monique Riviere-Pendle
Chaplain
