La Salle College has been living out the value of ‘service’ during the school year and in Term 2, the College’s students have been taking part in a variety of programs and activities with a focus on serving the community under the banner of the College’s ‘Touching Hearts’ program.
6 Aug 2025
La Salle College Touching Hearts and Changing Lives this winter
During Term 2, a group of Year 9s ventured into the muddy wetlands of Bassendean, planting native plants to help beautify the area and boost ecological sustainability. Working in house groups, the students were able to plant around 1,400 tube stocks per group.
The project answers God’s call to serve the environment, adds to efforts to combat climate change, and encourages students to take active roles in preserving nature.
One group of students was lucky enough to spot a Buff-banded rail, a species which hadn’t been seen in the wetland for a couple of years.
“Tree planting is a way we can give our care and love back to the earth and God as they have given to us.By planting trees, we are caring for the things we love and live on,” said Jessy-Ana.
“Without the earth we couldn’t live, so we need to take care of it as much as we can,” Alyna added.
Olivia added:
“We are giving back to the communities who needed help with their land”.
Meanwhile, the Year 8 Young Vinnies team collected donations of warm items including blankets, gloves, beanies, and jackets as well as non-perishable food items as part of the Vinnies Winter Appeal.
And on 26 June some Year 8 students took part in a new initiative called Hunger for Hearts.
For 24-hours students voluntarily gave up food or something meaningful to them, like technology. This symbolic act aimed to raise awareness of the hardships faced by children and families impacted by famine and poverty around the world.
The following day students came together to reflect on their experiences. Led by Deacon Aaron Peters, students engaged in activities highlighting daily challenges faced by families when trying to budget and survive on limited incomes.
The money raised from Hunger 4 Hearts goes towards the Touching Hearts 5,000 meals initiative, where the College’s Year 11 students cook ready to heat meals for Dreambuilderscare Midland.
In undertaking this initiative students were reminded of Mother Teresa’s message that ‘Poverty is not made by God, it is created by you and me when we don’t share what we have”.
“This quote is about spreading awareness…Touching Hearts helps us by putting us in less fortunate people’s shoes.
“I learnt that I could go a whole day with no social media, that it’s good to give up some things others don’t have,” said Eliza.
“I think the College chose this activity because it shows how less fortunate people have to experience every day, and what we take for granted. Hunger 4 Hearts taught us how we need to be grateful for things we take for granted,” added Sarang.
“No one deserves to feel hungry or not have what they need and if people shared and showed more generosity poverty would not be such a big issue in our society.
“I learnt that I need to be more compassionate to the people around me that are less fortunate,” said Ciara.