Now in its second year, Kolbe’s Build program has returned bigger, bolder, and bursting with ideas. As the second instalment in our three-part Capabilities Courses, Build gives our Year 8 students the chance to explore how human activity and the natural world are interconnected—guided by the inspiring principles of the Laudato Si’ goals. It’s a uniquely Kolbe initiative, blending faith, responsibility, and action in true Catholic Education spirit.
From day one, students quickly discover that this is no ordinary classroom project. Instead, Build unfolds as a cross-curricular, problem-based learning experience spanning HASS, Religious Education, and Science. Over two and a half weeks, students take on real-world sustainability challenges across four local regions—Rockingham, Kwinana, Mandurah, and Serpentine-Jarrahdale—working collaboratively to design purposeful and achievable solutions.
As student Beau reflected, “Build has taught us the importance of understanding and caring about the world,” a sentiment that captures the heart of the program.
This year’s topics are as ambitious as ever: tackling urban heat and endangered marine life in Rockingham; confronting industrial air pollution in Kwinana; addressing overfishing and wetland water quality in Mandurah; and unpacking deforestation and community isolation in Serpentine-Jarrahdale. For many students, it’s the first time they’ve been asked to combine knowledge, values, and action in such a meaningful way. As Matilda put it, “It’s good to learn about a topic and actually do something about it. It forces us to take responsibility.”
Each group transforms their research and creativity into a professional video proposal, which they will present directly to representatives from the four Shires. The project doesn’t just build skills—it builds confidence and agency. Lucas summed this up beautifully, sharing, “Even though we live in good areas, there are still lots of environmental problems that need fixing. By doing Build it’s helped spread awareness so then we know what our future will be and how we can help it.”
The program will culminate on Tuesday 9 December at our official Build Awards Ceremony, where eight council representatives will come together to crown this year’s winning proposals.
But no matter who takes home the award, one thing is already clear: our young people are shaping a better world—one creative, courageous idea at a time.
