Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to the the final newsletter for 2021!!!!!!!!!!

I would like to firstly thank our community for your unwavering support during what can only be described as another challenging year. What started as a fresh start after the events of 2020 soon turned into another year of "in and out" of remote learning. Each lockdown provided a new set of challenges for parents, students and staff. During these periods of time the staff at St Bede's were always there if either a student or parent needed to ask a question, whilst at the same time juggling their own children and their educational needs. I totally admire their dedication to their profession. We are very fortunate with the staff we have.

Secondly I would like to congratulate our wonderful students. They moved in and out of remote learning, adapting to all that was asked of them. They pushed themselves to stay motivated even though this was difficult, mainly due to being isolated from their friends . This allowed them to continue their learning journey. These experiences have helped them mature and grow in their appreciation of being able to come to school to learn and socialise. Well done children!

I wish our community every blessing for this Christmas season. Be safe, have fun, and enjoy the opportunity to spend time with family and friends. For many of us who have family interstate and haven't seen them for awhile, enjoy the opportunity to catch up ( if borders are open).

2022 will be a new year with new experiences, new changes and new learning. I look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.

Carols

Our Annual carols evening will once again return to our school grounds. The children have been busily practicing their carols and are super keen to perform them in front of their families. The gates will be open at 5.00pm ( gate near the church and the gate near the tennis courts) and we ask that you QR code in and show your vaccination certificate. I thank you for your cooperation with this requirement. The weather is expected to be a warm 31.

Graduation

Tonight our Yr 6s will celebrate graduation. What a year for your final year of primary school!!! Just a reminder that only parents and siblings, and the graduating student can attend. The evening will commence in the church and then head over to the hall.

Drop off and Pick up 2022

Arrangements for drop off and pick up for 2022 will return to the normal times.

Yr 6 Funfields

Last Friday the Yr. 6 children attended Funfields in Whittlesea as part of their end of year celebrations. It was wonderful that we could proceed with the day. All the feedback indicates that the children had a wonderful time. The staff were very impressed with the way the children conducted themselves on the excursion. Well done to everyone who made the day special.

Staff News.

As mentioned in previous newsletters at the end of this year we farewell Nicole Richardson, Aidan Cotchett, Catherine Archibald, Courtney Mand and Tess McDonald.

Nicole Richardson

Nicole has made a huge impact in her 8 years at St Bede's. She is an exceptional teacher who always has the students interests at the forefront of everything she does. It is interesting to note that St Bede's is one of the schools that Nicole has stayed at for the longest, we have been very fortunate. She will be missed by many in our community because of the strong relationships she has built, but we know the children at St Damiens will benefit from her knoweldge and wisdom. On behalf of our whole community we wish Nicole all the best.

Aidan Cotchett

Aidan started his teaching career at St Bede's and from the first day he has demonstrated his dedication to the students under his care. Aidan is able to build relationships with the students in his class that contribute to maximising their learning opportunities. Aidan is a social person who has build strong relationships with students parents and staff. On behalf of our whole community we wish Aidan all the best at Ruyton next year.

Catherine Archibald

Everyone who has met Catherine knows how much she loves Art. Every child from Prep to Yr 6. is so excited to attend the weekly Art lessons, where Catherine provides them with the opportunity to demonstrate their artistic ability. Catherine is a quiet achiever who gets great delight from seeing the enjoyment children get from being creative. On behalf of our whole community we wish Catherine all the best for next year..

Courtney Mand

Courtney joined us this year as a Learning Support Officer in the Year 1 learning area. She supported the Year 1 students to achieve to the best of their ability in everything they did. She was either at school or online being that friendly face during remote learning. We thank Courtney for her gentle and kind approach and we wish her all the best as she commences her teaching career next year.

Tess McDonald

Tess joined us as a Learning Support Officer this year. She worked across many levels during onsite and remote learning having a positive impact on all the children she worked with. We thank Tess for her ability to get to know a child so she can best work out how to help them. Like Courtney we wish Tess all the best as he commences her teaching career next year.

Congratulations and Thank you

Congratulations and thank you to Connie and Evelyn for their selfless act of donating their hair to help makes wigs for children in need. What a wonderful thing to do at such a young age. As we lead up to Christmas what a wonderful gift to give.

School Reports

School reports will be sent out to parents on Monday 13th December 2021.

Families Leaving

The following families will be ending their association with St Bede's at the end of the school year. I would like to thank each family for their contribution to our wonderful school. You will always been remembered and I hope you leave St Bedes with fond memories. As a community we will publicly thank each family at our Carols evening

Buric, Ciavarella, Dalla Fontana, David, Della Penna, Fitzgerald, Hester

Horozidis, Jenkinson, Khabbaz, Manganaro, Morrone, Navarro, Nguyen

Perinetti, Sitilidis, Tan, Tian, Villani, Wong

2021 Commence dates

Friday 28th January: Staff Return

Monday 31th January: Students Return (8.45am)

A merry and safe Christmas to all. I hope you take the opportunity to spend some time with your family relaxing. I look forward to seeing everyone in the new year.

Brian

Reflection