Principal's  Message

 

Mission Action Day

This took place in the latter part of last term. We were blessed with fine weather. At the beginning of the day, the students and staff gathered in the Sports Centre for an Easter liturgy which focused on an acknowledgement of our personal failings as people (the sense of Good Friday) and on the type of resurrection that each of us can experience throughout our own lives. The boys had prepared for the liturgy through their respective religious education classes.

Staff and students then went on the traditional walk along Beach Road to Rickett’s Point and made the return journey to enter into the festivities that had been planned. Congratulations to our Year 12 leaders who structured many activities that were both engaging and fun. The rock bands were also in full flow outside the Canteen. It was a day of ceremony, activity and friendship.

Of course, the ultimate purpose of the day is to raise funds for Lasallian Mission works across the Province. A number of our Lasallian sisters and brothers live in parts of the world where hygiene, clean water, housing and education cannot be taken for granted. We have the opportunity to assist in many constructive ways. We are hoping to finalise our collection tally in the coming weeks.

Camps and Activities

Our Year 7 students have now concluded their Camps at Cypress Lodge, Phillip Island. The feedback has been very positive with numerous boys excitedly describing the experiences to their families. Our Year 8 students are about to embark on their own Camps which are structured to be a little more demanding both physically and in terms of team work. Outdoor Education is a wonderful vehicle for developing resilience, self-respect and practical life skills.  We are also about to enter into the Year 7 season of Retreats. 

 Well done to our Year 9 cohort who have been in Melbourne Central of late as they undertook a familiarisation day. This self-directed day took our boys into many well-known Melbourne landmarks and enabled them to get a greater perspective on the structure and function of our city.

Parent Teacher Interviews

We conclude the third of our interview days this week. It is encouraging to see the response of families to this opportunity to discuss work as a family group. It is important that young men feel equally supported by both school and home as they engage in a wholehearted way with their learning. It is hoped that every young man feels proud of their work so far this year and that they are able to take heed of any constructive advice.

ACC

Our Athletes competed strongly to finish second at the recent ACC Athletics Day held at the Albert Park Stadium. This was a most commendable effort and the result of a great deal of preparation for the day. We are currently in the soccer and football season; there have been numerous strong results to date.

Each year the Associated Catholic Colleges (ACC) recognises staff in school who have made an extraordinary contribution to the ACC through their commitment to many teams over a long period of time. We are delighted that Mr Brian Bourke is to be recognised for his outstanding contribution at an upcoming ceremony.

Study Skills and Organisation

We have just concluded a full day of working with an external facilitator on the area of study skills and organisation. Students in Years 9, 10 and 11 each had class sessions that focused on this area. We were also delighted that such a large number of Year 7 parents availed themselves of the opportunity to attend the evening session in the Hall. The fact that the Hall was full, and the bleachers were being used, indicates that there is a perceived need for young men to be given guidance in study and practical organisation. Many useful tips were passed on at these sessions.

ANZAC Day

The College was represented at the Mentone RSL at both the Dawn and 9 am times for the ANZAC services.  It is important that we stop, reflect and acknowledge those women and men who have given service to this Country, in some cases paying the ultimate sacrifice. We do not glorify war, but rather we recognise the sense of duty and commitment of each person to this country.  

The students and staff of St Bede’s had a ceremony on Tuesday to recognise ANZAC day.

Per Vias Rectas

John Finn - Principal