Parents & Friends 

Presidents Report

It is with a gamut of emotions that I submit my final newsletter to our wonderful St Bede’s community as my son has now completed his studies at St Bede’s College.

My time on the Parents and Friends began six years ago as a member of the general committee, then the role of vice president, and finishing as president.

By being part of the Parents and Friends, I was given such a privileged opportunity to actively participate in all the already established wonderful college events and to be able to introduce some exciting new traditions.

This has proven to be such a rewarding experience which has given me memories that I will always hold dear.

The Parents and Friends plays a vital role in our College community.

I have found that speaking at events such as open days, Tears and Tissues, Welcome Night for new parents, and the Year 12 Graduation for example, has been so valuable as I could speak from the heart as I had experienced, or was experiencing, many of the concerns and joys of my fellow parents.

On this note, I would like to share some of the wonderful moments I have had over my years at St Bede’s that have given me great satisfaction.

• Discussions with the Brothers during our morning teas where I have heard about the amazing lives they have led.
• Chatting to grandparents on our Grandparent’s Day, where I have seen tears in their eyes because they are so overjoyed to be sharing this wonderful day with their grandson.
• Sharing laughter during our wrapping days for the Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls, and then such fun at selling these gifts to our Year 7- 9s, often with the lines being four rows deep. I recall one student coming several times each year, smiling ear to ear, to buy just one extra gift.
• I’ve read books, shared cuppas, seen movies, and gone for walks with different groups of parents who have come along to our various clubs.
• Organising and attending special social events such as the 80th Jubilee celebration for St Bede’s, and the Tercentenary celebration for the Brothers, which were just amazing.
• I’ve been involved in the judging and presenting of Parents and Friends awards at the Art Show; in fact I was going through the checkout at the supermarket a couple of years ago where I was a blown away by the boy at the checkout saying, “I know you! You’re the Parents and Friends lady who gave me my art award! I can’t thank you enough for that, it meant so much to me”.
• I have also had Year 12 students and parents share with me how grateful they were to receive the care packages from the Parents and Friends during the lockdowns.

It’s moments like these that remind me of the impact we really do have.

Perhaps, however, the greatest gift I have been given as a result of my role on the Parents and Friends was being able to share the Mother’s Day breakfast with my son Samuel. Not only was I able to enjoy having him sit by my side, but I was given the privilege to address the gathering of mums and carers. This meant I could speak about special memories us mothers have which we don’t often have time to reflect on.

This is what the Parents and Friends has been all about for me.

Being a part of my son’s journey at St Bede’s, and providing opportunities for parents to participate in events where they can build connections and develop a real sense of community – all of which enriches our son’s school experience, and Beda spirit.

I would like to finish by thanking the committee both past and present, whose friendship and support has been amazing.

Katherine Cooling, Vice-President, who joined with me when our sons started in Year 7. You have been terrific with volunteering so much of your time and energy.

To Dominic Langdon, our treasurer, thank you for your time and commitment.

To past Principal's Brother Garry and Mr John Finn, I would like to thank them for their support and confidence in me in the various roles I have held with the committee.

I also wish Ms Deb Frizza the very best as she enjoys working with our Parents and Friends committee.

To the College representatives Jo Hynes and David Cracknell, you have both been the most wonderful support to me. Jo, always being on the other end of the phone with your paper and pen ready when you knew it was me calling. I am so grateful for your unwavering encouragement, positivity, and guidance.

And David, thank you for handling all the technical side of things such as our virtual Parents and Friends meetings so well.

My time at St Bede’s has left myself and my family with so many incredibly special memories. May the new committee’s journey be as memorable as mine. 

Thank you

Debra Valentine

Outgoing President 

Parents and Friends Committee

College Thanks

On behalf of the College we would like to thank Debra Valentine (outgoing President) and Katherine Cooling (outgoing Vice President) for their many years of service to the Parents and Friends committee. They both have contributed greatly to ‘friend raising’ in our College community through the many events they have organised and run. They truly reflect the spirit of faith and service we strive for at St Bede’s. Thank you Debra and Katherine. 

At the recent AGM a new committee has been formed and they look forward to soon communicating details of upcoming Parents and Friends events.

David Cracknell