Principal's  Message

 

To Our Community

The newsletter you are receiving is a very different one to the standard format which usually highlights so many features of school life, in and out of the classroom, at St Bede’s College.

Given the circumstances we now find ourselves in, it is of no surprise that this is the case.

Firstly, I do hope that you and the family are well, in every sense of that word. We often talk to our young men about the importance of physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing in all aspects of life. This has never been more important than now.

Secondly, the College will continue to keep you regularly updated about offline learning and any school closure times in second term. You would be well aware that we have prepared for offsite/online learning and continue to discuss ways that will give the best remote educational experience. Please refer back to the numerous communications from me which outline our processes, procedures and information access. The students have been, and will be, well advised by staff as to their requirements during any offsite/online learning program.

While your son’s education is clearly important, it will never surpass the priority of his wellbeing needs. The online environment will never match the face to face connection that human beings crave. It is a substitute brought about by circumstances beyond our control. Please be aware that your son’s homeroom teacher, tutor and subject teachers will be in regular contact to support learning and wellbeing. If your son requires the support of any staff, including our school counsellors, then please make contact as you would in normal school circumstances. We are here to support your son wholly.

We belong to a Community that is founded on the teachings of St John Baptist de la Salle. His schools were founded on the basis of, “human and Christian education”. He understood that you need to meet the emotional and physical needs of young men before you can educate the mind and heart. This is the point we are at today. Let us all endeavour to work together to look after the student’s primary needs and then, as always, educate them as well as possible.

Thank you for your magnificent support of the College at this time. At a stage in the future we will be all be back together as a full College with all of our programs, functions, events and activities. Importantly, we will eventually hear the voices of our young men echo once again throughout the College, a place they call home.

Every blessing to you and your family.

Per Vias Rectas

John Finn

Principal