Principal

Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

In the early hours of last Friday morning (AEST), Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96. Her Majesty had suffered a series of health issues in the years prior to her death. The Queen reigned for more than 70 years, ascending to the throne on the death of her father - His Royal Majesty King George VI - in 1952.

Queen Elizabeth learned at the age of 10 that she was to be the heir to the throne and that, in her mother's words, "the Crown must be above all controversy". Her Majesty's entire adolescence was spent training to be the future sovereign. The Queen's coronation at Westminster Abbey on June 2, 1953 was broadcast live on television and watched by an estimated three-quarters of the UK's population.

During Her Majesty's reign, she would meet almost weekly with more than a dozen different British prime ministers. What was said in those meetings was rarely publicised, as it is the Sovereign's role as head of state to remain politically neutral. Publicly, she remained apolitical and reserved, refusing to comment even when her government drew fierce criticism for its actions.

The Queen has been recognised as a beacon of consistency and endurance in the face of unprecedented political and societal changes.

Despite considerable, highly publicised, family turmoil, Her Majesty's stoic image contributed to her reputation as a stable leader, as did her relentless commitment to the job, regardless of her age.

Queen Elizabath II ruled for longer than any other monarch in British history, and visited nearly every Commonwealth country. Australia was one of her first and final destinations as part of her extensive royal tours.

Tributes from all over the world have focused on HRM Queen Elizabeth II as the model of duty, stability, service, wisdom and grace. Pope Francis said the following in a telegram to Britain’s new monarch His Royal Majesty King Charles III -

“Deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I offer heartfelt condolences to Your Majesty, the Members of the Royal Family, the People of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth”.

“I willingly join all who mourn her loss in praying for the late Queen’s eternal rest, and in paying tribute to her life of unstinting service to the good of the Nation and the Commonwealth, her example of devotion to duty, her steadfast witness of faith in Jesus Christ and her firm hope in his promises.”

Thank You Anthony Brinkley – Chair of the Board

It is appropriate that we acknowledge the contribution of Anthony Brinkley as he steps down from the Board and his role as Chair of the Board. Anthony has been a member of the College Board for 11 years, and Chair of the Board for 8 years.

During this time, he has led and been part of a team who have:

Selected and appointed two College Principals.
Guided the College through a world-wide pandemic.
Led the College through a process that saw the amalgamation of St Bede’s College with St James College to form St Bede’s College – Mentone and Bentleigh East.
Maintained very strong enrolments across the College.
Ensured that the College is in a strong financial position.
Been part of discussions around a change in governance structure.
Led discussions on the appointment of a new Chair of the Board.
And…been part of regular Board activities and decisions over an 11-year period.
Regularly attended St Bede’s College community events.

Thank you, Anthony, for the remarkable service you have given to St Bede’s College over many years.

CIS Survey

Thank you to all families, students and staff who completed the recent CIS survey. The results of this survey provide us with information that will now guide our Strategic Plan and Master Plan. Pleasingly, the College, across both campuses, was affirmed in many areas, including Teaching and Learning, Catholic Identity, Student Wellbeing and Governance. Areas that were identified as needing to improve include Global Citizenship, Sustainability, Intercultural Understanding and Diversity. This is reasonably consistent with results obtained during the last round of surveys, and a plan will be mapped out within our Strategic Plan to improve in these key areas. I would like to express my appreciation to the community, both present and past, for the work that has been done over many years to achieve such positive results overall.

Per Vias Rectas

Deb Frizza

Principal