Principal's Update

Farewell and Congratulations to the Class of 2026

Welcome to Term 4, which tends to pass very quickly. More than ever, students need to establish an orderly, balanced routine of study, recreation, family life, while attending to other commitments. We want every student to finish their year feeling proud of what they have achieved, not only academically, but also in their personal growth, relationships and contribution to our college community—a personal best for all!

After a hectic few weeks in which VCE Year 12 students have undertaken trial examinations, completed their final VCE assessments, in some cases commenced language and music examinations, had their last school lessons, assemblies and many farewells, we have now said good-bye and “God speed” to the Class of 2026.

At assembly Thursday last, the entire College student body and staff had the opportunity to thank the Class of 2026 for their many contributions to the College over these six years, but particularly during their final year. I was most impressed by the respect and confidence displayed by our Year 12s. They are a credit to their families, their teachers, and the college, and it was a pleasure to congratulate them on reaching this important milestone. They were fittingly applauded by all as they processed from their final assembly as secondary students.

The following day commenced with an early morning breakfast for Year 12 students and families and then a farewell walk through a guard of honour formed by Year 7 students as they moved to their Graduation Mass and Valete. The Mass allowed the opportunity to give thanks for these six years and pray for good fortune during these next few weeks. During the Graduation Assembly, our Old Collegians Association and Parents and Friends continued the tradition of inducting our newest “old” Collegians with the presentation of the Old Collegians tie and tie clip, proudly fitted by the parents. Awards were announced and presented.

On Tuesday evening last, students, families and staff gathered for the Graduation Dinner at the Caulfield Racecourse. Now our students prepare for the final examinations. The VCAA VCE examination timetable provides the full examination schedule.

We are very proud of our Class of 2026 and have constantly reminded them during these final weeks that hard work and commitment bring due reward and overcomes challenges. It is important that our senior students commit wholeheartedly to achieving their best over the coming weeks. Their time at St Bede’s College has been filled with learning, friendships, challenges, achievements and treasured memories. As they prepare to leave us, I encourage them to reflect on the people who have supported them throughout their journey: their families, teachers, support staff and friends. I hope they leave St Bede’s with a strong sense of who they are, confidence in the education and the opportunities they have been given.

Their formation as Lasallian graduates has shaped them into young men of character, integrity and compassion seeking to live by the distinct values of Faith, Service and Community. They have a guide for life: Per Vias Rectas (by Right Paths).

Class of 2027 House Captains

We are pleased to introduce our House Captains and Vice-Captains for next year. 

Benilde 

Darcy – Captain, Finn – Vice-Captain, Josh – Vice-Captain 

La Salle 

Benjamin – Captain, Lenny – Vice-Captain, Massimo – Vice-Captain 

McCristal 

Will – Captain, Oscar – Vice-Captain, Xander – Vice-Captain 

Solomon 

Nate – Captain, Jack – Vice-Captain, Ethan – Vice-Captain 

Congratulations gentlemen. You will play extremely significant roles in student life at St Bede’s during 2027. Thank you to all students who made themselves available during the selection process. Again, the fields applying for these roles have been incredibly strong.

2026 Art & Technology Show

It was a delight to attend this year’s Art & Technology showcase of student work from across Art, Visual Communication Design, Media and Design Technologies. The event celebrated the effort and enjoyment of our students' work across the year. Student creativity and artistry was displayed in many forms, including paint, photography, ceramic, film, sculpture, media, graphic design and materials technology. It was a great pleasure to speak with many of the student exhibitors and learn of the “thought pattern” behind their creations. Congratulations to all award winners and thank you to the staff who have inspired them. Thanks also to our excellent student waiters. 

Congratulations and Gratitude

Our student team of Charlie, Harvey, Noah, Karl and Kristian who, after months of multiple rounds, reached the final four (from 140 schools) in the Australian Cybersecurity Competition Finals held in Brisbane during the vacation. Two days of competition saw them achieve a second placing, after participating in a hacking simulation that saw our team track the perpetrators in just 40 minutes of an allocated 3 hours. Thank you to the team's researchers, Lucian and Alexander who supported the team, and to the team's Mentors, Stephen Anderton, Tom Hubeek and Dan Bentrovato.

Our ACC Cross Country team, finishing second to St Joseph's Geelong at the ACC Cross Country event, giving us to two wins and a second in ACC Carnivals (Athletics, Swimming, Cross Country) for 2026. An outstanding achievement! The under 13 and under 16 age groups were champions on a day where we improved on our 2025 results. Thank you to the many staff who supported our boys in the lead up to this event with Run Club and other cross-country events. You produced a team that gave everything.

Jack making his screen debut in an upcoming short horror film titled Lucky, which will screen at the Melbourne Film Festival in October and is set for release in June 2027.

All students participating in the Br Quentin Public Speaking Competition at the end of last term, and to the staff supporting these students. Our students continue to amaze me!

The St Bede’s College Student Leadership Team 2026 was named the City of Kingston’s 2026 Young Community Group of the Year, with Angus named the City of Kingston 2026 Young Citizen of the Year – both awards recognising their leadership and guidance on our Mission Action Day.

Marco awarded the Lorraine Francis Community Award in recognition of his leadership and his willingness to serve others.

Fabio who is performing in a PLOS Musical Productions stage production of Grease.

Every student and their coaches and managers who have again represented the College to an outstanding level in Term 3 ACC Sports competitions. Your efforts and camaraderie are second-to-none. A special mention to these teams: 

Premiers-Year 10 Hockey A; Yr 7 Table-tennis, Div. 2

Grand-Finals-Senior Basketball B; Senior Hockey A; Yr 8 Basketball A

Semi-Finals-Year 7 Basketball, A&B; Year 7 Hockey; Year 8 Basketball, B; Year 8 Hockey; Year 9 Basketball; Year 9 Table Tennis; Year 10 Table Tennis; Senior Table Tennis Senior. Our ACC Premier Soccer team participated in the Victorian Premier Schools’ Championships, getting to semi-final stage.

To Luka, who has signed a professional contract with Melbourne City FC after a year of captaining and representing the Under 16 and Under 17 Australian Joeys in tournaments and in the Under 17 World Cup.

To all students who entertained us with their performances at the Spring Music Concert and gave a demonstration of their growth during this year. Thank you to their teachers and mentors. It also gave an opportunity to farewell the large group of Year 12 Music students who have shown great commitment and leadership of other music students right through these past six years.

Commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Peace 

Assisi, Italy - 27 October, 1986

27 October marks the 40th anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Peace held in the town of Assisi. In 1986, Pope John Paul II invited world religious leaders to come to Assisi to fast and pray for peace. This was a milestone in interreligious dialogue that communicated a powerful symbolic message to the world – the spirit of prayer and non-violence. Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Sikhs, Zoroastrians, leaders of African and American Traditional Religions and of Shinto took part in this event.

October 27, 1986, was a turning point in the history of inter-religious dialogue, becoming a lasting symbol of the Church’s commitment to promoting social justice, moral well-being, peace and freedom for the benefit of all.

The anniversary will be commemorated in Assisi on 27 October 2026. The presence of the Holy Father is planned. He has extended an invitation to each local Church community to find appropriate ways to commemorate this historic milestone.

Per Vias Rectas

Deb Frizza

Principal