Good morning

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests and the High achievers of 2014. As we begin another school year – I take this opportunity to warmly welcome the Year 7 students to the College. These young men, the class of 2020, are the leaders of tomorrow- they require our full support to grow and develop over the coming years. I also acknowledge the stellar example set by the class of 2014 – a high standard which all of us here at the College should strive to match.

Different food. Different people. Different culture. Over the last two weeks of the summer holidays, I had the privilege of being one of 10 St Bede’s College students who travelled far into rural Thailand to assist those who required it most. On this outreach program far away from the comforts of home, family and friends - I learnt several valuable lessons, ones I believe can be reflected in the attitudes we take to our lives in the forthcoming year.

It is truly the small things in life that matter. At La Salle learning centre, we met with impoverished children who had little in the way of material possessions. They received immeasurable amounts of joy from the affection, love and care we showed them. Personally, this highlighted to me the true value of positive interaction with those around us. Within and outside of your schooling this year, make an effort to step outside your comfort zone. We can be so guarded within ourselves, sometimes something as simple as a smile is an invaluable tool to break the mask of a stranger into the warm face of a friend.

Understand the difference between rights and privileges. Whilst we often take for granted the gifts that we have around us – understand that our education, the shelter we have, the food we eat – are all privileges. Unfortunately these are NOT rights which we are born to, there are some in the world who do not have full stomachs each day, sleep on a bed each night or return home to love, compassion and care or understand the fortunate nature of your position and the ability it gives you to make a difference to so many other people’s lives. The amount we raise as a college for Mission Action Day is like a pebble dropped into a pond. The ripples left from the difference we all make reach far further then what we realise. So I ask each and every one of you to make that simple contribution this year – bring 60 dollars, meet the challenge and make a difference. The gift that you give to these people cannot be measured in monetary terms - but by the extent to which it touches their hearts, teaches their minds and transforms their lives.

The value of Education is priceless. You can give a man a fish and feed him for a day – you can teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime. Children with little else in the world but their sharp minds and charming smiles know the sentiment of this statement all too well. At the Bamboo school in Thailand, education for these children empowers them in society - to express themselves, to fulfil whatever path in life they may choose. Despite their compromised background, the children approach each days learning with a positive attitude and unbreakable enthusiasm. These children have far less then what we have, but they appreciate the value of opportunity far more. Here at the college, I hope this is something we can look to reflect on 2015. Approach your studies with the eagerness of someone who knows what a privilege it is to be engaged with them. On the sporting, academic or cultural fields – strive to be the best that you can be – strive to make constant change.

La Salle learning centre runs a program known as the Blue Sky home. It is through this that several disadvantaged or orphaned children come to live on the school property. But the true sentiment of this initiative lies in its name. Blue sky is used as a metaphor to describe the future of these children, a future free of clouds in their skies, where no obstacles lie in their path – they have the opportunity to choose their own destiny. Here at St Bede's College, we all have Blue skies ahead of us - you have been given all the resources to mould your own future. Vocational training, a sporting career, a pursuit of tertiary studies that lie ahead. Our future is tangible, believe in yourself and your own potential is limitless.

by - Darragh Tate

College Academic Achievers

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