Behind The Crest
Welcome to Behind The Crest, a new series of student-led stories from across St Bede's College. Founded by proud Year 8 students Jimmy, Noah, Miguel, Jacob, Marcus, and Chase, Behind The Crest is designed to inspire and connect students and staff.
We are more excited than ever to share our second edition with you, the St Bedes community. This report features a profile on Year 7 Coordinator Mrs Amy Ross and our College Mass for the Feast of the Assumption.
Behind the Scenes: Meet Mrs Ross
Being a Year 7 Coordinator is an important role at St Bede’s, and Mrs Ross enjoys helping students settle into secondary school, build confidence and take up the opportunities available to them. Mrs Ross says that being a Coordinator is different from being a Homeroom Teacher, because she often deals with more serious and complex issues. She finds her role incredibly fulfilling, especially getting to know the Year 7 students and supporting them throughout their first year of secondary school.
From Childhood Dreams to Teaching
Mrs Ross’s passion for teaching began when she was young. She was raised by two educators who were very passionate about teaching, and as a young girl she would walk around her backyard with a pretend cup of tea, pretending she was on yard duty. Although she initially thought she would become a dietician, a hospital placement made her reconsider. She eventually studied Health Sciences and Education and has now been a teacher for 22 years. Her teaching career has included working in Hong Kong, before returning to Australia and eventually joining St Bede’s.
Life as Year 7 Coordinator
A normal day for Mrs Ross is very busy, with her walking around 20,000 steps. She usually teaches Year 7 Science and Year 12 Health and Human Development, while also supporting Year 7 students throughout the day. Recess and lunchtime are important parts of her role, because students regularly come to her with stories and news. One of her favourite parts of being Year 7 Coordinator is Year 7 camp, where she gets to spend time with students outside the classroom and build stronger relationships with them. She believes the most important qualities for her role are patience, kindness and humour.
Advice for Students
Mrs Ross believes that successful students have good communication, organisation and passion. She encourages students to check their emails, use their diaries and take advantage of the many opportunities available at St Bede’s. Outside of school, Mrs Ross enjoys running and tennis, and she is currently challenging herself with a 10 km run. Her advice to students is simple: “Just find your passion. Find the thing that makes you happy and chase it.” Her favourite quote is from Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see.”
Friday Mass
Our whole St Bede’s community gathered together to celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption with a beautiful Mass led by Fr Peter Mathison. It was a lovely morning filled with meaningful prayers, beautiful songs and a wonderful ceremony. During the Mass, we learnt more about Mary and the story of the Assumption, remembering her faith, love and trust in God. As a Lasallian community, we were also reminded of the life and example of St John Baptist de La Salle, with Brothers joining us from the other campuses along with special guests. Having everyone gathered together made the celebration feel especially meaningful and showed the strength of our St Bede’s community. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to come together in faith, celebrate Mary and share a special morning as one community.
Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank you for bringing our St Bede’s community together.
Like Mary, help us to have faith, kindness and trust in you.
May we continue to support one another and grow together as a community, following the example of Mary and St John Baptist de La Salle.
Amen.
Behind The Crest