Principal's Update
Per Vias Rectas
Lifelong Learners
Term Two is drawing to a close and we face the same annual challenges of shorter days, colder weather, tests, exams, and the never-ending hope that this year will be a successful one for our football team.
When walking around the campuses, catching up with students during lunchtime at both campuses, they often share similar stories about their best mates, hobbies, favourite subjects and of course their teachers. Speaking with our students is a great way to learn about their world and develop mutual respect. We find the majority are so very positive about school, they feel connected and they feel cared for.
Opening the door to a genuine conversation often helps us to realise that there is always something that we can learn from young people. It could be the location of a new take away option, the latest development in a global crisis or about changes to the way we shop. Certainly in 2026, the conversation will probably involve some reference to the latest technology. For many of us, any new technology, app or platform is like learning a new foreign language. It’s amazing to see how easily our students can adapt.
“In a time of drastic change it is the learners who inherit the future. The learned usually find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists”. Eric Hoffer
As a more experienced teacher, I can’t help but feel that the same technology that promised to make our lives so much easier now seems to dictate to us, almost demanding that we keep up. We can either be the ‘old dog’ struggling with ‘new tricks’ or we can accept that learning is a life-long activity. It’s important that the students can see themselves not just as learners, but that they also understand their value when it comes to sharing their knowledge.
As we know, there is no shame in asking questions - only embarrassment from not asking questions and then being caught out. Thank goodness for young people.
Debating Season
Under the guidance of their Coordinator Kath Flynn, our Public Speakers and Debaters have had a wonderful season. Kath’s passion has had a very positive impact on the students involved and is a really is a great example of student engagement.
DAV Season
At the end of a very successful season 5-round season, our young men have been representing St Bede’s College at 5:45 pm til 9 pm at Brighton Grammar. Three of our six teams narrowly missed out on being invited to the State Playoff, as they finished second on the ladder in their divisions.
A Grade (Year 12)
Our boys placed second on the ladder, with a final victory with Best Speaker awarded to Rhys. A special shout out to Debating and Public Speaking Captain William Aufner, who led by example and supported all the lads in the DAV teams. Well done to all our team members who represented St Bede’s - what an amazing legacy you are leaving us with – thank you.
Team: Will, Rhys, Riley, Ignacio & Alexander.
B Grade (Year 11)
These lads ended their season with a victory and finished equal second on the ladder. This team of three performed outstandingly at every debate.
Team: Sam, Joel & Linus
C Grade Team 1 (Year 10)
A nail-biting debate closed off this season, as they narrowly lost to St Leonard's College 1. As a result, they finished equal second on the ladder.
Team: Sebastian, Justin, Jackson & George
C Grade Team 2 (Year 10)
Well done to the gents for their efforts and teamwork across the season.
Team: Johnny, Isaac, William, Adam, Rory & Aidan
D Grade Team 1 (Year 9)
This team illustrated enthusiasm and perseverance, despite being narrowly defeated in the final round as they argued that dynamic pricing should be banned to protect consumers.
Team: Mack, CC, Alexander, Max-Xavier, Angus & Oscar
D Grade Team 2 (Year 9)
Finished their season with a 2 point win as they defended the right for producers and service providers to use dynamic pricing.
Team: Zac, Lukas & Sabeer
Thank you to all the boys' families, and staff who have supported our Beda Boys. Special mention to Stephen Irving who attended each of the Year 12 debates; Brenden Mair and Deb Frizza who showed their support and appreciation by attending at various times during the season. Thanks also to Kat Renouf who worked with some members of D Grade Team 1 at the start of the season.
Many more Debating opportunities for our students are on the horizon at House Debating and a possible collab with the BEAM program. Watch this space!
The Resilience Project - Parent Workshop
As adults working with children, we all face the same challenge. Teachers, parents, and carers are trying to understand what it is like for young people to grow up in the rapidly changing world of 2026. Because the world has evolved so quickly since we were young, viewing today’s issues through an adult lens can sometimes be misleading. So, how do we help our children navigate their way through adolescence?
Our best approach is to ensure their foundations are strong so they can weather the storms that inevitably come their way. By working together, we can build truly resilient young men.
To support families, St Bede’s College is presenting a special one-hour workshop for parents and carers, in partnership with The Resilence Project (TRP).
We are thrilled to welcome Martin Heppell, a highly engaging presenter from TRP who brilliantly combines data-driven research with powerful storytelling. Martin will provide valuable insights, practical tips, and everyday strategies for families, focussing on how authenticity, connection, and self-esteem (ACE) support your child's wellbeing.
Our goal is for every attendee to walk away with a shared understanding of how to help their child build strong relationships, strengthen their self-esteem, and grow into their authentic self.
Tuesday, June 23
6.30 pm to 7.30pm
I look forward to seeing you there.
Per Vias Rectas
Mark Jones
Principal (Acting)