Principal's Update

Announcing Our 2026 College Captains

We are very pleased to announce our College Captains for 2026. Please join me in congratulating these fine young men:

College Captain - Thomas Rossi

College Vice-Captain – Daniel Athaide

College Vice-Captain – Oran Jenkins

College Vice-Captain – Nicholas Shipham

The calibre of this team is truly exceptional, each of them upstanding gentlemen who have actively demonstrated leadership and have lived by our values throughout their journey at St Bede’s College. 

I commend every student who was shortlisted for these four roles; they are each outstanding contributors and representatives of our College and I look forward to positive leadership from the Class of 2026.

2025 Southern Region Youth Gathering -Pilgrims of Hope

On August 29, St Bede’s College was delighted to host 12 secondary Catholic colleges, 247 student delegates from Years 10 and 11 and 25 staff in a day of celebration of the Jubilee Year. Gathering in the theme of pilgrimage, students were led to reflect on their own journey of faith, renewal, and hope, while exploring the deeper meaning of this Jubilee year—a time of reconciliation, forgiveness, and transformation.  

These themes were unpacked by Gen Bryant, composer, performer and music minister, and her team of musicians, singers and facilitators. Over the day, students mixed with one another; they sang, danced, reflected on their own experiences and faith-shared in a safe and dialogical manner, told of their hopes for the future and for the Church, and enjoyed delicious hospitality. 

I invite you to read two excellent features on the Jubilee event in Faith and Mission  and from the Archdiocese of Melbourne. 

Celebration of the Generations

When we enrol a student at St Bede’s College, we enrol a family. We are reminded of this each year when we come together and celebrate the families who share a long and proud history with our College. This year we welcomed 37 new second-generation students with their families and two third-generation families.  

As usual, this gathering spans decades of association with the College. Thank you to the St Bede’s Old Collegians Association and to the Parents’ and Friends’ Association who keep this wonderful tradition going.

The Formidable Strength Of Our Community

The Old Collegians Association again held their Finian Foundation one-day appeal to raise funds that will support the education of St Bede’s College students whose families are facing severe financial hardship. This year the Association raised a record-breaking $25,000 in under 24-hours to assist more than 20 families with their son’s education at our College. 

The Appeal highlights the enduring strength of our Old Collegians network. From recent graduates to those who walked the halls decades ago, our past students continue to give back and make a difference. Their generosity, alongside that of current families, staff, and friends of the College, reflects the true spirit of St Bede’s – one of community, solidarity, and care for one another.

We extend our sincere thanks to all who donated and supported the Appeal.

Many Reasons To Celebrate

Congratulations to Orlando T (Year 7), who has been cast in Opera Australia's production of Carmen to be performed in Melbourne this November. I continually marvel at the very broad range of interests and pursuits that our students participate in outside of school and congratulate those parents who are supporting their sons in these endeavours.

Congratulations to all coaches and boys who participated in the ACC Cross-Country Carnival. A very narrow second ended our run of victories over the past few years. However, the preparation and training undertaken by students was magnificent and is every bit as important as the result.

On Monday last, students within the ACC Colleges performed magnificently in the ACCent on Music concert at Hamer Hall, with 43 of our musicians and vocalists involved.  The concert comes after some months of rehearsals involving about 600 students from 13 colleges. Great work from our students and our thanks to our team of Music and Vocal Teachers and our Director of Music, Laura McCormick, who give up so much time to support our students. Thank you, also, to the supporting parents who go out of their way to allow these students to follow their passion. 

VCE Examinations - A Message For Our Students

It is hard to believe that the time is approaching for important Year 11 and 12 VCE examinations. With the exams about 7-8 weeks away, now is the time to put practices in place to avoid and minimise the pressures and pitfalls. There is still sufficient time to consolidate subject knowledge and to hone examination techniques. Much is possible in these weeks before the final exams when students are expected to be at their best. While there are many pathways to post-school opportunities, like university, apprenticeships and work, your Year 12 ATAR does put you in the best position to determine your immediate destiny.

Make sure you are prepared. We are often told that ‘failing to plan is planning to fail’, and effective preparation is key. Know of upcoming tasks and assessment so that you know when key tasks are due. Unit 3&4 students need to be familiar with the set out of their examinations and be completing as many past examinations as possible. Move into exam practice mode by writing your answers and working to time. Completion means handing your responses to the teacher for checking and advice. Anxiety is minimised when you see that the exam paper is just what you were expecting.

Continue to set aside time for relaxation and remaining connected with friends and family.  Continue to do the things you enjoy and ensure that your time includes exercise, sleep and rest. Preparing for examinations leads to stress, but reach out for help and be prepared to help others. You are not competing with your classmates; now you compete together against all the other VCE students in Victoria. So, working together or discussing subject matter and exam approaches with one another can be valuable.

Check our Exam Preparation Guidewith tips from successful past students on the College website.

And to those parents living with a Year 12 student: “The trouble with being a parent of a Year 12 student is that by the time you are experienced, you are unemployed” – Unknown

On Perfection

The term “perfection” is quite ambiguous and subjective. To some people, it implies a state of excellence when there is nothing more to add or deduct. To others, perfection refers to the accomplishment of personal goals and ambitions. However, perfection is more a process than it is an outcome to a situation. It is something we can continually pursue in our quests for improvement. In the pursuit of perfection, it is the journey that makes life interesting, challenging and enjoyable, not the destination which is almost certainly not going to be attained.

Mitt Romney was an American businessman and retired politician, who served in the US Senate and was a Governor of Massachusetts. He ran for the US presidency in 2012 but lost that election to Barack Obama. At one stage early in the presidential campaign, the image makers working for Mitt Romney identified a problem with their candidate—he seemed too perfect. He was handsome, happily married, rich and successful and was never photographed with messy hair. Even after a long day of campaigning, his shirt seemed to be unwrinkled. So, he was reportedly coached to smile a little less and show some anger when opponents hurled insults at him. The minders felt that by showing a few imperfections he would better connect with the people. He did not win the eventual election, and as time went on his imperfections become obvious. The mistake was in believing that he was perfect. 

John Eales was a former Australian rugby union player, considered by many to be the greatest rugby player ever, and he was the most successful captain in the history of Australian rugby. Under his captaincy, the Wallabies became the world’s No. 1 rugby team. His overall abilities, combined with his inspirational leadership and outstanding sportsmanship, led to his being given the nickname of “Nobody.” This was derived from a clever reading of the adage, “Nobody is perfect.”

There is nothing wrong in aiming for perfection, so long as we recognise it as an impossible quest. We can still be very happy and very successful without being perfect. Tim Hansel, author of You’ve Gotta Keep Dancing, in writing about the privileges of simply being human, said the pursuit of excellence was gratifying and healthy. But the pursuit of perfection is frustrating, neurotic and a terrible waste of time. The desire to be perfect is not nearly as useful as a commitment to constant improvement.

We are all imperfect people and even our friendships are imperfect, but our imperfections are the reasons love is worth anything at all. We are loved for who and what we are, not because we are just so perfect!

The Eskimo craftsmen of Alaska have a “handle” on this notion of perfection. They introduce a flaw into their weaving and sculpting so as not to offend God by trying to produce something perfect. It is an acknowledgment that humanity, though often aspiring for perfection, does tend to stumble. Salvador Dali, the Spanish artist and writer said, “Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it”.   

The goal we need to set for ourselves is much more attainable—just be the best you can!  Vince Lombardi, the legendary American Football Coach, summed up the situation well.  “Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”  

Jesus also had a view on perfection. “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.” 

Best wishes to all in the St Bede’s College community for a restful and enjoyable spring break. Hopefully there will be some warmth to allow you to thaw out before the final, important term.

Per vias rectas

Deb Frizza 

Principal

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation, whose ancient wisdom nurtured these lands and waters for millennia. 

We pay our respects to their elders, both past and present. 

May we always walk together by right paths.