College Leaders

I am pleased to advise that the following students form the College Captaincy group for 2020:

College Captain Elijah Barrett

College Vice Captains William Bunn

Matthew Dunne

Flynn Morley

Congratulations to these young men who will support our community through their leadership of the College over the coming twelve months. We wish them every blessing.

Year 7 2020 Orientation Days

We were delighted to host our incoming Year 7 2020 students. This took place over two days. The demeanour, presentation and enthusiasm of the entire group was noticeable and is a tribute to the manner in which families and primary school staff have prepared the boys. Each and every one of these students will make their own unique contribution to the life of St Bede’s.

Music on the Lawn

For the third consecutive year, this event transformed into Music on the Floor! Melbourne’s weather intervened and we moved into the Sports Centre. The quality of the music and vocals was evident throughout the night. A very large audience appreciated the expertise of students who have been playing and singing for six years and equally applauded those who have just taken up an instrument or have begun their vocals journey.

The marked aspect of such nights is that it brings together community. We had families present made up of parents, guardians, brothers and sisters, grandparents, friends and other relations. We also had boys of multi-age groups playing within the various bands and ensembles, along with their music staff.

Congratulations to all performers and to Mr Hambly and the entire music staff.

Amalgamation Update

Parent meetings are taking place at St Bede’s and St James this week. Our parents and guardians had the opportunity to listen to aspects of the amalgamation on Monday evening and had the chance to ask any questions. A similar event will take place at St James on Thursday evening.

I encourage you to view the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on our website, as these will be updated from Tuesday of next week.

The College Board has commissioned a Steering Committee to oversee the amalgamation process and to establish consultation groups, which will include our parents and guardians. If you have any questions in relation to the amalgamation, please email or phone me at the College.

College Board

The Board has conducted its final meeting for the year. On behalf of the College Community, I wish to recognise the many efforts of our Directors who voluntarily give of their time in a very generous and selfless way. Special thanks go to Mr Anthony Brinkley, Chair of the College Board for his astute and collaborative leadership.

Council of International Schools (CIS)

It is with pride that I am able to announce that the College has achieved membership of the CIS. This follows a two day visit from this organisation where staff, students, parents and Board members were asked for their views and perceptions on a whole range of areas. This membership is a recognition of the Mission and Vision of the College and the way it is lived out in daily College life. We have had some recommendations put to us as we move into the next stage of seeking full accreditation as an International school. This involves working with our community on the concept of what a global citizen is and how we prepare young men for the world into which they will enter as healthy, fully functioning adults.

Class of 1979

This group re-gathered last week for their 40th year reunion. They were a vibrant crew who recalled fond memories of their time at the College. They felt that whilst the infrastructure has changed drastically, the fundamental tenets of a Lasallian education were highly recognisable.

First People's Retreat

The College staff will undergo a full retreat day in the final week of the year. The focus will be on First People’s and our local relationship. To that end, we will have a formal smoking ceremony onsite and a talk and guided walk from a local indigenous elder. In 2020 we will be offering two immersion experiences for our Year 10 students. One of these is a three day on-site experience at Balnarring on the Mornington Peninsula and the second is a trip to Broome and Balgo where we will be working with indigenous communities at both locations.

Lasallian Induction and Ongoing Learning

All staff in Lasallian schools undergo a formal induction process and ongoing professional learning in the Lasallian ethos. This is a mixture of school based and whole group based workshops. A dinner was held at St John’s in Dandenong to celebrate the conclusion of the course. These new staff members have been willing participants and have felt that the times spent on the workshops were well worth the effort.

End of Year

It is an unusual time of year as all of our classes have rolled over into their 2020 year levels and have begun their coursework. Our students have approached the changeover in a very positive way and we congratulate them for their enthusiasm and work.

On behalf of the College staff I wish you and your family a safe, blessed and holy Christmas and a wonderful holiday break. Thank you for your ongoing support of the College and your belief in a Catholic school enlivened by the Lasallian ethos.

Per Vias Rectas

John Finn

Principal

Sympathy

Condolences