Principal’s Message
From the Principal
End of Term 3
During these final weeks of another very different term, it is pleasing to note that despite the restrictions and the dependence upon the virtual environment, much has been accomplished this term. This is due to the various partnerships between students, their parents and our staff.
Our staff have ensured that many College activities have continued although with some adaptation to the current conditions:
Congratulations to those students and staff who have recently been involved in the Southern Independent Schools’ and the Kids’ Cancer Project Write a Book in a Day Online competitions, as well as the engaging online activities on offer through our College Library.
Our Mathematics teachers recently have been holding the Bebras Challenge in their classes. This competition is a Computational Thinking Challenge that spans more than 60 countries around the world and involves students working in teams to solve problems.
Thank you to those students who are contributing to the Song Writing competition organised by our Performing Arts Staff – we look forward to listening to these creative works.
Articles detailing these activities are included in this newsletter.
Transition Events
Through this term we have had our Year 10 students making significant decisions regarding their future education. There has been a great deal of work by parents and teachers working with staff from St Bede’s College to set pathways in place for our young men to take them into the years ahead. This year there has been the added complexity for all meetings and interviews to be conducted online through this important process. Thank you to Mr Shepherd, Mr Donlen and our Year 10 teachers for the efforts they give to ensuring the Transition Program for our students and their families has again run smoothly this year.
Our Year 7 Staff are planning for a number of transition events in Term Four for our new Year 7 students and their families. Preparations are in train for virtual activities and presentations for our Meet and Greet Afternoon Teas and for our Information Evening. Depending upon restrictions, we are hopeful that it may be possible to have our new Year 7 students on site at the end of the year for some Orientation activities.
Term 4 Staffing
Ms Amy Collins will be taking Long Service Leave during Term 4. Mr Ashley Stewart will be taking on Ms Collins’ Indonesian classes over the coming term. Mr Stewart commenced with us earlier this year teaching in our Indonesian Language classes. We wish Ms Collins a restful and enjoyable break while on leave.
Our Lasallian District
This week I was fortunate to join with a large group of Lasallian principals and leadership staff in an extended online meeting to discuss a range of issues. Our District spans schools in Australia, New Zealand, PNG and Pakistan and as you would expect, there was discussion around how schools were dealing with the impact of COVID19. Some of the overseas countries are facing significant challenges for the health of their communities.
An aspect that resonated through our gathering involved what positives could come from this year especially given the restrictions that we are facing. On one level this would obviously include the upskilling in the use of technology in our daily practice and the capacity to draw more upon the resources of the virtual world.
Through the lens of our Lasallian Tradition there are many relational positives that are significant at this time including:
- An opportunity to continue to build relationships with those around us
- A chance to take stock of our own lives and a time for self-reflection
- Opportunities to reach out to others especially to those facing difficulties
These sit well alongside the notion of passing on some kindness to others – maybe a family member, a neighbour or a stranger. This week I have heard staff members share a number of accounts of how others have assisted those in need – some involved members of the public helping someone in difficulty.
In his teachings and writings, St John Baptiste de La Salle often highlighted aspects of being kind to others. Two of his many quotes and meditations for the early Brothers and teachers include:
“Never speak to anyone except with kindness.”
“Show much kindness and love for the young people you teach.”
These are equally as applicable for our actions in today’s contexts more than 300 years after they were first penned.
As we enjoy this coming holiday period and perhaps are able to have a break from the lockdown and online routines, I hope all may enjoy spending some time with family for rest and rejuvenation. Maybe we can all be more attuned to those in need and be prepared to lend a hand where possible, or, offer some act of kindness to another.
We remain hopeful that the case numbers will improve and hence the current restrictions will ease in the coming weeks, thus enabling an eventual return to school during Term 4.
Every blessing to our students, families and staff over the coming holiday period.
Stephen Pooley
Principal