Principal's  Message

 

Year 7 Camp

The school year has now settled into more of a pattern with all students and staff having experienced their full set of classes and the banter and energy of the yard more obvious.

I have had the opportunity to visit one of the early Year 7 Camps at Cypress Lodge, Phillip Island. I was impressed by the demeanour, manner and enthusiasm of the boys. I was equally impressed by the Outdoor Education staff of the College in Mr Strom and Mr Anderson who are clearly passionate about their chosen field. The boys are also fortunate to be accompanied by their homeroom teacher. Outdoor Education forms a very important part of life for any boy at St Bede’s. It allows him to develop skills that are either less seen in a school setting or need greater refinement. Learning to be selfless within a team setting is essential. Challenging yourself physically, being more independent with the many practical, little things required and living away from home are all aspects that boys need to manage. For most, they not only manage, but thrive.

Lasallian Year 12 Retreats

Our Year 12 young men have begun a series of retreats, nine in all. Each student has nominated their own best “fit” retreat depending on the timing. Our Lasallian Youth Ministers conduct these retreats along with many past students who come in for the afternoon and evening. I was most interested to hear of the experiences of those graduates who have been out of the College for one or two years. For our Year 12 cohort, this is a unique opportunity to withdraw from the world of study, socialising and technology to reflect on their own pathways.

Lasallian

Families would be aware that there are a number of Lasallian schools in Melbourne.  As such, we receive invites to the investiture of the various College leaders in these schools. Our own leaders have been representing the College at these gatherings.  It is necessary to see ourselves beyond our own setting.  I was pleased to accompany our leaders to the St James College ceremony for their Year 10 leadership group.

Mission Action Day

Mission Action Day is approaching.  All students have attended year level assemblies which were designed to launch the appeal for understanding and funds.  It is important that we do not consider this just another day.  There is a symbolism to taking part in a walkathon; it is the concept of walking in another’s shoes.  St Bede’s students are usually well-loved, well-fed, well-housed and well-educated.  For so many of the corresponding age group around the world, this is simply not the case. The College works in Thailand and India are a small but significant way to show that we believe we have a global and collective responsibility to share what we have with others less fortunate.  Let us all do what we can to support this day.

College Board

The first St Bede’s College Board meeting for 2018 has taken place. This group is committed and talented, seeking to serve the needs of the College. We wish them every blessing for the year ahead.

ACC Swimming 

The ACC Swimming Championships took place last Friday evening.  Congratulations to the swim team for all their training and the manner in which they competed. The College won the Under 15 age group and finished 3rd overall in Division 1.  A special note of thanks to our staff who attend so many of the early hours training sessions.

Lasallian Leaders

I have just returned from the Lasallian Leaders gathering which was held in Brisbane. This seminar brings together Board Chairs, Principals, key leaders and Lasallian Mission staff.  It was wonderful to hear of the affirming message that the work of John Baptist de la Salle lives on in so many ways through education and social outreach.  One of the visits conducted involved a journey to Yourtown, where the role of this group was explained.

College Awards Night

The College held the awards night for students who had excelled in Years 10 and 11 last year. We should always recognise those who have committed to their studies and used the God given gifts bestowed on them.

Per Vias Rectas

John Finn

Principal