Principal's Message
Year 12
Our Class of 2019 formally finish on Friday 18 October. They have been a wholehearted and on-side group who will go into many and varied pathways. Valete takes place on Tuesday evening of next week. Some of the cohort completed their VCAL work, a number of whom are currently employed, whilst the majority will sit their examinations and seek Tertiary entry. In Lasallian education we are always trying to work with young men to develop people of Faith, Service and Community. We wish every young man well as they enter into a new phase of their lives.
Amalgamation
The College sent out email notifications to all members of our Community in relation to the recent news that St James College in Bentleigh is to be amalgamated under the umbrella of St Bede’s College. In addition to the information letter sent, there is also the opportunity to see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on our College website. If you have any particular questions that are not addressed in the letter or FAQs, then please email me on principal@stbedes.catholic.edu.au.
Trips and Immersions
Over the third term break two groups of students travelled overseas.
Thailand
Our students build houses and other infrastructure, as most needed and directed by the “Bamboo School” Community. This school sits on the Thai / Burma border. The building process and conditions create a physically and mentally challenging task. There is never an occasion where a student will return unaffected by this immersion, often resulting in them becoming strong advocates for social equity and practical support.
Indonesian Study Trip
A large number of students from Year 9-11 went to Indonesia to skill up on their language and to see a number of prominent sites. The value in the trip lies in language acquisition and developing a more refined appreciation of another place and culture.
Indigenous Immersions 2020
The College will be offering two experiences for Year 10 2020 students next year. The first of these will be a fourteen day immersion in Balgo, Broome and Beagle Bay. The College has substantial contacts in all three places and we are currently piecing together a worthy itinerary that will allow our students to gain a greater understanding of our First People’s. The second immersion will be more local. This will take place over a three day period in Balnarring, Victoria where an indigenous elder will conduct a series of talks and activities.
Old Collegians Hall of Fame
The new format saw the recipients recognised in front of the entire Year 12 cohort. This was done through live attendance, video link and direct family representation for any posthumous award. Our students were suitably impressed by the calibre of Old Collegian, especially in relation to the generous way they have used their talents for the benefits of society.
CIS Visit
The College is seeking accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS). This accreditation body has over 700 schools who are currently accredited and a significant number of others who are seeking that certification. To meet this accreditation it is necessary for our school to first gain membership and then complete an extensive review of all aspects of life within our community. The key analysis is around how we live out our Mission and Vision on a daily basis and how we view the concept of global citizenship.
This full process takes around 18 months. At the end of this process, and if accreditation is granted, the College can confidently say that we are operating at a world standard that is recognised for its rigour and validity. In addition to the community consultation process there are also very practical benefits for students in terms of future courses both interstate and overseas. The two day membership visit takes place at the end of October.
CIS logo
Recent Events
We had five recent significant events.
Brother Quentin Public Speaking Awards Night brought together the highest quality schoolboy group that I have witnessed. We are prominent and successful in this important area. Well done to all speakers on the night, each of whom gained that right by finishing in the top echelon of their respective year levels.
The Visual Arts & Technology Show ran over four days and highlighted the talents of our students across all year levels. The formal evening of awards was a highlight.
Grandparents Day for Year 7 Our 450 guests were well hosted and eventually left with their individual grandchild for a special lunch of their choice.
The Parents and Friends Tercentenary Dinner was held at the Beaumaris Motor Squadron. The night began with a formal recognition of the work of the Brothers at St Bede’s College. A number of Mentone Brothers attended with Br Ken Ormerod speaking on their behalf. It was a very successful evening. Thank you to the Parents and Friends Committee who organised this event.
A Year 7 2020 Information Evening saw the College Hall at capacity as we welcomed our new cohort of for the first time. It was a noticeably happy and exciting evening. We are fortunate that each time we have new students and families join us, we have the opportunity to become an even better school through recognising and nurturing the gifts and talents of each young man.
Ordination
It is unusual for a College to celebrate the Ordination of an Old Collegian. I was delighted to attend the first Mass of Fr Michael Buck (Class of 2011), which was said at his home parish of St Patrick’s, Mentone. Fr Michael returned to the College the following week to address our Year 11 students. We wish him all the best as he returns to Rome for further study.
ACC Success
The College won the ACC Cross Country title for the second year in a row. This demanding sport relies on sheer determination and team work. Congratulations to the team and to our extensive number of St Bede’s coaching staff.
Per Vias Rectas
John Finn