Principal's Message
Premier’s Awards
I accompanied two teaching staff to the 2018 Premier’s Awards. These awards go to those students who placed top in their subject/s. Two St Bede’s College students received awards. Congratulations to Liam Turner (Geography) and Adam Dingli (Chemistry) who received Premier’s Awards. It is important to recognise excellence and to see the level of tuition these young men have had right through their time at the College. We also recognise that achievement comes in many forms and that for some students, simply completing Year 12 is a magnificent effort.
College Performances
Our Theatre Studies students worked with great expertise to produce and perform, “The Club”. It was an entertaining and still relevant piece that was maturely acted. Congratulations to all students and staff involved.
We are delighted that our major production for 2019 is Twelve Angry Men. This riveting play centres on twelve men, all jurors, who must decide the fair fate of a disadvantaged young man. But, of course, it is far more than simply a recount of a behind-the-scenes workings of a jury. The discourse goes to the heart of what each of us sees as our moral compass, and on what basis we form our judgements. It asks challenging questions around whether any of us can be free from our prejudices when making major decisions.
One of the jurors in the play states, “It takes a great deal of courage to stand alone even if you believe in something very strongly”. This goes to the heart of our College and the wish we have for all of our students to do what is right rather than what is easy or convenient. Congratulations to the cast and crew of this production. There is an intensity about the work which makes it all the more admirable as it requires a fierce concentration to interact seamlessly between the characters. This production premieres on 20 June.
L6 Meeting
This is a group of 6 principals who meet twice a year to discuss aspects of Lasallian schooling. The schools represented are the colleges of St James College, St John’s College, De La Salle College,
St Bede’s College, La Salle College (Perth) and St Michael’s College (Adelaide). We are usually joined by Lasallian Mission Services, a group that services the needs of all Lasallian schools throughout Australia, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan and New Zealand. It is important to realise that whilst we serve communities in different parts of Australia, we are united in our Catholicity and the five guiding principles of Lasallian education.
Examinations
We have now begun second semester. Many of our students in Year 9 and 10 undertook examinations at the conclusion of the previous semester. For our Year 9 cohort, it was the first time that they had experienced large scale testing with their year level. All students are to be commended for their attitude and demeanour. Whilst we may all have varying abilities, effort is one factor that can be common to all.
Thailand Trip
The first group of Year 11 students going to Thailand will leave in just under two weeks. This experience will allow these young men and staff to continue the efforts of many from our St Bede’s community who have gone before them in building facilities for our sister school in Thailand. This school sits near the Thailand / Burma border and caters for a large group of children, many of whom are not granted a nationality (or education) by their country of birth.
The De La Salle brothers bus this large contingent across the border each day. Our young men do not go to Thailand as dispensers of wisdom or resources. They go to share a brief, useful and respectful time with fellow Lasallians and come away from that experience richly blessed.
Old Collegians of 50 years or More
We are delighted to be able to host this special mix of Old Collegians who re-join us next week. They are a dedicated, lively and supportive group who maintain a healthy interest in the College. Our College has educated thousands of young men who go on to a vast array of interesting and challenging careers; we are the richer for that variety.
Year 12 Formal
We look forward to this event which is to take place later this term. With most Year 12 students in attendance, it promises to be memorable. Our students deserve to have such time together, to celebrate in a safe and meaningful way.
Enrolments
Per Vias Rectas
John Finn
Principal