Principal 

Over the past months the regular College Newsletter has been superseded by a substantial number of letters and emails sent directly home to families. This was to enable our Community to receive regular and up to date information around COVID restrictions and remote learning structures. It also reflected a substantial decrease in the everyday onsite activities one would normally expect.

It is good to see the Newsletter return, a sign that College activities are eventually re-appearing.

Year 12 Examinations

Many students undertaking the Unit 3 and 4 examinations are nearing the end of their schedules. This year we have had to isolate one part of the College, the Stadium, so that only Year 12 students and appropriate staff can be within it. This has meant moving our Canteen and re-arranging recreation spaces for all year levels. We have done so to give our senior group every opportunity to remain well and complete their assessments.

The feedback from our externally appointed supervisors has been extremely positive and highly complimentary of our students. Their demeanour, earnestness and goodwill has been very obvious. 

We look forward to the Class of 2021 returning to the College on the morning of 6 December to reconnect with one another and to see their tutor group and tutor teacher face to face.

Years 7-11

We will never take for granted the sight of a St Bede’s student in uniform walking across the front oval in his blazer, playing sport onsite or lining up for the Canteen. Such common place sights became increasingly rare over the past 18 months. We have managed to remain onsite with all classroom programs running. Next week sees the end of Semester Two as we prepare to begin the Flying Start Program for the 2022 academic year on 23 November. We congratulate all students on their enthusiasm for the return to onsite learning and their focus on their study and upcoming assessments.

2022 College Leaders

The students have cast their votes for our leaders next year. We had substantial interest in these roles and congratulate the following students who have been selected by their peers. A Community letter will be out shortly indicating which students have been selected as our 2022 Captains.

Melbourne Football Club Grand Final

The College is most fortunate to have one of the Melbourne Football Club Assistant Coaches on staff. Sam Radford was with the team as they spent their time on Perth progressing through the finals and on to an emphatic win in the Grand Final. Mr Radford was able to share a brief time with the Cup last week. We congratulate him on a fine achievement.

Debating and Public Speaking

The College continues to excel in this area. At recent competitions, our ACC Junior Debating Team won their section and our ACC Public Speakers placed third overall despite being a year younger than the other competitors. We continue to encourage all students to express themselves through such means and to test and extend their thoughts through the exploration of complex ideas and themes. 

Appeals

Within this Newsletter you will see an invitation to take part in the Vinnies Appeal and the Les Twentyman Foundation Appeal. Please read the information on the pages to follow and consider responding as best you can.

I wish you and the family every blessing.

Per Vias Rectas

John Finn

Principal