Mission Action Day

Perfect weather greeted us on the morning of our 2019 Mission Action Day. We gathered in the Sports Centre as a Community to gain a clear understanding of why we raise both awareness of, and funds for, works done in places far from here and for people we are never likely to meet.

Br David Hawke, our Provincial of Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and New Guinea, spoke to students and staff about the projects that benefit from our support. It became very evident that communities in India and Thailand are able to live in decent accommodation that has water, sewage and is structurally sound. New Guinea is also a key recipient of funds that allows the work of the

De La Salle brothers to prosper.

We who have much, who are so blessed, do not help out our fellow Lasallians as human beings because we feel obliged or guilty about our own lifestyle. We do so because we commit to the common good, where small steps towards equity in education, housing and employment can lead to practical and powerful outcomes.

Well done to our Year 12 College leaders who coordinated the many activities that took place after the liturgy and walkathon; they were superb.

Course and Careers Evening

St Bede’s College was pleased to host this large scale event that focused on providing sound information and advice on future options for students around the world of work. The very large attendance attested to the fact that such information is well sought by parents. We were also pleased to be able to offer Kilbreda College families this opportunity. The various tertiary providers gave some wonderful feedback on the level of questioning and the genuine interest in the various courses on offer. Angie Greaves is to be commended for her detailed work in piecing together this evening.

Year 7 Study Skills Evening

Well done to the many Year 7 families who attended this night which was dedicated to advising parents and guardians about the best way to structure and encourage their sons to study. The definition of what study actually means was interesting to many. It is important that parents, students and the College are collectively working to gently work towards the goal of having our young men self-motivated through both encouragement and practical guidelines.

Lasallian Induction

Staff working within St Bede’s, a Catholic College which is enhanced by our Lasallian charism, are required to undertake numerous and regular forms of professional learning. Beyond many specific subject areas this also includes aspects of Child Safety, Occupational Health and Safety, anaphylaxis awareness and response, first aid training and asthma training to name but a few. Amongst all of that we also have our staff immersed in Lasallian history and principles. It is important that we know our story and appreciate our heritage whilst seeing the contribution that we can all make to the present. Ultimately, the students are the beneficiaries of such knowledge and passion.

New Parents Welcome Evening

A large contingent of families new to the College gathered in the Functions Room recently. It is always so uplifting to speak to those who have made a deliberate and considered choice in having their son attend St Bede’s College. Whilst there will always be a natural nervousness amongst those who begin (both boys and parents), this seems to have dissipated quickly during the first few weeks of the year.

Thank you to our Parents and Friends Association who so graciously hosted the event.

Athletics Days

Families will be aware that we postponed these carnivals from earlier in the year due to extreme heat. Given the excellent weather conditions we experienced for the Year 7-9 and Year 10-12 events on the revised dates, this proved to be a wise decision in hindsight. Both days were full of life allowing competent athletes to shine whilst giving all students the opportunity to compete at their level and be with their friends during the carnival.

Our senior carnival always has considerable flair as each House seeks to outdo the other with colourful entrances and rehearsed performances. All students are to be commended for their outstanding attitude and their participation rates.

Year 12 Retreats

We are nearing the conclusion to these experiences. Our senior students have been most willing to enter into the opportunity to reflect on their year to date and to gaze with optimism into their future possibilities. All of this is within the context of considering what a spiritual life actually means.

APLEC

The College is very pleased to be able to assist with the upcoming Asian Pacific Lasallians Education Conference (APLEC) being held in Melbourne from 14-16 April. With more than 140 participants, this is a wonderful opportunity for Lasallians from the region to listen to keynote speakers, participate in workshops and share their own local experiences with each other. This has been coordinated to coincide with the 300th Anniversary of the passing to eternal life of St John Baptist de la Salle.

Easter

Given that this is the last newsletter before Easter, I take this opportunity to wish all St Bede’s families a happy and holy Easter. May we all experience the joy, optimism and renewal of Christ’s resurrection.

Per Vias Rectas

John Finn

Principal

VCAL

Leadership and Communication Work