Director of Campus

As we move through these first weeks of Term 2, it has been very pleasing to see how well the students have returned from the Easter break and resumed their involvement in College life and in their studies. 

This term we look forward to celebrating Founder’s Day, participating in the ACC weekly sporting competitions, the College House Swimming Championships, the recommencement of the ICAN program, and the continuation of our Homeroom Retreat  and Year 9 programs.

Thank you to the staff of the College who devote much time to the organisation and coaching for these activities, groups and teams and who encourage and challenge our students in these involvements.

Parent - Student - Teacher Interviews

I would like to express my appreciation for the support of the parents who have attended the online Parent/Student/Teacher sessions held at the end of Term 1. 

These Parent/Student/Teacher sessions provided an opportunity to review progress thus far, and to assist the students in refining Learning Goals as they work towards the Testing and Examination period scheduled for later this term. The teachers and staff greatly value these discussions with families and the parental support shown for our work with the students, and this support is especially apparent during these meetings.

Partnership between the school and families is held in the highest regard at St Bede's and - as per our Catholic faith and Lasallian Tradition - good relationships between our parents, students and teachers are vital.

Examination and Testing period

A reminder to all that Semester One Examinations and testing period will take place Week 7 of Term 2.  I wish all students every success as they complete their classwork in the coming weeks, and begin to prepare for exams later this term. Year 9 students in particular should be revising for their Exams as part of their weekly home revision schedule. Students in Years 7 and 8 will complete the subject and unit topic tests scheduled during this time.

Founder’s Day Mass

On the morning of Friday 19 May, students and staff will travel to Mentone for a whole-College Mass to celebrate Founder’s Day, which occurs earlier during that week (15 May). This Feast Day is an important date in our calendar; it is the anniversary of the proclamation by Pope Pius XII, in 1950, of St John Baptist De La Salle as the Patron Saint of Teachers. It is an occasion to give thanks to God for our Charism that we share with other Lasallian schools around the world.

John Baptist De La Salle was born in France, in 1651 and in 1682 was responsible for founding the group of teachers he named as the Brothers of the Christian Schools (known in Australia as the De La Salle Brothers). 

Jean Baptiste’s own words were that we should be “brothers and sisters to each other and older brothers and sisters to those whom we serve”. This is a core ideal of our Lasallian tradition. The De La Salle Brothers, and the staff who work in Lasallian schools, are engaged in a mission, as part of the Church, to make Christ’s presence a reality in the world of education. We - students, parents and staff - are part of this mission, which is alive at St Bede’s College through all of us. Thus we say we are a Catholic School in the Lasallian Tradition. 

The Founder’s Day Mass will take place during Periods 1 and 2, with students and staff returning to Bentleigh East for recess, followed by our normal Friday program.

ACC Swimming Carnival

Last term, students from both Campuses represented St Bede's College as members of the Swimming Squad, competing in the Associated Catholic Colleges Swimming Championships at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. Our students had a wonderful evening and achieved some outstanding results. Competing against some equally large schools, we gained places in the majority of our races. Congratulations to all students and coaches involved. 

Staffing Changes

At the end of Term 1, we farewelled Mr George Vlamakis and Ms Robyn Stark, both whom have taken positions in other schools. This term we welcome Ms Jane Willison – English and 9.2 Homeroom teacher - and Ms Stephanie Thomson – Mathematics and Humanities. Ms Linda Wilkinson continues as our Library Services Officer in a full-time role. We look forward to working with these new staff members.

Easter Reflection

Following the Resurrection, and now in the season of Easter, we recall that Jesus Christ gave his life, making the supreme sacrifice and thus forgiving our sins so that we may have eternal life. Through his sacrifice, our relationship with God is affirmed, and it is now up to us to strengthen this relationship in our daily lives and through our interactions with others. 

As we move further into this Term let us continue to celebrate the Easter message of hope and of new life.

Stephen Pooley

Director of Campus