Academic Awards

These awards were given to students who had excelled in their 2020 studies.

Both campuses held their event this week. It is important to recognise both effort and excellence, which these presentations allow for and applaud. ALL students have the capacity for personal excellence. An edited version of my talk at the awards is given below:

“……..Personal excellence is not a single act, but a habit.

We are what we do repeatedly.

There is a fine balance to be achieved here by parents and teachers, in fact all those who are, as St John Baptist de la Salle would say, “forming the hearts and minds of the young”.

On one hand we want our young men to be well grounded, reasonable and respectful. On the other hand, we want them to reach for their limits, to imagine and to take risks; a tricky balance.

By definition, every student who reaches personal excellence has been successful and there have been a few features that make students fit into that category. The first and fundamental one is that parents and carers have provided opportunity, something we should never take for granted. However, the world is full of those who are gifted, given every opportunity and yet do not go on to lead fulfilling lives; wasted talent is not uncommon.

2. The second feature is persistence. If you start something, commit and finish it. Whether you are part of a musical, debating, sporting team or are studying particular subjects. Persistence and commitment will always be a good marriage

We are what we do repeatedly

3. The third feature is curiosity. It is akin to falling in love with something that you thoroughly enjoy and are motivated by:

Fr Pedro Arrupe (Spanish poet)

What you are in love with

What seizes your imagination, will affect everything.

It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning,

What you will do with your evenings

How you will spend your weekends,

What you will read,

What you know that breaks your heart,

And what amazes you with joy and gratitude.

Fall in love with your work, stay in love and it will decide everything.

Some of us call this passion and curiosity for what we do.

Curious people are always interesting to be around and make wonderful friends

We are what we do repeatedly.

4. The fourth feature is habit.

Students from the Class of 2020 who felt they were personally successful:

Repeatedly kept the same study schedule, they locked it in

Repeatedly asked teacher’s questions

Repeatedly did past examination papers

Repeatedly looked after their health and wellbeing

No matter what our talent we can repeat good habits

We are what we do repeatedly.

5. The fifth feature of successful student is their ability to time manage. Many very busy students who have full lives perform well. In fact, this diversity of interests helps them. Time management is about planning

We are what we do repeatedly

St Bede’s is the land of opportunity for those who are willing to “be and do their best”. For every student in our College, there is the possibility of personal excellence, which relates directly to that person alone. Let us hope all students reach their own personal excellence this year.

For the future, my wish is for all of our young men to be humble and to cherish those who support you and give you the motivation to do well.

Retreats

The College offers a Retreat program for our students. Year 12 is currently undertaking numerous small group retreats which begin in the early afternoon and conclude with dinner together. These are important occasion used to reflect on the time ahead and to make space for God in our lives. The Year 9 students will be off to Lysterfield on their retreats.

ACC Athletics

St Bede’s College competed for the first time as a two campus College at the ACC Athletics carnival held at South Melbourne last week. There are 12 Colleges across Melbourne that are part of the competition. This was a visible example of how we are one Community with all students in the common colours of St Bede’s and competing with their teammates as one team from across campuses.

The spirit of the day was excellent as too was the effort of our cohort. Overall we finished 4th with the senior boys taking out both the Open trophy and the Senior Cup.

New Parents / Carers Welcome Evening

This event has been held over from the start of year due to the five day lockdown that occurred. It is now to take place on Friday19 March at the College. All new parents/carers from both campuses are warmly invited. The Try Booking link is given below:

https://www.trybooking.com/BOTZU

Open Days

The two College Open days are being held today 3 March (Mentone) and 17 March (Bentleigh East). We are delighted with the level of interest in both campuses. The Mentone day will have happened by the time you read this newsletter. Should you have a family member or acquaintance who may wish to attend the Bentleigh East Open Day, this is available for booking through the College website.

Thank you to all families who have prepared the students so well for their return to school this year. It is such a joy to be onsite consistently. Your ongoing support is much appreciated.

Per Vias Rectas

John Finn

Principal

Collage of Campuses