Our Catholic Community of St Bede’s College

We acknowledge that there has been a significant event in the life of the Catholic Church. There have been many commentaries in regard to the trial of Cardinal George Pell. We fully recognise that the legal case is yet to reach a full conclusion.

We also acknowledge the variation of public responses that have come from the findings last week. Amongst that variation has been one universally agreed response; that any form of abuse of a child can never be accepted and that there are many who still suffer long term consequences, as a result of their trust being breached. We recognise the enduring pain for many victims of such abuse in Australia.

And what of us, here at St Bede’s College?

The De La Salle Brothers offered the concept of lay partnership back in the late 1970s.

They called it, Together and by Association; and it remains strongly with us today. At the time it was both unusual and progressive. Together and by Association, a term that mirrors the work of St John Baptist de la Salle.

It forms the view that all staff are equally and collectively important in the Mission of our College. Brothers, lay, female, male, young or experienced, Catholic or otherwise.

We are all equally important.

When I stand near the Dixon Street gate to welcome young men in the morning, I often think of how their lives will transpire. What message do they receive around being in a Catholic, Lasallian school?

There is never any compromise on our student’s safety, in all the manifestations of that term. They have the right to know that they will be safe within our school no matter what their background, sexuality or aptitude. They need to feel included and wanted.

St Bede’s has been doing just that for many years.

Why?

Because many hundreds of staff, brothers and lay alike, committed to provide a Catholic education for Bayside families who believed, and still believe, in the inherent goodness of one another. They also believe that Christians are practical people of hope, optimistic of a future, where all are valued.

Families will continue to send their sons to us if we continue to live the Gospel values of light, acceptance and hope.

For our young men, they will continue to look to us to see if we are the practical enactment of that Gospel message.

Family Mass

A large number of families attended our Opening Mass. It gave us the opportunity to pray together as a Catholic Community and re-commit ourselves to the work of our Founder, St John Baptist de la Salle. In addition to focusing on our Tercentenary, we also recognised our Lasallian student leaders with a special blessing and presentation.

Year 12 Retreats

All of our Year 12 cohort are undertaking a retreat this term. This time away from the normal rhythm of life, including all electronics, allows our young men to give themselves over to thinking about the year ahead and their own spirituality, aspirations and goals within that time. We are blessed to have our Youth Ministers conduct these retreats. They are ably assisted by a number of former students who return to offer wise counsel and assist in practical ways. The final meal together is always a highlight.

Swimming

Our ACC Swim Team competed admirably to finish third in a tight competition. Swimming is often not a visible sport due to the training locations and the competition itself. We thank all students who trained so diligently in the early mornings and competed with such dignity and good grace.

We also had our Years 8-12 House Swimming Carnival recently which was both competitive and inclusive.

2009 Reunion

This was one of the largest gatherings we have ever had at a reunion. The group were very pleased to return to the school they left some ten years ago and were keen to see some of the familiar rooms and facilities as well as being shown the new additions. It was interesting to note the level of contact so many of these men have maintained with one another.

2018 Academic Awards

These Years 7-11 2018 awards were presented last week at an evening gathering. Congratulations to all students who applied themselves so well to their various classes and pathways last year. It was lovely to have such a large group of supportive families present who could share in the moment.

Year 7 Study Skills Evening

We have had a very strong response to the invitation to attend this night which focuses on parents assisting their sons with reasonable and sustainable study habits. Well done to the many Year 7 families who will join us on Thursday.

Per Vias Rectas

John Finn

Principal

Mission Action Day

MAD

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