Principal 

With the 2022 school year rapidly drawing to a close, this will be the final newsletter from St Bede’s College for the year.  We are now well into the period of Advent.  For the Catholic Church this is the beginning of a new liturgical year and a time of preparation and anticipation for the coming of Christ.  The word Advent comes from the Latin advenio - "to come to" - and refers to the coming of Christ.  This coming includes three references: first of all to our celebration of Christ's birth at Christmas; second, to the coming of Christ in our lives through grace and the Sacrament of Holy Communion; and finally, to his second coming at the end of time.  Christians recall the past, celebrate the present, and look to the future with hope.  Our immediate hope is an ending to the war in the Ukraine.

Although the Western Church no longer has a set requirement for fasting during Advent, Advent was once regarded as a "little Lent", because it traditionally included a period of increased prayer, fasting and good works in preparation for the feast of Christmas.  Traditionally, all great feasts have been preceded by a time of fasting, and this made the feast of Christmas even more anticipated and joyful.  Unfortunately, Advent today has been supplanted by "the Christmas shopping season", or the season of “break-up celebrations”, and by the time Christmas Day comes, many people are too tired and worn out to really enjoy the feast.  Let us remember to let the Lord into our hearts, even when it is unexpected, or sometimes challenging at this busy time of the year. 

In looking back on the year at St Bede’s College, one is tempted to start making a list of achievements, note the many successes, and contemplate some of the difficulties we have faced, but one is then very quickly reminded that it is actually people who make up the College, and that all that we do involves people.  It is in the shared efforts and caring relationships of people - students, families, staff, and Brothers supported by a College Board, Old Collegians Association, and Parents and Friends Association - where our St Bede’s community is formed, and it is this strong sense of community that has the capacity to bring a College to greatness. 

Buildings, though necessary, do not make a school.  Without a few scratches and marks, and the boisterous energy and rushing of young people to bring them to life, they are just empty structures. It is not necessarily programs and courses that make a school either, but rather the shared effort of staff and students in working towards increased learning, further opportunity and personal growth for all.  It is only when people come together in a spirit of trust, support and care that our documented College policies and procedures can serve their purpose, and become real, positive, effective and pastoral. 

While the opportunities to engage in sport, music, public speaking or the arts, or to go on a camp or retreat are exciting, it is people - the students, teachers, coaches and parents - that give such pursuits meaning and purpose.  While we are grateful for our wonderful facilities and for the great variety of programs that we do offer at St Bede’s, we should remain mindful that our true blessing lies in the quality of the people that make up our College community.

Remaining mindful of parents and caregivers as the prime educators in their child’s development, it is essential that we continue to focus on open communication between the College and our families regarding all important issues.  Our community’s support of our efforts to actively engage on a range of issues has been overwhelmingly positive.  The College will continue to strive to work on this area, and I thank families for their continued support of these efforts, and the sense of community that we both enjoy and which brings great benefit to our students.  

May your Christmas allow time for recognising and celebrating Christ’s coming, for spending precious time with family and friends, and for relaxation and a re-charging of the batteries.

Per Vias Rectas

Deb Frizza

Principal