St Bede's Catholic College Newsletter 18 - 17 November 2023

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE – JOHN MURPHY

PRAYER

Lord,
God of Abraham,
God of the Prophets,
God of Love,
you created us and you call us to live as brothers and sisters.
Give us the strength daily to be instruments of peace;
enable us to see everyone who crosses our path
as our brother or sister. 
May peace triumph, and may the words "division",
"hatred" and "war" be banished
from the heart of every person.
Amen. 

St Bede … Pray for us. 

STAFF NEWS 

As per the Compass announcement made last Thursday, we are delighted with the appointment of Mrs. Amber Carter as our new Assistant Principal from the start of next year. 

Mrs. Carter is the current Assistant Principal at St Paul’s Booragul. She is a highly regarded and qualified educational leader who is committed to her faith and high educational standards. Mrs Carter will bring her own unique gifts, experience, and insights to St Bede’s as we continue to evolve as an authentic Catholic school community. Mrs. Carter will replace Mr. Donohoe, who has been appointed Principal of St Mary’s Gateshead. Mrs. Carter will work closely with myself, Mrs. Emma South (Assistant Principal) and Mr. Andrew Slater (Ministry Coordinator) as the 2024 College Executive Team. The transition process to ensure a smooth start to 2024 has already commenced.

Please see below the official announcement of Mrs. Carter’s appointment and her teacher self-profile.

Name: Amber Carter

Family background:   

I was born in Newcastle but lived in many country towns throughout my primary school years. One school I attended, Bedgerabong Primary School, had 12 students! When I started high school, my family moved to a farm at Luskintyre and I attended All Saints College, St Joseph’s Lochinvar and then St Mary’s Maitland. I am married to Luke, and we have two beautiful children, Phoebe (14) and Max (11).

My hopes and dreams in coming to St Bede’s:   

I am a firm believer in the transformative power of education which leads young people to flourish in our rapidly changing world. In coming to St Bede’s, it is my hope and dream to partner with students, staff, and families to provide the young people of St Bede’s with an education that equips them with the capabilities and skills to flourish and reach their potential, both at school and throughout their post-school adventures.

Teaching Qualifications:   

• Teaching/B.PDHPE
• Dip. Applied Science
• Master of Educational Studies
• Master of Leadership & Management in Education
• Cert. Theological Studies
• Doctor of Education (continuing)

Teaching Experience:

• St John's College, Dubbo 2002 – 2014
  PDHPE and Science teacher
  Science KLA Coordinator

• St Philip’s Christian College, Cessnock 2015 – 2019
  Director of K-12 Curriculum and Academic Pathways

• St Paul’s Catholic College, Booragul 2020 – 2023
  Assistant Principal Teaching & Learning

Personal Interests/Passions:   

Along with a passion for Catholic education, I have a deep interest in research and learning, which means I read … a lot! My research focuses on innovation and leadership in Catholic education. When I am not reading or writing, you will find me on my bike – I love cycling and have previously competed at State Masters Road championships (when I was a much younger ‘masters’ competitor).

Advice to Students:   

My advice to students is to embrace curiosity and learning, be adaptable, tolerant, and courageous. Dream big and set aspirational goals and, as you relentlessly chase these goals, remember your teachers are there to support you in your pursuit.

This advice is reflected in my favourite quote from former Australian of the Year, Michelle Simmons (a physicist!):

"I have 4 mantras for students: Do what’s hard, place high expectations on your-self, take risks and do something that matters.”

YEAR 12 UPDATE

Our time with our first Year 12 cohort officially concluded last week. All HSC exams were successfully completed with our students showing the type of determination and focus that we expected of them. Last Friday night was our last official event with the Year 12 Formal, at Ben Ean Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley, being an amazing celebration. Attended by staff, students and their parents, the evening was a special occasion for all in attendance and another first event in the history of the College. We congratulate our Year 12 students on their time at St Bede’s and all that they have achieved. Thank you to our parents/carers and staff who have supported our foundation cohort on their journey here at St Bede’s. A particular thank you and farewell to those parents/carers who do not have younger children at the College and have finished their time at St Bede’s.

PARENT FORUM

The Term 4 Parent Forum was held last Wednesday 8th November. Included in this meeting were presentations from Ms. Sandra Hampshire (Leader of Digital Innovation & Learning – DIAL) & Mr. Ray Burg (IT Field Service Officer) on our Bring Your Own Specified Device (BYOSD), and from Mrs Emma South (Assistant Principal) on the review of Uniform & Grooming Policy. Please note that the first parent forum meeting for next year will be Monday 26^th February at 6.00pm.

Please refer to the summary of the meeting below.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Assistant Principal Report – Emma South

Year 9 & 10 Exams

Congratulations to all our Year 9 and 10 students on your commendable approach to formal examinations! Your thoughtful preparation and hard work were reflected in your approach to these exams, and we hope to see you rewarded with results that reflect this commitment. Keep up the good work, and may this achievement be a stepping stone to even more success in your academic journey. Well done!

Attendance - Every Day Counts 

As we are now in the second half of the term, it is timely to remember the importance of attending school every day. Education in NSW is compulsory. All students from six years of age and under the minimum school leaving age of 17 are legally required to attend school. Students of school age (6 to minimum school leaving age) resident in New South Wales are required to be in fulltime attendance at a government or registered non-government school unless they are receiving approved home schooling, attending shared school settings, or are granted an exemption from attendance.

Regular attendance at schools, right up to the last day of term, is essential if students are to maximise their potential. Schools, in partnership with parents, are responsible for promoting the regular attendance of students. While parents are legally responsible for the regular attendance of their children, school staff monitor part or whole day absences as part of their duty of care for students’ welfare.

Assistant Principal Report – Brett Donohoe

E-Cigarettes (Vape) and Associated Risks

In a recent newsletter article, you received information regarding the launch of SchoolTV at St Bede’s. This resource is invaluable to parents, and staff as it includes evidence-based information and practical strategies to building understanding, skills and confidence in parents and teachers handling complex issues associated with a range of mental health and wellbeing related topics. Whilst you may explore a comprehensive range of topics through information sheets and videos, St Bede’s will from time to time draw your attention to specific articles related to relevant matters.

One relevant topic we would like to highlight is the issue of vaping. St Bede’s has encountered several instances where students have either brought an e-cigarette to school, used an e-cigarette at school or simply been a bystander whilst others use the e-cigarette. In any case the college takes the matter very seriously and is committed to working with parents to educate and raise awareness of this dangerous habit. A special report can be found by clicking on the link below to vaping (or the inhalation of vapours from an e-cigarette) and the significant associated health risks. SchoolTV also provides key points to assist parents in having a conversation with their child on the dangers associated with vaping.

Remembrance Day Service

Last Saturday 11th November was Remembrance Day. Our College Captain, Thomas Bendeich, and College Vice Captain, Veronica Parra-Mariaca accompanied by me and our School Defence Mentor, Leesa Moore assembled at Maitland Park with student representatives from St Aloysius and their principal, Jeanette Fowles. The service was well attended by other schools in the region.

As a further follow up to the service we held a special service at school on the following Monday where we paid tribute to all those who have served in the Defence Forces. Thank you to Wing Commander Sam Thorpe, Flight Sergeant Brad Longton and Flight Sergeant XXX for their involvement in this special service.

We remember and honour all those who have served in the Defence Forces. We particularly remember those who were killed or injured whilst defending our nation. In paying our respects, we reflect upon the opportunities that have been afforded to us because of the sacrifices of all those who have and are serving in the Defence Forces. With a considerable number of our parents currently serving in the Defence Forces, we thank them for their on-going work in keeping us safe.

Catholic Formation and Mission – Andrew Slater

Diocesan Senior Student Leaders Retreat

Our Year 11 Student Leaders have spent the last three days attending the Senior Student Leaders Retreat. This is an annual event attended by schools across the Diocese. Over the three days, students participated in a range of activities which aimed to form them for leadership in a Catholic School. Bishop Michael presided at a celebration of the Eucharist, before joining students and staff for a formal dinner. Students also participated in an immersion experience with one of the Diocesan agencies, giving them a chance to experience social justice in action.

Mass at OLOL Beresfield

Students from St Bede’s will be undertaking the various ministries at the 6:00pm Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church at Beresfield on Saturday, 25^th November. We would love to see our students and parents there, celebrating with the Parish community. There will be a BBQ after Mass.

LEARNING DOMAIN

Aboriginal Education

On Thursday 9^th November, several St Bede’s students were recognised at the annual Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Wanay Kuwaykuway Awards evening.

Wanay Kuwaykuway means proud child/children in Wonnarua language. The night recognises the contributions and achievements of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who have showed outstanding achievement in culture and community, education, sports, and special achievement. Educators who go above and beyond to support and motivate these students are also recognised.

The AECG is a community-based organisation which provides advice on all matters relevant to Aboriginal education and training, with the mandate that this advice represents the Aboriginal community viewpoint. They promote respect, empowerment and self-determination, and believe in the integral process of collaborative consultation. The AECG advocates cultural affirmation, integrity and the pursuit of equality to ensure that the unique identity of Aboriginal students is recognised and valued.

We would like to congratulate the following students, who were recipients of an award on the night:

• Max Wells Year 7, for sporting achievement
• Daniel Callingham Year 8, for culture and community
• Aleena Saunders, Year 9, for academic achievement
• Lauren Appleby, Year 10, for special achievement

The ‘Deadly Educator’ award went to Mrs. Elicia Shaw for her contributions to furthering Aboriginal education.

On the night, our first Year 12 graduates were also recognised for completing their school journey. Congratulations to: Eaden Dawson, Emily Beamish, Makaila Beamish, Ella Nash, Bree Short, Lillian Norman-Donaghy, Isabella Norman-Donaghy.

Sport – Belinda Watts

Hunter T20 Cricket- CHAMPIONS! 

The Hunter T20 Cricket is a competition that includes a combination of Catholic, independent and Grammar schools (There were 8 schools in this competition). St Bede's can be extremely proud of their cricket team and the way they conducted themselves over the two-day carnival. Players improved individually and as a team over the two days and won the 2023 Hunter T20 Cricket Competition! 

The results were as follows: 

• Round 1: St Bede's defeated Catherine McAuley, Medowie 
• Round 2: St Bede's 4/133 defeated Hunter Valley Grammar School 2/129 

Best performers: Theo Law 40 runs, Harry Lidbury 32 runs and Thomas Cornwall 33 runs not out.

• Round 3: St Bede's 7/235 defeated St Joseph's, Lochinvar 6/110 

Best performers: Harry Lidbury 107 runs (38 balls), Koby Warland 54 runs, Thomas Cornwall 31 runs, and Ashton Clack 2 wickets for 10 runs. 

• Grand Final: St Bede's 6/129 defeated St Phillip's, Waratah, 5/127 

Best performers: Harry Lidbury 64 runs.

Whilst we are a team and no player is bigger than the team, it is more than apt to highlight Harry Lidbury's 107 off 38 balls! This is an accomplishment rarely seen at any level of cricket, particularly by a young man who does not see himself as a cricketer! We encourage all our players to see every moment in cricket as an opportunity as opposed to a challenge too difficult to overcome. Congratulations Harry on such a special achievement. 

Well done boys!

Berg Shield Cricket 

St Bede's travelled to Warners Bay to take on St Pius in the 2nd round of the Berg Shield. Traditionally, St Pius are a very difficult opponent and one that St Bede's have not beaten in our short history. Therefore, St Bede's were motivated to atone for previous losses to St Pius and the team did not disappoint. St Bede' bowled first, the bowlers were disciplined, and they were complimented by a positive fielding group. St Bede's restricted St Pius to 7/125 (20 overs) at the halfway point of the match. Best with the ball were Koby Warland with 3/10 (4 overs) and Theo Law 2/13 (2overs). They were backed up by Ben Nicholls and Harry Lidbury, who set the tone for the innings with a disciplined start to the innings. St Bede's started their batting brightly; however, they soon found themselves in a spot of bother at 2/19. The trouble didn't last long as Bailey Hunter (25 not out) and Harry Lidbury (77 not out) scored freely. Harry and Bailey scored their runs at an astonishing 10 runs per over and St Bede's completed the innings at 2/129 in the 13th over. Congratulations boys and good luck in the 3rd round. 

Power Lifting 

Maddi Harper in Year 9 will be competing at the NSW State Classic Sub Junior and Junior Powerlifting and Bench Press Championships on 16^th – 17^th December in Sydney. Maddi is hoping to qualify for National Championships next year with the goal to compete at the World Championships. This would require her to lift a combined total of 300kg (bench, squat and deadlift).  

Maddi is training hard in her preparation, and we wish her all the best. 

 Martial Arts 

Cohen Nesbitt in year 10 recently competed in the Australian Martial Arts Championships (ACT state Titles) on Sunday and won 3 state titles in his division. This is an outstanding achievement, and we wish him all the best in his upcoming National Titles.   

Rugby League 9’s: Under 16s Rugby League 

The St Bede's U16’s Rugby League Team showcased an impressive performance in the Terry Kachel Shield on the 3^rd November. Throughout the tournament, the team faced various school from the region, displaying both resilience and skill on the field. 

In their opening match, St Bede's dominated in defence against Catherine McAuley Medowie, securing a gritty 8-0 victory. The team's stellar performance continued into the second game, where they triumphed over Tomaree High School with an impressive scoreline of 28-8. 

As the competition progressed to the quarter-final stage, St Bede's faced a tough challenge against Francis Greenway High School. However, the team demonstrated their determination and skill, emerging victorious with a narrow margin of 19-12. 

The semi-final encounter proved to be a big test for the boys as they clashed with Hunter River High School. Despite putting up a valiant effort, the team experienced their first setback of the tournament, suffering a 19-0 loss. Although falling short in the semi-final, the boys showcased commendable sportsmanship and dedication throughout the Terry Kachel Shield. 

Overall, the team's development throughout the year has been commendable and they just fell short of lifting the trophy at the end of the day. 

Rugby League 9’s: Under 14s Rugby League 

The St Bede's U14’s Rugby League Team participated in the Gidley Brother's Trophy on the 10^th November, showcasing their commitment and sportsmanship on the field. Despite facing formidable opponents, the students demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the competition. 

In Game 1, St Bede's faced off against Mount View High School in a hard-fought battle. While the team experienced a setback in the form of a loss, they showcased commendable teamwork and effort on the field. Two runaway tries to the opposition towards the end of the game proving to be the difference. 

Game 2 presented another challenging matchup for St Bede's, as they played against St Joseph's Lochinvar. Despite the tough opposition, the Under 14s exhibited unwavering spirit and dedication, contributing to an intense contest. Battered and bruised, the team tried to stay in the game, but were no match for a well drilled opponent. 

Although the team did not progress to the knockout stages, the players could be commended for their dedication, improvement, and positive attitude displayed during the tournament. The experience gained from facing strong opposition will only improve the team moving forward. 

SERVICE & GOVERNANCE DOMAIN

School Fees – Kylie Murray  

The 2023 School year is fast coming to an end with only 2 short weeks remaining for all accounts to be finalised by the 30th of November as a condition of enrolment. 

If you require a new statement to check your balance, please call or email Finance or alternatively this is available in the Compass portal in the payment centre.

We encourage families experiencing any financial hardship to please contact Finance as soon as possible to arrange a confidential meeting.

For any queries regarding your account please call 02 4088 8222 or email finance@chisholmsb.catholic.edu.au

Please note if you have a nil balance, you will not receive a statement. 

Other News

Canteen Helpers Needed

Next Technologies

Immunisations – NSW Health

Road Safety

School Student Travel 2024

Volunteer Registration Link

Williamson International – Uniform Queries

All uniform queries are to be directed to Williamson International.

Williamson International Contact Details:

Phone: 1800 815 571

Email: greg@williamson.com.au

Online Uniform Orders: https://shop-williamson.com.au/