St Bede's Catholic College Newsletter 2 - 1 March 2024

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE – JOHN MURPHY

PRAYER  

Loving God, 
heal our hearts 
of all that prevents us responding 
to our sisters and brothers 
excluded by poverty 
and prevented from living a full and healthy life. 
This Lent, may we: 
implore justice through our prayer, 
stand in solidarity through our fasting, 
and reach out through our giving. 
Send your life-giving power 
to revive the weary, 
restore the broken 
and renew the face of the earth. 
We ask this through Christ our Lord. 
Amen 

St Bede … Pray for us. 

YEAR 7 CAMP

It was with much pleasure that I attended the Year 7 Camp at the Point Wolstencroft Sport & Recreation Camp last Wednesday 21 – Friday 23 February. I was impressed with the energy, positivity, and teamwork of the students. The instructors were complimentary of our students, particularly the drive they showed in the activities.

Thank you to the parents/carers for supporting this camp experience. Thank you to Ms. Lauren Power and her team for their leadership of the camp which was enjoyed by staff and students.

PARENT FORUMS

Our Term 1 Parent Forum was held on February 27. Included in the Parent Forum were addresses from our Parent Representative, Michelle McDonald, and the College Executive and nominations and endorsement of our 2024 Parent Representatives, Michelle McDonald, and Kristy Muxlow. Michelle has been one of our Parent Representatives and a committee member of the Parent Federation while Kristy is a new parent. The balance of experience and new perspectives will be an excellent mix in providing a voice to our parents/carers. Following the meeting, there was an optional tour of the College. Please refer to the summary below for details of the Parent Forum.

The remaining term meeting dates that will commence at 6.00pm in our College Library are:

• Term 2: Tuesday 28 May
• Term 3: Wednesday 21 August
• Term 4: Wednesday 13 November

Suggested items for future meetings or messages to our parent representatives can be sent to admin@chisholm.catholic.edu.au

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Please be advised that car accidents have occurred over the years at the intersection of Tigerhawk Drive and Heritage Drive. This is the intersection where St Aloysius is on one corner and Whitewater Park on the diagonal corner. A friendly reminder that there is a give way sign on both sides of Heritage Drive as you approach this intersection. Please approach this intersection with care.

The new school crossing in front of the school is not a supervised or marked pedestrian crossing but is designed for the safe use of people crossing this busy street. Please approach this crossing with care, particularly in the busy periods before and after school and be accommodating of those who are waiting to cross.

In supporting St Aloysius in their correspondence and ensuring the safety of all students, a reminder that older siblings at St Bede’s are to go to St Aloysius to collect their younger brothers and sisters before heading home. The younger siblings are not to wait at the front of St Bede’s as they remain in the care of St Aloysius until they are safely collected.

UPCOMING EVENTS 2024

Assistant Principal Report – Emma South and Amber Carter

Learning at St Bede’s 

We have been delighted to see students across all years engaging with their learning with such energy and enthusiasm. As Assistant Principals we take every opportunity to get into the learning spaces to connect with students and have conversations about how they are going. We have shared with our article some photos of students happily working together to make positive learning gains. 

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Every Day Counts 

When it comes to education, consistency is key. Every day presents an opportunity for growth, learning, and discovery. Education is most fruitful when there is a commitment to attend school all day, every day. 

Attending school every day helps to… 

1. Building a Strong Foundation: Each day in school offers a building block upon which our knowledge and skills are constructed. Just like a sturdy building requires a solid foundation, our educational journey relies on consistent attendance to lay down the groundwork for success. Missing even a single day can create gaps in understanding that may be challenging to fill later on.
2. Maximize Learning Opportunities: Every moment in the classroom is an opportunity for learning. From engaging discussions to hands-on activities, each segment of the school day contributes to our intellectual growth. By attending school all day, we maximize these learning opportunities, ensuring that we make the most of our educational experience.
3. Foster Discipline and Responsibility: Consistent attendance fosters discipline and responsibility, essential traits that extend far beyond the classroom. By committing to show up every day, we cultivate habits that prepare us for the demands of adulthood and the professional world. Learning to prioritize attendance sets a precedent for reliability and accountability in all aspects of life.
4. Cultivate Social and Emotional Development: School is not just about academics; it's also a place where we interact with peers, forge friendships, and develop crucial social and emotional skills. Regular attendance ensures that we are actively participating in these experiences, learning from diverse perspectives, and honing our interpersonal abilities. 
5. Pave the Way for Future Opportunities: Education opens doors to a world of opportunities, but these doors remain firmly shut without consistent attendance. Whether it's pursuing higher education, securing employment, or chasing our dreams, a solid educational foundation is the key to unlocking these avenues. By attending school all day, every day, we are investing in our future selves and laying the groundwork for success. 

NAPLAN 

Students in Year 7 and Year 9 will complete NAPLAN starting Wednesday 13 March with Writing followed by Reading, Conventions of Language and Numeracy on subsequent days. The tests will be schedule for Period 1 from Wednesday through to the following Monday. Students are expected to have their device updated and charged along with headphones that connect directly to their device (NOT wireless).  

A detailed schedule of the tests will be sent to students and families through Compass early next week.  

NAPLAN is just one part of our school learning assessment program. The tests assess literacy and numeracy skills your child is already learning at school.  

In preparation for NAPLAN, our school will undertake activities to help students become familiar with the format and functionality of the online tests. These activities are not an assessment of student ability and will not be marked. Excessive preparation for NAPLAN is not required nor recommended.  

The public demonstration site is available to see the types of questions, tools and functions used in the NAPLAN tests. 

Further information about NAPLAN is available on the NESA website. 

If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact Amber Carter, Assistant Principal.

Uniform and Grooming 

Over the last week we have spent time communicating to each year level the College-wide expectations around Uniform and Grooming. This has included the development of a PowerPoint presentation that has since been shared with all parents through a Compass notification.

Following a recent review of the 2021 Uniform and Grooming Policy, changes were made and communicated to and endorsed by our Parent Forum in Term 4. The updated policy was shared with families in November last year, at the beginning of this year and is available on an ongoing basis in the Compass Parent Portal School Documentation within the Uniforms folder.

Ensuring equity in the delivery of this policy and maintaining clear and consistent expectations for all students is vital for our school. We will continue to work to ensure that our implementation is fair and equitable.

We thank you, our parents, carers and students for your support of the college in this.  

Staff Development Day  

On Friday April 12, St Bede’s teaching staff will be engaging in a Staff Development Day focused on incorporating recent professional learning into the development of new teaching programs. This initiative is crucial to ensure the effective implementation of the new syllabus documents rolling out across New South Wales. 

Our dedicated educators will be collaborating to design innovative teaching programs that align with the updated curriculum requirements. This process aims to enhance the learning experience for all students and ensure they continue to receive the highest quality education possible. 

While there will be no regular classes on this day, please rest assured that this Staff Development Day is an investment in your child's academic success. By refining their teaching practices and staying abreast of the latest educational standards, our teachers are better equipped to support your child's growth and development. 

Thank you for your continued support of St Bede’s. Together, we are fostering a community dedicated to nurturing lifelong learners and preparing our students for success. 

Catholic Formation and Mission – Andrew Slater

Pope Francis’ Lenten Message 2024 

Pope Francis has released his Lenten Message for 2024, with the theme ‘Through the desert God leads us to freedom’. It is based on the exodus of the Israelites from slavery to freedom, and their wandering in the desert for 40 years. Pope Francis compares this to our 40-day journey through Lent.  

Pope Francis states: God has not grown weary of us. Let us welcome Lent as the great season in which he reminds us: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Ex 20:2). Lent is a season of conversion, a time of freedom. Jesus himself, as we recall each year on the first Sunday of Lent, was driven into the desert by the Spirit in order to be tempted in freedom. For forty days, he will stand before us and with us: the incarnate Son. Unlike Pharaoh, God does not want subjects, but sons and daughters. The desert is the place where our freedom can mature in a personal decision not to fall back into slavery. In Lent, we find new criteria of justice and a community with which we can press forward on a road not yet taken. 

The full message can be read at: 

Year 7 Reflection Day 

The Year 7 Reflection Day will be held on Wednesday 3^rd April. The event should now be visible in Compass, and permission can be provided in Compass as well. If you are having issues providing permission, please contact me at andrew.slater@mn.catholic.edu.au  

This day will involve the celebration of Mass at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Morpeth, at 10am. Parents are welcome to attend, along with members of the parish community.  

LEARNING DOMAIN

Year 8 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement – Rebecca Dawber

Year 8 have had a wonderful start to 2024. Thank you to all the students and parents of Year 8 who have welcomed me into the role of their Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement. We started the year talking about the theme for 2024 of: “Be Brave, Be Grateful and Be Kind”, and for the most part, students have embraced this theme. We have welcomed some new students in our year group this year and I have been very proud of the way that Year 8 have been so welcoming and embracing new friends into their circle.  

At our most recent year meeting, we went through the College expectations of uniform and grooming, referring to specific meaning of details in the policy and other expectations in terms of where to be in the College at various times of the day and how to look after our environment. The same presentation has been presented to all members of the college to ensure consistency, as there had previously been areas of confusion in certain areas. We ask that you support the College in ensuring that your child upholds these expectations and standards. The Homeroom teachers and I really want our focus with the students, to be building connections through celebrating the positives and all the great things that they are doing, rather than reminding them of what they need to be doing.  

We also acknowledged the achievement of Hallei Chegwidden-McGregor, who secured an Indigenous Soccer Scholarship with Northern NSW Football. Well done.

In our Year meeting we also introduced our “Gotcha Awards” which are awards nominated by each Homeroom Teacher for a student who has shone in their homeroom group over the past 4 weeks.

Our first Gotcha Award recipients are: 

8.1 Gracie Clements

For Volunteering to read in homeroom and to be a sport representative. 

8.2 Cassandra Ison

For actively looking for things to offer her enthusiasm and talents to. 

8.3 Sienna Dilley

For absolutely smashing the swimming carnival and literally swimming in every race. She also received age champion! Wahoo! 

8.4 Kenzie Hogan

For helping other students and being respectful to her teachers and peers. 

8.5 Zara Rushford

For being proactive in Homeroom and a positive role model for Marian House sport. 

8.6 Ava Sweetman

For always volunteering to read out Acknowledgement of Country or daily prayer in Homeroom.  

8.7 Lucas Fernandes Sweeney

For always volunteering to read the prayer/Acknowledgement of Country and for volunteering to be our sports representative.

8.8 Bella Punch

Who voluntarily recited the 'Welcome to Country' from memory on a morning when Mr. Hiles was having technical issues with his laptop. He was quite surprised, and grateful, for her willingness to assist when he really needed it.  

Performing Arts – Michelle Burgess

Peripatetic Music Programme 2024 

The St Bede’s Peripatetic Programme provides students with the option to take part in private instrumental tuition. If you are interested in learning an instrument, please see Mr. Thornton, Mrs. Burgess, Mr. Warren or Mr. Dalton for further information.

St Bede’s offers the following opportunities for private instrumental tuition: 

• Teasha Jackson – Vocals
• Brett Naylor – Guitar (from term 2)
• Riley Spiller – Guitar 
• Deidre Ditton – Piano and Musicianship
• Alex Brollo – Bass and Drums

If you require a tutor for any other instrument not listed above, please contact Mrs. Burgess.  

Once a time has been confirmed with your selected teacher, a contract must be completed and signed by parents/carers and returned to Student Services before tuition can commence.  

Extra Curricular Programme @ St Bede’s 

The Performing Arts team are proud to continue with the Extra Curricular Programme for 2024. Currently, St Bede’s offers the following ensembles: 

• Stage Band (selective only)
• Liturgical Ensembles for each cohort (7 through 11)
• Year 11 Instrumental Ensemble (elective Music 1 and 2 classes)
• Year 10 Ensemble
• Year 9 Ensemble
• Stage 4 Ensemble 
• Composition and Songwriting Workshops
• DioSounds 2024 Ensemble (terms 1 and 2)
• The “Hyperion” Ensemble (chamber ensemble – selective)
• Drama Ensemble
• TheatreSports Teams – Years 9 and 10
• Musical Theatre Ensemble 

If any students are interested, please see your music or drama teacher.  

DioSounds 2024 - Save the date:  

Friday 14 June 2024 @6.30pm 
Civic Theatre, Newcastle
Tickets will go on sale Term 2 

Sport – Belinda Watts

St Bede’s Swimming Carnival 

Congratulations to every member of the St Bede’s Community that attended the Swimming Carnival on 16 February. We were blessed with beautiful weather and great participation, particularly in the continuous relays. “School spirit” was on show with students and teachers decked out in their house colours from head to toe. There were many students demonstrating the “have a go” attitude. Let’s NOT forget the 12 teachers who formed 3 relay teams to compete in the annual teacher versus student relay. In a great finish, a very young Year 7 girls team beat the teachers in what was one of the best swims of the day.  SBCC raised over $500 for Project Compassion on the day via our Sausage Sizzle. Thanks to all that supported the cause. 

While our carnivals are a community event, it is important to recognise both the House Champions and the Individual Age Champions. Congratulations to all these students and a big shout out to the students who broke numerous swimming records on the day: 

Congratulations to Benedict who were the carnival winners!  

Good luck to all students who were selected to represent SBCC at the Diocesan Swimming Carnival on Wednesday the 6th of March at The Forum, Newcastle. 

King & Queen of the Pool 

Congratulations to Sienna Dilley (Year 8) and Wilyrd Panton (Year 12) who won the highly contested, king and queen of pool. They are officially the fastest female and male swimmers at SBCC for 2024.

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NSWCCC All Schools Teams Triathlon Event 

Congratulations to our three St Bede's students who competed in the NSW All Schools Triathlon in Sydney this week. Braith Punton (Year 8), Lachlan Jones (Year 9) and Kenzie McPherson (Year 11) competed in the Junior, Intermediate and Senior divisions respectively with Lachlan and Kenzie competing up an age group. Due to the heavy rain and water quality, the individual and team events were changed to a duathlon (Run, Cycle, Run). Lachlan produced our strongest result finishing 14^th overall in the state and 7^th best CCC athlete, Kenzie 26^th overall and 7^th best CCC athlete and Braith placed 30^th (out of 99 competitors) and 11^th best CCC athlete. The following day saw the College enter our first ever St Bede's team event with Cobi Young, Will Panton and Coen Morgan contesting the senior boy’s relay. They did exceptionally well against the best in the state placing 35^th overall and 10^th best CCC team with Coen Morgan having the 6^th fastest run split of the day. Well done to our triathletes. 

U15 Rugby League 

Congratulations Charlie Burey and Cayden Jones for being selected for the Diocesan U15’s Rugby League Team. They will now progress to the Northern CCC Trials on April 3, 2024 at Smithtown. 

Upcoming Events: Term 1 2024 

SERVICE & GOVERNANCE DOMAIN

School Fees – Kylie Murray   

All billing has been finalised and the first statement will be sent on or after March 1. If you have a query on any items on your statement, please email through to finance and we will work through each query as quickly as possible. 

Event on Compass: 2024 Fee Settlement Options 

Please check your compass events to see if this is outstanding to be completed, reminders are being sent weekly.  

Note: If you are using the compass app, please go down to the bottom right-hand corner click more, select open in web browser, then go up to events to have the multiple-choice option. 

Health Care /Pension Card 

Reminder if you have a Health Care/ Pension Card you must submit a new form for 2024. Please complete the pdf and return it to Finance along with a copy of your card (front and back).  

For any families experiencing genuine financial hardship, we encourage you to contact your School Finance Officer to discuss and develop a payment plan as appropriate. 

Please email finance@chisholmsb.catholic.edu.au for any queries.

Other News

Immunisations – NSW Health
2024 Consent Process: 

Parents to provide consent online for your child’s routine school vaccination. Online consent URL from the link below or QR Code

Each year NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) for adolescents as part of the school vaccination program.

In 2024 the following vaccines will be offered: Year 7 – diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV). 

Enter the URL into your browser, select the School Vaccination Program tile and follow the instructions:

• read all the information provided.
• complete the online consent form and give consent for which vaccine/s they would like their child to receive.
• ensure that their child eats breakfast on the day of the school vaccination clinic.

To improve vaccination completion, students whose parents/guardians have provided consent while in Year 7 or Year 10 and who miss vaccine doses at any clinic, will be opportunistically offered these vaccines at each clinic visit throughout 2024 (Year 7 or 10) & 2025 (Year 8 or 11). 

Parents/guardians who wish to withdraw their consent for any reason may do so by amending their student’s online consent. The Procedure for Withdrawal of Consent is available on the NSW Health website 

A Record of Vaccination will be provided to parents by SMS once a student has been vaccinated. Parents/guardians should not assume that their child has been vaccinated if they do not receive this SMS notification.

NOTE: If you experience difficulty accessing the online consent package, please speak with the School Vaccination coordinator at your school.

Canteen

Canteen Helpers Needed

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: