St Bede's Catholic College Newsletter 5 - 12 April 2024

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE – JOHN MURPHY

PRAYER  

God of the journey, 

We ask You to bless all students in Catholic schools. 

May they remain constantly curious 

in their pursuit of knowledge and truth. 

May they use their gifts and talents 

to spread Your light and love throughout the earth, 

and may all of their learning 

ultimately draw them closer to an encounter with Your Son. 

We make this prayer in Your Holy name. 

Amen 

St Bede … Pray for us. 

BUILDING UPDATE

In exciting news, we have successfully moved into our fourth and final building, the Marian Building. Student tours and inductions occurred on Tuesday and were quickly followed by the learning spaces becoming fully operational. Our first full College Assembly occurred in the new hall yesterday. To have all students and staff come together as a full College was a wonderful celebration of the journey we have shared and the opening of our final building.

With the building works having commenced at the start of 2017, the completion of the Marian Building is a significant landmark occasion for St Bede’s. The Marian Building includes a modern designed and well-resourced Performing Arts and Sports Centre and a magnificent hall that features a full basketball court. Similar to modern designed airports, a unique feature of St Bede’s is that all four buildings are interconnected via the Peregrine Trial in a way that it is not noticeable when moving from one building to another. On wet weather days such as last week, students can remain inside for the entire day and can safely, comfortably, and quickly move from one side of the school to another.

The remainder of the building works, including the Chapel and external area at the back of the school, will continue over the next year. Thank you to our school community, including our amazing parents/carers, for their patience and support. We look forward to being able to showcase our wonderful new building at upcoming events, including at information evenings and Parent Forums.

STAFF NEWS

It is with much pleasure that I announce the appointment of Mrs Rebecca Haines as the Temporary Year 9 Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement for Term 2. This appointment is to cover Mrs Kelly Pearson who was appointed as Temporary Assistant Principal to cover for Mrs South’s appointment as Temporary Principal while I am on long service leave next term.

Mrs Haines is a highly valued and committed staff member who will continue to provide high standards and care for the students. She has taught most students in Year 9 and is looking forward to supporting them in achieving to their potential. 

DIOCESAN SCHOOL LEADERS VISIT

Last Wednesday, we had the pleasure of hosting internationally acclaimed educational scholar and leader. Lyn Sharratt, and about 30 Diocesan and school leaders. The purpose of the visit was to showcase how St Bede’s is implementing the Diocesan learning improvement framework, Lead Learn Collaborate, that all schools in our Diocese have been committed to since its commencement in 2020. Integral to the Lead Learn Collaborate project is the emphasis on maximising student engagement, teacher effectiveness, and improved learning outcomes and results.

With St Bede’s being fully committed to this project, it was an absolute pleasure to be able to share the various initiatives and strategies and to walk our guests through some of our learning spaces and to engage in conversations with our students. A highlight of the day was our student leaders guiding our visitors through the learning spaces and articulating so clearly our learning culture. Our Student Learning Committee not only assisted with the tours but were able to explain how the Learning Wall that they have constructed is improving student learning. A particular thank you and congratulations to Sophie Meehan, a Year 10 student from the Student Learning Committee, who delivered an outstanding impromptu address to our visitors.

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Best wishes to our staff and students for the school holidays and for next term. I am very confident that our Term 2 College Executive (Mrs Emma South - Acting Principal, Mrs Amber Carter - Assistant Principal, Mrs Kelly Pearson – Acting Assistant Principal, Mr Andrew Slater – Ministry Coordinator) will provide excellent leadership of the College during my absence. Whereas I am looking forward to my travels throughout Scandinavia and the United Kingdom, I also look forward to returning to St Bede’s in my privileged position as Principal.

UPCOMING EVENTS 2024

Assistant Principal Report – Emma South and Amber Carter

Looking back on the term that has been, there is much to celebrate and acknowledge. Our Year 7 students have settled into the routine of the College and have completed their first term of their secondary education, Year 12 students have received their last Mid-Course report and are looking ahead to their final two terms of secondary education. Year 11 students are rising admirably to the challenges of senior studies and Year 10 are preparing for the exciting 2025 course selection process and have started considering what the senior years may hold for them. Year 8 have been working in new spaces with the introduction of Languages and Visual Arts to their curriculum, while Year 9 students have enjoyed engaging in their electives and the new learning experiences these courses present. All these milestones happen because of the dedication and commitment of our teachers and support staff who have the best interests of students in mind throughout the planning and implementation of an innovative and contemporary approach to teaching, learning and wellbeing. We are immensely proud of our students and staff and acknowledge the collective effort that we all make to a culture of excellence and innovation that defines St Bede’s Catholic College.

The end of the term is also an opportunity to reflect on the term and to recognise individual achievements and to identify opportunities for growth and change. When reflecting, it is always important for our young people to celebrate their successes which might take the form of academic achievements, overcoming personal challenges, being more organised or connecting with new people. When considering areas for growth we can recognise things we would like to change or improve on and to think about setting small goals which will lead us to success at the end of next term. Well renowned psychologist, Andrew Fuller, provides families with some ideas on supporting their children in changing the ‘can’t do’ into ‘can do’ here.

We hope everyone has a restful break and we look forward to seeing everyone back at St Bede’s in Term 2!

Year 11 2025 Course Selection – save the date!

A reminder to Year 10 students and families that the Year 11 Course Selection Information Evening will be held at the College on Tuesday 7th May starting at 6pm. We look forward to seeing all Year 10 students and families at this event which is the start of a conversation about student’s senior studies and pathways. Our theme for the evening is Imagining Possibilities which is reflective of the discussions we will start having with Year 10 students as they imagine the possibilities for their senior studies and beyond.

HSC Success

As Year 12 students' progress through the last two terms of their secondary education, we will be sharing information with students that will support them in achieving success in their HSC. As a school that has set high expectations for our students, we recognise that everyone’s success looks different, and we want all our students to achieve their individual standard of success. Having high expectations of achievement for our students ensures they have choices for their pathways after school but also that they know how to meet standards of excellence in all that they do. Teachers will continue to work closely with students in ensuring they are provided with an exceptional education that leads them to success in the HSC.

Year 7 Reflection Day

A reminder the Year 7 Reflection Day was postponed to Wednesday 15th May. Our faith formation opportunities for students is an aspect of our school culture that sets Catholic education apart from other schools. The Year 7 Reflection Day is an opportunity for students to become familiar with the charism of St Bede and to recognise what it means to be a student at St Bede’s Catholic College. Thanks is extended to Mr Andrew Slater, our Ministry Coordinator and Mrs Lauren Power, Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement for Year 7 for their preparations of the day. Further information will be sent to students and families’ early next term.

Attendance

Regular attendance at school is essential for your child to achieve their educational best and increase their career and life options. The College is proactive in working in partnership with families to encourage and support students' regular attendance. When your child attends school every day, learning becomes easier and your child will build and maintain connection with their peers and teachers. Along with regular attendance, arriving at school and class on time:

• Ensures that students do not miss out on important learning activities scheduled early in the day.
• Helps students learn the importance of punctuality and routine.
• Gives students time to greet their friends before class.
• Reduces classroom disruption

Lateness is recorded as a partial absence and must be explained by parents.Families are encouraged to travel during school holidays. If travel during school term is necessary, an Application for Extended Leave may need to be completed. Absences relating to travel will be marked as leave on the roll and therefore contribute to your child’s total absences for the year.

If families have any concerns regarding their child's attendance, they are encouraged to reach out to the relevant Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement or Assistant Principals.

LEARNING DOMAIN

Year 11 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement – Jasmine Simmons  

Year 11 has settled beautifully into Term 1 at St Bede’s. They have keenly embraced their studies and their welcome of new staff, students and our new Year 7 cohort has been outstanding. Their leadership in terms of caring for and setting a great example to our younger students has been fantastic.

This term, Year 11 began with their retreat, building relationships, a sense of community and beautiful memories have been spending time settling into the demands of senior studies and exploring how choices about attendance, behaviour, study, wellbeing, and work/life balance become habits which apply to every aspect of their lives and the foundation for their future selves.  Despite some of the challenges they have encountered this year, as a cohort, they demonstrate persistence, dedication, and commitment to achieving their academic and personal goals. However, this pales in comparison to their capacity to build each other up and offer support and kindness in adversity. 

As we continue to journey through 2024 together, I look forward to working with students, parents, and staff as we guide them through their senior studies and towards graduation. As their LOWE, I’m so proud of the young adults that students in Year 11 are becoming. Their mature approach to all things school related has been nothing short of brilliant and I feel honoured to be part of that journey with them.  

Morpeth ANZAC Day March – 25 April

Students, families, and staff from St Bede’s are invited to attend the Morpeth ANZAC Day March and Commemorative Service on Thursday, 25 April 2024. 

The march commences at 10:45am from Campbells Store, Corner of Tank and Swan Streets, Morpeth. Students and staff are welcome to march behind our school banner. Students are required to wear formal uniform (no sports uniform). We are asking that staff and students gather near Miss Lily's Lollies at 10:30am ready to start the march at 10:45am. It would be wonderful to have many of our students attend this special Commemorative Service. 

The Commemorative Service commences at the Cenotaph, corner of Swan and Northumberland Streets, Morpeth at 11am. 

Da Vinci Decathlon 2024 – Kim Dickson

On Tuesday 19 and Wednesday 20 March, students competed in the Da Vinci Decathlon at Bishop Tyrell Anglican College. Placed into teams of eight and working across ten disciplines students solved problems in: engineering, mathematics and chess, code breaking, art and poetry, science, English, ideation, creative producers, cartography, and legacy.  

On day 1 of the competition Year 7 students, Dane Clarke and Joshua Elliott, worked as part of a team achieving 1^st place in Mathematics, 3^rd place in English, 2^nd place in Code Breaking, 3^rd place in Engineering, 2^nd place in Ideation, 2^nd place in Cartography and 1^st place in Legacy. This secured them overall 1^st place and entry into the state competition.  

Jack Peterson and Hareem Akmal competed in the Year 8 division and achieved 3^rd place in Mathematics. While Angelique Currey and Catherine Voigt participated in the Year 10 team achieving 3^rd place in science, 1^st place in Code Breaking and 1^st place in art and Poetry. 

Congratulations on these remarkable accomplishments. They underscore the depth of talent and academic prowess that our students possess. The results are a testament to the students' dedication, hard work and collaborative spirit. We take pride in their achievements and are inspired by their commitment to excellence in all endeavours. 

Stage 4 Humanities – Tamara Powell  

YEAR 7 

This term, Year 7 completed their first integrated unit of learning in Humanities called, ‘Our Land, Our Stories’ in which they learned about landscapes and landforms and mapping alongside poetry and read a novel about an indigenous Australian landscape. To showcase their learning in both Geography and English, the students composed an original poem about an Australian landscape and created a corresponding precis map detailing its features. Our students skilfully explored the features of the landscape using language, geographical skills, and terminology, and produced some thoughtful, creative poems and detailed maps.

We are delighted to publish some of our students’ work here for you. 

Landscape Poems:

Precis Maps: 

In the last week, we began reading and performing the play, Stories in the Dark, by Debra Oswald and we have loved seeing the enthusiasm and creativity of the students as we bring the play to life. The students are exploring the importance of historical context and perspective while learning about drama and the way stories and characters are shaped. 

YEAR 8 

Students in Year 8 Humanities have been enjoying learning about Medieval Europe and Shogunate Japan this term. They have refined their analytical skills when writing about sources as well as honed their creative skills in designing shields and Japanese masks. 

Year 8 Humanities students participated in an incursion in Week 9 that deepened their understanding of Medieval Europe. The presenter shared a range of items during his presentation, many of which related to the life of a knight in this time period. Students were able to interact with the incursion sources directly and even tried on Medieval armour.  

Sport – Lachlan Vaughan

St Bede’s Cross Country 

On Tuesday 26 March, 55 students from St Bede’s participated in the school cross country carnival at Whitewater Park. Congratulations to all the students that nominated to participate in this event and make this a very successful morning.  Thank you to our Year 11 SLR class for your assistance on checkpoints, recording, timekeeping and setting up etc.

The winning house for the Cross Country Carnival was BENEDICT. Congratulations!!!!   

A special congratulations to the following runners that placed first: 

The top 8 runners for each age group will represent St Bede’s at the Diocesan Cross Country Carnival to be held on 9^th May at Lake Glenbawn Dam. We wish the competitors the best of luck. 

Under 14s Cochrane Cup 

Our Under 14’s Boys Rugby League team competed in the Cochrane Cup on Thursday 28 March. Students who participated on the day should be congratulated on the effort and determination they displayed on the day. Our boys were pooled against formidable teams in St Joseph’s Aberdeen and St Pius X Adamstown and unfortunately were unable to progress beyond the pool stage. We look forward to continuing to grow as a team and hopefully achieving some more success in future carnivals. 

Under 15 CSNSW Northern Region Rugby League Trials 

Earlier this term, Charlie Burey and Cayden Jones were selected to represent the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese Under 15s Rugby League Team. Both students travelled to South West Rocks to participate in the CSNSW Northern Region Trials on Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 April. Both students represented the College and Diocese well, playing in a defensive set of games against other Dioceses in the Northern Region. At the end of the trials, Charlie was selected at Five-Eighth for the Northern NSW U15s Team which will play at the NSWCCC Championships in May. Congratulations to both students on their achievements. 

NSWCCC Swimming Championship 

Cobi Young (Yr. 12) and Chelsea Dilley (Yr. 7) made waves at the NSWCCC Swimming Championships held at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre on Thursday 4 April.

Cobi performed well in the pool with two top 10 finishes in 50m Butterfly and Breaststroke and an additional top 5 placement in 100m Breaststroke.  

Chelsea was in the top 10 in 50m Breaststroke, 100m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke, while achieving three personal bests in 50m Freestyle, 100m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke. 

Their achievements serve as a testament to the hard work and commitment they have invested in their training. Congratulations to both students. 

Student Achievement 

Year 10 St Bede’s Student Maddi Harper will be competing at the Sub Junior and Junior National Powerlifting Championship on 26-28 April at Wallsend Diggers Club in Newcastle. She will compete in the sub junior under 52kg category and if successful, could gain a position in the Australian team to compete at the World Championships in Malta later this year. More information on Maddi’s journey can be found here https://growastar.org/maddi. Congratulations on your success thus far. 

Year 7 Sport Term 2 

Year 7 students will participate in a variety of sports once again in Term 2. We aim to provide students with the opportunity to experience as many sports as possible during this time to ensure that they make an educated choice when selecting their sport independently in Term 4 with the rest of the school. The cost for sports and buses are covered by the Sports Levy.

Year 7 will remain in their sporting groups as per Term 1 (based on their Humanities class) and rotate sports every 2-3 weeks. The sports offered in Term 2 are Basketball (Maitland Basketball Stadium), Touch Football (Whitewater Park) and Volleyball (St Bede’s Catholic College). 

If your child is successfully selected into a representative sport i.e. Netball Year 7/8 and 9/10 A Team, they will be training during Friday sport time and will not be attending Year 7 Sport. Trials will occur in Week 7 of Term 1. 

Please ensure that you have completed the General Permission Form and Friday Sport EVENT via COMPASS to ensure your child has permission to participate in these sports. If you do NOT give permission for your child to participate in ANY of the sports on offer, please contact me ASAP via email belinda.watts@mn.catholic.edu.au 

Upcoming Events: Term 1 2024 

A reminder that St Bede’s Catholic College is a member of the NSWCCC. Updated information and a detailed list of all individual and team pathway events/carnivals can be found on the link below.

SERVICE & GOVERNANCE DOMAIN

School Fees – Kylie Murray   

Please be advised that 2024 School Fee Statements were emailed to the first listed fee payer's email address on Tuesday 2 April.  
 
If you nominated any other payment frequency than annual, your payments should have commenced prior to the 31st of March 2024 and are now considered overdue. 

Please note: Selecting your intentions in the compass event is not authorising any deductions for payments to the College and this needs to be manually set up by you. 

There are multiple payment options available: 

1. Bpay – Your Bpay reference details are located in the top righthand corner of your statement 
2. Compass pay portal 
3. Direct Debit (form required to be completed and returned) 
4. Over the counter or over the phone payment direct to the College 

Those families that believe there may be an issue with their statement, please email:  finance@chisholmsb.catholic.edu.au  

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. 

Other News

Canteen

Volunteer Registration Link

School Student Travel

Hunter Academy of Sport Indigenous Identification Day 2024

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: