St Bede's Catholic College Newsletter 14 - 13 September 2024

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE – JOHN MURPHY

PRAYER  

God with us, 
you have made us in your image 
and filled us with your love. 
Through the life of Jesus 
you show us the way to live a good life. 
Where people are ‘put down’ 
may we shine the light of your strength. 
Where there is dishonesty and denial 
may we shine the light of your truth. 
Where there is fear 
may we shine the light of your courage. 
Where there is judgement 
may we shine the light of your compassion. 
Where there is disrespect 
may we shine the light of your love. 
Where people feel silenced 
may we shine the light of your word. 
Where people feel excluded 
may we shine the light of your acceptance. 
Where there is sin 
may we shine the light of your forgiveness. 
Amen. 
St Bede … Pray for us. 

ANNUAL SCHOOL REVIEW 

On Friday 30 August, the College hosted a large team of Diocesan leaders in completing our Annual School Review. As part of the school review and improvement processes, a large team of Diocesan leaders visit schools to identify areas of success and improvement. By examining data and trends, visiting classes, and sharing insights, the process provides accountability, achievements to be celebrated, and new priorities can be co-constructed.  

The feedback from our day was extremely positive, as validated by our high performance in the various indicators of success. It was clear to our visiting Diocesan leaders that students at St Bede’s are receiving a quality Catholic education. We have an authentic Catholic identity where student wellbeing and learning are inextricably linked. This is underpinned by the sense of partnership that we have between our staff, students, and parents/carers. 

I commend our college community for all the affirmations that we received from the Annual School Review and thank everyone for their personal and collective contributions to St Bede’s.  

OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE MCAULEY AND MARIAN BUILDINGS 

Last Wednesday, 3 September was the Official Blessing and Opening of the McAuley and Marian Buildings. Attended by over fifty guests, including Diocesan and community leaders and representatives from all our stakeholders, the ceremony and liturgy were a tremendous success. The event was a celebration of our journey together, where we now have completed all four buildings which are interconnected via our Peregrine Trail. Our guests, including Bishop Michael Kennedy and Sean Scanlan, our Diocesan Chief Executive Officer, were so impressed with how our students showcased their various skills and their reverence and respect. 

Our students were impeccably dressed and groomed and throughout the celebration were perfectly behaved and actively engaged. They sang the national anthem and College song with enormous pride. In many ways, this was a defining moment in the history of the College where our students showed their pride and sense of belonging to our school community. Their reverence and positive engagement throughout this service also showed how much they appreciate the outstanding facilities they have for their use. 

The McAuley Building, to the far left as you look at the school from Heritage Drive, has a mix of open and closed learning spaces and our Technology Centre. The name McAuley was inspired by Venerable Catherine McAuley and the work of Sisters of Mercy in this region and aligns to our vision statement of ‘Connect with community.’  

The Marian Building, to the far right as you look at the school from Heritage Drive, includes a state-of-the-art sports centre/hall, the gymnasium, and the performing arts centre. The name Marian was inspired by St Marcellin Champagnat and the work of the Marist Brothers, who sought to bring people to Jesus through Mary. It aligns to our vision of ‘Live with Faith.’   

With all four buildings now completed and opened, students are to be commended on how they are positively engaging in their learning and making the most of a magnificent new school that will serve our surrounding suburbs for generations to come. 

NEW STUDENT LEADERS 

Congratulations to our new student leaders who were inducted into their leadership roles at the Leadership Liturgy held in our College Hall on Friday 6 September. The event was attended by all staff and students, and family members of the inducted leaders, and included individual presentations of leadership pins to the newly selected leaders.

A particular congratulations to our new College Captain, Bella Avis, and Vice-Captain, Sayeva Fragar. Our new leaders will be excellent ambassadors of our college. 

Below are the names of all the new leaders who will commence their duties from the start of Term 4.  

Year 7:  

Year 8:  

Year 9:  

Year 10:  

Year 11:  

In welcoming these students as our new student leadership team, we congratulate and thank our outgoing team on the outstanding work they have done over the last year. We particularly thank and congratulate our College Captain, Thomas Bendeich, and Vice-Captain, Veronica Parra Mariaca, for their dedicated and effective leadership. During the remainder of the term, there will be the transition from the outgoing to the incoming student leadership teams in preparation for the newly elected leaders to commence their duties from the start of next term. 

UPCOMING EVENTS 2024

Assistant Principal Report – Emma South & Amber Carter

R U Ok Day 

The rise of mental health concerns among young people, including anxiety, depression, and self-harm, is a pressing issue amplified by factors such as academic stress, social media, family dynamics and societal expectations. It is therefore crucial to prioritise early intervention, de-stigmatise mental health discussions, and provide accessible and effective support to address these concerns and promote the wellbeing of young people.

This year R U OK?Day falls on Thursday 12 September, an annual National Day of Action and a reminder that every day is the day to check in with your friends, family and colleagues.

R U OK? contributes to suicide prevention year round by urging people to invest time in personal relationships and empowering informal support networks to identify signs of distress. Families are encouraged to engage in this initiative, emphasising the importance of authentic human connections and reminding everyone to ask the essential question, "Are you OK?"

Parents, caregivers and schools all play a vital role in shaping young lives. Participating in R U OK?Day goes beyond classrooms, showcasing a commitment to holistic student development. By initiating conversations about mental health, schools create safe spaces, where children feel valued, understood, and supported. Parents can help by fostering an open dialogue, normalising emotions, identifying support systems, teaching active listening and addressing any stigmas relating to mental health.

Many schools nationwide organise events for the R U OK? message, offering students opportunities to engage. Parents and caregivers can help by supporting their school in this endeavour or choose to organise your own event for your workplace or community group. Participating in R U OK?Day nurtures compassion and demonstrates our dedication to the wellbeing of the whole school community, reaffirming that together, we can make a difference!

RUOK Day resources for young people and resources for everyday are available on the below links.

At St Bede’s we will be recognising R U Ok Day next week as part of our Wellbeing Week focus We will continue to encourage open and honest conversations about wellbeing, ensuring we check in on each other regularly.

Best wishes for our Year 11 and 12 students 

As the Year 11 students delve into their preliminary exams, and the Year 12s approach the culmination of their current academic journey, it's a time of significant milestones and exciting transitions.

To all of our senior students, remember that each study session, each exam, is a step towards achieving your dreams. Your hard work and dedication are the engines of your future success.

To our Year 12s, embrace the end-of-school activities with enthusiasm—they are not just a celebration of what you've accomplished but also a launchpad for the adventures that await in Year 13.

Best wishes to each one of you as you continue to strive for excellence. Keep pushing forward, stay curious, and seize every opportunity to learn and grow. The entire school community is here to support you!

Catholic Formation and Mission – Andrew Slater

Feast of Our Lady of Mercy 

The College will celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy on Tuesday 24 September. Students are invited to dress in green and make a gold coin donation to Catholic Mission. Catholic Mission is the Pope’s international mission agency. Catholic Mission shares in God’s mission to reach out and give life. By proclaiming the Gospel, serving people in need, and acting for peace, justice and creation, Catholic Mission work so that all may have life in Christ. 

As part of Wellbeing Week, there will be a BBQ and cans of drink for sale during Break 1 on Tuesday 17 September. Sausage sizzle $2.50, cans of drink $2.00. All money raised will also go to Catholic Mission.  

More information about Catholic Mission can be found on the link below.  

Chisholm Region HSC Mass 

A Mass will be celebrated for the intentions of all Year 12 students in schools within the Chisholm Region (St Bede’s Catholic College, All Saints’ College and St Joseph’s College). All members of our College community are invited to attend and pray for our Year 12 students. 

Where: St Joseph’s Catholic Church, East Maitland 
When: 5pm, Saturday 21 September  

An Introduction to Catholicism 

The Catholic Council of Schools Parents ACT/NSW has developed a handbook for parents and families of students in Catholic Schools. This resource is for all parents and carers, but particularly for those who may be unfamiliar with our Catholic traditions. We invite you to use it to understand the basics of our Catholic beliefs, celebrations, symbols and prayers. This guide explains some Catholic teachings and traditions parents and families might hear their child talk about when they’re discussing their religious education. It will also shed light on the elements of Catholic events parents and carers may be invited to attend during the school year. With sections about liturgy and Mass, faith formation, the Catholic calendar, prayers and a Catholic A-Z glossary, you’ll find this the perfect guide to ‘Our Catholic Faith’ and what makes a school Catholic. 

Christian Formation Course – Revelation in the Old Testament  

The Diocese is offering a five-week short course focussing on the Old Testament. Further details can be found in the attached flyer.  

LEARNING DOMAIN

Year 8 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement – Rebecca Dawber

Term 3 has been a very busy time for Year 8. I have, in particular, loved entering classes and seeing the incredible project-based work that students have been engaged in, from creative models of body systems in Science, Sewing in Technology and creating Sugar Skulls in Visual Arts.  

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We have had a number of year 8 students involved in multiple winning teams, such as the Under 16’s boys Soccer team coming 3^rd in the state for their competition. Outstanding work from Oliver Skelton, Nicholas Hair and Lachlan Winkleman. Such a fabulous effort.  

Indigo Picken-Baldwin performed in the Aspire Young Actors on Friday 30 August and a group of her friends were able to attend and support her performance. They reported that Indigo was incredible and had a great day out to Warners Bay.  

Congratulations to our new Yr 8 student leaders, Charlotte Burke, Meda Jeffery, Zara Rushford and Rose Whitely, who were commissioned and received their badges on Friday. I have no doubt they will all be such wonderful representatives of our College and Year 8. I was so impressed to have received a range of fantastic applications for these leadership positions, with so many greater leaders amongst Year 8. Those that missed out have been encouraged to look for opportunities to demonstrate and develop their leadership skills in the classroom, on the field and in extracurricular activities, and apply in the coming years.  

Keep up the fabulous work year 8.
Remember to: To Kind, Be Brave and Be Grateful.  

Child Protection Week – Abby O’Connor

Child Protection Week 

As it stands today, NCPW aims to engage, educate and empower Australians to understand the complexity of child abuse and neglect and work together to prevent it. The campaign does this through sharing evidence through webinars and events as well as creating resources in order to empower communities to have conversations regarding children’s safety and wellbeing.

St Bede’s Catholic College – ‘Decorate Your Space’  

Decorate Your Space is a competition which invites our communities to decorate a space in a way that uniquely reflects their commitment to children’s safety and wellbeing in line with the theme of National Child Protection Week ‘Every Conversation Matters.’ Thank you to the students and staff who were photographed, brainstormed ideas and gave up their time to write a fantastic explanation of the installation. 

To represent the message, ‘Every Conversation Matters’ and the power of a conversation, students were photographed with a telephone. The audience are invited to follow the gaze of students’ eyes to the word ‘talk’ and understand a valuable tool in prioritising the safety of children in our communities – conversations!  

This display speaks to adults and children. While communities have a collective responsibility to keep children safe, St Bede’s students recognise the need to encourage students to ‘talk’ to those who can craft solutions to issues our young people face. In a technological world, the rotary phone encourages viewers to remember the value of a simple conversation. The instillation promotes the importance of listening and valuing what children have to say.  

Conversations ensure every child in every community receives a fair go. The first step; talk.  

Start a conversation, build a better future. 

Gifted Education Mentor – Kim Dickson

Successful Digital Tools Workshop Brings Together Students from St Bede’s and St Aloysius 

On Wednesday August 28, St Bede's Virtual Academy hosted a Digital Tools Workshop that united students from St Bede's and St Aloysius for a day of collaborative learning. Four students from St Aloysius joined St Bede’s students in enhancing their thinking, research, communication, and self-management skills through technology. 

The workshop provided a platform for students to explore advanced digital tools that are increasingly essential in the modern learning environment. The collaborative activities were designed to challenge students to think critically, manage their time effectively, and communicate clearly, all while navigating new technologies. 

Students expressed their excitement about the workshop. "It was a great opportunity to learn alongside students from another school," said one of the St Aloysius participants. "We got to share ideas, learn new tools, and improve our skills in a fun and supportive environment." 

St Bede’s and St Aloysius look forward to future partnerships, fostering a spirit of learning that transcends school boundaries and prepares students for the challenges of the future. 

Sport – Belinda Watts   

NSWCCC Football Semi Finals – The End of the Road 

On Wednesday 4 September, our u16s Boys Football Team travelled bright and early down to Valentine Sports Park for the Semi-Finals of the NSWCCC Knockout Competition. With a chance to be crowned the best team in NSW Catholic Schools, the boys knew they had a big task ahead. Unfortunately, St Bede’s lost to a strong Freeman Catholic College Team 3-0, a scoreline that didn’t reflect how close the match was. The loss meant that St Bede’s are official the 3^rd best u16s Football Team in the whole of NSW Catholic Schools. To go from never making a final at our own Diocesan Carnival, to 3^rd in the state, is nothing short of extraordinary.

Continue to dream boys, The Gaffer is so proud of you all. We go again. 

Diocesan Basketball – Girls

On Thursday 5 September St Bede’s Catholic College participated in the Diocesan Basketball tournament at Newcastle Basketball Stadium. Both the years 7/8 and the years 9/10 teams played some great basketball and improved throughout the day with the 9/10 team qualifying for the semifinals. Unfortunately, we were defeated by a strong St Pius Adamstown team.

Congratulations on your determination, sportsmanship and positive attitude throughout the day. 

Diocesan Basketball - Boys 

On Thursday 29 August St Bede’s Catholic College participated in the Diocesan Basketball tournament. Years 7/8 and 9/10 boys competed at Maitland/Newcastle Diocesan Basketball Tournament. The two teams played against various schools within the diocese who provided quality basketball teams. 

The junior boys team demonstrated great teamwork, strategic plays, and resilience as they navigated through tough matches against St Catherine’s Taree, St Pius Adamstown and All Saint College. The senior boys team saw equally challenging competition, demonstrating exceptional skill and determination from All Saints College, St Paul’s Booragul and St Joseph’s Aberdeen. 

Both teams are to be commended for their team spirit, persistence and respect towards officials. 

NSWCCC Netball 

The Year 9/10 girls had an excellent day on Wednesday in the sunshine. These girls played the best they have played all year and fought hard to come away with 2 wins and 4 losses (two of which they only lost by 2-3 points). This is an exceptional effort for being in the top division against many well-polished Sydney teams. These girls are to be commended for their teamwork, positivity and good spirits throughout the day. A special mention to our umpires, Taneisha Twitchin and Imogen Brownlee, who did an exceptional job on the day. 

The Year 7/8 team were placed in a very challenging pool facing last year’s State Champions in the first game of the day. The girls should be very proud of their efforts and determination on the court. Despite the games being very physical, the girls played “their hearts out” and proved that they deserve to be playing at this level. Well Done ladies. 

Regional Netball FINALS 

Good luck to our Year 7/8 Team (above) who will compete in Phase 2 of the Netball NSW Super Schools Cup – Hunter and Central Coast Regional Finals! One team from each Division will proceed to Phase 3 (State finals at Netball Central). 

UPCOMING EVENTS 2024

SERVICE & GOVERNANCE DOMAIN

School Fees – Heidi Robertson    

Please be advised that School Fee Statements have been emailed at the start of the month.  

For families that have nominated to pay school fees in a lump sum, this payment is now considered overdue. For those families that are making regular payments towards fees, this commitment is appreciated.  

If you have a Centrelink-issued HCC, and have not supplied a copy for 2024, please complete this link and attach 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. 

Other News

Canteen

For the remainder of Term 3 the St Bede's canteen will be closed for breakfast.

Volunteer Registration Link

School Student Travel

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/