St Bede's Catholic College Newsletter - Edition 18 - 22 November 2024

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE – JOHN MURPHY

PRAYER  

Lord, Jesus Christ, our Sovereign King, 
 the beginning and end of all things. 
You have made your Church to be a people 
 that bears witness to the goodness  
and beauty of your kingdom. 
By your Holy Spirit,  
you have united us as one body, 
 called to live as one family of God. 
Fill our hearts with your grace, 
 that we would be close to you 
by being close to the vulnerable and marginalised. 
Give us the patience to share one another’s burdens, 
and give us the courage to always be friends of the truth. 
May we remain with you always. 
Amen. 
St Bede … Pray for us. 

HSC EXAMS 

Congratulations to our HSC students on the completion of their HSC exams. As verified by the HSC Presiding Officer, who oversaw the supervision of the exams, all students arrived at all exams on time and gave 100%. Well done to three of our graduating students, Jamie Flanagan, Shamarnie Gounden, and Grace McMahon, who were interviewed after their last HSC Exam and featured in an article in the Maitland Mercury Newspaper on the 8 November. These three students typified the positivity, commitment, and leadership of our Class of 2024.  

To celebrate the completion of all their school commitments, the Year 12 Formal was held at Ben Ean Winery & Vineyard last Friday 15 November. Attended by the Class of 2024 students, their parents, and teachers, the formal was a wonderful celebration of their school lives. A particular thank you to Ms. Amber Pyne, Ms. Lauren Hillier, Mr. Lachlan Vaughan, and the Year 12 Homeroom Team for their organisation of this wonderful event and for their support of our new St Bede’s graduates.

There will be an informal gathering here at St Bede’s on Tuesday 17 December at 12.30pm for our graduates with a barbeque and distribution of their college references. We look forward to staying connected to our Class of 2024 through an Alumni Association that is being developed. We thank them and their parents/carers for their contribution to St Bede’s and wish them all the best in their future endeavours. 

CONGRATULATIONS 

Congratulations to our U’16s Futsal Team, who after winning the Northern NSW State Futsal Championships earlier in the year, competed in the Australasian champion of champions competition a fortnight ago for the title of the best school team in the country. The girls won their first game 4 - 1 against Robina State High School, won the second game 7 - 4 against Kotara High School, won the third 9-0 against Stretton State College, before being defeated 4 – 1 in the final against Bellingen High School. To be the 2nd best schoolgirls team in the country is a remarkable achievement. Thank you to the coaches, Ms. Grace Cugaly and Mr. Dominic Sevil, and those other staff who have assisted in guiding them to achieve such remarkable achievements.  

Congratulations to Janali Haynes, Grace Cornwall, and Lily Sutton who have been selected in the National U’16s Futsal Team. To have three of our students selected in the national team is also an incredible achievement. 

PARENT RESOURCE 

Please find below a copy of the Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT’s ‘Supporting Diverse Learning in Catholic Schools – A guide by Parents, for Parents 2^nd edition’. The first edition of this excellent resource was released two years ago, with positive feedback from parents, carers, and educators. The updated revised version outlines a range of effective strategies in guiding children and their families through school life. Examples of topics covered include transitioning to high school and into Years 11 & 12, choosing subjects, routine outside of school, homework, and organisation.  

STAFF NEWS 

I am happy to announce the following new staff for next year: 

1. Lisa Corbett as a Temporary English Teacher for 2025: Ms. Corbett is an enthusiastic, collaborative, and reflective educator. She has taught English, Geography, Drama and Careers across a range of school contexts. 

Name: Lisa Corbett

Family background:     

I grew up on the Central Coast in a close-knit family, including my two older brothers, that values kindness, hard work, and resilience.  

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

I hope to build meaningful connections with students and colleagues, contribute to a positive school culture, and inspire students through engaging, personalised learning experiences. I am eager to collaborate, support student wellbeing, and create an environment where every student feels empowered to succeed. 

Teaching Qualifications:     

• Bachelor of Secondary Education (Modern History and English) 

Teaching Experience:  

I have taught a range of subjects, including English, Careers, Drama, and Geography, across diverse school environments such as Wadalba Community School, St Mary’s Gateshead, and St Paul’s Booragul. 

Personal Interests/Passions:     

I am passionate about maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle by going to the gym, walks with my dachshund, Oliver, having saunas and ice baths and time spent reading, relaxing at the beach, and enjoying quality time with my family. 

Advice to Students:     

Be brave enough to always be yourself, take risks, and see every setback as an opportunity to learn and grow. Above all, choose kindness in every situation.  

2. Alexandra Wilkes as a permanent HSIE Teacher, commencing from the start of next year.  Ms. Wilkes has a Bachelor of Education and is currently completing a Bachelor of Business with the University of Newcastle. She has taught in a range of HSIE subjects, including History, Geography, Business Studies, Legal Studies, and Society and Culture. 

Name: Alexandra Wilkes 

Family background:

A small family who enjoys spending time outdoors with nature and pets. 

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

I hope to become a valued member of the school as it is such a welcoming community. I hope to continue to develop my teaching practices and build strong relationships with both staff and students. Finally, I hope to spend many years with St Bede’s and help to develop the school.  

Teaching Qualifications:   

• Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
  • Major in Modern History with
  • Minors in Ancient History & Business Studies 

Teaching Experience:  

• 2022 - Moama Anglican Grammar School 
• 2023 - Newcastle Grammar School 
• 2024 - St Philips Christian College Newcastle 

Personal Interests/Passions:   

I enjoy reading, baking, and spending time with pets. One of which is a horse who I often attend competitions with. 

Advice to Students:     

To always be kind to others. It can truly make a large difference in someone’s day to have the support and kindness of a fellow classmate.  

PARENT FORUM 

Our last Parent Forum Meeting was held last Wednesday 13 November in the College Library. Included in the meeting were the Parent Representatives and Federation Report, a National Catholic Safeguarding Standards Update, an outline of some excellent Student Voice initiatives, an Executive Report, an explanation of the 2025 College Resource Fee, and a walk onto our newly opened basketball courts. Please see below a summary of the meeting. 

The first meeting next year will be held at 6.00pm in the College Library on Monday 26 February. All parents/carers are encouraged to attend and to save this date.  

FINANCE 

After examining our budget and cross checking with comparative schools in the region, the following has been decided for the resource fee in the 2025 school fees. 

• The resource budget for 2025 will increase on average across all year groups by approximately 4.5% from the 2024 figure, which is in line with the consumer price index over the last year. 
• The resource fee will continue to cover the costs of most excursions and for Friday sport activities. Higher cost excursions that are required due to the curriculum requirements of a course and St Bede’s representative teams will be partially but not fully funded.  
• Included in this increased resource amount will be the payment for all elective subject costs, excluding uniforms, for elective subjects in Years 9 – 12. The rationale for this is to allow students to choose their elective subjects based on interest, skills, and possible career pathways, rather than the cost of the courses. 
• Payment for courses run outside of St Bede’s, including SBATs, distant education, and TAFE delivered courses will continue not to have fees, and other costs associated with these courses covered by this resource levy. 
• The Year 7 Camp, Year 10 Activity Week, and Year 11 Retreat will not be covered in the resource levy and will continue to be added to the fee statements. 

The substantial increase in costs covered in this levy, whilst limiting the annual increase to the consumer price index (inflation rate), is a net gain in terms of the collective value of the resource fee. This has largely been achieved by the support of parents/carers meeting their financial obligations with the payment of school fees.  

UPCOMING EVENTS 2024

2025

Assistant Principal Report – Emma South & Amber Carter

Finishing well – Attendance & Uniform

As we move towards the final weeks of the year it is worth keeping our focus on finishing the year in a positive manner. Regular school attendance is expected by students along with productive engagement in the learning experiences planned by teachers. We also trust students come to school ready to learn and that includes having all their required equipment and their device is charged and functioning.

Our high expectations of uniform also need to be maintained right to the end of term. We ask students and families take note particularly to ensure the following:

• Sport uniform is only worn during days where practical PDHPE lessons are schedule and for Friday sport;
• The correct socks are worn at all times. Likewise, students attending Gravity X for Sport must wear their school socks to school and change into the trampolining socks when they arrive at the venue;
• The guidelines for earrings and piercings are adhered to, that is, no more than two earrings are to be worn at a time. Earrings and, if a student has a nose piercing, are to be discrete. The Uniform and Grooming Policy states studs or sleepers must only be plain silver or gold.

We thank students and families for working with the College to ensure these standards are maintained and that St Bede’s students are recognised by firstly their high standard of presentation and secondly their ability to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner within the school and wider community.

HSC 2025 Information Evening

Thank you to the students and families that joined us for the interactive presentation on Wednesday evening. Year 11 students and families have been provided with the slides from the evening along with useful links to websites available to students and families to support them through the HSC journey. A key message to our students is that, as a community of educators, we believe it is our imperative to ensure the young people within our care are provided with the conditions that enable them to thrive and aspire to achieve beyond what they thought was possible. A positive partnership with families, students and teachers is the foundation of this aspiration.

Year 10 Transition to Stage 6 & All My Own Work

There are some wonderful events planned for Year 10 as they conclude their Stage 5 studies and prepare to progress to senior studies, also known as Stage 6. Over the last weeks of term students will be engaging in Stage 6 Transition Lessons, some students will be attending the University of Newcastle visit and there is the Treetops Adventure Park visit schedule for 6 December. Along with these wonderful events, Year 10 students will be completing the All My Own Work modules on Monday 2 December. These are mandated academic integrity modules that must be completed before students are eligible for enrolment into their Year 11 courses. If students or families have any questions relating to these events, please contact Mrs. Martin or Ms. Bahatko.

Catholic Formation and Mission – Andrew Slater

Bishop’s Student Leaders Retreat 

Last week, our Year 11 Student Leaders participated in the Bishop’s Senior Student Leaders Retreat, along with Student Leaders from across the Diocese. The three-day Retreat, held in Newcastle, featured a range of experiences for the students. The first day of the Retreat provided students with the opportunity to get to know each other, along with starting to explore what leadership is about. The second day of the Retreat focussed on action. Our Leaders visited the Hamilton South Community Garden, where they helped local volunteers to weed the gardens and carry out other general maintenance activities. The Community Garden is an oasis for many people who otherwise would not get a chance to have their own garden. On the final day of the Retreat, activities were focussed on leadership in the Catholic context.  

Mass Celebrating Diverse Learning 

The 25^th Mass celebrating diverse learning will be held at the Cathedral on Tuesday 3 December at 5pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. No RSVP is necessary. 

Please see the attached flyer for further information.  

LEARNING DOMAIN

Year 7 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement – Lauren Power    

As we approach the end of the 2024 school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey our Year 7 students have experienced. Transitioning to high school is a significant milestone, and I am so proud of the resilience, growth, and enthusiasm they have shown throughout the year. I have been truly blessed to work with such an amazing group of outgoing students who continue to shine with Christ’s glory.  

We have, once again, had an astounding number of students receiving Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement Awards for receiving 5 merits on Compass. These students should be proud of the positive contribution they have made to life at St Bede’s, with some students being in receipt of multiple awards throughout the course of the year.  

I would also like to take this opportunity to extend a huge thank you to our dedicated Year 7 Homeroom teachers, who have not only assisted me throughout the year but also guided and supported the students to be the best version of themselves. Their passion and commitment have been instrumental in the successes we have achieved this year. 

Finally, to you, our parents, and carers, thank you for being such an integral part of this journey. Your support, encouragement, and partnership have made my job that much easier, and I look forward to this continuing into 2025 and beyond.  

To those families departing the College community, I wish you all the best for the future. To our continuing families, I look forward to seeing you in the new year, ready for another exciting chapter as we embark on the journey of Year 8.  

As always, if you have any concerns or questions about your child’s wellbeing, please do not hesitate to contact me at the College on 4088 8222 or via lauren.power@mn.catholic.edu.au

Digital Innovation and Learning – Sandra Hampshire

Year 10 2025 Device Purchasing  

The Portal is now live for ordering of the Year 10 2025 Device. This Portal is also open for Year 7 2025 Devices orders.

Next Technologies have created an easy and safe parent portal for students. The portal is provided and managed by Next Technologies Pty Ltd. Purchasing and portal information can be found in the document attached.

Ordering can be made from the 15 November 2024 and must be made by Tuesday 31 December 2024 to ensure on-time delivery for end of February 2025. Please be aware that device delivery will be to your home address for 2025.

If you have any difficulties, please call Next Technologies on 1300 738 237.

Payment can be made later through the same portal, with all payments due by Thursday 16 January 2025. A range of payment options are available in the portal.

Please note that devices are not able to be delivered to students until payment is finalised.

In the meantime, if you require any further information regarding the device program, please contact Sandra Hampshire (Leader of Digital Innovation and Learning) at the school or via sandra.hampshire@mn.catholic.edu.au

Sport – Belinda Watts   

Aquathlon 

On Thursday 19December Sienna Dilley (Year 8) and Chelsea Dilley (Year 7) will be competing in the CSNSW Aquathlon at Max Park Leisure and Aquatic Centre. The girls will be competing against other students in Catholic Schools all over NSW. The event involves a 200m swim and a 1.8km run and seeded finals in the afternoon. We wish them all the best on the day! 

Further information regarding this event and registration can be found on the CSNSW website.

Australian Touch Football Championships 

Charlie Burey represented NSW All Schools and played in the School Sport Australia Touch Football Championships in Brisbane, Queensland earlier in term. Their team won the silver medal, narrowly going down to Queensland in the 8-8 gold medal match. NSW eventually went down to Queensland 10-9 in a 3 v 3 drop-off. This was a fantastic achievement.

What an extraordinary year for Charlie! 

Brisbane Futsal – Australasian Champion of Champions – 2^nd in Australia 

From the 7-11 November, the unstoppable U16 Girls Futsal team embarked on their most ambitious challenge yet - travelling to Brisbane to compete in the prestigious Australasian Champion of Champions competition, where they would battle for the crown of Australia's finest. 

In a heart-pounding opener, they burst onto the court against Robina State High School, showcasing their devastating attacking prowess in a commanding 4-1 victory that sent shockwaves through the tournament. The intensity only escalated in their second clash, where they found themselves locked in an epic duel with St Joseph's Toowoomba. In a nail-biting finish that had spectators on the edge of their seats (especially Coach Sevil), our girls emerged victorious with a razor-thin 4-3 win. The drama of Day 1 reached its peak in a local derby showdown against Kotara High School. Despite falling behind early - a moment that tested their resolve - the team roared back to life, unleashing an unstoppable offensive barrage to secure a thrilling 7-4 triumph. 

Day 2 saw the girls transform into an unstoppable force of nature. They first decimated Stretton State College in a masterclass performance, storming to a devastating 9-0 victory. The rampage continued against Bellingen High School, where the girls delivered their most spectacular display yet, dominating the court in a commanding 6-1 victory. But the day held even more glory - in a moment that would be forever etched in the school's history, three of their stars - Lily Sutton, Janali Haynes, and Grace Cornwall - received the ultimate honor: selection for the Australian Futsal Team! 

The tension reached fever pitch on finals day, as destiny reunited them with familiar foes Kotara High School in the semifinal. In an intense battle of will and skill, the deadlock finally broke, and our girls unleashed their championship quality to storm home with a stunning 4-0 victory. 

The grand finale against Bellingen High School proved to be a heartbreaking twist in their fairy tale run. Despite their warrior spirit, two cruel deflected goals and a goalkeeper who seemed to bend the laws of physics with her saves saw Bellingen clinch the title 4-1. But in defeat, these girls wrote themselves into legend - transforming from unknown underdogs into Australia's second-best team and an emerging futsal powerhouse. They shattered every expectation, rewrote what was possible, and made history for St Bede's Catholic College. 

Message from the coaches: Words cannot fully capture how proud we are of your journey. You showed not just skill, but heart, determination, and an unwavering spirit that inspired everyone around you. From the multiple training sessions and fundraisers to the nail-biting final moments on court, you gave everything you had and more. Every drop of sweat, every moment of frustration, every celebration, and yes, even the tears at the end, have been part of something truly special. As your coaches, we have had the privilege of watching you grow not just as athletes, but as young leaders who lift each other up and face every challenge with courage and grace. This tournament may be over, but hold your heads high, you were amazing. Thank you for letting us be part of your remarkable journey. - Coaches Sevil and Cugaly.

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Athletics 

Congratulations to Zane Edwards who has been selected to compete in the Australian All Schools Competition between the 6-8 December in Queensland. He will be competing in the 100m and 200m events. This is an outstanding achievement, and we wish him all the best. 

2025 Sport Choices  

Sport choices for Year 7, 8 and 9 (Year 8, 9,10 in 2025) for Term 1, 2025 will occur during Week 8 this term. All information is available on Compass. Please ensure you and your child read the information carefully prior to the sport selection process.  

SERVICE & GOVERNANCE DOMAIN

School Fees – Heidi Robertson  

Thank you to all families that have finalised their fees for 2024, just a reminder that School fees are due on 30 November 2024.

Please note, it is our policy that financial hardship should not prevent a child from attending a Catholic School and no child will be denied a catholic education because of a family’s genuine inability to pay the required school fees. For families experiencing financial hardship or wishing to discuss other payment arrangements please contact the School Finance Officer on 02 40888 222 or via email finance@chisholmsb.catholic.edu.au. These discussions and arrangements regarding fees are strictly confidential.

Statements are emailed in the first week of every month or can be viewed through Compass, please ensure that these are checked and any discrepancies advised to the finance office.

If you are a Current holder of a Health Care card and have not provided it to the school for your discount, please complete the link below and attach a copy of your card front and back.

If you receive a Family discount and hold a Health Care card/Pension card, the combined total of 50% is applied.

Other News

Canteen

Volunteer Registration Link

School Student Travel 2025

School student travel information for parents and students

Applications are now open for 2025 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel.

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their school Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025.

Students who require a school Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.
In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.

Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from 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/