St Bede's Catholic College Newsletter - Edition 19 - 13 December 2024

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE – JOHN MURPHY

PRAYER  

Lord Jesus,
Master of both the light and the darkness, 
send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. 
We who have so much to do
seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. 
We who are anxious over many things
look forward to your coming among us. 
We who are blessed in so many ways
long for the complete joy of your kingdom. 
We whose hearts are heavy
seek the joy of your presence. 
We are your people, 
walking in darkness, 
yet seeking the light. 
Amen. 
St Bede … Pray for us. 

2025 KEY DATES 

To assist with your planning for 2025, please refer to the document below that has all the key dates for 2025. This includes the starting and finishing dates of each term and the pupil free days. Please note that for next year, there are two additional staff development days. One of these days is because of the timing of the cycle of advanced safeguarding in which our staff are scheduled this year to complete the compulsory face-to-face training day. The other is a Diocesan endorsed planning day for all secondary schools for the implementation of the new curriculums.  

HSC RESULTS 

Our Year 12 Class of 2024 will receive their HSC results next Wednesday. Irrespective of the results they receive, we are extremely proud of all our HSC graduates, and we look forward to hearing of their successes in their chosen careers. We will do a comprehensive analysis of the HSC results at the start of next year and will endeavor to keep them involved in the College. 

STAFF NEWS 

Next year we will be piloting two new positions as part of broadening our Wellbeing Staff Team for next year to assist in the priority of student wellbeing. With increased enrolment numbers, the Catholic Schools Office provided funding for three existing staff to step into these new leadership positions.

1. Wellbeing Coordinator: The two staff appointed to these positions are Mr. Lachlan Vaugan and Mrs. Jordan Holland. Mr. Vaugan has had a range of temporary leadership positions in his two years here at St Bede’s, namely Sports Coordinator and Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement. Mrs. Holland has been an integral member of the Learning Support Team for the last three years and has had previous success as a Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement at her prior school. These two new pilot positions will assist in supporting our Assistant Principals and Leaders of Wellbeing & Engagement in promoting the positive wellbeing of our students. 

2. House Coordinator: Mr Beau Dalton. Mr. Dalton is an excellent teacher and has been heavily and successfully engaged in the co-curricular life of the College. This new pilot position will involve working with staff and our student leaders in broadening the involvement of students in house-based activities, over and beyond the swimming and athletics carnivals.  

Below are the Leaders of Wellbeing & Engagement (LOWEs) for 2025.  

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

3. Samuel Rowlings as a Permanent Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement, commencing at the start of next year. Mr. Rowlings is currently serving in this role at St. Patrick’s Strathfield in Sydney. He brings with him a range of experience from his 10 years in teaching, during which he has held positions in the UK, regional NSW, and now in Sydney. Mr. Rowlings is currently pursuing a Master of Education and is deeply passionate about the crucial links between learning and wellbeing.

Name: Samuel Rowlings

Family background:      

Grew up in Tamworth, Country NSW before venturing to Newcastle for University. I have lived in Sydney for the past 8 years and have two young daughters.    

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

To be part of a thriving community where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to reach their potential. 

Teaching Qualifications:      

• Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary)/Physical Development, Health & Physical Education University of Newcastle 
• Ongoing - Master of Education, Specialising in Innovative Teaching and Learning, Curtin University   

Teaching Experience:   

• Durrington High School, United Kingdom (2014-2015)
• Oxley High School, Tamworth (2016)
• Waverley College (2017-2018)
• St Patrick’s College, Strathfield (2019-2024)  

Personal Interests/Passions:      

• Spending time with my wife and daughters. 
• Love all my sport in particular cricket, golf, and rugby league 
• Listening to music, playing my guitar.  

Advice to Students:      

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. Grab opportunities that arise, don’t be afraid to fail and go beyond your comfort zone.   

4. Lloyd Thompson as a temporary three-day a week Mathematics Teacher for 2025. Mr. Thompson is a highly experienced Mathematics teacher and has held the position of Principal at One School Global for 20 years. During this time, he led the significant innovative change of the school that resulted in an evolving culture of continuous improvement. Before this position, he worked at Dubbo College as a teacher, Leader of Learning and Assistant Principal.  

Name: Llyod Thompson

Family background:      

After growing up on the Central Coast, I studied at the University of Newcastle before moving to Dubbo to start my teaching career. I moved back to Newcastle from Dubbo with my wife and two young sons so that we could be closer to extended family. We are extremely proud of our sons who are 25 and 23 and are enjoying watching them make their way early in their own careers.   

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

I am excited to be joining a school that offers such a variety of opportunities for all students and contributes to the community. I look forward to working with students to develop their interest and understanding in Mathematics and helping them reach their potential.

Teaching Qualifications:      

• Bachelor of Education (Mathematics) University of Newcastle

Teaching Experience:   

I started my teaching career in Dubbo as a Mathematics teacher at Delroy High School before taking on the position of Head Teacher at Dubbo College South Campus. During this time, I held a variety of positions including Year Coordinator. I then moved into the independent system taking a position with OneSchool Global Maitland, firstly as a Mathematics teacher and then as Campus Principal.

Personal Interests/Passions:      

I have always been keen on sports, which these days centres mainly on golf. I also enjoy music and playing the guitar, reading, and travel.

Advice to Students:      

Enjoy the moment, take every opportunity available to you, and utilise all resources to help you reach your potential so that you can be proud of your efforts. Wherever possible, contribute to the community and treat others with kindness.

5. Mariette Adam as a Permanent TAS (Technology & Applied Studies) teacher. Ms. Adam has been teaching in the independent system where she has made an impact on the integration of technologies across the curriculum. Ms. Adam has demonstrated a future focused approach to the planning and delivery of a rigorous and contemporary approach to the new syllabus. 

Name: Mariette Adam

Family background:      

I come from a close-knit and supportive family. I have been married for 13 years to my husband, Ziyaad. We have one son, Kaden, and a dog child named Chewie, a Multipoo.  Our family enjoys spending time together, and I deeply value the time spent with loved ones.   

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

In coming to St Bede’s, I hope to bring positivity and my passion to the school environment. I aim to inspire and contribute to creating a nurturing atmosphere where both students and staff can thrive within the technology space. I believe in using unconventional methods to teach concepts, making learning engaging and accessible through technology.

Teaching Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Education – University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg, South Africa) – 4 years full-time
• Bachelor of Education with Honours (Computer Integrated Education) – University of Pretoria (Pretoria, South Africa) – 2 years part-time.

Teaching Experience:   

• Saxonwold Primary School (Google Coach/Network Manager/Educator) – 4 years, 7 months 
• King David primary School – Coding and Robotics Educator – 1 year, 5 months) 
• St Mary’s School Waverley (EdTech Leader) – 1 year 9 months 
• Newcastle Grammar School (Technology Teacher) – 1 year 

Personal Interests/Passions:      

I enjoy making and creating things, and I’m a DIY enthusiast. I love spending time outdoors hiking and painting. I like learning new skills, with sewing being my latest adventure.

Advice to Students:      

My advice to the students is to embrace learning with an open mind and a curious heart. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, explore new ideas, and take risks. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow and discover something new about yourself. Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes—what matters is how you learn from them. Stay positive, work hard, and always strive to do your best. Your future is shaped by the choices you make today!

We take this opportunity to farewell and thank the temporary and permanent staff who are leaving St Bede’s. We thank them for their invaluable contributions to our school community and wish them all the best for the future. Below are the details of the permanent staff who are leaving. 

1. Yanfei (Bonnie) Chen: Moving to St Mary’s Gateshead as a teacher: Ms. Chen has been a Mathematics teacher at St Bede’s for the last two years. 
2. Ms. Sally-Anne Waters: Moving to St Pius X as a teacher. Ms. Waters has been a TAS Teacher at St Bede’s for 2024. 
3. Ms. Alanna Bohatko: Ms. Bohatko will be moving to St Paul’s Booragul as a Permanent Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement (LOWE.) Ms. Bohatko has been a teacher and held multiple temporary positions as Assistant LOWE and LOWE during her five years at St Bede’s. 
4. Ms Kelly Pearson: As previously announced, Ms. Pearson will be taking up a more senior position as Assistant Principal at St Catherine’s Catholic College Singleton. Ms. Pearson has been a Permanent Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement for the last three years at St Bede’s.
5. Ms. Karen Forget: Moving to Catherine McAuley Medowie as a member of their Learning Support Team. Ms Forget has been a member of our Learning Support Team for the last four years. 
6. Ms. Fiona Duque: Following a very successful two-year secondment to the Diocese in the position as Mission & Evangelisation Partner, Ms. Duque has accepted a permanent appointment and will not be returning to St Bede’s. Ms Duque was a Foundation Staff Member and held the dual positions of Ministry Coordinator and Religious Education Leader of Learning from 2018 to 2020, before then continuing her role as Religious Education Leader of Learning until the end of 2022.   

PRINCIPAL’S AWARDS 

Congratulations to Charlotte Winkler (Year 7), Ruby Bradford and Oliver Hoult (Year 8) who this year are recipients of a Principal’s Award. Charlotte, ruby and Oliver recently received these awards at an assembly. Receiving a Principal’s Award is difficult to achieve. Recipients need to receive fifteen merit awards to receive an Assistant Principal’s Award and then another fifteen merit awards to receive a Principal’s Award. Charlotte, Ruby and Oliver are outstanding students and thoroughly deserve receiving their respective Principal’s Awards. 

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR PARENT REPRESENTATIVE – MICHELLE McDONALD 

Congratulations to our long serving Parent Representative who last week was awarded life membership of the Federation of the Parents & Friends Association at the Maitland Newcastle Annual General Meeting. In addition, Michelle was elected as the new President of the Maitland Newcastle Federation of the Parents & Friends Association. Both these achievements recognise Michelle’s dedicated service to both Our Lady of Lourdes and St Bede’s as an active and committed representative of the parents/carers. Since my commencement in 2017 as Foundation Principal, Michelle has worked alongside me and provided invaluable input in representing the parent voice regarding the direction of the College. 

We thank Michelle for her on-going service to Our Lady of Lourdes and St Bede’s, as well as to the Parents & Friends Association and congratulate her on the recognition and appointment. 

THANK YOU AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS 

Thank you to all members of our wonderful school community for making 2024 another great year. We should all be proud of the many achievements and highlights that we have achieved by working together. Good luck to all those students, families, and staff who are leaving St Bede’s, including our Year 12 Class of 2024 Graduating Students.  

Thank you to all parent/carer volunteers and to Michelle McDonald and Kristy Muxlow for being our Parent Representatives again this year. Their work has been invaluable in ensuring our parents/carers have a voice in the direction of the College. 

As we commence our end of year school holidays, I encourage families to attend one of the local parish Masses over Christmas. Christmas Masses provide an opportunity to deepen one’s faith or to experience what our Catholic faith is about. Irrespective of one’s faith, all are welcome at these Masses over Christmas. Please refer to the Ministry Report for details of Mass times. 

Merry Christmas and all the best for the school holidays. 

UPCOMING EVENTS 2024

2025

Assistant Principal Report – Emma South & Amber Carter

Awards Presentations

On Thursday we gathered to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students, who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, hard work, and talent throughout the year. The awards presentation was a testament to their perseverance and the unwavering support of their families, teachers, and friends.

As we honoured our students, we took time to reflect on the journey that brought us here. Each award was representative of countless hours of effort, moments of triumph, and the overcoming of challenges. They are a celebration not just of success, but of the spirit of learning and growth that defines our school community.

We are excited to commend the following students who received perpetual awards at our ceremony.

While, at this presentation, we highlighted the achievements of our award recipients, we also want to take this opportunity to recognise every student for their unique contributions and efforts. Each one has shown resilience, creativity, and a commitment to learning that deserves applause. Their hard work and determination make our school a vibrant and inspiring place. 

We wish everyone a happy, Holy Christmas and a very enjoyable holiday period.

Catholic Formation and Mission – Andrew Slater

Appointment of Priest Chaplain

Fr Priyantha Fernando has been appointed as the Priest Chaplain to St Bede’s Catholic College, St Aloysius Catholic Primary School and Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School. Fr Priyantha has been involved with St Bede’s since the start of this year, when he was appointed an Assistant priest for the Chisholm region. He will continue to assist with weekend Masses in the region. We look forward to working more closely with Fr Priyantha in 2025.

Christmas Mass Times

Please find below Christmas Mass Times for the Parishes of the Chisholm Region.

In addition to these Parish Masses, a Vigil Mass will also be celebrated at 5:30pm on Wednesday 24 December at St Bede’s Catholic College in the Hall. 

The organisers of this Mass are looking for young people interested in the following ministries:

• Participating in the re-enactment of the Christmas story
• Assisting with readings during the Mass
• Assisting with music
• Assisting with welcoming and seating 
• Offertory procession 
• Altar Serving 

If your child would like to be involved, please reach out to Bec Piefke on rebecca.piefke@mn.catholic.org.au 

LEARNING DOMAIN

Year 8 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement – Rebecca Dawber     

It is with immense gratitude that I write to you for the last time this year as the Year 8 Leader of Wellbeing and Engagement. I have loved working with these students and you, their families, and look forward to continuing to help guide and nurture them next year. We have had a very busy final couple of weeks with Yr 8 taking part in the PDHPE run, Water Safety excursion at The Forum, and our Community Day, led by Chris Doyle from Karis Ministries. I have worked with Chris over many years, and every group of students I have witnessed in his presence, have walked away inspired, joyful and more connected, and yr 8 this week have not been an exception. Chris used his musical talent and ability to story tell to entertain and enlighten our students, getting some of students up and dancing, singing at the microphone and cat walking. I have been so proud of the way that Year 8 embraced these opportunities and were so respectful, representing our college with pride. 

As our year wraps up, I want to congratulate all our students who have worked hard to be awarded LoWE, Assistant Principal, in particular, the 2 wonderful year 8 students who this year have been awarded a Principals Award, Oliver Hoult and Ruby Bradford. Being awarded these take many merits of being recognised for excellent work and contribution in and out of the classroom, modelling the 4 St Bede’s Pillars of Faith, Community, Courage and Knowledge. As we look forward to 2025, I look forward to seeing many more of our students continuing to being recognised for their example. 

I thank each of the Homeroom teachers for their work with our students on a daily basis. It has been an honour to work alongside you in maintaining our high expectations, developing strong connections and working to ensure that the students in our care feel supported. 

I wish all our families a wonderful Christmas, a safe and relaxing New year, with opportunities to reconnect with loved ones, enjoy special traditions and maybe make new ones.

Visual Arts – Leisha Young

Visual Arts Update and Drawn in Exhibition – 2024

Last week the St Bede’s school community enjoyed our annual Visual Arts exhibition ‘Drawn In’. Celebrating themes centred around identity, suburbia, architecture and abstraction, our hardworking Visual Arts students from Years 8 - 12 had the opportunity to see their artworks on display and under lights within the Peregrine Trail in a wonderful celebration of creativity and imagination. 

Whilst we congratulate all exhibiting students on their artmaking this year, a special mention must go to our 2024 award recipients:

Year 11 – Briana Lewis
For her thoughtfully executed monochromatic painting exploring themes of self-identity and her world.

Year 10 – Molly Surtees
For the technical prowess demonstrated in her drawing of Frank-N-Furter from the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Lilly Harris - Year 9
For her colourful and whimsical soft sculpture inspired by Australian artist Mirka Mora.

Year 8 – Kaley Kowalski
For her sophisticated self-portrait drawing using the traditional grid method.

Thank you to all staff, students, parents and carers for their encouragement and support of our most inspiring and vibrant exhibition yet!

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Congratulations also to the following Year 10 Visual Arts students whose stunning portrait drawings, created for our ‘Look at Moi’ unit, had been selected to adorn Mr. Murphy’s Interview Office during Term 4. Students enjoyed the opportunity to share their tips and techniques for realistic drawing during a meeting with Mr. Murphy.

~ Mia Gooch ~ Will Hinneberg ~ Izabella Hure ~ Alyssa Longton ~ Eve Power ~

~ Sienna Price ~ Lillian Sneddon ~ Peyton Seba ~ Molly Surtees ~ Thea Whyatt ~ 

And finally, we’d like to congratulate Elinsarose Varghese on the selection of her HSC Body of Work for the distinguished First-Class Exhibition at MAC yapang – Museum of Art and Culture. Elinsarose explored issues related to culture through exquisite coral forms. We also thank her teacher, Mrs. Lauren Hillier, for her expert guidance with the creation of this delicate ceramic work.

We honour all our students’ achievements in 2024, particularly the scope of ideas as well as the depth of skill and experimentation shown in their artmaking this year.

Chinese – Jason Heffernan   

Journey to the Central Kingdom《中国游记》 – Year 8 Chinese escape room 

Year 8 Chinese students are currently participating in the Journey to the Central Kingdom escape room activity. This is a fun and engaging way for them to use their knowledge of Chinese language and culture studied throughout the year.  

Students find themselves mysteriously transported through space and time to a Qing dynasty tomb. They search for clues and put their problem-solving skills to the test to crack a series of codes and puzzles that will allow them to escape the tomb and find help in a nearby village.  

Along the way, students flee from a Jiangshi (zombie), solve riddles for a Qilin (Chinese unicorn) and fend off a Nian monster before finally receiving help from a kind tea merchant and his friendly Pixiu, who agree to get them back safely to school – but only if they help them with his shopping first! 

The topics covered by this activity include numbers, greetings, character composition and stroke order, food, clothing, shopping, colours, Chinese currency, numeracy skills, and Chinese cultural beliefs and customs.  

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Virtual Academy – Kim Dickson

St Bede’s Students Shine at Virtual Academy Showcase  

Jack Petersen, Hamish Dibley, and Dominic Voigt recently took centre stage at the prestigious Virtual Academy Showcase, held at The University of Newcastle's cutting-edge Nuspace building. 

The showcase provided a platform for these talented students to present their learning, centred on the concept of Imagination, through a rigorous cycle of inquiry. Guided by curiosity and critical thinking, they explored how imagination fuels creativity, problem-solving, and innovation in real-world contexts. 

Their engaging presentation captivated attendees, demonstrating not only their depth of understanding but also their ability to apply transdisciplinary approaches to learning. The students’ work highlighted the power of collaboration and inquiry, showcasing the strength of the Virtual Academy in fostering the development of high-potential learners. 

Congratulations to Jack, Hamish, and Dominic for their outstanding efforts and for representing St Bede’s with distinction at this inspiring event!  

Sport – Belinda Watts

Sporting Participation Awards

During week 7, hundreds of students from SBCC were awarded Sporting Participation Awards at Year Assemblies for representing the school in a variety of sports. This was the school's busiest and most successful sporting year to date. Congratulations to every student who received these awards for 2024.

T20 Cricket (Round 2) 

The SBCC Years 7-9 Boys Cricket team recently competed on day 2 of the Hunter T20 Competition. First up was a close win against St Phillips Christian College, Cessnock. What looked like was going to be an easy win, proved to be quite a tight victory. To conclude the day was a match up against St Joseph’s, Lochinvar, for third place in the competition. The boys fought hard but came up short. Standout performers across the day included Srikar Neravetla, Koby Warland, Harry Dunn, Charlie Burey and Nicholas Hair. The team ended up placing 4^th in the competition and should hold their heads up high after representing the college with pride. 

Cadbury Cup 2024

Twelve teams, consisting of students from Year 7 through to Year 9, competed in a variety of games each week as part of our Cadbury Cup Sports competition held during Friday afternoon sport. Our Bonus Point winners for their sportsmanship, effort and participation throughout the competition were the Kinder Surprises! This week our top 2 teams from each division competed in the Finals in a game of Netball. An amazing effort from all teams involved. Congratulations to the DIV 1 Winners of the CUP for 2024 - 'The Stars' and our DIV 2 Winners- "Kinder Surprises". Year 7 students will compete in the Cadbury Cup in 2025 Term 1 sport following the Cups success.

Swimming 

Chelsea Dilley will be competing at the Senior State Age Swimming Championships at Sydney Olympic Park from Friday 6 December to Wednesday 11 December. She has qualified to compete in the 50m, 100m and 200m Breaststroke. Chelesea will be competing against the best swimmers in NSW.  

We also have a number of students competing in the NSW Country Championships from the 14-16^th of February: Charlize Eldridge, Sienna D, Braith Punton, Zara Rushford and Chelsea Dilley. We wish them all the best at these carnivals. 

Upcoming Events: 

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.

2025 Fees are attached.  Weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments can commence as soon as convenient via BPay, Direct Debit or via Compass.

Other News

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/