St Bede's Catholic College Newsletter 10 - 30th June 2023

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE – JOHN MURPHY

PRAYER  

Creator God,  
we give you thanks for the life of Fr Julian Tenison Woods,  
who responded to your prompting  
by witnessing the goodness and importance  
of your creation.  
Increase our desire to explore and understand your creation,  
so that we may live life to the full,  
and help to bring light into the darkness.  
We ask this through Christ our Lord.  
Amen

St Bede… Pray for us

NAMING OF THE TENISON WOODS SCIENCE HUB 

Last Tuesday marked a significant moment in the history of St Bede’s with a special after school liturgy to honour the naming of the Tenison Woods Science Hub. Included in the liturgy was an acknowledgement of country by Veronica Para Mariaca (Year 11), the singing of the college song by Tamara Redcliffe (Year 11), and an outstanding keyboard performance by Aleena Saunders (Year 9). We are so proud of the efforts and maturity of these three students, and we thank them for their participation in the liturgy. Also included in the liturgy was the unveiling of the plaque by Father George Anthicadu, Sister Patricia Egan, Sister Louise Gannon, and I.  

The naming of the Science Hub pays tribute to Fr Julian Tenison Woods, who was the first Director of Catholic Education in Australia. Fr Tenison was an internationally recognised scientist, whose works in the fields of geology, palaeontology, and zoology were highly respected and considered progressive. He is most well-known for his role in establishing the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart along with St Mary of the Cross Mackillop. From this founding, the Josephites’ spread first to Perthville, and from there to Lochinvar in 1883. It was therefore fitting that some of the Sisters of St Joseph of Lochinvar were able to join us for the liturgy. 

Thank you to those who contributed to the success of this important event.  

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“Photo and quotes used with the permission of the Trustees of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Not to be reproduced without the permission of the Trustees.”

STAFF NEWS 

Congratulations to Mr Andrew Cornwall, our Leader of Learning of Human Society and its Environment (HSIE), on his temporary appointment as Principal Education Officer for the Department of Education, effective from the start of next term until the start of Term 3 next year.  

Mr Cornwall will be responsible for leading the development and delivery of professional learning and resources which support teachers in undertaking the Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALTs) accreditation process for the Department of Education NSW. The role provides expertise and advice to support the development of a talent pipeline for HALTs in NSW.  

Mr Cornwall is a member of our 2018 foundation staff and has been a key staff member for the last six years. Prior to his appointment at St Bede’s, Mr Cornwall assisted me in the area of learning technology. He continued to oversee learning technology at the college until 2021. During those early years, Mr Cornwall also oversaw multiple subject areas as coordinator and completed multiple stints as Temporary Assistant Principal.  

Despite our loss, we are delighted that, yet another St Bede’s staff member has been acknowledged for their extraordinary skills and placed in such a senior position. We thank Mr Cornwall for his incredible work at St Bede’s and we look forward to his return at the start of Term 3 next year.

Congratulations to Ms Lauren McCafferty on her appointment as the Temporary HSIE LOL for Semester Two this year and Semester One for next year. Lauren has extensive teaching experience in a wide range of subjects in Diocesan and Independent schools. She also has had successful leadership experience in schools, including as a Gifted Education Mentor and Pedagogical Mentor. Ms McCafferty is an excellent teacher and respected team member of the HSIE Faculty and will capably lead the faculty in Mr Cornwall’s absence.

Best wishes to Ms Martin (Year 9 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement - LOWE) and Ms Pyne (Year 11 LOWE) in commencing their parental leave for the remainder of the year. We look forward to their return next year. With Ms Lauren Power being appointed as the Temporary Year 9 LOWE for the and Ms Rebecca Dawber as the Temporary Year 11 LOWE for the remainder of the year, their vacant positions as Assistant LOWEs were internally advertised. Congratulations to Ms Rebecca Haines on her appointment as Temporary Assistant Year 9 LOWE and Ms Lauren Hillier as Temporary Assistant Year 11 LOWE for the remainder of the year. Both staff members are highly respected and valued and will successfully fulfill these two leadership roles.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our students, parents/carers, and staff for an excellent Term. A reminder to families that students will return to school on Tuesday 18^th July as there will be a Staff Development Day scheduled for Monday 17^th July. Please ensure all students comply with our Uniform & Grooming Policy upon their return. We look forward to the safe return of the students and hope they have a well-earned break. 

SAFEGUARDING 

For some free, reliable, up-to-date, and independent information to help families grow and thrive together please refer to the Raising Children website. 

This site is funded by the Australian Government and is designed for busy families.  There are some excellent user-friendly tips and interactive resources tailored to different ages and stages.  Access to this site can be found as a related link in the Child Protection section, located under the ‘Student Life’ tab on the College Website. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Assistant Principal Report – Brett Donohoe and Emma South

HSC Minimum Standards Testing 

Our Year 10 Cohort have had their first attempt at the HSC Minimum Standards tests this week, with Reading and Numeracy complete on Tuesday and the Writing test on Wednesday. We congratulate the students on their diligent approach to these tests.

Those who do not meet the HSC Minimum Standard on this attempt will be provided with up to three more attempts at the test this year. They will also be provided with additional guided support to upskill them in any areas that may need specific attention.  

What happens if a student doesn’t meet the HSC minimum standard? 

Students do not need to meet the HSC minimum standard to: 

• Study HSC courses 
• Sit HSC exams 
• Receive HSC assessment and exam results 
• Receive an ATAR 
• Receive a Record of School Achievement 

Students do need to meet the HSC minimum standard to receive a Higher School Certificate testamur. Please remember that this can occur up to five years after students complete Year 12. 

Trial HSC Examinations

Year 12 HSC Trial Examinations are scheduled in Week 3 From Monday 31^st July to Friday 11^th August. Please see the attached timetable. The procedures will be explained to students in Week 1 on return in Term 3.

A Study roster has been made available for students to come to school and engage with teachers over the upcoming break.

SAVE THE DATE - Stage 5 Elective Information Evening 

Year 8 students will begin the exciting process of learning about and putting in their preferences for Stage 5 Elective courses. They will each receive a copy of the Elective Handbook on their first day back in Term 3 and will be encouraged to read all about the range of subjects we will be offering in 2024. 

Our Stage 5 Elective Information Evening will be held at the College on Tuesday 25 July. From 5.30pm until 6.30pm we will open the doors and invite students and their parents and carers to come and meet with teachers and students who can tell you more about the unique opportunities available in each of the subjects. At 6.30pm we will have a 30-minute presentation providing guidance around the course preference process. We encourage all Year 8 students and their families to attend this important evening. 

Uniform and Grooming 

Our high standards for presentation are being reflected every day in the way our students wear their College uniform and we thank them, and our parent and carer community for their support on this level.  

As the term has progressed, we have seen an increase in students wearing excessive jewellery, including visible facial piercings and hair styles that do not align with the College policy. Consistency is key and we ask that our families work with us to make the simple changes that are necessary to address these issues over the winter holiday break.   

Thank you 

We again take the time to thank our students and families for their commitment to learning and to building the strong community we have at St Bede’s. We know what a special place this is and appreciate the part each member of the community play in this.  

We hope that all can have a restful break in preparation for another exciting term.  

Catholic Formation and Mission – Andrew Slater

Social Justice Committee 

Recently, members of our Social Justice Committee, along with some members of the Stewardship Committee, met with Ren Rozenfel, who is the Mission and Justice Officer for Catholic Mission. Students initially participated in formation, looking at the mission which Jesus has entrusted to us, his followers. This was then followed up with planning for future social justice initiatives within our school.   

ACTiv8 Youth Groups  

ACTiv8 Youth Groups are held at St Joseph's, East Maitland on Tuesdays at 5pm and Holy Family, Largs on Wednesdays at 5.30pm.  

ACTiv8 Youth Ministry aims to provide a space for young people where they can develop lasting friendships and learn more about their Catholic faith, in a fun and engaging environment.  

For more information, please contact Bec: rebecca.piefke@mn.catholic.org.au or 4933 8918. 

Fr Richard Lennan Workshops 

Fr Richard Lennan will be visiting the Diocese this August. During his stay he is offering several workshops and presentations: 

• Tuesday 15^th - The Church: Foundations, Challenges, and Possibilities – Maitland Gaol – 9.30am - 3.30pm 
• Wednesday 16^th – Shaping the Church’s Future: The Grace of Creative Faithfulness – Sacred Heart Cathedral – 6.00pm-7.00pm 

Please click on the link below to register.

LEARNING DOMAIN

Year 11 Leader of Wellbeing & Engagement – Amber Pyne         

A note from me to you, the year 11 students… 

Wow, where do I begin? As I sit down to write my last newsletter article before commencing parental leave, I am humbled by the love and support each of you and your families have shown to me during our time together as a cohort. Whilst I am sad to say goodbye (just for a little while) I am confident in knowing that you will continue to flourish under the guidance of Mrs Dawber and your amazing homeroom teachers, Mrs Bradley, Mr Thornton, Mr Menzies and Mrs Hillier. 

Reflecting on the last two terms, I can wholeheartedly say that I have never been prouder! Each day you have continued to impress me with the application you have shown toward your senior studies and in your mature interactions with staff, students, and fellow peers. I appreciate that Year 11 can be difficult, however determination and perseverance lead to personal success, and I know that each one of you have the brightest of futures ahead.   

To my year 11 family, I wish you all the very best with your upcoming examinations and with the commencement of year 12 and I look forward to returning at the beginning of 2024.  

Year 11 Parent Teacher Interviews 

A huge thank you to all who attended the Year 11 Parent/Teacher evening earlier this term. This was an extremely successful evening and important in establishing and sustaining positive connections between students, families, and staff.  

Moving forward, I would encourage students to continue to work hard during their third and final term of year 11 and engage positively and openly with their respective teachers. Should any concerns or problems arise, a reminder that it is the responsibility of the student to address these concerns with their subject teacher. However, if problems remain un-resolved the respective Leader of Learning can be contacted.  

Below is a list of the names and contact details for each Leader of Learning. 

St Aloysius Visit 

In week 6, students from Year 11 and 12 visited St Aloysius to run a variety of small group workshops, centred around student wellbeing. Our senior students worked closely with students from grade 2, facilitating activities based on mindfulness, connections, and gratitude. 

I would like to thank all the students who volunteered to be a part of this day. I was overwhelmed with the volume of students wishing to participate and hope that these students will continue to volunteer for upcoming school and extracurricular initiatives.   

Lastly, a big shout-out to Mr Marsh as Year 12 LoWE, who organised and supervised the students with this worthwhile experience! 

Term 3 Organisation and Year 11 Examinations 

A reminder that during Weeks 7 and 8, Year 11 students will complete their End of Year 11 Examinations. Students will receive their Examination Timetable early next term and are encouraged to prepare accordingly using the following as a guide: 

• Study area: Study spaces should not include access to television, mobile phone and social media. Find a quiet, comfortable space, free of distractions. 

• Be organised: Ensure study materials are readily accessible in hard or digital form. Don’t waste time looking for them. 

• Summaries: Avoid studying every piece of individual content for every subject. Use flashcards, mind-maps or topic summaries to organise information into manageable chunks.

Please see below the Year 11 Term 3 Calendar that outlines key dates, assessment, and exam blocks to assist students and their families with organisation. 

Year 11 Retreat

Year 11 Retreat will take place from the 11^th to the 13^th of September (Week 9, Term 3) at CRU Lake Macquarie.  This will provide an opportunity for a fun and reflective finish to the end of Year 11. A reminder that retreats are an integral part of the formation opportunities and Catholic life at St Bede’s Catholic College.

More information regarding the Retreat will be communicated to students and families’ early next term. 

A reminder to all parents/carers. Should you have any concerns or questions about your  child’s wellbeing, please don’t hesitate to contact Mrs. Rebecca Dawber as the year 11 LoWE for Terms 3 and 4, on 4088 8222 or at rebecca.dawber@mn.catholic.edu.au  

Aboriginal Education – Karen Chapman  

NAIDOC Celebrations

As a nation, we celebrate NAIDOC week from the first Sunday to the second Sunday of July each year. This year’s theme is ‘For Our Elders’. Across every generation, our Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families. We acknowledge and honour their knowledge and wisdom, thank you for making our nation what it is today!  

On Friday 23^rd June, students and staff gathered in the sunshine in our new Yarning Circle space- Ngarramalingiil, to hold our own NAIDOC school celebration. This year, we were able to enjoy the amazing talents of a visiting Aboriginal student dance group from St Catherine’s Catholic College, Singleton. These dedicated students proudly displayed their traditional dance skills in a rousing and fitting demonstration for the whole school to embrace. They shared Aboriginal culture and told stories through song, entertaining all students and inspiring our Aboriginal students to embrace their culture.  

Afterwards, our Indigenous students were able to join the dance group for morning tea, followed by a workshop where we got to yarn and try some traditional dance moves.  

A fantastic celebration of culture! Happy NAIDOC Week everyone! 

Well-Being Committee – Refugee Week – Abby O’Connor

Refugee Week was held on the 19^th – 23^rd of June. During this week, there was an emphasises on unity and celebrating diversity within our country, our community, and our school. Refugee week encourages others to raise awareness surrounding the issues which cause individuals to become refuges and aims to highlight the aspects of the refugee experience. Refugee Week acknowledges the barriers and adversity faced by refugees and focusses on broadening the understanding of what it is like to be a refugee.   

This year’s theme for Refugee Week was ’Finding Freedom’. Finding Freedom aims to showcase the journey in which refugees must take to find freedom, whether it be through a new home, a new career, or finding love or friendships. This years’ theme calls for us to show compassion and celebrate the resilience of Refugees. 

The Wellbeing Committee facilitated a variety of activities throughout Refugee Week to spread awareness and promote harmony and togetherness. Firstly, the committee advertised the event around the College and organised daily homeroom prayers and activities. These included a reflective text, The Boat, and interactive homeroom activity where students collaborated with their peers to identify different words which they associate with Refugee Week. Students wrote these words around a hand display which remains on their prayer table. This required students to reflect upon the meaning and purpose of Refugee Week in order to show the College’s commitment to being an accepting community which focuses on justice and respect, especially towards refugees. The Learning Hub team were also involved in creating a book display showcasing books about and written by refugees, which highlight various refugee experiences. The week ended with a fun lunchtime Kahoot which aimed to engage students in the realities of what it is like to be a refugee and identify how prevalent it is within our world. One lucky winner took home a $15 canteen voucher. Congratulations Keira-Leigh Fraser-Mesic. Congratulations also to our runner ups, Charlotte West and Emily Ferris who received House Points! 

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Sport – Belinda Watts

Bill Turner Cup – Girls

Well done to the girls Bill Turner team who won their final against St Joseph’s Lochinvar to become to the top team in the Upper Hunter Region. It was an intense game from the start, with St Joseph’s opening the scoring early in the first half. Despite this, the girls never dropped their heads, and not long after, Abbey Redgrove scored to bring the game back to level. This stayed the scoreline until the end of regulation time, when they then faced extra time and the first team to score would win the game. Not long into extra time, a cracking shot from Hallei Chegwidden-McGregor resulted in St Bede's being victorious!

All the girls are to be commended on their effort. Each one worked hard and played with a positive attitude for the whole time they were on and off the field. Special shout out to Janali Haynes who made numerous clutch saves to keep the team in the game. An additional shout out to all the supporters who came and cheered on the team and helped celebrate their win!

The girls will now face Mackillop College from Port Macquarie in their next match.

Futsal

On Thursday 15^th and Friday 16^th of June we had four teams attend the NNSW State Championship, including our u16 Girls, u14 Boys, and two u16 Boys.

Our u16s Girls teams were unlucky to not make the finals, after a tough pool game where they won one (4-0) and narrowly lost the other two games (2-3 v Newcastle HS and 0-1 v Kotara High). A special mention for Janali Haynes (who goes on tour with the Australian team later in the year) who kept for 2.5 games but was let out of the keeper box for the last game scoring a double in about as many minutes.

In the boys’ games it was much the same story. All three teams were highly competitive, with each game coming down to the last few seconds. All three teams came third in their pools, narrowly missing the elimination finals.

Congratulations to all players and thank you to Mr Sevil and Mr Cornwall and all the parent supporters who attended.

U14’ Girls Rugby League

On Thursday, 15^th of June, our U14s girls showcased their talent and dedication at the Katrina Fanning Rugby League Gala Day. Facing off against a formidable All Saints College team in their first match, our girls fought hard but fell short, with a final score of 26-8 in favour of the opposition. Undeterred, they approached their second game against Tomaree High School with more courage and skill. The match proved to be a nail-biter going try a piece for most of the game, with our girls displaying great teamwork and tenacity. Sadly, victory slipped from their grasp in the dying moments, resulting in a narrow 16-12 loss. Nonetheless, the girls' exceptional sportsmanship and unwavering determination were evident throughout the day, and they should take pride in their remarkable efforts.

Netball

Congratulations to Brooke Rooney (Year 12 student) on being selected to represent the Diocese at NSWCCC 18s Netball.  The NSWCCC Netball Trials will be held at Menai Indoor Sports Centre Tuesday 25^th July, 2023.

We wish her all the best.

NSWCCC Cross Country

On Tuesday 13^th June, 8 students from St Bede’s contest the NSW Combined Catholic College’s cross-country carnival at the new venue the Sydney Equestrian Centre at Horsley Park. This state carnival draws the best students from Catholic schools across the entire state with very large competitive fields where all students have progressed through several school and regional championships to qualify. The top 10 in each age group progress to the NSW All Schools Carnival which includes all students from the entire state from public, independent, Catholic and Private schools.

From St Bede’s our standout performance on the day was Phoenix Borja who won Silver completing the 3km course in a blistering 11:04 missing the gold by just 6 seconds. Zach Thomson won Bronze in the 4km event with a time of 14:50 narrowly missing Gold by 20 seconds. Phoenix and Zach will be joined by Coen Morgan who finished 5^th in a very competitive age group which would have seen him 2^nd in the U/17 age group, all qualifying for the NSW All Schools event. Congratulations also to Lilly Sutton (11^th), Lachlan Jones (12^th) and Oliver Gorton (14^th) who all narrowly missed qualification and will be reserves for the CCC Team.

NSW Cross Country Championships

Congratulations to both Zach Thomson and Coen Morgan who qualified for the National Championships, to be held in Canberra in August, after competing at the NSW Cross Country Championships on Saturday at Willandra. We wish them both the best!

North-West Equestrian Expo

Congratulations to Gracie Clements (Year 7) on placing 1^st in the Final of the Working Horse Challenge at the North-West Equestrian Expo earlier in the month. There were over 500 competitors and 700 horses at the event.

Upcoming Events: Term 3

SERVICE & GOVERNANCE DOMAIN

School Fees – Kylie Murray  

If you indicated that you were paying your school fees in full this is due to be finalised by today 30^th June. 

If you are making regular payments towards your annual fees, these regular payments should have commenced by the 31^st of March with all fees to be completed by the end of November.  

For those families that have not commenced a payment plan or reached out for an appointment, you are currently outside of a payment term, and you are reminded that this is a requirement of enrolment. Please contact the Finance team immediately to work together to get a payment plan in place or if you require a meeting with the Principal. 

For any queries please don’t hesitate to contact the Finance team. 

finance@chisholmsb.catholic.edu.au 

Other News

Canteen Helpers Needed

Immunisations – NSW Health

School Student Travel May 2023

Volunteer Registration Link

Williamson International – Uniform Queries

All uniform queries are to be directed to Williamson International.

Williamson International Contact Details:

Phone: 1800 815 571
Email: greg@williamson.com.au

Online Uniform Orders: