St Bede’s Primary School prides itself on the strong connection that is established and maintained with parents. These connections extend beyond the school to the formation of rich relationships between parents and families.

Parental involvement is highly valued at St Bede’s and there are a number of ways to be involved in our great school. These include serving on the Commnity Council, assisting in classrooms or with events.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL

The inaugural St Bede's Community Council will be established in 2024. This will almalgamate the current Board and P&F.

The Community Council provides a crucial point of connection between the school community and school leaders. The Council provides a framework for welcoming parents and other members of the school community to participate in school activities, to become actively involved in the life of the sachool and to support the mission of Catholic Education in the school.

The Community Council actively raise funds throughout the year and this is part of the service to the school. Every family at St Bede's is automatically a member of the Community Council. Your active participation is encouraged and welcomed.

At least one General Meeting per term is held at school offering you the opportunity to participate in the decision making process. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held in Term 1 each year to elect the positions of Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. Up to eight executive members can join the executive.  

The Community Council assists with Parent Information Sessions and Orientation Days with general school information, school canteen and clothing sales. On the first day of school for the Kindergarten class, morning tea is offered to welcome all new families into school life and to provide an opportunity to meet other community members.

CLASS CONTACTS

Each class has two parent representatives who provide a contact point for new families. Their aim is to promote a sense of community within our school and to coordinate pastoral care. During the year they organise gatherings for parents to get together socially at a class level.

In their pastoral care role they aim to be aware of, and respond to, family needs. A network of pastoral care volunteers can be called on to provide support and practical aid to families in times of need. A pastoral care contact person is able to arrange a meal, childcare or shopping as needed.

ST BEDE'S TUCKSHOP (‘THE SNACK SHACK’)

The Tuckshop is currently open on each Friday for lunch orders only. Orders are placed via an online app and prepared by 2 wonderful volunteers. All food is prepared and cooked to provide our students with healthy alternatives to processed food.  

PARENT ASSISTANCE

Parents are invited and encouraged to help at the school in a variety of ways. Parent help and support adds enormously to our learning environment and to building community. As a parent helper the need for confidentiality is emphasised.

In our partnership with you as a volunteer at St Bede’s we ask the following:

Working with Vulnerable People Card – legislation requires that all volunteers and helpers have a current Working with Vulnerable People card which must be carried with you when you are helping at school. A photocopy of this card should be kept in a secure file in our school office. Further information may be obtained through the school office.

Visitor Sign In – When helping out at school, you will need to sign in at the school office and sign out when leaving. This assists us in our compliance with legislation and also in ensuring your safety should there be an emergency or evacuation. Regular areas of participation encouraged at St Bede's include:

• sporting activities e.g. coaching, athletics and swimming carnivals
• excursions
• art/craft in the classroom
• working bees