Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 107:1

As Term 2 comes to a close, I’ve been taking a moment to reflect on just how far we’ve come since January. In every classroom, corridor and corner of our school, there are signs of growth. This growth is not limited to academic growth but also includes spiritual and social. Our Kindergarten students who started the year tracing wobbly letters are now reading with growing confidence. Year 1 students are leading liturgies with poise, and our Year 6 leaders are guiding assemblies with maturity and heart. Our staff have continued their own learning too, always finding ways to refine their practice so every child is seen, supported and stretched. Whether it's reading interventions or rich mathematical tasks, we’ve seen great learning and great teaching across the board.

We also have so much to be thankful for. I’m grateful for the teachers who adjust lessons based on something they noticed the day before, for Mrs Luhrs, who greets families by name (even on the craziest mornings), for our support staff who go above and beyond each day, for parents who work in partnership with us, and of course, for our students who remind us daily why we do what we do. It's the little moments, repeated with care, that shape the culture of St Bede’s and those moments are everywhere.

Our Catholic faith reminds us to name and give thanks for our blessings. Psalm 107:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” There’s a real power in that reminder when we recognise God’s constant love, we’re better able to shift from stress to gratitude, and from pressure to purpose. At St Bede’s everything we do is with purpose.

As we journey the Jubilee Year 2025, the Church invites us to walk as Pilgrims of Hope. Pope Francis encourages us to journey with courage and compassion, and to build communities rooted in faith, justice and mercy. We see that hope in action here every day in the way our staff support students and how our students look out for one another. We witness it in liturgies, and in the way we’ve come together to support the Vinnies Winter Appeal. Thank you to all the parents and friends who’ve been part of those moments too.

It’s been a challenging end to the term with lots of illness across the school, so I hope the winter break gives everyone a chance to rest, recover and reconnect. May it be a time for family, for a slower pace, and for moments of stillness and joy. When we return for Term 3, let’s come back refreshed and ready for what’s next.

Regards

Andrew