“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” John 10:10

At St Bede’s, we are often reflecting on the deeper purpose of education and how it connects with our Catholic mission. While schools naturally aim to nurture knowledge and skills, Catholic education is called to something more. At a recent conference that I attended, a nun stated that we are called to shape hearts and minds so that children grow into people of faith, compassion, and service. Needless to say, this resonated greatly with me as I pondered our collective mission at St Bede’s. Education in this context is not only about what our students know, but also about who they are becoming.

At St Bede’s, our mission is to form young people who are resilient learners, compassionate friends, and to experience Christ. We seek to nurture each child so they may grow into the fullness of life and experience all that is on offer, both in the classroom and beyond.

We see this vision unfolding daily in our classrooms. When students engage in group work or team sports, they learn that persistence and collaboration are as important as getting the correct answer or scoring a goal. In Literacy, when a child discovers the joy of reading, they are developing both imagination and empathy, seeing the world through another’s eyes. In Religious Education, children are encouraged to reflect on Scripture and connect it with their own lives, discovering that faith is not abstract but deeply personal. These moments are more than lessons.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly”. These words were spoken in the context of the “Good Shepherd”, where Jesus contrasts Himself with false shepherds of His time. Shepherds were central figures in first century Palestine. They were protectors, guides, and providers for their flocks. By describing Himself as the Good Shepherd, Jesus assures His followers that He has come not to exploit or burden them, but to nurture, protect, and lead them into a life of fullness and joy. This message of abundant life was a radical promise of hope and dignity.

This same promise is the foundation of Catholic education. Just as the Good Shepherd tended to every sheep, our role is to ensure that each child is seen, valued, and supported. We want our students to experience education as more than a pathway to success. It is an invitation to a life filled with meaning, generosity, and growth.

Regards

Andrew