Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40

Tomorrow we celebrate the Feast of St Vincent de Paul, a man remembered for his compassion, humility, and tireless service to those in need. His life is a reminder that our true measure is not in what we achieve for ourselves, but in how we treat and uplift others. His example challenges us to consider how do we notice the needs around us, and how do we respond?

At St Bede’s, we see this spirit reflected every day in the actions of our students. Whether it is including someone new in a game, supporting a classmate, or showing generosity through fundraising and volunteering, our children demonstrate that kindness and service are alive and well in our school community. These moments, although small, create an environment where everyone feels valued and cared for. It creates the culture and becomes the fabric of St Bede’s.

Of course, from time to time, there are moments where we are not living these values. In these moments, we need patience, guidance and to be prepared to listen to each other. For our students, we have moments or reflection and learning conversations to guide action. It is always pleasing to see growth and improvement.

The scripture above from Matthew reminds us that simple acts of care and generosity have great significance. In a world that can often feel busy and overwhelming, choosing to show empathy or lend a hand is not only meaningful for the person receiving it but also shapes us into people of character and integrity. This is what we strive to encourage in our students, that they are never too young to make a difference and that their compassion matters.

As Term 3 comes to a close, I want to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated staff, who go above and beyond in guiding and supporting our students. To our parents, thank you for your partnership and support. It is vital to the life of our school. Thank you to our students, whose energy, kindness, and willingness to grow bring joy to our community. Together, we build a culture of care, respect, and generosity that reflects the values St Vincent lived by.

As we step into the holiday break, I encourage everyone to take time to rest, reconnect, and reflect on the importance of small acts of kindness. May these weeks be an opportunity for renewal. 

Regards

Andrew