INTERCONNECTED

“And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit..” Acts 2:38

It is my firm view that everything is interconnected. The world values connectedness, however, to be interconnected is more powerful and essential to everyday life. To be interconnected allows each person to be committed to each other at a much deeper level. There is a sense of commitment and responsibility to being interconnected with people, businesses, the community, or any organisation...including a school.

I appreciate that St Bede’s Primary School is a place where the level of interconnectedness is clearly visible. We have students who are interconnected to each other and their teachers through high quality learning and other activities. We have committed parents and community members who are interconnected not only through their attendance at parent days or sporting events but at a much deeper level. We appreciate and value this. 

Throughout Term 2 and the early stage of Term 3, I have been fortunate to meet prospective parents who are considering St Bede’s for their child/ren. They are coming in search of a school who values individuals, has strong values and is connected. I am proud to categorically proclaim that we value and prioritise the interconnectedness of our school community as this forms a solid foundation for learning. 

The scripture passage above from the book of Acts is rather interesting and pertinent to our work that is undertaken by everyone associated with St Bede’s Primary School. Jesus challenged his disciples to spread the movement of faith and discipleship among all people. He encouraged them to begin right where they were; sharing grace with ‘their’ people. We do this each and every day by being true to our school motto “Walk in Love and Peace”. At St Bede’s actions speak louder than words.  

Paul, Peter and Barnabas spread the Word and strengthened churches. Here at St Bede’s we also spread the Word of Jesus and are builders. We are builders in many different ways other than religion. We build students and their learning, values, relationships, knowledge and maturity. 

Students who feel attachment and school commitment, had positive interactions with peers, and productive parent child discussions performed better academically and had fewer psychological problems (Stewart, 2007). Meanwhile, school involvement, parental school involvement and socioeconomic status had a low effect on achievement and psychological problems (Stewart, 2007). Put simply, no matter where schools are, no matter how involved parents are, schools that are able to make students feel connected to their schools and encourage positive peer interaction have higher academic achievement and healthier students (Stewart, 2007; Marin et al, 2008; Beattie, 2007). 

Finally, I would like to share some observations of the strong connections at St Bede’s.

1.  Last week, I witnessed a kindergarten student take a fall in the playground. Before I could walk several steps, she was surrounded by several Year 6 students and 2 teachers. They provided care and comfort. 
2. I also witnessed a conversation between students from different grades sharing about their holidays. A genuine connection and interest was shown from the older students.
3. On a daily basis, our wonderful staff connect and reconnect with students, providing support and encouragement.

Thank you to everyone who contributes to the interconnectedness of St Bede’s Primary School.

Regards

Andrew