Welcome

“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:7 

Although we are in Week 4, I welcome all families to the 2022 school year. I especially extend a warm St Bede’s welcome to those families who are new to our school. 

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the students, parents, and staff, for welcoming me to St Bede’s. On behalf of my family, I thank the St Bede’s Community for the support of our family during the recent passing of our son Matthew. We are very appreciative of the well wishes and prayers offered for our family. The level of support provided by the St Bede’s Community is a testament to those that form the St Bede’s Community. I acknowledge the work of Breen Fox in my absence and her leadership of the school in establishing a smooth start to 2022.

This year we aim to empower students to be the best version of themselves and to make the most of the opportunities presented to them. St Bede’s has much to offer all students K-6 and will continue to grow this offering. Mrs Trow, along with the Environmental Leaders, has recommenced a gardening group that operates each week. We look forward to sharing photographs and celebrating what is on offer at St Bede’s. 

My focus for 2022 is to ensure that the students, parents, and staff of St Bede’s continue to strengthen the home-school relationship so that students exceed 1 year of growth. This is only possible with open communication and the prioritising of relationships. We must remain connected!  

John Hattie conducted a meta-analysis of the influences of student achievement. An effect size over 0.4 means that the effect on learning contributes to more than one year of growth. Not surprisingly, student/teacher relationships (0.73), feedback (0.73) and parental involvement (0.51) are 3 elements with a positive effect size.

Student/Teacher relationships 0.73

At the start of the year teachers and support staff are working hard to develop relationships with their students. It is important that students also seek to know their teachers and support staff. These relationships guarantee that students feel trust and confidence to challenge themselves, learn from mistakes, ask questions, and ask for help. 

Feedback 0.73 

Students need to become accustomed to receiving feedback. It is important not only to receive feedback but use it for improvement. Students need to realise that feedback is important. Marks and grades are not the primary focus, it is knowing how we can continually improve which sets students up for success. St Bede’s has a structured assessment schedule to provide further evidence of student achievement that teachers utilise in planning engaging lessons for students, however, it is the day-to-day activities that nourish improvement. 

Parental Involvement 0.51

Parents are encouraged to know what their children are learning, the challenges they face, and the success experienced. Conversations about what your child learnt that day, how they know they are learning are two important indicators of learning. Regular conversations about learning will encourage your children. Also sharing your own learning is important as well, so students know that learning never stops. 

As parents we need to be advocates for our children. Parents are always welcome at St Bede’s. You are strongly encouraged to reach out to your child’s classroom teacher, to make a connection, and to maintain this connection over the course of the year. It is essential that both school and home have an effective partnership where trust and cooperation is valued for the betterment of each child. 

Family Mass - Sunday 27 February

You are also invited and reminded that there is a family mass on Sunday 27 February at 9.30am at St Peter Chanel Church, Yarralumla. Although mass may not be something that your family takes part in, I encourage families to make an extra special effort to attend this mass. This is a chance for our school community to come together and be connected. One suggestion would be to attend mass and organise brunch with some St Bede’s families after mass.

Parent Teacher Interviews and 3-way Conferences (7-10 March)

In Week 6 there will be the opportunity to connect with classroom teachers in the form of a parent teacher interview (K-2) or a 3-way conversation (Years 3-6). Please take this opportunity to establish a strong communicative relationship with teachers of your children. These meetings will be via Microsoft Teams. I will also be available to meet with and welcome the opportunity to meet you. Session information will be distributed in due course.

Finally, in the scripture passage above, Paul is writing to the Romans and is encouraging them to welcome all Christians as Christ welcomes all. This passage may be interpreted as “be kind to one another and make others welcome”. This is a simple yet important message. It is Christ’s welcoming of us that should become the benchmark for welcoming others, where we welcome for the purpose of those in need and not for our own gain. This is precisely what St Bede’s aims to achieve. We exist to welcome others; we exist to support those in need, to provide high quality Catholic education, to educate children - to assist others. What we do here at St Bede’s is important. It must be prioritised! 

I value being a member of the St Bede’s family and look forward to meeting you soon. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything that you would like to discuss. 

Andrew