THE GOLDEN RULE

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12

We live in difficult times- with mass killings, Covid, unpredictable violence, historical abuse, hate crimes, racial and religious intolerance, economic and political uncertainty all dominating current news headlines. These horrific events take place in society and we struggle to understand the society in which we live. How do we as adults make sense of the world and do we attempt to shelter our children or do we attempt to explain? Much of the disturbance in today’s society is due to a lack of respect and the intolerance associated.

At St Bede’s we believe that everyone is unique and created in the image of God and we aim to educate the whole child and instil a strong sense of respect. Respect underpins the 5C’s at St Bede’s. As such, we walk in love and peace by living our 5C’s:

• We are cooperative
• We are courteous
• We are considerate
• We compromise
• We understand that our actions have consequences

This translates to respect for self, others, property and God. This connects with the Golden rules from many religions and the scripture passage above. Our school, community and our world need to remain places of calm and safety where all are respected. The relationships that our Year 5 and 6 students form through our Buddy Program with Kindergarten and Year 1 is a beautiful illustration of what this looks like in real life.

Childrens' lives are touched by or exposed to trauma on a regular basis, no matter how much parents or teachers try to keep the "bad things" away. Instead of shielding children from the dangers, violence or tragedies around us, adults could talk to children about what is happening in age-appropriate language and help children feel safer and more secure. From time to time significant events that shape and disrupt society will be discussed in a manner that is appropriate for each student. Our staff at St Bede’s create supportive classroom environments where children are safe, supported and feel a strong sense of belonging. 

As much as adults may try to avoid difficult topics, children often learn or know when  something sad or scary happens. If adults don’t talk to them a child may overestimate what is wrong or misunderstand adults’ silence. Please find some helpful tips included with this newsletter to guide these types of conversations with children.

St Bede’s is a supportive community where students thrive, learn responsibility and respect others. Our job as members of the St Bede’s Community is to let our collective lights shine as we engage with the wider community. 

Stay safe

Andrew

Our Kindy-Set-Go Program for Kindergarten families of 2023 commenced last week. The Kindy-Set-Go Program is a readiness program to prepare our newest St Bede's students and their families for school.

The Kindy-Set-Go Program comprises 2 elements; an online orientation program and an onsite student preparation program. The online component is an electronic newsletter containing helpful articles, school related information and activities to prepare for school.

The onsite component is a series of days in Term 4 whereby students come to St Bede's and work with their teachers to learn new routines and prepare for St Bede's. This is a great opportunity for students to meet their new classmates and for parents to get to know each other as well.  

As you would be aware, St Bede's will have pupil free days on Friday 10 June, Friday 1 July and Monday 18 July.  YWCA, who are our current before and after school providers, will provide care for students enrolled at St Bede's on those days.  Parents can enrol their child/ren by contacting YWCA on 6185 2000.  

We do not have vacation care at St Bede’s but we have been in contact with Teamkids who supply holiday care at St Benedict’s Primary School, Narrabundah.  They are happy for children who do not attend St Benedict’s to attend vacation care there.  Parents can register their child/ren at https://teamkids.com.au/.  There is an orange button saying register on their home page and that will guide you through the enrolment process. 

If parents need to enrol students into before and after school care at St Bede's, the website is https://childrens-services.ywca-canberra.org.au/school-age-care/

The following students received an award in Week 6:

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

WALK IN LOVE AND PEACE AWARDS

YEAR 6

LEADERSHIP AWARDS

The final days for proposing a name for our newsletter are approaching. Parents are encouraged to assist their children with being creative and talk through ideas at home.

To enter, students are required to pass on the following details to Mr Casey by Monday 6 June (Week 7):

Student Name:

Class:

Newsletter Name:

The P&F held its term 2 meeting last week.  We are always happy to see new members of our school community at these meetings.

At the meeting, the P&F agreed to fund the resurfacing of the asphalt surface where the basketball and netball courts are located. The area which will be resurfaced will be from the gate at the top of the carpark all the way to the end of the cul-de-sac where the bins are currently located. We are in an excellent financial situation. After minimal spending due to covid, we are pleased to be able to spend the money that has been raised through the tuckshop and the uniform boutique along with other smaller P&F fundraising efforts on a significant project that will benefit not only every student but the overall aesthetic of our school.

This project will also be a focus for future P&F fundraising for the remainder of 2022, including the annual dinner in September and the Walkathon in term 3. We are currently seeking quotes and are anticipating the work to be completed before the end of the year.

We also confirmed that the Annual P&F Fundraising dinner will be held on Friday 9 September at Pialligo Estate. This is a fun night for our whole community so we encourage you to grab your tickets soon as places are limited, and it will sell out!

Tickets are available for purchase on QKR!

Stay Warm!

Jen Maher

On behalf of St Bedes P&F 

• Think about what you want to say. 

Some advanced planning may make the discussion easier. You won’t have to think about it off the top of your head.

• Find a quiet moment. 

Perhaps this is after dinner or while making the next day’s lunch.  This is a time and place where your children can be  the centre of your attention.

• Find out what they know. 

Ask them "What have you heard about this?" And then listen. Listen. Listen. And listen more.

• Share your feelings with your child. 

It is OK to acknowledge your feelings with your children. They see you are human.  Role model emotions.

• Tell the truth.

Lay out the facts at a level they can understand. You do not need to give graphic details.