‘BETTER’

 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

At this stage of the year much planning is underway for the following school year. This is essential in moving forward. The purpose of planning in our school context is to make things ‘better’ and to improve. At St Bede’s Primary School, we have adopted a model of continuous improvement. That is, that all things can be improved upon. Why shouldn’t they be?

St Bede’s Primary School received quite positive results in NAPLAN in 2022. Since this is the case, should we settle for this standard or should we strive for better? St Bede’s offer a range of opportunities to our students. Again, this is good, but should be aim for better? Yes, we should. In all we do, we should aim higher, improve and move from good to great! To do this we need to be better and better and better.

The road of improvement can create change and challenges. This can be perceived as a negative experience. That being said, it can also be a very positive, rewarding and energising experience. A chance to work together, a chance to harvest new ideas and ways of doing things to achieve something special, a chance to move something from good to great.

Many people take comfort in the above scripture passage. Why shouldn't we right? After all it is something that many people have been raised with. The Lord has good plans for you. Have faith in God and all will be alright. At times, we may struggle with the simplicity of this understanding. Especially when bad things happen to good people. Many doubt religion, God’s plan and turn away. Whilst this simplistic message is inherently true, this passage comes from a very different context.

The Israelites were in exile, as a punishment from God as a result of their disobedience. The false prophet Hananiah is proclaiming that they will return to their land in 2 years. Jeremiah challenges and is the bearer of bad news. He claims that they will remain in exile for 70 years and that they will not be returning home. Furthermore, they are there as slaves to assist Babylon to prosper.

What this verse is saying is that amidst all the difficulty that we face, the challenges and setbacks, we should have hope that we can prosper. Prosperity looks very different for each of us in our own context. It isn’t a matter of continuous improvement and doing better or becoming better!

Essentially, we need to move forward and seek improvement, however, we also need to improve where we are at this current moment.

Regards

Andrew

As previously advised, St Bede's will have 10 classes in 2023. The new structure will include 2 mixed age classes and this may cause an unnecessary concern for some families. If you are concerned about your child's class placement, you are invited to meet with the principal to discuss your concerns and the needs of your child. Please ring the office to organise an appointment to meet in the next 2 weeks (end of Term 3).

Please do not make any requests of classroom teachers for 2023 as class placements will be made in the interest of individual students as well as the class as a whole. Student dynamics, needs and abilities are all taken into consideration and can be a delicate balance. It is anticipated that class placements will be finalised and communicated with parents in the later part of Term 4. Once this is communicated it is extremely unlikely that there will be any class movement.

Covid restrictions has prevented many incursions and excursions over the past 2 years. Throughout Semester 2 we have a number of experiences scheduled for our students. These are terrific opportunities to compliment the curriculum offerings for our students.

In moving forward, we will plan and schedule incursions over the course of the year to ensure a strategic approach is maintained in complimenting all curriculum areas. 

Please note that some of the upcoming incursions will be covered by the school. Other experiences will be added to the Term 4 fee invoice.

Duncan Smith OAM Author Workshops (Friday 26 August)

In Bookweek St Bede's had worksops with Duncan Smith OAM and his daughter Jakida. Duncan read his new book, “We Are Australians”, and taught the students about aboriginal culture using stories, dances, art and music.  The students were so engaged in the sessions and we all learnt so much. The School will fund the cost of this workshop.

Michael Mangan Performance (Thursday 15 September)

Michael Mangan will present a concert to all students K-6. Our students will be engaged and will sing plenty of his songs over the course of the concert. The school will fund the cost of this performance.

Kaboom Percussion Workshops (Thursday 22 September)

We’re very excited to be hosting Kaboom Percussion. They will perform and entertain students with some never-before-seen instruments. Students and teachers will be captivated by how even the simplest of objects can be used to make amazing music. A cost will be added to the Term 4 fee invoice.

Life Education- Healthy Harold (Tuesday 22 October- Thursday 27 October)

In Term 4 we will host the Life Education Van at St Bede's These workshops will link directly with our health units for Term 4. Students love a visit from Healthy Harold. A cost will be added to the Term 4 fee invoice.

Water Safety Lessons 2022

We have been unable to facilitate Water Safety Lessons for K-6 in 2022 due to changes by the organisation, Royal Lifesaving Association.

Royal Life Saving ‘Beach to Bush’ program

This program will take place in Term 4 and involve all students K-6. We are yet to confirm the exact date as Royal Life Saving are organising the schedule. There will be no cost for this lesson.

St Bede's are looking to employ a school cleaner. Should you know of anyone (individual or multiple people) that would be suitable for this role, please ask them call the office to talk and meet with the principal.