TEACHERS: THAT’S ALL OF US!

"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

Much of this message will not be new information for our school community. St Bede’s is a very special school. Those within our community know this and those who visit are privileged to experience the “St Bede’s Vibe”. One of the most significant parts of our school community are our wonderful staff.

Our staff, including teachers and support staff are the guiding lights who lead us through the learning journey. They work collaboratively, in partnership with each other and families for the good of each and every child. I am both privileged and proud to lead such a wonderful staff that serve our community.

Their dedication and passion engages students as they reach their potential each and every day. They work extremely hard to support and extend students. They even recognise strengths that sometimes the students themselves are unaware of. Through encouragement and personalised attention, they help students discover their passions, talents, and capabilities, fostering self belief that lasts a lifetime.

As parents know, education extends beyond textbooks and classrooms. At St Bede’s, our staff model values, ethics, and empathy. Through their actions and words, they shape not only academic knowledge but also character, instilling qualities like resilience, respect, and responsibility.

Our staff are more than educators, they are a support system for students. They lend a compassionate ear when a student is struggling, offer guidance when lost, and celebrate our victories with genuine joy. Their unwavering belief in our students propels students forward, even in the face of adversity. This is truly embedded in the St Bede’s fabric. 

In a rapidly changing world, our staff stand as adaptable beacons of stability. They evolve their teaching methods, incorporating technology and innovative approaches to ensure that education remains engaging and relevant. Our teachers take part in professional learning aimed at improving High Impact Teaching Practices. They receive and participate in observations and coaching to continuously improve and hone their teaching.

Teaching is not just a profession, it's a noble endeavour that shapes minds, nurtures souls, and paves the way for a brighter future. Scripture reminds us that teaching is a divine act. It is through imparting knowledge, guidance, and wisdom that we contribute to the betterment of society and the flourishing of each individual. Just as a candle lights up the darkness, teachers illuminate the paths of those they teach. This verse from Proverbs underscores the profound impact of early education and the guidance teachers provide. By setting a strong foundation in knowledge and character, teachers equip their students to navigate life's challenges with resilience and virtue.

Let's celebrate our teachers every day, by acknowledging their dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the growth of our growth!

Regards

Andrew

This term, Year 4 entered the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee. This competition is open to all students in Years 3-8 in Australia and is an online competition. They completed the School Round and five students have made it through to the State/Territory Finals!

Congratulations to Kathryn, Ashton, Elina, Megan, and Robert!! They will be competing next Tuesday in the State/Territory Finals. We wish them all the best luck for next Tuesday!!

The St Bede's community continues to do a wonderful job in generating interest among the wider community. We have received many referrals that led to new enrolments. Thank you so much for promoting our school.

As previously advised, we are being more strategic in relation to enrolments. In short, we are attempting to fill places in classes where there is still room. This is proof that St Bede's is moving in the right direction and requires less support from the system. It also means some changes to what we have become used to.

To ensure all Catholic schools are in a stronger position, Catholic Education have advised that the Enrolment Policy needs to be adhered to more closely. By way of support this has been quite open in the past. This has some implications:

1) The average class size has been increased (28 students)

This means that we will have normal sized classses. The days of extremly small classes are no longer. This means that we may have some larger classes. In this case we will continue to prioritise additional support.

2) Priority Enrolment Areas (zones) are enforced 

We are required to focus on enrolments from our catchment areas. These are Red Hill, Barton, Yarralumla, Deakin, Griffith, Forrest, Kingston and Hume. We can accept "out of zone" enrolments but this requires additional steps for approval. It is advised that all out of zone enrolments meet with Andrew prior to submitting enrolment forms.

3) Additional staffing has been wound back

Splitting large groups and providing additional teachers is no longer a viable option for St Bede's. We need to grow into the structure that be can supported. From time to time, this may mean that there will be some mixed age classes. This will be communicated with parents should this be in the planning.

There are a number of odd jobs that need completing to assist our school in getting ready for the warmer weather. If you have time and would like to offer to undertake a job or 2, please reach out by emailing andrew.casey@cg.catholic.edu.au or calling the office on 6295 6559 for more information.

The jobs include:

• relocation and repair of a garden shed;
• removal of about 10m of fencing;
• laying of turf approx 250m2;
• raking of bark, sticks, etc under gum trees (large area);
• spreading of bark chip.

St Bede's P&F is taking expressions of interest for players to form St Bede's teams to compete in the ACT Touch Football junior competition. 

The summer touch footy competition is a fun, social way for students to develop a range of skills. 

Games are played on Thursday evenings at the Deakin playing fields, Makin Place, Deakin. Games commence on the 12th October 2023 and run during Term 4 2023 and part of Term 1 2024. 

Children U10 and below play at 5:10pm; U12s play at 6:10pm. 

Registration fees are expected to be approx $100 per player, depending on how many players per team. Families will be notified of finalised registration fees once we know team numbers. 

Expressions of interest close Friday 1st September 2023.

Any questions or comments please contact Monica Kyburz via email: Monica_dawes@hotmail.com 

Register your interest here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaaizX5xnouuVIUg_aHsmfWpl6XixnX-nZ2wsrlfZ1AH39Gg/viewform?usp=sf_link 

The following students received an award in Week 6:

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

WALK IN LOVE AND PEACE AWARDS

YEAR 6

PRINCIPAL'S AWARD: Quinn (Year 5)