What is a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)?

A RAP is a formal commitment to reconciliation. It documents how our school will strengthen relationships, respect and opportunities in the classroom, around the school and with our local community. The actions that we will commit to fall under three broad headings. They are Relationships, Respect and Opportunities. A RAP is for ALL, not just a few. Through this plan, we aim to be a united community, living and working together to improve reconciliation in education and through education at St Bede’s. For more information head to the Narragunnawali website: https://www.narragunnawali.org.au/raps/what-is-a-rap

This term, the St Bede’s Reconciliation Action Plan Committee was created. I would like to introduce the dedicated team to our community – Bianca Giteau, Gemma Morgan, Ben Davies, Will Baldwin, Andrew Casey and Haley Stonham (Chair). Katrina Cambridge, CE Teaching and Learning Officer – Aboriginal Education, is supporting the committee as we get started.

Next week, I will be sending out an invitation to participate in a survey. It is part of our RAP action plan and will help to inform the actions that we begin to put in place for 2024. I will also send it out via compass.

This is an exciting time for our community to strengthen our way of ‘Walk in Love and Peace’.

Haley Stonham

Curriculum Coordinator

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Contact

Co-Lead, Think Forward Educators, ACT Branch

Just a reminder that we will celebrate French Immersion Day on Thursday 21 September.  Students can wear red, white and blue and there will be a special lunch that can be ordered through Qkr!  Please note due to ordering of quantities and the amount of preparation (everything will be freshly made in our own school canteen), the cut off time to order will be brought forward to Monday 18 September at 5.00pm and late orders cannot be accepted.

All students will receive a croissant and chocolate milk for recess.  The school will supply these free of charge and we will cater for those students with dietary requirements.  If you do not wish for your child to have a chocolate milk and/or croissant please let us know.

Please also note that the regular menu will NOT be available on the day and there will be NO canteen on Friday 22 September (last day of Term 3).  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.  We also thank Jess Higgins, our French teacher, and Sarah in the canteen for allowing us to offer special days like this.

Last Friday members of our school community gathered to celebrate our 60th anniversary with a Gala Dinner. The night was a terrific celebration and was an opportunity to strengthen our connection as a communtiy.

Thank you to everyone for involved in organising such a wonderful event. As mentioned, the organising committee took about 7 weeks to pull this event together.

Thank you to the individuals and businesses who donated prizes and auction items for the night. Your support is very much appreciated and valued.

Thank you to all who attended. Without your commitment, this event isn't possible. 

Congratulations to Natalia (Yr 5) and Stef (3G) who competed in the NSW State Wrestling Championships in Sydney on Sunday.  Natalia won the silver medal and Stef placed 4th in the state for his age and weight class.

Year 3 were fortunate enough to have a very special visitor today; Junior Tupou, the West Tiger's left winger, cousin of Aly and Audrey.

He left us with some very good advice; "work hard, have fun and be humble" - very inspirational words for our young people of St Bede's.

Please be advised that dates have now been finalised for 2024. These dates are for students and mark the first and last day.

Term 1: Wednesday 31 January- Friday 12 April

Term 2: Tuesday 30 April- Friday 5 July

Term 3: Tuesday 23 July- Friday 27 September

Term 4: Monday 14 October- Monday 16 December

Thank you to Mrs Fox and her team of helpers for planting the 2023 Floriade Bulbs. The display is very welcoming at the front of our school. Please take the time to have a look at the special display. The centre of this garden is a perfectly formed purple heart.

St Bede's would like to thank Brenton and Naomi Colley for investing time in providing a photo shoot and updating our supply of promotional images. We appreciate their easy going approach to marketing and catching special moments of our students. 

Their family owned business, Lightbulb Studio, has a very extensive portfolio.