THE COMMON GOOD

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

As previously stated, St Bede’s is a school that has very strong values that shape our wonderful community. Perhaps one of the most challenging is that of the common good. The concept of the common good can be both difficult and simple. It’s difficult because it requires us to look beyond our personal needs and desires, often making sacrifices for the benefit of others. In a world that often values individual achievement, this can feel like a challenge. Yet, it’s also simple in its core idea, considering the wellbeing of others as equally important as our own. At St Bede’s, we embrace this mindset. We witness acts of kindness, people caring for each other, and we benefit from a strong sense of community because it is shared, nurtured and strengthened by all. The true simplicity of the common good lies in its ability to unite us.

The common good encourages us to look beyond our individual interests and work together to create a society where everyone can thrive. For us as a school, it’s about fostering an environment where each student, staff member, and family is valued, supported, and empowered to contribute to the wellbeing of others regardless of age. Recently, I heard of some of our students being disappointed because they didn’t have the opportunity to cross paths with our Kindy Set Go children. This shows the connectedness and kindness that is present at St Bede’s.

At St Bede’s, the common good manifests in numerous ways. For instance, during our recent Colour Run, families donated generously to fundraise for our school. Another example was the Vinnies Winter Appeal, where students from all year levels came together to collect food and supplies for families in need. A final example is the way that our school supports and balances the wellbeing of staff and students, particularly, those who require a little more support. These are all beautiful examples of students and our community looking beyond their own needs and using their time and energy to support others. 

In the scripture verse above, the Apostle Paul is urging Christians to adopt a mindset of selflessness and compassion. He challenges us to move beyond focusing solely on our personal desires, needs, and ambitions. Instead, we are called to consider the wellbeing of others and to actively care for their needs as much as our own. The verse invites us to practise empathy, kindness, and cooperation within our communities, whether at school or at home. By embracing this perspective, we contribute to creating healthier relationships and stronger communities, where everyone’s needs are valued and met.

As we move forward, I encourage all of us, students, staff, and parents, to continue fostering a spirit of community. By focusing on the common good, we help create a culture where every member of our school feels seen, heard, and valued. 

Regards

Andrew

As we approach the end of the school term, we would like to inform you that Monday, December 16th will be the final day of school for this year. Please be advised that there will be no formal classes or planned activities on this day, allowing students to wind down and prepare for the holiday break.

Many families have advised that they will not be sending children to school on this day. We encourage other families to take this opportunity to enjoy a relaxing day together should they wish. There will be supervision and collapsed classes for students who come to school on this day.

The following students received an award in Week 4:

WALK IN LOVE AND PEACE AWARDS