"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

As we settle into the rhythm of the school year at St Bede’s Primary School, Red Hill, I am delighted to reflect on the strong and positive start we have made. Our students have embraced new routines, high expectations, and engaging learning experiences with enthusiasm. Classrooms are abuzz with curiosity, the playground is filled with kindness and laughter, and our staff are dedicated to fostering a supportive and enriching environment for all.

This year, our school theme is Pilgrims of Hope, aligning beautifully with the Jubilee Year of 2025, a time of renewal, reflection, and joy in our faith journey. Pope Francis has invited us all to prepare for this special year by deepening our sense of hope, which is so vital in today’s world. As a school community, we are called to be pilgrims—moving forward together, embracing challenges, and supporting one another with faith and love.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 15:13 of the scripture passage above. This scripture guides us in understanding our theme—not just as individuals but as a collective, journeying together in faith, learning, and service.

We see this spirit alive in our students every day. Whether it’s our Year 6 leaders mentoring younger students, classroom buddies offering a helping hand, or the way our children engage in social justice initiatives, we are witnessing hope in action. Already this term, students have taken part in collaborative learning activities, class prayer experiences, and acts of kindness that highlight their commitment to being people of faith and compassion. This was a personal challenge that Fr Josh gave to each of us at our opening mass.

The transition into the new school year has been smooth and successful, thanks to the hard work of our teachers, staff, and of course, our students. Classroom routines are firmly in place, and expectations around respect, responsibility, and effort are being upheld with pride. We have seen a deep engagement in learning across all year levels, with students striving to achieve their best. It is wonderful to witness such a strong sense of purpose and motivation in our learners.

As we continue our journey as Pilgrims of Hope, I encourage families to discuss this theme at home—how can we each be bearers of hope in our daily lives? Small acts of kindness, words of encouragement, and a commitment to learning and growing in faith all contribute to this greater mission.

Thank you for your continued support in making St Bede’s a place of faith, learning, and hope. May we continue to walk together as a strong and connected school community, embracing the blessings of this year ahead.

Regards

Andrew 

Our 2025 Student Leaders were presented with their leadership badges at the Opening Mass on 12 February. 

We once again, congratulate our leaders on their important roles and look forward to showcasing their work throughout the year. 

School Captains & SRC Leaders: 

School Captains: Kai G & Asher B

SRC Leaders: Primrose M & Freya K

House Captains:

Benedict: Ashton KM & James C

Polding: Annie E & Megan K 

Scholastica: Robert F & Daisy T

Community, Environment and Wellbeing Leaders:

Community Leaders: Lorenzo S, Frederick C, Caleb T, Kathryn T, Charlie D, Elina O, Elsie C & Grace C

Environment Leaders: Niamh R, Sophie K & Elijah M

Wellbeing Leaders: Eleanor M, Xavier C (absent), Zac M (absent), Maddie G, Betta D & William H

• Ben Macintyre will be on leave for the remainder of Term 1 following the arrival of baby Bonnie Jean. We send our best wishes to Ben and his family during this special time!
• Ellen Fletcher will be leading Science lessons across the whole school for Term 1. We appreciate her dedication and enthusiasm in taking on this role.
• We farewell Classroom Assistant Lily O’Brien, who is moving on to begin her journalism career. We sincerely thank Lily for her contributions and wish her every success in this exciting new chapter.
• Andrew Casey will be on leave for two weeks (21 Feb – 11 March). During this time, Breen Fox will serve as Acting Principal.
• Veronica Trow will commence leave from Week 7 for the remainder of the year as she prepares to welcome her second child. We extend our best wishes to Veronica and her family.

Thank you to all staff for your flexibility and support during these changes!

We are delighted to announce the arrival of Bonnie Jean Macintyre, born at 10:14 AM yesterday, weighing 3.035kg. Congratulations to Ben, his wife Emily, and proud big brother James. Ben is pleased to share that both mum and bub are doing well. On behalf of the St Bede’s community, we send our warmest congratulations and best wishes to the Macintyre family!

Opening School Mass and Commissioning of Year 6 Leaders

Our Opening School Mass and Commissioning of our 2025 School Leaders was on Wednesday. I would like to congratulate our Year 6 Leaders and Mr Baldwin for leading the St Bede’s community so reverently. Such a great example was set for us all as we journey in faith and hope together. We also welcomed Fr Josh Scott who is with us for the next six months. It was wonderful to see all students listening to his homily, accepting his challenge to do something for someone else!

2025 Sacrament Information

This year is also extra special for students and their families in Years 3-6 as it is a sacramental year. Being a small school, the Sacramental Program is every two years. Students in Years 3 and 4 are invited to register for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist program and students in Years 5 and 6 are invited to register for the Sacrament of Confirmation. To be eligible to register for these sacraments, students must be baptised.

However, if your child is not baptised and, as a family you believe your child is ready to receive these most special and sacred sacraments, please reach out to Haley Stonham. 

Here are the dates for the upcoming sacraments - 

• 27 February - Parent Night: Confirmation - registration information and general running of the sacrament preparation, retreat day and the Sacrament of Confirmation
• 21 May - Sacrament of Confirmation
• 5 June - Parent Night: Reconciliation and First Eucharist - - registration information and general running of the sacrament preparation, retreat day and the Sacrament of Confirmation
• 30 July - Sacrament of Reconciliation
• 27 August - Sacrament of First Eucharist

If you and your family have any questions about the Sacramental Program, please reach out to Haley Stonham via the school phone or email - haley.stonham@cg.catholic.edu.au

Let us continue to walk in love and peace as pilgrims of hope.

Haley Stonham

Religious Education Coordinator

Thank you to all parents and families that attended our information night on 11 February. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet and greet and share information for the year ahead. 

Hard copies of term overviews were distributed on the night. You can also view these on the website at Current Parents/Term Overviews. 

The following students received an award in Week 2:

WALK IN LOVE AND PEACE AWARDS

PRINCIPAL'S AWARD