“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14

Life at St Bede’s is wonderfully diverse. Walk through our classrooms and you will notice the many ways children learn. Some prefer silence and focus, while others thrive in discussion and activity. Some find joy in solving complex maths problems, while others shine when painting, writing, or performing. Even at play, some are drawn to sport, others to games of imagination, and many to simply sharing conversation with friends.

Our teachers too bring different gifts and personalities to their work. Some are steady and reflective, others bring great energy and innovation. Parents contribute in varied ways as well. Some leading initiatives, others working quietly behind the scenes to support learning and wellbeing. Together, all of these differences help to create the special character of St Bede’s.

When St Paul wrote these words above to the Christian community in Colossae, he was encouraging believers from very different backgrounds, Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, men and women, to recognise that what unites them is greater than what divides them. 

At St Bede’s, we see the same truth lived out. Our students come from different families, our staff bring varied experiences, and our parents each contribute in their own way. Yet when we act out of love, showing kindness, patience, forgiveness, and generosity, our diversity becomes our strength. It is love that makes our community welcoming, that helps us grow together in learning, and that reflects the values at the heart of our school. Every day at St Bede’s we see love in action as we “Walk in Love & Peace”. We see love when a student helps a classmate, in the generosity of families who support our events, in the dedication of teachers who go the extra mile, and in the smiles that remind us we are part of something bigger than ourselves.

With so many voices and gifts, it is natural that we do not always see things in the same way. Of course, there are times in school life when we don’t always feel that love so strongly. Busy schedules, tiredness, or differences of opinion can make it harder to see the good in one another. In those moments, it is important to pause and remember that love is a choice we return to, not simply a feeling. For our staff, students, and families, this might mean taking time to step back, to breathe, and to seek balance. As we near the end of term, I encourage anyone who needs it to take a quiet rest day. This is a chance to reset, restore, and return ready to give of ourselves again. In doing so, we care not only for ourselves but also for our community, ensuring that love continues to bind us together.

Regards

Andrew

What a big term it has been for our faith-filled community! We had students from Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 busily preparing for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. During their preparation they learnt more about Jesus’ forgiving love that never ends and how, through the Eucharist, we celebrate and give thanks as members of God’s family. Each of the sacraments was celebrated reverently and it was so nice to see so many St Bede’s families coming together in faith to support one another.

We were so lucky to have a strong connection with the St Edmund’s Youth Ministry Team. Both the Year 9 and Year 10 teams planned and ran our retreat days. We want to thank them for their spiritual guidance and for the fun and spirit-filled day!

Not only have we celebrated Reconciliation and First Eucharist, but we have also welcomed new members into the Catholic Church Family! A big congratulations to Mackenzie and Trinity Fajks, Sylvia Henry, Oscar Hanley and Neve Dybing.

Parish News and Mass Times

After a successful recruitment cycle, Karen Evans has been appointed as the Classroom Support Teacher commencing in 2026. This is the role vacated by Judy Elliott's retirement.

Karen brings with her over 25 years of teaching experience in ACT Catholic schools, most recently serving as the Inclusive Education Coordinator at Merici College. Karen has a strong commitment to supporting the diverse learning needs of students and fostering inclusive school communities. She is highly regarded for her knowledge of inclusive education practices, her ability to build strong partnerships with students, families and staff, and her collaborative, approachable style that supports both teachers and learners. 

We look forward to welcoming her at some stage in Term 4 for a handover and a look around St Bede's.

As we begin planning for class placements in 2026, I invite parents who would like to discuss considerations regarding their child’s placement to make an appointment to meet with me.

If you have previously met with me about class placement, I ask that you please make contact again so that we can revisit and confirm any considerations for the coming year.

To ensure the process is consistent, I kindly ask that parents do not make requests directly to class teachers. 

Appointments can be made during Weeks 8–10 of Term 3, which provides teachers with the necessary time in Term 4 to carefully prepare class lists.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Ellen Fletcher and Lyn Herden

We would like to sincerely thank Lyn Herden and Ellen Fletcher for their wonderful work in supporting 4 Blue during the first eight weeks of Term 3 while Amy McMaster was on leave. Lyn and Ellen seamlessly worked together to ensure continuity of learning, care, and support for the students. Their dedication and teamwork have been greatly appreciated by students, staff, and families alike.

Year 6 Parents

A heartfelt thank you to our Year 6 parents for your generous support of the upcoming graduation celebrations through the baking of cupcakes. Your time, effort, and creativity are deeply appreciated and help make this a memorable occasion for our students. The spirit of community and care you have shown is a wonderful example of what makes St Bede’s so special. A special thank you to Mrs Luhrs, Mrs Stonham, Mr Macintrye and the parents who supported on the day.

Bookings are now open in Compass Conferences for Parent/Teacher Online Check-in Meetings.  Meetings will be held online via MSTeams from Monday 15 - Wednesday 17 September. 

You will be invited to join the meeting via a link that will be emailed by your child's classroom teacher at the end of Week 8.  Each meeting will run for 7 minutes, focused on your child’s academic and personal development this term.  

Bookings will close at 5.00pm on Sunday 14 September.

If you require any assistance to schedule a booking through Compass, please contact your child's classroom teacher in the first instance.  

Year 6 bookings and meetings have been paused whilst we wait to confirm Mr Baldwin's return date.  We will confirm dates for Parent/Teacher Meetings with Year 6 families as soon as this information becomes available.  It is possible that these meetings will be held at an alternative date.

P&F Annual Survey – Have Your Say (and Win Pizza for Your Kids)

Want more dinners? Fewer raffles? Bigger sausage sizzles? Now’s your chance to tell us! Your feedback will help shape the future of the P&F, including the events we run and how we can boost parent participation across the school.

And the best part? The year group with the most responses wins a pizza lunch… because nothing says "parent power" like free pizza for your kids. 

Click on the link to complete the survey (all answers are anonymous beyond your child’s year group). Survey closes last day of term Thursday 25^th September.

Click the link to start the survey

https://anu.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6tEIp81I4yW6JQa

The following students received an award in Week 8:

WALK IN LOVE AND PEACE AWARDS