“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”    1 Thessalonians 5:11

As we start Term 4, our staff have been reflecting on what makes our school such a special place. Yes, we have wonderful learning programs, dedicated staff, and energetic students, but what truly sets St Bede’s apart is the way we treat one another. Each day, I am reminded that our community is built in the everyday moments of kindness and respect that our students show.

Just last Monday, I watched a Year 6 student pause their own game at recess to help a Kindergarten child tie their shoelaces. On Wednesday, a group of Year 3 students noticed a classmate sitting alone and invited them to join their handball game, without being prompted. These moments may seem small, but they are the building blocks of a culture where everyone feels seen, included, and valued.

Respectful relationships aren’t just about being polite, they stem from empathy, understanding, and recognising that every person is created in the image of God. Whether it’s working fairly in group projects, waiting our turn to speak in class discussions, showing good sportsmanship during PE, or checking in on a friend who seems upset, these actions shape a safe, loving, and faith filled environment where everyone can thrive.

The scripture verse above speaks to what we strive to live each day at St Bede’s. When we encourage and “build each other up,” we are following Christ’s example of love, compassion, and service. Our school doesn’t just aim to educate minds, we nurture hearts. Every kind word, every respectful conversation, every time we choose inclusion over exclusion, we are living out our mission as a Catholic community grounded in Christ’s love.

As we journey through the term, I encourage every student, parent, and staff member to ask themselves, How can I build someone up today? It may be a smile, a kind word, a helping hand, or simply choosing to speak with care even when we disagree. In Kindergarten, respectful relationships might look like using gentle words when sharing toys. For our Year 2 students, it may involve listening carefully when a friend is speaking. In Year 4, kindness could be shown by offering help to a peer who is struggling with their work. By the time students reach Year 6, it means stepping into their roles as leaders, being positive role models for younger students, and leading with compassion and fairness. Across every grade, these everyday actions form the fabric of our school community.

As we move ahead into the remainder of Term 4, let us continue to foster a community where kindness is a habit, respect is a given, and care for others becomes second nature. 

Regards

Andrew

Today some of our Kindergarten 2026 students enjoyed a game of soccer on the new synthetic grass playing field which is now finished.  The area off Nuyts Street has been transformed with the playing field and the new carpark.  It is such a useable and great looking space.  Thank you to Mr Casey for his vision and his continual upgrades to our wonderful school!  

St Bede’s is commencing a review of our netball program to ensure it continues to grow, engage students, and reflect the needs of our community. As part of this process, the P&F and the school are seeking a small group of interested parents to form a working party to help guide the review.

If you would like to contribute to, please email andrew.casey@cg.catholic.edu.au to express your interest.

The scope of the review may include:

• Participation and number of teams

• Team structures and pathways (including opportunities for beginners and competitive players)

• Administration responsibilities

• Training expectations, coaching support, and resourcing

• Uniform and equipment

• Communication processes with families

• Opportunities for community involvement and development

We value your input and look forward to working together to strengthen the netball experience for all students at St Bede’s.

As part of our ongoing commitment to reviewing school services, we recently completed a review of our school photography provider, as our three year agreement with CSP has now come to an end.

Following a careful assessment of available options, we have made the decision to appoint MSP Photography as our new school photographer from 2026 onwards.

Some of the key reasons for this decision include:

• A wider range and improved quality of photo products.

• A more streamlined purchasing experience for families, including access via Compass.

• A more structured approach to sibling photos.

Please note sibling and make up photo sessions will provide greater flexibility under the new provider, and we’ll ensure families are well informed of any changes ahead of time.

We thank CSP for their service over the past three years and look forward to working with MSP from 2026.

At the end of this year, we will be farewelling Mr Baldwin as he embarks on an exciting new chapter in his career. Mr Baldwin has accepted a position at Malkara School, an area that he has a passion for supporting.

During his time at St Bede’s, Mr Baldwin has made a significant contribution to our school community through his commitment, care, and jovial nature. 

While we are sad to see him go, we wish Mr Baldwin every success and happiness as he begins this next phase of his journey at Malkara School.

Congratulations to Ari and Laura who both won best and fairest (players of the season voted by the other teams coaches) for their divisions in netball.  Well done girls!

The following students received an award in Week 2:

WALK IN LOVE AND PEACE AWARDS