Dear Parents,

Welcome back to the last term of 2020. It is lovely to see everyone back after the break happy, refreshed and looking smart in their summer uniform.  We especially welcome six new students to our community – Audrey (K), Daniel (Year 2), Sophia, Victoria, Ruby and Cyrus (Year 4). We hope that these students and their families have a happy association with St Bede’s as they journey through primary school.  

We have had a wonderful Book Week. On Monday, ‘ShazArt’ came to St Bede’s and the students participated in illustrator sessions. Yesterday we had our Book Week parade. It was fantastic to see how many people had gone to so much effort with costumes and accessories. Many photos were taken and posted on Facebook for parents to see. Over $4700 was spent by families in the Book Fair which means that we have $1666 to spend in our Library on new and exciting reading material. I would like to thank Liz Mihalopoulos for her organisation of an illustrator, the book fair and parade.  A wonderful opportunity for everyone to dress up and have fun!

Last Friday the winners were announced for the ‘Pens Against Poverty’ writing competition. It is with great pleasure that I announce that Harry (Year 3) won the Highly Commended award in the short story category. His prize was a book, voucher and certificate. In recent years we have achieved wonderful results in this competition and many of our students placed entries. Congratulations Harry!

As you can see there has been huge progress on the Morling Lodge site next to St Bede’s and the new buildings are beginning to take shape. Whilst it has been very disruptive at times and parts have been delayed due to inclement weather, progress has been quite rapid and the site is taking shape. The new bus bay, retainer wall and new school fence on Hicks Street are now almost complete. The last jobs are planting and the spraying of grass which should be finalised shortly. We are thrilled with the result as it has made a huge difference to the aesthetics from the front of the school. We are totally indebted to Crookes contractors for their generosity in providing infrastructure that is further enhancing the look of St Bede’s.   

Next Friday we are celebrating Mission Month. As this is the first student-run fundraiser we have been able to have this year, we have decided to make it a whole day event. This will be a uniform free day with donations towards the Missions sent through Qkr!

The day will be divided into three parts. In the morning, teachers will accompany children to run games using the sockballs that the classes have made beforehand. Sockballs are balls made in communities that constantly live in poverty from materials they have within their environment. As Australians, we are accustomed to playing with synthetic, professionally made soccer balls and footballs in schools, at home, and with our local clubs. But in developing countries, where communities live in poverty, such a ball is a luxury. Because children so love the game, and its superstars, in these places, they will stop at nothing to get outside and have a kick. So, classes will make their own ball and participate in games together. 

In the middle session, all students and teachers will attend Mass to celebrate All Saints Day at 12 noon. This will be organised by Year 4 and Father Trenton will officiate. Unfortunately parents are unable to attend due to social distancing restrictions.

The afternoon will be an opportunity for our Year 6 Leaders to provide a range of fun activities and games for all students. This afternoon replaces the much anticipated St Bede’s fete that the older students organise for St Bede’s Day. We have also been able to organise a jumping castle for the children to enjoy.  This day also culminates with celebrations for Children’s Week.

Catholic Education are releasing a new professional learning agenda for 2021. This professional learning is a system wide program to enhance student outcomes across the system. Due to extra demands on teachers, two pupil free days have been approved by Catholic Education next year on the first days of Term 2 (19 April and Term 3 (12 July) 2021. (Note: Weeks 1 & 2 of Term 2 will both be four-day weeks as ANZAC day holiday is Monday of Week 2).

The P & F get together function will be held this Friday 23 October at the Croatia Deakin Soccer club in Deakin. Due to the unusual year we have had, this is not a major fundraiser but really just a change to catch up as a school community. RSVPs for this event close this afternoon so please contact the front office if you wish to attend as these numbers must be provided to the club prior to the event.

Can I please remind parents that the children should now be in full summer school uniform which includes no ‘creeping socks’ when wearing school uniform and headbands need to be school colours. If children have longer than shoulder length hair it needs to be tied up each day. No jewellery should be worn apart from a wrist watch or alert necklace or bracelet. Earrings should be simple studs or sleepers. Children should also have nail polish removed after each weekend.  

I am away from school for two days next week as Catholic Education and Principals meet to discuss priorities for 2021.

Have a lovely weekend.

Regards

Julie