Dear Parents

I can’t quite believe that we have less than 5 weeks left of 2020. This term has gone by particularly quickly and we are now in the last weeks of learning and assessment. We are also coming into the silly season with a few extra things happening at school each week. Regrettably, parents are unable to attend many of these events this year but we are trying to make them as memorable as possible for the children.  

We welcomed our new Kindergarten students for 2021 over the last two Thursdays. It was lovely to see new families at school as well as those who are familiar to St Bede’s. The children settled well into the classroom and seemed quite at home. We look forward to welcoming them on their official first day early in February.

Year 4 participated in a day of camp activities at Birrigai yesterday. This was wonderful opportunity and the students had a fabulous time. The camp staff mentioned in a Facebook post that the courtesy and manners of the children was exemplary. Well done Year 4!

At the end of the term, we unfortunately have to farewell two of our well-loved teachers. Helen Garrity has been a member of staff at St Bede’s since 2009. Her excellent teaching skills, wonderful rapport with students and her happy nature will be sorely missed. We wish her every best wish as she moves to the next chapter in her life. We will also farewell Michelle Mangeruca. Michelle has been our Year 4 teacher for the last two years. We wish her all the best as she spends more time with family.

On a brighter note we have been able to employ through a thorough interview process some excellent replacement class teachers. Both Veronica Trow and Jessica Mead are now permanent members of staff from 2021. We have also employed Lorren Maher as a part time class teacher.

The class teachers for next year are as follows –

Kinder -       Veronica Trow

Year 1 -       Jessica Mead

Year 2 -       Levi Heffernan

Year 3 -       Lorren Maher/Cathy Ryan

Year 4 -       Nikki Dwyer/Judy Elliott

Year 5/6G -  Katie Horsburgh/Breen Fox

Year 5/6B -  Ben Macintyre/Luke Morwitch 

Liz Mihalopoulos will continue as our Librarian, Bethany Moores as Music teacher and Chhaya Sood as our French teacher. Judy Elliott will remain in the Learning Support Teacher role with Maria Barbara, Mishelle Pucci, Jenny St George, Patrea Johnson and Tracey Trewhella as classroom assistants. Jodie Luhrs will continue in the front office. We look forward to the new year with excitement and promise.

We had our last P & F meeting for 2020 last Tuesday evening in the library. It has been a very different year for the community and our committee but despite challenges we were still able to come together for a dinner early in the term that raised some money through auction prizes.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee members, fundraising committee and particularly Allannah Mackay who is stepping down as secretary. Allannah has done a wonderful job in this role and completes her tenure after two years.  

Have a lovely weekend and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Julie