Dear Parents,                                

So another busy term comes to an end and the year is passing in the blink of an eye. You can always tell when the end of term is near as everyone appears tired and emotional. It seems a long time ago since the consultation process about our viability and harrowing town hall meetings. The reaction which is reflected in enrolments has far exceeded expectations. We have six new students beginning next term across the school. A wonderful outcome.

We have quite a few changes in staffing next term. Breen Fox will be taking long service leave for the whole of Term 3 to have a well-deserved break with family. Nikki Dwyer will be acting Assistant Principal and Ben Macintyre will be acting Religious Education Co-ordinator for next term. Katie Horsburgh has kindly offered to teach 5/6G fulltime to keep stability across this age group. Levi Heffernan is also on long service leave till the middle of Week 3. Raelene Pryor will be teaching Year 2 during this time following a program left by Levi before beginning his break. We hope both these well-loved staff members travel safely, enjoy their holidays and  return to us refreshed.

Reports will be available through the parent portal from Friday. As I have shared earlier, the reports will look very different this semester. Whilst there are no comments on the actual report at this stage, the teachers have worked hard to ensure that they have carried out thorough assessment for this reporting. As promised, I have attached a letter to this Principal’s message outlining what these reports represent. Please click here to view this letter. Further discussion at Catholic Education on their formatting and content is currently being held so that each report in the future reflects each child’s learning. The parent/teacher interviews early next term are an important part of the reporting process and will be valuable for elaborating on your child’s results.  

The front of our school is more complete in recent weeks. We now have shrubs planted along the front fence and the bus bay is looking tidy and complete. New blinds replacing old dilapidated curtains are being installed today which teachers are very excited to see. We are looking to enhance corridor spaces early next term.

At St Bede’s, as part of a systemic Catholic system, we pride ourselves on making available a school and sport uniform that identifies us as a school. Recently, we have been having an issue with students wearing clothes that are not part of the uniform. From the beginning of next term, if students arrive at school wearing incorrect uniform, a note will be sent home highlighting what specific piece of clothing is inappropriate. This is also relevant to wearing nail polish and unsuitable jewellery and hair accessories. We have explained this process to the children and suggested that they use the holidays to replace clothes that don’t fit or have been lost. Our school uniform policy is on the website if parents need to familiarise themselves with the expectations. We appreciate your support in this matter.

Just a reminder that our staff will be participating in a professional learning day on the first day back next term (Monday 12 July) so all students return to school on Tuesday 13 July for a 9am start.

It has been a tumultuous term for the whole community but I truly believe we have come through everything stronger and more connected. The huge turnout for the ‘Here to Stay’ disco and parent get together last Friday night was testament to this and showed what a wonderful community we have at St Bede’s.  I would like to personally thank all those involved, especially Mrs Trow and Ms Mead for volunteering to be the DJs. The kids are still talking about what a great night it was.

Enjoy the holidays and rest up. I believe the winter break always comes at the right time for students, parents and teachers. If any of you are staying around these holidays, please feel free to come up to school and use the playground equipment. Our families are the best security we have.

Have a lovely holiday and keep safe.

Julie