Dear Parents and Carers,

As a Catholic community, St Bede’s understands the importance of reconciliation with the First Australian people and are guided by the Catholic Social Teaching of solidarity, believing that we are all responsible for each other. The world becomes a better place to live if we build a community where everyone can reach their full potential, through respect for each other’s dignity, rights and responsibilities. We were privilege as a community on Monday to have Ms. Crispin share with the students the importance of reconciliation and lead a school liturgy that allowed us as a Catholic community to continue to walk towards reconciliation.

The following passage from National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Catholic Council highlights how we as a community and first Australians may begin to reconcile. 

'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture has been in place for over 60,000 years in Australia and is the oldest surviving culture in the world. However, there was not a singular 'culture' shared by the thousands of language groups that covered the Australian continent at the time of settlement. Each group had different environments and differing kinship systems, dreamtime stories and spiritual beliefs. There were, however, constant threads throughout including the concept of a creator spirit that looks provides and watches over us. He was their Protector, Provider, Carer and Saviour. His name was honoured.'

Traditional culture uses stories to teach about sharing, caring for each other and the land and providing moral guidance. The stories throughout the bible serve the exact purpose - placing God's teachings into context. 

Last week was a celebration of what makes St. Bede’s such a wonderful community. We had the St Bede's Feast Day Mass and the presentation of awards. Thank you to Mrs. Bradley (Welfare) who organised a fantastic celebration.

On a very windy Thursday we held the school's Athletic Carnival. Thank you to all the families who were able to assist and a big thank you to Mrs. Tooth who organised the carnival.

On Friday we continued to celebrate as a community with a sports afternoon, BBQ and cake on Friday. Thank you to all the staff involved in allowing our students to enjoy these activities, also a big thank you to Mrs Trish Young for the marvellous cake.

It is with great sadness that we farewell Mrs. Jacqui Walker. Jacqui is relocating with her family to Cobar. Jacqui has worked tirelessly as a CSA to support the classroom teacher and allow students to achieve their academic best.

This week, via Compass I posted the Parent Survey. This Survey allows you as a parent to give feedback and guidance. Can I please ask that you take the time to complete the short survey as any feedback is taken onboard by the staff and Community Council and used to better address parent concerns. Please use the link http://tellthemfromme.com/stbedes2023 to access the survey.

The building of the new classrooms and Admin Building continues. I am sure the builders appreciate the questions and advice of the many foreman. 

As mentioned last week I have been volunteered to participate in this year CEO Vinnies Sleepout. If you are able to donate please do. https://www.ceosleepout.org.au/fundraisers/markchifley/act 

As always if you have concerns please contact your child's classroom teacher or myself. We work in partnership with you and are always happy to have a conversation and address any concerns.

Kind Regards

Mark Chifley

Acting Principal