Dear Parents and Carers,

Last Friday, we held a very successful movie night and working bee! What a fantastic night! We had around sixty students and some preschoolers at the movie night and over thirty parents at the working bee. The children had a fun time and enjoyed watching the movie and devouring the popcorn and poppers, while the parents achieved a lot outside. Weeds were pulled, trees were trimmed, plants were planted and tan bark was installed in the front garden. Many hands made light work! Thank you to everyone involved and for coming along and bringing your tools, Richard Bunn for his coordination ably assisted by Greg Paciorek, Amy Doszpot for organising the catering and the theatre and Shaye Cooper and Hayley Millsom for their assistance. A fabulous way to end the term and the school grounds are well prepared for the winter months.

We had several students who participated in the Rotary Public Speaking at Bungendore last night. It was a pleasure to be able to attend and listen to all the amazing speeches. Each student wrote their own speech then participated in a Stage level competition at school with only three students selected from each level. We thank the Bungendore Rotary Club for their organisation and our wonderful parents for providing the transport to Bungendore and for supporting the children. Congratulations to Betty who won the Year 5 and 6 division and the following students who participated Year 3 and 4 - Kitty, Indi and Pheobe and Year 5 and 6 - Teddy, Fallon and Betty.

It has been very inspiring to have each class portray the story of the passion in very prayerful liturgies. We are extremely grateful to each class teacher for their organisation, assisted by Ms Cooper. On Thursday we have our final liturgy and our Easter Hat Parade after Recess.

This morning, we received the exciting news that were successful in obtaining a Veoila Mulwaree Trust Grant of $45,000 for the new Infants Playground. With the Bendigo Bank grant of $45,000 and money raised we have sufficient funds to commence the project next term with an estimated cost of over $130,000. We are extremely grateful to Kristi Morrison and Rachel Farley for their work on the grant application and the playground project.

On Friday May 1, we are hosting the Northern Regions Cross Country at the Braidwood Showground. We need parent helpers on the day! If you can assist as an official, please contact Katie Tooth or in the canteen, please contact Ruby Green or Fiona Noye. This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved and fundraise for playground improvements for St Bede’s.

We wish you all a safe and enjoyable holiday break. Students return on Tuesday April 29 and we will be phasing our winter uniform in for the first two weeks. If you happen to be nearby the school, please do a walk through and help us to keep our school safe! St Bede’s will be participating in the ANZAC March on Friday April 25. All children from Kinder to Year 6 are welcome to attend but must be in their full winter uniform and assemble outside St Bede’s Church by 10:30am. We thank Mrs Trish Young who is making our Anzac wreath for us.

As Easter draws near, a season filled with profound joy and hope, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ—the foundation of our faith. This Easter, let us take time to reflect on the gift of new life and the promise of renewal. May we live out the message of Easter not only through our actions but also in the kindness and love we share with others. May this season bring peace, love, and boundless joy to all, and may we continue to deepen our faith and dedication to serving others.

Wishing you a blessed and holy Easter!