Dear Parents and Carers,

Last Friday, Braidwood was blessed with a beautiful sunny day for our swimming carnival. Everybody participated with enthusiasm and swam their best or had fun participating in the novelty events. The children looked fantastic in their house colours and their chanting was outstanding. It was wonderful to see so many of our parents and grandparents at the carnival helping out and supporting our students. A big thank you to Katie Tooth for her amazing organisation and to Beck Thistleton for organising the yummy barbeque. Congratulations to Araluen (Red) who were our winners on the day!

Recently we had our opening school mass. During the mass, our Ministers were presented with their badges. They have all embraced their leadership roles and are looking forward to leading our school. We congratulate the following students:

Prime Ministers: Daisy and Evie
Araluen House Captain: Angus and Oscar
Budawang House Captain: Matthew and Natalie
Gillamatong House Captain: Bowen and Jacob
RE/Library Minister: Stella
Environment Minister: Digby
Art ministers: Gordon and Aidan
Celebrations Ministers: Jesse and Josh
It ministers: Lyall and Ethan

Last night we had our first Community Council meeting for the year. At the commencement of the meeting all positions were declared open. We had several parents who were interested in being a member of the Community Council which is wonderful for St Bede’s. During the meeting we discussed fundraising and set up a fundraising sub-committee. Our fundraising initiatives this year will support the purchase of new house flags for St Bede’s and new furniture for the refurbished classrooms and front office area.

The members of our Community Council for 2023 are:

Community Council Chair: Amanda Vardanega
Community Council Deputy Chair/Maintenance: Richard Bunn
Secretary: Anthony Haraldson
Treasurer: Katie Lyons
Parent Representative: Sarah Paciorek
Parent Fundraising Representative: Kristi Morrison and Committee: Beck Thistleton, Millie Di Maio, Marita Fuhrer and Rachel Farley

Commencing Monday, March 13, I will be taking long service leave until the end of term 2. whilst this was a difficult decision for me to leave this amazing community, I have not had any leave since 2012. During my leave I will be travelling overseas doing a sabbatical to the Holy Land as well as personal travel. Arrangements are being put in place for my role during my absence and you will be notified once that has been finalised.

A note was sent home with every student this week requesting class representatives for each year level. The role is not too taxing but it involves organising a social event outside of school on a weekend once a term, supporting any families in need eg a new baby or an unwell parent providing meals etc. If you would like to take this role on and unsure what to do, please don’t hesitate to contact Marylou for more information. If you are unable to be a contact but would like your children to be part of the activities, please return your notes to school which will provide the class contacts with permission to call you.

God Bless