Dear Parents and Carers,

Just like that the year is over but What a spectacular end to the 2023 school year! How wonderful was the presentation at the National Theatre. It is impossible to choose a highlight, but the smiles on the faces as each class performed, tells the story of students lighting up the stage with energy and enthusiasm. Thanks to all the families and friends who came along, and a special thanks to all the staff who have put many weeks into preparations for this event. What an amazing job Amy Doszpot did emceeing this event!

As the year concludes, we have had much to celebrate at St Bede’s. Our end of year liturgy, the leadership handover and Year 6 graduation were beautiful celebrations of our leaders for 2023, as was the blessing of our new leaders. We are certain our 2024 leaders will lead our school with pride and confidence. We thank Bridget Bradley for her organisation of the end of year liturgy and leadership ceremony, ably assisted by Katie Tooth, and our Year 6 parents for their organisation of the graduation. we are extremely grateful to the Year 6 students who have donated new house flags as their parting gift. They will be ready for the swimming carnival next year.

We have some changes occurring with our staffing for 2024. We say a sad but grateful farewell to Ann Monkhouse, Jennie Marsh, Taureta Dodd, Alex Shain and Wanda Wolfe. We thank them for their contribution and commitment to St Bede’s, supporting the learning of our students in their various teaching roles. We look forward to welcoming Jennie, Wanda and Alex back next year as casual relief. We wish Bridget and Cameron Bradley and Charlie all the best for the arrival of their baby. We know Bridget will enjoy her parental leave and this special time with her family. Katie Tooth is currently on leave as she is recuperating from surgery. We wish Katie a speedy recovery. 

Today, we welcomed Ms Renee Foot to St Bede’s as she joined us for our transition to class day. Renee is looking forward to joining our teaching team next year. Renee is an experienced teacher who has taught at various high schools as well as Ulladulla Public School, and as a Classroom Learning Support Teacher. She has expertise working with students to improve literacy and numeracy skills.

Next year, Year 4 will merge with Year 5 to become a multi-age Year 5/6. This decision is due to the small class size of Year 4. Year 5/6 will be provided with the additional support of a Classroom Support Assistant.

 The staff for 2024 is as follows:

Principal: Marylou Gorham

Assistant Principal and Classroom Support Teacher: Ms Amy Doszpot

Acting REC and Kinder: Ms Shaye Cooper

Year One: Ms Sarah Jebb

Year Two: Mrs Katie Tooth

Year Three: Ms Jade Crispin

Year Four: TBC

Year 5/6: Ms Renee Foot and Mrs Michelle Bartley

Library: Mrs Krys Wise

Office/Clerical: Mrs Lara Hewitt

Classroom Support Assistants: Mrs Michelle Bartley, Mrs Michelle Ridley, Ms Rachel Farley, Mrs Katie Moran, Mrs Shannon Harrison and Ms Nadja Kelly.

We have had a busy but productive year at St Bede’s. A big thank you to our amazing staff who work tirelessly to support the learning and student wellbeing at St Bede’s. We are extremely lucky to have such committed staff who continually go above and beyond for the school and the community.

A special thank you to all our parents for the assistance and support that they provide throughout the year, where would we be without you? Attending school liturgies, assemblies and events and helping where they can, whether volunteering for canteen, sports carnivals or in the classroom-your help is always appreciated. We thank Leila Picken for assisting with craft K-6, Brenda Vardanega, Trish Young and canteen volunteers. We are hoping to have canteen every Monday next year, but we desperately need more help. Please contact the front office if you can assist. Canteen will commence on Monday February 12.

We thank all our students and families who we are so blessed to have at St Bede’s. Our students are at the heart of what we do each day as we live, love and learn. Visitors to our school regularly comment on the welcoming and warm ambience that we have at St Bede’s and our happy and well-mannered students.

To our families leaving St Bede’s we trust you leave with fond memories of your time here and in the community. We wish you all the best for the future.

Tomorrow, we have our final gathering with a picnic in Ryrie Park commencing at 12pm. Families are invited to attend and bring along picnic food to share with their children. All students are permitted to wear plain clothes and to wear Christmas tee-shirts, hats or red, green and white colours.

If you are driving through Braidwood, we encourage parents to drop into school and do a walk through to help keep our school safe.

Thank you all for a wonderful year. May you all know and experience the peace and joy of Christmas. Stay safe, enjoy your holidays with family and friends we look forward to seeing you all return to school on Thursday February 1, 2024.

God Bless