Dear Parents and Carers,

It is just wonderful to see all our families around the school and the smiles on the faces of the children as they arrive at school each day! How quickly they have all settled into their learning and school routines. Our theme for 2024, is ‘Live, Love, Learn’, which is our school mission. We live this every day through our respectful relationships with others and a desire and a love of learning.

This year our teaching and learning goals are focused on improving student achievement in English and Numeracy, through the embedding of High Impact Teaching Practices and deepening the understanding of Religious Education and Catholic Identity. We have been supported with these initiatives through the CE Catalyst program and professional development and expert coaches. The Infants children have quickly settled into their daily learning routines of InitiaLit and in Years 3 to 6, the continuation of Spelling Mastery and Daily Review in Maths. This is supported with the implementation of Rocket Maths and a new literacy program in Years 3-6 which will assist with the enhancement of literacy skills. The children are busy writing their stories and preparing their artwork for the Braidwood Show which is on Saturday March 2. 

Last week at the staff professional development day, we reviewed our behaviour management system, PBL (Positive Behaviour for Learning) and are implementing a house points system for positive behaviour. During the past week, the children have been concentrating on rules to support them with this. Presently, we are working on moving around the school in lines and in silence.

Today, we had our swimming carnival. It was wonderful to see the children arrive at school decked out in their house colours. We are very fortunate to have many of our parents volunteer to assist with marshalling and the barbeque. We thank Katie Tooth for all her organisation supported by the assistance of the staff.

Next Tuesday is Shrove Tuesday. All students will be given a pancake at morning tea with a choice of toppings. Donations of 50 cents per pancake for Caritas would be appreciated.

On Wednesday at 10:30am, we will have our K-6 opening school and Ash Wednesday liturgy at St Bede’s Church. The Year 6 leadership badges will be blessed during the ceremony and children will receive the ashes as this is the beginning of lent. Parents and grandparents are most welcome to attend the liturgy. There is limited seating as parishoners will also be in attendance.

On Wednesday February 21, we will be having our first Community Council meeting for this year. We are extremely grateful to our parents who have volunteered to represent St Bede’s community. This year our Community Council members are: Richard Bunn (Community Council Chair), Kate Ellis (Secretary), Katie Lyons (Treasurer), Sarah Paciorek (Parish Representative), Marylou Gorham (Principal), Amy Doszpot (Assistant Principal), Kristi Morrison (Fundraising), Sarah Hickey, Clare Young and Emily Krout-Ryan (Parent Representatives).

We are aware that some families are having issues accessing Compass. We are having a parent Compass workshop on Wednesday February 28 from 3:30pm-4:30pm. Campbell from the CE Compass team will be at St Bede's to conduct the workshop. Please bring a device with you.

Next Tuesday evening we hope to see you all at our annual Meet and Greet Barbeque at the Braidwood Servicemens Club from 5:30 to 7:30pm. We thank Amy Doszpot for her organisation and our Community Council members who have volunteered their time to assist with the Barbeque and clean up. A note has been sent home to all families. Parents, can you please return this note to school tomorrow, to assist with catering.

Have a great week

God Bless