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Dear Parents and Carers,
This term is going very fast! It is hard to believe that our Kinder students have almost completed their first term of schooling but they are already making great leaps with their learning as are all our students. As we are nearing closer to the end of the term, we may experience some cooler weather conditions. Therefore, we have decided to phase the winter uniform in much earlier than usual. Commencing from next week, the children have the option of wearing either their summer or winter uniform to school.
Last week, we had our first Community Council meeting for this year. It was a wonderful opportunity to form our new Council and to discuss the various initiatives that we have to look forward to this year. We are extremely fortunate that Fiona Noye offered to assist Ruby Green to share the role of Fundraising coordinators. How blessed are we to have parents volunteer to join our Community Council. We hope you can all attend our Meet and Greet night tonight to meet our Community Council members and catch up with old friends and new, and meet our wonderful staff.
Kristi Morrison provided an update on the progress of the play equipment. An application has been submitted for a grant to provide shade for the equipment. Once we hear the outcome of this, we will be ready to commence work on the installation of the equipment. This year we will continue to raise money for the play equipment, as we haven’t quite reached our goal but we have managed to raise close to $90,000 with the support of fundraising initiatives and donations, which is astounding for a school our size. Kristi has organised an amazing Easter raffle which will include 5 lucky draw prizes, tickets are available on Qkr. We also have the bulb fundraiser and the sensory garden project, which Clare Young is in the process of organising. The colour run will be held early in term 4 which was an enormous success when we held it previously and a musical to look forward to.
Next Friday, April 4 from 3pm-5pm, we will be having our working bee in preparation for winter and a movie night. Come along, drop off the children, have fun at the working bee and join everyone participating for a barbecue and light refreshments at the end.
During our meeting, the Annual Improvement Plan (AIP) was presented. The AIP details our school action plan to improve student learning and achievement at St Bede’s. Our goals for 2025 are well underway to being achieved this year. These goals are being supported by professional development and expert coaching for staff.
- To improve student achievement in learning through the embedding of High Impact Teaching Practices.
- To deepen understanding of Religious Education and Catholic Identity.
Tomorrow is our Cross Country Carnival at the Recreation Ground from 10am until 12:30pm, which the children and staff are looking forward to. Following this carnival, we are hosting the Northern Regions Cross Country Carnival on Friday May 2, which is a big event and great fundraiser for St Bede’s. Last year we had plenty of volunteers at both carnivals, so we hope you can come along, assist and join in the fun! Thank you Mrs Tooth for all your organisation.
We hope to see you all at the Meet and Greet tonight!
God Bless
Marylou Gorham
Principal
We are excited to introduce Qkr! at St Bede’s, a secure and convenient mobile payment app that makes school purchases easier for families. With Qkr!, you can order and pay for canteen and fundraising items from your phone—no more searching for loose change or last-minute dashes for cash!
To launch this new system, all sales for our Easter Raffle will need to be made through the Qkr! app.
Click here for details on how to download the app. I promise, it is a very easy process!
From Term 2, all canteen sales will be processed through the Qkr app.
Thank you for supporting this new initiative as we move towards a simpler and more efficient way for you to make payments.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
A Story of Gratitude
Hugh van Cuylenburg, founder of The Resilience Project, was inspired by a young boy named Stunzin, whom he met in India. Hugh describes Stunzin as the most grateful person he has ever met.
Our students have all heard the DIS Story, which highlights the power of practising gratitude in building happiness and resilience.
Click here to hear the DIS Story of Gratitude.
Free Online Parenting Courses
Stepping Stone Triple P Online is a research-based program with over 25 years of development, designed to support parents and carers. It provides positive, practical strategies to help manage daily routines, encourage independence, respond to children's needs with confidence, and support their overall development. The programs also focus on reducing parenting stress, improving communication (including for children with alternate communication styles), and building social skills to strengthen relationships at home and in the community. Ultimately, it aims to help families adapt and enjoy life more together. Click here to learn more about the free courses that are available.
Have a wonderful end to the week!
Kind regards,
Amy Doszpot
Assistant Principal
Dear St Bede’s families,
Lenten Journey & Holy Week
As we enter the third week of Lent, St Bede’s students are busy learning about the sacredness of Holy Week. This time is a significant event in the Catholic Church, marking Jesus' final days on earth and his ultimate sacrifice for humanity. St Bede’s will participate in Holy Week Liturgies in Week 10. Each class will present a different event of Holy Week (please see schedule below). Families are welcome to attend – we hope to see you there!
Join us as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent!
For more information: https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/
Sacramental Program
This year, we will offer Sacramental Programs for Reconciliation and Eucharist through the St Bede’s Parish. We are grateful to Mrs Sue Anderson who has volunteered to run the programs. This year, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be held in Term 2 and the Sacrament of Eucharist will be held in Term 3. The programs are aimed at Year 3 students (students must be baptised Catholic to be eligible to participate). Older students who have not previously had the opportunity to participate in these sacraments are welcome to join. Information was sent home with Year 3 students last week. Please contact me if you have any questions or would like further information regarding these programs.
Parish Mass
St Bede’s School attends the weekly Parish Mass on a rotating roster. Weekday Mass is held every Thursday at 10:15 am at St Bede’s Church. Families are welcome to join us.
Term 1 Parish Mass Roster:
- Week 9 – Year 3 & 4
St Bede’s Parish – Children’s Mass, Saturday 29 March
The St Bede’s Parish will be holding a Children’s Mass this Saturday 29 March at 5pm. The Parish is looking for children to volunteer to be a reader during Mass or assist with the Offertory procession (non-reading role). There will be a Children’s Liturgy during Mass with Mrs Tracey who will offer a story telling of the Gospel. Unfortunately, we have had to cancel the BBQ at the end of Mass during to the forecast rain.
Please contact either Miss Shaye Cooper (shaye.cooper@cg.catholic.edu.au) or Mrs Ann Tracey (0450 680 337) by this Friday 28 March if your child would like to volunteer to be a reader. We welcome all families to attend and hope to see you there!
St Bede’s Parish - ‘Call to Connect’ Prayer Group
‘Call to Connect’ prayer group warmly invites all interested people from the parish and school community to join us for Lenten Prayer gathering and coffee. The Lenten Prayer gathering will be held on Friday 28 March at 10 am in the St Bede’s Church. Simple morning tea will be served at 10 am, with prayer starting at 10:15 am. The morning includes a short talk, reading from scripture followed by prayer and reflection, discussion points and lighting of candles for your intentions. For more information, contact the St Bede’s Parish.
ANZAC Day Prayer Liturgy – SAVE THE DATE!
A prayer liturgy for ANZAC Day will be held on Thursday 1 May at 9am (Term 2, Week 1). This will be held in the school hall and led by Year 3. Families are welcome to attend.
Yours in faith,
Shaye Cooper
Religious Education Coordinator (Acting)
Lenten Prayer
Loving God,
You love all that you have made.
As we walk the way of the cross,
May we know you more deeply,
And love you more dearly, and
Walk each day with you more closely.
In Jesus name we pray,
Amen.
| Date | Event | Start Time | Location |
| 27 March | Meet & Greet BBQ | 5:30pm-7:30pm | Services Clubs |
| 28 March | Cross Country Carnival | 10 am | Rec Ground |
| 3 April | Yrs 3 & 4 - Parish Mass | 10:15 am | St Bede's Church |
| 3 April | Try it @ Trinity Day - Year 6 students only | 10 am - 2 pm | Gouburn |
| 4 April | Working Bee | 3 pm - 5 pm | School |
| 4 April | Movie Night & BBQ | 3:30 pm | School Hall |
| 7 April | Easter Liturgy - Palm Sunday - Yr 2 | 9 am | school |
| 8 April | Easter Liturgy - Washing of the Feet - Yr 1 & Last Supper - Yr 3 | 9 am | school |
| 9 April | Easter Liturgy - Garden of Gethsemane - Yr 4 | 9 am | School |
| 10 April | Easter Liturgy - Stations of the Cross - Yr 5/6 | 9 am | School |
| 10 April | Easter Hat parade | 11:45 am | Wallace street |
| 10 April (Thursday) | End of Term for Students | ||
| 17 April | Holy Thursday | ||
| 18 April | Good Friday | ||
| 20 April | Easter Sunday | ||
| 25 April | Anzac Day March | 10:30 am | @ St Bede's church |
| 28 April | Enrolment period starts | ||
| 29 April | Students return | ||
| 30 April | Easter liturgy - Resurrection - Kinder | 9 am | School |
| 1 May | ANZAC day Liturgy | TBA | TBA |
| 2 May | NR Cross Country | TBA | Braidwood show ground |
| 9 May | Mothers Day Breakfast + Stall | 8:15am | School |
ANZAC Day – SAVE THE DATE!
ANZAC Day is commemorated on Friday 25th April, which falls in the school holidays. We invite our students to join us for the ANZAC Day March. We meet at 10:30am outside St Bede’s Church. Students are asked to wear full winter school uniform.
2025 Term Dates
- Term 1 - Tuesday 4 February - Thursday 10 April 2025
- Term 2 – Tuesday 29 April – Thursday 3 July
- Term 3 – Tuesday 22 July – Thursday 25 September
- Term 4 – Tuesday 14 October – Thursday 18 December
School fees are now overdue for payment.
Reminder notices will be going out next week and we are asking families who haven't settled this terms fees to please do so promptly.
Any families who are struggling to pay their fees are asked to contact the office to put anarrangements in place.
Please note that the preferred method of payment for fees is through BPAY as it is cost effective. The BPAY reference details are in the top right and bottom left on the invoice.
- Does your child have asthma? Have you updated your child's Asthma Action plan for this year and does the school have a copy? Please remember to update your child's Asthma plan regularly with your doctor. These updated plans should then be given to the school, so that we are able to give the best care possible should an attack happen.
- Please be mindful of what containers you send to school with your child. Please do not send ring pull cans (like the lids on small tuna cans etc..) or glass containers as these present a cutting hazard to children. Please open the can at home and place in a plastic container.
- We would ask that soft drinks are not sent to school with your children as we do try to encourage a healthy alternative like water.
- If your child is unwell, please place their absence through the Compass Parent Portal App. There is no need to then notify the office once you have placed it into the Compass app.
- Please keep an eye on ourFaceBook page for the latest happenings around the school. StBede'sFaceBook page
Greetings from the School Counsellor
Important information about how to access School Counselling.
Please feel free to touch base with any questions or concerns relating to the counselling service.
How to make an appointment.
If your child/ren were seen by the school counsellor in previous years and you would like them to receive support in 2025, we require you to complete a new counselling registration form. The link can be found below. New referrals and requests can be made via the same link.
Parent consent for counselling continues to be required for all primary school students and will be sought and provided via email. Where parents are separated, we require the written consent of both parents. Once the referral has been received, I will contact parents on a Wednesday to further discuss the referral and determine whether school counselling can meet your child’s needs or if an external referral may be more appropriate.
Referrals can be submitted here
https://mccg.my.site.com/housing/s/school-referral-form
I am at St. Bede’s on Wednesdays each week of term.
Faith Costigan – Student and Family Counsellor.
The next STEAM Club will be held at Braidwood Library on Wednesday 2 April.
Location: Braidwood Library 144 Wallace St, Braidwood
Date/Time: Wednesday 2 April 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Cost: Free
Join us for fun and educational activities. This month we will create a 3D papercraft with an ocean theme.
For ages 8+
Booking link: https://events.humanitix.com/steam-club-at-braidwood-library-hwuewbbt
Contact Katarina from the library on 02 6285 6075 if you require further information
- As we have been experiencing cooler weather, it has been decided to commence the phasing in of the winter uniform from Monday March 31, Week 9. The students will have an option to wear either their summer uniform or their winter unifom - not a combination of both!
- Parents are reminded to check that their child's name is on all their clothing - it is impossible to return clothes with no name.
- The school has a 2nd hand uniform pool. If you would like any uniform items please call into the office to complete an order form or alternatively email the office with your order. You will be contacted once the order has been filled. Please note that as the uniform pool relies on donations from parents, we do not have a full range of items or sizes. Any families who have uniforms that they no longer need, please consider donating these back to the school, these can be left at the office. Thank you
- Len Mutton and Co are the schools official uniform supplier. They are located in the main street or phone 0248422446 or email lenmutton@bigpond.com
St Bede's is a Nut Free school
St Bede's is a nut free school - This mean that students should not bring anything containing nuts to school, this includes Nutella, Peanut Butter and any other nut butters as we have several students who are highly allergic to these items.
The sharing of any food, lollies or confectionery is not encouraged.
Library days for Term 1 are:
- Wednesdays - Kinder, Years 2, 3, 4
- Thursdays - Years 1 & 5/6
Please remember to bring your library bag and any books to be returned on these days!!!!!!
At St Bede's canteen is run every 2nd Monday. The running of canteen is dependant on volunteers - we require at least 2 parent volunteers per canteen.
Please see the roster below - if you are able to help please contact Brenda, Trish or the office to have your name added.
If canteen is cancelled your child will need to bring their own lunch, as per a non canteen day.
If you have any questions about what is required to help on canteen please contact Brenda on 0438 275 032 or Trish on 0412 889507 or 02 48422027.
Please note that any parents volunteering for canteen must have a current Working With Children Check (WWCC). WWCC can be applied for through Service NSW (link) applying for a WWCC. Once you have received the clearance please send a copy of the email + your date of birth to the office as the clearances are checked.
| 31 March | Helpers wanted |
Kinder |
Gabriel | Lachy & Ruby | Ambrose |
Year 1 |
Kayden | Orson | Matilda |
Year 2 |
Heidi | Owen | Kai |
Year 3 |
Jess | Aurelia | Tom |
Year 4 |
Ben V | Maddie & Indi | Chidinma |
Year 5/6 |
Charlie | Charlotte |