Dear Parents and Carers,

This week is Sabbath Week. We hope you have enjoyed your homework free week. Instead of having homework we encourage the children to read, play board games and enjoy outdoor activities together. The children are starting to get very tired, so Sabbath Week is a wonderful opportunity to ensure the children are in bed at their regular time.

National Sorry Day is held each year on 26 May and leads directly into National Reconciliation Week, which is from 27 May to 3 June. The theme for 2021 is ‘More than a word. Reconciliation takes action’ and urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action. At St Bede's we have been busy learning about the importance of National Sorry Day by reflecting on the mistreatment of First Nations people in Australia. We watched mini clips that used European settlement and the Stolen Generation to highlight the grief, suffering, and injustice experienced by First Nations people, and discussed the purpose of National Sorry Day. Additionally, each student contributed to a Sorry Day bunting which is displayed in the school hall.
During Reconciliation Week, we have reflected on the role we play when it comes to reconciliation by writing prayers and poems and holding discussions about what we can and will do in the future to ensure a safe future for all Australians. Last Friday we were privileged to have Mrs Cambridge from the CE conducting ‘Yarning Circles’ with all our students and staff. ‘Yarning Circles’ have been used by Indigenous peoples around the world for centuries to form collaborative communication that encourages participation and builds respectful relationships. At St Bede’s, we used this technique to foster conversations about Reconciliation Week, friendships and safe environments at school.
On Monday, our senior students attended the Reconciliation in the Park where they read a farewell in the local Dhurga language written by Mrs Boyenga and two students read a poem they had written in class.
A Braidwood resident who attended the event, sent the following abridged email to our school which highlights the work that Kerry Boyenga does and the influence this has on our children:

“I went to the Reconciliation Day event in Braidwood and kids from St Bede's were there. I was so struck by the obvious powerful impact of Mrs Boyenga’s work with St Bede's!! I just really wanted to share what I felt. The St Bede's kids were grounded and respectful and obviously took seriously their responsibility to engage. They stood up and read the poems they wrote in response to learning Stolen Generations- even the shy ones with their voices shaking were present and proud to speak up in solidarity. It reminded me of something Uncle Chris Tomlin said, "responsibility is an expression of belonging". I wondered if learning the language weaves us non-indigenous folks a bit more into belonging here in a healthy way (rather than a defensive colonising way). That belonging strengthens and empowers us to confront the truth and build a better future. That's what it looked like to me in these kids- like they had a different sense of belonging. I walked away in awe of the difference it makes when kids are given the opportunity to build relationships, learn language and culture. You have given such an incredible gift to this town Kerry! The impact of your generosity and the power of collaboration really blows me away and gives me so much hope for the future”.

To finish the week, students are busy in the class planning and creating a postcard artwork for the 2021 NAIDOC week postcard competition run by CE. These will be entered into the competition and the winner will have their artwork used for NAIDOC week later this year. A special thank you to Mrs Johanna Barling, Aborginal focus teacher for her organisation of the school activities and yarning circles.

We are currently inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an online survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community, we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The survey must be completed by Friday June 4. You can access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device by using the following URL

www.tellthemfromme.com/ http://tellthemfromme.com/9ptdb

Canteen News: We are very excited to have the Canteen functioning again at St Bede’s. Beck Thistleton and Marita Fuhrer have kindly ogffered to co-manage the canteen, organise menus and purchasing of food. We are now seeking volunteers. If you think you could spare a few hours occasionally on a  Friday to run the canteen, please contact Beck Thistleton on 0438211071. The more the merrier and the less times you will need to assist! Our canteen will commence on Friday June 18 and will hopefully continue each Friday thereafter.

Hats off for July and August: As of the commencement of term 3, the children will no longer be required to wear hats but may wear navy beanies if they wish.This decision was made in consultation with the  Community Council. the children will resume wearing their hats again in September with the commencement of Spring.

We are extremely grateful to our parents who have volunteered to be class representatives. This is a great opportunity to get to know other families at our school. We are still seeking a Class Representative for Year 4. If you think you could do this job, please contact the front office.

Please pray for the Parsons and Laurie families on the recent loss of family members.

Eternal Rest

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,

and let the perpetual light shine upon him.

May the souls of all the faithful departed,

through the mercy of God,

rest in peace.

Amen

God Bless
Marylou Gorham

Prayer

School Fees

The term 2 fees are overdue, reminder notices and letters are being sent out, this week.

If you are yet to pay your fees we would ask that you make it a prority, please.

If your family is experiencing financial difficulties making your payment please contact either Marylou or Lara.

A big thank you to those parents who have already paid their school fees. We appreciate your committment to the school.