Seniors finished the term with a half day, as staff and junior students, and their parents had their second set of conferences this afternoon.

Senior students do the same on the first day of next term. These face to face conferences have replaced the formal written reports which has been the practice in the past. However, you will notice we have sent home student record sheets which are useful conversation starters at the conferences.

At assembly we acknowledged Dr Hawkey's 20 year career at St Bede's, originally as TIC of Music, then HOF Arts, but also for some periods the stand in DP Curriculum and who has held various portfolios and responsibilities that were school wide.

As part of that acknowledgement one of our senior students organised interviews with a number of old boys who had been prominent in the arts field while at school. Their tributes were glowing of not only a fine educator but a person who developed wonderful relationships with her students. Included in that number was Hadyn Withers, who lives and works in New York pursuing a career in dance after winning a scholarship to study in a prominent dance school in New York.

Early in her time here Dr Hawkey oversaw the plans and the building of the PAC, which is soon to be renovated and improved, and when it opened late in 2001, she was determined to ensure it was going to be used a lot…..and so it has.

Over that period we have seen the ARTs flourish. Music, Art and Drama have all been showcased and taught by excellent teachers under her leadership…….superb variety concerts and drama nights unearthed and developed musical and dramatic talent, and as a result Boys learned skills that could be transferrable….like memorisation, performing in front of large audiences, etc etc, skills that are invaluable not only on the stage but in so many other forums, not only at school but later in life – life-skills for ever.

As a result, boys often discovered a talent they never knew they had, because of the opportunities, the Arts faculty offered, and a good many have gone on to make careers in the Arts field because of the opportunities taken up here at the College. Much of this was due to the leadership of Dr Hawkey.

We finish this long and productive term well.

One we began buoyed by excellent exam results which we will build on in various ways this year.

One where we see the evidence coming out of the ground of four major building projects which will change the campus significantly.

One where we can celebrate a most successful summer sporting programme and some great individual performances.

And one with significant success in the cultural arm of the College – Polyfest, Sheilah Winn, Bishop Lyons Shield.

Have a good break.

Until next time

Justin Boyle