Greetings from St Bede’s

We are extremely excited, proud and appreciative to announce that Naylor Love Canterbury Ltd have been awarded multiple awards for the build of our Chapel of St Bede and Performing Arts Centre. They were awarded gold for the Education National Category and also the Commercial Value Category for a $5 - $15miliion build.

The greatest achievement however was taking out the top category with the Supreme Award for the New Zealand Commercial Project of the Year, which is awarded to the most outstanding entry for the year’s competition.

The judge’s comments reflect the fine workmanship and intricate detail that is our Chapel, the heart of our College. “The octagonal chapel successfully completes a line of existing brick buildings of the school that face the street. It stands clear and presents all the complexities expected in the construction, with the details finely resolved, particularly the geometry to the ceiling above the nave. The plaster walls with timber beading are beautifully executed. Salvaged materials including stain glass, pews and an organ from other churches which were destroyed following the earthquake, and were refurbished and installed. The space is engaging for the students and the octagonal space creates a break from the traditional school chapel. This is an excellent design solution complemented by superb construction finish which makes this a worthy award recipient.”

We congratulate Naylor Love, and all their project partners for this award which recognises their expertise and skill. We also thank all our generous donors who supported the rebuild of the Chapel and made this project a reality.

Today we had Conference Day, which was a opportunity for parents and teachers to meet with junior boys to review their learning for the year, which over 80% of parents attended.

A good number of present parents and parents of next year's new cohort were in attendance at two presentations outlining the new strategic plan. We appreciated the feedback we received, and the general endorsement of the plan; the first part of which we will begin to implement in the new year.

Juniors are looking forward to the Big Days Out planned for the Year 9s and the camps for Year 10 which occur next week.

Communication to the Community:

The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions is holding its redress in Auckland Monday 30 November to 11 December. This particular part of the hearing is based on the Catholic Church, the Anglican Church and the Salvation Army, and will be receiving statements from those who have suffered abuse.

It is important to note that the Bishops and Congregational Leaders have asked to be included in the Royal Commission Inquiry process, in order to have this significant opportunity to acknowledge the past, listen and learn from the experiences of survivors, and participate in seeking justice that leads to healing.

This is an important and significant process for all of us but especially for survivors to be heard and for their story and the lasting impacts to be acknowledged.

As a community it is a chance to listen to the experiences of survivors, acknowledge failings, support the justice, healing, and reconciliation process and look forward to the future with hope.

The Commission and the increased media attention that comes with it is fertile ground for survivors to be prompted and encouraged to come forward, perhaps for the first time, to disclose the abuse they experienced and its lasting impacts.

Until next week,

J. G. Boyle