Greetings from St Bede’s.

Two rescheduled events to report or advertise, further signs of our community re-engaging with activities that a few months ago, were in danger of not happening at all!

The first was the Cultural Awards assembly which occurred this week, and I shared the following with the boys:-

"Just a few comments by way of introduction, about the place of the Arts and Cultural activities in the College.

When you were interviewed by me the year before you began at the College, there were two questions I asked every boy without fail. The first is… “Do you read?” This then leads on to a conversation about the importance of language and understanding of language as the foundation of any academic success. By understanding what you read in whatever subject, and then being able to convey an understanding of what you have read, either by writing about it or communicating this in another genre.

The other question, which often brings an interesting response is “Do you sing?” Normally I get a strange look, or a nervous sideways glance to the parents who accompanied you to the interview.

But this question points to a part of our holistic education which we think is important as well. Our aim here is that everyone participates in some cultural activity. Full school singing is one way. Full school participation in the Haka is another, and in that first conversation I do introduce the idea that the way we sing or the way we do the Haka is about what we think of our College. Many people in the community whose sons have left, talk about the Haka the Year 13s give to their parents on Leavers’ Day, and the way the whole place sings when we farewell the Year 13s in style, to thank them for their time at the College. On that day music lifts the heart and evokes emotion that lifts the spirits. I see many of you listening to iPods playing your favourite music for a whole range of reasons…….to inspire, to relax or to enjoy. I hope it is a part of your life.

And that narrative is an entrée into my challenge for everyone here to perhaps get out of your comfort zones and choose to be a part of the cultural programme. Polyfest, kapa haka, take up a musical instrument, be a debater, try theatre sports. Last year 22 Bedeans performed in four groups at Rockquest, and I can say a good many of them had not had much contact with anything musical, but took up a musical instrument in Year 9, and then had a whole lot of fun as a consequence. Ask George Berry, our Arts Co-ordinator, about his journey through here and where it’s taken him with The Butlers, the band he is a part of now. 

Well done to those who receive awards today, not only in the Arts sphere, but also to those who contribute to our community. 

Well done also to those of you who are courageous enough to try something in this area of the College merely for the experience."

We are blessed by many generous parents who coach, govern, volunteer and sit on committees for the betterment of the boys and the College, and one such group is the PTA who have also re-engaged in organising events for the benefit of the community.

The next event is the annual "Race Night" on Friday 4 September at Addington Raceway. Those who attended the evening last year had a marvellous night, so I would thoroughly endorse the evening. Further information and booking details follow in the newsletter.

Until next week,

J.G. Boyle