Kia ora koutou. We’re in the middle of Standing Together Week, and it’s been heartening to see our young men engaging with the conversations and challenges that come with it.

Whether it’s been discussions in class, honest reflections from students, or the quiet leadership of those who simply choose to include others, there’s been a strong sense of what we stand for as a college. The week isn’t about ticking a box. It’s about continuing to build a culture where every boy feels safe, respected, and valued.

Tomorrow is Pink Shirt Day. It’s not a campaign or a statement of politics. It’s about something much more important – behaviour. How we treat others. What we let slide. What we stand up for. At assembly on Tuesday, I told the boys this:

I’ll be wearing pink on Friday in solidarity with any boy who feels unseen, excluded, or like they don’t belong. You matter. I see you, and I stand with you – all day, every day.

This is what Pink Shirt Day is really about. Not pressure. Not ideology. Not belief – it’s about behaviour. I look forward to seeing the boys and staff get behind this tomorrow and wear pink for our non-uniform day.

This ties directly to what’s written on our college crest – Fide et Opere: By Faith and by Works. It’s not enough to say we believe in the values of inclusion, respect, and compassion. We have to live them. Quietly, consistently, and sometimes courageously. That’s where character is formed – in the small, daily choices boys make about how they speak, how they show up for each other, and how they lead when no one’s watching.

With winter sport now underway, that message becomes even more important. Representing the college on the field or court starts with how boys represent themselves in class, at training, and across the week. It’s a privilege, not a given. Playing for St Bede’s should mean something – and it should reflect the kind of person you are, not just how well you perform. We’ve been clear about that with students, and I’ve appreciated the backing from coaches and whānau as we hold those standards.

Next Friday is our Feast Day, honouring St Bede the Venerable – the saint for whom our college is named. As always, we begin with Mass. It’s no coincidence that we start this day by gathering as a college and community to celebrate the Eucharist. We do so in the Easter spirit of hope. It’s a moment to pause and give thanks, to reflect on what holds us together as a Catholic school, and to celebrate the faith that continues to shape our life here. The rest of the day will be filled with activity, connection, and fun – led by our student leaders and centred on the values we live by. We warmly invite parents, whānau, and old boys to join us for Mass at 9am in the Gym. It’s always a special occasion in our calendar, and we’d love to see you there.

Finally, a reminder that enrolments for 2026 are closing soon. If you have a younger son or know a family considering St Bede’s, please encourage them to get in touch or apply through our website.

Thanks, as always, for your ongoing support. We’ll keep walking alongside your young men as together we shape boys into good men – ready to serve, lead, and stand with others.

Ngā mihi