As we communicated, the week began tragically with the sudden death of Wendy Entwistle, wife of most respected RE and Maths teacher, Mr Steve Entwistle. Her funeral is on Monday morning. We thank the parents who have offered to help in any way, and the heartfelt response from staff, parents and students is testimony to the high regard the community has for Mr Entwistle.

The week ended with the culmination of the Sacraments of Initiation programme. 62 boys received sacraments at a Mass we had to stage at St Gregory’s Church. For the past few years this has been a school-wide celebration, but because the Gym is now out of commission to begin Stage 2 of its redevelopment, this necessitated a venue change. Peer leaders, sponsors and prefects attended along with the family members of the boys receiving the sacrament.

For a Catholic school this programme and celebration is central to our mission and a visible witness of what we do – bring students to a closer relationship with God – the sacraments are an outward sign of inward reality.

Thanks to Mrs Pitcaithly, Mrs Walcott and Fr Allan for their preparation of the boys and introducing them to the faith journey – that will continue in their time at St Bede’s and hopefully with the help of the Holy Spirit for the rest of their lives.

Please keep in your prayers also the family of Mrs Parder, whose father is very unwell and also Mrs MacKean whose mother died in Scotland in the last week. As always at Benediction we pray for all those members of the Bedean family who have either suffered recent bereavements or sickness.

Yesterday morning three more old boys joined MC, Mr Davidson, to address the Year 13s as part of the Zest vocational and careers programme we have instituted this year. Chris Mene, Mark Sutherland and Anthony Lawry, all shared their stories and gave pointers and learnings from their life journeys. Good common sense advice was the order of the day. Go and speak to would-be employers, rather than merely contact by email; eat well, sleep well; follow what you want to do rather than necessarily what other people say you should do. Treat all people well, because Christchurch, New Zealand and the world are getting smaller by the day. Cautionary advice about what is written on social media was once again emphasised, and more employers refer to this as an indicator or pointer of the type of character they potentially are employing.

Seminars followed which helped raise their self-awareness – realising strengths, and appreciation what type of employment they may have an aptitude for.

One interesting insight shared by Chris Mene in his field as a general manager of Future Christchurch Projects was the importance of his employees to be able to live with ambiguity, and the realisation that young people will work in many different types of jobs, and must be prepared to learn. Employers look for a good attitude, and if they find that, skills can be taught.

This is a pilot programme sponsored by the Old Boys Association, and one which we see has significant merit going forward. We are grateful to the Association for providing this opportunity.

Until next week

Justin Boyle, Rector