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St Bede's College
 
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Greetings from St Bede's

Mr Justin Boyle —

Week 4 ends with a hint of spring in the air, which combined with the lengthening days, lifts spirits.

Exams begin for seniors next week and preparations for the Year 13 students leaving are well underway with many of them applying for university scholarships or for places at ARA. At the same time, I am interviewing the new intake for 2019. At each interview, I talk to the new boys about the importance of reading regularly, and how this is the foundation of education.

At assembly, Mr Wilson had the top slot and he talked about reading in an excellent presentation. He spoke to the students about the importance and benefits of reading, and began by outlining the difficulty of learning to read the English language, but as he said, they have already ‘cracked the code’ and have the ability to read. He talked of how fortunate we are to live at this time, when for most of human history, only a select few could read. (30% of European men in the 1600’s!) There has never been a better time to access knowledge and entertainment through reading.

There was a short video shown that explained the merits of books to basically access great or expert advice from legends in the field. For example, talking human rights with Martin Luther King, Jr. It also included a quote from Jim Rohn that “We are the sum of the five people we spend the most time with” …so we should surround ourselves with greatness.

Reading can bring enjoyment, knowledge, reduce stress, increase vocabulary, improve writing, and reading more improves reading skill. Just reading a small amount independently each day can significantly add up over a year and increase academic potential.

The St Bede’s College Reading Raptors Padlet was launched to celebrate reading by allowing staff and students to share what they have been reading as well as their thoughts on it. Students will receive a BLE Point for Striving to Succeed for each genuine contribution to the site, along with spot prizes.

As we come to the 'pointy' end of the winter season, we wish all our boys the very best in their winter sport this weekend.

Until next time

Justin Boyle