Last Friday we commemorated ANZAC.

There were two parts to this. Firstly the boys congregated in the assembly space and Mr Wilson and his year 13 history students recounted the events of the last year of World War One, a century ago exactly. The point was made that compared to World War 2, in 1918 the war was not decided until the final month, and as was related the two main adversaries, the Allies and the Germans resembled two punch drunk boxers, both exhausted and both merely clinging on!!

For the second part of the ceremony, the boys respectfully processed from the Gym to the site of the old chapel, and there 52 present Bedeans laid crosses for Bedeans killed in action. The silence was eerie, and an indication of modern youths respect of ANZAC and all it means. There was a sense of brotherhood as present Bedeans honoured past Bedeans in the heart of the College on the consecrated site of the old chapel. Several old boys and family joined us. It was a special afternoon.

This week we hosted over 600 people for the open day. Over 200 boys registered and over 80 senior boys conducted tours for those interested in St Bedes. They were outstanding ambassadors as in their natural and largely unrehearsed manner they presented the College to newcomers.

This afternoon we will be saying a farewell to Dr Rachael Hawkey. And included in this Newsletter is my tribute to her 20 years service to St Bede's College.