Mālō e lelei. Happy Tongan Language week. Unbelievably, we are already halfway through Term 3!

This week looks a bit different around the college as we have students, staff, and family from Apifo'ou College joining us as part of an exchange programme. It has been a pleasure to have them with us.

So far this week the whole school enjoyed keke at lunchtime in the quad on Wednesday, which were prepared by some of the Tongan parents from Apifo'ou College. Today, all students were invited to wear an island or Hawaiian-style shirt with their uniform to wrap up the week. 

The past month has been busy as usual. We combined with Marian College on August 9-10 for a 24 Hour Move It Challenge - 24 hours spent at Marian College doing some sort of “moving” constantly. The registrations this year were enormous, and at one point we had close to 200 Marian and St Bede’s students packed in the Marian College Gymnasium. A highlight was playing spotlight at 2am around their whole school. This was a fundraiser event for Caritas and donations are still coming in. if you are able, please consider donating to a great cause https://www.mariancollege.school.nz/news-events/caritas-move-it-challenge 

Last week's Assumption Mass was a beautiful and uplifting event. The turnout was remarkable, with a significant number of mothers in attendance, adding a special warmth to the occasion. The atmosphere was filled with a deep sense of community and reverence, making it a memorable and spiritually enriching experience for everyone involved.

The start of this week marked the annual sports exchange between Marlborough Boys' High and St Bede’s College. All sports teams had considerable success and opportunities to learn and play teams from outside Christchurch. 

From August 16-17, Timaru was full of 12 of the best South Island choirs - The Bedean Choir included. The choir performed four pieces over the two days, which were judged by Dr Igelese Ete. The choir was stoked to come home with a Korimako (Silver) award for the competition. Congratulations to all involved. 

Toki sio.