Greetings from St Bede’s College

Seniors with their teachers continue to work productively to successfully complete the academic year.

We are planning to stage a ceremony next Thursday for our Year 13s which will include the presentation of crosses and the old boys ties. Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Mark Walls and the whole ceremony will be live-streamed so parents can view it.

Later today parents will also receive a letter requesting information regarding their son's vaccination status. Although it is not mandated, we are encouraging our students to be vaccinated. The letter today will outline the process of how we can record a student's vaccination status; this is a requirement from the Ministry of Education and public health.

We are most fortunate that summer sport can continue. Last week the 1st XI cricketers achieved a notable victory against Christchurch Boys' High School. George Gunn's six wicket haul was a highlight, and Ben Hanrahan top scored with a half century.

Our Evolocity students also had a successful day this week with Team 2, consisting of Oscar Cox and Josh Bain, being the overall winner in the 350 watt bike race. Below is a photo of Josh on the start line prior to the race.

Next Wednesday morning, 10 November, we are privileged to have our new national Icon, Ho Hāta Maria, te Matua Wahine o te Atua - Holy Mary, Mother of God, at the College. This is a beautiful piece of artwork commissioned by the Catholic Bishops of New Zealand to celebrate the rededication of New Zealand to Mary, Assumed into Heaven. It is a national shrine and has been consecrated in chrism oil, just as our Chapel was when it was opened. The Icon is on a pilgrimage around New Zealand called Te Ara a Maria – Mary’s Way. 

Unfortunately due to Covid-19 restrictions we are unable to offer our community a chance to view the Icon when it is at the College, but I have included below for your interest the North Parish's schedule for the pilgrimage.

Until next week,

J. G. Boyle