Greetings from St Bede’s

Some call this time of the year the "silly" season! And if you walked around our sports fields and gym this week, you would be forgiven for agreeing. From early morning to late afternoon pre and post classes, rugby, football, touch, cricket, and athletics are all training. On top of that, the rowers are hard at work on the ergs or on the water at Stewarts Gully preparing for Maadi Cup.

Between 85 - 90% of our boys participate in sporting activities. The national average is approximately 40%. For eleven years Clare Kissick had the unenviable job of Sports Coordinator. Stepping into the large shoes she vacated is Richard Pithey to take over this challenging role. Richard has been a PE / Health teacher in South Africa, a sports director in England, and has recently worked in roles with Canterbury and NZ Cricket. He begins in this particularly busy time, but has embraced his new role.

The Pasifika group have also been working hard in preparation for the annual Polyfest tomorrow in the Red Zone just past Burwood Park. I'm sure they would appreciate support from the Bedean community when they perform at 2.30pm.

The Year 12 & 13 Mana Tāne groups linked up with the Year 9 and 10 groups this morning, giving the older boys opportunities to lead. Tuakana Teina is the name of this part of the programme, which centres on our older boys forming relationships with the younger boys. As relationships are formed, there is evidence to suggest that this is positive for both the older and younger students in the College. The icebreaker activities today were designed round having some fun!

Until next week,

J. G. Boyle