Greetings from St Bede’s

We are well in the rhythm of the winter term as we end Week 3. Winter sport is underway in all codes, and in other areas there are a number of activities. One of those is preparation for Feast Day next Friday. Nervous Year 9s are practicing their hakas in their houses so they are ready for their time in the spotlight during the Feast Day celebrations. All parents are most welcome to attend the day, which will begin with the Feast Day Mass at 9.00am.

This week we joined the rest of the country to focus on anti-bullying. Boys and staff were invited to wear something pink in support of the cause. The stance taken also encompasses an appreciation of diversity and acceptance of differences. During Mana Tāne sessions this week, the Year 13s taught the Year 10s a game called "Play Your Best Card" which exposed boys to various scenarios for them to make good decisions in their interactions with each other. We say often the that the influence of the older boys on the younger ones is sometimes the most powerful.

More and more our pastoral team are dealing with online bullying; many times this type of insidious behaviour is more brazen and explicit than bullying offline. A poster created this week which is quite visible I share, which highlights the issue. 

Boys' personas online is sometimes markedly different to their true character offline.

Until next week,

J. G. Boyle