In most years ANZAC day falls in the first term holidays, but we believe it is important we mark this occasion early in the second term, which we did this week. 51 Bedeans died in various wars throughout the course of last century, the first three of them in World War One, only a few years after the College opened in 1911. This included twin brothers, Lawrence and Leo Donohue, who died 44 days apart in battles in France in 1917. They were first year pupils at the College.

Three of the crosses laid on the site of the old chapel, were by family members of those slain, adding to the solemnity of the occasion.

Listed below are the Bedeans who died in war with a brief citation which was read as part of the liturgy by our senior boys.

Bully Free Week

Bullying-Free New Zealand Week is from 16-20 May in conjunction with Pink Shirt Day, on the Friday. The week follows the theme He kōtuinga mahi iti, he hua pai-ā rau: Small ripples create big waves.

Throughout the week the Prefects, Student Wellbeing Committee and staff were highlighting through a range of forums, key messaging alongside our BLE values of Everyone Matters and Be Courageous. Senior students are made a video which was used to launch the week on Monday.

On Pink Shirt Day students were able to wear mufti bringing a gold coin which was donated to support adolescent mental health initiatives cross the country. We also be launched ‘Fried Chicken Friday’ as an event that we propose to use once a month to keep youth mental health front and centre for our students with proceeds raised going to the Centre of Wellbeing to support ongoing work in this area.

Staff and Student Illness

The number of sick students and staff has increased markedly during this week, so we reiterate the MOE guidelines, the importance of staying at home if you are not well, keeping students home if they are not well, following good hygiene practices and with a large proportion of our community who are sick having the flu, and the Ministry of Health are encouraging people to not only be vaccinated for covid, but also the flu.