The Old Boys' Association's newest members kicked off their final day at school in traditional style with breakfast at the Papanui Working Men's Club.

It was a full house for breakie, with whānau and members of SBC staff in attendance to start the farewell celebrations for the Year 13 student Leaver's on their last 'official' day as students of St Bede's College.

Along with a tasty breakfast, those gathered enjoyed addresses by Rector Jon McDowall and Stephen Kinder from the Old Boys' Association, followed by moving speeches by two Y13 leavers' parent's, old boy Mark Sutherland(1984-1988), father to Y13 Leaver Ben Sutherland, and Belinda Leen mother  of Y13 Leaver Jesse Leen, and old boy James Leen (2018-2022). Copies of both Mark and Belinda's speeches are included below. Photos from the event are also in a gallery at the bottom of this article.

A special thank you to the the Old Boys' Association for once again subsidising this event for our Y13 Leavers.  

Mark Sutherland (1984-1988)

Good Morning,

It is a privilege to be asked to speak and be part of the leavers events this week. I attended St Bede’s College back in the mid to late 80s with a number of you that are here this morning and its fair to say some things have certainly changed.

As leavers of the college today it is great to have such a wonderful send off. I feel very honoured to speak and feel very proud of you all as I am sure all of your parents are, as you take the next step in your journey.

My connection to the college stems over three generations. My uncles and my cousins via Ashburton all attended boarding school in the sixties and seventies. My two brothers Andrew and Matthew along with my nephew William also attended the college. My mother finally convinced my father to send us to a catholic high school as opposed to Boys High where he attended. We left Our Lady of Assumption School and began our journey. A journey my son Ben has taken 30 years later. From a young age ,Ben told everyone he wanted to go to St Bede’s.

Attended the open day ,we were so impressed with the students and staff. Everyone was so welcoming and the students were respectful and so well mannered.

Most recently I have been part of the Old Boys Association and took up an offer from Shane O’Brian to join the Board of Proprietors. I have served on the board of trustees for the last 5 years as a Proprietors rep.

This has given me great insight into the college and the constant challenges that our leadership team and staff face on a daily basis. You could say at times they have become a third parent. I have been particularly impressed by the pastural care the school has shown our young men in what can only be described as an ever-moving feast in a changing world particularly with technology and the recent lockdowns. With such a strong wrap around culture in the school, our boys have been in great hands over the last 5 years.

It is also heartening to see the Catholic faith continuing to grow at the college. This faith is what helps us shape the young men we have here today. Young men developing respect and strong morals.

When thinking about what I wanted to speak about today. I thought back to our first meeting with Mr Boyle when our boys were in Year 8. (doesn’t seem that long ago does it). Justin talked about taking every opportunity put in front of you. This was not about being the best at anything but pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and not leaving the college wishing you had done more.

This has been particularly evident to me with this Year 13 group who have achieved so much. I have had many proud Bedean moments with such impressive achievements in sport, the arts, culture and academic successes, you have all left your mark on the college, in your own way!

Thinking back to my first day at St Bede’s- biking across town from Cashmere with my older brother, arriving at school, he directed me to the bike stands. I locked my bike and my caring big brother said ‘see ya’ and off he went. I knew no one! Today, luckily things are different now and you are set up with such a strong start to your high school years.

One of my lasting memories, was in my last year at school when I was fortunate enough to travel to Australia with the First XV. This trip delivered a number of firsts- going on a plane, being billeted with different families and many social nights out with great Aussie hospitality. We played in 4 cities and ended the tour in Sydney. After arriving at our hotel in Kings Cross we were briefed by Mr Lennon and to our surprise, given some of our already proved antics on tour, we were allowed out!

Just for your reference, Kings Cross in 1988 was considered the criminal under belly of Sydney. The so called safety briefing, only included 2 rules, we were to stay in groups of 3s and be back by 11pm(this was kings cross remember). Can you imagine a group of 16, 17 and 18 year old boys being let loose in Kings Cross? Fair to say many other rules may have been broken, and some of us are lucky to be here! Imagine the paper work today!

These type of experiences throughout my time at the college have cemented many strong friendships and have helped develop many connections through business and sport. People say to me there is something about the strong bonds St Bede’s boys have. You too will leave this place knowing you have made great mates. You will keep these strong friendships and be friends for life.

Last Friday night will leave a lasting impression. What a great night! Seeing Christian and Sheena take to the dance floor, in what can only be described as something out of Dancing with the Stars. We were then treated to over 100 mother and son combinations, strutting out their best 2 step trying desperately not to step on their mother’s toes. I am sure this was uncomfortable for most, but really showed how far you have come.

We were then treated to a very rousing haka where every young man brought the passion that had been installed in them over the last five years. The stand out for me is some things never change, strong friendships have been formed, this is part of the Bedean DNA.

As a parent of a leaver, I would like to thank all of the staff for their commitment and dedication over the last 5 years. Thank you for going above and beyond.

Thank you to Steve and the Old Boys association for this morning and your ongoing support of the college.

Thank you to our leavers for everything you have done for the college. I wish you all well in whatever journey you take. The foundations are laid, go and grab every opportunity put in front of you.

And remember, you will always have your Bedean brothers supporting you.

Belinda Leen

Good morning everyone, I am Belinda, Mum of Jesse Leen and old boy James.

When I was asked to give the Mothers Speech for the breakfast this morning, I must admit panic set in. That panic however was soon overtaken with immense pride for my boys, this school, and what it represents.

My journey as a parent at St Bedes started 6 years ago when my eldest, James, walked through the gates in his shining and slightly too large Red & Black uniform. As a non catholic family there were many things new to us with being part of a Catholic School.

The boys were new to prayer, new to chapel and new to mass. Never though were we made to feel like outsiders or as though we didn't belong here, in fact it was the complete opposite, as though we had found that place to belong.

As parents we have always encouraged the boys to take their own spiritual journey, to make those choices for themselves, all the while hoping that those choices would lead them in a positive and loving direction. I couldn't be more proud of the journey that James and Jesse have taken.

The support the boys have received from the staff at St Bedes, in particular you both, Rachel and Grant Ven, in becoming Catholic has been heart warming to say the least.

I have watched my two boys turn into men that have had their new faith guide them through the perils of being a teenager, for that I am so grateful.

It has not only been the Catholic community that has made our time here so wonderful, the friendships the boys have made are ones that I am sure they will cherish forever. Young men looking out for one another, supporting one another, and becoming brothers, this is the true magic of St Bedes.

Last year, standing in the quad on the last day, I saw Jesse’s entire friend group leave, off on their new adventures. I was worried that this year was going to look very different for him.

I would have liked to have thought that it was because he loved being a student that he chose to stay, but that wasn't it. It was his love for his St Bedes brothers, his love for what he calls “the best school in Christchurch by far”. He went on to make further memories and tighter bonds. Turns out he did pretty good at the school work stuff too!

Boys, when you walk out of the gates of St Bedes today, probably in a uniform that isn't so shiny as the one on the first day and with hair that's definitely a bit longer, I hope you take with you the values that your school has installed in you.

Remember you don't have to know what you are meant to be doing straight away, to have it all figured out! In your Mums eyes you are still her baby and have the whole world at your feet. So take your time to figure out your path. Be followed by your heart and make good choices with the people that surround you.

Lucky for us, our family legacy with St Bedes does not end today with Jesse’s younger brother eagerly waiting in the wings to throw on his shiny new red and black blazer.

But today is about you boys. Enjoy your mates, thank your amazing teachers, hug your families and of course your amazing mums who are so very proud of you, her beautiful Beaden boy.