As I write to you all looking out across the Headmaster’s Lawn and into the playground, I feel utterly energised following our inaugural breakfast meeting of parents and staff in the Joseph Refectory this morning. It was such an uplifting event and an important opportunity for us to collectively discuss the life of the College and our exciting shared aims for the future. The event also generated great interest in the relaunched St. Bede’s College Parents’ Association (SBPA) and thank you to the many parents who signed up to offer their support.
The theme of the Week here at the College is “Saying Sorry”. This week’s parable of the prodigal son is really about the father who is God – God is always ready to forgive. The elder son represents the scribes and the Pharisees who are not. It is important I feel that many of us continue to experience the Sacrament of Reconciliation and spend essential time reflecting and repenting, knowing that we will be forgiven by our loving heavenly father. As scripture says “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.” (Luke 15:21).
It has been anther extremely vibrant week here at St. Bede’s, with a vast range of different activities taking place both here and offsite. On Monday our latest Team of the Week were the Duke of Edinburgh Gold practice expedition (to the Peak District) students, who coped tremendously with the many challenges that they faced. I was also able to say well done to the many Upper Fifth pupils who performed really well in their recent mocks.
It has been quite a week for our U12 footballers and their coaching team! I was privileged to be able to attend their Manchester Schools’ Final against MGS (away) on Tuesday afternoon, in which they played with great endeavour and skill but unfortunately came up short against a slightly stronger side. I am delighted to report that the very next day, the same squad of players won the U12 Invitational Football Tournament back again at MGS – it was such a fantastic victory and the team did not concede a single goal during the entire tournament!