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Dear Parents and Families,
Recently, we celebrated Mother’s Day. I hope all of our students took time to write cards, cook breakfast, or give a gift to their mum or someone who plays a motherly role in their life. It was beautiful to celebrate Mass with over 600 mums, aunties, grandmothers, and carers in our Good Samaritan Hall. That event wasn’t just about flowers and cupcakes—it was about respect. Taking the time to acknowledge the people who care for us, often without expecting anything in return. We focussed on this theme at our school assembly this week.
In the Gospel of John 13:34, Jesus says:
"I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another."
Showing love means showing respect—for the people who raise us, for our elders, our friends, and our neighbours. Jesus modelled a life of deep compassion and inclusion. He respected the poor, the sick, the outcast. He treated everyone with dignity—particularly those society rejected.
When we respect others, we recognise their value. We show kindness, gratitude, and understanding. And that principle of respect doesn't stop with our families. It extends to our communities and our country.
Just last week, we also observed National Reconciliation Week. This week holds deep importance for Australia as we reflect on our history with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples—the First Nations peoples of this land. Respect means recognising this truth—not just during Reconciliation Week, but always.
We reminded our students that respect shows up in everyday moments. When they speak kindly. When they listen with the intent to understand. When they stand up for others.
Respect is always the right response. It’s a powerful choice. It’s a Gospel choice.
God Bless
Greg Malone
Upcoming Dates
9 June |
King’s Birthday Long Weekend. School closed on Monday |
10 June |
Year 10 Subject Information Evening for Year 11 2026 (compulsory event) 6-7pm |
17 June |
School Based Apprenticeship and Traineeship Information 5-6pm |
20 June |
Year 9 Reflection Day |
25 June |
Polding Mass |
26 June |
Year 12 Careers Expo |
27 June |
Polding Walk |
1 July |
Year 8 Subject Information Evening for Year 9 2026 (compulsory event) 6-7pm |
3 July |
Year 7 Incursion |
4 July |
Last day of Term 2 |
22 July |
Year 7-10 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences |
23 July |
Term 3 commences for all students |
TikTok Trend
There has been a disturbing TikTok trend that involves young people inserting pieces of metal into USB and power ports on laptops to try and create a fire or explosion. This trend has also extended to young people inserting pieces of metal (foil, paper clips, etc) into powerpoints.
We have seen this trend make its way to Bede Polding College. The school has RCD’s (Residual Current Devices - “Safety Switches”) throughout the school. They are checked annually. However, online research shows that RCD’s cannot be guaranteed to work 100% of the time (97% effective).
We have talked to all of our students extensively both in class and during school assemblies about the dangers associated with these acts. The reality is, I have (unapologetically) been very blunt with students when addressing this item because of the sheer idiocy of these acts. These talks have occurred for the safety of our students. Please continue to talk to your children about the dangers associated with electricity.
Any student caught attempting to tamper with electrical outlets or laptops in a way that could cause intentional damage, electrocution or injure themselves or others will be suspended immediately. Naivety or lack of intent when it comes to this type of behaviour is not an excuse.
Pope Leo XIV message about acceptance and tolerance
When I walk through our school during class time, I experience a calm environment with a gentle hum coming from classes as students are directed by teachers and they engage in their learning. As expected, recess and lunch can be a bit more chaotic as students expend some energy and move around the school. Generally speaking, we have a safe and calm school.
It is important to note that not all schools are as focussed on learning and respectful as we are. As a result, when a member of our community is not respectful, it grabs our attention and is responded to as required. We understand and respect that all people make mistakes, but we are also a place where learning is encouraged both from an academic and social perspective and we want to acknowledge and celebrate our differences.
Our newly appointed Pope has sent a number of messages both during his reign as a Cardinal and Pope about acceptance, tolerance and the importance of welcoming others to the Church. We continue to encourage all of our school community to adopt this approach to building our community to make it a school that accepts the differences of everyone, seeks not to judge but rather learn about and embrace one another as we would our own family and friends.
LINK - https://www.youtube.com/shorts/IMw3q4wkets
“Our neighbors are not first our enemies … but other men and women with whom we can speak.”Addressing participants in the Jubilee of Oriental Churches on May 14, 2025, Pope Leo XIV challenged the tendency to view others as adversaries. He called for dialogue and understanding, reminding the faithful of the Gospel imperative to love one's neighbor. |
Support from parents/carers required
We continue to make a big deal of the ‘little things’, so the ‘big things’ don’t become minor issues! I have worked in a number of disadvantaged communities where violence was commonplace and was so visible that it was accepted as part of how the community responds to change and disagreements.
‘Big issues’ such as violence and racism are not the norm at Bede Polding College, and we work tirelessly to ensure these issues remain not present or very rare events. What helps in this domain is focussing on small and easy to control issues. Language, uniform, punctuality and attendance are all easy to control. When we invest time and energy in ‘winning’ with the basics, we traditionally see very little time or energy dedicated to bigger issues.
In Term 2, we have noted a considerable lack of attention to detail from some students when they arrive at school. Laptops aren’t charged, no pens/pencils in their school bags, inappropriate haircuts, uniforms poorly worn, etc. Coincidentally, these are the same students that I frequently need to address for making poor choices in class.
A young person's emotional and academic bandwidth is at its strongest when they aren’t worried about things like what the shoes or clothes they need to wear or what their earrings look like. Schools work best when students are focussing their thoughts and energy on learning rather than the latest fashion trends.
Could all parents please assist in particular in ensuring that:
- Students have their College Blazer (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday)
- School shoes are polished (not wearing black sneakers - Air Jordan’s and Air Max are not school shoes)
Boys in particular
- Top buttons. Too many boys do not have a top button or have a shirt that does not fit which results in the top button not being able to be buttoned.
- Boys: no earrings
- Boys: no skin fades or mullet style haircuts.
Girls in particular
- Ensure skirts are the correct length (i.e. don’t roll the waist band to make them short - should be middle of the knee)
- No facial piercings (especially nose rings)
- Only one piercing (max.) in the lobe of each ear
* All other uniform and presentation requirements are found on the College website - LINK

Year 11 Reflection Day 2025
Our Year 11 Reflection Day took place on Friday 16th May. Our Year 11 students participated in an amazing race and various workshops focusing on the themes of leadership and teamwork. Fr Adam Carlow, the new assistant parish priest of St Monica’s Richmond Parish joined us to celebrate Mass to conclude the Day.
Our Lady Help of Christians Feast Day 2025

Rosary during Wednesday lunchtime in the Month of May
During the month of May, the month of Mary, all staff and students are invited to pray the Holy Rosary in the Our Lady Help of Christians (OLHC) Chapel every Wednesday during lunchtime. Two decades of the Glorious Mysteries are prayed, to commemorate this sacred month dedicated and honoured to the Mother of Jesus. Thank you to the staff and students who gathered together in faith and gratitude to honour Blessed Mary, our Heavenly Mother and her Assumption and Coronation as Queen of Heaven. Youth Group will return in June, on Wednesdays at lunchtime.
Vinnies Van
On the 4th Sunday of each month, BPC staff and Year 12 student volunteers help run the Vinnies Van, supporting those in need. On Sunday, 25th May, Stephanie, Imogen, Neeve, Georgia, and Angelina generously gave their time, accompanied by Mr Sullivan and Miss Samson. Despite the cold night, it was a rewarding experience as students served food, offered support to the homeless, and handed out delicious baked goods donated by the generous Greater Western Sydney community.
Lifted Live (Thursday 15th of May) - Year 7 and 8
CSPD’s Lifted Rise Event brought together Year 7 and 8 students from across the Parramatta Diocese for a day of interactive and engaging faith experiences. Accompanied by Miss Samson, Miss Cassar, and Miss Webb, eight students from BPC took part in the day’s faith formation activities and workshops alongside their peers. I invite you to read some of the comments from the students below:
- “I liked learning about the people who are going to become Saints like Blessed Carlo Acutis, and also singing songs!”
- “I enjoyed attending the Lifted Rise Event because I got to meet students from other Catholic schools across the Parramatta Diocese and explore the deeper meaning of my faith, along with my peers”
- “I enjoyed meeting new people and hearing about their experiences and deepening my connection with God”
- ”It helped me think more about my own faith”
- “I liked learning about the new saints that are going to be introduced soon”
Lifted Unleashed (Friday 16th of May) - Year 9 and 10
Lifted Unleashed was a powerful event designed for Year 9 and 10 students across the Parramatta Diocese, offering a chance to explore and deepen their faith in a dynamic and meaningful way. Accompanied by Mr Campbell, BPC students connected with peers from other schools in a meaningful and uplifting environment. Chris from Year 10 shared that his favourite part of the day was “sitting at tables with different students from different schools in the Diocese and getting to know each other.” Taylor added, “It helped me appreciate that everyone has a unique story and finds God in their life in different ways.”
Project Compassion Final Update
A massive THANKYOU to our very generous Bede Polding College community for helping us exceed our $3000 goal for Project Compassion this year!
We were able to raise funds through Shrove Tuesday, St Patrick’s Day, Zooper Dooper sales, Multicultural Bake Sale, High Tea and donations online and in person.
The money raised will help Caritas Australia support communities around the world who are struggling to access clean drinking water.
Mr Joshua Rodricks-Testa (REC)
Director of Learning and Religious Education
Mr Michael Aure (Assistant REC)
Ms Therese Samson (FIAT Leader)
RE Leadership Team
Director of Learning & Wellbeing
Sleep And The Developing Brain
Dear Parents/Carers
At Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) we see parents and carers as partners in your child's learning journey. In partnership with the eSafety Commissioner, CSPD would like to invite you to join the following free webinars for parents and carers:
About the webinar
eSafety 101: how eSafety can help you Available Sessions: Sexual extortion: What parents and carers need to know Available sessions:
This webinar explores
It's suitable for parents and carers of young people in upper primary and secondary school. What you need to do Please register for the course on the secondary site via the following link: Register here |
Student Wellbeing Links and Policies
BPC College Uniform & Presentation
CSPD Bullying of Students Prevention & Response
CSPD Student Attendance Procedures
CSPD Student Use of Digital Devices & Online Services Policy
Bede Polding College Merit System
Brendan Jansz
Director of Learning & Wellbeing
Director of Learning and Curriculum
Subject Selection Evening Year 11 2026
The Subject Selection Evening for Year 11 2026 will take place on Tuesday 10 June from 6.00 pm to 8.00 pm in the Good Samaritan Hall.
It is expected that all Year 10 students attend with their parents to learn more about the HSC and the subjects that are offered at Bede Polding College.
During the evening, students will receive the Subject Selection Handbook and instructions for logging into Edval to select their subject.
A letter has already been sent to parents and students with links to the Google site that provides background information on the subjects, and an overview of the rules of the HSC and what constitutes an ATAR.
Subject Selection Evening Year 9 2026
The Subject Selection Evening for Year 9 2026 will take place on Tuesday July 1 2026 from 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm in the Good Samaritan Hall.
This is an opportunity for Year 8 students to learn more about the subjects that are offered as electives in Year 9 and 10.
Students will receive a subject selection handbook and the instructions for logging into Edval to select their subject during the evening.
Year 7-10 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
The Year 7-10 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences will take place on Tuesday July 22. These will take place in the Good Samaritan Hall with an additional Zoom option.
This will be a valuable opportunity for parents and students to receive feedback on their learning and seek guidance from their teachers.
Information and access to the booking portal will be sent out in the near future.
Michael Milgate
Director of Learning and Curriculum
School Fees General Information
CSPD is sending out Instalment 2 Statements. If you would like to set up an arrangement for the whole year please choose one of the options provided and notify the College via email bede-wndsfees@parra.catholic.edu.au
School fees can still be paid for in cash at your local post office. These post BillPay details are noted on your school fee statements.
Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta (CEDP) has a policy in place which states that a Term's notice (10 weeks) must be given in writing to the Principal before the removal of a student. Failure to do this means that the full 10 weeks’ fees will be payable. A Leaver's form can be collected from the front office and completed for each departing student.
Further information regarding school fees can be found here.
bede-wndsfees@parra.catholic.edu.au
Parking around the College
Hawkesbury City Council (HCC) Rangers have recently conducted inspections around the College and neighbouring streets, distributing flyers and reminding motorists and residents about parking regulations.
As a result, we anticipate that HCC will begin issuing parking infringements to those who fail to comply. Parents are reminded that it is illegal to park across/in driveways, even if waiting in their car to collect students, and residents have the right to local authorities contacted regarding violations.
Students have also been reminded of their responsibilities when parking and driving near/around the College, including not moving waste bins to create parking spaces and always being courteous and respectful to our neighbors.
Sean McNally
Business Manager
Recently, one of our year 7 students, Scarlett Parks, experienced a 5 day program at Western Sydney University where she experienced a virtual mission training that encouraged participants to work in teams, develop problem solving skills, communication, collaboration and resource management for the project they undertook for the 5 day experience.
Below is a review of Scarlett’s experience:
I applied to participate in an awesome opportunity to spend 5 days at the Space Teams Academy program run by One Giant Leap Australia. It was such a cool experience! We got to talk to all kinds of people, like an actual astronaut (through Zoom) and other professors that work in the areas of science and engineering. The main goal of the program was to have fun, learn new stuff about STEM, and work together as a team. At the end of the 5 day experience we had to make a speech about everything we learned and experienced. The team I was a part of was called Nova Horizons and I had a great time getting to know 31 other students who applied and selected for this opportunity.
Scarlett Parks
Year 7
2025
Chess Championship
Starts Week 6.
Games played Thursday sports time.
See Mr. Pearson to sign up.
All welcome to participate.
Congratulations to Cebastian Dabinett on being awarded his 2nd King’s Medal in Term 1! Well done Ceb on your outstanding service and commitment to the BPCC.
Upcoming events:
*Australian Chess Enterprise One Day Tournament -19 June
*CSPD Chess Tournament-Term 3
Creative & Performing Arts Semester 1 Showcase- Save the date!
The Creative and Performing Arts department invites all members of the College community to attend our Semester 1 Showcase on Wednesday, 18th June (Week 8).
We will be showcasing the classroom learning of our talented Drama, Music, Photography ,Video & Digital Imaging, and Visual Arts students.
All are welcome!
Year 7 Visual Arts have been learning about the Archibald Prize, and have started to create a portrait inspired by someone they admire or is important to them.
Step one is experimenting with printmaking techniques such as monoprinting. The artworks are a work in progress, so stay tuned to see how their unique masterpieces come together in the final reveal at the CAPA Showcase!










Year 8 Visual Arts have been constructing ceramic forms inspired by nature, patterns, and texture. They have enjoyed designing and constructing forms using a range of techniques and are looking forward to glazing these once completed.












9 Visual Arts have explored the urban environment for a body of work inspired by urban places and spaces. Some reflections include:-
‘I have enjoyed learning about different artists’ styles and painting techniques and applying these to develop my practice’. Mackenzie
‘I have loved creating an artwork inspired by my urban environment’ Alana






Year 9 Drama students are studying 'Commedia Dell'arte' which is an Italian form of theater that translates to 'The art of comedy'. The students are learning stage combat as there are small comedic scenes called 'lazzi', which often look at comedic and violent situations that the characters might find themselves in. The students looked at how to perform the slap, punch, strangle, hair pull, trip, faint, and uppercut safely on stage!
Theatresports
‘This semester, students have been developing their acting skills. They have participated in the Stations of the Cross for the Easter liturgy and are rehearsing a play to be performed at the CAPA Showcase in week 8. A focus on stage direction, design, and continual refinement of skills has enabled the cast and crew to grow in confidence’. Sophie and Jess








Music
Year 9 Music ‘Remix’ Incursion with Nyxen and Captivate
On Tuesday, May 6th, our Year 9 elective music students had the unique opportunity to participate in a Captivate incursion with Australian music artist Nyxen (Chelsea Lester). Nyxen is an established Australian singer-songwriter, musician, DJ, and music producer. She has performed at a range of music festivals including Listen Out, Field Day, Yours and Owls, and Splendour in the Grass. As described by Triple J Unearthed, “Known for her intricate synth work and guitar-driven production, Nyxen has carved a unique space for herself at the intersection of dance, indie, and pop music.”
Nyxen shared with students her experiences in the music industry and her approach to songwriting. The incursion was facilitated by Michelle Loevendie from CSPD Captivate who provided excellent resources for students to enable them to create a remix of Nyxen’s song Nightmare. This was an immersive and deep learning experience for students in the area of music composition and digital music production. Students created original and vibrant remixes representing a great variety of musical styles, which were exciting to listen to as they shared them with the class at the end of the day.
Students found the day to be very rewarding:
“An interesting and creative day with a very fun hands-on activity”
“It was fascinating to experiment with the textures of GarageBand”
“We got to remix Nyxen’s song and we were allowed to change it slightly, or even completely change the style”
“Nyxen (Chelsea) and Michelle were really good at explaining how digital music works and made us feel empowered”
“A fun and new experience of remixing songs and it gave knowledge for the future”
“Try new experiences because you don’t know what you’re going to get out of it”
Mrs. Ngui- Year 9 Music Teacher
Ms. Rando -Leader of Learning- Creative & Performing Arts
Mrs. Sampath-Sawtell- Assistant Leader of Learning- Creative & Performing Arts
The LOTE Report: Chinese and Spanish
Term 2 is always an exciting time for our Year 8 language learners, as they finally get the chance to consolidate all the vocabulary and sentence structures learned in Term 1, and work on conversation. Our Chinese and Spanish language learners have been vigorously chatting in Chinese and Spanish with each other, and with their teachers; Mr Magill and Ms Olivieri, of course. Term 2 can also be a stressful time, as we get assessment tasks finalised and exams submitted ready for Semester 1 reporting, but we have had the opportunity to see our language learning talent shine here at Bede Polding College.
The official student media team for Bede Polding College – the Bede TV Crew – have also been helping us to promote our language programs here at Bede. They have been out and about in the playground, asking some of the most pertinent questions in language learning today. Students were asked questions such as, “What does the acronym ‘LOTE’ stand for?”, with the answer being ‘Language(s) Other than English’, as well as what languages as well as Chinese and Spanish the students would like taught here at Bede. They were also asked to show off their language-speaking capability in any language other than language. Maltese was a strong favourite among students for the next language to be taught at Bede alongside Chinese and Spanish, with both students and teachers showing off their language speaking ability in a variety of languages. A big shout-out and thank you to the Bede TV Crew.
Mathew Magill
Leader Of Learning: Languages
MASTERCHEF 2025
Earlier this year students from year 10 Food Technology participated in the 18th annual Master Chef cooking competition. Students who participated in this event are: Lucas Ashton, Alyssia Bareto, Ashleigh Bradford, Xoey Butterworth Pascoe, Susannah Cody, Taylor Delle Coste, Darine El Dirani, Rachel Hay, Olivia Saliba and Charlotte Pilling.
The students in this competition were asked to independently research, prepare and present a three course menu at various stages of the day. Each meal was judged on difficulty level, preparation, cleaning and organisation, time management, execution, taste and presentation and received an overall score out of 75.
At various stages of the day we had a number of staff from within the College who jumped at the chance to be a Masterchef judge. The meals that were presented to all 12 judges throughout the day were very impressive and presented at industry standard with many of them reaching restaurant quality.
The first meal to be judged for the day was the entree – Highly Commended awards were presented to Charlotte Pilling and Olivia Saliba.




The award for Best Entree was presented to Lucas Ashton for his perfect combination of flavours to create an exquisite prosciutto and rockmelon bruschetta. Lucas will be receiving a certificate and cookbook for his achievements in this round.
The second meal to be judged for the day was the main meal – 2 highly commended awards were presented to Olivia Saliba and Susannah Cody




This year the prize for best Main Meal was awarded to Rachel Hay. Rachel presented Honey BBQ Baked Chicken with Rice and Creamy Cucumber Salad
with an overall score of 69 / 75.
The final meal to be judged for the day was Dessert – 2 highly commended awards presented to Darine El Darini and Lucas Ashton




The prize for best dessert has been awarded to Taylor Delle Coste. Taylor received 58 / 60 for her Biscoff themed dessert.
Our overall winners for the competition each received a trophy and certificate to commemorate their achievements.
3rd place – Olivia Saliba
2nd Place – Rachel Hay
1st Place - Lucas Ashton.
Congratulations to all of our participants. You should all be very proud of your achievements.
YEAR 10 HIGH TEA
This Semester students in Year 10 Food Technology have been studying a unit on Food Service and Catering. As part of this unit students investigated the intricacies of planning and hosting a large-scale event with a focus on the significant roles carried out by front and back of house staff. The conclusion of this unit saw students successfully host a High Tea for 180 guests made up of both staff and students. The menu consisted of Beef Sliders, BLT sandwiches, Mini Quiches, Chicken Skewers, Oreo Truffles, Lemon Meringue Cupcakes and Tropical Punch. We are grateful to the Year 9 Hospitality students and Music students from a variety of year groups who assisted with the setup of the hall and live entertainment during the event.































HOSPITALITY
Students across Years 9 - 12 who currently study Hospitality have been involved in a variety of events and competency tasks to refine their knowledge and skills in the Food Service Industry. Students have been involved in catering for the Mother's Day Mass, Year 7 SRC induction and Bede Cafe. We have recently installed a brand new coffee machine which will allow the students to further refine their Barista skills. We look forward to sharing their coffee making skills with the Bede Polding College community.



























Lisa Cummins
Leader of Learning - TAS
The Year 10 Formal assessment block began in Week 5 and as the halfway point in Year 10 draws closer it is essential for students to take the time to prepare themselves for these assessments. As part of the assessment block, students will also be completing the NESA Minimum Standards Tests. This is a requirement for the HSC but will also provide valuable data for subject selection. Big decisions lie ahead and we encourage students to put themselves in the best position possible to be well informed about their options.
On the other side of exams we have our Stage 6 subject selection evening on Tuesday Week 7, 10th June. This is a compulsory event for all potential stage 6 students and their parents/carers. Staff will be presenting tips and ideas for selecting subjects and every subject will have a teacher available to discuss what subjects are like and the options available to students. We encourage you to seek out the subjects you enjoy, rather than picking subjects that your friends are in. There will also be the opportunity to learn more about ATAR, non-ATAR, VET and SBAT.
In the coming weeks, you will also receive a link to a Google site with information about subjects and a short presentation that outlines information about ATAR, and the HSC.
Lifted
On Friday 16th of May, we got to experience an opportunity that expanded our faith and knowledge on faith. Throughout the day we got to meet new schools and people from all around the Parramatta Diocese, sing and dance as well as go through workshops that taught us how we can spread faith not only through catechism but on social media platforms. Additionally we got to learn about Blessed Carlos Acutis, a young soon to be saint, who was born in England and began to preach in Italy. Carlos Acutis died at 15, whilst having a passion for Eucharistic Miracles as well as coding. Before he passed, he created a website where he talks about these Miracles and the website is still being used till this very day. Lastly, a big part of Lifted was that we are pilgrims of Hope and the voices for those who are silenced. We learnt this through singing and dancing to the song Praise by elevation worship which definitely was a fan favourite. On the behalf of all attendees a big thank you to all the teachers who allowed us to live this wonderful experience.
- Chris Chantiri & Taylor Delle Coste






Western Sydney University Fast Forward Program - University Day: 'Destinations Unlimited'
On the 14th May, 18 Year 10 students who are part of the Fast Forward Program attended WSU Kingswood campus to gain an experience of university life and to become familiar with university requirements. The students were able to explore how to recognise and apply individual interests in various industries and to discover how career possibilities align with their personal strengths. They attended a mock lecture given by a WSU Academic, followed by a tutorial, where they participated in activities with students from other secondary schools. The students did a tour of the campus which was led by current WSU student ambassadors. The sites included the Clinical Psychology Department, Music Studios, Engineering Department and Health and Physical Education Department. A great day was had by all!










Mrs Graham and Mr Campbell
Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal
On Wednesday 14th May four of our SRC members attended Castle Hill RSL for the launch of the Red Shield Appeal. Students participated in activities and learnt from Guest Speakers how important donations are at the moment with many people struggling to make ends meet.
Students achieving success in the community
PDSSSC Rugby League - Charlie Taylor
On Friday the 23rd to Saturday the 24th of May, Charlie Taylor (Yr 10) and Blake Van Drie (Yr 12) trialled for the NSW Combined Catholic College’s rugby league squad. Both students represented the Parramatta diocese teams in the under 15s and under 18s respectively. Both boys played very well across the 3 games with Blake being awarded the man of the match after game 2. Unfortunately both boys were unsuccessful in making the NSW teams but it is still a tremendous achievement to be a part of the weekend where they played with a high level of skill, dedication and toughness
Trampolining - Xoey Butterworth Pascoe. Represented NSW in trampoline in Melbourne. This event could send Xoey to the World Championships in Spain. Coming in first place, our fingers are crossed for Xoey.
Year 9 - Term 2 Update
As we approach the halfway point of the school year, our Year 9 students have made significant strides both academically and personally. They are well settled into their routines and are making the most of their learning opportunities, particularly within their elective subjects.
Speaking with some of our Year 9 SRC members—Jaycee, Max, and Tyler—we learned that music and art students are busy composing and creating songs and artworks inspired by dystopian themes of urban change. We are very excited to see the final products of their efforts. Similarly, drama students are working diligently on their assessment tasks, drawing inspiration from an early Italian theatre style known as commedia dell’arte.
Shifting focus from our creative and performing arts students, our commerce students recently had the opportunity to showcase their talents and creativity by running businesses at the annual Year 9 Commerce Market Day. In preparation, students developed business portfolios and plans to decide on the types of products they would sell at their stalls. The event was a food lover’s delight, featuring offerings such as stuffed jacket potatoes, cookies, slices, cupcakes, lollies, bacon pancakes, and more. The day was an overwhelming success, with every business making a profit. While all students deserve recognition for their efforts, special mention goes to Patrick and Afonso, who volunteered to participate in the school’s advertising campaign for the event.




As we move beyond the recent assessment period, during which students have been studying diligently, we encourage Year 9 to be proud of their efforts. Whether or not they have met their goals, we urge students to use teacher feedback and guidance as valuable opportunities for ongoing improvement.
An ongoing theme throughout this year is for Year 9 to focus on the things that take no talent and to do these well. These can be wearing their uniform well, being on time, and completing work to the best of their ability.
With this in mind, we are excited about what the remainder of Year 9 has in store for this cohort!
Matthew Marshall
Leader of Wellbeing - Year 9
This year the Eco Group has taken in many new recruits from years 7, 8, 9 and 10, who have spent Thursday afternoon completing the following tasks:
- Collecting the paper recycling bins and returning them when emptied
- Collecting, emptying and returning the Mini Vinnies binnies, our collection method for refundable drink containers which raises money for the St Vincent De Paul Society
- Maintaining, planting and harvesting our sustainable garden, made entirely from recycled materials
- Taking home delicious produce from the sustainable garden
- Maintaining our native gardens by the hall in which many areas are sufficiently well-established to be self-seeding and create a favourable microclimate for native animals
- Our evolution timeline garden is temporarily inaccessible due to construction barriers, although we were able to squeeze into one part of it to do some much needed weeding. The purpose of the garden is to show the evolution of plants in order, accompanied by fossils from the appropriate geological time periods.
This term we have been able to expand the number of recycling bins we have around the yard and thus reduce the amount of recycling going to landfill. Many thanks to Mr Yorg Fischer for making this happen. The next step is to establish recycling stations which make a clearer distinction between rubbish bins and recycling bins. This should help to prevent contamination of the recycling bins.
Our Clean Up Australia Day event had to be postponed due to rain and will be held later this term. It will involve teams of seniors cleaning up the grounds and streets around Bede.
The Eco Group continues to foster links with the community, including Cooks Plumbing Supplies (from whom we get the timber frames from which our garden beds are made) and Hawkesbury Community Nursery (from whom we annually purchase the native plants which are being used to revegetate the south east corner of the College back to its original Shale/Gravel Transition Cumberland Plain Woodland).
By recycling paper and containers, the Eco Group is helping to:
- Save tonnes of recyclable material ending up in landfill
- Ensuring materials are repurposed for a second life
- Reducing the amount of raw materials being mined or harvested
- Reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and, thus, reducing climate change
We encourage all students with an interest in our local environment to take part.
The Eco Group celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, a significant milestone and a sign that stewardship for our environment is alive and well at BPC. If you are interested in joining Eco Group during Thursday sport, please contact Mr Lans at slans@parra.catholic.edu.au.
Breaking News: 'As a result of the Eco Group's sustained effort to sort through the recycling to collect refundable containers the school was able to send over 2000 containers to Vinnies and thus raise over $200 for this worthy charity. Many thanks to the students who diligently placed their containers in the Vinnies collection bins and especially to Mr Yorg Fischer and Mr Frank McGuiness for ensuring the scheme’s success.'Steven Lans
Leader of Learning Science
BPC Cross Country Success at PDSSSC!
We’re proud to announce that the following students have made it through to the next round of the PDSSSC Cross Country:
Chelsea C – 2nd Place
Isla P – 5th Place
Luke B – 6th Place
Bella C – 6th Place
A huge shoutout also to:
Darcy B – 9th Place
Vincent S – 10th Place
Fantastic effort by all our runners – your determination and hard work paid off!
Week 5 Netball results
Juniors defeated St Luke's 62-0
Inters defeated St Luke's 42-1
Week 6 Netball results
Juniors defeated St Columbas 48-6.
Inters were defeated by St Columbas 27-22.
Congratulations to our teams.
PDSSSC - Inter Girls Soccer
The girls defeated Caroline Chisholm 5-1.
Jezebel 2 goals
Olivia Saliba 1 goal
Darine El Darini 1 goal
Xoey Pascoe Butterworth 1 goal
Panther Trophy Success
On Tuesday 3rd of June, our Under 13 and 15 boys Rugby League sides attended the Panther Trophy Gala day at Whalan reserve.
Our Under 13s played brilliantly throughout the day, winning all 4 of their pool games before going down in the semi final 38-0 against Chifley College Dunheved. With most of the team being in year 7, this was the boys' first opportunity to play Rugby League for the College, and we are confident they will have many great games in the future.

























Our Under 15s were small in stature, but big in effort and skill, winning 2 out of 3 pool games. Thankfully, this was enough to get them into the semi-final where they beat Kingswood High 10-8. This led them to the Grand Final playing against Riverstone High. After a couple of outstanding solo runs from Joel Galea and Cody Bird, and fantastic goal-line defence, the boys dug deep and carved out a 16-0 win. This awarded them the Panther Trophy and will now see them progress to the Western Sydney City Cup at the end of July.
Aaron Campbell, Adrian Chapman and Belinda Pickert
Exploring the Future!
On Wednesday May 21st, our Year 10 students attended the Greater Western Sydney Careers Market — and what an inspiring day it was!
Students had the chance to connect with representatives from universities, TAFE, colleges, apprenticeship providers, the Defence Force, employers, and more.
From hands-on advice to eye-opening conversations, it was a fantastic opportunity to explore the many pathways available after school.
A special highlight was catching up with Zoe, a former BPC student, who’s now kick starting her career with an Electrical Apprenticeship at Endeavour Energy. We're so proud to see our alumni thriving!
It was amazing to see our students so engaged, asking great questions, and dreaming big about what’s next. The future is full of possibilities!
If you would like to share your career journey with our current students, by speaking at our next Careers Breakfast, please email Margaret Dawson: mdawson2@parra.catholic.edu.au
Would you like to share your career journey with our community? We'd love to hear from you!
https://forms.gle/vdGNWehtapf7ETLs8
Follow our BPC Pathways Instagram page for more information and updates in regards to post-school Pathways and Partnership opportunities: https://www.instagram.com/bpcpathways/
Parent Line NSW
Parent Line NSW is a free telephone counselling, support and referral service for parents and carers with children aged 0 to 18 who live in New South Wales. Parent Line is also an information service for professionals working with children and families.
- Child and adolescent mental health
- Friendship issues and bullying
- Social media and increased screentime
- Anxiety in children
- Child and behaviour development
- Managing stress and anxiety
- Support during family separation
- School transitions
- Family violence.
Absence Explanation in Compass
Parents/Carers are to note that all absences for a student must be explained within 7 days or they legally are required to remain as Absent Unjustified. This may have an impact on some students and families accessing Government support payments and tertiary enrolments (if the training provider requires attendance data as part of the enrolment process).
Attendance leaving early:
To add a note on Compass: Please click below Compass Education Guide.
To add a note or approval, select one or more of the absences listed, then select the "Explain with Note/Approval" button. Parents have a modified list of the options that the school has when adding a Note/Approval. Please click on Compass Education Guide to our website for a guide.
Extended Leave
Please click here to go to our website for leave forms.
Family details
If your family’s details change, it is important that you contact the office to get a student details form, so that our system reflects your contact information accurately.
Or or alternatively you can edit them in Compass.
Parent App Summary - Compass, Canvas and QKR Apps
Please click on Opal card to Transport NSW
Please click on link to Replace a OPAL card
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