The dinner provided a great opportunity for all present to learn more about Mr Murphy’s background and the reason he is excited to be a part of the Maitland region’s newest secondary school.

“What really appealed to me about being the foundation principal of St Bede’s was the idea of starting from scratch,” said Mr Murphy. “The opportunity to grow with people and to be part of something new really excites me.”

The new principal promised to put students at the centre of St Bede’s and encouraged input into the different areas that come with opening a new school to ensure the community develops a sense of ownership of St Bede’s.

“I step into this position from a school where I am very happy, with a real excitement about what we can achieve together,” said Mr Murphy. “I believe very much that irrespective of income, intellectual or sporting ability, gender or racial background, everyone will be equally important in creating a secondary Catholic school where students can reach their potential and develop into young adults with Gospel values being  part of who they become.”

The parents of St Aloysius and Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, Tarro, valued the opportunity to gather, meet John and hear a progress report on St Bede’s.

“My husband and I are very excited for Luke to be a part of the foundation Year 7 class at St Bede’s,” said St Aloysius parent, Kim Monroe.

“Luke was part of the foundation classes at St Aloysius and now to be part of a foundation class for a second time is unique and something we are happy Luke gets to be a part of. Luke’s year is the eldest cohort at Aloysius, and I think that being the eldest through most of school is helping Luke and his classmates to develop good leadership qualities.”

For regular updates on the progress of St Bede’s, keep an eye on the CSO website.

Follow mnnews.today on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.