We are ‘Called to bring peace’
Bede Polding is proud to be part of Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese’s system of 80 Catholic primary and secondary schools operating across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains providing more than 46,000 students with a high-quality, low fee Catholic education.
At Bede Polding we encourage each individual to believe in their self worth and work to equip each member with the skills and passion to make a difference in the community.
We are ‘Called to bring peace’
We believe
- John Bede Polding was a person of faith and compassion, and we actively seek ways to follow his example.
We Value
- an atmosphere of peace and harmony
- the Bede Polding community of students, staff and parents.
We celebrate
- the richness and uniqueness of all individuals in our community.
We are dedicated to
- proclaiming and witnessing Gospel values
- providing quality Catholic education
- creating a positive learning environment
- nurturing the development of each individual
- forming Christian leaders.
Our history
Bede Polding College was established in 1986. The college was founded under the leadership and guidance of the Marist Brothers and the Good Samaritan Sisters.
From a founding class of 112 students, the college now caters for a student population of almost 1200 across Years 7 to 12. Our College patron, John Bede Polding was Australia's first Bishop and the college draws upon his inspiration as a man of faith and action. The college motto, 'Called to bring peace', aligns to his spirit in attempting to live a life inspired by the Gospel and in service to others.
Our school crest
The school crest is dominated by the cross, the symbol of love and sacrifice. The cross is the sign of our salvation and it reminds us that ‘no greater love hath man than this, to lay down his life for his friend’.
A Christian is called to be of service to others and on the crest this is represented by the outstretched, helping hands. A truly Christian life is one that brings peace to all whom it touches, and on the crest this is represented by the international sign of peace, the dove.
To be a true Christian is to be a peace bringer to others, hence the school motto, ‘Called to Bring Peace’.
Our school crest
OUR COLLEGE HOUSE SYSTEM
The Bede Polding College House system promotes and strengthens a sense of belonging. Each student upon enrolling at Bede Polding is allocated to one of the four Houses, and to a GEM group within that House, where they will be mentored and taken through our Wellbeing program. Each House is named after a Darug word and has a House Patron Saint.
The House system encourages students to participate to the best of their ability in a range of school activities. Houses are awarded points for academic, sporting and community achievement.
Bembul (Red)
Bembul means ‘earth’ which is reflected in their House colour Red. This is symbolic of the earth that we walk on in the Hawkesbury. The House Patron Saint is St. Mary Mackillop, who is Australia’s first saint, and established the Sisters of St Joseph. They were instrumental in the establishment of the first Catholic schools in Australia.
Deerubbin (Blue)
Deerubbin means ‘wide, deep water’, which is reflected in their House colour Blue. This is symbolic of the Hawkesbury river. The House Patron Saint is St Teresa of Calcutta. Also known as Mother Teresa, she was the founder of the Missionaries of Charity and devoted her life to serving the poor.
Guwing (Gold)
Guwing means ‘sun’ which is reflected by their House colour Gold. This is symbolic of us as a College standing under the light of Christ. The House Patron Saint is St. Benedict, who founded the Benedictine Rule and greatly influenced the Catholic Church. John Bede Polding was Benedictine priest.
Yarang (Green)
Yarang means ‘valley’ which is reflected in their House colour Green. This is symbolic of the Hawkesbury Valley. The House Patron Saint is St. Patrick. Catholics from Ireland helped to establish the Catholic Church in Australia. Their Patron Saint is St. Patrick and this devotion to him was passed on to many Australian Catholics, who celebrate St Patrick’s Day each year.
Testimonials
