Staffing the school in 2024 continues to be a hot topic in these final weeks of the school year as we continue to build the best team for our school.

It is with pleasure that I announce that Aleesha Rockemer will be the Acting Assistant Principal- Pedagogy and Learning for 2024.

Aleesha has been instrumental in leading the learning and teaching at St Benedict's and will continue to do so in this purpose-built role. Aleesha has expertly created and driven Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and is a leader in innovative learning and teaching practices that are evidence-based and data-informed. 

She will be instrumental in the continued creation of high-performing teams to create school improvement by creating the conditions for success for every student.

This term we welcomed school officers Tracey Molloy and Makayla James, and they have settled in well and will remain with us in 2024 onwards.

We thank Avril Hordern for her work over the last 6 months in the office. Avril will have her last day today, 17th November, preferring to explore options assisting students in the classroom.

Sally Woolcock has accepted a position at Marian Catholic School in 2024 and we wish her all the best. Sally has been at St Benedict's since June 2020 and has been a dedicated staff member who has advocated for student wellbeing and has delivered quality teaching and learning practices. Her professionalism is to be commended and she will be greatly missed.

Alicia Stokes has decided to tender her resignation at the end of the year. Alicia has been with us in Year 5 since Term 2 and has brought enthusiasm and dedication to her teaching, developing strong relationships with her students to maximise their potential.

We wish Alicia all the best and look forward to seeing her around the school in a relief teaching capacity.

Technologies teacher Sara Pemberton will take up the eLearning role, and spend half a day a fortnight leading in this area. 

Lizzy Christie will continue in the role of First Nations Teacher and she will move into the eProjects Co-ordinator role in 2024, as Rebecca Lucey has maternity leave.

We welcome Pierina Massatto back for four days a week in Year 2, and Lizzy Christie will work with Peirina to take the class on Fridays.

Andriana Dawson is relocating to Townsville from St Francis Ayr and joins the Prep team. We are currently recruiting for the final member of the Prep team.

Krystal Bachmann is a 2023 Graduate who has been on Permission to Teach at Belgian Gardens SS and will join the Year 1 Team next year and Katrina Slocombe will continue with us in 2024 as well in this Year 1 team. Sara Marrington and Gemma Gutherum will also share together in Year 1.

Alexandra Wenta joins the Year 3 team as an experienced teacher from St Mary’s Bowen and Elisha Hudson will join the Year 5 team next year. Elisha is an experienced teacher of nine years at Hermit Park SS and will bring a great deal of experience to the team. She is joined by Chloe Bassett who joins us from All Souls and is experienced in teaching Year 5.

Mark Fleming is joining the Year 6 team, bringing a wealth of experience in teaching, as well as being a senior leader in Religious Education and Learning and Teaching.

We extend blessings to Angela Cowie, who is moving to Willows SS 2024 and Theo Papazis who finishes his contract at the end of the year. 

Maya Hall is making the move to Brisbane and Elly Caspanello, Belinda Fern and Kirsty Atkins, are taking 12 months leave. 

We eagerly await the joyful arrival of new babies in the St Benedict’s community and wish Meg Durnford, Rebecca Lucey and Anna Morgan all the best and we wish Steve Cromb and his wife Catherine all the arrival of their new bundle of joy.

I will continue to keep you updated as we move into the final stages of the year and feel very confident that our staff will provide the very best learning opportunities for your children.

Retiring Board Members

Terri-Ann Rabig and Carole Ogilvie have generously served on the school Board since St Benedict’s began in 2018. Their maximum time of service (six years) is reached at the end of this year, so they will be retiring from the Board.

The St Benedict’s community has been blessed by their contribution. Their passion, dedication and commitment to the success of the St Benedict’s community is greatly appreciated.

Student Culture considerations for 2024

Student Leadership

During 2024, we will be creating a Student Leadership structure for implementation in 2025. We will make sure to consider our context and school mission and vision in creating this framework. Student and parent consultation will be part of this process, which ultimately aims to engage all of our senior students in leading in our community, with some elected student leaders taking on a more active role. Further information will be provided in due course.

Uniform Policy review

As I mentioned early in the term, I am conducting a review of our Uniform Policy and requirements so that we can be clear about what is expected in 2024.

I am looking to other Catholic systemic schools to create some more clarity around our expectations at St Benedict’s. Hair is a particular focus area as we have a number of different hair styles and colours at the moment in the school that likely do not meet our uniform expectations.

I will ensure that this review takes place by the end of the year and will send out an email which makes uniform expectations clear for the start of the school year.

Blessings