Principal's Report
As we begin Term 3, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all our parents and carers for the important role you continue to play in supporting your children’s learning and wellbeing. A smooth and positive start to the term is made possible through your efforts in preparing your children, encouraging strong routines, and staying connected with our school community.
Celebrating St Benedict’s Feast Day – A Time for Gratitude and Reflection
As we celebrate the Feast Day of St Benedict, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of our school community. St Benedict’s Catholic School, Shaw, proudly stands as part of the Good Shepherd Parish and the wider Townsville Catholic Education community, a place where faith, learning and connection are at the heart of all we do.
Although we are a relatively new school, opening our doors in 2018 with just 150 students, we have quickly grown into a vibrant and thriving community of over 620 students. This growth reflects the strength of our shared vision and the trust placed in us by families who believe in our mission and values.
The Feast of St Benedict offers us a time to honour our patron saint and the values he represents, faith, service, hospitality and perseverance. It is also a time to express deep gratitude for the many people who have contributed to the life of our school: dedicated staff, supportive parents, enthusiastic students, and the wider parish and community who continue to walk alongside us.
As we mark this special occasion, we are reminded of how far we’ve come in just a few short years, and we look ahead with hope, guided by the wisdom and example of St Benedict.
Happy St Benedict’s Feast Day to all in our school and parish family. May this day inspire us to continue building a strong and faithful community together.
Thank You – Athletics Carnival
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of our School Athletics Carnival held on the final day of Term 2. A big thank you to Mrs Huston and Ms Rowe for their coordination and organisation of this event. Thank you to our Parents and Friends volunteers for their work in providing the BBQ on the day. Thank you to parents who volunteered to run field and track events with staff members.
It was a wonderful celebration of participation, teamwork, and school spirit at St Benedict’s Catholic School.
These events are not just about competition, they are an important opportunity for children to experience the joy of being active, connecting with peers, and developing healthy habits. Research tells us that many young people, particularly girls, begin to withdraw from sport and physical education due to negative experiences in their early years, often during primary school. For some, it stems from feeling left out, judged, or not 'good enough' in an overly competitive environment.
That’s why it’s essential that we create inclusive and supportive opportunities where every child, regardless of ability, feels encouraged to participate. School sport should be for everyone, not just the naturally gifted. When we keep the focus on fun, teamwork, and personal achievement, we help build confidence and foster a lifelong love of physical activity.
Bill Nettle Carnival/Cup
Congratulations to our selected Year 5 and Year 6 students who competed at the Bill Nettle NRL Carnival on the last Friday of Term 2. This newly formed team had trained hard over a number of weeks and competed against more established school sides. Despite this new challenge, they won 3 out of 4 of their matches, which is quite an amazing achievement. A big thank you to our volunteer coach, James Tamou for his commitment and support of our students and to our staff members, Elisha Husdson and Jack Hall for their organisation and support. Thank you to parent volunteer David Porter for this assistance on the day.
God in All of Life
Patrick Dempsey