Principal's Update
The school year is certainly moving quickly, and as we approach the final weeks of Term 3, I would like to sincerely thank all parents and carers for your ongoing support. Your efforts, particularly around drop-off and pick-up, make a real difference in keeping our school safe and well-organised.
I remind all families of the importance of following our school procedures, for example, students should only be dropped off from 8:00am onwards. By working together and following these guidelines, we can ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children in our care.
Supervision at drop off in the morning and pick up in the afternoon reminders
Parents, carers and family members are reminded that supervision at St Benedict’s commences at 8:00am in the school hall. The Mary Mackillop Outside Hours Care are licensed to use the school hall up until 8:00am.
As communicated at the start of the school year, the students are supervised from 2:50pm until 3:20pm. Parents, carers and family members are asked to please arrange for their children to be collected by 3:20pm.
Book Week
An enormous thank you to parents and carers for supporting (and organising) the Book Week costumes for their children. Last Friday’s Book Week Parade was a wonderful success. Thank you to all parents and family members who were able to attend.
Book Week is more than just dressing up as favourite characters. It’s about recognising the power of stories to inspire imagination, build knowledge, and foster a lifelong love of learning.
Reading is one of the most important skills a child can develop. Research shows that children who read regularly not only improve their vocabulary and comprehension, but also develop stronger critical thinking skills, empathy, and creativity. Books allow students to explore new worlds, encounter different perspectives, and strengthen their understanding of themselves and others.
ACU: Research shows books are best for kids’ learning
Student Code of Behaviour – Townsville Catholic Education
At St Benedict’s Catholic School, we are deeply committed to nurturing a safe, respectful, and faith-centered learning environment where every student can thrive. To support this mission, Townsville Catholic Education has introduced a new Student Code of Behaviour, adopted by all diocesan schools. This policy provides clear expectations with clarity and purpose, ensuring that all students are guided by the same values and standards across our system.
Why it matters:
- The Code reflects our Gospel values: respect, responsibility, dignity, and compassion.
- It outlines how students are called to act: toward themselves, others, and the broader school community.
- It helps students understand the impact of their actions, encourages them to take responsibility, and supports them in becoming caring, responsible citizens.
We encourage every family to access the full Code of Behaviour, to read, discuss, and reinforce these shared values at home. Together, we can help our children embody the excellence, kindness, and faith that define our community.
To find the Student Code of Behaviour please go to the section of the Townsville Catholic Education website:
https://www.tsv.catholic.edu.au/about/policies/
Peace Gathering
Throughout the school term, our students and staff come together in the hall for a Peace Gathering, where we reflect on our school’s Peace Focus. This year, we are placing a strong emphasis on our behaviour expectations, which include:
- First Time, Every Time – Listening carefully and following staff instructions straight away.
- Manners Matter – Showing courtesy, respect, and kindness to every member of our school community.
At this week’s gathering, we revisited these expectations with a focus on creating an orderly and safe environment. One of the key reminders was about The Waiting Spot, which ensures that all students can move safely to and from their play areas.
Reinforcing these expectations both at school and at home is so important. When children experience the same clear and consistent messages in both environments, they are more likely to develop positive habits that support their learning, wellbeing, and relationships with others.
God in All of Life
Patrick Dempsey