Well here we are almost at the end of another term. I have only been back at school a couple of days this week after needing a few days for a small health issue. I was so excited to see the kids again yesterday. I am very grateful to Nick Christie for holding the fort in my absence and all of our wonderful staff who stepped in to help where needed. I am especially grateful to the senior class for their patience in borrowing their teacher a few times this term for various reasons. We have a wonderfully caring and flexible community that just gets on with things when needed.

I was so pleased to hear about and see the photos from our first School Disco where everyone got into the spirit of the farmers, raising $1000 to contribute to Drought Angels. Congratulations to all organisers and helpers on the night and to those who participated in another great school community experience.

I would also like to thank you for your participation in our recent Parent Teacher Interviews. These interviews are a formal opportunity to engage with your child’s classroom teacher to discuss their progress. We have been very pleased to see significant progress both academically and socially in a large majority of our students between Term 1 and Term 3 and expect that with continued effort and a learning mindset, this will continue. Please note that you are able to make appointments with your child’s class teacher throughout the term as needed. Our teachers are also very happy to discuss small matters through the use of email too.

We have recently received the feedback and data from the surveys conducted by the Townsville Catholic Education Office through the Research Australia Development and Innovative Institute (RADII). We will reflect on this data more deeply over the coming weeks but generally the responses from parents, staff and students is very positive in all areas though I can see some things we can work on like communication that I will be keen to address. Please note that we are always happy to receive your feedback, because together we want to continue growing our school into the vibrant learning community we aspire to be.

Finally I would like to wish our students in Years 2 - 6 well as they all participate in the Eisteddfod next week with their various performance pieces. I know that Mr Christie and the classroom teachers have all put in a lot preparation to ensure the students are confident enough to do their best and generally have a formal stage experience. I hope to go along to each performance to cheer them on.

I look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday at the senior class ‘Ecofest’. We are very grateful for the level of community engagement we have from businesses and our school community all keen to showcase their ways of being Eco-friendly.

Cheers

Penny

We are nearing the end of what has been a busy term! Already this term we've celebrated NAIDOC Week, Catholic Education Week and our Inaugural St Benedict's Feast Day! It's been a huge effort from all staff, students and parents who have been involved, so a huge thank you to all!

This week saw Prep Bilbies present assembly about God in All of Life, they did a beautiful job, especially showing off some of their awesome dance moves! Next week's assembly will be a Whole School Meditation. ALL are welcome to attend.  It will be a great way to start a Monday morning, stopping, breathing and spending time in contemplation. Remember if you would like to try Christian Meditation at home, we have handed out a guide on the back of out St Benedict's prayer card.

Have a great week and God bless,

Nick

This term has been extremely exciting for Year 2! We have been working very hard on our eProject- ‘Eggs Benedict’. We have researched many different features and designs of chicken coops in order to build and construct our own small models. We are very proud to show you our chicken coop designs. All chicken coops will be on display at the EcoFest in week 10 so we would love for you to come along and have a look. Here is a sneak peak of some of the chicken coops we created.

The St Benedict's P&F will be holding a sausage sizzle at EcoFest on Thursday 20 September 2018. Order forms have been distributed to the students today.

Please fill in your order form and place the correct money in the attached envelope. All orders need to be return to the school office by Monday 17 September 2018.

Thank you for your continued support!!

The Sands Annual Walk To Remember for (Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Newborn Death) is to be held on the 14 October at Anzac Park, Townsville.  This event allows parents, families, friends and  members of the community to unite and participate in a memorial service, butterfly release and walk.  For details www.sandstownsville.org or phone 0477 457 851