Our Athletics Carnival was a fabulous way to finish our term today with such great sportsmanship and a sense of community from all involved. It was wonderful to see so many parents, grandparents and siblings come along to cheer on the kids. Thanks to Mr Christie and Mrs Rowe for all the planning involved in making the day run smoothly and to all other people who assisted in various ways. The Dulgan House were our big winners on the day but I hope everyone feels like they had a winning day.

As we conclude another term, I would like to thank our staff for their continued support, professionalism and enthusiasm for our school and most importantly for our students. We have a team that I am so proud to work with and we all learn from each other every day. I know that so much of our success as a school community is because of the team we have here at St Benedict’s and I’m very grateful for their dedication and passion.

Next term we have many things to look forward to with 4/5/6 camp, Mulkadee, Catholic Education Week, St Benedict’s Feast Day, St Benny’s got Talent and Burgers by the billabong happening all within the first few weeks. Until then please enjoy a well earned break from school. We are all bound to see some significant progress in our building project by the time we get back with much of the block work completed today.

Have a fabulous break

Cheers

Penny Collins

Well done!  We’ve made it to the end of another term and semester.  With two little ones of my own (Kindy and Year 1), I can appreciate from a parents point of view what it takes to get to this point, and I thank you for all of the hard work you put in with your children every day.  The children (and their parents) have certainly earned the break.  I pray you all have a wonderful break, enjoy our North Queensland “winter” and I look forward to seeing you for what is sure to be (as always) a very busy Term 3!

NAIDOC WEEK

As a school we have celebrated NAIDOC Week this week (the official week takes place in the holidays).  The students have been able to enjoy many cultural experiences throughout the week.  I thought I’d attach a brief snapshot below:

Whole School: The Marian Catholic School Torres Strait Islander dancers came and performed for the entire school  

Prep: Prep participated in workshops presented by the Big Eye Theatre Company (dance and painting) as well as taking part in class activities during the week.

Year 1: Aunty Gwen visited Year 1 and shared family stories, made friendship bracelets with them and the Year 1’s shared their understanding of Australian landmarks

Year 2 and 3: Granny Lou visited Year 2 and 3 to share family stories as well as artefacts and paintings that her grandfather has created on kangaroo skin and emu eggs.

Year 4/5/6: Also participated in workshops presented by Big Eye Theatre Company (dancing and painting), as well as engaging in classroom activities. 

The students had a great week and were fully engaged and immersed in the activities on offer throughout the week.  A big thank you to Mrs Christie must be extended for all of her hard work in organising our special visitors to attend, speaking to all the teachers, I know this really helped to enrich the week.  Also, a big thank you to our guests, Big Eye Theatre Company, the Marian Torres Strait Dancers, Aunty Gwen and Granny Lou - your presence was greatly appreciated.  It was a wonderful week, and a wonderful way of celebrating our First Nations people and their positive impact on Australian culture today. 

St Benedict’s Feast Day

Save the Date!  Our St Benedict’s Feast Day will be held on Friday July 30.  The day goes as follows:

9:00am - Whole School Mass - ALL Welcome

11:10am - Students in Buddy Classes participate in activities around our school charism

2:00pm - Benny’s Got Talent - ALL Welcome

Pax

Nick 

Holidays

We have reached the mid way point - how great is that!  This break is often a very important time for little brains, bodies and spirits to rest and get ready for the next Semester ahead.  We would like to wish everyone a happy and restful break time, one that hopefully brings you all together for some well deserved fun and rest.  Everyone should be proud of the efforts thus far.  See you all next term!!

Ros

P&F News - Thanks

The P&F would like to thank everyone for their support and engagement with today’s Athletics Carnival and the Sausage Sizzle.  Thanks especially to all those parents who jumped in and offered a hand to cook, prepare the bread and/or sauce and take the money.  The support of our community is always valued and helps these events to run smoothly!

Term 3 will see the return of our Burgers by the Billabong.  Mark the calendar for July 31 @4pm as we come together to celebrate our community, Catholic Education week and 200 Years of Catholic Education.  This is sure to be another great family fun event.  

Next P&F Meeting Tuesday 13th July @ 7pm in the staffroom.

Best Wishes

Your P&F

Later this month will see Australia, New Zealand and Fiji Men’s and Women’s visit Townsville for the Oceania Sevens Tournament.

This will see the best players from all 3 country’s battle it out in their final preparation for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

This is a great opportunity to see the Current Olympic Gold Medallists in action.