Filter Content
The rain last weekend was a welcome blessing just as we laid more turf around the front of the oval and hydro-mulched the area near the drop-off zone. Having access to water for our sprinklers through our bore system is certainly another blessing we appreciate but you can never duplicate the value of actual rain. The rain however did hold up some painting preparation we had planned for a chicken coop but all will go ahead this weekend with some friends of our school helping us out with construction and the Active Volunteering students from Southern Cross Catholic College coming along to paint. Not long before we will have chickens.
Swimming lessons
In Week 5, we have swimming lessons commencing for all students at Northern Beaches Leisure Centre in Burdell. All students will attend lessons with qualified instructors daily from Monday 5 November to Thursday 8 November and again on Wednesday 14 November, with our Swimming Carnival on Thursday 15 November. Students will travel to and from the pool by bus in groups of two classes and the classroom teachers can let you know their specific time slot (it is the same for each class each day). Our swimming program is built into your school fees so there is no additional cost. Students will be required to wear only their swimmers, swim-shirt (rashie), thongs and towel to and from the pool. Teachers will communicate time slots as some students may be required to come to school ready, where others will need to change throughout the day. If you have any questions, please ask your class teacher. Our swimming carnival will have a number of novelty events along with the competitive components and is bound to be another enjoyable day.
Schools Law Conference
So far this week, I have attended the Inaugural Townsville Catholic Education Schools Law Conference where we have learned about the implications of changing legislation, risk management, school liabilities and legislative trends. As you can imagine, this was an especially heavy but very valuable day. There is always so much to learn in the ever evolving nature of schools but we do our best to support the needs of our community. Well done to our Catholic Education team for conducting such an important opportunity for our school leaders.
Could I please remind parents to avoid parking in the Bus Zone as this an area used for delivery services, waste collection along with our bus service. Cars parking in this area impact on the smooth running of our school The Drop Off Zone is a well functioning option that I encourage you to use.
Can I also suggest that if parents are having issues with students other than their own children, that these are dealt with through the classroom teacher or where needed, through me as opposed to speaking to other people’s children, even if you think you are doing it in a positive way. Children can feel easily intimidated by adults and it is simply not okay to approach other people’s children; unless of course you are directly intervening in a safety situation. We continue to work together to build a positive community.
Townsville Catholic Education President’s Dinner
This weekend, Townsville Catholic Education are hosting their annual President’s Dinner which is an event that recognises the outstanding service of parents and friends in our schools. Generally, each school nominates a parent to receive an award recognising significant service to the school community. As we are so new I wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate the contributions of a group of parents by attending this occasion together but will wait a while before we nominate parents for the award. I am very proud of the efforts of our parent body and very grateful for the valuable insights you all provide through our P&F and our Board, or through the many incidental conversations and interactions we have.
Don’t forget the Student Free day on Monday 22 October.
Have a fabulous week
Cheers
Penny
Thanks to Prep Platypus for presenting their assembly on Mary the Mother of Jesus! It's wonderful to see how far our Prep children have come in leading assembly and they always do such a beautiful job! Again thanks to those parents and friends who were in attendance, you are always welcome. Year 2 Curlews are next up for assembly, please note this will be on Week 4, as next Monday is a Pupil Free Day.
I've been fortunate enough this week to attend a staff formation retreat run by the Townsville Catholic Education Office named 'Dadirri’. The term Dadirri is an indigenous term which means inner deep listening and quiet still awareness. In our contemporary society we are always 'on the go’, this retreat has taught me to slow down, to listen and to be more aware of my surroundings. It's something which also goes beautifully with the contemplative nature of our school and something I wish to weave into our school practices. Finally, a challenge for you this week. We often make time to exercise, to eat, to play, to read, etc. This week my challenge to you is to make time to slow down, be still and to listen. I know it's something I have found very rewarding and refreshing!
Have a great week, and God bless,
Nick
This term we are learning and exploring the essential skill of "Letter Writing". Despite the prevalence of emails and text messages, everyone has to write letters at some point. Whether it be letters of complaint, job applications, thank you letters, letters requesting changes or making suggestions, even letters to Santa — the list goes on! Encouraging young children to write letters from an early age will improve their communication, social and handwriting skills, and teach them what they need to know about writing and structuring letters. We are excited to learn more about the journey of letters, post offices and parcel deliveries!
Book Fair is coming to St Benny's!
During week 4 our school will be holding our annual Book Fair. This is an exciting time for the children with this year's theme being based around space. Books make wonderful gifts and are certainly a great idea for this coming Christmas.
The fair will be held in our Library starting on Wednesday 31st October to Friday 2nd November. Brochures will be sent home late next week with the students which will show a selection of the books for sale. All classes will come into our Library and see the selection of books on Wednesday. Here they will be able to fill out a 'wish list' which they will bring home for your perusal. All orders must be placed in by 11.00am the following Monday - as the fair must be packed up ready for shipment. On these 3 days the Library will be manned from 7.45am to 8.30am and 2.45pm to 3.30pm to allow for parental access. Also we will offer a late night on Thursday closing at 6.00pm sharp.
For the Book Fair we will accept cash and credit card, no cheques please.
Where: The Library
When: Wednesday 31st October to Friday 2nd November
Open: 7.45am to 8.30am - 2.45pm to 3.30pm
Late night Thursday (1st November) till 6.00pm
All orders must be placed by 11.00am Monday 5th November