St Benedict's Catholic School Shaw eNewsletter

We have come to the end of another term and reached the halfway point in the school year. What a joy it is to have seen so many of our students grow in confidence in a variety of areas whether that be their learning, their social interactions or with something specifically goal orientated for them. Our students have settled beautifully over the course of the semester and have all earned a well deserved break.

As we head into the break, it is important to be mindful about the amount of screen time that our students enjoy in their downtime. While many students love online gaming or socialising through online avenues, please remain vigilant about what children are doing online and who they are engaging with. I would encourage each of you to explore some of the resources we have on our school website through the School TV link under the Parents Tab or just click here

Yesterday our Year 5 students participated in the Positive Peer Relationships Program with UPP (Unleashing Personal Potential) where they were challenged to think outside their comfort zone and work outside their usual peer group about their relationships as a year level group. They worked through:

THE POWER OF EMPATHY- focussing on standing as one, respect and appreciating differences.
BULLYING & THE SCIENCE OF KINDNESS- learning about the potential impacts of bullying and kindness, on others and on ourselves.
ACTIVE LISTENING- practical skills for strengthening relationships.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION- learning how to be assertive, rather than passive or aggressive.
FORGIVENESS VS HOLDING A GRUDGE- "Forgive others not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace".
TEAM WORK- Working collaboratively in teams to achieve more. Structured opportunities to apply what has been learned.
RISING BY LIFTING OTHERS- Learning how to give a genuine shout out.

We believe the use of this program and the one they do in Year 6 called Aspire Higher creates an opportunity for our students to develop and enhance their interactions with others and to support them as school leaders and role models. I believe the students enjoy these days immensely and take the messages into the rest of their year which benefits not only them as individuals but as friends to each other and as role models to our younger students.

Finally, I would like to sincerely thank our staff for all of their hard work, enthusiasm and commitment to the work of education. It can be such challenging work at times, but when you work alongside a great team and can see the tangible difference we make, it is also a reminder about how important the work we do together is. Thank you to our community for working with us on this journey. While I understand, not everyone is getting holidays now as we are, I do hope you get to spend some time with your families over the break from school routine at least. Please enjoy a safe, happy and restful break.

Cheers

Penny

We’ve made it to the end of the first Semester! There’s been plenty happening, and it’s been pleasing to see so much progress being made by our students across the board, not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. Our 5 Dolphins led us on assembly this morning on the theme of World Environment Day, which actually took place at the beginning of July. During their prayer, they reminded us that we have been granted this one, wonderful world by God for our home, and prayed that we may treat it with respect and reverence, working together to restore the balance and take seriously our call to care for it.

Indigenous Education

A few messages from Mrs Christie, our Indigenous Education Teacher, as we approach NAIDOC week, which officially takes place during these school holidays.

NAIDOC MARCH

ALL members of our school community are invited to march together at this years Townsville NAIDOC March. We will be meeting at 9:30am on Friday 7th July at the roundabout of Hinchinbrook and Thuringowa Drive. The march commences at 10:00am and finishes at Riverway Park. Students are not required to wear their school uniform as a part of this, although we would recommend sun safe clothing. They are however invited to stay (with their families) and enjoy the Deadly Day Out at the Riverway precinct.

St Benedict’s NAIDOC Week

As a school we will be celebrating NAIDOC Week in Week 2 next term (July 17 - 21). Students will be engaging with a range of activities in class time throughout the week. We are inviting ALL members of our St Benedict’s school community, children, parents, grandparents and friends, to join us on Thursday afternoon in and around the Library for a Weaving and yarning session. No prior experience of weaving is necessary - we will have staff and students, and the necessary equipment available to allow you to join in, and have a yarn together. We look forward to welcoming anyone who can attend!

FEAST DAY

Save the date! Our annual Feast Day event will be taking place on Friday of Week 3 - July 28. ALL members of our community are invited to attend our whole school mass, which will begin at 9:00am and presided over by one of our parish priests. Students will then engage in a range of activities in their buddy classes in the middle session around St Benedict and our schools Charism. The Day will conclude with ‘Benny’s Got Talent’, which all members of our community are invited to attend, from 2:00pm in the Hall.

Pax,

Nick

Parishterm2wk10.pdf

MS Readathon

This year, our community is embarking on a magical adventure for one incredible cause this August and you’re invited to join us!

The MS Readathon is a one-month reading challenge (though we can start earlier) that challenges students to read as many books as they can and raise funds for families living with MS.

Whether you’ve already registered, or if you’re yet to sign up, hit the link below to join our school page for the MS Readathon and get ready for the adventure of 2023!

https://www.msreadathon.org.au/fundraisers/StBenedictsCatholicSchool

Holiday Time!

With the school holidays now upon us, it's the perfect time for parents to have fun with their children. From visiting Billabong Sanctuary, going to the Strand, or simply having a movie marathon night, there are endless possibilities to keep boredom at bay. Why not get out and explore your local area by taking a nature walk, visiting a nearby museum or library, or heading to a nearby café for a yummy snack? Getting creative in the kitchen is also a great way to spend some quality time with your kids. With a little planning and imagination, the holidays can be an exciting and memorable experience for everyone. Time spent together helps build communication skills, literacy, numeracy, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking - these are important skills not just for learning, but for life. Check out the Townsville School Holiday Guide for more ideas!

Yours in Learning,

Aleesha Rockemer

Learning and Teaching Adviser

Please drop books into the box in the Administration Office. Last day for drop off is Wednesday 9 August.

Last chance to purchase tickets.

Mendi run an annual fundraising event to support the Unlock the Lach’s non-profit association, Women in Construction and the Women in League Round of the NRL.

Prizes are drawn at the Blackhawks home game that weekend, 29/07.

Little Athletics Qld is hosting the annual LAQ Winter Carnival on the 24^th & 25^th June at the TSP – Townsville Sports Precinct. An invitation is extended to children of all abilities aged between 5 – 16 to nominate for track and field events. Don't miss out on your chance to nominate for this fun event. For more information and the nomination form, click on this link.