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Thank you to parents and carers for making the time to attend the recent parent teacher interviews. Thank you to our classroom teachers for their preparation and presentation of the information around the progress of each of their students.
St Benedict’s places great value of the partnership between parents and teachers and staff for the benefit of our St Benedict’s children.
Catholic schools recognise parents and the first and foremost teachers of their children.
The Townsville Catholic Education public website has a page to provides information and research on the importance of Parental Engagement in our Catholic Schools.
https://www.tsv.catholic.edu.au/what-s-catholic-about-parental-engagement/
“Parents and families are children’s first teachers and they continue to help their children to learn and thrive throughout the school years. When their family’s love and support is combined with the expert knowledge of teachers, it can have a significant and lasting impact:
- Children can be more likely to enjoy learning and be motivated to do well.
• Children can have better relationships with other children, improved behaviour and greater confidence.
• Children can do better at school and are more likely to graduate and go on to college, TAFE or university.
• Children can be less likely to miss days at school.
(Source: Catholic Schools Parents Queensland).
School Reminders
Next Thursday 28th March I will be sending our reminders to parents and carers around school operational matters. These reminders will include such things as entry times into St Benedict’s, supervision times, making appointments with class teachers.
School Open Day
This morning, following our school assembly, we hosted new families and their children with our school Open Day. A number of Year 6 Senior Students took our visitors for the tour of the school. The Year 6 students did a wonderful job in promoting our school and showing people around St Benedict’s. Tomorrow we will have a repeat session between 9:00am and 10:00am.
End of Term 1 and Start of Term 2
Thank you to everyone for the success of this first term. The school will close at the normal time of 3:00pm on Thursday 28th March and reopen for Term 2 on Monday 15th April.
God in all of life
Kind Regards,
Patrick Dempsey
Staff Baby News
We have been blessed to have more St Benedict’s babies join our community.
Mrs Meg Harding (Miss Durnford) had a healthy baby boy in December
Mrs Rebecca Lucey had a healthy baby girl in February
Mrs Jamie Gurney will be heading off on Maternity Leave at the end of this term
Miss Anna Morgan (School officer) is awaiting the birth of her baby girl in the next 2-3 weeks
We wish all our staff and their families the best of wishes as their families grow.
Term 2 Start and Finish Times
A reminder that students are not to be onsite until 8am (unless at OSHC) when school supervision commences. We have noted a number of families dropping children off at 7.45 - 7.50am. If you need supervision earlier than 8am please contact Outside School Hours Care.
Next term prep students will move to a 3pm finish time. Parents/carers are invited to arrive for collection from 2.45pm and wait at the Pick Up Zone area. Our students will continue to be using the hall for their sports lessons until 3pm daily, as such we ask parents/carers to not wait in the hall area as this is a learning area for our teachers and students.
Any parents on site prior to 2.45pm will need to come and sign in at the office as a safety measure. We need to know who is onsite in case of emergency and for student safety.
P&F Disco
A reminder of this wonderful event this coming Wednesday night. Entry is $5 for a 1 child family and $10 for families with multiple children. Parent supervised event. Sausage sizzle in the Library breezeway - Cash only please.
Term 2 Upcoming Community Events:
Fun Run - Thursday 18th April 9:00am - 10:00am
Anzac Day - Thursday 25th April - Thuringowa March (Form up from 8.30am)
Mother’s Day Wine and Cheese - Friday 10th May 6pm - 10pm
Blessings for a happy, Holy and restful Easter
Ros
Welcome to the end of Week 9, and our final newsletter of Term 1 - crazy! Last week, 4 Dragonflies presented assembly on the theme of ‘Harmony Day’, with lots of activities going on around the school this week focusing on the Dragonflies message that Harmony Day is about getting on together, about accepting the gifts and talents of each person, about respecting and valuing how we are different, and that together we are stronger and more unified than we could be apart. Today, the Year 6 Scorpions presented assembly of the theme of Holy Week, which looks at the events that took place in the week of Jesus’ life leading up to his death and resurrection, and asked us all the question, what can we all do to help others, just as Jesus did.
Stations of the Cross
Over the next week, students will be participating in a prayerful experience with the Stations of the Cross.
It was in Jerusalem that Jesus suffered his passion and died on the cross, giving his life for us to save us from sin. It was there too, three days later, that he rose from death.
A short time later, the first Christians started to go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem to pray at the place where Jesus died and rose to life. They followed the same way that Jesus had walked as he went to the cross. In the 14th century some Franciscan monks decided to recreate this ‘way of the passion’ inside churches, for all the people who couldn’t go to Jerusalem.
That’s why, today, there is usually a way of the Cross in every church. The way of the Cross has fourteen stages called ‘stations’. Each one is represented by a picture or a statue or a simple wooden cross. Some of the stations are episodes spoken in the gospels, others are not but they come from a very old tradition.
This year at St Benedict’s, we have the stations of the cross set out around the Library for students to interact with and participate in. Part of the prayer experience for our students this year will help our students to be able to make meaning of this journey in their own lives.
Parish Mass Times - Easter Weekend
I have included below the different Mass times over the Easter season for our parish for those looking to attend a service. Also, the Parish is also currently looking for readers for all of the masses listed below. If you are able to assist, please contact Kathy at the Parish Office ASAP on 4723 9844
Pax,
Nick
Parent Workshops - Save the Date!
Mark the following two Parent & Carer Workshops in your calendar! Both workshops will be held at school in the St Scholastica School Library. We hope to see you there!
Please note, there will be a years 3-6 Literacy workshop in Term 3!
School Holiday Guide
It's been an incredible first term at our school! Our students have had the opportunity to dive into their learning and explore new topics, and students and teachers have had the opportunity to get to know each other and build strong relationships. As we come to the end of term, we hope everyone takes some time to relax and enjoy the upcoming holidays. We look forward to seeing everyone back at school for the start of the new term! If you are looking for something to do on the holidays check out the ‘TCE School Holiday Guide - March-April Edition.’
Wishing you a blessed and holy Easter,
Aleesha Rockemer
APPL
Expression of interest for SEASONS FOR GROWTH GROUP STARTING IN TERM 2:
Change and loss are issues that affect all of us at some stage in our lives. At St Benedict’s Catholic School, we recognise that when changes occur in families through death, separation, divorce or related circumstances, young people may benefit from learning how to manage these changes effectively. We are therefore offering a very successful education program called Seasons for Growth.
This program is facilitated in small groups and is based on research that highlights the importance of social support and the need to practise new skills to cope effectively with change and loss. The program focuses on issues such as self-esteem, managing feelings, problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication and support networks.
Seasons for Growth group will be facilitated by Pastoral Care Coordinator Rhylie Mathiesen and Guidance Counsellor Barbara Salisbury and will begin in Term 2. If you require more information about the program or wish to indicate an interest in your child becoming involved please send an email to rmathiesen1@stbenedicts.catholic.edu.au If your child has participated previously and you would like to express your interest in them being a part of the program again, please reach out so we can discuss.
On the 21st March saw the children celebrate Harmony Day throughout the School. Harmony Week is celebrated annually during March to highlight our diverse cultures and help us better understand each other’s experiences and backgrounds. During this week, the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is also acknowledged on the 21 March. Harmony Week is an opportunity to recognise Australia's multiculturalism, which embraces people from all over the world, especially indigenous Australians. As a nation, we are encouraged to promote respect, understanding and appreciation for all cultures.
Australia's multicultural background has been shaped by migration since 1945, which at times has culminated into situations that have been challenging and sometimes leading to conflict due to a lack of understanding. Harmony Week reminds us to appreciate everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Cultural diversity is an inherent aspect of modern society. It enriches our communities by bringing together a wide array of cultures, traditions, and histories, contributing to our unique identity and strength. Embracing and celebrating this diversity is essential for fostering inclusion and a sense of belonging among children. By valuing every child's cultural background, we enable them to excel in all facets of life. Nurturing an environment of curiosity, open-mindedness, and respect for all cultures, will set a strong example for all young people. Through collective efforts, we can pave the way for a more accepting and vibrant future.
For this Special Report head to School TV for more information:
Yours in Support
Rhylie Mathiesen
Pastoral Care Coordinator
POLICY Feedback
Merchandise will be sold next week 8:00am - 8:20am on Monday 22nd - Tuesday 23rd April, 8:00am - 8:20am.