Dear Parents and Carers,

Today our thoughts are prayers go to Courtney, Joel, Kai, Harry and their families and friends as they celebrate the life of their beautiful boy Ollie. This morning staff members joined the family online for the funeral service. As part of the parent’s request for today’s service, St Benedict’s staff members wore green or fishing shirts.

Thank you to members of our school community who have reached out to express their sadness and support for Courtney and Joel. 

The following is the scripture reading from today’s service.

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

Today each class prayed for Ollie. 

Below is a link if parents need information on how to discuss loss and grief with their children.

If parents and carers require support at this time, please reach out to us.

Saints of God come to Oliver’s aid and eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him.  

Patrick Dempsey

pdempsey2@stbenedict.catholic.edu.au

Welcome to the end of Week 7!  Today, the 5 Dolphins presented their assembly on the theme of ‘the feast of Mary Help of Christians’.  They reminded us that Mary Help of Christians is the Patron Saint of Australia (and our Townsville Diocese).  They reminded us that all saints are special friends of God, and so we pray to that special saint and ask them to intercede on our behalf with God.  Being our Australian patron, we can pray to God through Mary to hear our prayers.  This takes on special meaning within our community as well, with the naming of the new Catholic High School directly opposite us.  Last week, the Year 1 Echidnas presented their assembly on the Feast of Pentecost. They prayed that our hearts be filled with the Holy Spirit so that we can light up the world by serving those around us.

Speech Makers

On Thursday 30 May, we had six students represent St Benedict’s at the Southern Cross Young Speech Makers competition.  We are very proud of the work and preparation they have put into getting themselves ready to say a speech in front of a room basically full of strangers (minus some adoring fans, of course).  They all did a wonderful job!  Special congratulations to Daelle and Liam, who both got awarded with ‘Highly Commended’ in their age divisions.

Andrew Chinn Concert

You may have heard different “ear worms” that have gotten stuck in your head that your children have brought home from school.  Chances are, religious songwriter, Andrew Chinn, may well be responsible for these earworms!  He is coming to our school on Wednesday June 5 to do workshops in each of our classes, and also to present a whole school concert in ‘the Hall’ from 1:50pm.  Our parents and community members are invited to attend this concert, it is always a lot of fun, and we are excited to have Andrew here next week!

Pax,

Nick

Equipment from Home

We have started to see an increase in the number of items from home being brought into school.  This includes sporting items such as footballs, soccer balls and handballs.  Other items such as soft toys and games are also being brought to school.  Please remember that these items from home are to stay at home.  The school has sporting items that can be used along with games that can be accessed in the Library at break times.  Your assistance with reminding students that items are not to be brought to school is appreciated.

Athletics Carnivals - Volunteers to assist P&F

Our athletics carnivals are fast approaching.  As part of our carnivals, we usually have a BBQ Sausage Sizzle.  We are again calling for volunteers on the Senior Carnival Day to cook the BBQ and assist with serving.

For our Junior Carnival we will be having a mini hotdog in place of the BBQ sausage sizzle.

Ordering for the Carnivals will soon be set up on Flexi-Schools.

Homework Project Trial in Years 5 and 6

Did you know that we have implemented ‘Homework Projects’ in Years 5 and 6 this term? At St Benedict's, we have traditionally not assigned regular homework tasks. However, after careful consideration and in line with our commitment to providing the best possible education for our students, we decided to introduce Homework Projects for Year 5 and 6. We didn’t assign traditional homework such as completing ‘Homework Sheets’ each week, as this has shown not to be beneficial for primary students. Instead we carefully thought out and planned ‘Homework Projects’ to assist students in developing the essential executive functioning skills they need, such as organisation, time management, task initiation, goal setting, and self-regulation. Furthermore, we want to develop a love of learning for our students and continue to connect our families and our school. 

As the homework projects are coming to an end in 1-2 weeks, the Leadership Team thought it was timely to touch base with our parents. Please take five minutes to complete this parent survey (on your phone or computer). We take this feedback very seriously and the data, along with teacher and student feedback, will help inform our next decisions. 

Five Minute Survey for Parents of Year 5 and Year 6 students

Please click on the link: 

PARENTAL FEEDBACK ON YEAR 5 AND 6 HOMEWORK PROJECT   

OR scan the QR Code:

If you have a child at St Benedict’s in Years Prep - Year 4, we also value your feedback. If you wish, please complete the following survey: Prep - Year 4 Homework Survey.

Report Cards

Our teachers are currently working very diligently preparing Report Cards for the end of semester. The reports will be available from Monday in Week 10 (17th June). 

Please note that Townsville Catholic Education schools have made a change to year 2 reports from this year onwards. Previously, year 2 was graded using the A-E scale, the same as years 3-6. Starting this semester, year 2 will now be graded using the EX-AP scale, with Prep and Year 1. This is to align with ‘Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority’ Reporting Guidelines. 

Prep - Year 2 Grading Scale: 

- Applying (AP) - your child has achieved above year level expectations 

- Making Connections (MC)

- Working With (WW) - your child has achieved year level curriculum that is being assessed

- Exploring (EX)

- Becoming Aware (BA) - your child has achieved below year level expectations

Year 3 - 6 Grading Scale:

- A - your child has achieved above year level expectations 

- B

- C - your child has achieved year level curriculum that is being assessed

- D

- E - your child has achieved below year level expectations

Has my child gone backwards? 

Your child may receive a different grade to last year, or they may be achieving below the year level expectations; this does not automatically mean they have regressed in their learning. Each new year students are assessed against a new Achievement Standard from the Australian Curriculum. Therefore, students can progress in their learning, but it may not necessarily be reflected in their ‘academic grade.’ It is best to talk to your child's teacher if you are concerned about your child's progress in their learning. 

Focus on Effort over Grades

Your child's 'Commitment to Learning' mark is by far one of the most important aspects of every child's report card! It is the aspect of their schooling that they have the most direct control over. If your child is focused on trying their best and feels that their efforts are seen and valued, they are going to be much more resilient learners. Resilient learners enjoy learning, continue to challenge themselves and are more comfortable making mistakes, regardless of their grade. 

Know your child

All of us understand our own children’s strengths and weaknesses, the things that make them unique, their special interests and their attitudes. Please remember that the Semester Report Card is one form of feedback about your child’s achievement and progress at school.

How to Read Your Child’s Report Card - Parent Workshop 

Save the date and come along to the following workshop: 

Life Education Visit 

Life Education are visiting Prep - Year 6 classes towards the end of this term. Each year level will be focusing on: 

Prep – Harold’s Friend Ship; 

Year 1 – Ready Steady Go; 

Year 2 – Growing Good Friends; 

Year 3 – The Inside Story; 

Year 4 – Friends and Feelings;

Year 5 – Relate Respect Connect; 

Year 6 – Take a Breath

Yours in Learning, 

Aleesha Rockemer 

Assistant Principal Pedagogy and Learning (APPL) 

In Prep Koalas we learn literacy and numeracy through explicit formal
instruction and lots and lots of practice, but how do we practise?

Through VIP of course!! Very Important Play!

Specific and purposeful play provocations are set up to support oral language,
writing, mathematical skills, critical thinking, problem solving, STEM and
everything in between. It gives us lots of opportunities to consolidate and
recontextualise prior learning/knowledge and new skills. Mrs Prideaux is there
to wave her magic wand and support and extend all the learning that is
happening during VIP wherever that provocation takes us. The kids are the
ones that make the magic happen!