The final week has been a time of celebration for the children and staff. Various activities, class parties and celebrations have occurred. These rituals are a way of teaching children to be grateful for what they have and to be grateful for the people in their lives.

Rite of passage

Monday evening we formally farewelled our Year 6 Senior Students as they embark on their next exciting journey of their lives. This Year 6 cohort was the Prep Foundation Class when St Benedict’s opened in 2018. Their journey as a cohort has mirrored the growth of St Benedict’s over the past seven years. During that time more students and families have joined our school, as well as staff members. 

I wish all our departing Year 6 students the very best for the first year in Secondary School. I thank all the staff who have taught and supported them over the years and a special thank you to all parents and carers of Year 6 students, for their support of their children and to the St Benedict’s community.

Step up day

The children had an exciting morning on Tuesday when they found out their new classroom teacher and classmates for 2025. For the staff the message to all our young students is clear, ‘While it will be different, (new teachers, new classroom, new classmates) you will be fine next year’. 

New Staff for 2025

The recruitment of quality teachers and staff is a large undertaking for all schools. All schools across Australia, and indeed across the world, are experiencing a teacher shortage. Predictions are that the teacher shortage in Australia will get worse before it gets better.

Therefore a great deal of time and effort is placed in recruitment at St Benedict’s. We are supported by the Recruitment Department of Townsville Catholic Education.

I am very pleased to announce our new teachers for 2025.

• Caitlin Lansdowne
• Fran Luyt
• Olivia Cartwright
• Laura Hood
• Lucy Eriksen

These new staff members have been teaching in our Townsville Catholic Education schools. 

The staff list for 2025 will be emailed to all parents next Monday 9th December.

Farwell Staff

I wish to thank the following staff members who are leaving St Benedict’s at the end of this year. I would like to thank them all for their dedication and commitment to our students and parents and to the St Benedict’s Community. I wish all these staff members the very best for the future.

• Laura King
• Alicia Stokes
• Katrina Slocombe
• Makayla James
• Ashlyn Stevenson

Facilities and Maintenance over the holiday break

From next week staff and contractors will commence maintenance work on the school which includes painting external walls of buildings, cleaning externally and internally, maintenance on air conditioning, electrical, grounds etc. 

From next week a new front fence will be installed. This will cover the area from the car park to the school. The fence will run the length of the front of the entrance of the school, from the Kindergarten to the Groundsperson’s shed. There will be gates that will be opened at certain times during the day. Entry to OHSC will be through a gate that leads to OSHC.

The fence is being installed to provide additional safety and security to the school. It will also be a clear indicator when school is opened to students and parents (8:00am).

New finishing time for 2025

With Mary Help of Christians opening in 2025, St Benedict’s has been given approval to adjust our finishing time, starting next year. We will finish the school day at 2:50pm. This will allow a staggered end of the day compared to Mary Help of Christians. There will be no reduction in teaching time. We have previously had a 30 + 40 minute eating and play break during the day. This will now be adjusted to 30 minutes at first break and 30 minutes at second break.

A summary of the times are:

8:00am - Students and parents are permitted to enter the school grounds as staff supervision commences at this time. At 8:00am the gates to the school and roller doors will be opened. Students will be permitted to go to the run club or the library or sit in the hall.. Students and parents are not permitted to go to classrooms at this time as teachers are preparing their class and lessons. (as per 2024)

8:20am - Music plays in the hall. Students in the hall, library and run club will walk to their classrooms to unpack and be supervised by their teachers. Parents are not allowed to go to class. (as per 2024)

8:20am - 8:30am - Children that arrived at this time are supervised as they walk to class. Again, parents are not allowed to go to class with their children. (as per 2024)

8:30am onwards - Parents are asked to sign in their children at the office. Students will then walk to class. (as per 2024)

New finishing time

2:50pm - Children will walk to the hall to be collected by their parents/carers or travelling on the school bus.

School Office Hours

The school office will operate next week. The office will close for the Christmas holiday break at 12:00pm on Friday 13th December.

The school office will be open at various times in the week of Monday 20th January. Admin office staff are required to attend mandatory staff professional training this week. School office opening hours will be emailed to parents prior to the 20th and also posted on our official school facebook page.

Annual School Improvement Plan 2024 review video

St Benedict’s, like all Townsville Catholic Education schools, formulates, plans and enacts an annual school improvement plan each year. The plan is based on data collected from student results, surveys, consultation with staff, school board and staff of the Townsville Catholic Education Office. 

Here is the link to the summary of our achievements with our 2024 Annual School Improvement Plan.

https://youtu.be/g515OLfwNZc

Start of School Information and Reminders

Parents and carers will be sent an email on Monday 20th January with reminders and information about the start of the 2025 school year.

Best wishes for Christmas

I wish members of our school community a safe and wondrous Christmas. For me, children make Christmas such a wonderful time. Their joy and wonderment of this time of year makes this time a very special one.

This is the time of year when we call to mind the mystery of the incarnation and the joy of Christ’s birth.

We stand in awe, and we pray in thanksgiving for the gift of the saviour.

I pray especially that this joy and hope will spread and bring peace on earth to you and your loved ones and into the hearts and lives of people of goodwill everywhere.

Bishop Tim Harris, Bishop of Townsville Diocese, Christmas Message 2023

Patrick

pdempsey2@stbenedicts.catholic.edu.au

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

Thanks to those families who have kindly donated items to the Vinnies Christmas appeal.  These items have been collected, and will be turned into hampers and delivered to around 150 families in need around the Townsville Community.  Keep an eye out on our socials for when the packing of these hampers occurs - everyone is welcome to support in creating these hampers and we’ve often had a few families keen to help out!

Christmas Mass

Our parish, the Ministerial Region of the Good Shepherd are hosting a number of masses during the Christmas period.  I know many families like to join in these masses in celebrating the Christmas season..  I have included these mass times below.  The parish is also calling out for volunteers to assist with these masses.  If you are in a position to help, please reach out to Kathy at the Parish office!

Final Message

Finally, thanks for another big year at St Benedict’s in 2024, I feel like I’m in a privileged position getting to watch our school grow, and as a community I think we can be proud of what we’ve achieved this year.  From my family to yours, I wish you a very merry christmas - enjoy your break and we will see you in 2025!

Pax,

Nick

MESSAGE FROM THE PARISH OFFICE

We are looking for volunteers for our Christmas Masses this year. If you are able to assist, please email the Parish Office goodshepkirwan@tsv.catholic.org.au

Vigil Mass Tuesday 24th December (6.30 pm for 7.00 pm Mass).  This Mass will held in Emmaus Hall, Morindo Drive, Kirwan

• Coordinator (required to tick off all the readers,  candle bearers, Eucharistic Ministers and Collectors have arrived and hand out the collection buckets for first and second collections)
• Eucharistic Ministers
• Candle bearers (required to take up candles and place on Advent Wreath at the commencement of Mass)
• Collectors

Midnight Mass (Carols from 11.30 pm for commencement of Mass at 11.50 am) This Mass will be held at the Ryan Community Centre, Morindo Drive, Kirwan

• Coordinator (required to tick off all the readers,  candle bearers, Eucharistic Ministers and Collectors have arrived and hand out the collection buckets for first and second collections)
• Eucharistic Ministers
• Reader
• Offertory
• Candle bearers (required to take up candles and place on Advent Wreath at the commencement of Mass)
• Collectors

7.30 am Mass  This Mass will be held at the Good Shepherd Community Centre, Allambie Lane Rasmussen

• The usual people to assist with reading, Eucharistic Ministers and collectors

9.30 am Mass  This Mass will be held at the Ryan Community Centre, Morindo Drive, Kirwan

• The usual people to assist with reading, Eucharistic Ministers and collectors

Wow - What another wonderful year.  Every year we say “ this year has gone so fast”.  For me, I feel a little like the year didn’t whizz on by.  Rather I feel that we have had so many wonderful opportunities within the year that have allowed for it to be full and memorable.  

From the 1st day with nervous and excited Preppies, Religious celebrations including Shrove Tuesday and Holy Week, Sporting events such as Fun Run, Athletics, Cross Country and Swim Carnivals, Community events including the Disco and Mother’s Day and all our wonderful Assemblies and Open Classrooms.  

There are many more wonderful moments that cannot be captured here, centred on student achievement and learning that have filled my heart with joy at the pride and achievement in the students’ eyes.

There is so much to be grateful for as we draw the academic year to a close and head into our festive season and end of year break.  So too, am I grateful to all the parents and friends of our community who volunteer their time to support our wonderful community.  Many hands make light work and, without these volunteers, these events simply don’t happen.

I wish all our families and students a restful, renewing and Holy Christmas season.  May the presence of your loved ones stir the Spirit in your hearts.  I look forward to seeing everyone fresh and ready for a great year in 2025!

Blessings

Ros

Holidays - Learning Continues Beyond the Classroom

As we embrace the excitement of the upcoming school holidays, let's remember that learning doesn't end with the school year—it merely takes on a new, vibrant form! This break is the perfect time for your child to recharge and embark on adventures that ignite their imagination and expand their horizons. Encourage them to dive into activities that spark creativity and hone critical thinking skills, whether through arts, crafts, or hands-on projects they love.

Join in family outings to create cherished memories and build social skills—all while exploring the real world together. For those young, curious minds, self-directed learning accelerates personal growth; plus, it's loads of fun! And don’t forget the benefits of physical activity to keep their bodies and minds in top shape.

To help you plan the most enriching holidays, check out the Townsville City Council School Holiday Guide filled with incredible activities and outings. Visit the local library, where beginner readers can discover decodable books, while older kids dive into captivating stories. Online resources like StoryBox and Sunshine Online offer endless learning and entertainment possibilities from the comfort of your home.

Amidst all these exciting activities, remember that rest and family time are invaluable. Simple pleasures like playing board games, cooking meals together, or sharing stories around the dinner table can create lasting bonds and nurture a supportive family environment. These moments of relaxation and togetherness not only recharge your child's energy but also reinforce the importance of relationships and teamwork.

Let's make these holidays a journey of discovery and joy for your child! Happy exploring and learning!

Yours in Learning, 

Aleesha Rockemer 

Assistant Principal Pedagogy and Learning (APPL)