Student Behaviour

This week I have had to speak with several students about their behaviour both in the classroom and at lunchtimes. I understand that as we near the end of term, the kids are getting a bit tired, frustrated and sometimes silly. Some students have had a particularly unsettled term with all that has happened in Townsville. I particularly spoke to the students as a whole school group on Thursday morning to remind them of taking responsibility for their own words and actions, reminding them that no one else is responsible for the words they say and the actions they take, these are their choice. It is never okay to be mean or nasty and it is certainly not acceptable to react in a physical way against someone. I believe the students have already responded quite well to this intervention and I trust that will support us by following up at home too with some discussions around appropriate behaviour.

P&F Executive

Thank you to Nick Christie for leading our P&F AGM on Tuesday evening. I am pleased we have our Executive Committee elected for another year with two new faces. Congratulations to Angela Petersen on being elected as President, Jacinta Bancroft as Vice President, Ros Baumann as Secretary and Simon Sorbello as our new Treasurer. We are looking forward to next week’s School Disco on Thursday evening.

Uniforms

As we are now heading towards the end of the term and the effects of the floods are mostly behind us, it is time we ensure our uniforms are being worn in full. We have a number of students not bringing their hats each day and we also need to ensure our school shoes are all black, no white soles, laces or logos. If students need to wear jewelry, it should only consist of plain studs or sleepers, a watch, a religious medallion necklace and / or a flat signet ring only. Wearing our uniform the way it was designed helps us to build a sense of belonging and pride and assists us in developing our presence in the wider community.

Board and Finance Committee Expressions of Interest

Thank you to those who expressed interest in being a member of our School Board. At this stage we are still seeking Expressions of Interest for our School Finance Committee. Both the Board and the Finance Committee are ways you as parents can support the school with your insights and expertise.

Morning activities

From next week, we are going to change the morning activities available for students to create a calmer, more organised start to our day. In the mornings, we will no longer allow students to run around in the hall. Instead, we will provide a variety of activities they can do more calmly including card games, reading, building blocks, puzzles and colouring in. Students who need to burn off excess energy are encouraged to join Run Club. I am sure some of our parents will be happy to join in with some block building or card games and will appreciate this more settled start to our day.

Looking forward to a fabulous week ahead.

Cheers

Penny

This week we started off with a wonderful assembly, led by 4 Dragonflies which spoke about the ‘Gifts of Love’ which we all have, and can give to other people.  It is a tremendous message, particularly during the time of Lent, to stop and consider, “What can I do for someone else to make their world a happier place?”  A small gift of love, kind words and actions can go a long way in really making someone’s day.  Please join us again in ‘the Hall’ this Monday at 8:45am where Year 1 Possums will be leading assembly.

National Day of Action Against Bullying

Today is National Day of Action Against Bullying, with this years theme being, “Bullying: No Way; Take Action Every Day”.  It is a great take home message, that we can all take action to ensure everyone feels safe and respected.  This year, our students have considered ways in which they can ‘take action’ to stop bullying, and recorded these ideas on feet, which have been hung up along the pathway so that we can start to “walk the walk”.

Interschool Swimming

Next Monday we have a group of students representing St Benedict’s at the Interschool Swimming Carnival.  We’d like to wish these students from Year 2 - Year 6 all the best as they represent our school, and no doubt, will do us all proud!

Have a great week and God bless,

Nick

Statement regarding the sentencing of Cardinal George Pell from Most Rev. Tim Harris, Bishop of Townsville

This morning the Chief Judge of the Victorian Supreme Court, Judge Peter Kidd has sentenced Cardinal George Pell to 6 years in prison with a non-parole period of 3 years 6 months.

We must respect and acknowledge the sentencing of the Chief Judge.

This is a difficult time for the Catholic Church, and I acknowledge that some of the Catholic community will be shaken by this sentence.

As Cardinal Pell has lodged an appeal against his verdict which will be held in June, it is important that we respect the ongoing legal proceedings.

I will continue to pray for all victims who have been abused by clergy, religious and lay people at this challenging time.

I also re-commit to doing all I can to ensure victims of such abuse receive justice and healing. I have committed the Diocese to participating in the National Redress Scheme to assist victims receive compensation.

The Diocese of Townsville and the entire Catholic Church remain committed to ensuring that safeguarding processes are in place and we build a culture of safety in our Church for young people and vulnerable adults.

Most Rev. Tim Harris

Bishop of Townsville

Dear Parents/Carers,

We are holding Parent-Teacher Interviews on Monday 1st April from 3:30pm - 8:00pm, and Tuesday 2nd April from 3:30pm - 6:30pm in the Hall. Please use the ‘Compass Parent Portal’ to book a 15-minute time slot to attend an interview.

For Year 5/6 Interviews, both Mrs Aleesha Rockemer and Mrs Lizzy Christie will be available. However, bookings will need to be made with Mrs Rockemer.

If you are using your phone to make your interview booking, please check that you are using the latest version of the Compass App to ensure you have all the features that have recently been added.

If you are experiencing difficulty booking your interview, please call the office and they will assist you.

The booking system will close at 2.00pm on Friday 29th March.

We look forward to discussing your child's progress.

Yours sincerely,

Penny Collins

Principal

A payment has been made at Westpac Bank Willows on 1st March.  If you think this may be your payment please email Kristy with the exact amount deposited kbakker@stbenedicts.catholic.edu.au

Kind regards,

Kristy Bakker