This morning Nick and I went to each Block and did a mini assembly with the kids. We have been missing this opportunity to see the students in a way that we can address school matters. While there were a few things to talk about that we need to improve, mostly around how we are treating each other and the need to be respectful to each other even though we don’t have to be friends; it was also an opportunity to acknowledge the different term we have experienced and basically how well the majority of our community has been coping with it. While many things will continue for us at school at this stage into next term- ie. reduced access for parents and visitors, no morning gathering or weekly assembly etc. most other things are relatively the same at school as far as our expectations and most activities. It can be quite amusing at times when children share the things they are pleased have changed and the things that haven’t. This term has certainly highlighted the very different levels of resilience and flexibility we have across our community.

Next week is World Wellbeing Week. Now in its second year, World WellBeing Week provides the opportunity for participants worldwide to promote an overall awareness for the wide-ranging aspects of wellbeing, including social, physical, emotional, financial, career, community and environmental wellbeing.

The timing for this initiative could not be more appropriate for this time of the term. Our community has faced many challenges and having a week for a wellbeing check in is a great way to end the term, ready for a break. We have a number of activities planned to acknowledge and celebrate the benefits of positive mental health and wellbeing, including ‘Wacky Socks Wednesday’ where we can all just get a bit silly wearing some ‘wacky socks to school’. We will also participate in Christian Meditation which is a regular practice for us and each class will have their own special ways to explore wellbeing. There are plenty of resources online if you wanted to discuss this further with your child at home. Perhaps a family wellbeing check in might work for you.

New staff

Next term we'll welcome new teachers to our school as more of our team go on maternity leave. From the beginning of Term 3,  Miss Shannon O’Dwyer will join the Year 3 / 4 Emus as their classroom teacher while Rhylie Matthiesen takes leave for the rest of this year. Also joining us from the beginning of next term, will be Mrs Kirsty Aitkins in the Year 1 Wallabies when Mrs Amanda Pease goes on leave for the rest of this year. Mrs Aitkins will work in the class on Monday and Tuesday as Mrs Pease does. Miss O’Dwyer and Mrs Aitkins will be visiting next week to meet the students.

In Week 4, next term we will also welcome Mrs Sally Woolcock for our Prep Platypus class while Mrs Caitlin Smith is on leave with her new baby. Mrs Woolcock will be in to meet the students early next term.

Have a fabulous weekend. 

Cheers

Penny Collins

Principal

APRE NEWS 

We are down to 1 week to go for the Semester!  There’s plenty of tired faces getting around school (students and staff).  As I reminded students at our mini-assemblies today, this term has certainly been like no other, but on the whole, I think their adaptability and open-ness to change has been commendable.

World Refugee Week

“For those who’ve come across the seas, we’ve boundless plains to share”

These words no doubt ring true to many Australians and are relevant this week as it is the celebration of ‘Refugee Week’, culminating in World Refugee Day on June 20 (Saturday).  The idea behind the week is to inform the public about refugees and celebrate the positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society.  The key values we celebrate as a school of Love and Community, as well as the work that our Parish does for the refugee community marks this as a poignant time for our community, where we can provide a platform of positive images to create a culture of welcome throughout our country.  I have come across a resource page provided by the Refugee Week organisation which you might like to look at or share among your family https://www.refugeeweek.org.au/refugee-week-resources/. 

 I know Fr Dave and our Parish regularly ask for donations and provide support  to Refugee families.  The Townsville Multicultural Support Group (TMSG), also do great work in our community and have come into our school and spoken to students about the work they do before.  If you have something you think you could contribute or help with, please don’t hesitate to contact either! 

St Benedict’s Feast Day

I’ve already noticed some students rehearsing at lunchtime for ‘Benny’s Got Talent’.  Auditions will be held for some students next week, with successful students being notified before the holidays to give them time to prepare ready to ‘WOW’ us all on Feast Day, Friday 17th July.  

Contemplative Corner 

Praying with a saying or mantra

Over the years, people have found using a saying or mantra helpful in deepening their own spiritual pathways.  Every person has different sayings or mantras to enrich their prayer experience and relationship with God.  The idea is that through certain sayings and mantras, we may be transformed by God’s love in us.  I have included a number of these below, or you might have your own.  

Find a quiet place or a quiet time, and keep these thoughts in your head and contemplate, how have they allowed you to be transformed? 

• For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  (Matthew 6:21)
• Knock and the door will be opened for you.  (Matthew 7:7)
• But Christ is all and in all. (Colossians 3:11)
• It is better to light a single candle than curse the darkness. (Proverb)
• If the only prayer you say in your entire life is, ‘Thank you’, that would suffice (Meister Eckhart)
• God’s first language is silence.  Everything else is a translation.  (Thomas Keating)