As we approach the last week of this term where we still have a number of exciting events planned, it is timely to reflect on the term we have had. The highlight has certainly been having all the children back at school after a messy Term 2. There has however still been much change for our students and not having parents able to be on our school site has been a big one. As a school we really value the input and participation of parents in the daily life of our school activities and we have really missed you guys. This particularly came to mind seeing parents again at the Parent Teacher Interviews and having the brief opportunity to touch base. 

This Thursday we have our Ecofest which is generally organised and run by our senior class. Each year level does provide a stall that showcases the work they have done on their eProject throughout the year and there will be a number of other stalls from organisations that have projects that promote and support environmental sustainability. Now again, we are unable to invite parents along for this event but we will do our best to get some great photos for you. Our students are all very excited by the projects they will be showcasing.

On our last day of school for the term, we will be having our Athletics Carnival, or at least a version of it, given there are no regional events to flow onto. It will be a fun day for the students to finish the term on. Children are able to wear a coloured shirt for their house group (anything that is sun safe is fine) with their sports uniform. They are welcome to bring items like pom poms etc. to cheer on their team. All students will need a hat and a water bottle. Coloured hairspray is not allowed and there is no point anyway as children will have their hats on the entire time. Tuckshop will operate as normal. The Athletics Carnival will be finished by about 12.30pm and parents are welcome to collect children early if you are lucky enough to be heading off on holidays, though the school will operate as a regular afternoon the rest of the day.

This week four of our students have completed the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist at the Ryan Community Centre with Father Dave. Due to Covid 19 restrictions it was a slightly different ceremony to former years but it was faith-filled and very special for each of these children. Best wishes to Jack, Owen, Sophie and Mary-Claire as they continue their faith journey.

Have a fabulous week. 

Cheers

Penny Collins

Principal

Welcome to the end of another week!

We had our Prep Koalas present assembly today on the topic of ‘Child Protection Week’, focussing on the message that all children have the right to feel safe.  It was wonderful to see our Prep students standing up and talking on the microphone, sharing their work and dancing for the school.  It’s a great opportunity for them to grow their confidence, and it’s always exciting through the years to track how their confidence grows.   

Quest for Knowledge

This week I was fortunate enough to sit with and supervise some of our Year 6 students in Townsville Catholic Education Offices ‘Quest for Knowledge’ - a quiz type event held for Year 6 students around the diocese.  This year was a little different as it was all done online, but I can report that our students had a wonderful time.  Although not receiving a top 3 finish, our students were able to do well to answer many of the questions correctly, as well a learn some new interesting facts.  Congratulations to Mia, Kloe, Ashley and NJ for representing St Benedict’s so well.

Next Week

We have some exciting events coming up next week with our annual EcoFest and Athletics carnival.  Unfortunately, we are still unable to host our parents and carers for these events, but we are pleased that we are still able to provide these opportunities for our students. Please see the poster below for some information about these events.

Pax

Nick

Contemplative Corner 

Over the next few weeks, I intend to give a range of different mantras and sayings  which you might like to use in your daily life.  The ideas are that these mantras and sayings are for you - read them, sit with them, take what you need out of them.  You might see something that you love and sticks out in your mind - it might become your theme for the week.  You may choose to pray with it or say it to yourself each morning before starting the day.  Enjoy.

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s spirit dwells in you” - 1 Corinthians 3:16

“Listen with the ear of your heart” - St Benedict

Term 3 Week 10

Book and Toy Swap - EcoFest

This morning Bishop Tim Harris joined with other Queensland Bishops to launch a very important statement leading into the October State Election.

The Queensland Bishop's offer this statement as a way of

sharing key points of Catholic teaching … as we prepare for the State election.

The COVID-19

crisis has shown more clearly than ever the need for a new kind of solidarity

both to deal with the pandemic and find a way beyond it.”

The bishops explained in the statement that Catholic social teaching has a

preference for the poor and vulnerable, underpinned by the principles of the

dignity of the human person, the common good, subsidiarity and solidarity.