Week 8, Term 1 2025
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we continue to journey through the season of Lent, a time of reflection, prayer, and preparation, it is an opportunity to pause and consider how we can grow in faith, kindness, and generosity. Whether it is through acts of service, spending time in prayer, or simply being more aware of those in need, let us continue to walk together as a school community, embracing the true spirit of this sacred season.
On particular way in which St Benedict’s Primary is trying to help others in need is through Project Compassion. Each class has a project compassion money box on their prayer table, where students can contribute by bringing in any of their spare change during Lent.
Harmony Day
Last Friday we celebrated Harmony Day. On this day we celebrated all the different cultures that are a part of our school community and Australia. Our community is fortunate to be rich in diversity and it was wonderful to see so many students wearing either traditional cultural dress or orange (which symbolises social communication and respect).
School Camps
We have many excited students in Year 3/4 as they prepare to go on camp to Birrigai on Thursday and Friday. School camp is a wonderful experience for the students to spend time together in a different context, strengthening bonds, working on team work and leadership skills, all whilst having great fun.
Year 5/6 students then head off on their camp to Sydney (Collaroy Education Centre) next week from Monday to Wednesday. They will participate in a variety of exciting experiences, some based on curriculum and some just for fun.
Students often comment that camp is their favourite memory of the year. I thank the many staff that are assisting with camps this year, giving up their family time to provide invaluable learning experiences and opportunities for personal growth for our students. No doubt everyone will come back tired from the many activities over camp days, but I’m sure there will be many stories to share.
Building for the Future!
I am thrilled to announce the successful approval of our Building Grant Authority applications, securing approximately $2,500,000 in funding. This money will contribute towards the commencement of bringing our Master Plan to life! Later this year we will begin construction on a brand-new double-story building, which will serve as the new front of the school. This development will house our administration area, four modern classrooms, and a dedicated music room.
This is an exciting milestone for our school community, providing innovative and contemporary learning spaces that will enhance the educational experience for our students. We look forward to seeing this vision come to life!
As part of our School’s Master Plan, we had also envisioned the development of an Early Learning Centre. We are excited that Catholic Education is now supporting our school in submitting a further Building Grant Authority application to help fund its construction. Whilst the progression of this project depends on the success of our application, it is exciting to be moving forward to this next step. If we are successful in this endeavour, it will provide families with an option of continuity in the educational journey for their children (being a part of the St Benedict’s community) from 3 years of age until the end of Year 6.
Yours in partnership,
Alana Quirk
Principal's Reminders
Term Dates
As we approach the holidays a reminder that Term 1 finishes for students Thursday 10th April and Term 2 starts on Tuesday 29th April. Teachers will be undertaking professional learning activities during the two pupil-free days.
Spotlight on Religious Education
TOEFUATA’IGA from SAMOA
Thirteen-year-old Toefuata'iga from Samoa often missed school due to water shortages. Droughts, damaged pipelines, and unsafe water forced frequent school closures, leaving students dehydrated and vulnerable to diseases like typhoid. Families and teachers struggled to fetch water, sometimes paying from their own pockets, while learning time was lost.
Toefuata'iga shared how her grandmother fell ill after drinking dirty water they collected. For many in Samoa, clean water is a daily challenge made worse by climate change, causing long dry seasons and water contamination.
With support from Caritas Australia and Caritas Samoa’s WASH program, a 10,000-litre water tank was installed at the school. Now, Toefuata'iga can stay in class, learn, and play safely. Clean water means healthier communities, better education, and hope for a brighter future.
We’ve started receiving some Project Compassion boxes at school, and it’s been wonderful to see everyone getting involved. Even spare change can make a big difference in helping communities like Toefuata'iga’s access clean water and education. If you haven’t donated yet, we’d love to see more boxes coming in—every coin adds up to create lasting change!
The Sacrament of First Reconciliation
On Wednesday 19 March, six of our students from Years 3 and 6 celebrated their First Reconciliation. It was a beautiful, reflective and prayerful celebration where the student's felt moved by the Holy Spirit. It was so lovely to come together as a community and support Benjamin Ahearn, Ash Appleton, Noah Duffy, Makayla Hourigan, Joseph Kazzi and Summer Russell as they made this important step in their faith journey.
First Holy Communion Term 3
Next term, we look forward to celebrating the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. A Faith Formation and Information Prayer Evening will be held on Wednesday, 21 May (Week 4) for children and families. This special sacrament is open to all Year 4-6 students who have been Baptised and have received their First Reconciliation. We look forward to sharing this important step in your child’s faith journey.
Dates to Remember
Benny's News
Out and About at Benny's
Harmony Day
Happy Birthday
Merit Awards
Team Kids
Celebrating 70 Years
Community News
