St Benedict's Primary School - Narrabundah eNewsletter

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

As Term 2 draws to a close I want to thank all families for your support and collaboration throughout the term. A close home school partnership directly assists to support our students and we greatly value this partnership.

Thank you to our Year 3 and 4 students who tomorrow will lead our Holy Week liturgy and to Mrs White, Mrs Jenkins and Mrs Haines for supporting their students through this. This liturgy will be a prayerful and lovely way to gather together and reflect on this time in Jesus' life.

Ways of Being Awards – Be Welcoming

Congratulations to all of our students who received a special end of term ‘Ways of Being’ award last week. The focus of these awards this term was ‘Be Welcoming’ which encompasses attitudes and approaches to both student learning and behaviour. Thank you to all of the families and staff who have also supported our students to achieve their best.

Events

Recently both our Year 3 and 4 and Year 5 and 6 students have participated in camps at either Birrigai or in Sydney. These camp experiences are invaluable for our students as they help them strengthen their relationships with peers and staff in a context outside of school. They also enable them to further build their independence, confidence and resilience whilst engaging in wonderful learning and team building activities.

Thank you to the large number of staff that have been involved in providing these amazing experiences to our students. There is an enormous amount of planning and organisation that goes into these camps and staff give up valuable family and personal time to attend and support our students.

We have also had groups of students participating in sporting activities recently, such as Futsal and the Rugby League Gala day. Our students have represented our school exceptionally well, displaying great behaviour, encouragement for each other and good sportsmanship. Well done to all! Thank you also to Mrs Webb and Mrs Tomadini for facilitating these days.

Grandparents and Grandfriends Day

Last Friday we were fortunate to have a large number of grandparents and grandfriends visit our school. It was wonderful to see so many visiting our open classrooms, participating in our special whole school mass to honour our grandparents and grandfriends and then joining us for morning tea. We felt very blessed to have you with us and we hope that you enjoyed your visit.

School Uniform

Next term our uniform changes to Winter. Students will be given the first two weeks to make this transition from Summer to Winter uniform. I would like to remind everyone of the following uniform requirements:

Make Up and Nails

No make up
No nail polish

Hair

Natural colour
No extreme haircuts
Once hair reaches shoulder length, it needs to be tied up
Hair ties are to match school colours or natural hair colour

Jewellery

Earrings - plain studs or sleepers
Necklace - only if with a plain cross or crucifix
Other religious or necessary cultural items if agreed by the Principal

ANZAC Day Liturgy – Wednesday, 30th April

On Wednesday, 30th April, we will hold our ANZAC Day liturgy at 10:30am. This is a special time for us to reflect and honour the sacrifices made by the men and women who have served our country. Parents are welcome to join us for this important event.

Enrolments Open

As we enter the official enrolment period for Catholic Schools, I am seeking assistance from our families to help promote our wonderful school. I am encouraging families to share with others their experiences of St Benedict’s. Word of mouth has always had a large impact on our enrolments, with a significant proportion of our enrolments coming from recommendation.

Our Open Days are as follows:

Wednesday 30^th April – 4:00 – 6:00pm

Thursday 1^st May – 9:30 -11:00am

Tuesday 6^th May – 9:30 – 11:00am and 4:00 – 6:00pm

Wednesday 7^Th May – 9:30 – 11:00am

Monday 12^th May – 9:30 – 11:00am

Alternatively, prospective families are always welcome to make an appointment for a school tour outside of these dates, any day Monday to Friday.

Additionally, I encourage existing families with children that will be starting school at St Benedict’s in 2026 to please complete and submit the enrolment application as we already have commenced receiving applications.

Giving Hands - Support for St Edmunds

The community of St Edmund's College has been in our thoughts and prayers, following the recent tragic accident involving 2 students from their community. In further support of these students and their families, tomorrow we will invite students and staff (that wish to participate) to help fill our 'giving hands' image with donated coins. All money raised will accompany our school's messages of support and be donated directly to the Christian Brothers St Edmund's College Foundation, which has been set up to specifially support these boys with their long recovery.

Thank you for an excellent term and for your collaboration and support for our school community. I wish everybody a well deserved rest and Easter blessings during these coming holidays.

In partnership,

Alana Quirk

Principal's Reminders

Term Dates

A reminder that this term concludes tomorrow, Thursday 10^th April. Term 2 commences on Tuesday 29^th April. Please remember that the first and last day of each term is a pupil free day to enable staff to complete administrative, professional learning and compliance requirements.

Catholic Education Priorities

Federal election parent and school forum

From the Assistant Principal

Well done to all students and families for a wonderful term of learning, friendship and fun! As we prepare for the school holidays, here are some local activity ideas that you may wish to consider over the next two weeks. Happy holidays everyone, hopefully the Autumn weather will continue to be kind to us.

The National Folk Festival is back 17 to 21 April for five days of music, folk dance, and community. There will be plenty of great activities and entertainment for children including musical and craft workshops, a treasure hunt and more. Find out more
The Canberra and Region Heritage Festival returns from 18 April to 11 May, with over 130 events. With food, music and art, there’s something for all ages. See the festival program.
Visit a new playground Canberra has amazing playgrounds. Whether you’re looking for one nearby or looking to try a new one, there’s lots of choice. See a list of Canberra’s best playgrounds.
Learn the secrets of the Australian bush Visit the National Botanic Gardens for a family-friendly tour. Children aged 4-10 and their parents or carers can travel on the magical Flora bus, explore the gardens and finish at the Paperbark Treehouse. Book in for a tour
Fun with fossils at the National Arboretum Children will be guided on walk to discover fossils and get a chance to create their very own botanical fossil. The program will be on 23-24 April and involves geology, art, and nature. Book a spot now

Learn a new craft Dive into artmaking with one of Canberra Museum and Gallery’s kids’ workshops.

Create an original set design idea, make a ceramic coral reef using airdrying clay, or join a nature art journalling workshop at Mugga Mugga Cottage. Find out more

The National Arboretum Canberra is one of the world’s largest collections of rare, endangered and significant trees. This popular spot is also home to POD playground. You’ll also find the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection.
The Boundless Playground is an all-abilities play space is next to Lake Burley Griffin.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a great place to see wildlife in a natural setting. It’s just a 40-minute drive from the city.

Spotlight on Religious Education

Holy Week begins this Sunday, 13 April, with Palm Sunday. Holy Week is the most important week in the Church’s year. It is a special time when we remember the final days of Jesus’ life — His love, His sacrifice, and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday.

As we journey through Holy Week together, we are invited to reflect, pray, and prepare our hearts to celebrate the joy of Easter. Below are some ideas of how you can celebrate all the events of Holy Week at home.

Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday celebrates the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, and the people welcomed Him like a king, waving palm branches and shouting "Hosanna!"

Family Prayer Ideas
Make Paper Palms – Cut out green palm leaves from paper and wave them while reading the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem (Matthew 21:1-11).
Family Parade – Have your own mini "Hosanna parade" at home or in your garden, singing songs of praise together.

Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday)
Holy Thursday remembers the Last Supper Jesus shared with His disciples. This is when He gave us the gift of the Eucharist (Holy Communion).

Family Prayer Ideas:
Family Meal Together – Share a special meal together, maybe even try some simple foods like bread and grapes and talk about what you are thankful for.

Foot Washing at Home – Just like Jesus washed His friends' feet to show love and service, take turns gently washing each other's feet at home.

Good Friday
Good Friday is a quiet and serious day when we remember Jesus dying on the cross to save us from sin. It is a time to think about His great love.

Family Prayer Ideas:
Create a Cross – Make a simple cross with sticks, paper, or anything you have at home and place it somewhere special.
Quiet Prayer Time – Spend a few quiet minutes as a family praying and reflecting on Jesus’ love and sacrifice.

Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday is a day of waiting. Jesus’ friends were sad, but they also trusted that God had a wonderful plan.

Family Prayer Ideas:
Decorate with Light – Light a candle together and pray, remembering that Jesus is the Light of the World.
Prepare for Easter – Colour Easter eggs or make joyful decorations to get ready for the celebration of the Resurrection.

Easter Sunday (The Resurrection)
Easter Sunday is the happiest day! We celebrate that Jesus rose from the dead, bringing new life, hope, and joy to the whole world.

Family Prayer Ideas:
Family Easter Celebration – Start the day with a joyful breakfast and say "Alleluia!" together, celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection.
Easter Nature Walk – Take a family walk outside and notice all the signs of new life like flowers, birds, and sunshine, thanking God for His creation and Jesus' victory.

Project Compassion – Thank You!

As we begin to prepare for our journey through Holy Week, we are reminded of Jesus’ message of love, hope, and helping others. This message is exactly what Project Compassion is all about – bringing compassion to life by helping people in need around the world.

Thank you so much to all our families for your generous support and donations to Project Compassion this Lent. Your kindness will make a real difference in the lives of many people, helping to provide food, clean water, education, and hope for a better future.

Just as Jesus showed great love during His final days, you have shown that same love through your giving.
Together, we are truly making the world a better place.

Term 2 Happenings

First Holy Communion

Next term, we are excited to celebrate the Sacrament of First Holy Communion with our school community.

A Faith Formation and Information Prayer Evening will be held on Wednesday, 21 May (Week 4) for all children and families preparing for this special occasion.

First Holy Communion is open to all students in Year 4–6 who have been Baptised and have received their First Reconciliation.

We look forward to sharing this important step in your child’s faith journey and supporting them as they grow closer to Jesus.

Mini Vinnies

Next term, we are excited to launch our Mini Vinnies group! Mini Vinnies is a social justice program of the St Vincent de Paul Society which exists in many primary schools. Mini Vinnies empowers primary school students to become advocates within their school and local community by putting their values into action. They meet regularly to learn about social justice issues, develop leadership skills and engage with the wider St Vincent de Paul Society.

Students from Kinder-Year 6 are invited to be a part of the group. Next term we will focus on raising awareness and fundraising for the Winter Appeal, helping those in need during the colder months. Our Mini Vinnies team will also begin meeting regularly to plan ways we can live out social justice in our local community.

We can’t wait to see our students putting their faith into action and making a real difference! Look out for more information earl next term.

A Wonderful First Term at Saint Benedict’s

It has been a wonderful first term at Saint Benedict’s! I have felt so warmly welcomed by all our students and families.

This term has been filled with energy and growth as we continue to develop and refine our teaching and learning in Religious Education. We have come together as a community to celebrate many beautiful and reflective Masses, prayerful liturgies, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

It has truly been a joyful and reflective term, where we have been the living definition of hope for one another.

As we look ahead to next term, we will continue our journey as Pilgrims of Hope, diving deeper into our theme through Matthew’s Gospel and exploring Jesus as Teacher.

Wishing you a blessed Holy Week and joyful Easter celebrations with your family and friends.

Mrs. Louisa Mitchell

Dates to Remember

Open_Days_2025.pdf

Benny's News

Out and About at Benny's

Year 3/4 Camp to Birrigai

On an unusually warm, late March morning, 41 eager students and accompanying staff travelled out to Birrigai Outdoor School for our annual overnight camp. With an overarching focus of 'Indigenous Perspectives' and 'Adventure', students enjoyed day activities such as Grounding with Country and Storytelling, bush play and shelter building, Indigenous Campfire with damper cooking, sipping bush tea, string making and seed grinding along with completing a low ropes course and tricky 'Team Rescue' challenge course. After dinner, students were entertained by watching nearby boxing kangaroos as well as participating in a fun sing along led by Mr Drake on ukulele! Before bedtime, students ventured outside with their torches and nightlights for an evening of stargazing led by Mrs Haines, before snuggling into their sleeping bags for a well-earned rest!

Students are to be congratulated for the perseverance and resilience they demonstrated while on camp! It was wonderful to have the opportunity to spend time together as a 3/ 4 group in such a beautiful location. A huge thank you to all our 3/ 4 families for ensuring their child was so well prepared for camp. We all had so much fun and came back with tired bodies and fabulous memories!

Congratulations to all the students who qualified and competed at the South Weston Region swimming carnival on Friday! Well done Baxter, Tommy, Georgia and Millie.