Dear Parents and Carers,

The last few weeks of any school year are an extremely busy time for the staff as they finalise the school reports ready to be sent home with students on Friday and finalise the class lists for 2021, and this year is no exception. Add to that the organisation of end of year masses, liturgies, graduations, assemblies and fun days, all under the banner of COVID. A huge thank you to all the staff for the extra hours they are putting into finishing off the year on such a high note and after such a challenging year.

Last night the School Board held their final meeting for the school year. I would like to offer my thanks once again for the commitment of time and energy to the school by the School Board for 2020. It has been a challenging year that has been constricting for both the School Board and the school community. I thank the School Board for the support you have shown our school community, particularly our staff. As a School Board they have strived to continue to be a welcoming and caring community, whilst ensuring the school continues to function despite the challenges COVID presents us with.

Of particular note I would like to offer my sincere thanks to John Daunt for his time on the School Board over many years and for the extras he has done to support the school. The generosity of your time and efforts have benefitted the school greatly.

Staffing

Congratulations to Mrs Amanda Basedow who has been successful in gaining a position at St Peter and Paul’s school from 2021 as Librarian. During her 7 years at St Benedict’s Mrs Basedow has contributed positively to our strong St Benedict’s identity, the community life of the school and Parish. We wish Mrs Basedow well in her new position and know that the St Peter and Paul’s community will be richer for having her join their staff.

Following interviews, I am very pleased to announce that Ms Sarah Maple was successful in gaining a permanent teaching position at St Benedict’s for 2021. Ms Maple joins us from St Kevin’s College, Glendalough Melbourne. She comes to us with over 12 years teaching experience. I know you will join with me in welcoming Ms Maple into our community.

Ms Samantha Slocomb was successful in gaining a temporary teaching position at St Benedict’s for the 2021 school year. Ms Slocomb is currently teaching Year 3/4 at St Benedict’s. Ms Kaitlyn Reedy was also successful in gaining a temporary part time teaching position at St Benedict’s for the 2021 school year. Ms Reedy has been teaching for the last 5 years and most recently has been teaching at St Thomas the Apostle, Kambah. Congratulations to both Ms Slocomb and Ms Reedy and welcome to the St Benedict’s community Ms Reedy.

We will be farewelling Mrs Narelle O’Callaghan at the end of this year. We thank Mrs O’Callaghan for being part of our school community this year and wish her well with her future endeavours.

We will also be farewelling Mr David Nobel at the end of the year. We thank Mr Nobel for the exceptional job he has done in transforming our tuckshop this year. All his hard work has been greatly appreciated by parents and students alike. We wish Mr Nobel well as takes on a new challenge.

God bless.

Rachel Smith
Principal