Principal's Notes
Help Needed
Last night the P&F held their AGM for the year. At the AGM all positions were declared open. We have several vacancies on the P&F due to families moving interstate and students graduating. Unfortunately we only received three nominations from the Parent community to join the P&F, of which all three were either in attendance at the meeting or already on the P&F. We are now seeking volunteers from the Parent community to join the P&F, as we are short volunteers for several positions. The positions we are currently seeking support with, are President, Vice-President and Secretary. Being a member of the P&F is not an onerous task and is one that is invaluable to the school. The P&F meets twice a term and is focused on building community through social events and fundraising. The role of President involves chairing P&F meetings, liaising with the school leadership team and front office staff, and the rare attendance at a wider community event. The Vice President takes on the role of support for the President and steps in, in the absence of the President. The Secretary role involves taking minutes at meetings, sending reminder emails and agendas for meeting, and redirecting any correspondence that comes through. The St Benedict’s P&F are very inclusive and supportive of everybody in their roles and always willing to help each other out in anyway. Please consider being involved in the school through the role of P&F member, even if not one of the needed positions. It is a wonderful way to be part of the school community.
Thank You
What a lovely night we had last Monday evening at the Open House and BBQ. Thank you to all those who attended. All of the teachers were really pleased to have the chance to make some initial contact with many of you. Thank you again to the Parents and Friends for providing the free Sausage Sizzle and to all those who helped set up, cook and pack up. Well done!
Swimming Carnival
Just a reminder that our school swimming carnival is tomorrow, Thursday 18th February at Queanbeyan Pool. Please ensure that your child comes to school wearing their (labeled) sports uniform with their swimmers underneath. They will also need a towel, a plastic bag for wet items, school hat and sunscreen. Students will also need to bring their own lunch and recess, etc in their school bag. Please ensure the children have plenty to eat and drink. There will be no access to the pool kiosk. Parents are most welcome to attend as spectators (although numbers may be limited), however they must sign into the Service NSW QR code at reception and pay the spectator fee of $2.00.
Interim Reports and Three Way Conferences
Students will bring home their interim reports on Friday, 26th February, with Three Way Conferences taking place on Monday 1st March and Tuesday 2nd March. Optional Parent/Teacher Interviews will be offered at the end of each term, in addition to the semester reports being sent home at the end of Term 2 and Term 4. A note regarding booking a time for Three Way Conferences was sent home on Monday. Accompanying the note was a survey for parents to complete on their child’s strengths, interests and areas for development. We ask that parents complete the parent survey and bring it with them to their child’s Three Way Conference.
Mobile Phones and SMART Watches
I would like to remind parents that SMART watches are treated the same as phones at school. Mobile phones, SMART watches, fitbits and similar devices with cellular, photographic and film capabilities are not permitted at school. The mobile nature of these devices poses a risk to student wellbeing and safety. When these technologies are misused by students, they can be very disruptive to students’ welfare, socialisation and in some cases cause various levels of harm. We want to ensure that students are not being distracted from their learning. As a school, we also want to be able to guide and support students in being able to solve problems with the support of peers and school staff whilst on the premises. If your child does need to bring a mobile phone or a SMART watch to school, they must be turned off and handed in at the Front Office where they will be securely stored for the day.
Reading with Your Child
On Wednesday 24th February, 5.30pm – 6.30pm there will be a workshop held for parents on ‘Reading with your child’. It is designed to assist parents in understanding how to read with children at home in ways that support them as a developing reader. They are designed for Kindergarten to Year 2 students. Other parents are also welcome.