Dear Parents and Carers,

This week as I began preparations for our open days and upcoming school enrolment period, I was asked ‘What is special about St Benedict’s?’ A few things came straight to mind; our welcoming and inclusive community, our strong Catholic identity, the support for students to be the living Gospel to others – to put their faith and beliefs into action, the dedication of our staff to all the children and broader community and the excellent teaching and education we provide.

‘Checking in’ with some members of our community, this is what others consider to be special about our school:

‘We can get awards for doing the ‘5 Ways of Being.’ Kindergarten student

‘We have really good teachers who look after us and help us to learn.’ Yr 2 student

‘St Benedict’s is a lovely school because there are lots of lovely people who help us to be the best we can be.’ Yr 2 student

‘Everyone at St Benedict’s cares for each other.’ Yr 3 student

‘It’s a really good school. It helps you learn, you make great friends and everyone looks after each other and helps each other.’ Yr 3 student

‘I think St Benedict’s is good for friendships and it’s a great Catholic community. Everyone really cares for each other.’ Yr 4 student

‘At St Benedict’s you can play with other kids very quickly and its very nice to get to play with kids that you get along with.’ Yr 5 student

‘St Benedict’s encourages all students to be involved in hands on activities whilst helping us to share our ideas and build our confidence.’ Yr 6 student

 ‘Everyone is encouraged to try new things and get involved.’ Yr 6 student

 ‘St Benedict’s is a really nice school. Because we are small, the relationships are better connected because everyone knows everyone.’ Yr 6 student

‘You can make lots of new friends and we learn new and different things. The teachers always encourage us to try our hardest and to have a growth mindset.’ Yr 6 student

‘At St Benedict’s we are the living Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We live it, we show it and we profess it always.’ Teacher

‘For me as a teacher who has worked at St Benedict’s for many years, I have been a witness to the charism of St Benedict “with open hearts and open hands” being the centre of the school’s teaching of God’s word. This is the essence of what brings me back each year.’ Teacher

‘The school builds the children’s confidence to be able to express their views and be their own person.’ - Parent

‘They really focus on caring for those less fortunate. Putting their faith into action. My kids love it because it empowers them to be able to help, even though they’re young.’ Parent

‘The school builds the children’s confidence to be able to express their views and be their own person.’ Parent

Our greatest advertisement and contributor to school enrolments has always been our students and word of mouth. Thank you for your ongoing support with this. I encourage all community members to tell people what it is that they value about our school and community. I look forward to welcoming prospective families into our school next term and showing them what our wonderful school has to offer.

God Bless,

Alana Quirk

Principal (Acting)