Dear Parents and Carers,

What a wonderful way to begin the week with our students back at school for face-to-face learning. I have been privileged to observe the genuine excitement and enthusiasm of students rejoicing in seeing their friends, their teachers and generally being back at school. We braced ourselves for tears and hesitation on Monday as the students returned to what felt like the beginning of a new academic school year. I can confidently say there was none. Students walked through the gates, sometimes without even a backward glance to Mum or Dad and headed straight to catch up with their friends. Thank you all for your continued support and the way you have helped your children transition from online learning, to remote learning and now back to face-to-face learning. Your numerous emails of support and gratitude for our staff and community have been wonderful to read and a true testament to the value you place in our school and staff. Whilst this year has provided us with many challenges, the fantastic St Benedict’s community has continued to work together with such vitality, energy, adaptability and determination. Thank you!

Rather than hear just from me about our recent experiences I thought I would hand it over to the kids……

Best thing about being at home was seeing my pets and family, but I was happy to come back to school, because I wanted to see my friends again.  Hector 1/2Blue

I was excited on Monday, because I got to see my friends and got to learn. Alessandra 1/2Gold

I liked remote learning, because I could learn at my own pace, but I am really excited to be back at school, because the teachers are really great and it’s great to see everyone again, as I haven’t seen them in 2 months! Edi B 5/6Gold

I like being at school, because it is so fun! Catelin Kinder

I like being at school. At home when it was the end of the day I played Lego and something else. Reuben Kinder

I liked learning at home, because it was relaxing and you didn’t have to always rush in the morning and you could take your time and it was a really cool experience. Alec 3/4Gold

I liked being at home, because I learnt more about computers. I like being back at school, because it’s fun! Geordie 1/2Gold

It’s good that we are all back at school and stuff. It’s been a tough time, but we all got through it. Coronavirus isolation proved that we need to go outside more often and do different things like playing boardgames. Josh 5/6Blue

I hated learning at home. It was absolutely horrible, so I came back to school early and saw all my friends. I am happy again! Isadora 3/4Gold

I like being back at school, because it’s better. I get to see all my friends and I get to see my teacher and do lots of work with everyone. Sophia M 3/4Blue

I liked working at home, because I could work at my own pace and do things when I wanted. I liked working on my own and having alone time. I liked how I got to have recess and lunch when I wanted and eat when I was hungry. The day feels longer back at school! Oliver 5/6Gold

I had so much fun at home, but I was happy to come back to school. Now we are back at school I hope we are doing more work. I was happy to see more friends back too and I feel happy to be playing with some new people. Isla 1/2Blue

It was really fun being at home, because it was good to see my family and pets, and quite fun to see my Dad teardown the shed. I was very happy to come back to school, because it was good to see my friends again and good to play handball. It was good to see our teacher and finally start reading our book that we are reading. Fred 3/4Blue

I liked both being at home and being at school, but I got easily distracted at home and I zoomed with my friends, but now I am glad to be back at school as I am more focused in class and I can see my friends now. Edith 5/6Blue

I continue to keep your family and the wider community in my prayers.

God bless.

 
Rachel Smith
Principal