COVID-19
It seems that we are all getting used to a “COVID Normal” way of operating. We have been fortunate in the ACT, with only one new case recently. However, all schools, at the advice of Health and Education authorities, are continuing to take a risk-adverse approach to ensure the safety of our students and staff.

Though adults who are not staff are generally not on the school grounds, all school-based activities have recommenced as normal, as long as the following measures, as advised by Catholic Education, are observed:

• All visitors and external providers must adhere to relevant hygiene, distancing and safety protocols.
• Principals may continue to restrict, limit or prohibit activities, following current health advice.
• Non-essential adults are still not permitted on school grounds or at school events.

In the ACT, school assemblies, gatherings and performances are able to resume subject to meeting the COVID guidelines (limited group size, 1 person / 4m², 1.5m social distancing, recording of attendance etc.) and social distancing requirements. We are presently conducting risk-assessments and writing COVID safe plans for all end of year events. Our priority will be safety, but we hope to include as many family members as possible. We will keep you informed.

Absences From School
It is a legal requirement that all absences are explained. Please notify the school of your child’s absence by either: Using the  App (SZapp); Calling the Front Office; Emailing the Front Office at office.stbenedicts@cg.catholic.edu.au indicating your child’s name, class, reason for absence and date; or, sending a note to the classroom teacher indicating date and reason for absence.

Carpark
Please remember to be patient and considerate of others when driving in the car parks. School carparks are notoriously dangerous, and ALL PARENTS are asked to be patient and alert. If you are in a hurry, collect your children early, or wait until after 3.20pm when the carpark is less congested.

Leaving St Benedict’s
If you anticipate that your child will leave St Benedict’s at the end of this year, could you please notify the Front Office. We need to begin planning for staffing and class configurations for 2021. Thank you to those who have let us know already, this is very much appreciated. Naturally Year 6 parents need not respond to this request.

2021 School and Term Dates
Please be aware the term dates will be as follows for next year;

• Term One 1 February       -            1 April
• Term Two 19 April            -           25 June
• Term Three 12 July           -          17 September
• Term Four 5 October        -           17 December