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Dear Parents and Carers,
If you are reading this newsletter…
If you have a high school certificate…
Furthermore, if you have a degree…
You can thank your ability to read for that.
That’s obvious, right?
Well, yes, while reading is obviously important to be able to understand the words on the page, it is also the foundation of your ability to learn and ultimately, your ability to function properly in an ever-changing society. Do you remember as a child when you learned to read? Most of us probably don’t, but now you can’t imagine life without being able to. You couldn’t understand anything on Facebook, you wouldn’t be able to text or even follow your favourite recipe. Something as simple as reading the clothing label on your favourite shirt for washing instructions would be impossible without the ability to read…
So, it is easy to see why it is important, but it is even more important for our children. As they grow, they will need to possess the necessary reading skills to make it through school and into their career.
Below are 10 reminders about why reading is important for kids:
- It expands their vocabulary.
While reading, they might come across words they have never heard – prompting them to find out what they mean. As a result, they add it to their vocabulary.
- It makes them better at it.
Practice makes perfect, right? The best way to get better at reading is just to do it!
- It helps build independence and self-confidence.
As they learn that they no longer have to rely on their parents to read things to them, they develop a sense of independence. Through reading, they can begin to understand the world on their own.
- It keeps them safe.
Traffic signs have words and so do warning labels. Reading allows kids to understand when something says it could harm them.
- It helps them make sense of the world around them.
As they learn to read they are able to determine what things around them say – from signs to stickers to labels. Being able to read helps them understand what is what and the purpose it serves.
- It leads to their future academic success.
A child must be able to read in order to even progress through school. Reading is essential to following the instructions in the work and being able to even understand or answer the questions.
- It enhances their imagination.
As a child reads, they can begin to imagine where the characters are. They might even create their own little world, as well. Reading enhances their imagination by forcing them to picture what the character actually looks like and who they are.
- It entertains them.
It gives them something good to do – especially once they can start reading chapter books with no pictures, forcing them to really get into their imagination and therefore, really get into the book as well.
- It improves their grammar.
Through reading, they can see how the author composed their sentence structure and grammar. This can also help improve their communication skills as they determine how it should be read using clues such as punctuation.
- It improves their writing skills.
Because reading helps improve their vocabulary, communication, and grammar skills, it ultimately improves their writing skills as well.
Reading is essential to just about everything in life – from cooking to driving to just getting through school. It is important to start at a young age and teach your child the value of reading so they will grow to practice it often and value their ability to do so. Book Week is a perfect opportunity to celebrate all things reading. Our theme for book week this year is ‘Reading is my Super Power’. Keep an eye on the newsletter for some updates about Book Week which commences Monday 19th August.
God bless.
Rachel Smith
Principal
Grandparents and Grand Friends’ Day
It was wonderful to see so many Grandparents and Grand Friends at school last Friday. The students were so excited to be able to share their learning, their classroom and their school with their special person. Thank you to Miss Walshe and Year 1/2 Gold for their organisation of the mass and those parents and staff who set up and cleared up the morning tea.
Annual Satisfaction Survey
Thank you to the parents who have completed the Annual School Survey online. If you haven’t had the opportunity to complete the Annual Survey then please go to https://www.research.net/r/stbenedictsparent2019 to contribute to our annual school improvement process. Your feedback is very welcome. The student (Years 3-6), staff and parent surveys all close this Friday.
Hats On!
I remind parents and students that since the 1st August all students are required to wear hats again at school during Recess and Lunch time.
Learning Time
Last week I wrote about how valuable learning time is and how arriving on time to school is vital. Below is a graph highlighting just how important arriving time is.
Confirmation Parish Preparation
|
Event |
Date & time |
Venue |
Participants |
|
Confirmation Retreat, afternoon tea, followed by Vigil Mass |
Saturday 17th August 3.30-7pm |
St Benedict’s school library and Church |
Candidates and at least one parent/carer |
|
Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation |
Sunday 22nd September |
St Benedict’s Church and Parish Centre |
Candidates and their families and guests |
Volunteers Needed
We are seeking volunteers to spend some time next Wednesday 14th August (anytime throughout the day), putting together the Confirmation home packs. The main task will be cutting felt into squares to distribute into each pack. Any help would be much appreciated! If you are able to assist, please email Nat Wright natalie.zarb@cg.catholic.edu.au
Grand Friend Day Mass
Thank you to Year 1/2 Gold for leading our school community in celebrating Grandparents and Grand Friends Day Mass. Students thoroughly enjoyed spending this special time with their visitors. Thank you also to our school choir for creating a vibrant energy for all to participate in.
Solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
On Thursday 15th August 10am our school community will be attending Mass to celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary led by Year 3/4. This special day celebrates the belief that the Blessed Virgin Mary was “assumed” body and soul into heavenly glory when she died. All families are warmly welcomed to join us for this special occasion.Mini Vinnies Term 3
This term our Mini Vinnies will be focusing on how our school community can engage in understanding the culture and mission of our Global Schools Partner School
, Gesore Preparatory. Stay tuned for future updates!
The Mini Vinnies Hygiene Donation Station has temporarily relocated to the hallway in front of the student bathrooms while Front Office repairs take place. This is an ongoing initiative to assist the St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol Van. Families are invited to continue to donate travel size toiletries as often as they wish. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Community Meals Program
The Community Meals freezer is one way we can assist families who are experiencing hardship. If you are able to cook a meal, please use disposable containers and label with 
ingredients and date. All meal donations can be brought to the Front Office. If your family requires temporary meal assistance, you can speak in confidence to any of our staff members.
8 Aug Feast of St Mary MacKillop, Mass, 10:00am
12 Aug Science Week begins
13 Aug Science Fair, Kinder to Year 2
13 Aug School Board Meeting
15 Aug Feast of the Assumption, Mass, 10.00am
16 Aug Crazy Hair & Sock Day (Normal School Uniform required)
17 Aug Confirmation Retreat, 3.30pm—7.00pm
18 Aug Y3/4 Gold Family Mass, 9am
19 Aug Book Week begins
30 Aug Fathers’ Day Stall
1 Sep Fathers’ Day
3 Sep Parents & Friends Meeting, 6.30pm
4 Sep Indigenous Literacy day
6 Sep Kindergarten’s Fathers’ Day Mass, 10am
10 Sep School Board Meeting
15 Sep Year 5/6 Family Mass, 9am
17 Sep Catholic Schools’ Week Begins
19 Sep Learning Showcase, 2pm
19 Sep Year 3/4 Mountain View visit
20 Sep Colour Run
22 Sep Sacrament of Confirmation, Mass, 9.00am
25 Sep School Performance, 6pm
26 Sep Mindfulness Day
27 Sep Last day of Term 3
27 Sep 5 Ways of Being Award Ceremony, 2.30pm
The following notes have gone home this week and will be sent home via Schoolzine App:
- Crazy Sock & Hair Day
- Boorowa Touch & Netball Carnival - Expression of Interest
School Fees
Thank you to all the families that have already paid their school fees.
As per the CE Policy all fees must be paid by week 5 of each term, unless you have made other arrangements. All school fees are due Thursday 15th August.
If you have not received your school fees or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Belinda in the Front Office.
St Benedict's School Snow Team
Congratulations to Matilda and Mila who completed in the ACT-Southern Interschools Snowsports Championships in Perisher. As a school team the girls came 10th for Ski Cross out of the ACT schools, 24th across the whole event (Sth NSW, ACT and International). Well done girls. You did our school proud!
Grandparents Day
Here is what some of our students had to say about having their Grandparent/s here last Friday.
Happy Birthday to the children who celebrate their special day this week: Mia T.
Kindergarten: Mia-Rose S, Samson M
Year 1/2B: Nathan W, Vivienne K
Year 1/2G: Claire D, Summah M
Year 3/4B: Santino E, Celeste M and Hubert K
Year 3/4G: Isadora N, Ciru N and Angus C
Year 5/6B : Matilda W, Michael T
Year 5/6G: Hamish M, Lillian E
The Clothing Pool will be open each Tuesday and Thursday between 2.50pm to 3.15pm by appointment.
The Lost Property box will be emptied during the term and all named items will be returned to students via their class note bags.
Please let Mrs McRae know at the Front Office if you need something 
from the Clothing Pool, even if you are unable to make the opening times. Where possible we will always help.
The Lost Property Box is located in the canteen area. Please take some time to go through the box on a weekly basis as the lost property box is overflowing with jumpers and jackets. These are going to be essential items of your child/rens uniform as the days get colder.
PLEASE ENSURE YOUR CHILD/REN'S CLOTHING IS LABELLED WITH THEIR NAME.
Extra Lost Items
There are a number of personal items and cash that has been handed into the office during the term. If you are missing any jewellery or accessories please call in and see Mrs McRae at the Front Office.
Hello parents and friends,
Just a friendly reminder the canteen has moved to Mondays and Thursdays.
This week during recess, available are:
gluten and lactose free savoury muffins $1
pumpkin soup $2
nachos $2
cheese and herb pastry twists 10c
pizza slices 50c
delicious muffins of the day $1
fresh fruit $1 ea (Bananas, Apples and Pears)
whole carrots 50c
jelly 50c
jelly and lactose free custard 50c
warm corn cobs 50c
seasonal fruit and custard $1
If your child forgets their morning munch and crunch, please see the front office.
The St Benedict’s canteen operates as a healthy canteen
as prescribed by the ACT Department of Education.
This does mean additional costs and the need for
more preparation. Mrs Cook continues to do a wonderful
job at limiting the cost and the work involved,
but unfortunately the canteen may be forced to close
without increased patronage and volunteer support.
This is something we are sure we do not want to happen.
Canteen Winter Menu 2019
Recess – Counter Sales only
Cheese Melts (can be GF and LF) $0.20c per triangle
Pizza Pinwheels $0.70
Nachos (can be LF) $2.00
Muffins of the Day $1.00 ea
Seasonal Stewed Fruit and Custard (LF & GF) $1.00
Corn Cob $0.50
Frozen Yoghurt $2.50
Jelly $0.50
Lunch – Bag Orders
Pasta Bolognese (GF and can be LF) $5.50
Toastie (GF and LF options available) $3.70
Ham, Cheese & Tomato
Tuna & Cheese
Braised Eggs & Turkish Bread (GF & LF options available) $4.50
Fish and Chips with Veggies – an old favourite (LF) $5.00
House made Chicken Noodle Soup (LF & GF) $4.00
St Benedict’s homemade Sausage Rolls (LF) $3.00
Kids Meat Pie $3.40
Sauce Squeeze .20c
Drinks
Juice – 200ml pure fruit juice $2.50
Nippy’s Milk – 200ml whole milk $2.50
Chocolate
Strawberry
Honeycombe
THURSDAY 8th August
9am to 11.30am - Helpers Required - Over counter sales only
11.30am to 2pm - Helpers Required
MONDAY 12th August
9am to 11.30am - Helpers Required - Over counter sales only
11.30am to 2pm - Helpers Required
If you would like to touch base about volunteering please either drop in or contact me on Cara.Cook@cg.catholic.edu.au.
Yours in tongs,
Cara Cook, Canteen Manager
Weekend Mass Times
Saturday 6.00pm
Sunday 9.00am
Youth Mass 6.00pm
Charismatic Mass 6.00pm (last Sunday of the Month)
Baptisms: 11.00am, 2nd and 4th Sundays of the Month
WODEN VALLEY YOUTH CHOIR
Woden Valley Youth Choir is an exciting and dynamic not-for-profit community choir for young people, with a strong emphasis on Music Education. We don’t just sing – we become musicians.
WVYC will have vacancies in all of its choirs for children entering year 3 next year through to young adults aged up to 25.
Rehearsals are held at Charles Weston School in Coombs on Tuesday evenings but the choir is open to people from all over the Canberra/Queanbeyan area.
AUDITIONS
Auditions for choristers wishing to commence in September 2019 will be held on Saturday 10 August.
For more information about the choir and the audition process and to download an application form go to wvyc.org.au
ROTARY CLUB OF HALL INDIGENOUS SCHOLARSHIP
WVYC welcomes enquiries from indigenous young people for the Rotary Club of Hall Indigenous Scholarship. Applicants should contact the administrator on info.wvyc@gmail.com to request the guidelines for applying for a scholarship.
CENTAURI VOICES
We are keen to grow our choir for young men aged 13 to 18 with changing or changed voices and are happy for interested young men to try out the choir before they commit to joining rather than auditioning. If you are interested in sitting in on a few rehearsals please email us or phone 1300 599 655.
WVYC 50TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
If you’d like to see the choir in action, come to the Woden Valley Youth Choir 50th Anniversary Concert on 24 August in Llewellyn Hall. Tickets available through Ticketek.
