St Benedict's Primary School - Narrabundah eNewsletter

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am sure like me you watched in shock and horror as the news of the tragic events in Christchurch last Friday unfolded. There are no words I can add that have not already been used by many to express the tragedy of the events. We cannot begin to comprehend how something like this could happen. I know that you join with me as a community to offer prayers for peace, compassion, tolerance and understanding.

Last Friday was Bullying No Way! Day. At St Benedict’s we aim to create a safe and supportive school community for everyone. You are an important part of our work to prevent bullying and to respond effectively if it happens. Stopping bullying involves everyone.

At St Benedict’s we have an Anti-bullying Policy. Please see the attached link Anti-bullying.pdf. But an Anti-bullying Policy is only one part of the whole school strategy to reduce and respond to bullying.

A Positive School Culture

It all starts with building a positive school culture and values. A positive school and strong values creates healthier relationships amongst the com

munity. Relationships where bullying doesn’t fit in.

We have strong values in our school:

- Dignity - Integrity

- Respect - Excellence

- Compassion - Optimism

- Community - Spirtuality

Our values underpin our 5 Ways of Being:

These were developed with students during 2013 and continually revisited in classes. We wanted to simply define what our values call us ‘to be’ at school as students, parents and staff.

Recognising the Positive

We like to recognise when students are displaying actions, attitudes and words that are examples of the 5 Ways of Being and remind them of the positive contribution they make to their own learning or the school community. At the end of each term we recognise one person from each year level that has significantly demonstrated one of the Ways of Being with a 5 Ways of Being Award.

Responding to Bullying

At times we need to recognise that bullying is occurring in our school between students. It is important to understand what bullying is. It involves three critical components:

A repeated pattern
The misuse of power in a relationship
Behaviour which causes harm

This can be between individuals and/or groups. It can be obvious (physical, verbal) or hidden (exclusion, intimidation). It is not always obvious and can often be unacknowledged by adults. Not all conflict and aggression is bullying. Sometimes the conflict is between equals, and this is not bullying. Regardless of the context, all conflict is responded to.

Our Anti-bullying Policy outlines how we respond to any bullying that may occur.

Early intervention is the key for us. Where bullying is happening, we need to know and address it before more serious habits of behaviour form and we need to determine the best form of response for the situation.

Bullying is complex and challenging to deal with. Short term, quick fix solutions like punishment don’t assist to break the cycle of the bully-victim social relationship.

Our response will always require some analysis – identifying when and where it occurs and rectifying any power imbalance; relationship-focused – building positive relationships and learning successful social strategies for both bully and victim; and open communication – students, parents and staff are all engaged openly in working towards a positive and optimistic future.

At St Benedict’s we stand together against any form of bullying.

If you would like to be a little clearer about what bullying is and how you can help your child to respond to bullying then I encourage you to visit www.bullyingnoway.gov.au . There are some outstanding resources. In particular I encourage you to read What is bullying?

Below are some tips on what to do if your child talks to you about bullying. Parents know their children best and know the best way to tailor communication to their needs. Adapt these tips to what works for you and your child.

If your child talks to you about bullying:

Listen calmly and get the full story. Your calm response is important to allow your child to tell you all about the situation. After they’ve told you their story, ask questions to get more details if you need: who, what, where, when. Although you may feel some strong emotions about your child’s experience, try to keep calm to avoid more distress to your child.
Reassure your child they are not to blame. Many children blame themselves and this may make them feel even worse. You could say things like, ‘That sounds really hard to deal with. No one should have to put up with that.’ or ‘I’m so glad you told me. You should be able to feel safe at school; that’s not fair at all’.
Ask your child what they want to do and what they want you to do. A critical part of your response is to avoid jumping in to solve the problem. While it is natural to want to protect your child, helping them to find their own solution is a better option. It helps them feel they have some power in the situation.
Visit www.bullyingnoway.gov.au to find some strategies. The website has tips and ideas for different bullying situations. One idea is to practise strategies at home to help your child feel more confident.
Contact the school. Your child may be reluctant for you to do this, so discuss the idea and reassure them that the school would want to know and is able to help. Make an appointment to meet with your child’s teacher. Contact the school immediately if you have a concern about your child’s safety.
Check in regularly with your child. Keep the conversation going. It can take time to resolve issues, so check in regularly with your child about their experiences and their feelings. Your ongoing support is important.

God bless.

Rachel Smith

Principal

Class Parent Representatives

Each year a parent or two volunteer to be the Class Representative. It is a very simple yet crucial role that helps parents to connect with each other and assists in building a supportive school community. A note was sent home at the start of the term inviting parents to volunteer to be that person. Sadly we have had only one person volunteer! We are in need of 7 class parent reps. Please consider taking on this valuable role for the school community.

School Photos

A reminder that school photos are tomorrow, Thursday 21st March, 9am - 11am. Please ensure your child/children are at school by 9am. Class photos will not be retaken for late students. All students are required to wear their full Summer School Uniform on this day. We understand that Thursday is normally a sports uniform day.

Girls:

Hair accessories should be in school colours
Summer school dress
Maroon jumper
White socks
Black leather shoes

Boys:

Summer uniform
Maroon jumper
White socks
Black leather shoes

All photo envelopes must be returned to school tomorrow. If you are not purchasing photos or have paid online YOU still must return photo envelopes to the school.

Winter Uniform

It is customary at St Benedict’s to transition into the winter school uniform at the beginning of Term 2. To help with your preparation for this transition our Second Hand Uniform Shop will be holding an outdoor clothing sale tomorrow Thursday 21^st March at 3.10pm.

P&F Noticeboard

At last night’s P&F meeting the P&F Noticeboard, located at the end of the Year 5/6 block (next to the bubblers), was discussed. If you have a business you would like to advertise through this noticeboard please send in a business card or a small flyer to be placed in the Noticeboard. Please understand that this noticeboard will still be used for P&F purposes so advertisements need to be kept to a small size.

Thank you for your ongoing care and partnership in your child’s learning.

Sacraments

Upcoming events:

Sacrament of First Reconciliation and Vigil Mass

Saturday

6th April

4.30pm-7.00pm

St Benedict’s Church

Candidates and their parents/carers

Season of Lent

Gospel Reading: Luke 13:1-9

Jesus preaches a lesson on repentance.

In the third week of the Season of Lent, our Gospel prepares us to hear Lent's call to conversion and repentance. This coming Sunday’s reading are found in the chapters of Luke's Gospel that describe Jesus' journey to Jerusalem. During this journey, Jesus teaches and heals. He must also respond to those who question and challenge his authority and actions.

Lenten Prayer

God of Moses, you call us to follow you with our whole hearts. Give us energy and passion for your will. Amen. Moses, holy man of God, pray for us.

Did you know?

St Casimir was the son of the King of Poland. Born in 1461, he grew up serving his father’s kingdom and the Kingdom of God. He showed great holiness, always rejecting royal luxury, wearing simple clothes and sleeping on the floor. He was a just and careful administrator. He died at the age 23 from an illness and is the patron saint of Poland, Lithuania and of young people.

Year 2 Parish Mass

Thank you to our families who assisted at Mass on the weekend. Our St Benedict’s students were wonderful in their leading of the Mass, with many parishioners commenting on how reverent and confident they were.

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.

Natalie Wright

Religious Education Coordinator

Natalie.zarb@cg.catholic.edu.au

21st Mar School Photos
26th Mar Tuckday - Hot Dog
3rd Apr Cross Country
4th Apr Learning Showcase
4th Apr South Western Region Swimming Carnival
5th Apr Year 3/4 Blue School Mass, 10.00am
5th Apr Year 5/6 Excursion
6th Apr First Reconciliation and Mass, 4.30pm
7th Apr Catholic Schools Soccer Carnival
9th Apr School Board Meeting, 6.00pm
10th Apr Year 5 and 6 Holy Week Liturgy, 10.00am
12th Apr Outdoor Education day
12th Apr Term 1 concludes

*REMINDER*

Write for Fun Competition

Due: this Friday 22nd March 2019

(printed hardcopy handed in to me).

Details to be included on entry:

Name of Student
Class
School

Linda de Salis

Literacy Practitioner

Defence School Mentor

On Monday the 18th of March, the netball afternoon tea stall took place to raise money for the St Benedict's Netball Club.

Many amazing parent and student volunteers put their baking aprons on over the weekend and baked dozens of delicious goodies to sell. We had many volunteers help sell the goods. It was a huge success raising over $250. All these proceeds will go to the St. Benedict's Netball Club.

Thank you to all the volunteers and all who bought our treats. Your generousity is greatly appreciated.

Bridget Norgrove

Kindergarten - Fergus K, Beau F, Lucy L

1/2 Gold - Frederick H, Alishia W

1/2 Blue - Isla M, Arwyn S

3/4 Gold - Ava D, George P, Michael R, Grace R

3/4 Blue - Daria F, James N, Archer B

5/6 Blue - Maxima S, Adam A

5/6 Gold - Arabella S, Mia B

1/2 Gold - Mia F

1/2 Blue - Niamh B

5/6 Blue - Joanna M

Happy Birthday to the children who celebrate their special

day this week: Marissa M

The following notes have gone home this week and will be sent home via Skoolbag App

The Clothing Pool will be open each Tuesday and Thursdays between 2.50pm to 3.15pm by appointment.

Please let Mrs McRae know at the Front Office if you need something from the Clothing Pool.

The lost property box is located in the canteen area. PLEASE ENSURE YOUR CHILD/RENS CLOTHING IS LABELLED WITH THEIR NAME The lost property box will be emptied throughout the term.

Hello everyone,

A reminder that the Canteen days for 2019 have changed to Tuesdays and Fridays.

Please talk with your child/children that counter sales only occur at Recess time and lunch orders must be ordered in classroom tubs first up of a morning.

As most of the food is made fresh in the canteen volunteers are needed for the peak times for this to continue. If you have any spare time, please consider dropping in and helping as volunteers are always welcome. No amount of time is too small.