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Dear Parents and Carers,
As a parent, you are the major provider of your child's education from birth through adolescence. You guide the development of their character and mental health and help form the foundation from which they will develop lifelong attitudes and interests. Your home is the primary environment in which your child's potential and personality will take shape. It's important to make sure that you create a positive, open atmosphere that will not only support what goes on in the classroom, but will also instill the desire to learn.
It is through your love and encouragement that your kids will become motivated — first to please you, and then to please themselves. This leads to self-confidence, curiosity, the enjoyment of mastering new tasks, and other healthy attitudes, all of which contribute to successful learning.
As you know you will not be the only one teaching your child science or geography and while it's true that all of the facts, skills, and concepts your children learn at school are influenced by what you do at home, your child's education is equally impacted by the relationships you form with their teachers. Building an effective relationship with the teacher is a critical task, and, like you, every teacher wants to achieve this goal. As with any relationship, mutual respect, the ability to listen, and lots of communication form the foundation.
When parents and teachers work well together, everyone benefits. Parents and teachers can provide each other with unique insight and different perspectives about the same child, culminating in a more complete understanding of that child, their abilities, strengths, and challenges. The teacher will know much more about the curriculum and the school culture, while you know more about your child's personality, tendencies, and family life. A successful parent-teacher partnership also shows a child that an entire team of adults is on their side. For parents and teachers alike, the goal is to play active roles in your child's life and to work towards forming a real bond. The child's best interest is always served when they have lots of people supporting them and all the pieces of their life fit together. A strong home-school connection will set the stage for a child who will grow up with a love for learning.
Tomorrow evening’s Open House and BBQ is an important positive start to your child’s year and a perfect way to begin to help the students bridge their two most important worlds. Teachers have prepared information for you to take away and students have completed displays and some initial work to share with you. They like to show off their classrooms to their parents.
It is a less formal approach to touching base with parents at the beginning of the year. We find that many parents want either to come and get the information they need or meet the teacher or both. Our format of an Open House and drop-in approach means you can collect written information to refer to during the year as well as have a brief one-to-one chat with the teacher to begin that important collaborative relationship on a positive note.
Teachers enjoy meeting as many people as possible so they won’t be able to have any in depth conversations. Please feel free to email the teachers to book a time for the following week for those important conversations.
Another important part of the evening is to meet the parents of some of your children’s friends. That’s why the Parents & Friends Committee is providing a free sausage sizzle for families. Thank you to the P&F for organising this.
I look forward to seeing you all there.
God bless.
Rachel Smith
Principal
Reading with Your Child
On Monday 24th February at 5.30pm there will be a workshop held for parents on ‘Reading with your child’. It is designed to assist parents in understanding how to read with children at home in ways that support them as a developing reader. They are designed for Kindergarten to Year 2 students. Other parents are also welcome. The sessions will be held in the school library from 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
P&F AGM and Meeting
The AGM of the P&F will take place next Tuesday 18th February at 6.30pm. Following the AGM there will be a regular P&F meeting. Going home today is a P&F nomination form. Please consider being involved in the school through the role of P&F member. It is a wonderful way to be part of the school community. Please take the opportunity at the Open Evening to chat with current members of the P&F to find out what the role encompasses.
Beginning of the Year Reminders…..
- Starting time is 8.55am sharp. Students arriving late will need to be signed in at the Front Office.
- Supervision commences at 8.30am and no student should be at school before 8.30am. Students arriving before 8.30am are unsupervised. Please use before school care if necessary.
- A student’s hair should be off their face and, if longer than shoulder length, it must be tied back in an appropriate school coloured band. Hair should also be of natural colour and extreme haircuts are not permitted.
- No jewellery should be worn to school and only plain studs, small sleepers and watches are acceptable. No bracelets, bangles, sparkly ear rings, nail polish, make up, etc. are allowed.
- Correct School Uniform must be worn at all times. Students who continually wear incorrect uniform will receive a reminder note to be sent home to their parents.
- St Benedict’s has a NO HAT NO PLAY - policy. Students without a correct school hat will be asked to sit in the shade.
- Black ‘jogger’ or canvas type school shoes are not part of the school uniform. The only school shoes allowed at St Benedict’s are the traditional or formal black leather school shoes.
- Students with Mobile Phones are asked to switch the phone off and leave it at the Front Office. If mobile phones are heard or sighted during school time they will be confiscated. The School takes no responsibility for lost or broken mobile phones.
- Students who are collected by their parents during the day for appointments must be signed out/in at the Front Office before and after the appointment.
- Parents visiting the school to assist are required to have a Working with Vulnerable People Card and are also asked to sign in at Front Office; this includes those who are volunteering in the Tuckshop.
- Please ensure the School always has up to date contact and emergency details for your children.
- Medical details must be updated and sent to the Front Office.
- St Benedict’s is a NUT FREE school. Please remember this when preparing recess and lunch, including peanut butter, Nutella, cakes with nuts, etc.
- Dogs and animals are not allowed on school premises.
- Afternoon messages regarding changes to the afternoon routine must be received by the Front Office by 2.30pm or we cannot guarantee your child/ren will receive the message.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Sending a note to the classroom teacher indicating date and reason for absence.
Opening School Mass
Thank you to all those who assisted with our Opening School Mass and morning tea last Friday. It was a joyous celebration of new beginnings. Fr Dan and Fr Rem blessed our school staff and commissioned our Year 6 Leaders. We are looking forward to celebrating Mass as a community.
Sacraments
At the Open House BBQ there will be Parish enrolment forms for all families wishing their children to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.
It is the Parish practice that Catholic children in Year 3 prepare for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. However, if your child is in Years 4-6 and you would like them to make the Sacraments of Baptism, First Reconciliation and First Eucharist please contact our St Benedict’s Parish Priest:Fr Dan Benedetti MGL Daniel.benedetti@cg.org.au or (02) 6295 7879
Mini Vinnies
Our St Benedict’s Mini Vinnies K-6 Program will commence this term. Mini Vinnies is a social justice program of the St Vincent de Paul Society which exists in many primary schools. Mini Vinnies empowers primary school students to become advocates within their school and local community by putting their values into action. They meet regularly to learn about social justice issues, develop leadership skills and engage with the wider St Vincent de Paul Society. The Mini Vinnies model of “See, Think, Do” is a great way to get young people thinking and talking about their spirituality and to connect their faith with issues affecting their community through volunteering, advocacy and fundraising. Not only do the students in Mini Vinnies benefit from the experience but also the school and wider community.
Mini Vinnies will be commission during Friday assembly 2.30pm 21st February.
If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact:
Natalie Wright
Religious Education Coordinator
Natalie.zarb@cg.catholic.edu.au
St Benedict’s School Choir
Our school choir is an extracurricular activity run every Wednesday during lunchtime for students in Years 1-6. During these lunchtime practices students are given the opportunity to participate through the singing of a range of songs for different purposes including;
- School Masses
- School events
- Christmas carols
- Nursing home visits
- Parliament House
- Competitions
The school choir is a creative and supportive atmosphere, and a great way for students to boost their self-confidence.
To be a member of the school choir, we require commitment from students to attend the weekly practice. If you would like your child to be a part of this program please complete and return the permission note and return it to school by Friday 14th February.
Season of Lent
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head. While the ashes symbolise penance and contrition, they are also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with repentant hearts. During this season of Lent, we ask that families participate in our St Benedict’s 40 days of Kindness and Prayer to help us prepare as a community for the death and resurrection of Jesus. A special Lenten Calendar will be sent home with your child next week.
St Benedict’s Parish Ash Wednesday Mass will be held on Wednesday 26th February 12.30pm. All classes will be attending this Mass and families are warmly invited to join us.
Mini Vinnies Hygiene Donation Station
The St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol is in need of mini toiletries (hotel size is perfect) to re-stock their hygiene packs to be distributed to the people who approach the van. We invite all families to make regular donations to the Mini Vinnies Hygiene Donation Station in the Front Office. This is one way our school community can help teach our children about human dignity and how we need to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to look after their body.
Items that can be donated are
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Moisturisers
- Combs/hair brushes
- Sunscreen
- Tissue packs
- Feminine hygiene products
- Soap/body wash
- Toothbrushes/toothpaste
- Mouth wash
- Lip balm
- Deodorant
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.
A few important dates to note for this term are:
13 Feb Open House BBQ for families & teachers, 5pm - All Welcome
17 Feb Canberra Raiders Visit Yrs 3-6, 9.30am
18 Feb Parents & Friends Meeting and AGM, 6.30pm
21 Feb Yr6 Leadership Badges Presentation, 2.30pm
26 Feb Ash Wednesday Mass, 12.30pm
27 Feb Swimming Carnival, K-6
28 Feb Interim Reports sent home
1 Mar Year 1/2 Gold School Mass, 10am
2 Mar Three Way Conferences
3 Mar Three Way Conferences
4 Mar First Reconciliation Prayer Night, 6pm
6 Mar Year 3/4 Gold School Mass, 10am
9 Mar Canberra Day Public Holiday
10 Mar School Board Meeting,m 6pm
13 Mar Olympic Athlete Visit Yrs 3-6, 12.30pm
15 Mar Family Parish Mass, 9.00am
17 Mar Parents & Friends Meeting, 6.30pm
19 Mar Choir visit to Mountain View
2 Apr Learning Showcase, 2pm
South Western Region Swimming Carnival
3 Apr Year 3/4 Blue School Mass, 10am
Ways of Being Award Ceremony, 2.30pm
4 Apr First Reconciliation and Mass, 4.30pm
5 Apr Palm Sunday
6 Apr Scientist Visit Years 5 and 6
7 Apr Years 1/2 and 5/6 Holy Week Liturgy, 9.30am
School Board Meeting, 6pm
8 Apr Years 1/2 and 5/6 Holy Week Liturgy, 9.30am
9 Apr Outdoor Education day
Term 1 concludes
The following notes have gone home this week and will be sent home via Schoolzine App:
- Mini Vinnies 2020 Permission Form
- School Choir
Mini_Vinnies_Initial_Letter_to_Parents_2020.pdf - Year 5/6 BYOD Program
BYOD_Parent_Note_1_.pdf - Enrichment Opportunities - Selected Students
- School Fees 2020
School_Fees_Letter_2020.pdf - 2020 Nomination for P&F Positions
P_F_AGM_announcement.pdf
Most weeks you will only see that notes that have gone home since the previous Wednesday in the newsletter. I have added last weeks notes that need to be returned as we still have a large number of notes outstanding. Please take some time and have a look to ensure you have returned all required notes.
- Tuition Fee
Systemic School Family Order.pdf - Permissions Commitment from Parents and Enrolment Declaration
General Permission Note 2020.pdf - Student Medical Record
Student_Medical_Records.pdf - Class Parent Representative
Class parent rep request 2020.pdf - Social Media Release Form
Combined Use Agreement for ICT and Facebook note.pdf - Acceptable Use Agreement for ICT
Combined Use Agreement for ICT and Facebook note.pdf - Swimming Carnival
Student Swimming Permission Note_2020.pdf
On Friday 21st February all Year 6 students will be presented with their Leadership Badges at the Friday Assembly, 2.30pm.
The Term 1 ONLINE catalogue is now open and closes on Monday 24th February. The PAPER/CATALOGUE orders need to be at the front office by Wednesday 19th February. Orders will be delivered to the school, week commencing Monday 16th March.
To view the current catalogue, please open the link Redgum Catalogue Term 1 2020 or go to our website to view in a different format www.redgumbookclub.com.au
Happy birthday to the children who celebrate their special day this week: Arthur S, Alexander H, Bryce T and Finn W.
Year 1/2B: Nicolas C, Zachary H and Jack O
Year 1/2G: Geordie B, Dianna N and Mitchell S
Year 3/4B: Ekamjot K
Year 3/4G: Tessa P
Year 5/6B: Matilda R and Hubert K
Year 5/6G: Edith B and Amiah G
Year 1/2B: Alisha W
Year 1/2G: Nathaniel G
Year 3/4B: Henry P
Year 3/4G: Taliyah M
Year 5/6B: Joanna M
Year 5/6G: Ayla H
Last night the school board held their first meeting for 2020 where we discussed and endorsed the school fees for 2020. We acknowledged the growth in enrolments across all grades, the diversity in our school community and an increase in boys remaining at St Benedict’s for years 4, 5 and 6 and how this contributes to the richness of our school community.
The Clothing Pool will be open each Tuesday and Thursday 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, even if you are unable to make the opening times. Where possible we will always help.
PLEASE ENSURE YOUR CHILD/REN'S CLOTHING IS LABELLED WITH THEIR NAME.
The Lost Property Box is located in the canteen area. Please take some time to go through the box on a weekly basis as it is only Week 2 and the lost property box is already overflowing.
Tales from the TUCKSHOP
"If it starts with a T - It's Tuckshop day"
Welcome to St Benedict's Tuckshop 2020! We have all your favourites from last year's menu with a bunch of new ice creams to keep the summer heat at bay. Our Tuckshop is all about healthy food that tastes great and kids want to eat.
- Busy Parents Apple slinky roster: Building on the huge success of the apple slinky fruit break, I am calling on busy Parents who can't really volunteer due to work. If you can spare 30-40 minutes in the morning once in a blue moon to slinky a bunch of apples and say 'G'day to the kids', I'll make you a coffee to your liking. Front Office has a roster.
- Have you considered volunteering? Our wonderful volunteers are why our food tastes so good. If you have a spare couple of hours on Tuesday or Thursday, your assistance is greatly appreciated! Rosters are at the front office. Schedule a catch-up with your friends while prepping the kids lunches.You don't have to be a whiz in the kitchen! Parents, partners and Grandparents are all welcome. Contact Mrs McRae in the office to find out more.
- QKR! Is the easiest way to order your lunch. Download the app today! Please remember to update your child/childrens class details. This will allow us to send your child/childrens orders to the correct classes.
- If you'd prefer to drop your order off, please use an envelope instead of a paper bag. Write your name and year and order details on the envelope and seal the money inside. We'll provide a lunch bag.
- This year I will have separate menus for gluten free and lactose free lunch meals. I hope this makes things easier but contact me directly if there are issues.
Dave Noble
King of the Tuckshop
Weekend Mass Times
Saturday 6.00pm
Sunday 9.00am
Youth Mass 6.00pm (last Sunday of every month)
Charismatic Mass 6.00pm every Sunday
Baptisms: 11.00am, 2nd and 4th Sundays of the Month
WODEN VALLEY YOUTH CHOIR
Woden Valley Youth Choir has provided a music education to hundreds of students from ACT and surrounding region for over 50 years. WVYC offers a dynamic choral programme for young people aged 8 to 25 and we are proud to provide so many positive benefits to our members: the value of learning to sing with confidence, positive self-esteem, and performance skills, which will hold them in good stead for the rest of their lives. WVYC is a not-for-profit community choir with a strong music education programme. We don’t just sing – we become musicians.
OPEN DAY AND AUDITIONS
WVYC will hold an open day on Tuesday 18 February. Auditions will follow, for those interested, on Saturday 22 February. We have vacancies in all choirs although quite limited places in our high school/university age treble voice choir. We are especially keen to audition more young men for our changing and changed voices choir, Centauri Voices. For more information on open day times and auditions please go to http://wvyc.org.au and download an application form or email info.wvyc@gmail.com or phone 1300 599 655.
