Week 8, Term 3 2025
Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Carers,
Father’s Day Celebrations – A Heartwarming Success!
It was truly wonderful to see so many families come together to celebrate Father’s Day with us. From the joy of Donuts with Dad to the reverence of our Father’s Day Mass and the warmth of morning tea, the day was filled with smiles, connection, and gratitude.
A heartfelt thank you to the Community Council for their organisation of the Father’s Day Stall. Thank you also to the parents and carers who generously volunteered their time to help students select and wrap gifts at the stall. Your support and kindness helped make the day extra special for our students and their families. We are so grateful for the spirit of community you bring to our school.
Fr Joseph Ordination – Congratulations!
Last Friday evening, Fr Joseph Nivaskaran was ordained at St Christopher’s Cathedral, marking a profound and joyous milestone in his spiritual journey.
Fr Joseph has been a cherished presence in the St Benedict’s Parish this year, faithfully leading us in prayer and celebration through numerous school Masses and liturgies. His warmth, dedication, and pastoral care have deeply enriched our community.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Fr Joseph and offer our prayers as he continues his ministry with grace and devotion.
Lord Jesus,
Eternal High Priest, we lift up to You Your servant, Father Joseph, whom You have just called and consecrated in the grace of Holy Orders.
As he begins his priestly ministry, fill his heart with unwavering faith, a hope that anchors him in You, and a love that burns with zeal for Your people.
Amen
Celebrating 70 Years of Catholic Education at St Benedict’s Primary School
This year marks a remarkable milestone - 70 years of faith, learning, and community at St Benedict’s Primary School. We are proud to honour our rich history and the generations of students, families, and staff who have shaped our school into the vibrant place it is today.
To celebrate, we invite you to join us for a series of special events on Friday, October 17:
- 10:00 am – Whole School Mass A beautiful celebration of gratitude and reflection, followed by morning tea.
- 11:30 – 1:30pm - Open School experience. Come and explore the stories, photos, and memories that have defined our journey.
- 6:00 pm – Anniversary Dinner at the Southern Cross Club. This will be a joyful evening of connection and celebration. We warmly welcome past students, families, and staff to join us. Please see the following link for ticket purchase. https://www.trybooking.com/DEQFP
Let’s come together to honour the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future of St Benedict’s.
Yours in partnership,
Alana Quirk
Principal's Reminders
Term 3 – Final Day Reminder
A friendly reminder that the final day of Term 3 for students will be Thursday, 25 September.
Students resume Term 4 on Tuesday 14 October.
School Uniform Reminders
We kindly remind families of our school uniform guidelines to ensure consistency and pride in our presentation:
- Jewellery: Only stud or small sleeper earrings and a cross on a chain are permitted.
- Nail Polish & Makeup: Nail polish is not allowed and students will be asked to remove it if worn. Makeup is not permitted.
- Hair: Hair longer than shoulder length must be tied back neatly.
- Uniform: Students are expected to wear the correct summer school uniform each day.
- Parent Communication: If your child is unable to wear part of the uniform for any reason, please send a note to their teacher.
We appreciate your support in helping maintain our school’s standards and ensuring all students feel a sense of belonging and pride.
Planning Ahead for 2026 – Student Enrolment Update
As we begin preparations for the 2026 school year, we kindly ask families to notify us if their child will not be returning to St Benedict’s Primary School next year.
Please send an email to the front office and include the name of the school your child will be transferring to. This information is required by law and helps us ensure a smooth transition for all students.
🔹 Note: Families of Year 6 students do not need to notify us of their child’s departure. We will, however, be sending home a permission note in regard to the sharing of information about students with their high school for next year. For students on Personal Plans, this also includes permission to share these plans with their high school.
Thank you for your cooperation and support as we plan for the year ahead.
From the Assistant Principal
Digital Safety and Responsibility: A Message for Our School Community
As we continue to support our students in becoming responsible digital citizens, we’d like to share some important reminders about online safety and the role families play in guiding children’s use of technology.
Sharing Images Online – Permissions Matter
Before posting any images of children online—whether on social media, school platforms, or messaging apps—please ensure you have the appropriate permissions. Students also need to have permission before posting images of other students online. Even well-intentioned sharing can have unintended consequences. Once an image is online, it can be copied, reshared, and stored indefinitely. What we post today may remain accessible for years to come.
Online Bullying – Recognise and Respond
Unfortunately, online spaces can sometimes be used to cause harm. Cyberbullying can take many forms—hurtful messages, exclusion from group chats, or the sharing of unkind images or comments. These behaviours don’t just stay online—they often spill over into the schoolyard, affecting friendships, classroom dynamics, and a child’s sense of belonging. Regular conversations with your child about their online experiences can help identify issues early. If your child is experiencing or witnessing online bullying, please reach out to the school—we are here to help.
Age Restrictions on Apps Are Changing
Many popular social media platforms currently have a minimum age requirement of 13 years. However, starting this December, several apps will be increasing their age restrictions to 16 years. These changes reflect growing concerns about online safety, privacy, and the impact of digital environments on young users. We encourage families to stay informed and regularly review the apps their children are using, and how they are using them.
You Are in Charge – And That’s a Good Thing
As parents and carers, you have both the responsibility and the right to guide your child’s use of technology. This includes setting boundaries around screen time, app usage, and online interactions. Restricting device use isn’t a punishment—it’s a protective measure that helps children develop healthy habits and stay safe online. You are empowered to say “not now”, “not this app” or “that is not appropriate” when it comes to your child’s digital use and access.
We understand that navigating the digital world can be challenging, but you are not alone. Our school is here to support you with resources, advice, and open conversations. Together, we can help our children thrive both online and offline.
Spotlight on Religious Education
Global School Partners Day – Friday 19th September
Next Friday, 19th September, we will be celebrating Global School Partners Day. This is a special opportunity for our school community to connect with our friends at Gesore Preparatory School in Kenya.
We invite all students to wear comfortable, sensible free dress on the day and bring a gold coin donation to help raise funds for Gesore Preparatory. Every contribution supports our ongoing partnership and helps make a difference in the lives of students across the globe.
Global School Partners is an organisation that builds meaningful connections between schools in Australia and schools in developing nations. Through this partnership, students are able to share, learn, and grow together, building understanding and friendship across cultures.
Our school has been proudly partnered with Gesore Preparatory for several years, and we are committed to continuing to nurture this relationship. Global School Partners Day is a chance for us to immerse ourselves in the lives of our friends in Kenya, and reflect on the rights all children have, no matter where they live.
Throughout the day, students will take part in engaging activities that celebrate culture, connection, and community. During the middle session, students will rotate through:
- African Dancing
- African Art
- Pen Pal Letter Writing
We will also gather for a special liturgy at 10:30am, and all families and community members are warmly invited to attend.
Let’s come together to celebrate friendship, global citizenship, and the joy of learning from one another.
Dates to Remember
Benny's News
Numeracy Enrichment
Today our Year 5/6 Numeracy Enrichment students participated in their final 'Junior Maths Games' contest, facilitated by the Australasian Problem-Solving Mathematical Olympiads (APSMO) organisation. This final paper continues to build and develop students' problem-solving capacity, focusing on the strategies of dividing a complex shape and converting to a more convenient form.
I congratulate all students who have participated in this year's Maths Game contest series. They have applied themselves with diligence and enthusiasm and demonstrate greater confidence and problem-solving skills.
All students will be presented with a Certificate of Achievement at a whole school assembly in Term 4.
Mrs Anne White
Numeracy Enrichment / Classroom Teacher
Out and About at Benny's
Father's Day
Happy Birthday
Merit Awards
Team Kids
🌼 Spring into fun with TeamKids these school holidays!
There’s something for everyone:
→ New experiences and activities every day
→ Qualified and remarkable Educators
→ Healthy and yummy snacks
→ CCS-approved care
Click on the following link to check out St Benedict's Primary's program + secure your spot today – https://downloads.teamkids.com.au/st-benedicts-primary.pdf
Counsellor's Corner
Community News
