Week 6, Term 3 2025

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Australian Catholic Education Conference

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Australian Catholic Education Conference in Queensland. It was a very valuable opportunity to hear from leading voices in Catholic education, reflect on the challenges we face, and consider how we can continue to strengthen the life of our schools.

Some of the highlights of the conference for me were:

* Signs of Hope for Catholic Education - This discussion, chaired by Prof. Susan Pascoe, explored the challenges of Catholic education in today’s world. The panellists spoke with conviction and hope, emphasising that the Gospel provides us with the means to support our students in their search for authenticity and purpose. Prof. Renée Kohler-Ryan reminded us of our core mission: “We are educating for eternity”—a theme later echoed by Archbishop Anthony Fisher.
Local Aboriginal Elder Henrietta Marrie also challenged Catholic schools to be a voice for the dispossessed and to educate for justice.

* Pursuing Collective Progress for Sustainable Impact – Simon Breakspear
This keynote resonated deeply, particularly in relation to the role of AI in education. He explained that the real risk of AI lies not just in cheating, but in “cognitive offloading”—the danger that students (and teachers) may stop thinking for themselves. Our schools must remain sanctuaries of human learning. He also discussed the importance of our schools being havens of belonging (places of genuine human connection) as well  anchors of authenticity (where students can be their true selves rather than feel pressure to present “synthetic” versions of themselves).

* Formation of the Heart - David Graham (Principal)
This session provided a framework for developing a sequential plan for staff faith formation. Such a framework would greatly assist our school to continue  deepening staff understanding of the Catholic faith and mission, and strengthening the religious life of our community.

* Enhancing Family Engagement and Driving Student Success - Dr Steve Constantino
The importance of family engagement and how school culture directly impacts it was explored. It challenged us to reflect on our own culture, biases, and parental perceptions. The session was both thought-provoking and practical, offering valuable insights into building stronger, more authentic partnerships with families.

Dr Constantino reminded us that we all view situations through our own lens, which can sometimes lead to inaccurate or harmful judgements. The session provided strategies and resources to help schools develop cultural proficiency.

* Conference Mass - With over 1,000 students in full voice, supported by staff musicians from Cairns Catholic schools, the mass was a truly collective and joyful spiritual celebration.

Father’s Day Events

Next Friday we will celebrate all of our fathers and father figures who play such a special and important role in our lives. The day will commence with ‘Donuts with Dad’ from 8:00 – 9:00am in the school hall. This will be followed with a whole school mass at 10am, at which all of our families are welcome. Over the day, students will also attend the Father’s Day Stall where they will have the opportunity to purchase a small gift for their father or father figure. Students are asked to bring along $5 to purchase this gift.

Sacrament of Confirmation
This Saturday at 5:00pm, a number of our students will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. Confirmation is a sacred sacrament in the Catholic Church that marks a deepening of faith and commitment to Christian life. Through Confirmation, Catholics receive the Holy Spirit in a special way, empowering us to live lives of faith, service, and witness.

Confirmation reminds us of the gift of the Holy Spirit first given in Baptism and affirms our commitment to be living witnesses of Jesus Christ.

We thank Mrs Mitchell for her guidance and support in preparing our students, and we keep all our Confirmation candidates in our prayers.

Book Week Celebrations – ‘Book and Adventure’
Last week we celebrated Book Week with the theme “Book an Adventure.” The highlight was our much-loved dress up parade, where students and staff came dressed as their favourite book characters. Everyone also enjoyed special book activities with Mrs Currey, sparking creativity and a deeper love of reading.

It was a wonderful celebration of stories, imagination, and literature – and so much fun was had by all!

South Weston Athletics Carnival
A large group of our students had a wonderful time representing the school at the South Weston Athletics Carnival. It was fantastic to hear of their enthusiasm, effort, and school spirit. A big thank you to Mrs Webb for her organisation and support of our students on the day.

Yours in partnership,

Alana Quirk

Principal's Reminders

Carpark Reminders 

For the safety of our students and families, please remember the following when using the school carpark:

• Drive slowly – speed limit is walking pace at all times.
• Park in marked bays only – do not stop in the middle of the carpark or at the front of the school. Cars parked outside of designated carpark spaces inhibit the flow of traffic and can make areas unsafe for children.
• Be alert for children – students may be walking between cars; always check mirrors and blind spots.
• Come inside the school to pick up your child/ren – If picking your child up during the day, please come into the front office area to sign your child/ren out and collect them. If picking up your child/ren from the back carpark in the afternoon, please get out of your car and come in through the gates. Children will not be allowed to walk into the carpark on their own. To ensure children are safe, parents/carers must walk them to the car.

Thank you for your cooperation and care in keeping our carpark safe and respectful for all.

Student Enrolments for 2026
If your child will not be returning to St Benedict’s Primary School in 2026 (other than our current Year 6 students), please notify the Front Office as soon as possible. This information assists us with planning for class structures and staffing for the new school year.

From the Assistant Principal

Story Dogs

At St Benedict's we are lucky to be involved in the Story Dogs program.  Story Dogs is a fun and unique reading support program that improves children’s reading and communication skills by children reading to an accredited companion dog and its handler. Each Monday, we are visited by Louise and her dog Dylan, who come to read with various students.

Next week, we will be holding a small fundraising activity for Story Dogs. At recess each day, students will be able to participate in a 'Guess the number of Chocolates' and 'Guess the number of Lollies' competition. Students may have one guess for $1, or three guesses for $2. 

Winners will be announced on Monday 8th September, when Louise and Dylan come to school after lunch. The winners will take home the jar of chocolates or lollies which they correctly guessed. If more than one student correctly guesses, then the prize will be shared.

Australian Girls Choir

Today your daughter may bring home an information flyer to participate in a workshop at school with the Australian Girls Choir. Our workshop is confirmed for Monday 15 September during lunch time. 

The workshop is only run with students who have registered online through the website via the QR code on the flyer, or URL: https://ausgirlschoir.com.au/schoolworkshop/ 

All participants will receive a personalised letter posted to their home address following their assessment. If your daughter is interested, make sure to register ahead of time.

Spotlight on Religious Education

Blessings for Our Confirmation Candidates

This Saturday, seven of our wonderful students and Miss Doyle will take a significant step in their faith journey as they receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. We are so proud to celebrate and support:

Madisson Doyle, Eli A, Summer R, Eva S, Emma D, Matilda B, Isabella M and Jack K.

These young people have been preparing with great care, reflecting at home with their families and completing a special saint study, which they will be sharing with classes across the school. Their dedication, curiosity, and openness to the Holy Spirit have been inspiring to witness.

Confirmation is such a sacred and joyful milestone. It marks the deepening of their relationship with God and their full initiation into the life of the Church. We are truly blessed to walk alongside them on this journey of faith.

Let us keep them and their families in our prayers as they approach this special day.

A Prayer for Our Candidates and Their Families

Loving God,

We thank You for the gift of these young people preparing for Confirmation. Fill them with the joy of Your Spirit, the strength of Your love, and the courage to live their faith boldly.

Bless their families, who have nurtured them in faith and continue to walk beside them with love and guidance.

May this celebration be a time of grace, unity, and deep peace for all.

Amen.

Dates to Remember

Benny's News

Out and About at Benny's

Book Week

National Science Week

Happy Birthday

Merit Awards

Counsellor's Corner

Community News

50th Reunion - Class of 1975. Tickets are now available for the reunion of students from Catholic Girls High School Braddon and Daramalan College, who finished Year 12 in 1975 (including those from that group who finished before Year 12): https://events.humanitix.com/daramalan-college-class-of-1975-reunion

The main ticketed event is on Saturday evening, 18th October, with several activities planned over the weekend. For further information, please use one of the event channels:

Facebook: Daramalan College Alumni group; Merici College Alumni group; or Dara - Braddon 1975 group

email: CGHS.Dara1975@gmail.com

Ticket sales close on 6 October.