Dear Parents and Carers,

If 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:

1. 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.

2. It makes them better at it.

Practice makes perfect, right? The best way to get better at reading is just to do it!

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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 ‘Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds’. Keep an eye on the newsletter for some updates about Book Week which commences Monday 23^rd August.

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

God bless.

Rachel Smith

Principal

Bunnings BBQ

The P&F have been very lucky to secure an upcoming BBQ at Bunnings at Majura Park on Saturday 7^th August. These BBQs are a great fundraiser for the school and well sought after by community groups. We ask that when the volunteer sign-up sheet comes home you consider helping out for a timeslot or two. Many hands make light work!

Grandparents and Grand Friends’ Day – Save the Date

We are very excited to once again be celebrating Grandparents and Grand Friend’s day at school on Friday 6^th August in honour of all Grandparent figures in our lives. The day will begin with mass in the Church at 10am and morning tea will follow in the school hall after. Grandparents and Grand Friends will need to RSVP https://www.trybooking.com/BTFES

Hats On!

I remind parents and students all students will be required to wear hats again at school during Recess and Lunch time from the 1^st August.

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.

Leaving St Benedict’s

If you anticipate that your child will leave St Benedict’s at the end of this year, could you please notify the Front Office. We need to begin planning for staffing and class configurations for 2022. Thank you to those who have let us know already, this is very much appreciated. Naturally Year 6 parents need not respond to this request.

Confirmation Parish Preparation

As a community we pray for the students who will begin their Confirmation preparation this evening.

Confirmation Blessings

May God’s wisdom guide you,

God's strength uphold you,

God's care protect you,

God's love enfold you.

Grandparents and Grand Friends Day Mass
On Friday 6th August Kindergarten will lead our school community in celebrating our Grandparent and Grand Friend Day Mass. Mass is held in the St Benedict’s Church from 10:00am. Families are warmly invited to join us for this liturgical celebration.  Parents and guests are invited to stay after Mass for morning tea in the school hall. As part of the Mass, we would like to display photos of students with their grandparents/grand friends. All are welcome to submit photos. Please email these by 30th July to Mrs Fran Tomadini

fran.tomadini@cg.catholic.edu.au

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 container with the 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.

Volunteers Needed
On the last day of Term 3 we will be hosting our school Global School Partnership Day. On this day we celebrate our friendship with our Global School partnership school Gesore Preparatory, in Kenya, by learning about their school, culture and traditions. We are seeking volunteers who are either of African descent or who have

worked/lived in Africa. If you are not able to volunteer your time, please still get in contact as we would still appreciate your input. Email natalie.zarb@cg.catholic.edu.au

Important dates to note for this term are:

28 July     Confirmation Prayer Night
29 July     Yr5/6 Merici Visit for Matilda
30 July     Whole School Assembly, 2.30pm
31 July     National Schools Tree Day
4 Aug       Footsteps Dance Workshop
6 Aug       Grandparents' Day & Mass, 10am
8 Aug       Feast of St Mary MacKillop
11 Aug       Footsteps Dance Workshop
10 Aug     School Board Meeting, 6pm
13 Aug     Whole School Assembly, 2.30pm
15 Aug     Feast of the Assumption
16 Aug     Feast of the Assumption Mass, 10am
16 Aug     Science Week begins
20 Aug     Science Week Activities
24 Aug     Parents & Friends Meeting, 6.30pm
27 Aug     Whole School Assembly, 2.30pm
1 Sep       Indigenous Literacy Day
3 Sep       Fathers' Day Mass, 10am
5 Sep       Fathers' Day
9 Sep       Learning Showcase, 2pm to 4pm
9 Sep       Kinder Health Screeening
10 Sep     Whole School Assembly, 2.30pm
11 Sep     Sacrament of Confirmation, 3pm
14 Sep     School Board Meeting, 6pm
15 Sep     Yr5/6 School Camp
16 Sep     Yr5/6 School Camp
17 Sep     Yr5/6 School Camp
17 Sep     Ways of Being Award Ceremony, 2.30pm
17 Sep     Last day of Term 3

The following notes have gone home this week and also via Compass Parent Portal.

Boorowa Interest note

Parent note Confirmation Prayer Evening

Grandparents Day invitation

A Lens on Learning
Students have continued working very hard on their learning and we have had a few exciting things happen over the last week.

Louise Dobson – Olympian Guest Speaker
We were fortunate to have a visit from Louise Dobson, who represented Australia at the Olympic Games in both Atlanta and Athens. The students were very excited to hear about Louise’s experiences in hockey and her drive and passion to achieve her dreams. She spoke to the students about setting goals, persisting, ‘giving it your all’ and seeking support from those mentors around them. She also spoke of her Olympic gold at Atlanta in 1996 and her Commonwealth Games bronze medal in Manchester in 2002. She was a very inspirational speaker who delivered an important message relevant to all.

Badminton Sporting Clinics
On Monday the students were very excited to participate in the first of four Badminton clinics. The sport of Badminton was a first for most of our students and so it was great to see them challenging themselves when trying something new. There were many giggles and shuttlecocks flying in all directions. We are looking forward to seeing the children’s skills in and knowledge of Badminton develop over the coming weeks.

Year 3/4 Gold Poetry Writing
Year 3/4 have been investigating different forms of poetry. Earlier in the week they were reading and writing a variety of limericks.

Once there was a really weird guy,

Who flew in the dark night sky.

He was ever so rude,

and got turned to food.

That really strange guy became pie.

Jack

I once found a very ugly cat,

Who was sitting on a cozy mat.

She fell on a dart,

Then broke someone’s heart.

That silly old cat on a big mat.

Summah

There once was a wise and old owl,

Who lived with a very big scowl.

He would not stop scowling,

And was always howling.

People called him the old owl.

Vivienne

Gold Medal Winners
Last Saturday Jayden and Keisha participated in an inter-organisation Taekwondo competition organised by Lee’s and KMAA Taekwondo in Canberra.
They both participated in what’s called Pomsea (performing Taekwondo patterns).
They were both secured gold medals in their respective categories. We are very proud of their accomplishment!  Well done Jayden and Keisha.

Happy Birthday to the following children who celebrate their special day this week: Zayn S, Emma D, Ilina D, Catelin S,   Andrew K and Alessandra B.

Bunnings BBQ
Dear Parents & Friends

The lost property box has already got a large number of items in it.  With the cold weather here please ensure your child / children bring their items home each day.  

Please remember, if you require uniform items please email the school office.stbenedicts@cg.catholic.edu.au or contact Mrs McRae with the list of items.  We will endeavour to fill your order and reply to you as soon as possilble.

Tuck Day Tuesday and Thursdays are back.
The new menu is now up on Qkr! ready for your Tuesday and Thursdays orders.  All orders for recess and lunch must be placed before 9.10am on the day it is required. The Qkr! app also gives you the ability to order in advance for a particular Tuesday and/or Thursday.

Apple slinkys are available if you bring your own apple on Tuesday and Thursday morning.

Recess Menu

Lunch Menu

Office Hours: Tuesday to Friday 9am to 12noon
Phone: 62957879
Email: narrabundah@cg.org.au
Web:  website: http://cg.org.au/narrabundah/Home.aspx

Parish Team:
Fr Rembert Fernando MGL
Fr Baiju Thomas MGL
Cathy Schneider (Parish Secretary)

Mass Times:
Saturday Vigil - 6pm
Sunday - 9am
            - 6pm Charismatic Mass
Youth Mass every 4th Sunday (6pm)

Baptisms: 11.00am, 2nd and 4th Sundays of the Month.