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Dear Parents and Carers,
Thank you again for all of your efforts at home to support remote learning. We are so proud of so many of our students who are working hard to complete their tasks and continue their learning, but we also know that this doesn’t happen without a great deal of support from home. So, thank you for working with us in the way you have.
I join with you in expressing my disappointment at yesterday’s announcement. Our staff were really looking forward to having the students back at the beginning of Term 4.
However, whilst disappointed, I fully understand and support the need to keep our community safe, especially our most precious children.
At this stage, the earliest that our students would return to the classroom is November 1. This may change, depending on COVID cases and vaccination rates across the ACT.
Please remember that the school remains accessible for children of essential workers. The health advice is that if possible, students should remain at home. We are proud that we can support the essential workers in our community. I know that parents who need to send their children to school are appreciative of this support.
Teachers will continue to plan and provide the remote learning material. As we move closer to the return date, we will provide more information as to how that will occur at St Benedict’s. As we have seen with the experience in Yass in the last few days things can change very quickly.
Remote learning for our students will begin on Tuesday 5th October, as Monday is a public holiday.
Farewell
Change happens every year. Sometimes change is minor, sometimes it’s large. Sadly at this time we say goodbye and farewell to Mrs Belinda McRae. Belinda has been a member of the St Benedict’s community for the past six years. All the community will miss her friendly and supportive manner and positive nature. Belinda is taking up a position at the Bowning Public School, which is closer to home and means a lot less travel time. We thank Belinda for her contributions to the St Benedict’s story over recent years. We wish her the very best for her new adventure.
I know these holidays will probably be quite different to what we had all hoped for, but I do wish you all a restful term break and pray that this current situation eases quickly so we can all meet back at school as soon as possible.
Stay safe and healthy.
God bless.
Rachel Smith
Principal
NAPLAN
2021 NAPLAN results for Year 3 and Year 5 will be posted this week.
It is important to note that the NAPLAN tests are designed to allow parents/carers and educators to see how students are progressing in literacy and numeracy over time – individually, as part of their school community and against national standards. As far as individual results, the tests are a snapshot of one day of a student’s life and results need to be considered along with additional assessment data to gain a full understanding of where students truly sit in reference to expected outcomes.
If you have any questions regarding your child’s results please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher.
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.
Sacrament of Confirmation
New date for the Sacrament of Confirmation
Weekend of 20th-21st November 2021
More information to follow.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.
United Nations International Day of Peace September 21
Recovering better for an equitable and sustainable world
The United Nations hopes this year's theme will inspire to think creatively and collectively about how we can make our world more inclusive, equitable, sustainable and healthier. The International Day of Peace aims for a 24-hour cease-fire between all warring parties, encouraging cooperation across borders and compassion in the midst of a global pandemic.
Why is it important?
Peace means freedom from disturbance; a time of tranquillity when you’re not disturbed by anyone or anything. Peace involves understanding each other and working together to find solutions to problems.
Any other approach to dealing with difficult issues causes pain and suffering, so International Day of Peace functions to facilitate the conditions where peaceful solutions can come about.
On global and individual scales, peace requires respect and compassion. Why not talk to our children about the importance of respect and acting kindly towards others on this International Day of Peace?
Celebrating International Day of Peace with our children.
Below are some activities that you might like to engage in at home to explore and celebrate ‘peace’. More information about UN International Day of Peace can be found here: https://internationaldayofpeace.org/get-involved/
Make a peace dove mobile:
The dove is a common bird that has very symbolic history. Many religions and cultures celebrate doves as a symbol of peace. The best part is that doves live all over the world. Make origami doves and hang them from a coat hanger to make a mobile. Here is a video showing you how to fold an origami dove: https://video.link/w/Yek9c
Sing a song:
Peace Like a River Song https://video.link/w/zgk9c
Enjoy these children’s books that explore different perspectives of peace:
Whoever you Are Wherever You Are written by Mem Fox https://video.link/w/pul9c
I am Peace written by Susan Verde https://video.link/w/5ul9c
The Peace Book written by Todd Parr https://video.link/w/Pul9c
What Does Peace Feel Like? Written by Vladimir Rudunsky https://video.link/w/1wl9c
Prayer for Peace
God of peace and mercy, Help us to see with your eyes: eyes which notice one another and help us understand. Help us to dream your dream: of communities that reach out with dialogue and where diverse people creatively cooperate. Help us to be people of solidarity and action, so moved by prayer, encounter, and understanding that peace can become a reality. Amen.
—US Conference of Catholic Bishops
Religious Education During Remote Learning
Check out the incredible learning that our students are engaging in Religious Education during Remote Learning.
Kindergarten have been learning about houses in the time of Jesus. They have been looking carefully at images of the ancient homes and who would have lived in those houses in Jesus' time. They have also been thinking carefully about how Jesus would have lived and how he was taught about God by his parents and his extended family.
Livestreamed Online Masses
St Christopher’s Cathedral
12.15 pm Monday to Saturday masses and the 11 am Sunday mass
Link: https:// www.catholicvoice.org.au/mass-online/
St Benedict’s Parish livestreamed online Masses- please visit the parish website and Facebook page.
While our churches are closed, Archbishop Christopher would like to invite all to pray the Rosary via Zoom today at 4 pm.
All you need are your Rosary beads and your intentions.
TIME: Every Wednesday and Friday at 4 pm sharp!
(Archbishop Christopher will lead us today in the Glorious Mysteries)
ZOOM DETAILS: Simply click on the link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85022458332?pwd=MDZ4ODFhNjIvdnpFd21aVDQzWnAydz09
Or enter in the details below after opening the Zoom app
Meeting ID: 850 2245 8332
Passcode: 543675
Social Media focus – Someone is being mean to me online
This week’s focus from the eSafety Commissioner website talks about what to do if someone is being mean to you. A key guideline here is to be kind to everyone and report to your parents/caregivers if someone is being mean to you. There are further guidelines listed below.
As already mentioned in previous newsletters, the eSafety Commissioner Government website is an excellent resource for educators, students and parents in providing advice, guidance and support in dealing with online issues or concerns.
What does Cyberbullying look like?
- hurtful messages, comments or images
- messages, posts or comments that say someone will do something mean
- leaving you out or ignoring you online
- spreading lies about you online
- creating fake online profiles in someone’s name to trick you
- sharing something online that can hurt you or make you feel bad, like a picture you don’t want anyone to see
- threatening to share something online that will hurt you or make you feel bad
- making you feel very sad, very scared or very upset
Remember:
- No one deserves to be hurt online
- Be kind to yourself – it’s not your fault
- Cyberbullying can make you feel very alone and scared, but there is help available
What to do
- Get help from a trusted adult — or call Kids Helpline
- Get help from the police if you are in immediate serious danger.
- Try not to say anything back — it could make things worse.
- Keep evidence — an adult can help you take screenshots or keep a journal in case you need evidence to report it.
- Block or report them — most games and apps have a way to block or report someone. See the eSafety Guide for links.
- Report to eSafety — you can report cyberbullying. The eSafety team can help to remove bullying content and get you help and support.
Please refer to the link below for more information.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/kids/I-want-help-with/someone-is-being-mean-to-me-online
Important dates to note for this term are:
17 Aug Online Learning Commenced
(until further notice)
17 Sep Ways of Being Award Ceremony, 2.30pm
17 Sep Last day of Term 3
Term 4 commences Tuesday 5th October 2021
Yr 5/6 Camp has been moved to Term 4, Wk 4.
All relevant communication/information/notes have been sent via Compass.
Please log into the Compass Portal to view them. Information on how to log in is the School News section of this newsletter.
SCHOOL FEES
Thank you to all the families who have already paid their fees for 2021. Term 3 school fees are now due and fee reminders were sent out yesterday. If you are experiencing any difficulties paying school fees, particularly term 3 fees please contact Ms Rachel Smith or Mrs Belinda McRae at office.stbenedicts@cg.catholic.edu.au
COMPASS
We ask parents to log into the Compass Portal as this is the main way of communicating during this time. Please see the information below on how to log in.
Happy Birthday to the following children who celebrate their special day this week: Georgia W and Sandile N.
The following students celebrate their special day during the holidays: Arwyn S, Jackson K and Mia H.
All Merit Awards have been posted to relevant recipients.
Kinder:
Year 1/2B:
Year 1/2G: Matilda B and Roseleen K
Year 3/4B: Mitchell S and Jayden L
Year 3/4G: Nic B and Benji F
Year 5/6B: Ekamjot K and Nicholas L
Year 5/6G: Rafael VK and Elizabeth K
All Growth Mindset Awards have been posted to relevant recipients.
Year 1/2G: Noah W
Year 3/4B: Laura K
Year 5/6B: George P
Year 5/6G: Nobel S
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.
The Tuckshop is currently closed due to lockdown.
We will notify you when it is back up and running.
St Benedict's Parish
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
Onela Iruthayaraj (Parish Secretary)
LOCKDOWN
For the extent of the lockdowns, the Archbishop invites all to pray the Rosary as a community via Zoom each Wednesday and Friday at 4pm.
Zoom details: Simply click on the link Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn Rosary. Or enter in the details below after opening the:
Zoom app Meeting ID: 850 2245 8332
Passcode: 5436 755 43675
The 12.15pm Monday to Saturday masses and the 11am Sunday mass at St Christopher's Cathedral will continue to be livestreamed as normal at the following link:
https//www.catholicvoice.org.au/mass-online/
Online parish mass link:
https://www.facebook.com/Charismatic-Masses-101083641671136/
