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Dear Parents and Carers,
It’s National Science Week and a key aim of the annual celebration is to increase engagement and interest in Science. I don’t remember learning Science in primary school and nor was it a favourite subject in high school, but now as an adult I appreciate the importance and value the need for Science education in our children. Science has led to the discovery of everything from gravity to medicine. Science is based on curiosity—and when children aim to learn more about the world around them, it is science that often holds the clues they need for a better understanding. Science, directly and indirectly, influences all aspects of everyday life. From the food we eat to the way we get around, science is everywhere. Once you begin to see all the opportunities to learn, the relationship between science and critical-thinking skills become apparent.
Beginning when children are very young, science helps shape their development. As they learn to ask questions, make predictions, observe, test, and then communicate their findings, they are developing critical science skills.
Kids should learn science because:
- Science helps children develop key life skills, including an ability to communicate, remain organised and focused, and even form their own opinions based on observation. Science also helps children develop their senses and overall awareness.
- Children are hands-on learners, and the world around them provides so many natural opportunities. That is why you should never underestimate the power of learning through play. Interacting with their environment will support their intellectual development.
- Children are primed for learning, and what they learn while they’re young can impact their interests later in life. Studies have shown that students begin to develop an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) during the primary years. Having an interest and knowledge in these subject areas provides future career opportunities.
Science can be simple, and it can be fun. Whether you head out into the backyard to observe a colony of ants or watch a storm roll in, these everyday scenarios are learning opportunities parents can take advantage of.
Tips to Help Children Learn Science
- Explore, explore, explore! Science is everywhere, which is why a visit to the park or an afternoon in the garden provide so many opportunities to learn. Always encourage your child to question their surroundings, and then discuss. If there is something you’re unsure of, research and learn the answer together. You don’t need to know all the answers—in fact, as a parent; it is beneficial when YOU ask questions and model curiosity as well.
- Remember, science is cumulative. This means that children will build knowledge from what they already know. Start celebrating science in your home as early as possible, discuss science-based topics daily, and make it fun! Whether that means you head out for a special family constellation night or bake a cake, these are everyday opportunities that allow you to discuss science.
- Invest in a few pieces of equipment if your child is interested in learning more. An inexpensive microscope, for instance, could turn a trip to your local pond into an afternoon of wonder and learning. There are so many fun toys that will also get kids involved, including ant farms, astronomy kits, and kitchen science experiments, so have fun with science!
Happy Science Week!
Thank you for your ongoing care and partnership in your child’s learning.
God bless.
Rachel Smith
Principal
STEAM Grant
Thanks to Ms Ellison our school won the Australian Capital Territory State prize for the 2019 OfficeMax and Winc STEAM Grant program to the value of $5,000. We will use this money to buy a variety of STEAM and robotic equipment.
Qkr
Qkr!™ (pronounced 'quicker') is a mobile payments platform that enables consumers to order and pay for goods & services directly from their smart device. Qkr accepts all major credit and debit cards and consumers can register more than one card. Qkr is already proving a success in many of our Catholic schools. Qkr will enable parents to order and pay for school items (lunches, trips, pictures, uniforms, extra-curricular activities, etc.) for their children directly from their phone or computer. Qkr is now up and running if you would like to install it on your phone or computer.
Year 3/4 Gold Family Mass
This Sunday 18th August Year 3/4 Gold will be leading our celebration at the 9am mass. If your family is intending on attending the mass we would love you to take on a role. If you are coming to the mass could you please let Ms Dwyer know via email; hayley.dwyer@cg.catholic.edu.au
School Fees
The renovation of our front office is nearly complete. The builders has also completed some repair work on some developing cracks in the 5/6 classrooms. This renovation has been paid for by the Building Fund that families contribute to. The Building Fund is currently a voluntary contribution and tax deductible. This fund is managed directly by the CEO to be used to pay for the upkeep of our schools. Under the current arrangement, should St Benedict’s require a plumber to fix leaking toilets or an electrician to fix the heating or have a broken window fixed, we simply contact the CEO and they send the relevant tradesmen. The cost for this is paid by the CEO through the CCSBF money (i.e. the building fund). Some of the funds each year are also used to support schools in small projects that they cannot fully fund at school level (eg. our front office repairs). Should all our families elect not to pay this fund, then the CCSBF will no longer be viable and the CEO will no longer be able to provide these services. Should that occur, each school would have to introduce an additional levy to fund this specialised maintenance, and I fear this would be an expensive exercise for the school and the families and would not be tax deductible. I encourage our families to continue to support this initiative in order to maintain the condition of our school. Thank you for your efforts in this aspect of our partnership.
SZapp
Just a reminder that one of the many ways we communicate at St Benedict’s is through the Schoolzine SZapp messaging system. If you have not already downloaded this app it would be worth considering doing so.
Holy Mary, mother fair,
Filled with love for God,
Pray for us in all our needs.
Pray for us today.
Confirmation Parish Preparation
|
Event |
Date & time |
Venue |
Participants |
|
Confirmation Retreat, afternoon tea, followed by Vigil Mass |
Saturday |
St Benedict’s school library and Church |
Candidates and at least one parent/carer |
|
Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation |
Sunday 22nd September 9am Mass followed by celebration in the Parish Centre |
St Benedict’s Church and Parish Centre |
Candidates and their families and guests |
Year 3/4 Gold Class Parish Mass
Year 3/4 Gold will be joining the parish this Sunday (18th August) to celebrate Mass. We ask that those who have children in Year 3/4 Gold make a special effort to attend the school’s Parish Mass. The parish choir will be at this Mass and warmly welcome anyone to join in singing. If you are planning to attend Mass on Sunday and would like your child (or any family member) to have a formal role such as a reading, bringing forth the offertory or the Gospel procession, please email:
Hayley Dwyer: hayley.dwyer@cg.catholic.edu.au
Mary of the Cross Mackillop Feast Day Mass
Thank you to Year 5/6 for leading our school community in celebrating Mary of the Cross Mackillop Feast Day Mass and hosting morning tea. Our school community enjoyed learning about and reflecting on the selfless and humble work of Mary and her sisters. Thank you also to our school choir for creating a vibrant energy for all to participate in.
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.
15 Aug Feast of the Assumption, Mass, 10.00am
16 Aug Crazy Hair and Sock Day
17 Aug Confirmation Retreat, 3.30pm—7.00pm
18 Aug Y3/4 Gold Family Mass, 9am
19 Aug Book Week begins
21 Aug Book Week Parade 9.30am
21 Aug South Weston Athletics Carnival
30 Aug Fathers’ Day Stall
1 Sep Fathers’ Day
3 Sep Parents & Friends Meeting, 6.30pm
4 Sep Indigenous Literacy day
6 Sep Kindergarten’s Fathers’ Day Mass, 10am
10 Sep School Board Meeting
15 Sep Year 5/6 Family Mass, 9am
17 Sep Catholic Schools’ Week Begins
19 Sep Learning Showcase, 2pm
19 Sep Year 3/4 Mountain View visit
20 Sep Colour Run
22 Sep Sacrament of Confirmation, Mass, 9.00am
25 Sep School Performance, 6pm
26 Sep Mindfulness Day
27 Sep Last day of Term 3
27 Sep 5 Ways of Being Award Ceremony, 2.30pm
The following notes have gone home this week and will be sent home via Schoolzine App:
- South Weston Athletics Track & Field Carnival (selected students only)
- SCNA Netball (selected students only)
- Year 4 Overnight Excursion
- Bookweek Parade
BOOK WEEK
Next week is Book Week and we will be celebrating this wonderful event on Wednesday August 21st.
As this week is a special week dedicated to celebrating books and reading we invite your children to dress up as their favourite book character for the day. Keeping in mind that they will need to wear the costume for the entire day it needs to be comfortable and warm. It also does not need to be elaborate or expensive, there are many simple and inexpensive options that are very effective.
We will begin the day with a parade at 9:30 in the hall. Classes will be called up and each child will be given the opportunity to name the character they have chosen. Children will then participate in a variety of activities based around the short listed books.
Looking forward to a great day of celebration!
Sue Anderson
Qkr!
Please see below how to upload and use Qkr! to help pay fees, excursions, canteen and P&F events.
Happy Birthday to the children who celebrate their special day this week: Layla C and Natalija M.
Kindergarten: Thisagari R, Beau F
Year 1/2B: Nicolas B, Benjamin F
Year 1/2G: Claire L, Frederick H
Year 3/4B: Sophia R, Will C and Joe R
Year 3/4G: Tessa P, Henry P
Year 5/6B : Troy J, Maxima S
Year 5/6G: Jade C, Rose G
Fathers' Day
As Fathers' Day is just around the corner and this can be an exciting time for children. Please have a look in your diary and see if you have anytime available on Friday 30th August to help with setup and helping students select presents for one of their favourite people in their lives. A note will come home shortly with more information.
Make his day and support St Benedict's Primary School!
It's smart, dynamic and fun, just like Dad. The Entertainment Digital Membership is more useful than a tool kit, fits neatly in Dad's smartphone and has great offers for dining, movies, activities and travel - all the things he loves to do with you :)
We are still selling the 2019-2020 Entertainment Book Membership for $60. You will receive hundreds of valuable offers for shopping, dining and accommodation. $12 of every membership sold will go towards our school. A sample copy is available for viewing at the Front Office.
Please make sure you buy a book through St Benedict’s School, and tell your family and friends about it too!
Entertainment Book using the link: https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/23231n Then pickup your book from Belinda at the Front Office.
Purchase now and go in the draw to win the ultimate Father’s Day gift. When you purchase a Membership online during August you will go into the draw to win 2 tickets to the AFL Grand Final, along with accommodation at Melbourne Shortstay Apartments, flights from Jetstar and dinner for 2 at Red Spice Road.
The Clothing Pool will be open each Tuesday and Thursday between 2.50pm to 3.15pm by appointment.
The Lost Property box will be emptied during the term and all named items will be returned to students via their class note bags.
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.
The Lost Property Box is located in the canteen area. Please take some time to go through the box on a weekly basis as the lost property box is overflowing with jumpers and jackets. These are going to be essential items of your child/rens uniform as the days get colder.
PLEASE ENSURE YOUR CHILD/REN'S CLOTHING IS LABELLED WITH THEIR NAME.
Extra Lost Items
There are still a number of expensive personal items and cash that has been handed into the office. If you are missing any jewellery or accessories please call in and see Mrs McRae at the Front Office.
Hello parents and friends,
Just a friendly reminder the canteen days have moved to Mondays and Thursdays.
This week during recess, available are:
gluten and lactose free savoury muffins $1
pumpkin soup $2
nachos $2
cheese and herb pastry twists 10c
pizza slices 50c
delicious muffins of the day $1
fresh fruit $1 ea (Bananas, Apples and Pears)
whole carrots 50c
jelly 50c
jelly and lactose free custard 50c
warm corn cobs 50c
seasonal fruit and custard $1
If your child forgets their morning munch and crunch, please see the front office.
Canteen Winter Menu 2019
Recess – Counter Sales only
Cheese Melts (can be GF and LF) $0.20c per triangle
Pizza Pinwheels $0.70
Nachos (can be LF) $2.00
Muffins of the Day $1.00 ea
Seasonal Stewed Fruit and Custard (LF & GF) $1.00
Corn Cob $0.50
Frozen Yoghurt $2.50
Jelly $0.50
Lunch – Bag Orders
Pasta Bolognese (GF and can be LF) $5.50
Toastie (GF and LF options available) $3.70
Ham, Cheese & Tomato
Tuna & Cheese
Braised Eggs & Turkish Bread (GF & LF options available) $4.50
Fish and Chips with Veggies – an old favourite (LF) $5.00
House made Chicken Noodle Soup (LF & GF) $4.00
St Benedict’s homemade Sausage Rolls (LF) $3.00
Kids Meat Pie $3.40
Sauce Squeeze .20c
Drinks
Juice – 200ml pure fruit juice $2.50
Nippy’s Milk – 200ml whole milk $2.50
Chocolate
Strawberry
Honeycombe
THURSDAY 15th August
9am to 11.30am - Helpers Required - Over counter sales only
11.30am to 2pm - Helpers Required
MONDAY 19th August
9am to 11.30am - Helpers Required - Over counter sales only
11.30am to 2pm - Helpers Required
If you would like to touch base about volunteering please either drop in or contact me on Cara.Cook@cg.catholic.edu.au.
Yours in tongs,
Cara Cook, Canteen Manager
Weekend Mass Times
Saturday 6.00pm
Sunday 9.00am
Youth Mass 6.00pm
Charismatic Mass 6.00pm (last Sunday of the Month)
Baptisms: 11.00am, 2nd and 4th Sundays of the Month
Fr Dan and St Benedicts are running a Men Alive weekend Oct 12-13. A low key weekend to explore what it means to be a Christian man. Contact Fr Dan at Daniel.Benedetti@cg.org.au or check out the website: www.menalive.org.au
Interested in becoming a Catholic or learning more?
Contact Fr Dan at Daniel.Benedetti@cg.org.au for info about the RCIA program for adults.
Welcome/Info night Thurs Sept 5 at 7:30pm in the Collins Wing next to the School Hall.
The Tennis Canberra Spring Coaching Season starts August 26th. In preparation we are invite our St. Benedicts students to play the rest of the current Winter Tennis Season for FREE.
Spring Season: Junior Timetable - Tennis Canberra - Free Trial
- Monday 5pm (Year 2-6) at Old Parliament House Tennis Club
- Tuesday 4pm (Year K-6) & 5pm (Year K-3) at Old Parliament House Tennis Club
- Wednesday 4pm & 5pm (Year K-6) at Barton Tennis Club
- Thursday 4pm (Year K-6) at Old Parliament House Tennis Club
- Friday 4pm (Year 3-6) at Wesley Tennis Club (Adj Telopea School)
- Saturday 9:45am (Year K-2), 10:45am (Year K-6) at Old Parliament House Tennis Club
Students participate for free for the rest of the Winter Season (ending August 25th) if registered for the upcoming Spring Season. Subject to availability. Sign-up for the Spring www.tenniscanberra.com.au/junior-tennis
To book your free session please email play@tenniscanberra.com.au with your child's - Full name, age and which session you wish to attend.
