Filter Content
Dear Parents and Carers,
Every parent wants their child to grow up to be a contented and successful individual who leads a meaningful life. While most of us readily acknowledge that helping the child to cultivate a sense of independence is vital to achieve this goal, the reality is that the parenting journey has its challenges. In our time-strapped society, it can be easier to help children with tasks, or simply tell them what to do and when to do it, rather than involve them in the decision-making process.
However, there are some practical strategies you can use on a daily basis to foster healthy independence in your child over time:
Provide choices
Have you ever watched a child play with a much-loved toy, or make a beeline for their favourite person in the room? A child can have preferences and choose one thing over another from as young as a few months old. You can begin to inculcate the habit of good decision-making by offering your child age-appropriate choices. As a general rule, the younger the child, the fewer the options offered so as not to confuse them. As your child shows maturity, you can widen the range of choices available. Creating frequent opportunities to exercise choice is important; as this gives your child much needed practice in wise decision-making.
Affirm your child
A child needs self-confidence to blossom and become independent – and this stems from being encouraged and affirmed by the trusted adults in their lives. Research has shown that children who are regularly affirmed have a healthier sense of self-worth and experience greater success in overcoming challenging situations. Make it a personal goal to affirm your child daily. You may choose to praise their effort or positive attitude or even acknowledge a blossoming character trait such as diligence or compassion. However you choose to do it, you will give your child a much-needed emotional boost and make them more confident as they venture out as young adults.
Teach everyday skills and provide opportunities to use them
In our society where working parents is a commonality parents need to consider how to strike a balance between a well-run home and giving their children the opportunity to pick up basic skills through doing household chores. Being able to practise and master these everyday skills will help your child become more independent, and should begin from a young age. A toddler can be taught to put away their own toys, while older children can help with laundry, cleaning floors, setting the table at mealtimes and even acquire simple cooking skills.
Practice independent learning
One of the best ways to equip your child for future success, is to help them to be lifelong learners. When it comes to academia, every parent dreads having to repeatedly nag at their children to complete their work. When this happens regularly enough, children can also become dependent on their parents to chase them - and forget about their work until the nagging starts! To break out of this unhealthy cycle, teach your child the skills they need to be independent learners. Start by asking your child to evaluate their current progress, and where they feel they need help. Have a frank discussion on the possible ways they can get help – while tuition can be the answer for some, more regular revision, or even sourcing for online tutorials may be the answer for others. Finally, get your child to set their own goals that are related to effort and mastery of a subject, rather than merely grade-focused. For example, one target may be ‘to practice problem solving at home daily’ rather than ‘to get an A in Mathematics’. Your child takes ownership of their learning, and are more likely to be proactive about it as well – the school holidays are a good time to start.
Indeed, a child does not become independent and self-reliant overnight. This is a gradual process that unfolds over time, as you consistently invest time and effort in equipping them with the skills and knowledge they require to launch into the world as adults.
Thank you for your ongoing care and partnership in your child’s learning.
God bless.
Rachel Smith
Principal
Cross Country
What a fantastic morning we had this morning with the students participating in our annual Cross Country Carnival. It is always so heartening to watch our students challenge themselves to do their best and in doing so be cheered on and supported by their fellow students. What a lovely community spirit is nurtured through our school carnivals. Thank you to those parents and grandparents who attended the morning, in particular those parents who helped the staff with the smooth running of the carnival.
School Park
When using the car park of a morning and after school please be mindful of all the members of the community and proceed with caution. Whilst the dropping off and picking up of your children is your priority, I ask that you are aware of the children and families accessing the school and the car park at that time. Please drive slowly through the carpark and be aware of those around you before leaving your car park.
School Disco
Don’t forget that this Friday night is the St Benedict’s School Disco. The disco will take place from 5pm-8pm and the theme is come as ‘your favourite animated character’. Thank you to the P&F for their organizing of this event, in particular Hannah Norgrove, Bridie Walsh and Sonia Brown. Hope to see many of you there!
Swapping Food
St Benedict’s staff are vigilant but there have been reports of some children swapping their food with others. We have children in the school with food allergies and swapping food with another may have serious consequences. Parents go to a lot of trouble to ensure their children have healthy recesses & lunches. I’m sure you would not be impressed to hear that your child had been swapping their healthy options for less healthy options. Could I ask that you speak to your child/ren and let them know your thoughts on this please?
Building Fund
The Building Fund is a donation or contribution rather than a Fee or Levy which means it is not a compulsory payment. All our internal electrical, plumbing, painting, glass repairs and maintenance work is undertaken through a CE department who receives these contributions. Over the last few years, this parental contribution has enabled this school alone to have drainage, refurbishment of the Year 3 and Year 4 block, electrical repairs, roofing and plumbing problems repaired.
Dealing with an Issue
We encourage you to keep in regular contact with your child’s teacher/s throughout the year and inform them promptly of any concerns or positive moments in your child’s year. Teachers are your main contact for learning, pastoral care, student management, great achievements etc. The class teachers appreciate being informed of all issues well before you consult a specialist teacher or a member of the Leadership Team.
Some things to consider:
-
Teachers main duty of care is for their students, so please do not approach a teacher at morning assembly or straight after school for a formal chat. If you wish to speak to them at length about a matter, please make an appointment;
-
Teachers may take a few days to respond to your email. Their main role is to work with your children, so they often will not see emails until the end of the day or even the following morning if there is a meeting after school;
-
Teachers are always happy to meet with parents. However, appointments will usually be before school or straight after school. Like any specialist appointment, parents may need to rearrange their work schedule to make the appointment.
Uniform
Thank you to the many parents who have ensured their child is wearing the correct uniform. Enrolment at St Benedict’s indicates that each child will abide strictly with our school’s dress code. This code states that each child will wear full and correct uniform to school each day. The only exceptions to this are when the school holds an “out of uniform” day or special dress up day. Parents are asked to strongly support this rule making sure that shoes are of the correct type - BLACK LEATHER school shoes and the school bag has the school’s logo. All aspects of students appearance are gender inclusive i.e. apply to both girls and boys.
-
Student’s hair should be clean and neat; fashionable extremes, including head patterns shaved into head are not permitted. Shoulder length hair or longer must be tied back. Only natural, all-over hair colour is acceptable. The Principal or Assistant Principal will contact parents if other hair styles are of concern.
-
Accessories are to match school colours (maroon, navy blue, yellow and white).
-
No jewellery may be worn other than small, plain (silver or gold, no colour) ear studs, a watch or medical alert identification. Only one stud per ear (i.e. earlobe).
-
Nail polish and make-up in any form are not part of the school uniform.
-
Students out of uniform are required to bring a note from home on the day.
-
If a student is out of uniform, parents may be contacted and requested to give a commitment to resolve the problem.
Sacraments
This weekend many of our Year 3 students will be making the Sacrament 
of First Reconciliation. As a school community we pray that through the Sacrament of First Reconciliation these children discover the peace and the amazing love of God’s forgiveness.
|
Sacrament of First Reconciliation and Vigil Mass |
Saturday 6th April 4.30pm-7.00pm |
St Benedict’s Church |
Candidates and their parents/carers |
Reconciliation Home Program: This weekend when you come to your First Reconciliation bring your Reconciled Heart activity.
Season of Lent
Gospel Reading John 8:1-11
This week’s Gospel begins by reporting that Jesus is again teaching the crowds in the vicinity of the Temple. The scribes and the Pharisees approach Jesus, bringing a woman who has been caught in the act of adultery. They put to Jesus the question of what ought to be done in this case.
The Pharisees state clearly that according to the Law of Moses, those caught in the act of adultery were to be stoned to death. Under Roman occupation, however, the Jewish people did not have the authority to execute people. To answer the Pharisees' question, Jesus must propose an action that will be either contrary to the Law of Moses or contrary to Roman law. Jesus avoids the trap, however, by offering an answer that was not anticipated by those who posed the question. Jesus, after writing on the ground with his finger, addresses those who stand before him and suggests that the one without sin cast the first stone.
Jesus' response to those who accuse the woman is more than a caution to us about making judgment of others. It is a profound lesson in divine mercy and forgiveness. As sinners, we are all unworthy to judge the sins of others and we would stand convicted by God for our transgressions.
www.LoyolaPress.com
Father in heaven,
Your love calls us to life.
Change our anger to kindness and teach us self-control.
Amen.
Did you know?
We communicate in many ways without words. In our relationship with God, we use signs to express the mystery of God’s loving presence. Some community rituals in our Church are particularly sacred and mark the stages of a person’s life as a member of the Church. We call these sacraments signs or symbols that ‘make present’ the reality of God’s love.
School Mass: Year 3/4 Blue
This Friday (5th April) Year 3/4 Blue we will be leading our school in celebrating Mass (10:00am). Families are warmly invited to join us for this liturgical celebration. Morning tea will be provided by the families of students in Year 3/4 Blue. Parents are invited to stay after Mass for morning tea and a chat with Staff in the Library. Parents of the hosting class are welcome to bring their child along to the morning tea.
Chocolate this Easter
Are you buying ethically made chocolate?
It is easy to get swept away in all the delicious varieties of chocolate eggs at Easter time. But there is a darker side to chocolate involving human trafficking and child labour. To learn more about this social justice issue and to see where you can buy chocolate that uses 100% certified slave-free cocoabeans please visit http://stopthetraffik.com.au/chocolate
This website also includes a fascinating report called ‘A Matter of Taste’ which examines what the six biggest chocolate companies are doing to prevent human trafficking and child labour in the cocoa farms of West Africa.
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.
Natalie Wright
Religious Education Coordinator
- 4th Apr Learning Showcase 2pm-4pm
- 4th Apr South Western Region Swimming Carnival
5th Apr Year 3/4 Blue School Mass, 10.00am- 5th Apr Year 5/6 Excursion
- 6th Apr First Reconciliation and Mass, 4.30pm
- 7th Apr Catholic Schools Soccer Carnival
- 9th Apr School Board Meeting, 6.00pm
- 10th Apr Year 5 and 6 Holy Week Liturgy, 10.00am
- 12th Apr Outdoor Education day
- 12th Apr 5 Ways of Being Award Assembly
- 12th Apr Term 1 concludes
Year 1/2 Excursion to National Museum
Year 1/2 have been exploring the past and present, including objects from the past and present and how differently people lived.
On Tuesday we went to the Nationlal Museum and learnt about things that people used in the olden days. We got to touch, play and guess what the olden day items were and how they may have been used.
We got to play in the outdoor area. It was fun! I loved playing with the olden day toys best.
Mia F - 1/2 Gold
Kindergarten - Mackenzie C, Smason M, Pragna L, Eva S, Matilda
1/2 Gold - Zayn S, Huxley N
1/2 Blue - Antoni T, Nathan W, Benjamin S, Nicolas B, Simone M
5/6 Blue - Himiona T, Finn L
5/6 Gold - Adam O, Claudia K
Happy Birthday to the children who celebrate their special day this week: Ria C, Matlida W and Mia N
The following notes have gone home this week and will be sent home via Skoolbag App
- 3/4 Blue Mass
The Clothing Pool will be open each Tuesday and Thursdays between 2.50pm to 3.15pm by appointment.
Please let Mrs McRae know at the Front Office if you need something 
from the Clothing Pool.
The lost property box is located in the canteen area. PLEASE ENSURE YOUR CHILD/RENS CLOTHING IS LABELLED WITH THEIR NAME The lost property box will be emptied throughout the term.
Hello everyone,
A reminder that the Canteen days for 2019 have changed to Tuesdays and Fridays.
Please talk with your child/children that counter sales only occur at Recess time and lunch orders must be ordered in classroom tubs first up of a morning.
As most of the food is made fresh in the canteen volunteers are needed for the peak times for this to continue. If you have any spare time, please consider dropping in and helping as volunteers are always welcome. No amount of time is too small.
FRIDAY, 5th April 9.00am – 11.30am
HELPERS REQUIRED
11.30am – 2.00pm
HELPERS REQUIRED
TUESDAY, 9th April 9.00am – 11.30am
HELPERS REQUIRED
11.30am – 2.00pm
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
Parish News
Parish Office Hours: Tuesday to Thursday 9.00am to 3.00pm
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
The Active Streets for Schools program is an infrastructure program – supported by educational resources – to make it safer and easier for children to walk or ride to school. Our school will be supported by the program over the next four years.
Active Streets helps to make school environments safer and more accessible by providing a range of tailored solutions depending on the school and local environment. Improvements may include new or improved footpath connections, more dedicated crossings or traffic calming (e.g. speed humps) to ensure the trip is safe and easy for children to navigate.
To commence the program, Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) would like to discover how children currently travel to and from school and find out where you think improvements can be made around the suburb and the school.
TCCS have set up a survey to gather this information. All the information collected will be de-identified and confidential. The final survey question asks about the type of infrastructure improvements our community would like considered through the program. To complete this question you can either:
- Provide an explanation in the text field in the survey, or
- Drop a pin on our Ride or Walk to School map and provide a comment
To drop a pin on the map, you will need to be signed in to a Google account, which is as simple as signing up if you don’t already have one. More information about setting up an account and dropping a pin on the map is available in these instructions.
TCCS will also welcome feedback about our Ride or Walk to School map, so please use the drop pin feature to comment on the highlighted routes. Alternatively you can print our map, write on the map and return it to TCCS.
Thanks in advance for taking the time to complete the survey. Your response will help to influence how the program is delivered to suit our school community.
