Dear Parents and Carers,

Our full return to school life has continued to progress relatively smoothly. The students have settled back in remarkably well and teachers are loving having them back. While the routine is not completely normal with no assemblies or large gatherings, everyone is doing well.

Thank you again for your patience and understanding.

Changes to End of Semester Reports
The time of remote learning brought an opportunity to learn many new technological and independent learning skills we are all looking forward to continuing to develop. It also brought some challenges, including in the area of reporting on student achievement for Semester 1.

Some of the implications include that:

• not every student had the same opportunity and resources to fully engage in the remote learning programme equally, hence it is difficult to use many of the tasks from the program for assessment;
• not all of the intended curriculum for the end of Term 1 and beginning of Term 2 could be quickly translated into an online environment, hence the curriculum plan that was initially intended for the Semester needed to be changed and so not all curriculum areas will be covered enough to assess;

So Catholic Education have changed their systemic approach for reporting on student progress this Semester. To reflect the learning that has taken place this Semester you can expect the following.

1. The Semester report will still look the same as previous years (this is a system decision and not a school based one). Each curriculum area will be on the report as per usual.
2. English, Mathematics and RE will all be reported on. Reporting on the remaining curriculum areas will be based on the curriculum covered in the conceptual inquiry units taught during face-to-face teaching weeks. This will impact on Health, Science, History, Geography, Physical Education, etc. Teachers will only assess in these areas when sufficient content has been taught to assess students' understandings and skills.
3. There will be no large general comment. This will mean that teachers will not have to provide drafts of their reports to the Executive Team as early as usual and can spend more time face-to-face teaching and then assessing.
4. All students who have Personal Plans will receive an additional Personal Plan report to comment about their achievement against their Personal Plan goals (did you know we have 34 students on Personal Plans in our school? We have an amazing team that supports their learning).

These reports will be sent home Friday of week 9 of school this term. Optional Parent Teacher interviews will be available to parents in week 10.

Thank you for always working together to achieve as much as we do.

Sabbath Week
Next week is Sabbath Week. It is typically Week 7 each term and is a week to pause, rest and be present to each day. The Sabbath is a traditionally Jewish custom where one day in seven was devoted to rest and worship. Many other cultures have similar cultural observances.

At St Benedict’s the Sabbath Week is specifically timed when energy levels begin to dip during the term giving us a small pause before completing the final weeks of the term. We do not send homework during that week so as to provide families with a little respite from very busy home routines. We always encourage reading as a pleasurable activity so we provide readers for our younger students, not referring to this as homework.

I hope all families enjoy a restful long weekend.

God bless.

 
Rachel Smith
Principal

Late Arrivals
We ask that all students arriving at school after 9am be signed in at the Front Office by a parent or appropriate caregiver. Thank you for your support with this.

Water Bottles
Due to COVID 19 the school water bubblers are currently closed. Please ensure your child brings with them a water bottle each day with their name clearly marked on it.

Hats Off – June and July
In June and July, hats go away! In Canberra we have already started to witness daily UV levels decrease to what is considered “low” levels (under 3), during the morning and afternoon periods.

Cancer Council ACT does not generally recommend sun protection behaviour (i.e. hat wearing and sunscreen application) when UV levels are under 3 due to the low risk of potential UV skin damage. In Canberra UV levels drop and remain under 3, all day around the June and July period and the students are encouraged to leave their hats at home during this time. They may wear a navy beanie for warmth.

Fees
Term 2 fees invoices were sent home in week 4. If you will have difficulty in paying your fees this term please contact myself or Belinda McRae as a matter of urgency.

School Uniform
There have been many children arriving at school in the incorrect footwear lately. Just a reminder that students are to wear black school shoes with their winter uniform and not sports shoes. Thank you for your support with this.

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 where they are heading to. We need to begin planning for staffing and class configurations for 2020. Naturally Year 6 parents need not respond to this request.

COVID-19 UPDATE
Be assured the safety and care of students, staff and parents, along with our responsibility to the community, remains our highest priority. We will continue to adhere to government advice in the safe management of this pandemic while also taking into consideration local conditions. We are so grateful for the magnificent support parents have provided teachers during the online learning journey.

In the case where your child is displaying flu-like symptoms, it is advised that your child and any siblings at St Benedict’s, remain at home until the student seeks medical clearance. Once the student has been cleared and if necessary, tested and cleared of COVID, they can return to school. Until then, the student and siblings are not to return to school.

SAVVY SCHOOLWEAR
A disruption with deliveries out of China, has meant that Savvy are unable to supply some of our uniform items. Whilst not totally out of stock, they are certainly missing some sizes in both these garments. The latest advice now, is that the goods have been shipped and are due in their store late this month.

Pentecost
The Season of Easter concludes with today’s celebration, the Feast of Pentecost, which is sometimes referred to as the birthday of the Church. On Pentecost we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem; this event marks the beginning of the Church. The story of Pentecost is found in the Acts of the Apostles.

Pentecost brings forth the strong message of reconciliation, the call to open our hearts to be able to act, receive and celebrate forgiveness. The Gospel for Pentecost reminds us that the Church begins with the command to forgive. Within the family, the domestic Church, we learn how to forgive and how to accept forgiveness. The gift of the Holy Spirit enables us to do both.

As you gather together as a family, sit quietly for a few minutes, inviting everyone to reflect upon their need to forgive and to receive forgiveness. Pray together this prayer and offer one another a Sign of Peace.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.

Lord,
by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit
help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

(Prayer to the Holy Spirit from A Book of Prayers)

St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol
During this challenging time our friends at St Vincent de Paul are trying their best to continue to provide services to the vulnerable in our community. However due to COVID-19 they have experienced a significant decline in vital winter clothing donations. St Vincent de Paul are still accepting donations and are following quarantine procedures to ensure that these items are safe for distribution. We understand that we had planned our annual St Benedict’s Winter Woollies Day for Term 3, but considering there is a current urgent need for donations we are encouraging all of our St Benedict’s families to do a clean out of their wardrobes to donate unwanted winter clothing. Of course donations of new clothing items are also welcomed. The Night Patrol Van is specifically seeking the following items in adult sizes:

• Jackets
• Gloves
• Sleeping bags
• Blankets
• Beanies
• Socks
• Scarves

These items should be donated directly to St Vincent de Paul Warehouse (32 Buckland St, Mitchell ACT) and on depositing these items you should let the volunteers know that you would like your donations to go specifically to the Night Patrol. Alternatively, you can make a financial donation online https://donate.vinnies.org.au/donation-hub

Thank you for your continued support.

Community Meals Program: HELP NEEDED!
The Community Meals freezer is one way we can assist families who are experiencing hardship. Unfortunately we are currently unable to accept donations of homemade meals, but we are seeking donations of store bought frozen meals and vegetables, and non-perishable can items. All frozen and non-perishable 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.

Thank so much to those who have made donations to this service. Your support is greatly appreciated!

A few important dates to note for this term are:

8 June      Queen's Birthday -  Public Holiday
9 June      School Board Meeting 6.00pm 
9 June      Combined School Board and P&F Meeting 6.30pm (All     welcome)
26  June   Semester  1 Reports  sent  home
29 June    Optional Parent Teacher Interviews
30 June    Optional Parent Teacher Interviews
2  July      End of  Term  2
20  July    Commencement  of Term  3

All Friday afternoon and morning assemblies will be cancelled until further notice. 

Please remember to check the Schoolzine App (SZapp) for all the latest school information.  You are able to register via either:

Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pidigi.schoolzine&hl=en_AU

Happy birthday to the children who celebrate their special day this week:  Niora P, Frederick H, Edith B, Sarah D, Ruby S, Fionn L, Gabriella S and Arabella S.

Kinder:        Nathan R and Audrey S

Year 1/2B:  Charlie W, Harrison M and Jack O

Year 1/2G:   Sebastian M, Jayden L and Laura K 

Year 3/4B:   Mia T

Year 3/4G:   Taliyah M

Year 5/6B:   Joanna M, Sethmi L, Mila M and Uma J

Year 5/6G:   James N, Emily S, Lilly E and Arthur S

Year 1/2B:  Samson M

Year 1/2G:   Nathaniel G 

Year 3/4B:   Kate S

Year 3/4G:   Leilah G

Year 5/6B:  Hubert K, Jade C and Brigid N

Year 5/6G:  Claudia K

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our normal school clothing pool processes are not in place. If you need uniform, please email the school office.stbenedicts@cg.catholic.edu.au or contact Mrs McRae with a list of items required.  We will endeavour to fill your order and reply to you as soon as possible.

Due to current circumstances all clothes in lost property will be emptied and clothing will be washed and returned to the clothing pool, all other items will be cleaned and donated to St Vincent de Paul.

PLEASE ENSURE YOUR CHILD/REN'S CLOTHING IS LABELLED WITH THEIR NAME.

Please check your child/ren are bring their uniform home.  If they have accidently picked up someone elses,  please return it to the front office so it can be returned to the correct child.

St Benedict's Parish
Office Hours: Tuesday to Friday 9am to 12noon
Phone: 62957879
Email: narrabundah@cg.org.au
Web:   www.cg.org.au/narrabundah

Parish Team:
Fr Dan Benedetti MGL
Fr Rembert Fernando MGL
Fr Baiju Thomas MGL
Monica Nulley-Valdes (Parish Secretary)

Dear St Benedict’s community,

St Benedict’s Live Stream Masses

Facebook Page: “St Benedict’s Church and Mission Centre Canberra”

St Benedict's Church is open for masses at usual times with a limit of 20 people for weekday masses.
Sunday mass continues to be streamed at 10am.  If you wish to attend, please contact Father Dan or the Parish.

Daily Mass from the Archdiocese is available online at https://www.catholicvoice.org.au/mass-online/ .

If you would like to have email updates from St Benedict’s Parish, please contact narrabundah@cg.org.au . Be assured of our prayers for the whole St Benedict’s community at this time. Please keep safe and if anyone would like to contact Father Dan, he is available through the Parish or through the school.

St Benedict, pray for us.

God Bless

Fr Dan Benedetti MGL PP
Parish Priest
St Benedict's Catholic Community Narrabundah ACT

All bus and light rail services, including special needs transport, are operating as normal.

Hello, Thank you for taking the time to read this. We hope you and your family are keeping well. On Thursday 4th and 18th of June, Marymead will be hosting virtual trivia nights and we would love for you to join us. These nights are designed both to help us re-coup funds lost by the cancellation or postponement of face-to-face events and to contribute to our current Tax Appeal, raising monies to replace our existing Kids' Companions bus. Play one night or two for just $15 each (plus small booking fee) and enjoy 3 rounds of Trivia. Winning team also walks away with a prize.  Players can be an individual team, play as a household or request (at the event) to join others. Upon ticket purchase, a link will be shared with individuals for your access to event. We promise we have made this a very simple process to ensure as many people can play.  BOOK NOW 4th June  18th June Our Kids' Companions support group provides critical inclusion support for children and young people isolated due to disability or mental illness. This support is done via social activities within our community. Our bus, lovingly named Big Ben, which currently transports individuals to and from these activities is now at the end of its days and needs replacement. In February this year, Australia saw its worst bush fires in history with Marymead communities also impacted. Thanks to supporters of Marymead, we were still able to raise $17k at our Rolfe Property Services Charity Race Day towards the bus. We are now asking our supporters during another critical time of the COVID19 pandemic to come together to achieve $13k across our Tax Appeal, to raise the money we need (along with trade-in value) to buy our new bus. We are today just over $6,000 away from our end goal. Thank you to those who have already supported our Tax Appeal. Read more or contribute directly to our Tax Appeal here. We hope you can join us. Thank you! Kind regards, Jaclyn Callaghan Communications & Fundraising Unit Manager

Just advising that the opening hours for Savvy Tuggeranong have changed to the following. The below changes to opening times will be taking effect on  8th June 2020.

Uniform will continue to be available online via https://www.savvyschoolwear.com.au/schoolwear/school and is the preferred method of purchase.

We are still encouraging families to purchase online but would also like to encourage families to call ahead to ensure the store is open and availability of uniform.

Savvy Tuggeranong current opening hours 

Monday Closed -  Public Holiday
Tuesday 10am to 4.30pm
Wednesday 9am to 4.30pm
Thursday Closed
Friday 9am to 4.30pm
Saturday 9am to 3pm
Sunday 10.30am to 2.30pm

Thanking you and stay safe,

Justin Newcombe
ACT/NSW Account Manager
P: 0499 056 234
E: justinnewcombe@lowessavvy.com.au
Shop 37 Homeworld, Soward Way, Tuggeranong ACT 2900

UNIFORM UPDATE
I am contacting you to give you an update on some out of stock uniform items for St Benedict's Primary School, mainly our Track Jackets and Track Pants. Whilst we are not totally out of stock, we are certainly missing some sizes in both these garments.

We would usually have these items in stock by now, however with recent interruptions to production out of China, our deliveries have fallen behind. To add to this situation, we now have more challenges with securing freight. Our supplier had told us that our orders would be received by the end of April (we usually have this stock at the beginning of March). Obviously this has not happened, and the latest advice now, is that the goods have been shipped and are due in our stores late June.

We fully understand the disappointment and frustration from parents and schools regarding not having stock available. Changes to planned full return of students has also added to our dilemma with a huge increase in demand. Please be assured that we are trying our best to manage this difficult situation. We will certainly keep you updated on any changes.

Justin Newcombe
ACT/NSW Account Manager