Dear Parents and Carers,

Today is a time to stop and give thanks. Our freedom has been bought by others sacrificing their lives. Let us give thanks to God for them and pray for their souls. In gratitude today, we are reminded about what allows us to live in peace and not take our freedom for granted.

Lest we forget.
To commemorate Remembrance Day, the children participated in a liturgy reverently led by Mrs O’Callaghan and Year 3/4 Blue. We were lucky to have some of our serving parents, Captain Michael Sander from the Royal Australian Navy, Lieutenant John Daunt Royal Australian Army, Flight Lieutenant Kellee Francis and Squadron Leader Mark Powell both Royal Australian Airforce participate in our liturgy as well. Today we were privileged to have a bugler from Narrabundah College play the Last Post and the Rouse. In military tradition, the Last Post is the bugle call that signifies the end of the day's activities, so an appropriate inclusion in today’s liturgy.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place: and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

John McCrae (1872–1918)

God bless.

Rachel Smith
Principal

P&F Working Bee
The P&F will be holding a Working Bee this Sunday 15^th November between 10am – 1pm. Due to Covid restrictions this is the only working bee we will be having this year. If you can help in any way, we would appreciate your support.

MGL Manila Christmas Hamper Appeal
During this most difficult time our MGL Manila Parish (also St Benedict’s!) is raising money for Christmas Hampers to bring some joy into the lives of families struggling just to survive. A family hamper costs between A$12-15. Our Canberra “MGL Mission Account” will transfer directly into our Manila Account. The bank details are: BSB 062.786. A/C number 027325, with reference “MANREL”. 

2021 School and Term Dates
Please be aware the term dates will be as follows for next year;

• Term One 1 February       -            1 April
• Term Two 19 April            -           25 June
• Term Three 12 July           -          17 September
• Term Four 5 October        -           17 December

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Food Donations
Each year our St Benedict’s school community donates non-perishable food to our parish St Vincent de Paul Conference. This food is then made into Christmas hampers that are distributed to people in our local community who are experiencing hardship. Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about the joy of giving without the expectation of receiving something in return. Families are welcome to donate as many non-perishable food items as they wish.  Please send all non-perishable food donations to your child’s classroom over the next 3 weeks. These will be presented at our Giving Mass this Friday 4th December.

We are also seeking donations of rolls of wrapping paper to decorate the hamper boxes.

Community Meals Program: HELP NEEDED!

The Community Meals Program freezer is one way we can assist families who are experiencing hardship. We are seeking donations of frozen meals (homemade or store bought), frozen food and non-perishable food donations. If making homemade meals, please ensure that they are in a disposable container clearly labelled with the date made and ingredients. All 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 you so much to those who have made donations to this service. Your support is greatly appreciated!

School Mass
Thank you to 3/4 Blue for leading our school Mass with Fr Dan and Fr Rem lastFriday. We are grateful for the opportunities we have had to ‘gather’ together to pray- even if right now it looks a little different!

We have tried to keep as many of our usual school events as possible. Please understand that in the current environment these events may be cancelled or the style in which they are held may change.         

13 Nov  DTT Session
15 Nov  P&F Working Bee, 10.00am - 1.00pm
16–20 Nov  Year 5 & 6 Activities Week
17 Nov  Year 5 & 6 Mini Golf Excursion
18 Nov  Kinder Orientation 2, 9.00—11.00am 
20 Nov  Year 5 & 6 Galleries Excursion
24 Nov  Parents & Friends Meeting, 6.30pm
3 Dec    Learning Showcase, 2pm
4 Dec    Mini Vinnies Giving Mass
4 Dec    DTT Session
8 Dec    School Board Meeting, 6.00pm
9 Dec    Kinder & Years 3 & 4 Advent Liturgy
11 Dec  Ways of Being Assembly
11 Dec  Semester 2 Reports sent home
14 Dec  Optional Parent Teacher Interviews
15 Dec  Optional Parent Teacher Interviews
16 Dec  End of Year /Graduation Mass, 10.00am
16 Dec  Year 6 Graduation Dinner, 6pm
17 Dec  Whole School Fun Day
17 Dec  Year 6 Big Splash Day
18 Dec  Christmas Concert, 12.30pm (Tentative)
18 Dec  Last Day of Term 4

The following notes were sent home this week. 

BOOK FAIR 2020

Working Bee Volunteer Note no.2

Christmas Food Donations note 2020

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

Much to Remember!
Today, our school community remembered all those who have served for our country.  Our Remembrance Day Liturgy was prepared by Mrs. Narelle O’Callaghan, her class 3/4 Blue. It officiated by Fr. Dan Benedetti MGL, who spoke about us being true peacemakers, who want to make a difference in our world and the greatest command Jesus gave, “Love”.  In these restrictive times and with special permission, we were privileged to have four of our school’s Defence parents and a musician join us.  Captain Michael Sander RAN and his son Matthew delivered the Commemorative Address.  We thank Captain Sander for his insightful and informative reflection on WW1.  Matthew, stood a proud son who reflected on the sacrifices made by not only his dad, but of the many parents at our school who are currently serving in the Australian Defence Force.  Squadron Leader Mark Powell Australian Army and his son George recited the Ode of Remembrance, Flight Lieutenant Kellee Rollston-Francis RAAF read the Flanders Field poem together with Oliver Jones and Ava de Masson (5/6 students). Lieutenant Colonel John Daunt Australian Army and his daughters laid the wreath for the fallen and trumpeter Ralph Nueangrit played the Last Post and Rouse.  Today, 102 years on, we remember all personnel, indigenous and non-indigenous, who served for Australia in the Great War. 

Lest we forget!

Last week, our school celebrated with Brigid Norgrove and her family when she was presented with her award, by Mr. Greg Kennett, Secretary of the Woden RSL. 

Brigid won equal first place in the ANZAC Essay Competition earlier this year, and was given the opportunity to read her essay to the school community.  Brigid’s essay, Rest on Arms Reversed, was personal and written with much maturity.  Congratulations Brigid.

 

Lowes Final Sale of 2020

Year 5/6 Excursion to the National Zoo and Aquarium
Last week Year 5/6 went on an excursion to the National Zoo and Aquarium. The sun was shining and we had a wonderful time. We got to see lions and tigers and bears… sun bears. Lots of us were very brave holding a corn snake and we really enjoyed our tours. It was a fantastic experience!

I really enjoyed our excursion to the Canberra Zoo & Aquarium because all Year 5/6 were very well behaved and great representatives of St Benedict’s. 
Mrs Basedow

On our excursion to the Canberra Zoo, I really enjoyed seeing all the tigers, cheetahs and lions because they are most of my favourite animals. Also we got to feed deers and emus which was a cool and a weird experience.
Matthew 

My favourite part was feeding Maisy the snake and looking at the aquarium. Feeding the Emu and Llama was also fun.
Gabriella 

It was a fun day at the zoo. I liked the corn snake the best, because it felt really nice. 
Lachlan 

I really enjoyed our zoo visit, specifically seeing the cheetahs lounging in the sun and watching us judgmentally as we ate as if we woke them up. I loved holding Frank, the corn snake, as well. I always love seeing the animals at the zoo, and it makes me happy to know that they get taken care of by people who really love and care about the animals!
Edi B

I had lots of fun at our zoo visit. I especially enjoyed holding Frank the cornflower snake and I loved learning facts about the animals and playing on the adventure trail playground. Once we were looking at a tiger it bounced up onto the glass. All the animals were super cute! It was interesting to find meerkats have a ball pit in their area. We also got to feed lots of animals including an emu which we fed apples!
Edie Q

I loved our visit to the zoo! I enjoyed holding Frank the cornsnake and feeding all the animals! I am also glad that we got to know that the animals get such great care! I don't really have a favorite animal but I thought the meerkats were SO cute! And last but not least I know that it was not at the zoo, but I loved the bus ride, the bus driver made it really fun!
Mia 

I liked the trip to the zoo because I got to sing songs on the bus with my friend and I got to hold Frank the Cornsnake which I really enjoyed because I like snakes. I got to feed an Emu using the top of my head and I also got to feed some deers. We did see the zoo keeper feed the meerkats but we didn't touch their food because it was larva (fly eggs). The show-off tiger was also pretty cool and looking at the big Rhinos was fun, but I think the best part was definitely spending time with my fellow Yr 5/6 peers (and Frank the Cornsnake).
Arabella 

I loved our trip to the zoo because we got to see so many animals and even touch and feed some. The animals were really nice and we learned alot about them. The bus ride was also fun because we got to sing songs and do a challenge on the way back to school.
Elvira 

When we went to the zoo, my favourite animals were the tigers, the monkeys and the snakes. However, feeding the ostrich and the deers was also a lot of fun (but there was a lot of walking involved!)
Fionn

I really enjoyed going to the zoo and I enjoyed when we got to touch and feed some of the animals there.
Ciru

I loved going to the zoo. It was fun that we got to have a hold of a snake and got to learn so much more about animals. I liked that we got to get fit and see the animals. My favourite part was seeing the endangered species and we got to feed the deers and the emu. I also got to see my meerkat family. I missed them.
Sarah Daunt

I am very honoured that I got to go to the zoo. It was a lot of fun to walk around the zoo and feed the animals such as the emu and the deers. Although after the long walk my feet did start to ache. My favourite animal there was probably the little blue penguins that loved to dive under the freshwater.
Lily  

I highly liked the zoo because it was really nice seeing endangered species and see lots of animals up close and seeing lots of water creatures, land creatures and lots of interesting animals. I was very happy that the Canberra Zoo & Aquarium gave us time to enjoy and see a very fun experience of all the animals.  I was honoured to see lots of wonderful creatures. I thank the teachers for helping us.
Michael R

I  found it really fun. I loved it there and it was nice seeing animals that I haven't seen for a long time. I would tell other people to go and we got to feed the deers and emu. All up it was really fun.
Obi

It was fun because we got to see many new animals hold a corn snake and her name was Mazzy. A fact about Cornsnakes is that they live in corn fields and eat mice. We also got to feed an emu and the emu ate apples off of my head. We also got to learn about Sun bears and that they are Asian bears but sadly they are endangered. The reason they are called Sun bears is because under their chin there is a yellow patch of skin like a sun and that's why there sun bears. We also went to the meerkats enclosure and fed them fly eggs. They were a family of 7, mum dad and 5 kids. After that we went to the aquarium where there were marine animals and pythons.
James

It was fun because I got to hang out with my friends, and we got to feed, hold and pat animals all day with no work and no school.
Michael T

I’m very sad that I did not get to come as I was away but I hope everyone else had a great time!!
Petar 

I really enjoyed the whole thing because every little thing that we did had its own story to it and it made the experience even better. I was very excited to represent St Benedict's and I think we all did a good job.
Miya

I enjoyed going to the zoo because I got to see so many different animals doing so many exciting things. I also really liked feeding the animals such as the deers and the emu. My favourite animal was the Meerkat because they acted just like humans.
Matilda

I really enjoyed going to the zoo and I am proud to represent the school at the zoo. It was really fun being able to talk to my friends.
Finn

I enjoyed when we were able to feed some animals and also hold the snake. One of the funniest parts of the excursion was when one of the peacocks decided to say hello when we were having recess. 
Ava

I really enjoyed the excursion to the zoo because it was a fun and an educational trip. I got to spend time with my friends and I discovered I enjoyed feeding the animals.
Lucia

I enjoyed the National Zoo because I get to see the Red Panda, Rhino, Giraffe and a Koala.
Niora

The Zoo excursion was fun. All of the animals were really cool and well trained.
Arthur

It was really fun but just walking around was the best bit in my book.
Hamish

I really enjoyed the zoo experience because we got to touch Mazy the Corn snake, feed emus, alpacas and also we got to see the cute little meerkats eat.  We saw really bazaar Parkour Monkeys. Later we went to an aquarium. Overall, it was an amazing experience, a bit tiring too.
Hubert  

I enjoyed the zoo because we got to go to an aquarium and we got to hold a Cornsnake. I also enjoyed feeding the emu and the deer we got split into two groups so one group could go to one area and the other group another area.
Samuel

I enjoyed the zoo because we got to explore the zoo and we got to hold a Cornsnake called Maisy.  
Nobel 

I loved our excursion to the zoo because of all of the unique animals that 5/6 saw. All of the animals were amazing to observe and in some cases feed. I definitely don’t have a specific favourite but some highlights were: seeing the monkeys get scared from fish when they went down to drink from the water, seeing the penguins dive into the water (they are really good swimmers), seeing a baby giraffe, watching the white lions wake up, seeing a Tasmanian Devil for the first time, holding a Cornsnake, and the emu eating some food off of my head. 
Emily

I really liked the excursion and how everyone cooperated with the group and it was so much fun especially feeding the deers and the snake (even though I really do not like snakes!) 
Joshua

I really liked going to the zoo to see all the animals that you wouldn't be able to see in the wild. The bus driver was really nice to let us sing to music and he was really cheerful.
Adam A.M

I liked the zoo because I got to see my favorite animal, the cheetah and it was fun to feed the animals. 
Alain

My favourite part of the zoo was when we saw the cheetahs and the lions sunbathing. I loved our bus driver as well!
Marissa

My favorite thing about our trip to the zoo was seeing the big rhinos and when I fed the emu with my hand. I also enjoyed holding the Cornsnake called Maisy. Spending time with my friends at lunch was a fun bonding experience and playing on the Adventure Land Playground was also pretty fun.
William 

I liked our excursion to the zoo because we got to see all the animals, and we even had the chance to feed some of them.Even if we were walking for so long, I loved seeing the animals and the baby penguins swimming in the water. I also really enjoyed the tigers how they kept on following some of us.
Rose

I really enjoyed watching the animals in their habitats and looking for the differences in them, like how the lions had big sunny habitats unlike the snakes they had small dark places to rest. Speaking of snakes I also liked holding Maisy the Cornsnake as it was a nice experience to hold that type of species for the first time. Lastly I liked having that opportunity to be at the zoo with my friends and sharing all the experiences I had with my peers.

PS: On the way there and back people really showed their school spirit by singing along to the songs played.
Amiah

Student Banking

Commonwealth Student Banking is Wednesday.  Please ensure your bank book and money are sent to the Front Office via the class notebag.

Outside Education Day
Toward the end of year we may be having an outside education day.

Mrs Tomadini is collecting any unused CD's and reels of fishing line.

Please send all unused CD's to school and place them in the box that is outside the Kinder classroom.

Thank you.

Happy birthday to the following children who celebrate their special day this week: Mila M, Huxley N, Finn D and Mackenzie AH.

Kinder:        Duke I and Lachlan W

Year 1/2B:  Zachary H and Alex N

Year 1/2G:  Eli A, Nathaniel G and Mitchell S

Year 3/4G:  Emily D and Finn M

Year 5/6B:  Joshual L, Hubert K and Angus C

Year 5/6G:  Claudia K and Elvira H

Year 1/2B:  Alishia W

Year 1/2G:  Ryana O

Year 3/4G:  Taliyah M and Cooper W

Year 5/6B:  Finn W

Year 5/6G:  Edith B

P&F Working Bee
The P&F will be holding a Working Bee on Sunday 15^th November between 10am –1pm. Due to Covid restrictions this is the only working bee we will be having this year. If you can help in any way, we would appreciate your support.

Summer uniform is to be worn now.

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.

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

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

If you require any summer uniform please email the front  office. office.stbenedicts@cg.catholic.edu.au

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 Dan Benedetti MGL
Fr Rembert Fernando MGL
Fr Baiju Thomas MGL
Monica Nulley-Valdes (Parish Secretary)
Anjalie Upasena  (Parish Youth Minister)

Dear St Benedict’s community,

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

See below our links for booking our Saturday 6pm Mass and Sunday 9am Mass. Please remember that 9am Mass is being streamed live.

These bookings close at 11.30am this Friday. Please feel free to come if you fail to book as these numbers just give us an indication.

Saturday 14 November: https://www.trybooking.com/BMQFY  

Sunday 15 November:   https://www.trybooking.com/BMQGD

Those who wish to attend the Friday Healing Mass and the Sunday 6.00pm Charismatic Mass still need to contact Carmel Henry on 0409777743 or email  carmelhenry2@gmail.com

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

School Travel for 2021 2021 school travel applications are now open
Applications for student travel in 2021 opened from Monday 12 October 2020.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass for 2021 can now apply online. A new application should be submitted if a student is applying for a school travel pass for the first time or requesting an additional pass as a result of a new shared parental responsibility situation (e.g. joint custody).

Students who have changed school/campus, changed address, repeated a year or received an expiry notification from Transport for NSW for their school travel entitlement should re-apply or update their details.

*Applications must be completed by the student's parent or legal guardian if the student is aged under 16 years. Students 16 years and over must complete the application form themselves.

Where there is a change of distance eligibility based on a student’s grade, the system will automatically update a student’s entitlement if they meet the new criteria. If they do not meet the new eligibility criteria, they will receive an expiry notification via email.

Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition which is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.

Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.

If a student needs to update their information or re-apply, they should go online to
https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/updateDetails 

Applications need to be submitted before 31 December 2020 to ensure that current student entitlements are updated and their current entitlement/card remains valid. If their application is submitted after 31 December 2020, the system will automatically cancel an entitlement/card and a new one will need to be issued.

Students in the Opal network applying for a SSTS or Term Bus Pass entitlement for the first time will receive their card at their nominated postal address. Cards will be mailed out from January 2021.

Students residing in Rural and Regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the commencement of the new school year from their nominated operator, this may be distributed via the school or sent direct to their address. Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students/Parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

New Concession Entitlement Cards
Transport for NSW will be replacing the below cards with Transport Concession Entitlement Cards (TCEC) from October 2020:  Senior Secondary Student Concession Card (16 years and over) – also used by Mature Secondary Students (18 years and over), Distance Education Students and Home School Students  Proof of Age card (when a student under 16 years of age looks older)  Boarder Rail Pass. All previous cards will be valid until they expire. Students who require a Transport Concession Entitlement Card should speak with their school administration staff.

Enquiries regarding school student travel can be submitted to Transport for NSW at:
https://transportnsw.info/contact-us/feedback/passes-concessions-feedback