Dear Parents and Carers,

Schools for All

Who is our school for?

Who is welcome to become a member of our school community?

Who belongs at St Benedict’s Primary School?

What does each person in our community bring with them? What do they have to teach us? What can we learn from them?

The charism of our patron, St Benedict, reminds us that ‘All guests who enter shall be welcomed as Christ’. Every single person who enters our doors is made in the image and likeness of God and deserves the respect and dignity that this entails. Every child, every adult.

The 2015 report ‘Schools for All Children and Young People’ was a result of the work of the Expert Panel on Students with Complex Needs and Challenging Behaviours. The recommendations challenged every school in the ACT to create places of learning for students and for all students. It recognised excellent practices happening in all sectors and areas where more work could be done.

Catholic Education (Canberra & Goulburn) released in 2016 the Archdiocesan Principles of Pedagogy that every school uses to underpin their teaching & learning practices. The very first (and in my mind the most important) principle is:

Everyone can learn

This principle is fundamental to building a positive and supportive learning environment for all students in our school. At the core is a belief that every student, by their very human nature, has the capacity to learn and grow; physically, socially, intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, morally, etc.

I believe that our school works hard for every student and holds a ‘whatever it takes’ approach to recognising the learning that each student has achieved and guiding them through their next step. This requires plenty of support, expertise, resources and collaboration with many others. We believe that inclusion is not about treating everyone equally. Rather it is about treating everyone equitably, enabling all children to access and participate in all learning opportunities to achieve their full potential.

At St Benedict’s we sometimes make adjustments for particular children who need simple help to be able to participate fully in their learning or in school life. A great image that we keep up in our classrooms is:

I would like to assure you that we are proud to be a School for All and will continue to welcome every student (and family) that joins our community and do our very best to ensure they learn and grow and become their very best self.

Thank you for your ongoing care and partnership in your child’s learning.

God bless.

Rachel Smith
Principal

Thank you to the Parents & Friends Committee
Last night the Parents & Friends Committee held their last meeting for the year. I would like to offer my thanks once again for the commitment of time and energy to the school by the Parents & Friends Committee for 2020. It has been a challenging year that has been constricting for both the P&F and the school community. I thank the Committee for the support they have shown our school community, particularly our staff. As a committee they have strived to face the challenges in their path and come up with solutions to ensure that we continue to be a welcoming and caring community.

Of particular note I would like to offer my thanks to Belinda Daunt, and Lorne and Vivienne Thurgar for their time on the Parents & Friends Committee over the many years their children have been at our school. They have all served in a variety of roles and our Parents & Friends Committee and Spring Fair Committee are in a better position because of their generous spirit.

Library Stocktake
A reminder that all library books must be returned at the end of the year. Please ensure your child’s library books are returned next week for the upcoming Library stock take.

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 week. 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.

Advent Prayer

Advent God,
we journey with you,
to Bethlehem’s stable and a new-born King,
ears attuned to the song of angels,
eyes alert for Bethlehem’s star.
Forgive us if on our journey
if we are distracted by the tempting offers of this world.
Keep our hearts aflame with the hope of Christmas,
and the promise of a Saviour. Amen

NINTENDO SWITCH

What is Nintendo Switch Online?

This is a paid service that allows the user to play online by linking to other Switch consoles. Nintendo’s guidance states ‘this service should not be used by account users who are under 13 years old’. Due to its online nature, children could be playing games with people they don’t know which has risks such as being exposed to inappropriate language. If you do choose to purchase this service for your child then set up the appropriate controls detailed below.

Parental Controls App
There is a Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app available which is free to download to your phone (or other smart device) which you can then link to your child’s Nintendo Switch in order to monitor what they are playing. You can also set some restrictions on the Nintendo Switch. You can use the app to:

see what video games your child has been playing
how long your child has been playing for and set time limits
set which games can be played based on their age rating
turn off voice chat
restrict spending in the Nintendo eShop

Further information
For further information and guidance, visit the following links:

ONLINE PASSWORDS

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.

3 Dec    Learning Showcase
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.

Year 6 Parent Farewell Gift Note (Year 6 Only)

School letter regarding change to after school care

Welcome Letter St Benedicts Primary

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

or

Apple App -

https://apps.apple.com/au/app/szapp/id982105479

Kindergarten health check
A reminder to parents of all Kindergarten students that Canberra Health Services is offering a targeted kindergarten health check concentrating on vision and hearing. Uptake of the appointments is now slowing down. These health checks are performed in clinics at the City Health Centre Mondays and Fridays until Monday the 14^th of December. An appointment can be made by phoning the Central Intake Line on 51249977.

Division of Women, Youth & Children Community Health Programs|ACT Health
1 Moore St Canberra ACT | GP Box 825 Canberra ACT 2601 |www.health.act.gov.au

RELIABLE / PROGRESSIVE / RESPECTFUL / KIND

Student Banking

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

Year 5/6 Activities Week

Our ‘Activities Week’ has been a blast! Since the last newsletter, we have continued our special activities in replacement of our camp and we had a fantastic time. We have played board games and woven baskets (which tested both our needle work skills and perseverance) …

We enjoyed a café style breakfast (yum!), got creative with some beautiful Christmas craft and enjoyed the outdoors whilst we gardened (weeding, topping up the planter boxes with soil and planting a range of vegetables)…

The Golden Blue Cafe - Food Critic Review

The service was exquisite, so was the food. You had waiters coming to take your plates and the food you no longer need.

They had a wide range of drinks that included orange juice, apple juice, milk, hot chocolate, boiling hot water and tea of one flavour.

I have interviewed some people and picked the top 5 responses:

“It was amazing; 8 stars out of 5!” Micahel T

“The service was decent and the food was exceptional; 8 out of 10 stars.” Sam F

“The toast was amazing. I give it 3 and a half out of 5.” Lachlan H

“The tea was very good but a bit bitter. Maybe they could order some sugar another time. 5 out of 5 stars.” Obi

Someone who would not like to be named said, “Looked good, food was lovely, the atmosphere was nice and nobody was rude. There was Jazz music and ambience. 1000 out of 5 stars.” Arthur S

Food Critic

And went on another excursion on Friday; this time to the National Art Gallery and surrounding area. We even got to witness the special ceremony with the Ambassador of Albania and the raising of the Albanian flag for the very first time in Canberra ….

And because we were so amazing on our obstacle course activities, we have included some more photos from our BeFirm Adventure last week! Mrs Basedow, Miss Donaghue and Mrs Quirk were blown away by our enthusiasm, willingness to step out of our comfort zones and challenge ourselves and the teamwork and encouragement for each other that we showed throughout the activities.

Happy birthday to the following children who celebrate their special day this week: Lucia M, Sandy W, Anna N and Penelope V.

Kinder: Ava K and Oscar Q

Year 1/2B: Isla M and Tyler A-H

Year 1/2G: Thisagari R and Isabella M

Year 3/4G: Tessa P and Raphael D

Year 5/6B: Lachlan H, Lucia M, Alain K, Ciru N and Gabriella S

Year 5/6 G: Obi O, Emily S, Zack W and Oliver J

Year 1/2B: Charlie W and Nicolas C

Year 1/2G: Eva S

Year 5/6B: Himiona T and Joanna M

Year 5/6G: Elvira H

The lost property box will be cleaned out this week. All items with names will be returned to their owner. Any items without names will be washed and donated to the clothing pool.

Please have your child/ren check the lost property box. thank you.JPG

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our normal school clothing pool processes are not in place.
If you require any summer 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 have accidentally picked up someone elses uniform, please return it to the front office so it can be returned to the correct child.

The school Tuckshop is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please order on QKR or by writing YOUR order on a paper bag with the correct money enclosed.

Apples will be slinkied in the canteen on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Please see link for canteen menu.

Tuckshop menu 2020

There will be NO PIZZA on the Tuckshop menu for the rest of 2020.

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 church.jpg

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 28 November: https://www.trybooking.com/BNAXU

Sunday 29 November: https://www.trybooking.com/BNAYA

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

Dear St Benedict's brothers and sisters, Recently Fr Ken and our MGL Council met and I have been asked to rejoin our Darwin Mission next year.

While I'm looking forward to this new chapter of my life, it's been a blessing being with you. I'm so grateful for your dedication, love for the Lord and St Benedict's and personal support for me. I was so happy when I was asked to come back to St Benedict's for my first appointment as a Parish Priest. I ask for your prayers and you can be assured of mine.

May the Lord continue to bless, protect and grow St Benedict's!

May the Holy Spirit empower you to reach out to those who need healing and are hungering to hear the Words of Eternal Life.

God bless

Fr Dan

Other Parish Activities

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”.

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