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Welcome to our final newsletter for 2024. What an amazing year. It has seemed to have flown by, as it always does when you are at the end of something. This last week we have well and truly celebrated as we have sent the students (and staff) on their well-earned break over the holidays.
Next week, we launch into Christmas and all the wonderful celebrations and catch ups this brings. Not to mention the plethora of Chrissy movies on the streaming platforms or the craziness of the sales that follow Christmas Day. However, the challenge of course is to remember the importance of this season and that very first Christmas story. While the 2000-year-old story does not come wrapped up with a bow, it is the greatest gift of the Christmas season. We wish you all a safe, holy and special Christmas season with Jesus at the heart of all you do.
Farewells and Handovers
Over the last week, Kate and I have received many messages of farewell from families, parents and families. They have made us feel grateful, very much appreciated for the time we have sent here and yes, sad to be leaving. We wanted to take the time in this newsletter to share our words we spoke at the End of Year Awards Assembly last week. In doing so we want to also take the opportunity to welcome and handover the reins of this wonderful school to Danielle Reed, who is so excited and proud to join our community knowing that SBE is already in wonderful hands with the strength of community and commitment of staff.
Jules
I understand that my moving on to new challenges means saying goodbye, and I am increasingly aware of how those two syllables can mean so much in so many ways.
"I remember my first day here vividly. In fact, it was the first day for both Kate and I. As a school community we were navigating the back end of Covid, and I believe our first task was distributing those RAT tests that dominated the first half of 2022. However, it also coincided with opening our school again and welcoming parents back into our community events; that first Easter Raffle celebration was the beginning of the joy that has become SBE. Through my time here, we have cheered each other on, shared laughs, had difficult conversations, and overcame obstacles together. It wasn’t long before I realised how much we could achieve, and boy have we been busy. I am so very proud of the school we are building, and I am also very confident that you will continue to build a better school, a better community and a better world as I now leave it in your capable hands.
Like each of you when your turn comes, the lessons I've learned here will serve me well as I move to my next challenge. But of course, that means saying goodbye.
I searched the internet for a farewell quote as I am not always the best as saying the right thing at the right time. As you can imagine there were thousands upon thousands. This is the one that struck as most reflective of our current situation – when our life journeys are taking us on different paths. It’s by Moira Rogers.
“The two hardest words to say in life are Hello for the first time and Goodbye for the last”.
I will only add the easiest word I know “Thankyou”
Kate
I am so thankful and so lucky to have spent the last three years I’ve spent here, the friendships we’ve made, and the fun times we’ve had together.
Thank you for being so kind and supportive. I have learned a lot, and I am very proud of everything we have done together. Even though I am leaving, I know you will keep doing great things.
You are the heart of Bennies, and I know you will keep up the amazing work in 2025, especially with your new elected school and parliamentary leaders! This is your school to keep making better and better. Keep loving, respecting, caring and empowering yourselves and each other.
Thank you all for a fantastic three years. Remember, I’m just five minutes down the road if you ever need me. I’m excited for all our upcoming events and celebrations as we say goodbye to an amazing 2024!
I'll see Year 6 in Canberra next year, but we will have lots of other chances to meet at Church, school events, and of course weekend and night football games!"
End of Year/ Start of Year
The remainder of this Newsletter will be sharing the events of the last week including the Year 6 Graduation, the Christmas Party Day and yesterday’s final celebrations and send offs. The most critical information to share before doing so is the return to school schedule below. Please note this for your reference but COMPASS reminders will start prior. For now, have an amazing break, relax, recoup and return ready for another great year of learning at SBE
All the very best for all our adventures ahead that we undertake becasue fo the strength of lessons we have learnt at SBE. Have a great 6 weeks.
Jules Mulhearn
Year 6 Graduation
Last Monday we celebration Year 6's graduation. Below is a message we shared as part of the assembly and some photos of this special event.
"While it feels like today may be the end of something, I have to now break it to you that are only just past the halfway mark of your formal schooling – let alone lifelong learning. But it is an important milestone as you come to end of your primary schooling. It’s hard to spend any amount of time in a school and not have it become a part of who you are and the school always have a part of you here. SBE will always be one of your reference points as you go through life. “Where did you go to school” they’ll ask. You will answer St Bennies and immediately you will have flashes of memories – of your classrooms, of your friends, of your teachers of the excursions, sometimes even the smell of the canteen will creep up on you.
The thing is, what you have learned at SBE is so embedded to the other life lessons you have gained at home in these last 7 years, it is so hard to separate and define them. But trust me, SBE will be part of you, and you will always be part of this school. That is the best part of saying goodbye, knowing that the place you are leaving is better for your presence and you better for the experience.
Graduation is not just the end of a chapter; it's the beginning of a new journey. As you embark on this exciting adventure, here are some valuable lessons for the road ahead (they are mine, I wonder what yours might be).
- Choose Kindness.
- Embrace adventure.
- Be curious.
- Invest in relationships
- Be You
Finally, never underestimate the power of persistence. When faced with challenges, remember that the journey to success is rarely a straight path. It's the twists and turns, the ups and downs, the obstacles and the problems that shape you into the person you are meant to become. Keep pushing forward, even when the road gets tough. You are one of a kind and your journey will be unique.
We watch with pride and eagerly await the difference that only you can make. With send you forth with the power to Speak with Courage, Honesty and Respect, to Be Like Jesus in Love, Compassion and Responsibility and to Empower Yourselves, Other and Action. Our prayer, our hope, our dream for you is that you aspire to be people of faith courage and examples of justice for all. Congratulations, Year 6 and try to remember us when you are famous.
Please join in with cheers and applause as we send our Year 6 students onward from St Benedict’s Edgeworth with every confidence and Good Wish. Congratulations Year 6. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Class of 2024"
And then the Fun was had at the Evening Celebration, Monday Night and the Clap out yesterday.
Emptying the Stable…
where your treasure is, there will your heart be!
It’s almost Christmastime! There are only so many shopping days left! Have you put lights on your house yet, sent out cards, and bought sufficient gifts? Is the tree up and decorated? Do you need something new to wear for the annual Christmas party? Have you planned the meal yet? Have the kids outgrown their outfits from last year? Who needs haircuts? Anyone require new shoes? Did you get paper and tape and ribbon—and did you remember that you have to mail these things out in time? Have you stayed in budget or did you blow it this year? Did you pencil in the Carols By Candlelight and the party at the school and the proposed neighbourhood get together?
Do you have everything? Do you have everything? Do you have everything?
Stopping to experience the gift of Advent and the season of Christmas requires wilful
action on our part to avoid being swept along by the Yuletide frenzy brought on by retailers and excessive exposure to the Christmas hub hub that 24/7.
The sacred still is, but we have to lift the tinsel from our eyes to see the true Christmas star.
We all know that Advent, the four weeks prior to Christmas, is a time of blessed waiting, when we are meant to deepen our understanding of the gift that is Jesus. However, the busyness of the season can often over crowd our hearts and our minds. Without vigilance, we can become lost in the rush and forget the true reason for the season. Christ is with us. He is present; he is here. We can touch Our Lord. The reality of Jesus as fully human—such that if we lived then, we might approach his mother and ask to touch the unspeakably soft hair of his blessed head. We would inhale the fragrant sweet scent that is only found on a newborn and hopefully, recognise it was time to rejoice with all of Heaven at His coming.
So how do we help tame our family and tame our lives so we can become a quiet stable, ready to welcome and house the Holy Family?
Our Kindergarten and Year 1 students along with the support of their teachers shared with us last Friday the reason for the season presenting the most beautiful Nativity Scene.
Fundraising for 2024
What an amazing year it has been for us to remember our Catholic Social Teaching of "Preferential Treatment of the Poor and Vulnerable", "Dignity of the Human Person", "The Common Good" and "Solidarity" through our activities with Mini Vinnies and our charitable works. Through our out of uniform days, donations and coin line to name a few we together as school community have raised $1361.10. Not only have we raised valuable donations for charity we have raised awareness of supporting those less fortunate than us.
I would like to thank our Service Leaders: Boston Rolfe and Alexis Huntriss for their leadership of the Mini Vinnies throughout the year as they led groups of students throughout the year. Also, a BIG thank you to Mrs March for her continued support and organistaion of our Mini Vinnies team.
Today we worked together to collect for the St. Vincent de Paul's Christmas Appeal. Chapter President Alf and his assistent Russel came to school and collected all of our donated goodies. We were able to fill the back of Alf's wagon and half filled Russel's ute. Thank you so very much to all families who donated so generously to this Appeal.
Merry Christmas
As the 2024 school year comes to a close I would like to thank you the staff, students, families and especially Mrs Mulhearn and Mrs Wilson for all of your unwavering support in my role as Religious Education Co-Ordinator. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May this season of Christmas fill your hearts and homes with happiness and joy.
If you are looking to attend a Christmas service over Christmas in the Maitland Newcastle Diocese may I encourage you to follow this link: https://www.mn.catholic.org.au/mass-times-app/ and download the Mass App. It is a very useful App to keep up to date on Mass times but also other important information about the Dioceses.
Yours in faith,
Miss Michelle Collins
(Religious Education Co-ordinator)
St. Benedict's Christmas Celebrations: A Week to Remember!
We are thrilled to share the joyous highlights of our Christmas celebrations at St. Benedict's this past week. The festive spirit was truly alive, and it was heartwarming to see our school community come together to celebrate this special season.
One of the most enchanting moments was the Nativity scene performed by our Kindergarten and Year 1 students. Their portrayal of the Christmas story was both adorable and touching, capturing the essence of the holiday with their innocent charm and enthusiasm. The little ones did a fantastic job, and their performance was met with smiles and applause from everyone present.
Adding to the festive cheer, students from all grades participated in singing Christmas carols. Each class brought their unique touch to the classic carols, filling the air with beautiful melodies and spreading holiday joy. From traditional favorites to more contemporary tunes, the performances showcased the incredible talent and hard work of our students and teachers.
The week was filled with laughter, music, and a sense of togetherness that truly embodies the spirit of Christmas. We are grateful for the support and involvement of our wonderful parents, who helped make these celebrations a success. Your encouragement and participation mean the world to us and our students.
As we look forward to the holiday break, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May this festive season bring you joy, peace, and precious moments with your loved ones.
Staff Vs Students Annual Games
We certainly did not let the rain dampen our spirits or hinder our annual rivalry between Year 6 students and Staff. The clarity of just who won and who didn't may have gotten lost in the madness but the measure of fun triumphed any debate of the victors. I did tell the year 6 students the victory goes to whoever writes the newsletter but I must own some very fine wins on the student's part, much to the frustration of the ever competitive staff!
