Principal Update
Dear Parents and Carers,
Last week, we held the final meeting of St Benedict’s Parents and Friends Association (P&F). During this meeting, a motion was passed to dissolve the P&F and transition to a Family and Community Engagement (FACE) model.
This year, the P&F has purchased a new assessment program, Elastik, for our staff to trial. This program assesses children’s writing, which is the most time-consuming and subjective aspect of marking for teachers, making consistency difficult to achieve across grades. Early next term, we will share a presentation on Elastik and our first results with parents. Additionally, children in Years K-4 will soon be using small floor cushions to make them more comfortable when sitting in the hall for long periods. We thank the P&F for both these purchases.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the P&F for their support of St Benedict’s over the many years of their involvement with the school. Many people have been involved over the years, some of whom are now grandparents of children at our school. The volunteer support and financial contributions from P&F members have been greatly appreciated by our school community.
What is the FACE model?
The goal of the FACE model is to develop opportunities for positive and strong connections between the school, families, parish, and the community. When these links are strong, there is a positive impact on student progress and success, as well as fostering a welcoming and inclusive school culture.
Our FACE forum will begin with a presentation about our Elastik program, followed by a discussion about what parents would like included in future FACE forums. The meeting will be held on 26th May (Week 5) immediately after the PBL Award assembly, at approximately 9.30am.
We hope that our FACE forum will be a source of connection and information for families.
Take care and God Bless,
Danielle Reed
Principal
CHANGE TO SCHOOL CANTEEN ORDERING SYSTEM
Due to a change in banking arrangements, it is necessary to change the provider for our school canteen ordering system. From Term 2, we will be using the Flexischools app for all orders. During the school holidays, please download the Flexischools app and set up your account ready for Term 2. Further information is listed in the Office Update section of this newsletter and on Compass.
EASTER AT ST BENEDICT’S: Thursday 10th April
- 9:15am Holy Week liturgy
- 1:30pm Easter hat parade – Kinder to Year 2
- Approx - 2:15pm Easter raffle draw
Parents and carers are welcome to join us for any or all of these events.
TRAFFIC AND PARKING FOR AFTERNOON COLLECTION OF CHILDREN
Please be mindful of surrounding residents when parking in the afternoon. Several residents have called to complain about parents parking across their driveways and blocking access to their property. We understand that it is difficult to park close to the school, but no child is left unsupervised - so please don’t inconvenience our neighbours!
GOODBYE AND HELLO TO STAFF
Mr Des McCosker is taking Long Service Leave for the remainder of this year. We wish him well in his travels and relaxation!
We are also saying goodbye to Miss Emily Epis who has been teaching our library lessons this term. Emily has secured a position at St Patrick’s Cessnock for the remainder of this year.
And a big Hello and Welcome to Ms Sabrah Clarke who is joining us as Teacher/Librarian for the remainder of the school year. Sabrah will be teaching library lessons and organising our library-associated activities such as Book Week. We look forward to working with Sabrah for the remainder of the year.
We have held interviews for the 6 Black part-time teaching position and will advise the successful applicant before the school holidays.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
In Term 2, students traditionally begin in Winter uniform. However, as the weather can sometimes still be warm, we will have a transition period for the first 3 weeks of term. Students can wear summer or winter uniform until Monday of Week 4 – May 19th – from that day students should be in full winter uniform, please.
Easter Masses in our Parish
At Holy Cross church Glendale:
Thursday 17th April – 6pm – Mass of the Lord’s Supper
Friday 18th April – 2.30pm – Stations of the Cross
Friday 18th April – 3pm – Mass of the Lord’s Passion
Saturday 19th April – 7pm – Easter Vigil
Sunday 20th April – 9.00 – Mass of the Resurrection
At Our Lady of Good Counsel church West Wallsend:
Sunday 20th April – 7.30am Mass of the Resurrection
MOTHER’S DAY STALL – HELPERS WANTED
On Wednesday 7th May we will hold a Mother’s Day gift staff from 9am – 11am. We need some helpers to put out the gifts on display and help the children select them.
Payment will be via the Flexischools app, so helpers just have to mark off the children’s names and then help them make their selection.
Please let us know if you are able to assist. Email us on admin@edgeworth.catholic.edu.au or call the office. Thank you
MOTHER’S DAY SAVE THE DATE
Our Mother’s Day celebration will be held on Friday 9th May. Breakfast will be provided from 7.30am for Mums followed by a Mother’s Day prayer led by Kindergarten. Please complete the Form to assist us with catering.
Mother’s Day Breakfast https://forms.office.com/r/TJEh2bcvSs
PUPIL FREE DAYS UPCOMING - CHANGE OF DATE
PLEASE NOTE Change of date for first pupil free day. St Nicholas OOSH will operate on these days.
MONDAY 19TH MAY - Term 2, Week 4
MONDAY 2ND JUNE - Term 2, Week 6
MONDAY 21ST JULY - Term 3, 1st day of term
