Principal Update
Celebrating Father’s Day!
Last Friday, our school community came together to celebrate Father’s Day with a joyful breakfast and a meaningful liturgy. It was truly wonderful to see so many fathers, grandfathers, and father figures join us in celebration. The warmth and connection shared throughout the morning reflected the deep appreciation we hold for the important men in our lives.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible staff who helped prepare and serve over 300 bacon and egg sandwiches—a tremendous effort that made the morning even more special. Your generosity and teamwork are deeply appreciated.
In the Catholic Church, the readings for Father’s Day on Sunday, 7th September, offer a powerful reflection on discipleship and commitment. The Gospel reading from Luke 14:25–33 reminds us of the cost of true discipleship and the importance of prioritising our relationship with God. Just as fathers are called to lead with love, sacrifice, and wisdom, this passage invites us all to consider the depth of our own commitments and the values we pass on to our children.
Thank you once again to everyone who made our Father’s Day celebration so memorable. May all our fathers continue to be blessed with strength, patience, and joy in their journey.
Annual School Visit
On Thursday last week, St Benedict’s hosted Lisa Tierney (Chief Operating Officer), Duilio Rufo (Assistant Director of Schools) and several Heads of Shared Services of Diocesan Catholic Schools for our Annual School Visit.
The purpose of the annual school visit is for our executive team is to build a shared understanding of our context. We share our school strengths and goals for the future. The Catholic Schools staff undertake ‘learning walks’ in classrooms and also interview a ‘student focus group’ to ask our children what they love about our school and how we can make it better.
I’m delighted to share the highlights from this visit, which celebrated the theme of “Edgeworth Excellence”—a reflection of the vibrant, inclusive, and faith-filled learning environment we are proud to foster at our school.
The day began with a beautiful liturgy led by our Year 6 students, marking Social Justice Day. It was a moving celebration that brought our whole school community together in prayer and reflection.
In sharing our insights over our first year at St Benedict’s, Mr Hassett and I were able to speak with pride about our diverse student population, the strong sense of belonging fostered through the PB4L framework, and the enthusiastic and cohesive staff who work tirelessly to support every child.
Some of the many initiatives that have strengthened our school this year include:
- Student goal setting and data-informed teaching
- Collaborative case management through PLTs
- Wellbeing programs and Friday wellbeing meetings
- Maths improvement strategies and agreed homework practices
- Partnerships with other schools for professional learning.
I acknowledge the tireless work of Mr Hassett, Mrs Hunt and our staff in embedding these initiatives.
We also celebrated our commitment to spirituality and Catholic identity, with special mention of the work led by Miss Collins in Religious Education. The school’s Mission and Justice framework, rooted in Catholic Social Teaching (CST), is being beautifully embedded across all year levels. Creative projects like Tommy the Turtle, our Year 1 mascot, help students connect deeply with these values.
The visit highlighted our school’s strengths in:
- Spiritual formation – with staff and students actively engaging in faith-based learning and service
- Learning excellence – through innovative teaching practices and a culture of high expectations
- Wellbeing – with a strong focus on student support and staff collaboration
We are especially proud of our attendance rate of 92.3%, placing above local averages—a testament to our positive school culture and strong family partnerships.
We thank our dedicated staff for their passion, creativity, and commitment to making our school a place where every child can thrive. Their work in spirituality, learning, and wellbeing continues to shape a school community that is welcoming, inclusive, and deeply rooted in faith.
Some of the positive affirmations in our feedback session included:
- the work being done in classrooms in general
- The use of learning intentions, success criteria and co-constructed learning walls for student.
- Consistent use of student goal setting across classes
- The use of data to inform teaching practice and direction
- The support of faith formation for staff and students
- Our embedded PB4L framework
- The work being done in embedding Catholic Social Teachings
Our students, when interviewed, we described as DELIGHTFUL. What they said is reprinted below:
What do you love most about your school?
The teachers - they teach us great stuff.
My peers - the community and friends.
Learning is fun - art and science are my favourite.
When you get hurt there is always someone to care for you.
I like playing at lunch with my friends.
I love how the uniforms are comfy.
If you could change one thing to make your school even better, what would it be?
Have a playground.
A place to test and relax.
Have a slide.
Music room to play different instruments.
More shaded areas.
Somewhere to read books - the library can get crowded.
More classrooms and space to play.
A place to do art and craft at lunch time.
What are some ways you learn best at your school?
When we sound out the words on the whiteboard.
Using different strategies - e.g. paragraph writing using Teel or Peel.
Group activities or working with friends to get ideas and get help when you don’t understand.
I like learning alone to focus.
I learn best when teachers explain the learning.
Could you share a moment when you felt really proud of your learning?
I used the Bump It Up Wall in my classroom and I got up to the ‘Wow’ section.
I got a Benny award for my writing.
I wrote up to 2000 words on Elastik.
In maths I solved a really hard question. We go to maths extension every Wednesday and other students go to Maths Olympiad.
Once my teacher told my mum I was the fastest reader.
We get a Benny when we do well.
I didn’t know how to write and now I am able to. I used the Success Criteria and Bump It Wall to help me.
I know 12x12 (it’s 144).
What does goal setting look like at your school?
We have different groups in maths and spelling.
We set goals in maths, reading and writing. We have a goal wall and we can see how we can improve.
We have 3 stages - if you need help you ask a teacher, 2 friends or the wall.
We plot ourselves on the poster after activities.
The teacher tells us where we are.
We made rocket goals - we review them at the start of every term.
The teacher gives us options on our goals.
We put our writing up against the Bump It Up Wall.
At parent teacher interviews - goals are shared.
What's something you've really enjoyed learning about in Religion this year?
The Prodigal Son and forgiving people.
Learning about sharing through a story - a text about a cat, duck and squirrel.
Baptism - symbols and what they do.
Dignity of the human person - every person is different and we all have the same rights.
Hebrew Scriptures.
Holy Spirit - you can’t see it.
Mary MacKillop and her life.
The Parables.
The videos.
Making title pages.
Comic strip creations of stories.
Needless to say, we were very proud to show off our wonderful school community!
Take care and God Bless,
Dani Reed