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Welcome to the Week 9 Newsletter. This week we navigate a unique Easter Season in that it appears inside the term and provides the students (and teachers) with an enticing 4 day weekend that are more often than not part of the school holidays anyway. It only happens once every 5 or 6 years with how the calendar (and the everchanging Easter) unfolds. There are several benefits to this weekend, but each of course offers its own challenges.
- It offers a minibreak at the end of a busy team when perhaps the level of tiredness is reaching new heights. It consequently means we only have short weeks remaining. (This Week 9 = Good Friday Public Holiday; Next week 10= Easter Monday Public Holiday and in Week 11, we have the pupil free day to mark the end of term.) This means the run to the end of term may gather considerable speed between now and then.
- It provides opportunity for us to wrap the Easter Weekend with the important liturgies that are central to the Lenten/ Easter season and core to the Catholic Faith. This means we will follow the story of Jesus through the events of Holy Week (last Supper, Arrest, Trial, Crucifixion and Death) in a Liturgy this Thursday and await the celebration of the resurrection in a Liturgy next Tuesday after Easter Sunday.
We will however embed the tradition of an Easter hat Parade and Raffles this Thursday afternoon because who wants to wait until after Easter for that.
It is an interesting liturgical season to navigate when we consider the challenges and sadness of Jesus' agony in the Garden, his trial and crucifixion along with the lessons or service and love at the Last Supper and then the triumph and joy of the resurrection.
Whether this upcoming long, long weekend is just a well-earned break, a chance to catch up with family or an opportunity to join a faith community in one of the liturgies that centre us on Jesus resurrection, I wish everyone a safe, happy and loved Easter this weekend.
Upcoming Pupil Free Days
As mentioned above we have one Pupil Free Day coming on the last day of term and a second one on the first day back.
Friday 12th April - staff will complete professional Learning cetnred in SIP priority #2 Wellbeing for Life. Our Day "Lead Directions in Student Wellbeing" will focus on ustilising student voice (data) driving wellbeing agenda and complete a school audit on our wellbeing framework - to make sure we are doing what we say we are doing.
Monday 29th April - Staff will complete a focus on embedding Differentiated Instruction for all Learners inclusive of high potential and gifted learners. We will also be unpacking the work of Micheal McDowell in Developing Expert Learners.
Our third and final Pupil Free Day will be the last Day of Term 2, Friday July 5th.
The Run to End of Term
Reminder that Enrolments are now Open and Online.
The link to the online application process is below.
CLICK HERE
The good news is that within this link you will see two options. If you scroll down and click on the enrolment button titled "Enrolling a sibling" much of your information will be generated from your compass profile (you will need to know your sign in/password and the admin office can help you to recall this).
Partners in Learning Conferences
The Partners in Learning Conferences are underway with almost 250 conference booked (and some already been held). For those who have yet to arrnage a time to meet and are wishing to do so, a reminder that bookings are made via Compass. If you can't find the link on your home page, use the "more" button on the bottom right and you will find a conference button. The conference bookings will remain live the rest of this week and next, with conferences ending on Friday 5th April.
The best news is that children are invited to and are already joining these conferences so they can share in the goal setting conversations and join the partnership to support their learning.
Have a Great Week,
Jules
PALM SUNDAY
Last Sunday churches around the world celebrated Palm Sunday which commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. The gospels record the arrival of Jesus riding into the city on a donkey, while the crowds spread their cloaks and palm branches on the street and shouted "Hosanna to the Son of David" and "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" to honor him as their long-awaited Messiah and King.
Students in 2 Red have been learning about Palm Sunday in Religion and how to write a recount text in English. They combined this learning to write a recount of Palm Sunday from the Donkey's perspecitive. I thank these children for allowing me to share their work here in the newsletter. Please enjoy reading about Palm Sunday from the Donkey's point of view.
The Story of Palm Sunday told by the Donkey.
One day Jesus came to Jerusalem. When he arrived these two random people came to release me. I didn’t know why they releases me until I saw that I was going to carry this man named Jesus. Those two men needed me a lot.
As I looked around, I saw that people were laying their coats and palm leaves out for me. I realised they didn’t want my hooves to get dirty. Some people were nice, but some people were mean and that made Jesus very sad. But Jesus loves everybody.
Written by: Amelia Gulabovski
Jesus went to Jerusalem with his disciples. His disciples came and got me so he could ride me on Palm Sunday because it was a special day for Jesus. We walked in the middle f the streets and I saw a lot of people they were cheering and throwing their coats on the ground. They were waving palm leaves and round cheering.
Written by Jonty Guihot
Once Jesus came to Jerusalem and it was Palm Sunday. On his way he asked two of his disciples to bring me to him. The men placed their jackets on my back. I was happy when our Saviour sat on my back.
When we got there, I saw thousands of people throw jackets and palm leaves on the ground. It was my happiest day ever. But then something sad happened some people did not remember Jesus and He was crying, not only crying but whimpering. I wiggled my back and that made Him happy. I LOVE God!
Written by Oreofe Oba-Olukayode
Jesus told the disciples to come and get me on Palm Sunday so he could take me for a ride. People put their coats on the ground. They went and got palm leaves for Palm Sunday. The disciples put their coats on me, and we travelled through Jerusalem. It took us a long time.
Written by Charlie Brock
One Sunday I was in town at my stable. I then went and walked through the crowd with Jesus on my back. Jesus started crying because people did not know that he was God’s son. Then Jesus stop crying because he remembered that he was in front of everyone.
Written by Paige Ferguson
I was at my stable on a Sunday morning and I was tied up with my rope. One of Jesus’ friends came to get me. Jesus got on my back, and I started walking. People were throwing their coats on the ground for me to walk on. They were waving the palm leaves and cheering for Jesus.
Written by Zavier Thompson
CONGRATULATIONS SACRAMENTAL CANDIDATES.
Last Thursday 21st March fourteen of our Year 3 students joined other children from The Sugarloaf Parish to receive the sacrament of 1st Reconciliation. We congratulate these children and their families as they complete the first of three sacraments they will receive this year.
HOLY WEEK MASSES AND LITURGIES
As we approach Holy Week there are many opportunities to join with our local parish in Prayer, Litugy and Mass. I have included a link below for you to follow if you would like to check the time of Holy Week Services.
School Office
Phone: 4958 1858
Email:admin@edgeworth.catholic.edu.au
Admin/ Finance Officer Suzi Di-Nardo Monday to Friday
Admin - Tiare Collins-Grayson Monday, Thursday Friday
School Fees
School fee statements will be coming out to families next week.
Payments can be made via B/pay, Direct debt, EFTPOS, over the counter at our school or over the phone. These payment can be set up through your internet banking to be paid weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
School fee accounts are emailed monthly and are due to be finalised by 30 November. The expectation is that your first payment installment is received by the 31st March.
We ask that all Fee Payers closely review your current account, paying particular attention to:
- Only one charge for DFSBL (Building Levy) across all schools; and
- Check sibling discount has been applied at ALL schools (if applicable).
Diocesan Pastoral Contribution- This charge of $300 is a voluntary fee. Parents can decline or accept via Compass Parent Portal.
If you have not received your statement please check your Junk mail and contact our office.
Health Care and Pension Card Holders
We would like to bring to your attention that Health Care and Pension card holders are eligible for a discount off the Diocesan Tuition fee. If you have a valid 2024 card, you can apply for this discount by completing the attached form and returning it to our school office together with a copy of your card. This will ensure that the appropriate discount is applied to 2024 fees. This application needs to lodged at each school where each of your children attend.
Discounts have now been processed for any families that have supplied their concession forms and card details.
Fee Agreements
We are currently working through lodged fee agreements and will have them processed before your statement next week.
Please check your statement for the discounted amount.
Compass
By now families should have compass log in information, usernames and passowrds. It is important that you use this app as it is a critical part of our school communication.
- Our staff use this app to contact parents, upload school reports, mark rolls and much more.
- Parent are able to submit attendance notifictions on the app, check reports, and review, pay and download fee statements.
Compass is also used for all our school events and permisssion must be done in order for your child to attend. The form below allows both parents to be listed as "joint" account holders and therefore allowing either parent to provide permission for an excursion/event. The default on COMPASS is that both parents can view the event BUT only the parent listed as fee payer can provide permission. Many parents elect to change this. If you wish this to happen, please complete the form.
PBL Cyles and Focuses
This week, we celebrated the first PBL assembly and recognised the first students to have reached their 50 Bennie Milestone, with many not far behind that should see us present many more in Week 11. As it happens, we have the school cross country on Monday Week 11 when we would otherwise have the PBL assembly, so we plan on holding that week's PBL assembly on Thursday as we also celebrate EMPOWER Day Games. Details for that assembly and the day itself are below and we will post seprately in Compass after Easter.
We have now completed 2 PBL cycles, one focusing on SPEAK (with Respect), the second on Be LIKE JESUS (Be Responsible) and we are entering a 3-week PBL cycle on EMPOWER (empwer Yourself).
PBL Data Analysis
As part of each cycle, we take the time to collect, analyse and hopefully celebrate positive data to support learning. See some of the data we shared at Monday's assembly below.
As always, what we need to look at alongside the great numbers above are the times where we have supported students who need an extra reminder to make positive choices for their learning. And while some numbers below represent sometimes when mistakes have been made, what is always encouraging is that these "minor" mistakes are usually enough to direct the students to more positive. The most important data is that we are affirming positive behaviour 200 times more often than we are reminding students to make better choices.
PBL Empower Games Day
As mentioned above, we will be celebrating the last day of term (Thursday 11th April) with our annual Empower Games Day. Details are below and we will unpack this with the students next week. Of particular note for parents is the theme fo the day - Empower yourself by dressing as your own or a well known super hero or dressing as someone in history who empowered others.
Harmony Day 2024
On Thursday 21st March, Saint Benedict's celebrated Harmony Day. The ongoing theme of Harmony Day is ‘Everyone Belongs’. And, as Jesus taught us: “Love one another as I have loved you.” Harmony Day gives us the perfect opportunity to live out the Gospel values of love, respect and acceptance in a real and tangible way.
From the oldest continuous culture of our first Australians to the cultures of our newest arrivals from around the world, Australia's strength lies in its rich cultural diversity. We celebrated inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for all Australians, from the traditional owners of the land to those who have come from many countries around the world.
The day began with a whole school liturgy in the hall, where students from all classes gathered around our sacred space. Children from a variety of cultural backgrounds pronounced 'love they neighbour' in their native langauges. We listened to the Gospel reading of the Good Samaritan which echoed this message.
In conclusion, our amazing Indian and Neplaese dancers perfomered before the whole school 'Parade of Nations'. The rest of the day was spent engaging all students in a multititude of activities from cultures around the world. Some of the activities included collaborative art projects, music lessons, research based posters and paper chains. Ms Mateos even did some Spanish lessons!
Special thanks to Mrs Franks and Mrs Saperas for all her hard work, organsiation, care and passion in coordinating and organising such a wonderful day for ALL! Also to Mrs Rothfield for sharing her amazing recording and editing talents in developing our SBE Harmony day video!
This video can be viewed on the following private youtube listing:
Polding Swimming Championships
All the very best to Kiani Miller who will represent St Benedict's, the Lakes Region and the Maitland/Newcastle Diocese at the Polding Primary Catholic Schools Swimming Championships, next week at Sydney's Olylmpic Pool, Homebush.
Kiani will compete in the Girls 10 Years 50m Freestlyle and the Girls Jnr 200m Individual Medley, next Wednesday. Go Kiani, all of St Benedict's are behind you!!
Monday 25th March- C. Smith
Tuesday 26th March- H. Fenwick
Wednesday 27th March- F.McPherson
Thursday 28th March - Closed for Easter special
Friday 29th March- Good Friday - closed
Monday 1st April - Easter Monday - closed
Tuesday 2nd April -
Wednesday 3rd April - L.Leigh
Thursday 4th April - J.Boyle
Friday 5th April - A.Salmon & C.Boyle
Along with our canteen supervisor Haley Fenwick.
Congratulations to the following students who have received 50 Bennies and those being recognised with the Spirit of Jesus Award at assembly this week.
|
PBL 50 Certificate |
Spirit of Jesus Award |
|
|
2B |
Cruz Mansley Indi Garven Ryder Marriott |
|
|
3B |
Eden Haynes Dylan Judge |
Charli Maddison |
|
3R |
Hayden Thomas Jack Gloury |
|
|
5R |
Olivia Price Evie White |
Adam Tinawin |
The school assists local organsiation to promtote their child related services, events and activities. The school is not directly linked to these events but we are happy to support the greater edgeworth and Cameron Park community.
