Welcome to the Week 6 newsletter. We have reached the point of the term/ year where momentum is building, and things are getting really busy. The excitement is rolling forwards, changes are upon us and new challenges are faced and conquered such as the Stage 3 camps last week as well as those that are yet to come such as transitioning to the next school year, the next adventure and the next chapter.

It is important to remind ourselves to be slow (and even still) in the moment because we know from experience it will rush past soon enough, and the next thing will come - more so at this time of year than any other. 
We can't stop time, but we can slow it down by stepping back and reflecting on how proud you might be of another challenge faced, an achievement ticked or even just appreciating those around you sharing this moment in time. It is the counterweight of a busy schedule such as the one we have ahead where we might otherwise snowball our way through these weeks and find ourselves at the end before we even start.

I am sharing the attached document and will outline some further details of the events below. Please take the time to read the details to avoid confusion or missing out. 

Important Dates for the remainder of Term 4 2024.pdf

Important Dates for the remainder of Term 4 2024 _pdf 452.26 KB

The Catholic Countdown

We are reaching the end of our Liturgical Year with the Feast of Christ the King, this Sunday 24th November - the last Sunday of Ordinary Time (Green). Please find an invitation to join the Parish as we celebrate Mass this Sunday. It would be lovely to share a final liturgy with our Parish, especially for our Year 6 students.

After this Sunday, we launch into the Advent season (Purple) and a new Liturgical year. We are already seeing Advent Calendars of every shape and size available - I saw an Advent Calendar of Christmas Movies to watch leading up to Christmas. They are great ways to count down to December 25th. However, we use other ways to count down and get ready for Christmas (and no, it is not our present wish list or our job to-do list). It is the Advent Wreath.

Advent, in the Catholic tradition, is a liturgical season of preparation leading up to Christmas. The word "Advent" comes from the Latin word "adventus," meaning "coming" or "arrival". The season spans the four Sundays before Christmas and is a time for us to prepare our hearts and minds for the birth of Jesus Christ. We use a wreath with four candles, lighting one more each week to symbolize the growing light of Christ's coming. Three are purple, symbolising hope and anticipation but on the third Sunday known as Gaudete Sunday (15th December), rose is used to signify joy as Christmas approaches. And of course there is the white Candle in the middle that is lit on Christmas Morning. 

Assistant Principal Update

I’m excited, while at the same time saddened, to share some news with you all. Starting next year, I will be taking on the role of Principal at Holy Cross, Glendale. 

As I prepare to step into this new role with great excitement and passion, I am deeply aware of the incredible community I am leaving behind at Bennies. This place is special because of the people who make it so. I am immensely grateful for the three years I’ve spent here, the lasting relationships we’ve built, and the memories we’ve created together.

Working alongside such dedicated staff, wonderful students and amazing families has been one of the greatest joys of my career. The enthusiasm, creativity, and kindness I’ve witnessed every day have been truly inspiring. I have cherished every moment spent in classrooms, at events, and in conversations with both students and parents. Your support and collaboration have made my time here incredibly special.

I want to take this moment to thank each of you for your unwavering care and support during my time here. I have learned and grown so much, and I am incredibly proud of all we have achieved together. Although my time here is coming to an end, I am confident that the great work we’ve done will continue because of all of you.

Your strength and connections are the foundation of Bennies, and I am certain that your amazing work will carry on under the new leadership team from 2025. 

Thank you all for a fabulous three years. I’m looking forward to all our upcoming events and celebrations as we bid farewell to an amazing 2024!

Mathematics, Science and HSIE content

This week I have attached 3 documents explaining the Mathematics, Science and Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) report content. 

FORMATION OPPORTUNITY

As the Religious Education Co-Ordinator one of the most enjoyable aspects of my role is the opportunity to lead formation for our staff and students. Last Thursday I had one of these opportunities as I headed up to the Great Aussie Bush Camp to lead our Year 5 students and their teachers in Formation.

Students and staff were called to prayer by placing a sacred stone in the prayer space. We settled our minds through a guided breathing exercise. When ready I delivered a Christian Meditation with the theme of Celebrating God’s gift of Creation. And, what a perfect setting we were in to do this at the Great Aussie Bush Camp.

I thank the Year 5 students and their teachers for allowing me this opportunity. It was wonderful to take a moment to stop and reflect on all of the wonderful gifts God has given to us.

Yours in Faith,

Miss Michelle Collins

(Religious Education Co-Ordinator)

Stage 3 Excursions

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the staff who supported the overnight excursions last week. Your dedication and commitment truly went above and beyond, ensuring that our students had an unforgettable experience. Such enriching opportunities simply wouldn't be possible without your hard work and enthusiasm. Your efforts have made a significant impact, and we are deeply grateful for your unwavering support. Thank you for making these excursions a reality and for creating lasting memories for our students.

A note about Canberra Excursion

Last week, Year 6 students spent three amazing and educational days in Canberra, undertaking a tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy. The tour included; The Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, Museum of Australian Democracy, National Museum of Australia, AIS, Questacon and Royal Australian Mint.  The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government contributed funding of $30.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

STEM MAD Nationals

On Monday, Mrs Lewis, myself and 5 of our talented Year 6 students travelled to Brisbane to compete in the STEM MAD national showcase. Next Step Academy did not make only St. Benedict's and their families proud, but also the whole Diocese!

Charli, Maddison, Marli, Marley and Alexis were amazing role models in their STEM project, and also in their conduct and behaviour througout the whole trip. We spent the morning listening to keynote speakers Dr Sally Towns- executive director of CNA and Lucas Patcahett from Orange Sky. Following this, the team spent some time looking at the various other projects presenting in the first showcase.

After lunch, it was our turn!

The girls prepared their space, organsied themselves and were ready to showcase their STEM initiative to the judges, special guests and other schools. They did an amazing job and we are super proud of all their hard work, confidence and relisience they displayed. Well done Next Step Academy!

Special thanks to Mrs Lewis for all her work in leading up to this day and the CSO dial team for funding and organising such a wonderful opportunity for our students

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all the staff for their exceptional organisation and participation in today's swimming carnival, particularly Jacqui Slade and Luke Moore who continiue to take lead in our carnivals every year. I would also include all our parent volunteers for your participation today.  Your efforts in coordinating three distinct carnivals—water play for the youngest, novelty events for non-competitive swimmers, and competitive races for those ready to compete—were truly remarkable. Well done to all the students for their enthusiastic participation and for giving it their best. It was a day filled with great fun and memorable moments, thanks to your dedication and hard work. Thank you for making this event a fantastic success every year!

Given today's carnival is technically the 2025 carnival, we will present ribbons and championship trophies at an assembly early next year and publish the Regional Swim at the same time. 

Parents and friends update 

Coming soon!! 

It’s getting towards that exciting time of the year. The P&F are working hard putting together some amazing prizes again for the whole family! 

Upcoming Canteen Rosters 

Term 4  - Week 7 

Monday 25th November - Lesley Peake

Tuesday 26th November - Closed

Wednesday 27th November - Melinda Bashford

Thursday 28th November - Volunteer needed 

Friday 29th November - Andrea Salmon and Justin Fenwick

Term 4 - Week 8 2024

Monday 2nd December - Casey Smith

Tuesday 3rd December - Closed

Wednesday 4th December - Trish Dunnill

Thursday 5th December - Andrea Salmon

Friday 6th December - Rebecca Atkins & Leah Shakespeare 

Congratulations to the following students who were recognised for their efforts in Learning, Improvement and Kindness to Others last week. 

Below is a link I thought we could send out or include in the news letter.

Friends With Dignity | Friends with Dignity - Little Friends Scholarship

The scholarship can provide up to $500  worth of support for devices, clothing and other school essentials.

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