Welcome to the Week 7 Newsletter. This week I am unpacking two events/ activities that are underway at school. You may have noticed a lot of trades and even few additions to our school “roof line” and appreciate you may be wondering what might be approaching. So will provide a facilities update below. I am also aware that Year 5 are busy readying themselves for student leadership opportunities to be part of the 2025 Student Parliament.

Student Voice (Week 8) - Student Parliament

Beginning next Monday, the 2nd December, Years 2 to 5 will participate in the Student Leadership elections for 2024. This year we have received a record number of students in our current Year 5 nominating for the chance to represent student voice in our parliament. They have been responsible, genuine and committed to playing their part in having their say. This next week will provide Year 5 students who have nominated the well-worn path of setting goals, taking risks, managing nerves, maintaining effort followed by either navigating disappointment and celebrating achievements.

Over the course of Monday - Wednesday, selected Year 5 students will speak to the various groups who they wish to represent in the role they have nominated for. Immediately following each gathering, students within those groups will participate in the actual voting. Students will be guided to understand that they number by preference up to 4 candidates (4 is the number of preferences allowed for the school leadership vote but this may vary for the smaller groups/ nominees standing. There may only be 3 standing for Service Leadership for example). 

We wish the Year 5 students and all the students at SBE all the best as they elect the student parliament in 2025. The school is in good hands.

Monday 2nd December	Speeches and Elections for 4 Whole School /Parliament Leaders. Counting conducted and validated that afternoon
Tuesday 3rd December	4 Leaders announced to Year 5. This will negate them from standing for other leadership positions.  Speeches and Elections for Sports Leaders in each colour house. Counting Conducted and validated that afternoon.
Wednesday 4th December	Speeches and Elections/ Considerations for remaining leadership positions with their respective groups. Service Leaders (MiniVinnies) Environmental Leaders ( Eco Warriors) Social Leaders (PCW and current Lunch Clubs ) Comms and Safety (Exec - Assembly Coordinators)
Thursday 5th  December	Whole School Assembly gathers for the full parliament. Announcement on Facebook page and in Week 9's newsletter. New School LEaders will have a small "handover of student leadership" role in the Whole School Mass.

SBE Facilities Update 

We have some exciting updates of our facilities at SBE with significant support from the Diocesan Facilities team and the DFSBL funds. We have been working close 

New Phone System - We have a new fully integrated phone system across the school with integrated web technology utilising Teams across different platforms. 

Carpet and Autex in 5 Learning spaces - We are currently in the process of renewing carpet and installing Autex (wall carpet) for classroom, a project that will be completed by the end of term. This will be a cyclical renewal program

Solar Panels -The installation of almost 50 solar panels on the school admin building to support the schools’ efforts towards energy zero, has been completed this week. This is the second phase of this project. Earlier this year all lights within the school were switched to LED lights. 

Playground Works -The remediation of our playground has reached is next, most exciting with landscape specialists, environmental engineers and others completing initial testing and investigations. After these tests are confirmed, it will lead to works commencing on the full remediation of our playground spaces. These include a full extension of Basketball Court/ Slab, landscaping of the hill space near the COLA and building of two purpose built artificial turf soccer fields surrounded by landscape paths and garden spaces. The scope of works is significant and while timelines would ideally be planned within the next break, we have not yet got a start date on this and it is likely that it will have impact on the school playground at the start of 2025. We once again must be patient for this significant investment and works to get underway, but it is pleasing to share the playground remediation plans. I think it will create amazing new and hardwearing play spaces for SBE @ Play. We will keep you updated but below is a rough idea of what is planned (you can also see the scale of the solar panel installation on the admin wing). 

Have a Great Week, 

Jules Mulhearn

THE FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING

On Sunday, Catholic Churches across the world celebrated the Feast of Christ the King, a significant day in the Church’s liturgical calendar. It marks the final Sunday of the Church year, reminding us that Jesus Christ is the King of the Universe and the centre of our faith.

The Feast of Christ the King was instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925 in response to the growing lack of commitment to faith in the modern world. At the time, the Pope wanted to emphasise the kingship of Christ over all nations and peoples, encouraging Catholics to remain strong in their faith and loyalty to Jesus.

This feast is a celebration of Jesus as a King who reigns not with earthly power or wealth, but with humility, love, and service. Unlike worldly rulers, Jesus’ kingship is based on His sacrifice on the cross and His ultimate triumph over sin and death. It is a kingship that calls for unity, peace, and justice, reminding us that true greatness is found in serving others just like He did.

A Time for Reflection

The Feast of Christ the King is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on what it means to belong to the Kingdom of God. We are called to:

• Recognise Jesus’ authority in our lives by following His teachings.
• Live as His faithful disciples, trying to live our lives like His with love and compassion in all our actions.

This special feast day challenges us to evaluate our priorities, ensuring that our choices and values align with our faith.

The Feast of Christ the King also serves as a fitting end to the liturgical year, helping us prepare for the season of Advent and the coming of Christ at Christmas.

Great News - Childrens Liturgy is back. 

Sugarloaf Parish is beginning to offer Children’s Liturgy at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, West Wallsend during Saturday night Mass. During the first half of the Mass, children are offered an alternative experience of the scripture readings. Age-appropriate versions of the readings are presented to children in a relaxed and engaging environment in order that children comprehend the stories at their level. Children then rejoin the congregation to participate in the rest of the celebration with their families.

 This will be starting on Saturday, 30th November 2024 at 6pm Mass, marking the start of the new Liturgical Year. We invite parish, school and community members with children of school age who are yet to complete their Sacraments of Initiation to please join us.

Yours in Faith,

Miss Michelle Collins

(Religious Education Co-Ordinator)

Semester Report Elements

Over the past 2 weeks, I have spent some time unpacking the different elements of the semester two reports. This is the final update where you will gain further understanding about the KLA's of Physical Development, Health/Physical Education and Creative Arts.

Semester Two reports will be made live via Compass next Friday afternoon 6/12/2024, along with 2025 class announcements. 

Today, we welcomed Bishop Micheal to our school community and had a chance to chat with him and show him the best of our school. Bishop Micheal shared with us the 3 things he does as Bishop and Leader of our Diocese. First, he governs all the different faith organisations in the diocese including our school ("I'm sort of like the boss"). Next, he teaches people about Jesus ("Just like your teachers and parents do every day"). And lastly, he leads the people of the diocese in prayer ("So, how about we pray together now"). 

Did you know?

• Bishop Micheal started out as a teacher before being a priest. 
• Bishop Micheal is the youngest of 5 brothers and 1 sister as he shared many stories about his time with family on a small farm in Wagga.
• When he is not busy being a bishop, Bishop Micheal likes to read and going to the beach.
• Bishop Micheal's favourite time at school was lunchtime and going home.

It was great to get to know Bishop Micheal as part of our community and while we know he is a very busy man, we cannot wait to welcome him back again soon. 

The children and staff also had the chance to welcome Mrs Danielle Reed, the 2025 Principal to St Bennies. She has been at our school for the last day and half as she prepares to transition to our school in the new year, For parents at home, you will notice her alongside myself and the Bishop in one of the photos. 

Confidence and Motivation

Building confidence and motivation in children is one of the most impactful roles
parents and caregivers can play in their child’s development. Confidence is the belief
in one’s abilities, while motivation drives the effort to pursue goals, even in the face of
challenges. These qualities, when nurtured from an early age, help children develop
resilience, a positive self-image, and the courage to take on new challenges. Parents
can create an environment where their children feel supported by offering consistent
encouragement, praising effort over outcomes, and helping them set achievable goals.
When children feel confident in their abilities, they are more likely to be motivated
to try new things and persevere through setbacks. By fostering both confidence and
motivation, we can equip young people with the tools to face life’s challenges with
self-assurance and a growth-oriented mindset, laying the groundwork for long-term
personal and academic success.

Click on the link below for access to our schooltv page with articles, resources and interviews with leading specialists.

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

A reminder that school fees are to be finalised by the 30th November.

As this is due next week, if you are unable to meet this committment or require an extention on your payment deadline please contact our office to discuss further. 

This does not apply to any families that have a current payment arrangement with our Principal. 

Special Note for year 6 parents regarding fees. As this will be the last year for year 6 students at St Benedict's fees need to be finalised & paid in full prior to November 30th 2024.

Payment of school fees must be addressed to avoid being negatively impacted on their enrolment proceeding at Catholic High school. Principal's will be notified of any outstanding fees prior to the commencement of 2025.

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.  

Any families that are experiencing hardship or require assistance with extinguishing their debt please contact our school office. 

Parents & Friends Annual Xmas raffle prizes have now been finalised

Raffle Prizes

1^st Prize 

• 5kg Christmas Ham from Edgeworth Butchers 
• Family Pass to Sydney Taronga Zoo 

2^nd Prize 

• Family pass Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular 
• Lindt Lindor Bon Bon 
• Shortbread box 
• Chocolate coated peanuts 
• Wahu ball 
• Bunch of Balloons 
• Small lolly stocking 

3^rd Prize 

• Family Voucher to Shark and Ray Centre 
• M&M’s
• Shortbread box 
• Wahu wing blade 
• Bunch of Balloons 
• Small lolly stocking 

Plus many other wonderful prizes available! 

Congratulations to the following students who acheived a Bennies milestone award this week.