Dear Parents and Carers,

Recently, my parish priest, Fr Greg, shared a heartfelt message about the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the importance of praying for peace. It reminded me of the Holy Land Pilgrimage  I took in 2023 with Fr Greg, Mrs Mulhearn, and a group of 40 other principals and Diocesan employees. Before that trip, I had only a vague understanding of the challenges faced by people in that region. Seeing it firsthand was eye-opening.

Our group returned home just as the conflict began, and we were fortunate to have left safely. The experience left a lasting impression on me—not just because of the timing, but because of the people we met and the stories we heard. We had the opportunity to meet both Palestinians and Israelis, of Jewish, Muslim and Christian faiths. The one thing they had in common was that they all wanted to live peacefully alongside each other and none of them stated their religions as a reason that couldn’t happen.

One thing that stood out was the stark contrast in living conditions. In Gaza, families have access to clean water only a few hours a week, while illegal Israeli settlements nearby  have it all the time. These differences are not about religion or culture—they’re about basic human needs and dignity.

It’s easy to feel distant from global issues, especially when they seem far away or complicated. But at the heart of it all are families, children, and communities—just like ours—who are hoping for peace, safety, and a better future.

As a school community, we can respond by fostering peace in our own lives: through kindness, understanding, and forgiveness. These values are not just religious—they’re human. And they start with how we treat one another, at home and at school. We can also respond through remembering those in war torn countries around the world in our prayers, and thanking God for our peaceful country!

Take care and God Bless,
Danielle Reed
Principal

SCHOOL HOURS - Important Safeguarding Message.

Together with our Diocesan Safety and Risk Management team, we have been reviewing our site safety procedures and safeguarding procedures, in light of the playground construction works and the many different contractors that are here each day from 6am.

We remind families that teacher start time, and in turn supervision start time, is 8.30am. Although teachers may be on site prior to this time, they are preparing for the school day, and not yet on duty or available for supervision until 8.30am. 

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of our students and school community, we ask that children are not dropped to school prior to 8.30am. We wish to advise that from Monday 18th August 2025, the foyer door will remain locked until 8.25am. This will only alter for special occasions or events, that require an earlier time, and have the supervision in place. These events will be advised via Compass beforehand. 

Similarly, school finish time is at 3pm. School staff and supervision also finish at this time. We understand that sometimes ‘life happens’ and unavoidable delays occur, so if this does happen in picking up your child, please contact school staff to arrange so that we can support ensuring your child's safety. If children are waiting at the office for parents on a regular basis past 3.10pm, please note that OOSH services will need to be utilised. We understand that for varying reasons or commitments, students may need to be supervised earlier than 8.30am or after 3pm, so we encourage the use of the OOSH service which is available on site from 7am until 6pm, and has availability. OOSH can be contacted on 0429 022 194. Alternatively, you may wish to make your own arrangements with family or friends. 

We thank you for your consideration of the safety and wellbeing of the St Benedict's school community. 

PLAYGROUND UPDATE

As we have had lots of wet weather, unfortunately there is not much to report as far as progress is concerned. Hopefully our next newsletter will contain some more photos.

Thank you to those parents who are refraining from using the car park. We realise it is inconvenient but it’s necessary to allow deliveries of materials and to keep the children safe. Material deliveries can happen between 6am and 4pm. Trucks do have priority and some charge extra for waiting time when making deliveries, so if you are in the car park and get blocked in by a truck, you will have to wait.

If you are collecting your child from OOSH after 4pm, all deliveries would have stopped and it should be safe to use the car park. 

Kinder’s Chick Hatching Brings Science and Smiles to the Classroom

This term, Kindergarten students have been busy exploring the observable features of plants, humans, and animals, as well as the environments they live in. As part of our Science unit, we’ve taken a deep dive into the life cycle of chickens—with the help of Henny Penny Hatchings!

Over a two-week period, our classroom was transformed into a mini chicken nursery, where students had the unique opportunity to observe the fascinating journey from egg to chick. We watched in awe as the eggs began to wobble, crack, and eventually hatch into fluffy little chicks. Throughout the experience, students engaged in rich discussions, asked thoughtful questions, and recorded their observations as real scientists do.

This hands-on learning experience not only helped students understand the stages of life and growth but also nurtured their sense of wonder, responsibility, and care for living things. At the end of the program, families were given the opportunity to adopt a chick, continuing the learning and love at home.

Hope’s Experience with ASPIRE

Hi, my name is Hope. In ASPIRE, we perform shows at the Civic Theatre in Newcastle, where audiences can enjoy amazing performances. ASPIRE encourages kids to take the stage and showcase their talents in dance, drama, singing, and instrumental music. We also have talented designers who create our costumes. To join ASPIRE, you must be in Year 5 or above. It’s a wonderful opportunity to be part of the musical arts. If you're interested in joining, you’ll need to audition — it’s a great way to begin your journey in the performing arts! I was part of Aspire this year and can highly recommend it.

Keeva’s Review of The Rise of Bozz

Hi, my name is Keeva. When I went to see The Rise of Bozz, I really enjoyed the actors, dancers, and singers — they were entertaining and amazing! The best part was the lighting effects and the school setting. I think the show could have had fewer songs and more action, but overall, it was a fantastic experience. If you want to audition, you’ll get to experience the thrill of acting, singing, and dancing. So remember to audition if you want to live your dream in the 2026 ASPIRE program!

DIOCESAN PUBLIC SPEAKING CHAMPION! 

A huge congratulations to Daisy Milajew in Year 1 - who today won the Diocesan Public Speaking Championship trophy for Stage 1, speaking on the topic of FUN. 

What a wonderful achievement!

The competition is still going on as we publish our newsletter, so other results will be shared next week! 

Feast of the Assumption of Mary

15th  August

Today, we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a holy day of great joy for our Church. This feast reminds us that at the end of her earthly life, Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into Heaven to share in the glory of her Son. It is a celebration of hope – showing us that God’s promise of eternal life is for all who follow Him.

Mary’s life was one of deep trust, humble service, and complete love for God. She

teaches us to say “yes” to God’s call, even when we do not fully understand His plan. As we honour Mary on this special feast, we are invited to follow her example – to live with faith, to serve others generously, and to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.

At school, we will mark this important day this coming Monday at Assembly where 1 Black will lead us in prayer, giving thanks for Mary’s constant care and asking her to intercede for our community. Let us remember Mary’s words: “My soul glorifies the Lord” (Luke 1:46), and strive to make our own lives acts of praise to God.

Mary, assumed into Heaven – pray for us.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHINGS 

@ ST BENEDICT'S

Shaping Our Hearts, Minds and Lives

At the heart of a Catholic education is the call to live out the values of the Gospel. The Catholic Social Teachings (CST) are a guiding framework that help our students understand how faith is lived in the world. These principles, such as the dignity of the human person, care for our common home, solidarity, and the pursuit of the common good – are not just lessons for school, but life-long foundations for making a difference in the world.

Pope Francis reminds us in Laudato Si’:

“We need to strengthen the conviction that we are one single human family.”

Here at St Benedict's, CST is not taught as an “extra subject” but woven into all learning. Students explore how they can care for others, protect creation, stand up for justice, and be voices for those who are unheard. We encourage them to see themselves as people of action and compassion, whose choices reflect Christ’s love.

By learning and living the Catholic Social Teachings, our students are being equipped not only for academic success, but for lives of integrity, service, and hope. In the words of the prophet Micah:

“Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

At St Benedict's each year our students commit to the focus of a key Catholic Social Teaching. They become it's CHAMPION. Over this Semester I will share with you one of our Catholic Social Teachings. Although the Students champion just one CST each year they are learning about the others through their learning in all areas at school. 

Yours in faith,

Miss Michelle Collins

(Religious Education Co-Ordinator)

'I like the talks we have as a group before our games. I like having my say and that my classmates are able to talk about their thoughts and feelings in a safe space. '

• Year 6 Student