Welcome to this Week 5 Newsletter. 

Assumption of Mary

It is often ask why the Catholic Church raises the profile of Mary so much (She has more titles than any other person from the Bible). this week as I listened to Year 1 guide us in liturgy to celebrate the Annunciation of Mary one word struck me "God's Will". One of the greatest challenges to us, as modern Christians, is to be open to God's will, even when it doesn't make a lot of sense to us and even puts tough times ahead of us. Mary was the epitome of this and an example to all of us. Mary's Grace in Gods Will is why she is so important to our Catholic Faith and why she has an additional feast day of the Assumption - where she is taken to heaven to be with her Son, Jesus.

For us, Mary's example can guide us in many ways. We have been gifted free will and in doing so we have the option to respond to challenges in our own way. Mary's way was acceptance, resolve, hope and compassion. There is a quote that I am reminded of that essentially says we can't always control what happens to us but we can control how we respond to it. Mary's example can help us to respond in a proactive way and a positive mindset. I am also reminded of a cartoon that I often reference that has a similar message, perhaps a bit more light-hearted than Mary's example. I know I have shared it before, but it is a favourite of mine. What I love about God's plan with it ups and downs is that in each one, there are ways to help me through it.

The World of Books

This week we celebrate Book week which is an event close to my heart but not necessarily for the dress-ups and parades, as fun as they are. For me it is about the celebration of the world of books, the places of our imagination and the realms of possibility. This is my happy place. I remember buying my first book (my own pocket money) at a second hand book sale. It was a copy of the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (I still have it). I remember reading that book countless times and on occasions even hiding in the wardrobe to read it under torch light in the hope that I could escape into Narnia. This is such a strong memory from my childhood (never got to Narnia though) and it has sent me into countless other worlds to meet countless other characters ever since. The point is that every book has a different world with an invitation to the reader to journey just a while within it.The even better part is that the world is the reader’s alone, the person reading another book next to them can be in a completely different world and a different timeline. Reading is infinite and therein lies the magic.

Summer Uniform Options

A reminder that the option to wear Summer Uniform instead of the current Winter uniform will start ono September 2nd (Week 7), just one and half weeks to go. We appreciate parents support to maintain expectations as we all eagerly await the onset of Spring (and summer uniform options). 

Two Event Reminders this week. 

Have a Great Week, 

Jules Mulhearn 

#3 Right Learning, Right Child:

Differentiating and Deepening Learning

At St. Benedict’s, we believe in the transformative power of education that is tailored to each child’s unique needs and potential- “The Right Learning in front of the Right Child”.

This term, as a staff we continue working towards differentiating and deepening learning. This is be achieved by working collaboratively with grade partners and utilising past professional learning such as The Assessment Waterfall, Visible Learning and research and professional learning presented by Michael McDowell – “Developing Expert Learners” and “Rigour Redefined”.

Each class has selected a strategy and at least two  key learning area to focus on when delivering their chosen strategy. What is wonderfully unique about most of these strategies is that the same activity can be tweaked to work across Kindergarten to Year 6. For example, our Kindergarten and Year 4 classes will be utilising the same strategy to deepen students learning. The strategy they plan on using is “Odd one Out”

Odd one out, is an activity that aims to promote discussion and observation, encouraging a wider perspective and leading to deeper learning. Generally speaking, you start with three to four squares. To increase the level of difficulty and a deeper thought process more boxes can be added over time.

This strategy can be used across many different Key Learning Areas. The activity can be used in many ways, to provide discussion and use of correct terminology and vocabulary. They can be used to assess learners and bring out misconceptions, and to emphasise the importance of justifying thoughts.

Below is an example of Odd one out within the Key Learning Area of Mathematics. Can you poick the odd one out? #spoiler alert: there is no correct answer. This is about justifying yout thinking (and in doing so deepening your learning) 

We look forward to shareing some to of the other strategies to deepen learning in coming weeks.

Have a wonderful week,

Miss Michelle Collins

(Acting Assistant Principal)

Feast of the Assumption.

This week we celebrated the Assumption of Mary with 1 Black at assembly.

The Assumption of Mary is a Holy Day of Obligation and is celebrated each year on August 15, the Mother of Jesus, was assumed—taken up—body and soul into Heaven at the end of her life.

The Assumption leaves open the question of whether Mary died or whether she was raised to eternal life without bodily death. Traditionally, Mary’s life is believed to have ended in Jerusalem, but variations emerged over time. Pope Pius XII supported this when he said that Mary “having completed the course of her earthly life”.

The difference between the Ascension and Assumption is that Jesus ascended into heaven and Mary was assumed. Jesus went up into heaven by his own power and Mary was not, she was human and was taken into Heaven.

Whilst Mary was assumed into Heaven, she is always with us. Heaven is where Mary and Jesus are reunited with us. The Assumption is the Fourth Glorious Mystery of the Rosary and it is a gentle reminder that she is and always will be with us.

“Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death.”

As we celebrate the Feast of the Assumption, let us remember our Mother who is in Heaven, loving us more than anyone else on earth could!

Have a wonderful week,

Megan Hunt

(Acting REC)

Wellbeing Project: Cycle Eight –

Happiness and Gratitude

Here at St Benedict's we are committed to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment through our Well-Being Project. This initiative focuses on promoting emotional health and resilience among students, staff, and families. As mentioned previously part of my role as Acting Assistant Principal is to complete a one-hour lesson with each class on a specific focus area. For this cycle we will explore Happiness (and its comparison to Joy) and Gratitude.

In our quest for emotional well-being, it’s important to distinguish between happiness and joy. While often used interchangeably, these two concepts have distinct meanings:

Happiness is typically linked to external factors and achievements. It’s a positive emotional state that often depends on circumstances, such as reaching a goal or enjoying a special treat. Whilst, joy is a deeper, more enduring feeling of contentment and fulfillment. It’s not necessarily tied to specific events or possessions but comes from a sense of inner peace and connection.

Each class, and staff member will participate in their own Happiness Challenge during class time. I ask families to join in at home and complete the Family Happiness Challenge attached below. I hope through participating in this challenge at home you and your family will experience more happiness, gratitude and even joy!

Have a wonderful week,

Miss Michelle Collins

(Acting Assistant Principal)

Todd Woodbridge Tennis Gala Day

Congratulations to our Stage 2 and 3 children who participated in the Todd Woodbridge Tennis Gala Day last Friday at District Park Broadmeadow. The day involved a round robin style team competition against schools from the Hunter Region, promoting the sport of tennis. This was only the second year that St Benedict's has been involved in the competition, with many of our students new to the game. Despite this, our teams were very competitive, demonstrating excellent sportsmanship and skill.

Many thanks to our parents who helped with organising and supporting our teams throughout the day enabling our children to have a fun and exciting tennis experience.

Upcoming Events

Stage 2 and 3 Lakes Regional Netball Gala Day - Thursday 5th September at Charlestown Netball Courts.

Information and required Permission/Payment for Stage 2 and 3's Netball Gala Day is available on COMPASS - Upcoming Events, for children who indicated an interest to participate.

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

Upcoming Event - School Disco

As announced this week, we will be hosting a studnet disco in Week 8 of term. We will be opening RSVPs for this in Week 6. But for now the flyer is below. 

School Fees

As we enter term 3 it is expected that families are well on their way to extinguishing their fees for 2024. If your intention was to make your payment weekly or fortnightluy please ensure this is happening as it can be hard to catchup once behind.

School fee payments were expected to have commenced by 31 March if you have not made a payment as yet this is now overdue.

School Fees are to be finalised by 30 November 2024, please contact the school office if assistance is required to work out a best payment method or frequency to accomplish this requirement.

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.  

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. 

Compass

Fathers and Special Men in our Lives Stall

 

Canteen update

 

Volunteers over the next two weeks 

• Monday 19th August- N.Dimovski
• Tuesday 20th August- Closed
• Wednesday 21st August -M.Bashford
• Thursday 22nd August- Volunteer needed 
• Friday 23rd August - L.Shakespeare & A.Salmon

• Monday 26th August- Volunteer needed
• Tuesday 27th August- Closed
• Wednesday 28th August -C.Schumacher
• Thursday 29th August- M.Cambourne
• Friday 30th August - F.McPherson &J.L.Johnson

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