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Dear Parents and Carers,
It was great to see so many families at our Meet the Teacher evening last Monday. The sausage sandwiches were popular and the teachers enjoyed meeting you all. If you weren’t able to attend, the information about class expectations and routines that was distributed will be sent home with your child.
P&F Meeting - this Monday evening at 6pm the P&F will hold their special meeting to dissolve the P&F and move to the Parent And Community Engagement (FACE) framework being used by all schools in our Diocese. This is a unique opportunity for parents to be engaged in our school without the expectation of office bearing roles and responsibilities. We envisage that there will still be a fundraising committee where parents can be as involved as they wish – for example: You may be able to give an hour at home to put some raffle ticket booklets together for an event, or you may wish to be on the organising committee for a major event like a trivia night. Fundraising might not be your thing, but you might like to be involved in activities with the children like reading groups, gardening club or coding club. You might be able to support one event during the year, or every event, or something in between. We would love to have your support in whatever capacity you would like.
Homework - One thing the staff would like to address this year is homework expectations. We would like to ensure consistency across the school with age-appropriate expectations. To that end, we will send you a survey soon to get your feedback on what you would like for your child or children. We will also be asking the children for input on what they think helps their learning before we make any decisions.
Lakes Swimming Carnival - I would like to congratulate the children who attended the Lakes Regional Swimming Carnival on Monday. Their sportsmanship, effort and behaviour were excellent and they were wonderful ambassadors for our school. A big thank you and congratulations to Mrs Megan Hunt who organised the carnival for the whole region. It was absolutely flawless and actually finished ahead of time, which is unheard of! Thank you also to the staff who attended and helped on the day.
UNIFORM MATTERS – The PB4L focus for the first weeks of the school year has been on ‘wearing uniform with pride’. We have a smart and distinctive uniform and it is pleasing to see so many children wearing it well.
To support us in our uniform policy, please note the following:
- Nail polish should not be worn to school
- Earrings should be a stud or small sleeper, this is a safety issue
- Allowable necklaces are a small cross or chain worn inside the shirt
- Shoes should be black, POLISHABLE school shoes
Smartwatches – like phones, smartwatches should be handed in at the school office in the morning and collected in the afternoon.
Partners in Learning Conferences – In Week 10, parents will be offered the opportunity to meet with their child and class teacher to discuss learning strengths and goals for the next term. Further information about this will be provided in our next newsletter.
Thank you for your support of our beautiful school.
Stay safe and God Bless,
Dani Reed
Principal
It has been an exciting start to the year for year 1, filled with learning, growth, and new friendships.
The first few weeks of the year were dedicated to getting to know each other and establishing our school routines. We also conducted initial assessments to ensure that we can meet each student where they are in their learning journey. Our focus is on growth and helping each child achieve their full potential.
In Maths, our young learners have been diving into the world of numbers. They have been exploring place value and understanding collections of 10. This foundational knowledge is crucial as they move on to recognizing and creating patterns.
Our Literacy sessions have been equally engaging. The students have begun their Initialit program, starting with a revision of sounds and CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words. They are also working on letter formation, which is essential for developing their writing skills.
In Science, the focus has been on the five senses and energy. The children are learning how we use our senses to explore and understand the world around us. They are also beginning to grasp the concept of energy and its various forms.
Our Religion classes have been centered around the theme of friendship, with Jesus as a model for how to be a good friend. The students are learning about kindness, empathy, and the importance of building strong, positive relationships. These lessons are helping to create a supportive and caring classroom environment.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work and progress our Year 1 students have made so far. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. We look forward to sharing more of their achievements with you as the year progresses.
Beginning Our School Year in Faith: Pilgrims of Hope
As we embarked on a new school year, we came together as a faith community to celebrate our Opening School Mass, united under the theme "Pilgrims of Hope", this is a call from Pope Francis to journey with faith, trust, and optimism in this special Year of Grace.
During the Mass, our school leaders received their badges, symbolizing their commitment to serve with kindness, responsibility, and courage. We also made our personal pledges as parents, staff and students to strive for excellence, to support one another with love, kindness and encouragement, and to be a light of Christ in all that we do.
As we walk this school year together, may we embrace the spirit of hope, trust in God’s plan, and encourage one another to be the best we can be.
Living the Gospel: Love Your Neighbour
(Luke 6:27-38)
This Sunday’s Gospel is one of my all-time favourites. It is a call to love and treat others as we would like to be treated. In this Gospel (Luke 6:27-38), Jesus gives us one of His most powerful teachings: "Do to others as you would have them do to you." This can be challenging, but Jesus calls us to love not just those who are
easy to love, but everyone, including those who may hurt or challenge us.
At our school through our charisms and PB4L, we strive to live out this message every day. Whether it’s showing kindness to a classmate, forgiving someone who has upset us, or helping those in need, small acts of love reflect the heart of Jesus' teaching.
This week, let’s take time to ask ourselves:
❤️ How can I be more loving, even when it’s difficult?
❤️Who do I need to forgive?
❤️How can I show kindness to someone who may feel left out?
May we continue to follow Christ’s example, treating others with compassion, mercy, and love just as God treats us!
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)
Sacramental Program
The Parish Sacramental Program is open to all students who are baptised Catholic in Years 3 - 6. The enrolment period finishes TODAY Friday 21st February. However, I will not be able to drop the paperwork off to the Parish Office until Monday so if you have forgotten to send in your child's forms please do as Monday morning.
Yours in faith,
Miss Michelle Collins
(Religious Education Co-Ordinator)
The role of Pastoral Care Worker
I have been the Pastoral Care Worker (also known as Wellbeing Officer) at St Benedict’s for 5 and a half years, working on Mondays and Wednesdays. The role varies between schools and the needs that may be present. At St Benedict’s I have been able to:
- Facilitate small group programs based on things like friendships, building resilience, emotional regulation and learning social skills.
- Run “Calm Club” at recess for those children who want to sit quietly and not be on the playground at recess. We do things like meditations and mindfulness colouring. The students appreciate having a quiet space to escape the noise and busy-ness where they also have support.
- Support teachers and students in the classroom when it’s a busy day and a student/s need an extra person to help with stress, anxiety, overwhelm, lack of confidence etc.
- Assist with Mini Vinnies by running weekly meetings, educating students on social justice, organising Mission Days to raise funds and awareness, supporting community organisations like St Vincent de Paul and Mums’ Cottage.
- Support the school and individual students with school events like the swimming carnival, sports carnival, and public speaking. Some students just need to be reminded that they are good enough, and just to take a deep breath.
- Support families when they are facing challenges be that by linking to organisations for professional support, giving advice on parenting issues (I am a registered facilitator of 1,2,3 Magic, Engaging Adolescents, Circle of Security and No Scaredy Cats) or just giving a shoulder to cry on with a listening ear. Sometimes I reach out to parents and sometimes it’s them contacting me.
- From next week I’ll be running “Lunch Club” for students whom for whatever reason, don’t want to play on the playground, supporting them whilst encouraging their development of social skills and resilience. This will only be on Mondays and Wednesdays.
- Scheduled or impromptu “check-ins” with students who need support, advice, strategies on self- regulation, friendships, a sick family member……
- Finally, I run one of my favourite courses, Seasons for Growth, for which I’m an accredited “Companion” or facilitator. This small, age-appropriate group is to support those students who have experienced grief or loss. This could be due to the death of a loved one, a loved one or themselves suffering from a severe illness, moving from another area where they have lost their support networks, parents going through separation or divorce etc. If you feel that Seasons for Growth might be appropriate for your child/ren, please reach out to either myself at march@mn.catholic.edu.au or your child’s teacher. I’m looking at starting new groups soon.
If you or your child is needing some support around the areas that I have listed above, needs someone to talk to, or aren’t sure where to go for assistance with a problem please feel free to contact me at school on a Monday or Wednesday. My skills and experiences are wide and varied, and we are here to help wherever we can.
Sports Update!
It is a busy time of year with sport in Term 1 and we have plenty to celebrate
already!
On Monday we were proud of our Regional swimming team for their outstanding efforts and exceptional sportsmanship. Thank fully the sun was out and the lightning stayed away, so each member of the team could show remarkable resilience and determination, representing St Benedict’s beautifully. Thank you to Mrs Franks who supported our team on the day! Mrs Mulhearn and Mrs Reed both represent St Benedict's proudly. A special mention to our sports captains who assisted at the carnival all day.
A special congratulations to Kiani Miller and Mackenzie Hunter who have earned their place at the Diocesan level. We are confident that they will continue to excel and represent us with the same level of excellence and sportsmanship at the Diocesan Carnival next week! Good luck girls.
Next week six talented students will also be heading to the regional trials for soccer at Speers Point. Archer Guihot, Axel Ferguson, Connor Fitzhenry, Willow Garven, Audrey Stanton and Allira Weet will represent St Benedict’s. Best of luck to you all!
Have a great week!
Megan Hunt
(Acting Primary Co-ordinator)
School Office
Phone: 4958 1858
Email:admin@edgeworth.catholic.edu.au
Admin/ Finance Officer Suzi Di-Nardo Monday to Friday
Admin - Tiare Grayson Monday, Thursday Friday
A warm welcome back to all our families and hello and welcome to all our new families. We are exciting for another amazing year here at St Benedict's and looking forward to supporting you and your children in 2025.
School Fees
Our head office is currently working on generating fees for 2025. You should receive your fee statement in the next few weeks.
Can you begin making payments using your existing billing code and reference number.
Overview on School Fees
Billing Cycle and Payment Methods
School Fees are billed annually in Term 1, regular payments are expected and should commence from 1 March or earlier to ensure fees are finalised in full by 30 November. Non-payment of school fees after 1 April, will be considered in arrears, unless a current payment arrangement has been agreed with the school.
If you nominate to pay your account annually (as a lump sum amount), please ensure payment is received prior to 30 June, non-payment after the 30 June will be considered in arrears.
Payment method can be via direct debit with the Catholic Community Fund; BPay using the fee statement reference number; or credit card over the counter or cash.
Each fee payer can tailor frequency of payments to suit individual circumstances- weekly, fortnightly or monthly
Direct debit payment frequency options can be established as weekly, fortnightly or monthly
BPay can be at your discretion and can be set up as an automated payment
Some fees such as excursions, incursions and sport may continue to be charged separately during the course of the year prior to the event being held.
Please contact your school to discuss an alternative payment arrangement if you are unable to finalise your account by 30 November.
The school fees constitute three components:
Diocesan Tuition Fees -
In 2025, the full rate diocesan tuition fees are Kinder to Year 6 - $1645.00
Individual School Resource and Service Fee - per student $585. The resource fee is billed per child, it covers a range of costs including the supply of goods and services, such as textbooks, exercise books, technology or resources needed for particular KLAs. Some incursion/excursions activities are also included. School camp and Intensive Swimming program will be billed separately.
Diocesan Family School Building Levy ( DFSBL )The DFSBL is charged to the oldest child for each family. The levy is pooled to contribute towards past, present and future costs for building projects across all existing schools, and for the development of new Catholic schools within the Diocese.The DFSBL rate for 2025 is $1,794 per family. The DFSBL rate is reviewed, recommended and approved in the same manner as mentioned earlier for tuition fees and discounts.
In 2025, the family discount on full rate diocesan tuition fees are:
1 child family 0% – full rate to be applied
2 child family 15% – each child
3 child family 25% – each child
4+ child family 50% – each child
Special Fee Reductions
To assist families with limited financial resources, Catholic schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle offer a lower tuition fee to ‘means tested’ low income families such as Health Care and Pension Card holders. This rate is 50% of the Diocesan Tuition Fee full rate for each child. This discount applies only to the Diocesan Tuition Fee, not to the DFSBL or other resource and service fees charged by each individual school.
If you are a holder of a Health Care Card or Pension care you may also be entitled to a discount on school fees.
Our office has emailed all existing families with HCC & pension cards to complete the online form for 2025 as this needs to be done each year. If you have not received an email link please contact our office.
Please reach out to our office if you have any questions or are experiencing financial hardship.
Attendance
If your child arrives late to school they must be signed in at our school Kiosk by a parent or care giver.
If you child is not signed in you may receive a message to say you child is not present for the day & this will reflect on their attendance.
If your child needs to leave school early the same will apply. You will need to sign them out though our office kiosk.
This is extremely important as we are required to know who is on our school ground at all time in case of an emergency.
If your child has an unexplained absences you may receive a letter home asking you to explain and return to school within 7 days of the absence. If this is not completed within the 7 days of the absence, it can not be amended on the students record and will remain as an unexplained absence on their report.
Medical
If your child has a medical condition, Asthma, Allergies, Anaphylaxis or any condition that requires medication please contact our office.
No child is allow to have medication in there school bag or person.
All medications are to be kept in our school office for the safety of all students.
Canteen Update
The school canteen is open 4 day a week, Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (Closed Tuesdays). Would love to meet some new Kindy parent volunteers to help out from 9am through to 12 noon (no experience needed).
We currently require volunteers for the below dates for Term 1.
Wednesday 12/3
Wednesday 2/4
Wednesday 9/4
Thursday 27/2
Thursday 6/3
Thursday 13/3
Thursday 27/3
Thursday 3/4
Thursday 10/4
If you wish to volunteer in our canteen you need to register with the Diocese as a volunteer and have a current working with children check, to register you can follow this link - Volunteer | Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle
Just a reminder on the cost of the ice blocks for over the counter sales:
Chocolate Moosie $2.00
Vanilla Dixie Cup $2.00
Mango Frozen Yoghurt Cup $2.00
Tropical Juicy $1.80
Wildberry Juicy $1.80
If your child is using a re-usable lunch bag, please make sure they are brought to the canteen before the bell rings in the morning. Cut off time to place a lunch order is 8.45am sharp, through the QKR app.
Library borrowing for 2025 will be commencing from Tuesday, 25 February.
Class borrowing days are as follows:
Tuesday - Kindergarten, Year 4 and Year 5
Thursday - Year 2 Black
Friday - Year 1, Year 2 Red, Year 3 and Year 6.
If your child does not have a Library bag, you will need purchase one as the school no longer sells them and students MUST have a Library bag in order to borrow.
Please remember, if any library book should get accidentally damaged whilst on loan to your child DO NOT repair the book but return it to the Library with a post-it note on the cover to indicate that it needs repairing.
This year’s Book Week theme is “Book an Adventure”. I hope that all St Benedict’s students will experience the adventures that reading brings.
Mrs Pam Nicolaidis
Library Assistant
Congratulations to our following award winners who showed, improvement, kindness to others and perserverance.
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Class Achievement, Progress and Effort |
Awards Spirit of Jesus Awards |
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KB |
Iris Doherty Sam Richardson |
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KR |
Ben Turnbull Issy Robson |
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1B |
Hudson Montgomery Pranavi Jeeva |
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1R |
Daisy Milajew Cruz Bird |
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2B |
Georgia Lovett Noah Jones |
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2R |
Indi Eisel Mace Davies |
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3B |
Kobie Googe Maisie Huntriss |
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3R |
Archer Hopkins Paige Fenner |
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4B |
Hudson Bailey Diya Parayil Vibin |
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4R |
Sameer Dean Eden Haynes |
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5B |
Vaida Johnson Phoebe Huntriss |
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5R |
Deepson Subedi Isaac You |
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6B |
Ivie Oakes Aden Herrmann |
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6R |
Amelia Wood Isaac Richards |
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