Mobile Phones and SMART Watches
I would like to remind parents that SMART watches are treated the same as phones at school. Mobile phones, SMART watches, fitbits and similar devices with cellular, photographic and film capabilities are not permitted at school. The mobile nature of these devices poses a risk to student wellbeing and safety. When these technologies are misused by students, they can be very disruptive to students’ welfare, socialisation and in some cases cause various levels of harm.  We want to ensure that students are not being distracted from their learning. As a school, we also want to be able to guide and support students in being able to solve problems with the support of peers and school staff whilst on the premises. If your child does need to bring a mobile phone or a SMART watch to school, they must be turned off and handed in at the Front Office where they will be securely stored for the day.

Reading with Your Child
On Wednesday 24^th February, 5.30pm – 6.30pm there will be a workshop held for parents on ‘Reading with your child’. It is designed to assist parents in understanding how to read with children at home in ways that support them as a developing reader. They are designed for Kindergarten to Year 2 students. Other parents are also welcome.

P&F AGM and Meeting
The AGM of the P&F will take place next Tuesday 16^th February at 6.30pm. Following the AGM there will be a regular P&F meeting. Going home today is a P&F nomination form. Please consider being involved in the school through the role of P&F member. It is a wonderful way to be part of the school community. Please take the opportunity at the Open Evening to chat with current members of the P&F to find out what the role encompasses.

Beginning of the Year Reminders…..

• Starting time is 8.55am sharp. Students arriving late will need to be signed in at the Front Office by their parent or carer.
• Supervision commences at 8.30am and no student should be at school before 8.30am. Students arriving before 8.30am are unsupervised. Please use before school care if necessary.
• A student’s hair should be cut off their face and, if longer than shoulder length, it must be tied back in an appropriate school coloured band. Hair should also be of natural colour and extreme haircuts are not permitted.
• No jewellery should be worn to school and only plain studs, small sleepers and watches are acceptable. No bracelets, bangles, sparkly ear rings, nail polish, make up, etc. are allowed.
• Correct School Uniform must be worn at all times. Students who continually wear incorrect uniform will receive a reminder note to be sent home to their parents.
• St Benedict’s has a NO HAT NO PLAY  Students without a correct school hat will be asked to sit in the shade.
• Black ‘jogger’ or canvas type school shoes are not part of the school uniform. The only school shoes allowed at St Benedict’s are the traditional or formal black leather school shoes.
• Students with Mobile Phones and SMART watches are asked to switch them off and leave them at the Front Office. If they are heard or sighted during school time they will be confiscated. The School takes no responsibility for lost or broken mobile phones and SMART watches.
• Students who are collected by their parents during the day for appointments must be signed out/in at the Front Office before and after the appointment.
• Parents visiting the school to assist are required to have a Working with Vulnerable People Card and are also asked to sign in at Front Office; this includes those who are volunteering in the Tuckshop.
• Please ensure the School always has up to date contact and emergency details for your children.
• Medical details must be updated and sent to the Front Office.
• St Benedict’s is a NUT FREE Please remember this when preparing recess and lunch, including peanut butter, Nutella, cakes with nuts, etc.
• Dogs and animals are not allowed on school premises.
• Afternoon messages regarding changes to the afternoon routine must be received by the Front Office by 2.30pm or we cannot guarantee your child/ren will receive the message.
• Carpark - Please remember to be patient and considerate of others when driving in the car parks. School carparks are notoriously dangerous and ALL PARENTS are asked to be patient and alert. If you are in a hurry, collect your children early or wait until after 3.20pm when the carpark is less congested.
• Absences from school – it is a legal requirement that all absences are explained. Please notify the school of your child’s absence by either :
  • Using the App
  • Calling the Front Office;
  • Emailing the Front Office at Office.StBenedicts@cg.catholic.edu.au indicating your child’s name, class, reason for absence and date.
  • Sending a note to the classroom teacher indicating date and reason for absence.