Dear Parents and Carers,

I would like to express my deepest thanks to each of you for your support and loyalty to the school, during what has been a challenging time for you and your families. You have been fantastic supporting your child/ren with their learning during this period. Staff have been magnificent in the way they have adapted to provide a remote learning program in such a short period of time. We all became teachers to work with children and have really missed our daily interactions with them. We have missed their constant energy, humour, laughter and the joy they give each of us. Teacher training could never have forecast ‘remote teaching’ and it doesn’t matter how much experience you have had teaching students, this is new territory for us all. I am very proud of their efforts thus far and appreciate the support we have received.

Term 4
As you may be aware, the current lockdown in the ACT has been extended until Friday 17th September the last day of Term 3. In relation to Term 4, St Benedict’s will continue to be guided by ACT Health guidelines, and information regarding Term 4 will be provided to our community in due course, with ACT Health providing further guidance in the first week of the upcoming term break.

We are mindful that in most households, parents are also working from home with their children.  Please be assured that all families have our support as you continue to strive to find the harmony between rich, rigorous, and stimulating online learning whilst not becoming overwhelmed with the at-times challenging learning and working environment.

Unfortunately, the Delta variant of COVID-19 seems to spread easily among children and young people, as has been evident in the recent outbreaks in both NSW and the ACT, resulting in both direct and indirect impacts on schools. Just some reminders please:

• no parents are to enter the school buildings at any time (including TeamKids);
• we have a skeleton staff at school each day. This is to ensure that we keep staff safe, limit numbers at school and ensure we strategically know which staff are ‘rostered on’ and accessing the site. This is in case staff must isolate for 14 days and other staff can then attend school;
• we are strongly encouraging all students to stay off site and work from home. As mentioned, we only have a small number of staff  on site each day during the lockdown period to prioritise the health and safety of our students and staff. Please continue to keep students away from school unless you are an essential worker. We are available on site for families who are essential workers and/or for students who are vulnerable only.

Information for parents regarding payment of Term 3 fees
Catholic Education will again support families who have been financially impacted as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Term 3. The position of Catholic Education is that no child will be denied a Catholic education because of financial circumstances.

Where your family is experiencing financial stress due to job loss, being stood down, reduction in work hours, business downturn or closure resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, full or partial fee relief is available for Term 3. To apply for fee relief, please contact Office.StBenedicts@cg.catholic.edu.au . Your level of fee support will be confirmed as soon as possible.

Families whose employment situation has not been affected by COVID-19 can support the school by continuing to pay school fees as they fall due. This will support our school to continue providing quality learning in a connected community that nurtures and cares for each other.

Your family is an important part of our school community. Your financial circumstances will not compromise the place of your children at our school. If you are experiencing any difficulties, I will confidentially ensure your child is not disadvantaged.

Stay safe and healthy.

God bless.

Rachel Smith
Principal