Principal’s Notes

Mindfulness Day
Thursday of week 10 we had our Mindfulness day. Both the students and staff enjoyed participating in this day, which was made more enjoyable by the glorious weather. The students enthusiastically participated in a variety of mindful activities such as drawing, creating artworks, finger knitting, board games and outdoor games.  This day provided much needed mindfulness and calm after the busy lead up to the whole school performance and the end of term.

Swimming Program
On Monday Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students began their swimming program at Kingswim in Deakin. It was wonderful to chat with the Director of Kingswim and talk about how beneficial it is to run the program the way we do over nine weeks, rather than an intensive two week program as most other schools do. The nine weeks allows for greater skill development and progress. The program is very well run and students are highly engaged throughout each lesson. Thank you to the Junior Primary teachers for their commitment in providing this program.

Summer Uniform
It is customary for our students to begin Term 4 by wearing their summer uniform. This year due to the fluctuating weather we are allowing a two week transition from winter to summer uniform. Students will be able to wear either their winter or summer uniform for week 1 and week 2 of this term. It is expected that all students will commence week 3, 28^th October with the summer uniform.

Year 4 Camp
Tomorrow, Thursday 17^th October our Year Four students head to Sydney for their overnight excursion. Whilst in Sydney they will visit the Old Government House, the Powerhouse Museum and the Zoosnooz at Taronga Zoo. The students will be accompanied by Camille Ellison, Josh Mackenzie and myself. We look forward to sharing stories about the camp on our return. A reminder that all students must be at school tomorrow morning by 6:15am in order a 6:30am departure.

Taking Other Children Home
Occasionally parents organise for their child to go home with parents of another child in the school. Please notify the Front Office via a written letter, an email or a phone call if this is your intention. Understandably we don’t allow people to take other children home without this expressed permission from parents.

Leaving St Benedict’s
If you anticipate that your child will leave St Benedict’s at the end of this year, could you please notify the Front Office. We need to begin planning for staffing and class configurations for 2020. Thank you to those who have let us know already, this is very much appreciated. Naturally Year 6 parents need not respond to this request.