Opening School Mass
Thank you to all those who assisted with our Opening School Mass and morning tea last Friday. It was a joyous celebration of new beginnings. Fr Dan and Fr Rem blessed our school staff and commissioned our Year 6 Leaders. We are looking forward to celebrating Mass as a community.

Sacraments
At the Open House BBQ there will be Parish enrolment forms for all families wishing their children to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.

It is the Parish practice that Catholic children in Year 3 prepare for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. However, if your child is in Years 4-6 and you would like them to make the Sacraments of Baptism, First Reconciliation and First Eucharist please contact our St Benedict’s Parish Priest:Fr Dan Benedetti MGL Daniel.benedetti@cg.org.au or (02) 6295 7879

Mini Vinnies
Our St Benedict’s Mini Vinnies K-6 Program will commence this term. Mini Vinnies is a social justice program of the St Vincent de Paul Society which exists in many primary schools. Mini Vinnies empowers primary school students to become advocates within their school and local community by putting their values into action. They meet regularly to learn about social justice issues, develop leadership skills and engage with the wider St Vincent de Paul Society. The Mini Vinnies model of “See, Think, Do” is a great way to get young people thinking and talking about their spirituality and to connect their faith with issues affecting their community through volunteering, advocacy and fundraising. Not only do the students in Mini Vinnies benefit from the experience but also the school and wider community.

Mini Vinnies will be commission during Friday assembly 2.30pm 21^st February.

If you have any questions regarding this program, please contact:

Natalie Wright
Religious Education Coordinator
Natalie.zarb@cg.catholic.edu.au

St Benedict’s School Choir
Our school choir is an extracurricular activity run every Wednesday during lunchtime for students in Years 1-6.  During these lunchtime practices students are given the opportunity to participate through the singing of a range of songs for different purposes including;

• School Masses
• School events
• Christmas carols
• Nursing home visits
• Parliament House
• Competitions

The school choir is a creative and supportive atmosphere, and a great way for students to boost their self-confidence.

To be a member of the school choir, we require commitment from students to attend the weekly practice. If you would like your child to be a part of this program please complete and return the permission note and return it to school by Friday 14^th February.

Season of Lent
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent.  It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head.  While the ashes symbolise penance and contrition, they are also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those who call on Him with repentant hearts. During this season of Lent, we ask that families participate in our St Benedict’s 40 days of Kindness and Prayer to help us prepare as a community for the death and resurrection of Jesus. A special Lenten Calendar will be sent home with your child next week.

St Benedict’s Parish Ash Wednesday Mass will be held on Wednesday 26^th February 12.30pm. All classes will be attending this Mass and families are warmly invited to join us.

Mini Vinnies Hygiene Donation Station

The St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol is in need of mini toiletries (hotel size is perfect) to re-stock their hygiene packs to be distributed to the people who approach the van. We invite all families to make regular donations to the Mini Vinnies Hygiene Donation Station in the Front Office.  This is one way our school community can help teach our children about human dignity and how we need to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to look after their body.

Items that can be donated are

• Shampoo/conditioner
• Moisturisers
• Combs/hair brushes
• Sunscreen
• Tissue packs
• Feminine hygiene products
• Soap/body wash
• Toothbrushes/toothpaste
• Mouth wash
• Lip balm
• Deodorant

Community Meals Program
The Community Meals freezer is one way we can assist families who are experiencing hardship. If you are able to cook a meal, please use disposable containers and label with ingredients and date. All meal donations can be brought to the Front Office. If your family requires temporary meal assistance, you can speak in confidence to any of our staff members.