SZapp Absentee Form
Previously parents have been able to advise the school of their child’s absence through the Skoolbag app. We are no longer using this app, however I am pleased to say that there is now an Absentee Form’ on the new SZapp for parents to use to notify the school. This form can also be found on the school website under the banner of ‘Communication’.

National Simultaneous Storytime
Yesterday Wednesday 22^nd May our school participated in the National Simultaneous Storytime. This is something we have done for several years. This year the chosen book was Alpacas with Maracas by Matt Cosgrove. This engaging book was read or listened to in classrooms and libraries across Australian and New Zealand. More information about this book and the storytime can be found on ALIA website https://www.alia.org.au/nss .

National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively. Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. On Monday 27 May (next Monday), the ACT will celebrate its 2^nd Reconciliation Day public holiday. As it is a public holiday, all schools in the ACT will be closed on that day. Please join 3/4 Blue for their Reconciliation Liturgy next Tuesday 28^th May at 2.30pm.

2020 Enrolments Closing Soon
A reminder to parents that the Catholic schools’ enrolment period closes on Friday 31^st May. If you have a younger child who is commencing school in 2020, or have friends at preschool and childcare who are interested in enrolling at St Benedict’s, please let them know.

Toys at School
We ask that children leave their toys at home and only play with equipment provided by the school. This is to ensure that ‘personal treasures’ do not become lost or damaged at school. It is also to keep everyone safe as some toys are not ‘playground friendly’.

Long Hair
If a child’s hair is long enough to touch the shoulders, it needs to be tied back. This is to prevent the spread of head lice and to keep hair out of eyes as well as to ensure a neat and tidy appearance. A reminder that head lice season is upon us. Please keep a look out in your child’s hair.

Sick Children
It’s that time of year when children and adults alike succumb to various illnesses. Though we encourage children to be at school, we know that most will have need for the occasional sick day during their schooling.

Please, if your child is not well, do not send them to school. If they are not feeling well, they won’t be at their best to learn and they could very likely be sharing their illness with other students and staff.

Hats off June and July! Why Hats Off Day?
Being SunSmart is all about being "smart" when spending time outdoors in the sun, this includes having an understanding around the balance between UV exposure, sun protection and vitamin D. 

During the summer period, maintaining vitamin D levels should be relatively easy for children who are active and spend time outdoors most days of the week, even with sensible sun protection.

The body should be able to store your summer vitamin D levels over the winter period, however by leaving your hat at home during this low UV period and getting some winter sun exposure to your skin you are more likely to maintain adequate vitamin D levels during this cold period of the year.

In winter, by exposing some skin most days of the week during the lunchtime period (the middle of the day is best because UVB will be present), students and teachers should be able to maintain the bulk of their summer vitamin D. Of course there will be groups in the population that are at higher risk of having vitamin D deficiency. To read more about vitamin D visit Cancer Council ACT's website: https://actcancer.org/.