Christmas Carols Assembly
newsletter
Term 4: 3rd December 2014
Our Principal’s News
By Mark Creevey
Dear Parents,
Our 2014 school year draws to a close on Friday. St Benedict’s will finish at 12 noon on this last day. Our final
gathering as a school community will commence at 11am in the hall for our last assembly. On this occasion we
will be thanking all of our students for creating such a great school community and wishing our staff and students
who will not be with us next year, especially our Year 6 and 7 students our blessings as they take on new and
exciting challenges of high school.
Today we had a coloured clothes day in aide of the Archdiocesan Catholic Appeal. The Catholic appeal is an
opportunity for us to support the good work that goes on in our name through Centacare, Education, Priests
foundation and others. Your generosity is most appreciated by those we seek to help.
Just when I thought I had the staffing for 2015 all organised I will have one late change to facilitate. Mrs Kris
Clancy (Yr 4, 2015) has notified me that she has accepted a position at St Joseph’s Nudgee College. I am happy for
Kris as this is where her son currently attends and it will be significantly easier on their family. We wish Kris every
success and happiness for 2015. I have placed an advertisement for a suitably qualified teacher for Year 4.
Applications close on Tuesday the 9th of December and we will be interviewing shortly after. The successful
applicant will be introduced to the Year 4R class as soon as possible so watch for the mail.
This week I also announced our Acting Assistant Principal Administration for 2015 - Ms Jo Scott-Pegum who will
replace our wonderful Mrs Burke. Jo is currently on staff at Our Lady of the Way at Petrie as APRE and is an
experienced educator. We welcome Jo to our team and look forward to the contributions that she will make
in 2015.
We are in the process of finalising accounts, paying bills and preparing our computers for the end of year roll over
which happens mid to late December. If your school fee account is outstanding at present please give it your
attention. Many thanks!
Thank you to all of our parents and volunteers who have so generously given time to
support the school in 2014. We truly appreciate your time and energies in all of the
various roles which happen in our school community. We hope that you have a
wonderful Christmas and may it be a happy, holy and safe time for you. Until we
meet again in 2015 may your holidays be enjoyable and rest-filled!
Have a great Christmas Vacation!
Regards, Mark
Wednesday, 3rd December 2014
Page 1
Our Principal’s News continued
By Mark Creevey
shop
the
Uniform Shop News
Holiday Dates
15th, 16th and 27th January 2015.
8.30 till 2.00 all 3 days
lookout
Look Out Volunteers are needed!
In our Drive Through, St Benedicts operates a
highly efficient, effective and safe, after school
pick-up program (2:45—3.05pm), developed by
the QLD Government, called Look Out.
Out
Volunteers are essential to the program. Please
contact the School Office if you can spare 20
minutes of your time to support our school.
For any urgent enquiries please contact
[email protected]
Opening Hours Mondays 2:30pm to 4:00pm
and Fridays 8:00am to 9:30am
Thank you to those parents who donate their time
to support our Look Out pick-up program!
Pastoral Coordinator News
By Helen Hickey
St Benedict’s Playgroup
News for 2015
Playgroup for our little ones who are pre-school
age will start on Thursday 12th February 2015
from 8.45am – 10.15am at
OSHC (Outside School Hours Care building).
Sandra Price will coordinate this wonderful
opportunity. Please spread the word to families
you may know with little ones not yet at
St Benedict’s.
Day 1 - 2015 at St Benedict’s
Wednesday 28th January will see our new preppies
embark on the next exciting chapter in their lives! We
will also welcome over 20 new students and their
families into our St. Benedict’s School Community.
After 8.30am drop off and settling on the first morning,
there’ll be a cuppa available in the hall. If any of our
existing parents can call in to help spread the St.
Benedict’s welcome and hospitality to our new
families, it would be greatly appreciated.
Have a wonderful holiday. May God’s richest blessings
surround us all this Christmas.
Kindest regards,
Helen Hickey, Pastoral Coordinator
Wednesday, 3rd December 2014
Page 2
APA News
By Fran Burke Assistant Principal Administration
welldone
Student Achievements
Congratulations to Kaitlyn
Bensley whose cheer team ‘Fury’
of Cheer FX won the ‘Nationals’
title for their level at the AASCF
National Cheer & Dance
Championships on the Gold Coast
last weekend. Well done Kaitlyn!
Congratulations also to Cameron
Scott and Elizabeth Kam whose artworks were
shortlisted (out of 2000 entries) and displayed
at the Queensland Museum amongst 300
other artworks that won the BCE Prize for Art.
Well done!
We will continue to showcase the wonderful
outside achievements where our students
shine in 2015. Please email news to your class
teacher or [email protected]
dates
Term Dates to Remember
Friday 5 December LAST DAY SCHOOL,
Farewell & Litergy Celebration @ 11,
Finishing at 12 noon
Wednesday 28 January FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 2015
See the School Calendar on our website.
www.stbenedicts.qld.edu.au
F&f
Finance and Fees
Term 4 School Fees accounts need to be
finalised immediately - unless alternative
payment arrangements have been put in
place. If you did not receive your account
statement or would like an up-to-date
statement emailed please contact Nerrida on
3481 4600.
[email protected].
Christmas Carols Assembly
Mini Singers
Wednesday, 3rd December 2014
Page 3
APA News continued
By Fran Burke Assistant Principal Administration
Year 6 Graduation. Congratulations to all of our award winners:
Community Service Award - Piper Bellotti, Academic Excellence Award - Frances Tran,
Sporting Achievement Award - Paige Cawood, Arts Achievement Award - Sophie Khatib and
Petrie Shield Student Recognition Award - Kelsey Ter Hoeve and Aaron D’Silva.
Year 7 Graduation. Congratulations to all of our award winners:
Community Service Award - Finn Leslie, Academic Excellence Award - Emily Miller,
Sporting Achievement Award - Connor O’Regan, Arts Achievement Award - Gabrielle McClurg and
Petrie Shield Student Recognition Award - Annabella Henricksen and Kevin Smith.
sen
.
Wednesday, 3rd December 2014
Page 4
APRE Reflections
By Brett Kitchener Assistant Principal Religious Education
mass
parish
Dear Parents,
Please accept my sincere thanks for everything you
have done this year to contribute to the community of
St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School. The role of raising
children in modern day society is a challenging one
indeed for parents. I fully understand the role of raising
children while working. Getting children out of bed each
day, sending them to school, packing lunches, assisting
with homework, negotiating the friendship webs, having
them participate in sporting clubs and the training
which accompanies these, attending parties, hosting
sleep overs and the list just doesn’t end. I congratulate
you on completing another year of schooling as 2014
comes to its conclusion.
Holy Cross Parish Mass Times
Christmas Eve Mass at St Benedict’s
Catholic Primary school hall December 24.
Mass starts at 6pm
Carols from 5:30pm
Holy Cross Parish 3293 0800
www.redcliffecatholicparish.com
Christmas Carols
We recognise the timing of this morning’s carols does not suit everyone. The decision to have this event at
assembly time, however, was formed based on the many other events we have at this time of the year and the
pressure this puts on families and our staff with families of their own. We will review the timing of carols next
year based on what events are planned for Term 4 2015.
This morning’s carols was joyous and a tangible feeling of Christmas was felt. The wearing of Christmas colours,
the themes of our carols and the participation of our parents and extended community all contributed to this.
Thanks to Mr Kerry Searle and the children of Year 4B who assisted me in leading the carols this morning. They
did a wonderful job.
Parents and Friends
Our P & F executive team work tirelessly in the school to achieve many wonderful things for our students. As our
current president Danielle Cornford said this morning, the support of ‘you the parents’ is critical. You are always
very generous giving the P & F the resources to allow their work to come to fruition.
This morning at our carols assembly in addition to providing a small gift for every student, the P & F put a lot of
work into the preparation and presentation of a hamper for each year level and one for the staff. The children had
a lot of fun as we randomly drew names so that one lucky winner could be drawn from each year level. Many
families will be pleasantly surprised this afternoon when their children arrive home with their bounty. Thanks for
this wonderful gesture and the beautiful morning tea following the assembly.
St Vincent De Paul
Mr Paul Finch from Petrie SVDP Branch joined our carols event this
morning and, as he has been for a number of years, was moved by the
generosity of the community. During the year we provide outreach for
many people in overseas communities who are in tremendous need. It
is wonderful, each year at Christmas time, to reach out to people in our
local community who are considerably less fortunate than ourselves.
Mr Finch told the children that one of the messages we have from Jesus
in the Gospel is “Love one another as I have loved you.” Thanks for your generosity to these needy people.
Thanks for everything you have done for St Benedict’s in 2014.
May peace, health and happiness be with you all.
Brett
Wednesday, 3rd December 2014
Page 5
Teaching & Learning News
By Michele Lund, Christina Mitchell & Pam Sweeney
Pam Sweeney Guidance & Counselling
[email protected]
Tackling Holiday Stress
The everyday responsibilities of parenting can sometimes feel endless. Considering all the extra demands placed
on you during the school holidays and festive season, you may feel more stressed than usual. Holiday stress may
be caused by having to change work routines or child care arrangements, stretching the budget to meet the costs
of the festive season, entertaining children or dealing with older children staying home alone. Although we cling
to the idea that the family will spend the holidays together and everyone will get along, it can be a difficult time.
When you are stressed it seems as though you have to sacrifice the things you enjoy. But often the things you give
up, such as keeping fit and spending time with friends, are activities that can help you manage stress or keep you
from becoming frustrated with your children. It’s also important to remember that grief can be particularly
heightened at this time of year. The loss of a family member, a divorce, the loss of a job or being separated from
family and friends can be particularly stressful. By taking some steps now, you can help to minimise stress later.
The key is to recognise the triggers. Do what you can to avoid or lessen their impact and learn some techniques to
help you relax. Here are some simple tips to keep you healthy and manage stress. By looking after yourself you
will be in a better position to care for your children.

Set priorities: Learn to say “no” to some things - choose quality over quantity. Your main priority may
simply be spending time with your children and enjoying each other’s company.

Plan ahead: Take charge of your holidays in advance by making lists of things to do and setting aside some
time each day for them

Stay on budget: Draw up a budget to make sure you don’t overspend over the festive season. Choose
simple, thoughtful or useful gifts over elaborate, expensive surprises.

Delegate: You don’t have to do it all yourself - there is only so much time and people generally appreciate
the opportunity to help out. If you are having a family get together, it might be a good idea to ask everyone
to bring along some food rather than preparing it all yourself.

Have realistic expectations: If there is tension within your family it is more than likely that this will only
escalate during the holiday period. You might consider visiting your relatives separately if they do not get
on well. It is also good to have some planned activities to keep family members occupied e.g. a fun game of
soccer or going for a walk.

Look after yourself: To take care of others you need to first take care of yourself. A healthy diet, regular
exercise, learning to relax and getting enough sleep will also help to reduce stress.

Deep breathing: Spend five to ten minutes several times a day practising the art of deep breathing. It helps
to raise your energy levels as well as gives you some time to relax.

Positive attitude: Try to think positive thoughts. Your thoughts influence your
feelings - if you dwell on unhappy thoughts, you start to feel unhappy. Your positive
attitude will also be transferred to others.

Talk to others: If you are feeling stressed it can help to speak with people who can
understand the position you are in, such as friends or family members.

Laughter: Nothing reduces stress as quickly or as effectively as a good laugh.
Wednesday, 3rd December 2014
Page 6
Resource Centre & Curriculum News
By Amanda Bradford Curriculum & Resource Support Teacher
LIBRARY NEWS
The last newsletter of the year, time certainly has flown!
Some final reminders to St. Benedict’s families:
Overdue Books?
Thank-you to those people who have been returning their overdue
books, please keep looking for them, as we have a number still
outstanding. Overdue notices and bills for these books have been
sent home today. If you find the book before Friday, send them in
and you will not be charged.
Book Fair
The Book Fair was a fabulous success! A big thank-you to all the teachers that helped with the running of the fair.
We raised approximately $4,000. A percentage of this amount will be donated back to the school by Scholastic
for us to spend on resources. Thankyou to everyone who purchased and participated in the Fair.
Holiday Reading
Did you know that when students don’t read over the long summer break they are
likely to fall behind when they return to school in the New Year? We call this the
‘Summer Slide’. Make it a priority to keep your child’s mind sharp and active.
Encourage them to read for at least 10 minutes every day during the break to avoid
the ‘Summer Slide’.
It is VITAL that children continue to read over the holiday period. Read your favourite
books at home, pop into your local library, borrow from friend – keep reading over
the break!
Thankyou
Firstly, thank you to our band of helpers that quietly work behind the scenes to help us keep the library
functioning. Special mentions to Andrea Eyden who pops in weekly to help with library tasks and Emily Prenzler
who has run Scholastic Book Club for us this year.
A very big thankyou and acknowledgement of all her hard work to Michelle Fitzgerald, our library school officer.
There is not too much this woman cannot do. She can multi-task like no other and has kept the Resource Centre
afloat this year. Thank-you Michelle for the amazing job you do in the Resource Centre, and your commitment to
St. Benedict’s.
Finally, wishing you all a very safe and relaxing break with family and friends, a very
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Looking forward to seeing you all again in 2015.
Wednesday, 3rd December 2014
Page 7
OSHC News
By Nikki Sawatzki Coordinator
Book Now !!!
Please remember that bookings must
be made now for vacation care, along
with Friday 5th December, the last day
of school, to avoid disappointment!
Email [email protected] or phone
3293 4507 for bookings and further information.
OSHC found their new pets!
Thank you to the Cramond family for our two new
baby girl guinea pigs—yet to be named.
Wednesday, 3rd December 2014
www.stbenedicts.qld.edu.au
WANT TO WIN A JAR OF MAGIC MERRY
CHRISTMAS MnM’s???
Over the vacation care period OSHC will have a visit
from the RSPCA EMU van on Thursday 22nd January
to raise awareness on the importance of taking care
of all of Gods animals, great and small! To assist the
RSPCA in their goodwill OSHC will be holding a Magic
MnM’s guessing game from Monday 1st December.
All students are invited to play for the cost of a 50
cent donation and these proceeds will be presented
to the RSPCA staff on the day of their visit. The RSPCA
will be very appreciative of our care and concern over
the ‘gift of giving’ season I’m sure!
Page 8
School Related News
St Benedict’s College
21 St Benedict’s Close, Mango Hill
Enrolments
Places are still available in Years 7-10 for 2015,
with applications also being invited for 2016
and 2017.
By Michelle Kramer - Kindergarten Teacher
3204 8452 or 0498 393 334
[email protected]
Please contact our office for further information
3385 8888 or [email protected]
P&F
Parents & Friends of St Benedict’s
There will be NO P&F meeting
in December.
See you at the AGM in 2015.
[email protected]
If you have any questions regarding the SEQ Bus
Network Review please contact TransLink External
Affairs by email at [email protected].
au or phone 07 3338 4438.
We do receive regular updates regarding the
Moreton Bay Rail project mainly because of it’s
general proximity to St Benedict’s and our
community. You can find regular updates at
www.moretonbayrail.qld.gov.au
Wednesday, 3rd December 2014
Page 9
Community News
Events
Eventsof
ofinterest
interestin
inour
ourcommunity.
community.
active
be
Clubs in our community.
Wednesday, 3rd December 2014
Page 10
Community News
Events
Eventsof
ofinterest
interestin
inour
ourcommunity.
community.
Tennis News
active
be
Clubs in our community.
Term 1, 2015 Tennis Coaching will commence
during the week of 2nd February.
Tennis Enrolment forms will be distributed at
school during the first week back from holidays.
Have a Merry Christmas and we will see you all
in 2015.
Wayne Hampson Tennis Coaching 0438 195 723
[email protected]
Please call:
Pine Rivers Koala & Wildlife
0401 350 799 if you see wildlife in
need in your area.
Wednesday, 19th November 2014
TAE KWON DO CLASSES
Held at St Benedicts on Saturdays from 10.30am to
11.30am. All ages are welcome. Please phone Daisy or
Damian on 3886 0967 or 0438 860 967. Sign up
for two months and receive a free uniform. All classes
are supervised by an instructor with a Blue Card.
Page 13
Community News
Events
Eventsof
ofinterest
interestin
inour
ourcommunity.
community.
active
be
Clubs in our community.
Wednesday, 29th October 2014
Page 12