Celebrating Father’s Day!

Last Friday, our school community came together to celebrate Father’s Day with a joyful breakfast and a meaningful liturgy. It was truly wonderful to see so many fathers, grandfathers, and father figures join us in celebration. The warmth and connection shared throughout the morning reflected the deep appreciation we hold for the important men in our lives.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible staff who helped prepare and serve over 300 bacon and egg sandwiches—a tremendous effort that made the morning even more special. Your generosity and teamwork are deeply appreciated.

In the Catholic Church, the readings for Father’s Day on Sunday, 7th September, offer a powerful reflection on discipleship and commitment. The Gospel reading from Luke 14:25–33 reminds us of the cost of true discipleship and the importance of prioritising our relationship with God. Just as fathers are called to lead with love, sacrifice, and wisdom, this passage invites us all to consider the depth of our own commitments and the values we pass on to our children.

Thank you once again to everyone who made our Father’s Day celebration so memorable. May all our fathers continue to be blessed with strength, patience, and joy in their journey.

Annual School Visit

On Thursday last week, St Benedict’s hosted Lisa Tierney (Chief Operating Officer),  Duilio Rufo (Assistant Director of Schools) and several Heads of Shared Services of Diocesan Catholic Schools for our Annual School Visit.

The purpose of the annual school visit is for our executive team is to build a shared understanding of our context. We share our school strengths and goals for the future.  The Catholic Schools staff undertake ‘learning walks’ in classrooms and also interview a ‘student focus group’ to ask our children what they love about our school and how we can make it better.

I’m delighted to share the highlights from this visit, which celebrated the theme of “Edgeworth Excellence”—a reflection of the vibrant, inclusive, and faith-filled learning environment we are proud to foster at our school.

The day began with a beautiful liturgy led by our Year 6 students, marking Social Justice Day. It was a moving celebration that brought our whole school community together in prayer and reflection.

In sharing our insights over our first year at St Benedict’s, Mr Hassett and I were able to speak with pride about our diverse student population, the strong sense of belonging fostered through the PB4L framework, and the enthusiastic and cohesive staff who work tirelessly to support every child.

Some of the many initiatives that have strengthened our school this year include:

• Student goal setting and data-informed teaching
• Collaborative case management through PLTs
• Wellbeing programs and Friday wellbeing meetings
• Maths improvement strategies and agreed homework practices
• Partnerships with other schools for professional learning.

I acknowledge the tireless work of Mr Hassett, Mrs Hunt and our staff in embedding these initiatives.

We also celebrated our commitment to spirituality and Catholic identity, with special mention of the work led by Miss Collins in Religious Education. The school’s Mission and Justice framework, rooted in Catholic Social Teaching (CST), is being beautifully embedded across all year levels. Creative projects like Tommy the Turtle, our Year 1 mascot, help students connect deeply with these values.

The visit highlighted our school’s strengths in:

• Spiritual formation – with staff and students actively engaging in faith-based learning and service
• Learning excellence – through innovative teaching practices and a culture of high expectations
• Wellbeing – with a strong focus on student support and staff collaboration

We are especially proud of our attendance rate of 92.3%, placing above local averages—a testament to our positive school culture and strong family partnerships.

We thank our dedicated staff for their passion, creativity, and commitment to making our school a place where every child can thrive. Their work in spirituality, learning, and wellbeing continues to shape a school community that is welcoming, inclusive, and deeply rooted in faith.

Some of the positive affirmations in our feedback session included:

• the work being done in classrooms in general
• The use of learning intentions, success criteria and co-constructed learning walls for student.
• Consistent use of student goal setting across classes
• The use of data to inform teaching practice and direction
• The support of faith formation for staff and students
• Our embedded PB4L framework
• The work being done in embedding Catholic Social Teachings

Our students, when interviewed, we described as DELIGHTFUL. What they said is reprinted below:

What do you love most about your school?​

​The teachers - they teach us great stuff.​
My peers - the community and friends. ​
Learning is fun - art and science are my favourite. ​
When you get hurt there is always someone to care for you. ​
I like playing at lunch with my friends.  ​
I love how the uniforms are comfy.

If you could change one thing to make your school even better, what would it be?​

Have a playground. ​
A place to test and relax.​
Have a slide. ​
Music room to play different instruments. ​
More shaded areas.​
Somewhere to read books - the library can get crowded. ​
More classrooms and space to play. ​
A place to do art and craft at lunch time.

What are some ways you learn best at your school? ​

When we sound out the words on the whiteboard. ​
Using different strategies - e.g. paragraph writing using  Teel or Peel. ​
Group activities or working with friends to get ideas and get help when you don’t understand. ​
I like learning alone to focus. ​
I learn best when teachers explain the learning.

Could you share a moment when you felt really proud of your learning?​

​

I used the Bump It Up Wall in my classroom and I got up to the ‘Wow’ section. ​
I got a Benny award for my writing. ​
I wrote up to 2000 words on Elastik. ​
In maths I solved a really hard question. We go to maths extension every Wednesday and other students go to Maths Olympiad. ​
Once my teacher told my mum I was the fastest reader. ​
We get a Benny when we do well. ​
I didn’t know how to write and now I am able to. I used the Success Criteria and Bump It Wall to help me. ​
I know 12x12 (it’s 144).

What does goal setting look like at your school?​

​We have different groups in maths and spelling. ​
We set goals in maths, reading and writing. We have a goal wall and we can see how we can improve. ​
We have 3 stages - if you need help you ask a teacher, 2 friends or the wall. ​
We plot ourselves on the poster after activities. ​
The teacher tells us where we are. ​
We made rocket goals - we review them at the start of every term. ​
The teacher gives us options on our goals. ​
We put our writing up against the Bump It Up Wall. ​
At parent teacher interviews - goals are shared.

What's something you've really enjoyed learning about in Religion this year?​

The Prodigal Son and forgiving people. ​
Learning about sharing through a story - a text about a cat, duck and squirrel. ​
Baptism - symbols and what they do. ​
Dignity of the human person - every person is different and we all have the same rights. ​
Hebrew Scriptures.​
Holy Spirit - you can’t see it. ​
Mary MacKillop and her life.​
The Parables. ​
The videos. ​
Making title pages.​
Comic strip creations of stories.

Needless to say, we were very proud to show off our wonderful school community!

Take care and God Bless,

Dani Reed

Year One’s Sunny Science and Seasonal Art

This term, our Year One students have been exploring the wonders of the natural world through an exciting Science unit all about the sun and the seasons.

They began by learning how the sun appears to move across the sky during the day. Through class discussions and hands-on activities, students discovered how the sun rises in the morning, travels across the sky, and sets in the evening. To show what they had learned, they created colourful pictures of the sun’s journey from morning to night. Their artwork was full of bright colours and thoughtful details.

As part of the same unit, students also explored the changing seasons, focusing on autumn and spring. They talked about how the weather, plants, and trees change throughout the year, and how these changes affect our daily lives. This learning was brought to life through beautiful artworks inspired by autumn leaves and spring flowers. Using paint, collage, and other materials, students created pieces that captured the colours and feeling of each season.

It’s been wonderful to see how this unit has helped students connect science with creativity. They’ve been curious, engaged, and proud of their work.

Well done, Year One!

YEAR ONE CHAMPION:

Tommy the Turtle-

Preferential Treatment for the

Poor and Vulnerable

This Catholic Church teaches that caring for the poor and vulnerable is essential to our faith. Jesus calls us to place their needs before our own and to treat them with dignity and compassion. Each day, we are faced with choices large and small that either lift others up or add to their struggles.

One person can dramatically affect the lives of others. Catholic Social Teaching reminds us to embrace everyone, especially those most in need: the hungry, the homeless, the lonely, the sick, or those who feel excluded. We are called to treat each person with love, just as God loves us.

The Gospel of Matthew reminds us of Jesus' thoughts on the Catholic Social Teaching of Preferential Treatment of the Poor and Vulnerable through the following scripture passage: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Some of the examples Year 1 gave as to what they can do to promote

the Preferential Treatment of the Poor and Vulnerable just like Tommy teaches them:

At school, we can live this out by:

• Supporting food and clothing drives for families in need.

• Participating in initiatives such as St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal or Caritas Project Compassion. Also our Fun Fair at the end of this term and other Mission Efforts.

• Reaching out in friendship to classmates who may feel left out or need encouragement.

• Using our voices to advocate for fairness and kindness in our community.

At home, we can live this out by:

• Donating toys, clothes, or food to those who have less. No is the perfect time to do this in preparation for our Fun Fair.

• Choosing to share rather than waste food or resources.

• Offering prayers as a family for people experiencing hardship.

• Welcoming and including others in acts of hospitality, such as inviting a neighbour in need to share a meal.

The principles of Catholic Social Teaching help us turn this love into action. They serve as a guide for the Church today and as a beacon of hope for society. By putting the needs of the poor and vulnerable first, we walk the path of justice and holiness that Jesus calls us to follow.

TIME FOR A CLEAN OUT AT HOME!

Do you have any children’s books, games or toys taking up space at home that aren’t needed anymore? St Benedict’s are holding a “Fun Fair” on Friday 26th September, the last day of term, and are asking for donations of these items. We just ask that they be in good condition. There’s not much fun in playing a game with broken pieces or reading a book with missing pages. Items can be brought into school from Monday 15/9/25 - 25/9/25. Tommy the Turtle would love your help!

St Benedict’s Mini Vinnies and Mrs March thank you for your support

FAMILY PARISH MASS

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those families who came along last Saturday Night to join in the Parish Family Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel West Wallsend. I am sure it has been a while since this beautiful old Church has seen so many young families in attendance. The hospitality was super delicious and I would like to thank th parishioners for working so hard to make us all feel welcome. I do know that the students who attended the Children's Liturgy really enjoyed themselves and the opportunity to hear the Word of God and to talk about it in a way they could understand. 

GRANDPARENT'S and GRAND-FRIEND'S CELEBRATION

Yours in faith,

Miss Michelle Collins

(Religious Education Co-Ordinator)

R U OK?

Today, Thursday 11th September is national R U OK Day. A National day where we are asked to start conversations with people in our lives, be that family, friends, neighbours or colleagues who might be having a hard time. We don’t have to be experts to have meaningful conversations about mental health. It’s something that needs to be more normalised.

Checking in regularly lets the people in your life know that you're someone they can talk to when they are struggling with life. We all have what it takes to ask, listen and support one another with kindness. People who are exposed to this campaign are 6 times more likely to reach out with kindness and questioning when they see someone who might be feeling lonely, depressed, or worthless. Have a closer look at the 4 steps that you can take today to start an important conversation and perhaps change the direction of someone’s life.

Deanne March, Pastoral Care Worker

AFTERNOON PARKING REMINDER!

Parents are asked to please be mindful of our neighbours when collecting your children in the afternoon. We have had several residents call the school very upset that cars are blocking driveways or parking so close to the edge that they are unable to see traffic if exiting their property. Please leave a 1 metre gap between the edge of the driveway and your vehicle. Thankyou.  

 Congratulations to these children who received awards this week.