Principal's Message
Thank you to the students and staff who marched with Ben Venue on the weekend in the Autumn Festival Parade. Thank you to the families who supported the participation of our students.
It has been an exceptionally busy term, particularly for our senior students, and a well-deserved break is in order. Thank you to our teaching and support staff, as well as to our families for supporting the involvement of our students in so many enriching activities, including in the past fortnight alone; the student leadership camp, Arts Unit drama workshop, KidsLit Quiz, da Vinci Decathlon, elective activities, futsal competition, buddy classes working on their Easter hats and leaders visiting the aged care home. Below are photos from just some of these activities.
Sporting and academic success
Congratulations to Evan Hunt who, following the North West Region trials, has been selected to represent Ben Venue PS and the North West Region at the NSW PSSA State Swimming Championships in Sydney.
Congratulations to Rosie, Matilda, James, Greta, Bowie, Abi, Olive and Michael who represented Ben Venue in the da Vinci Decathlon last week. Our students placed second overall, in a competition involving a large number of teams from all education sectors.
Congratulations also to the Stage 2 and 3 students who competed in the New England School Futsal titles, emerging as champions of the competition.
ANZAC Day
Students are invited to attend the ANZAC march and service with Ben Venue on Friday 25 April. We have been asked to be fully assembled and ready to march by 10:30 AM, meeting in Beardy St outside the Imperial Hotel. The march finishes in Central Park, where the service is held. The service commences at 11:00 AM and runs for approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Dress is full school uniform.
Students will discuss the significance of ANZAC Day in classes this week and an assembly marking ANZAC Day will be held on Thursday of the first week back next term.
Changes to reports
This semester, we are introducing updated school reports. The new format has been developed by the NSW Department of Education in response to feedback from parents and educators to make reports easier to read and understand.
A new achievement scale and descriptions are included to provide a clearer picture of your child’s progress. Your child’s report will still show their progress across all subject areas. Teacher comments will appear in English, mathematics and the general comment section, in line with department policy. The general comment for Kindergarten also covers all other key learning areas including, creative arts, HSIE, PDHPE, and science and technology.
Parent–teacher interviews remain an important way to discuss your child’s progress and achievement in more detail. After the release of reports, parents and carers are invited to arrange an interview with their child's class teacher at any time throughout the term that is convenient to both parties.
Easter chocolates
As Easter approaches, many students enjoy sharing small gifts with friends to mark the season. While we have no policy banning the distribution of chocolates by students ahead of Easter, I do ask that families consider the impact of students consuming large amounts of chocolate, particularly on their ability to engage in learning and maintain positive behaviour. The creation of simple cards by students is a great alternative to purchasing chocolate. This supports both the sharing of positive messages of friendship and Easter messages, while also supporting the health priorities of parents, learning and engagement at school.
Rescheduled Cross Country
Last week, our cross country carnival was postponed due to the condition of the grounds at SportUNE. The new date is Friday 2 May, which is the first Friday of next term.
I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable break. Students return on Wednesday 30 April.
Cam Pryce
Principal