Wellbeing & Learning Inclusion
Indigenous Garden Ceremony
On Thursday 25th June, our school proudly held a smoking ceremony to officially open our Indigenous garden after it recently underwent a significant upgrade.
The ceremony began with local Indigenous community member Kevin Cooper, who delivered an Acknowledgement of Country, conducted a smoking ceremony, and performed a traditional dance. Following this, Father DJ provided an official blessing of the garden.
The event was attended by members of the leadership team, administration staff, garden designer Jenny Muller, Father DJ, Kevin Cooper, house leaders, and the students who have contributed their time and effort to developing and maintaining the garden.
We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Tomorrow Today for their generous funding support, as well as Jen Jackson and Mel Anderson for attending and helping celebrate this special occasion.
The upgraded garden is now flourishing with a variety of bush tucker plants and serves as a meaningful space for learning, reflection, and connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
The timing of this celebration was especially significant as we look ahead to NAIDOC Week (5–12 July). NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the rich histories, cultures, achievements, and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, making the opening of our Indigenous garden a meaningful way to mark this important occasion.
We invite all members of our school community to take a look at the garden the next time they are passing the front entrance.
Image courtesy of the National NAIDOC Committee. Official NAIDOC Week 2026 logo sourced from the NAIDOC website.
Garden Club Update
It has been another successful term in the garden. Most of our winter vegetables have been planted and are growing well. Our students are very eager to begin harvesting them early next term. A big well done to all of our gardeners for their hard work and enthusiasm this term.
Wellbeing Curriculum
All students from Foundation to Year 6 will continue participating in the Respectful Relationships (RRRR) program. Through a range of age-appropriate activities and discussions, students will further develop their social and emotional learning skills.
Throughout Term 3, classes will explore topics including help-seeking, gender norms and stereotypes, and positive gender relations. Students will learn about the importance of seeking support when needed, challenge stereotypes that can impact themselves and others, and develop an understanding of respectful, inclusive and equitable relationships. These lessons will encourage students to value diversity, show empathy and contribute positively to their school community.
The Respectful Relationships program plays an important role in supporting student wellbeing and creating a positive and inclusive school community.
For more information about the Respectful Relationships program, please visit Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships and Building Respectful Relationships | schools.vic.gov.au
Nourish to Flourish Breakfast Club
Breakfast Club runs every Thursday morning from 8:00am in the hall.
This wonderful initiative is supported by staff, parish volunteers and, from 2026, FCJ student volunteers. We extend our sincere thanks to the generous local businesses that continue to support the program through their donations.
If your business is interested in supporting or sponsoring our Breakfast Club, please contact Brendan at bfrench@sjbenalla.catholic.edu.au.
School Child Psychologist
Bethany brings experience in child, educational and developmental psychology, with a strong background in supporting school-aged children through therapy and assessments within school settings.
Bethany will be available on Thursdays to provide individual support sessions for students.
If you would like to access Bethany’s support for your child, please contact Brendan at bfrench@sjbenalla.catholic.edu.au.
Family Support Service
The Orange Door can help you and your family by providing support for concerns with parenting, relationships, and family violence.
For more information you can visit www.orangedoor.vic.gov.au or contact 1800 271 157
Hygiene- Winter is Here
Washing hands with soap and water remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and infection. While this is not always practical or convenient in a school setting, we will continue to encourage and educate students about good hygiene practices.
As we move further into the autumn and winter months, we ask families to revisit healthy habits with their child(ren), including regular hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when unwell.