Principal's Message

Term 1 continues to fly by, and it's hard to believe that there are only 15 school days left in the term. It has been a busy and challenging term so far for everyone; students, staff and families. Although the term is moving quickly, it is clear that everyone is tired. It has been great to see the resilience so often being displayed as we work together to return to normal routines after more than two years of uncertainty and disruption. 

As we do so, it remains important that tolerance and kindness are at the forefront of our minds as we interact with others - particularly as fatigue sets in towards the end of the term. With consideration of the perspectives and feelings of others, we will be able to end the term positively.

Before and after school care

I am pleased to announce that from the start of Term 2, Ben Venue will host a before and after school care service in the school hall. This is a service that has often been requested by families, and we are happy to be now able to provide it. The first day of service will be Wednesday 27 April. 

Positive Schools parent evening with Dr Helen Street - Monday 2 May

Dr Helen street is an internationally recognised educational consultant, psychologist, author and speaker. She has presented on a number of television and radio programs, including a time as the resident psychologist for Channel Ten's show, 'The Panel'. Dr Street has worked with over 6000 schools in Australia, England, Wales, Singapore, Germany, Hong Kong and other countries, and is a strong advocate for considering the important role of the school environment in developing healthy social norms for our young people.

She is also coming to Ben Venue to speak to you.

This is a rare opportunity for our school and families to hear from a true expert in the field of contextual wellbeing, who can guide our work together to better support our young people.

Our parent/carer session will be held on the evening of Monday 2 May. The start time will be advertised in our next newsletter.

Please come if you can.

Gardening group

A growing group of keen gardeners are working with Mr Cotter to turn some of our underused areas within the school into productive vegetable gardens. These students are also enhancing the ornamental gardens throughout our school.

Thank you to Richardson's Home Hardware for their generous donation of fertiliser and mulch to support our green thumbs!

Student Representative Council

Our SRC met on Friday to participate in team building activities, ahead of their first formal meeting this week (for further information, see the Deputy Principal's Message in this newsletter). The Year 6 prefects have been active in supporting the SRC reps to discuss and collect ideas and perspectives from their classes, and it has been fantastic to hear the enthusiasm from students as they put their ideas forward.

Look out for an SRC report, written by members of the Year 6 prefect team, in the next newsletter.

Attendance & illness

I wish to thank all families for ensuring that children who are unwell stay home from school. This helps to prevent the spread not only of COVID-19, but also of influenza, chickenpox, whooping cough and other contagious illnesses. 

While we encourage families to keep unwell children at home, a focus on otherwise attending school every day is important to the learning and social connection of all students. While the number of reported COVID-19 cases at Ben Venue is decreasing, school attendance rates remain lower than usual. If children are healthy, and not required to isolate as a household contact, they should be at school. Please check the updated information relating to isolation requirements and vaccination on the 'COVID-19 Updates' section of this newsletter.

Welcoming families back on site

We are keen to take advantage of eased COVID-19 restrictions, and welcome families back onto school grounds. Look out for upcoming opportunities to engage with our school, including the 3-6 Cross Country next week, the K-2 Hat Parade in Week 11, the Street Food Fair in early Term 2, NAIDOC Week in late Term 2, and Education Week in early Term 3.

P&C's Multicultural Street Food Fair

Last week, a note was sent home about being part of our planned Street Food Fair in early Term 2. We are seeking expressions of interest in families running food stalls, showcasing their cultural cuisine. This evening will support our celebration of multiculturalism in our school.

We have already had interest from families who can cook food from Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, China, Spain, Greece, India, Fiji, Bangladesh and France.

If you feel that this is something in which you would like to be involved, please either return the note or contact the school to register your interest. The Street Food Fair will only be able to proceed with sufficient interest.

School Stream

The School Stream icon will soon change in the app store and on your phone. The new logo is pictured here.

Cam Pryce

Principal