26 March 2025

Vision Statement

St Rita’s school is a dynamic learning community strengthened by our Mercy heritage and inspired through the teachings of Jesus Christ. We are connected and compassionate to the needs of our community and are proud of our local Wanyurr-Majay culture. We engage our learners through relevant and hands-on experiences, bringing joy and confidence to learning.  

PRINCIPAL’S PEN

Dear Families,

Earlier this week, I shared the Parable of the Fig Tree with our students and staff as part of our Monday Pitstop.

The Parable of the Fig Tree –

Then Jesus told them this parable: “There was once a man who had a fig tree growing in his vineyard. He went looking for figs on it but found none. So he said to his gardener, ‘Look, for three years I have been coming here looking for figs on this fig tree, and I haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it go on using up the soil?’ But the gardener answered, ‘Leave it alone, sir, just one more year; I will dig around it and put in some fertilizer. Then if the tree bears figs next year, so much the better; if not, then you can have it cut down.’”

This story can be interpreted in many ways; however, for me, it’s quite relevant to the hope we need to carry for our young people. In the cut-throat nature of our society today, we are far too quick to write people off, make assumptions about them, and use them only for our own selfish gain.

Over the years, I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve been told to suspend or even expel children who have done the wrong thing. Are there times when this is necessary? Probably, but as a Christian, we must always seek forgiveness and a way forward first.

Like the farmer in the Fig Tree, I can be accused of willing to give seemingly unending chances, with the hope it will soon bear fruit. Like the tree, sometimes children just need a little fertilizer (love and attention) and support in making better choices for a better future. As adults I believe we must look inwardly at our own example, then the environment, before we make any conclusions about students.

I am so pleased to report that many of our students have shown exceptional growth this term, and you only have to spend some time with them to see how obvious this is. Our children are thriving in the way we have structured learning at St Rita’s, and I think you will find this will continue as we blend strong learning expectations with an unending sense mercy and kindness.

I need to formally acknowledge those on the front line! Ms. Benvenuti, Mrs. Masina, and Mrs. Jago have been outstanding in fostering high expectations and a love of learning in all of our students. They have been expertly assisted by Miss Sunni, Miss Jenni, Miss Georgi, and Mr. Price, who all continue to go above and beyond for our students and families at St Rita’s. We are all very blessed to have them as part of our team.

Like the Fig Tree, I believe that all students are capable of producing fruit. Sometimes we just need to find the right conditions for them to thrive in.

Parent-Teacher-Student Meetings

This week and next week, we will be conducting Parent-Teacher-Student meetings after school. I would encourage you to book in if you haven’t already done so. This is a formal occasion where the teachers can meet with the students and parent(s) to celebrate the term's progress and map out future improvement strategies. Please call the office to book a time or return the note that has gone home this week.

Holy Week Liturgy / End of Term Assembly / Free Dress

Next Friday, the 4th of April, we will have a free dress day, with a gold coin donation going towards Caritas Australia. At 2 pm, we will host our Holy Week Liturgy and End of Term Assembly. We will recognise award winners, birthdays, and attendance awards for Term 1. All are welcome to join us in the junior room.

Basketball

Last week was the end of our Basketball program at St Rita’s. We were extremely fortunate to have expert coaches Kerry Williams and Myra Donkin come to Babinda to teach our students the many skills involved in Basketball. Myra and Kerry have both have experience playing and coaching at very high levels of basketball. I was so impressed with everyone’s skills and attitudes towards the sessions. Next term, we look

forward to learning about AFL in our Sporting Schools Program.

Parents and Friends Group

I would like to thank our wonderful school community for your support this term. We truly have set a strong foundation for the year ahead. We will be looking to reform our Parents and Friends group next term, so I would encourage anyone that’s interested to come along. I will set a date for our first meeting early next term. This group will have one eye on 2026 as it will be the 100th anniversary of our school, and we’ll look at planning towards that.

Easter Blessings

I pray that you all have a wonderful Easter Holidays however you intend to spend it. It is important for us to remember the reason for this Holiday. The horror of the gruesome death of our Lord Jesus Christ, before his triumphant return on Easter Sunday. Let us be inspired to start new beginnings in our own lives.

Please note that week 1 term 2 will be a shortened week, with Easter Monday and ANZAC Day on the Friday, meaning it will only be a three-day week.

Kind Regards
Michael Rowe
Principal

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and carers,

As we continue to nurture our students' love for learning, we want to share some tips and strategies on how you can encourage writing at home with your children. Writing is a crucial skill that enhances creativity, communication, and critical thinking. Here are some ways you can support your child's writing journey:

Tips and Strategies to Encourage Writing

1. Create a Writing-Friendly Environment
   • Set up a dedicated space for writing with all the necessary supplies like paper, pencils, and colorful markers.
   • Ensure the space is quiet and free from distractions to help your child focus.
2. Incorporate Writing into Daily Activities
   • Encourage your child to write shopping lists, thank-you notes, or letters to family members.
   • Ask them to keep a daily journal where they can express their thoughts and experiences.
3. Read Together
   • Reading and writing go hand in hand. Spend time reading books together and discuss the stories.
   • Ask your child to write a short summary or an alternative ending to the story.
4. Use Prompts and Challenges
   • Provide fun writing prompts or challenges to spark their imagination. For example, "Write a story about a magical adventure in your backyard."
   • Participate in writing contests or online writing communities for kids.
5. Celebrate Their Work
   • Display their writing pieces at home or share them with family and friends.
   • Praise their efforts and provide constructive feedback to help them improve.
6. Set an Example
   • Show your child that writing is important by writing yourself. Share your own writing projects or keep a family journal.
   • Discuss the importance of writing in everyday life and how it helps in various careers.
7. Encourage Creativity
   • Allow your child to explore different genres of writing, such as poetry, fiction, and non-fiction.
   • Provide them with creative tools like story cubes or picture prompts to inspire their writing.
8. Make It Fun
   • Turn writing into a game by creating story dice or playing word association games.
   • Organize a family writing night where everyone writes a short story or poem and shares it.

By incorporating these strategies into your daily routine, you can help your child develop a love for writing and enhance their skills. Remember, the key is to make writing enjoyable and a natural part of their lives. Thank you for your continued support in your child's education. Together, we can inspire a new generation of writers!

Warm regards,
Sam Benvenuti
Deputy Principal – Leader of Learning and Teaching

DATE CLAIMERS

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Congratulations St Rita’s Students of the Week this week, Michael, Ryley, Riley, Jessie, Reyne and Matilda.  It is wonderful to see the huge effort you have put into your learning.  Keep up the great work! 

BIRTHDAY CONGRATULATIONS

To Leo, Ayden, Ryley, Jessie, Rosie and Daniel who celebrated their birthdays recently.  St Rita’s
hope you all had wonderful birthday celebrations.

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

MUNRO THEATRE

BABINDATASKFORCE

LITTLE LIFESAVERS

GIVE BASKETBALL A TRY