Issue 4 | Term 1 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
Over the last couple of weeks, we have enjoyed a range of exciting programs and activities. The first of these being a
visit from Ikeda High School, Osaka, Japan.
STUDY TOUR
Earlier this week, twenty-five Japanese high school students aged 16-17, joined us for a fun-packed day as we showcased some of the great things we do at our school. After registration and a school tour, the students got to experience:
- A visual arts lesson with Mr Singh and our Year 3 classes
- Participate in a ‘Play is the Way’ activity with Year 6 classes
- Were treated with an overview of Australian Rules Football through a brief video and some introductory skill activities supported by our Year 6 Student Leaders
- Participated in our Senior Assembly and presented to us with a gift and a song and dance routine
I wish to
commend our two International Student Leaders, Sarang and Aarya, who were our Ikeda chaperones for the day. Their support, counsel and guidance for the group was deeply valued, not only by the visitors but Miss Jill (our International Student Coordinator) and myself.
P&C AGM AND INVITATION
We invite you to come along to the next
P&C meeting ad AGM which is scheduled for Wednesday 25 March. The program on Wednesday will be as follows:
5:00pm Mandatory Training Highlights (Mike and Erin)
5:45pm AGM Meeting
6:15pm General Meeting
There are three separate programs that night. If you plan on having an active engagement in the P&C and School this year, then coming to all three would be advisable. It will be important information for all concerned.
Our numbers at the last meeting were VERY encouraging and many more have expressed interest in attending this month. Please come along and join us.
The meeting will be held in the Staff Room of the main administration building.
STUDENT WELLBEING GARDEN
Recently we had the walls of the building coated with blackboard paint inside the Student Wellbeing Garden. For those who remember the olden days, any new blackboard needs to be ‘worn in’ with chalk. So we put the Year 6 Students leaders to hard work. Their job was to get all creative and draw on the walls. Somehow, I think this wasn’t much of a burden for them LOL!.
I will be meeting with the Student Leaders again in the next couple of weeks to finalise the guidelines for opening the garden. By the start of next term we hope to have our first few groups enjoying the experience and using the area.
SCHOOL UNIFORM - SOCKS
This year, there is a noticeable shift to students wearing random white socks of all descriptions instead of our
Benowa State School socks, which are listed as a part of our official school uniform.
The pricing of socks in our Uniform Shop is very reasonable - $15.00 for 3 pairs of very good quality material (pictured).
Please click here to order via Flexischools.
It is also important that any students participating in interschool sport, excursions and other school representative activities, are
dressed in full school uniform. An aspect of the recent notices sent home regarding interschool sport, is a commitment not only to good behaviour and learning, but also the wearing of our school uniform.
Thank-you for your support of these expectations.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to two of our Benowa students in Year 4, Soma and Harper. The boys attended the TSKFA National Karate Championships from the 02-07 March on the Sunshine Coast. Soma won a Gold and a Bronze medal and Harper won Silver. Participants from all over Australia travelled to compete in the week-long competition and both boys did a wonderful job.
Mr Michael Josey
Principal
Each Wednesday afternoon, a group of Year 5 and Year 6 students have the exciting opportunity to visit Benowa High School to take part in a specialised STEM learning program. Accompanied by Ms Barling and Mrs Williams, the students walk over to the high school where they are taught by Director of STEM, Mrs St Pierre and student ambassador Sasha.
During these sessions, students are developing their skills in robotics and 3D printing. They are learning how to design, build and program robotic systems, as well as explore the process of creating digital designs that can be brought to life using a 3D printer.
This program provides a wonderful opportunity for our students to experience high school learning environments while building important skills in technology, creativity and problem-solving. The hands-on nature of the activities encourages collaboration, critical thinking and innovation.
We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm and curiosity our students bring to each session and we thank Benowa High School, Mrs St Pierre and Sasha for supporting our students in this exciting learning experience.
Yours in STEM,
Mrs Barling and Mrs Williams