St Benedict's Catholic College
Newsletter - Friday 28 September 2018
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Dear Parents and Caregivers
We have reached the end of the Winter months (and the winter uniform) and the students now have a well-earned break with their families. Schools can be very busy places and during the last fortnight St Benedict’s has been no different.
Farewell Year 12
Our Farewell Assembly for Year 12 was a moving occasion with tributes from the incoming captains, a symbolic handover to the Year 11 students who now lead the school, a formal blessing from the student body and that wonderful moment where Year 12 officially depart the College through a student guard of honour and are met by their parents outside the gate, rejoining them as they left them on Day 1 of Year 7 2013.
The Graduation Mass and Awards Ceremony was celebrated on Wednesday night by Fr. Michael Williams at St Paul’s Camden and it was a great honour to have in attendance the Director of Schools, Mr. Peter Turner, Federal Member, Mr. Michael Freelander, and Camden Mayor, Mr Peter Sidgreaves, in what was a great celebration of all things Benedictine. Year 12 presented the College with an aspersorium and aspergillum, which is what most Catholics would recognise as a “Bucket and Sprinkler” that the priest uses when blessing the congregation. As was fitting, the students were the given a Blessing using their gift before the Mass ended. I thank Mrs Grana for her organisation of the Mass and liturgies and Mr McAteer for all the organisation and care of Year 12 in these, their final days at St Benedict's. Now, its onwards to the examinations!
Year 12 Farewell Assembly
Year 9 Outdoor Education
In near perfect conditions, Year 9 travelled to the Somerset campus last week. Year Coordinator, Mrs Smith together with 12 staff members from the College and 12 Outdoor Education professionals, put Year 9 through their paces on a number of activities and introduced them to outdoor education practices. Our symbol of the elastic band – stretch so that you grow, but don’t break, was a recurring metaphor at the Rock Climbing, abseiling, raft building and a host of other activities. For many students, the My Kitchen Rules dinner challenge may have been the first time they had to confront cooking a meal from first principles. For the record, I must say the Butter Chicken and the Thai Stir Fry that emerged from the 14 boys that Mr. Gavin was working with was restaurant quality (even though one group couldn’t identify a snow pea!).
Parent Education
In keeping with our efforts to respond to Parent needs, the College provided an opportunity for parents to work with the e-safety commissioner’s team last week around digital safety. Of all the things that parents bring to the school’s door seeking assistance, managing their child’s use of technology is probably the most regular. In an informative seminar, the team presented parents with a number of thoughtful, practical ways to integrate technology effectively whilst still providing boundaries for the young people in the home. If you were not able to attend, I strongly recommend you familiarise yourself with their website which has a host of information for parents and young people www.esafety.gov.au
Announcing our new Senior Student Leadership Team
The 2019 College Student Leadership Team was announced to the students last week. It gives me great pleasure to introduce to our parents and community our team:
School Captains:
Marie Bull
Justin Waights
College Prefects:
Mission and Vision: Lara Bartolone and Carol Halim
Co-Curricula: Josh Abdow, Hannah Elborough and Allirah Hill
Learning and Leading: Skye Slattery and Claude Abdallah
A formal Induction Ceremony will be held in Term 4 for our new team and they will be joined at that time by the Middle Leaders (Year 9) who will also have been elected.
Catholic Mission Launch
Yesterday the College hosted the 2019 NSW launch of Mission Month. There were a number of significant guests in attendance and we welcomed Father Brian Lucas – National Director of Catholic Mission, Father Lucas Tha Ling Sum – Chancellor, Diocese of Hakha – Myanmar; Mr David Harrison – Director of Catholic Mission Diocese of Wollongong; Mr Peter Turner – Director of Education Diocese of Wollongong and members of the CEO Leadership Team. Schools from throughout the Diocese both Independent and Systemic Primary and secondary attended and were fascinated as Father Lucas spoke of the work that Catholic Mission is doing in Myanmar through their assistance in helping young men and women to access education.
I wish all our students a restful break and look forward to seeing everyone returning to summer uniform next term!
Michael Hanratty
Principal
FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF MISSION AND VISION
The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of humanity … All who wish to be first must make themselves the servants of all. Mark 9:30-37
This week in our Gospels, we see Jesus trying to educate the disciples about his upcoming fate in Jerusalem. They do not know yet that he is the Messiah, rather see him only as a descendant of the line of David who would restore Israel to its former glory. They do not understand yet why Jesus insists that he must be betrayed and put to death - they are afraid to question this because in many ways they are scared of the truth. The disciples cling to their hopes for the future arguing amongst themselves about who would have the top roles and positions in the coming messianic kingdom - which in fact is the complete opposite to what Jesus had been attempting to communicate to them. To prove this he tries to demonstrate his point, putting his arm around a child saying, ‘Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me’ (v 37). The message is clear, one must put aside our own ideas of self importance and need to be on top. By doing so we welcome God into our life and mission - not a life of dominance and being served by others, but a life of service to others which ultimately leads to our own salvation.
These words in the Gospel are easy to read, harder to live by. As our year 12 graduates begin to prepare for their final HSC exams and life beyond the stability and routine of the College, we wish them every success. We pray as a community that the message in the Gospel this week sets them on a path of service to others. May they always ‘welcome the children’ as shown in the metaphor Mark has used to describe the best way we should live our lives.
Good luck and in the words of St Benedict, remember that there is ‘Something to Strive For, Nothing to Run From…’
Year 12 Graduation Mass
On Wednesday evening we held our Year 12 Graduation Mass at St Paul’s Camden Catholic Church. This was a beautiful celebration and a fitting way to bring our year 12 students, their families and the staff of the College together to share in the Eucharist.
We thank Fr Michael for graciously celebrating this mass with us all and extend our warmest thanks for the Parish Secretary Elizabeth who worked tirelessly behind the scenes helping us to coordinate this event. Thank you must also be extended to everyone who participated in the running of the mass - from the readers, altar servers, Eucharistic Ministers, the students who bought up the offertory gifts and ushers.
Your service and support helped this celebration be a special one for the graduating class of 2018 to remember. Congratulations to all the students who received awards on the evening.
Catholic Mission Launch
On this very busy final week of term 3, St Benedict’s hosted the 2018 Catholic Mission Launch. This very significant event saw over 200 guests ranging from staff and students of each primary and high school in the Diocese to Catholic Education Office officials and representatives from Catholic Mission Australia. Other significant special guests included Fr Brian Lucas (National Director of Catholic Mission), Fr Lucas Tha Ling Sum (Chancellor of the Diocese of Hakha in Myanmar), Mr David Harrison (Director of Catholic Mission, Diocese of Wollongong and Mr Peter Turner (Director of Education Diocese of Wollongong).
The launch of World Mission Month began by asking us to reflect on the words of Isaiah, ’How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news’, which inspired the theme of this year’s appeal “Healing a nation through education”. This theme reflects our mission as Christians to provide the tools and support to help those in need, and in doing so, announcing peace and bringing good news.
During World Mission Month we are asked to remember our commitment to being prophets of God’s compassion and hope, who are called to live in service of others. In this Year of Youth, Pope Francis speaks to the young and asks them to show love to others and share in the mission by developing and fostering their God-given gifts in order to better serve others. He said “Never think that you have nothing to offer, or that nobody needs you. Many people need you. Think about it! Each of you, think in your heart: many people need me.” The 2018 Catholic Mission Church Appeal highlights the important work of Catholic Mission in Myanmar; through programs aimed to improve education for children, specifically through teacher training and the implementation of alternative, child-centred education around the country.
We extend our thanks to the students who helped us on the day to bring this beautiful liturgy to life. This includes the angelic choir under the direction of Mrs Jenny Koryzma, the drama students for enacting the Gospel reading of the Beatitudes under the direction of Mr Hayden, the readers and ushers. Additionally to the Hospitality Team who helped prepare the delicious and generous spread of food on the day, particularly to Mrs Karen Earnshaw, Mrs Alicia Pollicina and Tracee Brown for coordinating this, we thank you for your support and time.
Finally, I wish all the staff, students and their families a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday break!
God Bless;
Mrs Tarnya Grana
Acting Director of Mission and Vision
DATES TO REMEMBER
First Day of Term 4 - Monday 15 October
HSC Begins - Thursday 18 October
Summer is here
Year 12 2018 FINAL ASSEMBLY
Year 9 Outdoor Education Experience
On the 20 and 21 September, Year 9 completed their Outdoor Education Experience at the Somerset Outdoor Learning Centre. Somerset is set on 400 acres in the Colo River Valley, 90 mins north of Sydney.
Students had the opportunity to sleep in tents and engaged in a variety of camping styles. They took part in a variety of activities including rock climbing, milk crate stack, abseiling, canoeing, kayaking, raft building, commando activities and compass activities.
Students worked in groups supported by the staff from the College to build a sense of resilience, perseverance, friendship, community spirit and to identify and develop their personal character strengths.
On the behalf of the College I would like to thank the teachers who attended the Outdoor Education Experience: Mrs Ti Nguyen, Mr Bradley Gavin, Mr Michael Turner, Miss Kirstie O’Connor, Mr Nilesh Kumar, Miss Tabitha Brown, Ms Melissa Grego, Mr Steve Bulfon, Mrs Joanne Baker and Mrs Julie Keedle.
Mrs Christy Smith
Year 9 Coordinator
Student Memories
“My best memory is the kayaking activity even though the tide was low and we got beached multiple times. I like the activity because everyone was laughing and we all made some funny mistakes like falling over nothing after we did a game. Plus, the relaxing time just sitting in the water was great.”
Sienna Rixon
“Climbing the mountain in base seven, sitting at the top quietly watching all the groups trying to climb the mountain.”
Nicholas Perez
“Throwing a surprise party for Kate in one of our tents and getting to know our teacher better without the stresses of the classroom environment.”
Samantha Mago
“When we built the raft and it broke halfway across the water.”
Jacob Wilson
“Sitting around with friends, talking and working as a team and putting all troubles aside and all being happy.”
Savannah Abdow
E-safety night
On the 20 September, the College hosted an E-safety night, with a presentation given by a staff member from the e-safety commissioner. This was a very informative night for the families in attendance as they were able to hear from an expert in the field discuss issues that families, and in particular young people, face in regard to protecting themselves on line.
It was a great opportunity for families to think about how they use technology and look at appropriate use in the household. The presenter was able to regale the audience with stories and circumstances that he had encountered in his many years of working in this area. The evening offered families an opportunity to discuss and sort out issues about technology in the family – an issue I know that many families struggle with.
I would encourage any family using technology and social media to attend a presentation from the e-safety commissioner as a source of ideas and information of dealing with such issues. https://www.esafety.gov.au/
Mr David Costin
Assistant Principal
Year 9 Child Studies
As part of their Child Studies elective course, students in Year 9 have been learning about the importance of engaging children in activities that allow them to develop and learn. Recently, the students participated in a 'Read All About It' assessment where they were tasked with composing and publishing a storybook for children. The students were given the opportunity to interview Kindergarten children at St Justin's Primary School to discuss their interests and obtain ideas for their storybook.
After a thorough planning, drafting and editing process, the students received their published storybooks and read them to the Kindergarten children at St Justin's on Monday of Week 10. The Year 9 students thoroughly enjoyed the process and were extremely proud of the stories they produced. But no one enjoyed it more than the Kindergarten children from St Justin's who were so excited to receive the storybooks from their Year 9 friends. We are extremely grateful to be able to continue this tradition with our neighbours and strengthen the connection between the two schools, and thank the staff and students at St Justin's for allowing us this valuable opportunity.
Mrs Melissa Pereira
Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians (MCYA)
Every year, the Australian Mathematics Trust runs the Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians (MCYA). This program is designed to "motivate, stimulate, encourage and develop mathematically interested students in Years 7 to 10 to bring forth the talent and potential within".
Three Year 7 students, Rose North, Grace Blachura and Simon McCarthy, completed the challenge this year. They were given four problems to solve over a period of three weeks. Working in their own time, they tackled each of the problems in turn, coming up with solutions that were submitted to the competition committee.
They were awarded certificates at last week's College Assembly, with Rose North receiving a Distinction.
World of Maths
On Wednesday 12 September the College celebrated Literacy and Numeracy week by holding a day of activities for Year 7. Peter from the ‘World of Maths’ company setup a range of interactive displays in the library. Students rotated through a range of numeracy activities during the day to highlight the practical applications of Mathematics.
The man who ran World of Maths was very kind and would help us when we needed it. Overall, the World of Maths incursion was a fun and enjoyable event. Hannah McWhirter, 7.4
Mrs. Brown's Yr 10 Food Technology class - Food Equity
Mrs. Brown's Year 10 Food Technology classes are studying the unit "Food Equity". The student's were given a task to prepare a meal for groups of people that may experience food inequity.
Students had a budget of no more than five dollars to prepare a meal for one person. They had to cost the meal and discuss the group of people they chose to cook for. All student's were creative and presented their work to industry standards.
Year 9 Food Technology - Food for Special Occasions
For the past 10 weeks, Year 9 Food Technology students have been studying the topic Food for Special Occasions. Last week, they were challenged to produce a celebration cake for their assessment. Students completed food orders, recipe cards and workflow plans to carefully and accurately prepare for the decorating of their cakes in a double lesson.
The students demonstrated outstanding skills under lots of pressure and presented some really amazing cakes. This is a credit to their experimentation and testing at home and in lessons prior to the day and also their passion and motivation to produce quality work.
Congratulations Year 9, you should be very proud of your achievements in this task.
Mrs Pollicina
COLLEGE SPORTING WEEK
MISA CHESS
Who would have thought that having 40 games of chess going at once in one location was possible…well it was, Friday 14 September, there were over 80 students from the MISA affiliated schools, who made their way to St Benedict’s Catholic College to represent their school in the annual Chess Day.
It was the first time our College hosted such an event and what a day it was. Chess is a game of visualisation, calculation, evaluation, planning and an eye for error which also requires levels of skills and tactics. Our students on the day did a great job with our junior team coming 2nd overall which was a great improvement from last year, and our senior team coming in 4th, which once again was an improvement from previous years.
These teams were coached and led by Mr Gallagher who not only trained the boys in the lead up, but who also ran the day as the host. The day would not of ran so smoothly without the great organisation and planning conducted by Mr Gallagher, and therefore I wold like to publicly thank him for his support with the organising and running of the day. Also, I would like to thank Mr Dempsey who worked tirelessly on the day in entering all the scores and data, ensuring a smooth end to the day when the winners were announced.
It was a great day and we cannot wait to see how our chess teams perform next year.
Miss Julia Liska
Sports Coordinator
Year 10 Basketball Clinic
Throughout weeks 8 and 9, Year 10 students had the opportunity to coach Year 4 students from St Justin’s Primary School. This required a number of weeks of planning and preparation on the Year 10 students behalf, where the development and modifications to training session plans were required in order to tailor the Basketball Clinic to the skill and ability of Year 4 students. The Year 10 students commented on how enriching and enjoyable the experience was, with particular reference to how well behaved and engaged the Year 4 St Justin's students were throughout a number of clinics.
The Year 10 PDHPE Teaching Team and the Year 4 Teachers at St Justin's highlighted the importance of having cross College links, and appreciated watching the two communities come together for a positive and affirming experience. On behalf of the teachers and students at St Benedict’s Catholic College, we would like to thank the Year 4 teachers and students for affording us the experience of coaching. The St Benedict's Year 10 students are to be commended on their effort in preparing and presenting these coaching clinics.
Courtney Schonell, Year 12
Completing the HSC is challenging as it is, but Courtney Schonell is balancing school commitments with training for the 2018 Youth Olympics in Argentina.
The 18-year-old sport star has played hockey nationally since the age of 12 and has represented NSW 15 times.
Courtney was selected twice in the under-16s All Schools Australian Team and attended the Commonwealth Games with NSWIS to play practice matches with international teams. She was also named in the under-21s Australian National Junior Squad for two years in a row with a selection coming up to travel to New Zealand for a tournament.
Her sporting success is on the rise as she joins 87 of the nation’s brightest young sporting prospects who will represent Australia at the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games, the world’s largest multi-sport competition for young athletes.
We wish Courtney every success in her HSC and at the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games.
Bocce Champion - Aaron O'Callaghan
Bocce is a sport that requires skill, patience and accuracy and amongst our school College we have a bocce champion, Aaron O’Callaghan. Aaron has been playing Bocce for 8 months and over this time has developed the skills required to be a champion.
He trains several hours a week for bocce amongst his other training for cricket and school studies as well. Aaron has been selected to represent Australia in the Bocce World Championships which will be held in China in October.
We would like to wish Aaron all the very best of luck for his upcoming competition.
Miss Julia Liska
Sports Coordinator
P & F Clothing Pool
The clothing pool is run by appointment only. You can contact Mel on 0410 486 083. Please try and keep calls, texts and messages between the hours of 9-5 Monday to Friday.
If you make an appointment please be on time and, if unable to keep an appointment, please let Mel know.
We would also welcome any donations of uniforms, school bags, lap top bags etc. as stocks are running low.
A reminder that the Uniform Shop are taking bookings during September for Year 9 students to order their senior uniform.
If you haven't already done so, please see the attached flyer for details regarding booking appointments.
Parents and Carers are reminded that the speed limit for driving on College grounds is 10 kph. Please use set down areas as advised. If staying longer please park in a parking bay.
Please note that all access roads and parking areas within the Parish precinct are subject to NSW Road Rules and Regulations and subsequent fines and penalties. Council and the local police will be undertaking random checks in the area.
Mrs Castelli loves to bake and experiment with ingredients. Her favourite shows are MKR and My Kitchen Rules. She LOVES biscuits.
Her all time favourite song is 'I'm dreaming of a White Christmas' with 'Goodnight Sweetheart' a close second.