St Benedict's Catholic College
Newsletter - 16 June 2017
From the Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
In the last newsletter, I wrote of the two important feasts of the Ascension of Jesus and Pentecost. These two events are followed up in the Church’s liturgical year with the celebration of the Holy Trinity and the feast of Corpus Christi (the Body of Christ). The Holy Trinity refers to the notion that as Catholics, we believe in three persons (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) in one God. In the Creed, we refer to the Father and Son as being ‘consubstantial’ (of one substance) but the concept can be difficult to understand. This is where divine mystery is core to our faith. There are some things that we as humans cannot understand. We are not God and cannot begin to have the knowledge or wisdom of God. One of the beauties of our faith is that some things, just as with love, don’t need to be explained but can be accepted as the gift that they are. In this way, God has given us the gift of creation and salvation and guides us along the way. For this we should be thankful and follow in Christ’s footsteps.
We were fortunate last Monday to welcome the Minister for Education, Hon Rob Stokes, to the College for a visit. Mr Stokes was accompanied by the state Member for Camden, Mr Chris Patterson and the Director of Education for the Diocese of Wollongong, Mr Peter Turner. These guests were escorted around the College by myself and a number of our student leaders and joined for an afternoon tea in the administration area. The minister spoke with a number of students and was appreciative of his welcome and the growth of the College in such a short time. His visit coincided with the announcement of the successful grant by the NSW government toward our Stage 6 Creative and Performing Arts building. We thank Mr Patterson, Mr Turner and Mr Stokes for their continued support of St Benedict’s.
Last Friday evening saw the latest instalment of the GLOW program at the College. Some 35 students along with a number of staff stayed after school until 5pm to participate in activities and discussions about prayer and communicating with God. The students had great fun working in teams to build towers and shared a light meal at the conclusion of the evening. A huge thank you to Mr Hayden and the staff and students who attended this evening and ensured its great success.
On Wednesday evening, Mr Bombardiere and the KLA Coordinators ran an information evening for Year 10 students who are progressing into Year 11 studies. This evening was very successful in presenting students and their parents with an understanding of how the HSC and ATAR work along with some understanding of NESA (NSW Educational Standards Authority) and various post HSC options. Students have been given a timeline and a number of resources to ensure they can appropriately choose subjects for study in Years 11 and 12.
Steve Lo Cascio
Acting Principal
Education Minister's visit
From the Director of Mission and Vision
The Prayer Focus continues to look at the homeless. This is an issue that effects many in our society. There are many organisations and groups in our community who are actively involved in helping those in need. The St Vincent De Paul Society is one of these who do a wonderful job in a variety of amazing ways. One of their programs is the Nagle Centre, which provides crisis and emergency assistance to those disadvantaged and homeless in the Macarthur region. The ‘Vinnies’ shops do a great job in supporting those in need, particularly at this time of the year. Our involvement in the Winter Appeal is just one way that we can all support those who are struggling at the moment.
St Justin’s recently held their Feast Day and some of our Year 9 student leaders had the opportunity to attend their liturgy. This was a great way for our students to be a part of the St Justin’s community and celebrate this important event with them. Thank you to Mr Milgate and the staff for the invitation.
Our Youth Group GLOW continues to grow. At last week’s gathering it was truly amazing to see so many students engaging in their faith with such joy. As these events continue throughout the year, I would encourage students to take part and experience this opportunity for themselves. Thanks to Mr Hayden and the team for another outstanding event.
Speaking of outstanding events, Bennies Bring a Blanket is on again next week. This is the key Social Action event for the current focus on homelessness. In the past, Bennies Bring a Blanket has been very well supported by the community, both by students and outside businesses. The program this year will have a different look to the last few years and promises to be a great experience. I would encourage all students to attend this wonderful evening.
I was reminded recently of the beauty of our midday mantra. The mantra of ‘Be still, and know that I am God’ is a beautiful way of reminding ourselves that we need to quiten our minds as we pray so that our focus is on God. The midday matra is at the same time every day at Bennies and is a great way of praying together in community. Certainly, it is one way we live out our college motto of ‘Love of God’.
Mr David Costin
Acting Assistant Principal
Director of Mission and Vision.
Safety reminders for the School and Church precinct.
Can we once again remind all visitors to the site to be aware that there is a 10 kph speed limit within the schools and church precinct. Due to the ongoing changes and the confusion that may arise, it is critical that drivers follow these speed limits. The safety of our students, staff, parents and visitors is our main concern.
Waiting for siblings
Wherever possible, students should be catching the St Benedict’s buses home rather than waiting for St Justin’s buses. Students waiting for siblings should remain outside St Justin’s and be conscious that their lessons continue until 3:10pm.
Social Justice Knitting and Crochet Club
Mrs Wardley, Ms Kelleher and Mrs Castelli have started a knitting and crocheting club at lunch time on Mondays. The knitted or crochet squares will be joined to make rugs as part of our Winter Appeal contribution.
We are seeking donations of knitting needles or crochet hooks. If you would like to help us by creating squares then you are more than welcome. For knitting we are making 20cm (8'') garter stitch squares using 4mm needles with 45 stitches. Crochet is a basic stitch to create a 20cm (8") square.
Year 7-10 Semester One Reports
Semester One Reports will be sent home on Monday 26 June for all students in Year 7-10. These reports are an opportunity to reflect, with your child, on the learning outcomes they have achieved in Term’s One and Two of the school year.
Please ask your child for this report on Monday after school.
Chris Shelton
Acting Assistant Principal
Year 7-10 Parent Teacher Interviews
Our Parent/Teacher interviews provide an opportunity to discuss with your child’s teacher the area’s of learning growth your child has achieved and their areas for improvement in all courses studied. This year Parent/Teacher interviews will be split across two evenings:
- Year 7 & 9 - Thursday 29th June (Term 2, Week 10)
- Year 8 & 10 - Thursday 20th July (Term 3, Week 1)
Bookings for Parent/Teacher interviews will be conducted using www.schoolinterviews.com.au. A unique booking code will be given to the students as well as details about when the booking period opens and closes.
For students in Year 7 & 9 this information will be in their report folder on Monday 26 June. Students in Year 8 & 10 will be given a different booking code on Monday 17 July. This information will also be emailed to parents.
Chris Shelton
Acting Assistant Principal
Lightning, So Frightening Science Incursion
On Wednesday 9 June, Year 9 had the opportunity to watch a science show called Lightning: So Frightening. It was performed by Dr Peter Eastwell from a company called Science Time Education.
The show was designed to showcase the effects and wonders of lightning and electricity. During the show we saw the use of a Tesla coil, Van der Graaf generator, Leyden jar and saw how electricity moves through the human body. We also saw how lightning works and learned how to stay safe and protected during an electrical storm. This show was an exciting and enjoyable experience that will greatly benefit us in our next Science unit.
By Cooper Judge 9P
College Athletics Carnival
The annual College Athletics Carnival is on Wednesday, 19 July (Term 3, Week 1). Permission notes have been handed out to all students and are due back by Friday 16 June. Please ensure you return them to your Academic Care Tutor by this date.
When: Wednesday 19th July (Term 3, Week1)
Where: Campbelltown Sports Stadium
Time: 8:10-2:30pm
Students are allowed to change into a coloured t-shirt to represent their house once they get to the venue.
Any questions, please feel free to contact Miss Liska at the College.
Combined Catholic Colleges Cross Country
We would like to wish Jared Madsen, Aiden Wood and Connor Price good luck as they represent the Wollongong Diocese on Friday 16 June at the CCC Cross Country at Eastern Creek. All the best boys, we can not wait to hear about your results.
The Second Hand Uniform Shop
The Second Hand Uniform Shop is run by a small group of volunteers by appointment only. Appointments can be arranged Monday to Friday, morning or afternoon, around school drop off or pick up.
We rely solely on donations from our parent community, of pre-loved uniforms in reasonable condition. All proceeds from sales go directly to the P&F. We are always in need of blazers, jumpers, girl's summer dresses, tunics, tracksuits and sports uniforms.
For any enquiries or to make an appointment, please feel free to contact Melissa Nicholas on 0410 486 083 or you can send her an email at mandmnicholas@iinet.net.au
Melissa also has a list of items currently in stock and will be able to let you know over the phone, if the shop has what you are after.
Hospitality Committee Volunteers
The Parent and Friends Association of St Benedict's aims to provide a welcoming forum for parents and carers of children enrolled at the College, to be a part of the College community. We are looking to establish a Hospitality Committee to:
- build community by hosting social functions throughout the year.
- support the College at special events e.g. Year 7 Orientation Days.
- provide hospitality support in the Benedictine tradition at College events such as liturgies and assemblies.
If you are interested in volunteering and being a member of this committee and/or would like further information, please contact Clare-Ann Taylor on 0401 199 635 or taylor_clareann@yahoo.com.au
Lost Property
Among the items are a Guess watch, other watches and various jewellery items; several pairs of reading glasses; an apple Iphone; and a large number of drink bottles and lunch boxes. If these items had names on them they could have been returned. Items not claimed by the end of term will be disposed of.
Family Mass at St Anthony's
The next family Mass at St. Anthony’s Church, Tahmoor, is on Saturday, 24 June at 5:00 pm. We welcome all families to our LIVE MUSIC venue with a Big Band, Heavenly singers and Liturgical Dancers and, wait, there’s more, refreshments after Mass and Joy in our hearts as we celebrate the Eucharist together.
Come and join us.