St Benedict's Catholic College
Newsletter 5 July 2019
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
‘Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get’
This, now famous line from the movie Forrest Gump, explains life as a mystery, you really never know what tomorrow, or even today, will bring. A school community is like a box of chocolates, each individual piece different, but all ‘delicious’ in some way. I have been asked many times, in my first week at this wonderful community, “What do you think of our/my school?” or “Do you like our school?”, alternatively, “How does is compare to others?” This question has been articulated by students, staff, members of the community, even the bus drivers! I genuinely respond that I am excited, honoured to be leading this community, albeit for a short time. It is a life-giving community that tangibly reflects the gospel message and values of Jesus. A community that does walk in the way of St Benedict, being a light for the simple but beautiful message of love in our often disparate and troubled world.
No one and no where will be perfect. Each day we all strive to reflect on our words and deeds, endeavouring to become a better person. Communities and society are similar. We all learn and grow from our shared experiences, that must all begin with love as the core. Qualities such as acceptance, tolerance, appreciation, persistence take courage to develop, install and, at times, defend, whilst always respect another’s point of view. I see these qualities in my short time here, in the interactions of all the staff and students, in the very fabric of the community. Continuing to allow this love to grow will ensure the calmness of true peace, the peace of Christ that comes from the message of Salvation to enter into our lives.
Next week, as a nation, we celebrate our Indigenous heritage during NAIDOC. I pray that each week be NAIDOC and that as a nation, we can truly reunite with our Indigenous peoples. I shared an idea, gaining prominence in many discussions, at the College Assembly earlier this week, that to be more inclusive we change one word in our Anthem i.e. young to strong
‘Australians let us all rejoice
for we are young strong and free’
A simple gesture but a powerful message of inclusivity recognising the 80,000+ years of the longest surviving culture on this planet.
This week the Staff spent two evenings and one day facilitating Parent/Teacher interviews for Years 7-10. I am aware of the demands on family time and also the pressures of work. However, if you did not avail yourself of the opportunity to meet your child’s teacher(s) please consider contacting them if you have an area of concern (email may be best). The College will evaluate the effectiveness of the current system to ensure all parents avail themselves of this essential interaction. As families and community I ask you to reflect on the words of Saint Teresa of Calcutta
“God does not require you to succeed, he only requires that you try.”
Effort and application in class and studies do not always reflect in the marks or the grades achieved. In fact, some people can succeed with little of these qualities. ‘Do your best’ is the mantra that must be at the forefront. After all, that is all we ever want our children to do!
In reflecting on the success of our children or others, we all at times, need to reflect on the value of our own efforts. We belong to a culture that is so driven by the external signs of ‘success’ that we can often miss little successes that are not observable. Many a time we will never know the ripple effect of our actions. Random, even little acts of kindness, a welcoming smile, a handshake, shows an appreciation of and for others. Rarely will we know the success or failure of our efforts, rest assured others will gain by our gestures and demeanour. One of the 20th Century’s greatest minds, Albert Einstein, so wisely said “Try not to be a man (person) of success. Rather a man (person) of value.” People of value see the good and potential in others, they work at building quality relationships, they are ever mindful of the mysteries and wonders in the world and in their lives. In essence they see Christ in all and in His creations.
I wish everybody a safe, peaceful and energising winter break.
Live Jesus in our hearts
John Killeen
Principal Emeritus
Report on Staff Professional Development Days
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Recently, the staff spent two days with Dr Daniela Falecki who worked with us on building a Learning Culture based on Positive Psychology principles. Two threads that stood out for teachers and those of us who are also parents, included a “Gradual Release of Responsibility” – something we do as parents automatically but occasionally our timing is wrong. The second was the 4C’s model of building resilience.
Firstly, young people of all ages are excellent at wearing down the resistance of a parent who denies permission for them to go somewhere due to lack of safety or suitability concerns. Unfortunately, many young people use annoyingly familiar methods such as:
- Repetition (Can I go? Can I? Can I?);
- Questioning (Why can’t I go?);
- Guilt (You never let me go anywhere! Or, even better, “Everyone else’s parents…”)
- Nagging (Can I, can I, can I go, pleeease!) and
- Whining &/or silent treatment/tantrum (even Year 12s can go this road).
Often, we are so tired that we give in just to gain some peace, which makes pester power a useful strategy as children and adolescents achieve what they want.
One way to avoid this obnoxious pestering is to ask them to convince you that they are responsible enough, old (read mature) enough or aware enough to be allowed to go somewhere. The following was a suggested conversation:
“Amelia, I’m not sure that I should allow you to take the train into the city with friends. I’m worried that it might not be safe. Convince me that you can do so safely.”
This response puts the onus back on the child or young person to think to counter your concerns. Listen carefully to their response as it will indicate whether they really have considered your concerns and are aware of the depth or range of potential difficulties.
If they respond with simplistic comments such as; “I’ll be okay”, “we’ll stick together” and “I won’t do anything stupid” then they are probably unaware or unprepared for contingencies that may arise.
However, if they provide a response with more depth, they may demonstrate their readiness. An example for this might be “I know you are worried that we might get picked on by older kids on the train. That worries me too. We’ll make sure we pick a carriage with plenty of adults and if kids hop on that look like they’ll give us a hard time, we’ll get off at the next station.”
Answers such as the above show they understand your concerns and also that they have some strategies in mind to minimise risk. As a parent we’d like to remove risk from our kids’ lives, but this is unrealistic. As kids grow up their world rapidly expands taking them further away from the safe confines of home, and exposing them to new and potentially risky situations and people. Our hope is that our kids are able to avoid or counter the risk as much as humanly possible. One way of assessing this is asking them to convince you that they are responsible, old enough and possess sufficient awareness to go into new situations and places. “Convince me!” may well be the smartest two words you’ll ever use as a parent. It may stop pester-power in its tracks and at the same time induce your child or young person to think ahead and better prepare for spreading their wings when you don’t feel they are quite ready.
The second story to share was that of Mental Toughness. The 4Cs which the College will be promoting as part of its PosEd programme will include these:
Control – Control means having a sense of self-worth and describes the extent to which a person feels in control of their life and their circumstances. Also, importantly it describes the extent to which they can control the display of their emotions. A Mentally Tough person with high control will usually just “get on with it” irrespective of how they feel and work through emotionally charged situations without seemingly being distracted or derailed. This ‘calm’ and positive approach can also often lift the spirits of those around them.
Commitment – Commitment is about goal orientation and ‘stickability’ and describes the extent to which someone is prepared to set goals and make measurable promises that, once made, they will work hard to deliver on. A mentally tough person with high commitment can usually be relied upon to set goals and targets and do what they need to do to achieve them.
Control and Commitment taken together are what most people mean when they think of resilience and they are indeed a solid response to adversity. But resilience is largely a passive quality and is only one part of mental toughness.
Challenge – Challenge describes the extent to which the individual will push back their boundaries, embrace change and accept risk. It’s also about how they see all outcomes – good and bad. Mentally Tough people with a high ‘Challenge’ score view challenges, change and adversity as opportunities rather than threats and will relish the chance to learn and grow in the new and hitherto unknown situation. Someone whose challenge score is high will typically enjoy new places, new people, innovation and creativity and become quickly bored by routine.
Confidence – Confidence completes the picture and describes the self-belief an individual has in their own abilities and the interpersonal confidence they possess to influence others and deal with conflict and challenge. When faced with a challenge, mentally tough people scoring high in confidence will possess the self-belief to deal with the situation and the inner strength to stand their ground when needed. Their confidence enables them to represent their view boldly and be comfortable in handling objections.
Challenge and Confidence taken together are what most people mean when they think of confidence to take risks and influence.
This definition suggests that Mental Toughness is a combination of resilience and confidence.
Whilst research shows that the 4 C’s are independent, they are all connected by the concept of Mental Toughness. Together with knowing our Character Strengths they are a powerful tool for social and emotional learning and building strong young adults.
I hope you have a wonderful break with your children. Once again, welcome to Mr John Killeen as Relieving Principal and I look forward to sending through some photos of my Benedictine Pilgrimage in the weeks to come.
Warm regards
Michael Hanratty
Principal
FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
MISA Dance
Misa Dance was held last week and once again the College put a team forward into the competition. The team performed very well – finishing in the top 5. Congratulations to Mr Hayden and the group on a great effort – well done.
Notre Dame Guest Speaker
Last week also saw Mr Mustapic organise a guest speaker from Notre Dame to visit the College and talk to our Senior students about university and the courses that are offered. This is a valuable experience for our students as they start to look at their life beyond school. Particularly for our year 12 students as they are not only studying for exams these holidays, but also organising themselves for next year. I would encourage our senior students to attend these meetings when they are offered.
Directors Art Gallery
Last week also saw some of our students have work presented at the Directors Art Gallery. This is a great way to showcase the talents of our students and from all reports our students work was well received. Well done to all involved.
Prayer Garden, Labyrinth and landscape works
Work began this week on the ‘clean up’ stages here at St Benedict’s. This involves the construction of a Prayer Garden, Labyrinth and some landscape works. With buildings all completed, we look forward to the construction, and completion, of these works.
Reports
Reports went out last week. Reports are an important form of communication between the College, student and family. I am pleased to note the many students who have put in a great effort this semester – well done and keep up the great work.
P/T/S Interviews
Parent, Teacher, Student interviews were held this week, these are important times for families to get some feedback on the performance of their student this semester. It has been pleasing to see so many families engaged in this process. I mentioned to the students on Thursday to listen carefully to the valuable feedback that they receive from teachers and to look at how they can incorporate this into their study for Semester 2.
Activate Fire
Activate Fire is a Youth ministry project involving Year 11 Youth Ministry Leaders who run initiatives with the local Catholic Primary Schools. The event was held this week and our students did a wonderful job in helping with the formation of the primary school students. Well done to all.
Upcoming Events
Monday 22 July – First Day of Term 3
Thursday 25 July – HSC Drama Showcase
Wednesday 31 July – DIO Netball and Year 11 2020 Subject Selection Interviews
Thursday 1 August – Academic Assembly
Wednesday 18 September – Dr Lea Waters Presentation
Mr David Costin
Assistant Principal
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday 22 July - First day of Term 3
Thursday 25 July - Drama HSC Showcase 2019
Tuesday 30 July - Year 7 History Incursion
Wednesday 31 July - Year 11 2020 Subject Selection
Wednesday 31 July - Guitar Workshop
Friday 2 August - Year 10 Vaccinations
Monday 5 August - Trial HSC
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MISSION AND VISION
At the conclusion of Term 2 - I would like to wish our students and staff a wonderful and restful break.
During Week 8, our Staff participated in two days of professional development in Positive Education. A wonderful opportunity to meet, learn and discuss ways of working and further developing our students. The program was designed to support staff in schools with the science and practice of Positive Psychology and its application in education. When staff are well and flourishing, so too will students, both in terms of academic performance and well being.
ACTIVATE FIRE - TUESDAY 2 JULY 2019
Our College had 21 Year 11 students assist as Youth Leaders at the Primary schools “Activate Fire’. It involved Year 6 students from local Catholic schools, St Clare's, St Paul's and St Justin's. Our students did a fantastic job in facilitating small groups and participating in a range of activities. The day is an Immersive Spiritual Experience based on the Year 6 unit Confirmation: Celebrating the Gift of the Holy Spirit. The feedback from CEO personnel and primary school staff about St Benedict’s students has been awesome.
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER SUNDAY & NAIDOC WEEK
The theme for the 2019 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday is “Peace to this house and all who dwell within”. The NATSICC Liturgy team reflected on the readings and the theme is drawn from Luke 10:1-12. Queenie McKenzie's artwork is the theme image.
In our busy lives, we are often bombarded with competing priorities, distractions, worries and concerns about ourselves and others, which can cause us to forget to take the time to stop, look around, reflect and look for our peace in our lives. Our strong connection to culture and land helps us see the beauty in our world and by sharing this appreciation we are helping share God’s love.
The NATSICC Council would like to remember a man of extraordinary faith, the late Deacon Boniface Perdjert, who was able to describe the ways in which his culture and faith came together. He once described this relationship by saying “Jesus told us we have to love God with whole hearts, mind and spirit that means the whole of me and the whole of me is Aboriginal. There is no other way for me to love him.” Simple yet powerful.
Galatians 6:14-18 New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
14 May I never boast of anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything! 16 As for those who will follow this rule—peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body.
18 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.A Christian Prayer for Peace of Mind
Almighty God, We bless you for our lives, we give you praise for your abundant mercy and grace we receive. We thank you for your faithfulness even though we are not that faithful to you.
Lord Jesus, we ask you to give us all around peace in our mind, body, soul and spirit. We want you to heal and remove everything that is causing stress, grief, and sorrow in our lives.
Please guide our path through life and make our enemies be at peace with us. Let your peace reign in our family, at our place of work, school and everything we lay our hands on.
Let your angels of peace go ahead of us when we go out and stay by our side when we return.
In Jesus' name,
The message that NATSICC would like to give us, is to reflect and make time to look for your inner peace in your busy life, and celebrate together with your families, friends and the wider community God’s message of peace and love for all.
OTHER INFORMATION
St Mary MacKillop Parish (the parish is which our school is located) is blessed to have a wonderful group of parishioners who are members of their music ministry team. Fr David and the Parish Liturgy Team at St Mary MacKillop Parish are currently on the look out for more instrumentalists (in particular keyboard players) who can join this ministry, and be on the roster to accompany congregational singing at weekend Masses. If you play the keyboard or another musical instrument, and would like to assist, please contact the St Mary MacKillop music ministry coordinators, through the Parish Office: oranpark@dow.org.au (Ph: 02 4648 2226). This ministry would be great for any parent or senior music student who plays an instrument and is interested in being involved in a church ministry and/or having an opportunity to be involved in public music performance.
Position Vacant |Plenary Council Discernment and Writing Group Chairs and Members
As we move into the Listening and Discernment stage of our preparation for the Plenary Council 2020, the Bishops Commission for the Plenary Council is seeking people who are willing to be leaders and partners in the process of discernment. Opportunities are available to apply to be the Chair, or to be a member, of one of six Discernment and Writing Groups. For more information, visit the Office for Employment Relations website
www.employmentrelations.catholic.org.au or contact Ms Olivia Lee on (02) 9919 7822 orolivia.lee@catholic.org.au. Applications close on 22 July 2019.
Kind regards
Mrs Kimberley Logue
Director of Mission and Vision
CAPA NEWS
The Director’s Art Gallery is an exhibition of exemplary artworks created by visual arts students in Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong schools. The works on display for 2019 represented a broad range of subject matter, approaches, styles and media including painting, drawing, lino-printing, graphic design and photography.
This event represents the high standards and diversity achieved, with talented visual arts students connecting their art to a wide range of topics - culture, diversity, heritage, the environment, passion and inequality.
It includes a work titled ‘My Pride’ - a black and white portrait of a Zimbabwean girl surrounded by bright native flowers. “My artwork highlights my growth as a person. When I came to Australia, I could tell that I was different and I felt out of place, compared to when I was in Zimbabwe,” explained artist Jachobed, a Year 10 student from St Benedict’s Catholic College Oran Park.
https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/about-us/director/news/directors-art-gallery-2/
Landscapes, pop art, Lino printing and photography - there was something for everyone on the walls of the Catholic Education Office, Marian centre. The ground floor was transformed into an exhibition of exemplary artworks created by exponentially talented art students in the Diocese of Wollongong, unveiling the annual Director’s Art Gallery Ceremony. The Director's art gallery represents the high standards and diversity achieved by students who continually strive for the best. To have been handpicked by the Director of Catholic Education Office was an astounding achievement, one I never thought I would have had.
My artwork, titled “Through the Lens, She Smiles”, has been inspired by the work of David Hockney and like him, I wanted to challenge the traditional. I wanted to not only capture my muse but, find a way to express her many facets of personality. To be granted the opportunity to showcase my artwork in such a significant exhibition was amazing. To see my photograph displayed for 18 other students and their families, along with the staff and visitors of the Marian centre, was an exhilarating experience. I never thought my artwork had the power to achieve such a large impact on everyone who viewed it. I felt so privileged to have been chosen out of 90 photography students to represent the school in such a highly admirable way.
The ceremony saw 19 amazing artworks on display, with the artists exploring their reasons for creating them. The whole concept of holding this gallery is to explore how artworks actually do alter someone’s perception of the world around them. Mr Turner worded it beautifully; “Art influences the society in which we live because it changes opinions, instilling values and translating experiences across space and time,”. After all, it is not how you portray your concept, it's about the deeper meaning it has and the effect on those who view it. It was an astounding experience to have had, and I am so grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout my art journey and to those who have encouraged me to strive for only the best, thank you.
By Emelia Waters
MISA Dance
Dancers at the college have shined yet again at this year's MISA dance festival. St Benedict’s MISA Dance team wanted to use their platform to raise awareness of mental health and depression by choreographing a thought-provoking and heartfelt dance. In Australia, one in seven young people experiences a mental health condition and one in 35 young people aged 4-17 suffer from depression.
This year’s dance, choreographed by Katherine Monier, Sydney Madsen and Olivia Dowling, highlights the importance of utilising our support networks to seek help when battling mental illnesses. Dance can be a powerful form of self-expression and can often help people communicate their emotions when they otherwise might find it difficult to speak out.
St Benedict’s hopes that as a community, we can all work to ensure that the MISA Dance groups within each school are safe spaces where people can be themselves and reach out for help when they need it. The dance blended multiple styles of dance together to create an engaging performance that tugs on the heartstrings and makes you think about how important it is to look after yourself and those around you in times of strife.
The college's performance was a raging success and teachers from other schools complimented our dancers for their range of styles, also noting that our dance stood out from the rest. Special mention to the winners of the world’s worst dance off.
We look forward to next year’s festival.
Mr Alexander Hayden
Drama Teacher
MUSIC
Part of our year 11 music program is an African drumming task. Mr O’Donnell has been leading the students through enjoyable lunch time concerts using traditional African instruments.
We look forward to more lunch time entertainment.
Mrs Jenny Koryzma
Year 11 Food Technology
Year 11 Food Technology as an assessment task had to examine, understand and identify a range of sensory properties as part of their food quality unit. Students had to develop a recipe that had contrasting flavours as sweet and sour in the same dessert, with a range of textures and aromas.
They must be congratulated on all their efforts as they all produced a range of decant delicacies.
SCIENCE HAPPENINGS....
SCIENCE CLUB
As part of the science club this term, some of the Year 9 boys have been working hard over the last few weeks in the construction of a hydroponic vertical plant tower for our science lab. The process started by germinating various seeds using a heatbed. The boys were then able to apply their problem solving skills to construct the vertical tower, before the seedlings were successfully introduced.
Well done on your efforts on this project and a big thank you to Mrs Bonfield for her assistance.
ASTRONOMY PROJECT
An exciting opportunity will be available next term for any of our students that have an interest in Astronomy. A joint venture mentoring program will be starting with the Macarthur Astronomical Society (MAS), where students will have the opportunity to work on a variety of research projects ranging from studying the Moons of Jupiter, astrophotography, the effects of light pollution, the changing lunarscape and surveying the southern skies. More information will be provided for interested students early next term, along with an information session to introduce the mentors and provide basic skills on using telescopes to students.
If families are looking for something to do during the school holidays, the MAS will also be holding an event to celebrate the 50th anniversary of man’s first moonwalk on 21st July at the Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus. Check site for further details:
https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=493240&&_sm_au_=isVN0L6ZsGnWbJ46
Mrs Bastias
Science Teacher
LIBRARY NEWS
Students and staff visiting the SBCC library recently have been contributing to our POSITIVE GROWTH tree by adding a leaf with a motivational thought or saying that provides us with a focus on how to grow our strengths.
Any parents and friends wishing to also contribute a favourite saying can email this to the library staff on sbcclibrary@dow.catholic.edu.au
COLLEGE SPORT
Mixed Sports: Selena Buttigieg Zumba: Andrea Ravino & Grace Clarke UFC: Pia McMahon & Ty Rosario Netball: Alex Rochetto & Libby Isaac Cricket: Leandro Caporale & Jessica Hunter AFL: Bailey Waters Soccer: Caitlin Cortis Gymnastics: Luke Xerri, Hayley Campbell & Nathan H. Barefoot Bowls: Rory Southwell Skating: Ethan Aquilina Flipout: Lazar Kljajic & Helena Gajda Fitness Games: Tiarna Belay
Yours in sport
Mr Jason Smith
Sport Coordinator
Happy PLASTIC FREE JULY!
"Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. Will you be part of Plastic Free July by choosing to refuse single-use plastics?"
If you are looking for ways to participate in this initiative, I have attached a calendar to guide you through this month with achievable suggestions on changes you can make in your life to reduce/eliminate your use of single-use plastic. Some of these you may already be doing!
Thank you for your consideration of this important movement!
University Student Advisors visit St Benedict's
St Benedict’s was visited recently by Prospective Student Advisers from University of NSW, University of Technology Sydney and the University of Notre Dame who addressed our Senior students to give them the latest information on Courses, Adjustment Factors/points, Scholarships, Alternative Entry, Early Entry and Open Days at their respective institutions.
This included a number of our Year 12 students taking the opportunity for some one-on-one guidance with Early Entry Applications from these experienced representatives from University.
Year 11 EXCURSION - ACTIVATE FIRE
On Tuesday 2 July, 21 Year 11 students went to St Clare’s primary school to participate in Activate Fire. Activate Fire is a Youth Ministry initiative run for Year 6 students in the Diocese of Wollongong. The day aims to provide catechesis and an opportunity for an encounter with Christ for Stage 3 students.
The theme of day, centres on the Sacraments of Initiation with a focus on Confirmation. The students participated in games and guest talks as well as singing and dancing to a variety of songs. Representatives from St Benedict’s and Magdalene were involved in leading Ministry focused sessions with students from St Justin’s, St Paul’s and St Clare’s. St Benedict’s represented the College with pride and were great role models to our future students.
P & F CLOTHING POOL
The clothing pool is open on Friday mornings from 8:00 - 8:30am. Students are welcome to come if parents are unable to. Cash sales only.
We would also welcome any donations of uniforms, school bags, lap top bags etc. as stocks are running low.
Café News
Lunch Order – Any lunch order completed through Flexischools, lunch collection for hot food is in the oven labelled “Lunch Orders” any Cold Food is in the Milk Fridge.
All orders including drinks are labelled with Students name and order. If students cannot find their lunch order, please can you ask the CAFÉ staff for assistance.