St Benedict's Catholic College
Newsletter 2 August 2019
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Dear Parents, Caregivers and Friends of the College,
The art of conversation and listening is a vital component of a young person’s development that is often being ‘lost’ in our technologically savvy, 24 hour news update, cyber society. Time is the precious resource in which we all seem to be very deficient. I read that Golf Clubs are struggling financially to make ‘ends meet’, as people cannot afford the time to play 18 or even 9 holes. Many are closing, being sold, and the land redeveloped. Even our language of communication is reduced to 3-4 word slogans – ‘Make America great, again’, ‘stop the boats’, ‘jobs and growth’ exists within the political vernacular, reducing complex social and economic issues to trivial, simplistic solutions, often with little substance. The ‘It’s time’ campaign of the early 70s delivered by E G Whitlam but designed by the recently deceased speech writer, Graham Freudenberg, was an example of a slogan that changed our nation.
Aligned to the pressures of time, measurement of success is often confined to winners and losers. The emphasis on effort, persistence, perseverance and resilience is often forgotten. TV talent and lifestyle shows promote this to our young people. I am sure you all remember ‘The Biggest Loser’, a title that has two very distinct meanings in the word ‘loser’. The demeaning way fragile people were pitted against each other and themselves and made to ‘weigh in’ in the most inappropriate costumes was ‘cringeworthy’.
I often speak of the art of listening and conversation to our young people; listening with an open mind and heart; to be respectful of others’ points of view, even if you may not agree. Learning to respect others is part of the process of enhancing the fourth ‘R’ – Resilience. Building resilient young people in a climate where they are bombarded with images and slogans of what you should be rather than what you ought to be, is no easy task for parents and educators.
To see Christ in others we must see Christ in ourselves. Resilience is not measured by success but by how well one copes with the stress of life. Thinking differently, empathy and resolution skills are essential.
On Thursday, 1 August. The College held the Semester One Academic Awards. I share with you below, the broad context of my speech to the community as a reflection of what real success and resilience can be.
I sincerely congratulate all award recipients; I know how proud your parents and extended families are and what a sense of achievement you must be feeling. Well done!
This morning, without the aid of technology, I want to take you back in history almost 25 years to the day! The day is August 3rd 1992 on a hot summer afternoon in Barcelona, Spain. The 1992 summer Olympics. The men’s 400m semi-final is about to begin. This is perhaps one of the blue-ribbon events for this Olympics. The athletes are all at their peak of fitness after years of competition and training. One the favourites for the Gold Medal is British and European record holder, Derek Redmond. He had won his first round in easy style, setting a best time. He felt great, his body was in good shape and his mind sharp.
BANG. The race begins.
Redmond leads out of the blocks in style – then disaster – he feels a pop in his hamstring. He describes it like being shot. He struggles to gain control then grabs the back of his leg and falls to the track. His dream of Olympic glory gone! He gets up, and with agony etched on his face, he hops, limps and lopes the next 50 metres. He resists all efforts for medical assistance, but it is clear he needs help – Redmond is determined to finish, even though the race is over as the other 7 competitors wait and watch at the finish line. The next few minutes go down in history as some of the most remarkable scenes in sport and life.
The crowd begins cheering, his fellow competitors at the finish line, clap and cheer. THEN a man leaps over the fence and runs to Derek, who by this time, is in tears of agony and emotion. The man is his Dad, Jim. He embraces his son and says ‘You do not have to do this – in my eyes you have always been and will always be, a champion.’ Derek replies that he must finish this race. His Dad replies, ‘Then we will do it together’. Together Jim and Derek make it to the finish line to the rapturous applause and cheering from the crowd and athletes.
Derek is recorded with a DQ but not a DNF. This moment in time has become an iconic inspiration, not just for Athletes epitomising the spirit of the Olympic movement in that is competing, not winning, but has inspired people all over the world, that no matter what, ‘We do not quit’. Why? There will always be people to support and guide us, we must believe in ourselves.
Derek Redmond’s life changed that day, the life of a professional athlete/sprinter is challenging. When he recovered from the hamstring injury, to next suffer an Achilles tendon tear. However, he did go on to play professional Basketball in the UK.
Redmond says, in his role as one of the most in demand motivational speakers ‘We have no control over unexplained and unwanted events, but we do have absolute control over our own responses.’
Today I ask this of you. Take your successes, take your challenges, turn any negative into a positive, make any failure a success. Make these events signposts in your life that can change it and make it better, not just for you, but for others in your life, and on this planet.
We must all learn to love ourselves before we can love others. In doing this, you will succeed.
For some of you we recognise success today. If not now, for others it will be later.
I urge you, implore you, to keep striving for the goal of being the best person you can be. Persist, accept, appreciate and have courage – life is beautiful; embrace all it offers and let your light shine in our beautiful Benedictine traditions.
Take heart that this is not a journey you walk alone. Your parents, teachers, friends and Jesus walk the path with you. If you are ever stuck, just ask; seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.
I leave you with a thought – Who will you love today?
John Killeen
Principal Emeritus
The Journey Continues
Hello everyone from central Italy and the Camino Di Benedetto, a bit less well known than the Camino de Santiago (St Stephens Way), and much shorter, at just over 300 kms. The Benedictine Way traces the entire life story of St Benedict, from his birth in Norcia through to his pivotal role in formalising monastic life through his Rule in Subiaco, the place where many miraculous events took place, ending at Monte Cassino, south of Rome, where the most famous Benedictine Abbey now stands and where Benedict is buried.
At the time of writing I have been on foot for about 6 days and its a Sydney Summer. I am attempting a 2-part pilgrimage walk of about 200kms taking in most of the key periods in Benedict’s life. Today was 38 degrees in Subiaco and Europe is having a record breaking heatwave - not ideal conditions for “bushwalking”.
The Camino is well marked, comes with a guidebook and even, in this modern age, an app (!) which enables you to keep track of not only where you are but prompts you with information about interesting places on the Way. There’s actually phone reception almost everywhere you go!
Our College donation was very well received by the community of monks at Norcia. After 3 years they have only just received approval to begin building works. I was able to stay for lunch and vespers and spend some time with a community of men from around the world - Americans, Spanish and even Indonesian. And can they sing!!! (They have made a CD).
The general community in Norcia is very unhappy with the slow progress and much of Norcia, including the Benedictine basilica, still lie in ruins after the earthquake in 2016.
Today I had the privilege of walking (a long way up) to the “Sacro Speco” (Sacred Space) where Benedict lived as a hermit in a cave just outside Subiaco. For three years he resided here with his food lowered down in a basket. He would teach the shepherds locally about Christ and he spent his time in prayer, reflection and teaching. There is a small Benedictine monastery there and 6 Popes have said Mass in the small chapel adjacent to the cave which has been gradually enclosed by centuries of chapels. Incredible artworks and sculptures from the 9th century through the Renaissance are through the space.
The statue of St Benedict was about the only thing still standing after the earthquake. The basilica lies destroyed in the background but his birthplace lies protected buried below ground
Outside the temporary chapel at Norcia with presentation of our gift to the community.
Over the next week it is on to Monte Cassino.
Here is the location of the cave that Benedict lived in for three years. There is chapel and small monastery built around it and into the cliffs.
The Santa Scholastica monastery - the only one left of the original dozen that Benedict set up. It sits below the sacro speco but well above the town of Subiaco which can be seen below.
It rained today. First wet day in 4 weeks.
End of the Journey. Tombs of St Scholastica and St Benedict St Montecassino
Imagine being sent up the hill if you do something wrong to wait outside until Benedict sees you
Well it’s the end of a long and much-harder-than-expected stroll in the heat!
Michael Hanratty
Principal
FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Dr Lea Waters
On the evening of Wednesday 18 September, the College has the privilege, in conjunction with the Catholic Education Office Wollongong and the SBCC P@F in hosting a presentation on strength based parenting by Dr Lea Waters. Dr Waters is an expert in the field of positive education and parents in our community are encouraged to attend this evening as it is an important step in the Positive Education approach that we are taking here at Bennies. The information that parents will receive on the night will be extremely valuable in not only understanding the College’s approach but also help families understand how they can use a strength based approach to parenting – which can help build strength and resilience within students.
I would encourage all parent to access Dr Waters website at https://www.leawaters.com/ and view some of the following TED talks and presentations at https://www.leawaters.com/videos
There are limited tickets for this very exciting event. It is a free, but ticketed event and I would encourage all parents to attend. The tickets can be ordered through the link included in this newsletter. A reminder to families that the first 100 families registered will receive a free copy of Dr Waters book.
Again, this is a very exciting opportunity for all of our families and I look forward to a great evening.
Dr Waters Biography
Lea Waters, PhD is a psychologist, researcher, professor, published author, internationally-celebrated keynote speaker and one of the world’s leading experts on Positive Education, Positive Organizations and Strength-Based Parenting and Teaching.
Dr Waters explores how small positive steps can make a big impact on the wellbeing of ourselves and others. She has spoken to organizations, schools and parents all over the world, including to: Target, Merrill Lynch, BlackRock, Positive Education Schools Association, the World Government Summit and many schools world wide.
Professor Waters has been listed as one of Australia’s Top 100 Women of Influence by the Financial Review and Westpac Bank and featured on the Marques ‘Who’s Who in the World’ and the Marques ‘Who's Who of Australian Women’ lists.
Lea was inducted as a Fellow of the International Positive Psychology Association and is the only Australian to be inducted (2015). She was named the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management Educator of the Year (2004), received an Australian University Individual Teaching Excellence Award from (2007), was awarded the Teaching Excellence Award by the Melbourne Graduate School of Education (2011) and received a team Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning from the Australian Government’s Office for Teaching and Learning (2013).
Year 12
Year 12 will be starting their Trial HSC examinations on Monday. These exams are important in the students overall HSC assessment mark and therefore their overall HSC mark and ATAR. This can be a stressful time for students as they busily prepare and sit for three hour examinations.
Good luck to all of Year 12s as they enter this important period and our prayers are with you.
Mr David Costin
Assistant Principal
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday 5 August - Trial HSC
Monday 5 August - Year 11 Work Studies - Work experience week
Thursday 8 August - History Debate
Thursday 8 August - Feast of St Mary MacKillop
Friday 9 August - Year 11 Biology Excursion
Monday 12 August - Science Week
Wednesday 14 August - Year 9 Stage 5 Information Evening
Thursday 15 August - Feast of the Assumption
Friday 16 August - DIO Athletics
Monday 19 August - Wellbeing Week
Tuesday 20 August - P & F Meeting
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MISSION AND VISION
Welcome Back to Term 3. I hope our students, staff and families had a wonderful, restful and refreshing break.
The Weekly Prayer focus at the moment in the College is created and shared by me. During Week 5 and Week 6 - students will be leading, writing and creating the prayer focus for the College. It is so wonderful to see students in Years 9 and 10 so actively involved in their faith and willing to lead prayer in the College. Week 5 and Week 6 will have a focus on Wellbeing.
The Feast of St Benedict occurred during the July School Holidays on the 11 July.
Thomas Merton in his book The Rule of Saint Benedict: Initiation into the Monastic Tradition wrote; “The Purpose of the Rule is to furnish a framework to build the structure of a simple and pure spiritual life, pleasing to God by its perfection of faith, humility, and love. The Rule is not an end in itself, but a means to an end. and it is always to be seen in relation to its end. This end is union with God in love, and in every line of the Rule indicates that its various prescriptions are given us to show us how to get rid of self love and replace it by the love of God: (p.6).
Saint Benedict, his life and Rule, shows us how to live the contemplative life by being open to God’s Providence and listen to God “with the ears of the heart” (Prologue of The Rule). If a mystical experience is to happen, it begins with letting go of all that holds us back. It is a letting go of the many things we attach ourselves to and see the power of God illuminating us with grace and “the inexpressible delight of love” (Prologue of The Rule).
Whoever your favourite Saint is, whose spirituality you are drawn to and whatever draws you closer to God; it begins with letting go. As Saint Benedict wrote in The Rule, Chapter 72, “Let them prefer nothing at all to the love of Christ, and may he bring us all together to everlasting life.”
The mainspring of everything in St. Benedict is the love of Christ - in Himself, in the poor, in community and in the individual person.
On the feast of St Benedict - my prayer for all of us is-
May we listen for God in our daily lives and to find God in the people and the world around us.
To do this we need to be present right where we are at any given moment - be fully alert to the NOW and ready to RESPOND, whether we are at home, work, travelling, with our family and friends, or with God in prayer.
World Day against Trafficking in Persons
July 30 is World Day against Trafficking in Persons – a day to bring awareness to the world-wide crisis also known as modern day slavery.
Pope Francis has called human trafficking "an open wound on the body of contemporary society, a scourge upon the Body of Christ...a crime against humanity."
Let us remember and pray for the millions of people who are trafficked in our world today (and yes, in our own country!) and for the courageous women and men who are supporting them and fighting to end trafficking in all its forms. #igivehope An interesting, confronting and informative read: https://catholicoutlook.org/world-day-against-trafficking-in-persons/
Prayer for an End to Human Trafficking
God of freedom, beauty and truth
we believe that your deepest desire,
your most powerful energy,
is that all creation might know abundant life.
We raise our voices in anguished prayer
for our sisters and brothers,
women and girls, men and boys,
who are modern day slaves;
They are your beloved daughters and sons,
exploited sexually or forced to work
because of human violence and greed.
Fill us with your holy anger and your sacred passion,
that those who are trafficked might know healing and justice;
that traffickers will come to repentance and conversion;
that all of us might live in such a way
that others are not made to pay the price
for our comfort and convenience.
Hasten the coming of the day when all people
and our precious earth itself
will be treated, not as a commodity,
but as radiant images of your freedom, beauty and truth.
Amen.
YEAR 8 RELIGIOUS LITERACY ASSESSMENT TASK
A Diocesan Religious Literacy Assessment will be administered on Monday 26 August 2019 to Year 8 in all Diocesan Systemic Secondary Schools and in one Congregational school. The Assessment aims to provide feedback in relation to the religious literacy of students regarding the Stage 4 outcomes of the Religious Education Curriculum.
Since the Bishops of NSW/ACT published their Pastoral letter ‘Catholic Schools at a Crossroads’ in 2007, many Dioceses have undertaken external assessment in Religious Education in addition to school-based assessment. In the Wollongong Diocese, the Catholic Education Office (CEO) has partnered with the Australian Catholic University (ACU) Strathfield, to develop and process this Assessment.
This will be a 75 minute in-class assessment with a variety of questions. The item format for the test includes both multiple choice questions and a collection of short answer questions which require a written response. The Year 7 and Year 8 Religious Education Curriculum forms the basis for the design of the Test.
It comprises multiple choice and written responses. Stimulus material is included. The following topics are being assessed in 2019.
Year 7 Religious Education
A7 Sacred Scripture Q. 1-4
B7 What it means to be Catholic Q. 5-8
C7 Stewards of Creation Q. 9-12
D7 Ways of Praying Q. 13-16
E7 Affirming Human Dignity Q. 17-20
Year 8 Religious Education
A8 The Teachings of Jesus Q. 21-24
B8 Disciples, Martyrs & Witnesses to the Faith Q. 25-28
E8 Alive in Christ Q. 29-32
Structure of the Test
There are 3 multiple choice questions followed by an open-ended question for each unit of the
Examples of multiple-choice questions include a question being asked and options provided to answer the question, the completion of a passage or statement, reading two statements and deciding if they are true or false and working with a source and deciding upon the correct option to a question.
The open-ended questions have designated lines to be filled in by students. Advise students to fill the lines of the open-ended questions. The open-ended questions often commence with a key verb.Students are advised to attempt all questions.
We wish our Year 8s good luck with their preparations and revision for this task.
Our prayers and well wishes are also extended to Year 12 as they commence their HSC Trial Examinations on Monday.
Kimberley Logue
Director of Mission and Vision
CAPA NEWS
Drama HSC Showcase 2019
Performance to me is the bravest thing a kid can do during their schooling career. The courage it takes to stand up in front of your family, teachers and peers cannot be understated. For some, performance comes naturally and being onstage feels comfortable, but for others, it conjures up feelings of anxiety and dread. Sometimes, simply stepping out on stage and giving it your best can feel like you are climbing Mount Everest or stacking a croquembouche in the grand finale of MasterChef.
On Thursday 25 July the College held its very first Drama HSC performance showcase and it was a massive success. It was a full house at 65 audience members made of friends, family and teachers. The showcase is the only opportunity that the HSC drama students have to put all their hard work on display for family and friends. The HSC performance assessment is made up of the GP (Group Performance) and the IP (Individual Project). The GP is made up of 3-6 students and is a 10-12-minute performance completely devised and created by the students based on a stimulus. The IP is is either a design project, critical analysis or monologue performance of 6-8 minutes. Outside markers attend the performance to assist in offering an objective eye and help the grading process for the trials.
Needless to say, this is a very nerve-wracking time for the HSC drama students and stage fright is an ever-present danger as for almost all of the performers had never performed in front of an audience. Each performer took to the stage and gave it everything they had, managing nerves and distractions performing their absolute best. As a Drama teacher, this is the most terrifying and proud moment as kids that you know so well get up and lay it all out on the stage. All performers went well above and beyond expectations, showing how good they are and how hard they worked. They now have roughly 4-5 weeks to take on the constructive criticism from the markers and perfect their performances for the HSC performance exam.
I would like to thank the parents for their attendance and support, my colleagues for always lending a helping hand, but most of all to the Drama class of 2019 for showing such maturity and zest in their creative endeavours. It is a testament to the St Benedict's community that the night was such a success. The College wishes chookas (theatre speak for good luck) in the upcoming trials and later HSC performance exams.
Chookas
Mr Alexander Hayden
Year 11 Food Technology
Year 11 Food Technology has been inspired to creatively produce chemical structures of Foods representing the formulas in the form of Jewellery.
Today they learned various chemical structures of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids by soldering and gluing beads together to represent atoms.
Congratulations on a job well done!
Year 11 Food Technology
Year 11 Food Technology recently studied Food Styling in the unit of Food Quality. Each student was given a box of ingredients, they had to style and take photos fit for a magazine spread and the Design Brief was to entice consumers to purchase their products.
Here are only a few photos taken on the day. All students completed this task exceptionally well and had fun completing this task.
Year 9 Food Technology
In Year 9 Food Technology we specialise in a unit "Food for Special Needs" . As part of this unit, students were given a limited selection of ingredients to prepare a nutritious healthy meal for the elderly. As part of the Design Brief, food had to be pureed and presented creatively.
Tracee Brown
TAS/Learning Support Teacher
HISTORY
Year 7 History Incursion
On July 30, Year 7 had their incursion. It was based on the unit we are learning in class, Medieval History. A man named James came to school with all his armour and costumes so he could teach Year 7 about the Medieval period. Some students got to stand at the front of the classroom and put on some of the costumes. There were five different costumes that students could try on.
At the front of the line of people was the easiest armour to get killed in and at the end of the line was the hardest to get killed in. James had a crossbow in which he used and the arrow hit the target. The materials he had were Chain Mail, Shields, Swords, Bows and arrows, rope to hang people and punishment items. The mail was metal rings chained together to make a protection. It was really heavy most of them weighed 10kg each. There were many helmets too.
We were told about the jester who is a person who got to insult the king and queen without getting into trouble and act like a fool around them to entertain them. There were punishment items and one of them was a hanging rope. The other was a stocks. It was a bad thing to be in because you would have to stand there for however long the queen or king told you too. If you had nice friends or family they would feed you, and get you a blanket if you got cold. The bad things were the people who hated you could throw rotten food at you or even throw toilet water on you.
It was great being there and seeing all the armour and materials. I recommend doing it if you have the chance.
Litsa Baker, 7 MacKillop
COLLEGE SPORT
Gymnastics:
Mario Borg, Lily Yeomans
AFL:
Annabelle Merry, Oliver Williams
Netball:
Julian B., Grace Biachura
UFC:
Matias Chong
Zumba:
Carli Peters, Matthew Maruncic
Mixed Sports:
Elven Lavega, Nicholas Solomon
Gyms:
Nate Brennan
Bowling A:
Montana Robinson
Powerwalking:
Jarrod Clough, Jeremy Potts
Barefoot Bowls:
Zander Hulme, Charlotte Gibbs-White
Beach Sports:
Michael Litherland
Skating:
Jonty Stead, Angela Hunt
Golf:
Harrison Gomes, Mary El-Helou
Flip out:
Damon Fuller, Jade Heyburgh
MISA Sport
Our MISA teams had no games today, rather had training in preparation for next week. We wish you all the best of luck.
7-8 Girls Netball Win
MVP: Olivia Warhurst
9-10 Girls Netball Win
MVP:Torens Haroon
7-9 Girls Soccer Loss
MVP: Sebastian Grana
7-8 Boys Soccer Loss
MVP: Sarah Borg
9-10 Boys Soccer Loss
MVP: Kai Bermingham
10-12 Girls AFL Win
MVP: Jessy Arnold
10-12 Boys AFL Loss
MVP: Oliver Byrnes
10-12 Boys Indoor Cricket Loss
MVP: Jeromy Schonell
Yours in sport
Ms Julia Liska
Sport Coordinator
Diocesan Netball Gala Day
Wednesday 31 July, 33 students made their way to Berkeley Netball Complex to compete in the Annual Netball Gala Day. It was one of the warmer mornings we have had down there, and this gave the girls the push to get up and start warming up. We had three teams represent the College and all three teams did a great job at demonstrating their skills and their abilities. There were plenty of laughs and encouragement given on the day by both students and teachers. The girls won some and lost some, however, this didn’t dampen their spirits to keep going and try their best.
Thanks to our three umpires Ella Young, Jorja Brooksby and Charlize McCarthy who volunteered their time to help out on the day. Anyone who has umpired a game of sport before would know the difficulty that comes with umpiring. The girls held their ground and were great at controlling the games.
Thank you also to Mrs Isbister and Miss Autard who came down on the day to help coach the teams.
Miss Liska
Sport Coordinator
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.