St Benedict's Catholic College
Newsletter 3 September 2019
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Dear Parents and Caregivers
I was delighted to return to St Benedict’s this week after a long period on sabbatical which covered four continents. As you would be aware, part of my time away was spent with the Benedictine community in Norcia, where the College has been raising funds to assist in the rebuilding of the monastic house. They are doing wonderful work caring for the local community four years on from the devastating earthquake whilst living in very spartan conditions themselves. I was lucky enough to join the community for prayer and for a meal. I presented the Prior and his team not only with our donation, but also the names of our Year 12 students and they are keeping our students in their prayers in the lead in to the HSC.
The Camino di Benedetto traces Benedict’s life and it was a moving and inspiring experience to visit the communities at Subiaco (where he lived, taught and founded 11 monasteries, one of which still exists today, and Monte Cassino, where Scholastic and Benedict have their final resting place, miraculously preserved layers underground and which survived the bombings at the end of the Second World War.
The latter part of my sabbatical took me to Hong Kong where I visited a number of schools who are working, as we are, in taking a whole school Positive Education approach to education based on positive psychology principles. Two schools I visited in particular continue to work with Professor Lea Waters and her team, as we are, and who have had improvements in mental health outcomes and academic achievement through a greater connection between home and school. Our Wellbeing Week this week was a good indicator of the kinds of thinking going on at school level and congratulations to Mr Turner and the team on a fantastic fun, positive week.
Have you got your tickets to our evening with Lea Waters yet? The first 100 ticketholders get a signed copy of her book Strength Switch for free. This is a wonderful opportunity at no charge (others are paying up to $300 per person to hear her speak!) to hear what the school “is on about” and how you might share that partnership with us as we together navigate adolescence with your son or daughter. As I write there are only a handful of Lea’s books left. This week we are opening tickets to parents of St Justin’s and it would be disappointing to find that Bennies families missed out.
This is a massive public event for Bennies as we pioneer this work in Catholic Schools.
We look for your support on Wednesday 18 September at 7pm.
If you haven’t watched Lea’s appearances on Sunrise, Today Show and the Project then you have missed out. Please press the following link to see a snapshot of the key messages:
As I write the College is dealing with the outcome of a medical emergency last Friday which involved a young boy in Year 7. I thank our parents for their support of the staff and their ongoing prayers for the family.
The young man is in hospital in a critical, but stable condition and we will update the Bennies Community as appropriate.
Warm regards
Michael Hanratty
Principal
FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Dr Lea Waters
Just a reminder to all families that there still are tickets (free) available to the Dr Lea Waters presentation on Wednesday 18 September. I would strongly encourage parents and guardians to attend this special event.
Gold Leadership Diploma Activities
As a part of Wellbeing week last week, many Year 11 students were engaged in completing their Gold Leadership Diploma Activities. It has been a pleasure working with these young people as they put into practice their leadership skills and look at ways to implement communal events. There were many sporting, academic and social action activities that were happening and congratulations to all on their great efforts.
Master Builders Association presentation
Last Tuesday, Mr Mustapic organised for the Master Builders Association to present to our senior students who are looking at gaining an apprenticeship at some stage in the not too distant future. There are a lot of career type presentations happening at the moment and I encourage students to attend these as often as they can.
Bennies Warms the City
Last week, saw the school hold Bennies Warms the City. This is the rebadged version of Bennies Bring a Blanket. A great night was had by all in this important event that raises knowledge and awareness of homelessness. Congratulations to Emelia and Mia in Year 11 on organising the evening.
Wellbeing Week
Wellbeing week was held last week and congratulations to Mr Turner and the team on organising such an important event. Focusing on the wellbeing of our community, the students had the opportunity to understand and appreciate the importance of wellbeing as well as experience activities that contribute to their wellbeing.
Drama Practical HSC Examinations
The Year 12 Drama class completed their HSC performance this week and congratulations to all students on completing this aspect of the course. The practical component is very challenging and although they all would have been very nervous, from all reports students performed very well.
Year 12 Gathering with the Bishop
This week saw Year 12 have the opportunity to meet with Bishop Brian. This is a great occasion for students to get to meet with the Bishop and converse on topical issues in our society today.
MISA Youth of the Year
Year 9 students Joseph Abdallah and Rhiannon Essex were involved in the annual MISA Youth of the Year Competition. Students from the MISA schools were challenged to prepare a speech as well as respond to interview questions. Congratulations to Rhiannon who placed 2nd and Joseph who placed 3rd (out of 27 speakers) in the Competition.
Year 10 Outdoor Ed
Year 10 this week have been out at their Outdoor Education Program. This is an important program that helps reinforce and build within students strengths such as teamwork, resilience and courage, just to name a few. We are very lucky here at St Benedict’s to have a dedicated and committed team of staff who attend this with our students and encourage them along their journey. Thanks to all staff who attended this important program.
Mater Dei students
This week we had students from Mater Dei visit. This gave the students at Mater Dei an opportunity to meet with staff and students from the Bennies community.
Industrial Technology HSC Marking
The Year 12 Industrial Technology also had their HSC major works marked this week and good luck to all students. Congratulations on producing great works!
LIVE Festival
The LIVE Festival at Wollongong was held on Friday. Students enjoyed this wonderful day of faith filled activities.
Mr David Costin
Assistant Principal
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday 2 September - History Week
Monday 2 September - P & F Fathers Day Event
Tuesday 3 September - HSC Showcase evening - TAS and CAPA
Friday 6 September - Year 7 Reflection Day
Tuesday 10 September - College Assembly - Seniors Leader Induction
Tuesday 10 September - Year 7 World of Maths Incursion
Friday 13 September - Gender Education Day
Monday 16 - Friday 27 September - Final Preliminary Exams
Wednesday 18 September - Dr Lea Waters
Thursday 19 September - Staff Development Day (pupil free)
Tuesday 24 September - Year 12 Breakfast and Farewell Assembly
Wednesday 25 September - Year 12 Graduation Mass and Report Distribution
Friday 27 September - Last Day of Term
Monday 14 October - First Day of Term 4
Monday 14 October - Staff Development Day (pupil free)
Thursday 17 October - HSC Exams Commence
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MISSION AND VISION
The Parable of the Good Samaritan has featured significantly in the College this term - from our Weekly Prayer Focus in Week 1, the central Scripture for Bennies Warms the City and the Year 12 Gathering with the Bishop. The core messages of Love of God and Love of Neighbour are key aspects of our College Motto to “BE MY LIGHT”.
A huge thank to students, parents and staff for their generosity in collecting and donating toiletries for Bennies Warms the City. Over 150 packs have been created and are ready for distribution to those who are homeless and/or struggling in the Macarthur region. There are still more boxes of donations to sort out and pack.
Mia Gibbs-White and Emelia Carroll organised and led a fantastic night on Friday. The girls should be very proud of their leadership and organisation of various activities and delivery of informative content in the College. Please have a read of the girls article below.
Bennies Warms the City - Friday 23 August 2019
Last Friday as a Gold Diploma leadership initiative, we organised Bennies Warms the City, formerly known as Bennies Bring a Blanket. On the night, students and teachers took part in various activities such as discussing the causes and effects of homelessness, building forts outside in the COLA, listening to guest speaker Ms Learmonth, watching segments of the ABC show ‘You Can't Ask That’, playing Kahoot, looking through a ‘homeless backpack’ and reflecting further by writing/drawing something on homelessness and participating in a short liturgy.
There were also performances at the end of the night by students in Year 8 and Year 11 that focused on helping others and belonging. Our focus was on the causes of homelessness and how being homeless could affect someone’s wellbeing. Through some informative videos, quizzes and reflections, we discussed and learned new things about why someone could be homeless and considered our own homes and our sense of belonging.
We would like to thank all the staff (Ms Brown, Ms Ferguson, Mr McAteer, Mr Limbrey, Mr Hanratty, Mr Reyes, Mr Agoo and Mrs MacFarlane) who attended and helped out on the night, especially Mrs Logue who was integral to the organisation of this event. Secondly, we would like to thank every student for coming and participating so reverently and cooperatively. Lastly, we’d like to thank everyone who donated money or toiletries to the cause - these have been going to Orange Sky Laundry. Ms Learmont is able to see the real-life impact these donations and this event makes on the lives of the homeless.
Mia Gibb-White and Emelia Carroll (Year 11)
Everybody, Somebody, Nobody and Anybody
Once upon a time, there were four people named Everybody, Somebody, Nobody and Anybody…. When there was an important job to be done, Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. When Nobody did it, Everybody got angry because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought that Somebody would do it, but Nobody realised that Nobody would do it. So it ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done in the first place!:
Year 12 Gathering with the Bishop - Tuesday 27th August 2019
Year 12 students gathered together as young men and women of the Wollongong diocese having the opportunity in getting to converse with Bishop Brian Mascord, Director of Schools Peter Turner and with each other adopting the theme of 'To be a leader you need to be a follower'.
Angus White proclaimed the Gospel Reading on the Parable of the Good Samaritan and Victoria Gray wrote and presented the Gospel Reflection - it was superb and well-received by all present.
Here is a copy of Victoria’s speech. Her message is very clear and relevant not only to Year 12 but the whole community at St Benedict’s:
In the words of Pope Francis, “It is through good works, done with love and joy toward our neighbour, which makes our faith sprout and bear fruit.”
Good Morning teachers, students, Bishop Brian, and other members here today. Today I will be reflecting on The parable of the Good Samaritan, and it’s importance in today’s message. This parable is one of the most significant and meaningful teachings that resonate with us as Year 12 students as it highlights the value and importance of leadership and compassion. Help comes from unexpected places. For the injured man in the parable of the Good Samaritan, help came from someone who was outside the community of believers. As we live as children of God, our choice to do what is right comes from a decision to do what is good, just, and merciful out of love for God and love of neighbour. With God’s grace, we can be an unexpected source of mercy for those who suffer. The College Motto at St Benedict’s is “Be My Light” grounded in the three pillars of Love of God, Love of Neighbour and Love of Learning.
As Year 12 students, we are the leaders and the example for the grades that proceed us. To them, we are a source of inspiration and hope, as we continue to complete the HSC. The Good Samaritan is a leader because of the qualities he possesses; compassion, empathy, respect and mercy, all of which he shows towards the man suffering. When we started year 12 we were called to be leaders and represent our school moral teachings to the younger grades. We must always remember to set the example, not only for the rest of the school but for each other. In my experience so far and that of the students who have already completed it, to conquer the HSC you really must have a Love of Learning and Love of Neighbour. A Love of Learning comes from doing your best in class and getting rewarded for it through outstanding grades. A Love of Neighbour comes from helping fellow students in times of great stress or suffering.
The parable of the Good Samaritan is a prime example of kindness. Its message, if lived out, can affect radical change for good in the world. Compassion puts all things aside and does the right thing. We are called to be a Good Samaritan to those we encounter daily. Keep focused on opportunities to help at home, work, school and the community. Keep your eyes open. Empathy helps us to show compassion, and so we must show empathy to all we encounter, as would the Good Samaritan. Respecting and supporting one another and others we encounter is extremely important as we need to remind one another that we are not alone, both in school and life, just as the suffering man was not alone.
Now in the final weeks before graduation, and the final months before we complete the HSC, we must remember now more than ever to do our best to live as Good Samaritans. We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for the support of teachers, friends, family, and even unlikely strangers. The compassion they have shown us must be passed on by us to those who are suffering. Following in the steps of our school moral teachings. And now that we approach the end, we must also remember that although important, the HSC is only a stepping stone into adult life, and what we have been called to do or be shouldn’t end with it. As Jesus says to the lawyer “Go and do likewise”.
At this Gathering, Year 12 were reminded of their growth in learning and faith throughout this year and challenged to take risks in becoming leaders in their own lives and the lives of others inspired by the person of Jesus Christ.
Prayer for Year 12 in the Final Weeks
As we pursue our dreams,
we need to remember to take time to help and serve others
even if doing so slows us down a little.
As we explore and develop our unique talents,
we need to remain humble,
realizing that our special abilities
are gifts from God.
As life hands us challenges, we need to welcome them
as ways to become smarter and stronger.
Pope Francis calls us to leave the comfort and inertia of our sofas
and to go and make a difference in the world.
Let us take up this message and have a positive impact on others.
As we acquire material things,
we need to know that our most important possessions
are honesty, integrity,
and the desire to make a difference.
And in this part of our HSC journey,
we pray that we are brave and courageous
as we endeavour to reach our potential and let our light shine so brightly.
Mrs Kimberley Logue
Director of Mission and Vision
ST MARY MACKILLOP PARISH ORAN PARK
ALTAR SERVER TRAINING AT ST MARY MACKILLOP PARISH, ORAN PARK: Mindful of a number of young parishioners who have expressed an interest in this ministry, and to offer an update/refresher for all current altar servers, Fr David and the Parish Liturgy Team at St Mary MacKillop Parish, Oran Park will be conducting some formation opportunities in late September (prior to the new liturgy roster going out).
To serve in this ministry at St Mary MacKillop Parish a young person needs to have received their 1st Reconciliation and received (or about to receive) their 1st Holy Communion. They also need to attend a training session on EITHER Tuesday 17 September 6.30pm-8pm OR Sunday 22 September 3pm-4.30pm (Due to child protection and safeguarding protocols, altar servers must be accompanied by an adult family member: tea/coffee/hospitality will be available). An adult family member of any young parishioner that is interested in becoming an altar server or is currently ministering as an altar server is asked to please RSVP to the Oran Park parish office via email (oranpark@dow.org.au) with the subject ‘Altar Server’ (please note in the email if your child is a new or existing altar server, and the session they will be attending).
New altar servers will then be emailed (c/o their adult family member) a ‘Ministry Engagement Form’ that must be completed prior to beginning this training. After the school holidays, all new and existing altar servers will then be required to attend a weekend parish Mass on the weekend of 20/21 October when during the Mass they will be commissioned/recommissioned for this ministry.
Year 10 Child Studies
Year 10 Child Studies students have been exploring the nutritional needs through early childhood including the development aspects and current nutritional guidelines.
They have been considering food intolerances and special dietary requirements, whilst being conscious of cultural factors surrounding food choices.
Recently the class was fortunate enough to use the College kitchens to prepare a home cooked snack or meal suitable for a child, and compare it to a store bought alternative. The students discovered not only that they were efficient in the kitchen, but that their homemade snack both tasted better and used fewer ingredients than the store bought equivalent.
A special thank you to Mrs Karen McFarlane and Mrs Karen Earnshaw for their assistance in making this worthwhile activity possible.
Mrs Pereira and Mrs McCorry
CAPA NEWS
Year 8 Music
It’s been a very robust couple of weeks in the CAPA department.
Our Year 8 Music students took part in a high energy, interactive and FUN performance by the amazing African Beat company.
Every student was given their own djembe drum to collaborate with the other students. Along with the interactive drumming the students sang in African and one group even danced in the African style. This ties in beautifully with the Year 8 Music Program of Universal Music for Term 4. The rhythms and the use of the drum to communicate will give the students a link between the classroom and the performance.
Just as African Beat advertises, the event provided the students to make music together, develop team spirit and group bonding, encourage cooperation above competition, improve communication and listening skills, promote equality amongst the students, enhance imagination and creative thinking – and best of all it was FUN!
We danced the lunch away with the beats from Julian DiGiovanni in Year 11. Julian provided entertaining tracks for students to enjoy during Wellbeing Week. We look forward to more DJ Fridays.
Our Year 12 Drama Class completed 60% of their HSC on Monday. Students performed their Group works along with their elective Individual Project in front of two or three HSC markers. I am very pleased to report that each student performed to their best. Mr Hayden prepared them well for this day. We are proud of all of the students. Special mention goes to Isabelle Brown Rogers who worked the lighting desk for each of our Year 12 performers.
And lastly, our Year 12 Visual Arts Class major ‘Body of Works’ are due on Monday 2 September. All of their works will be on display for one night only, Tuesday 3 September. After this exhibition all works will be packed away and sent to NESSA for marking. Don miss out!
Jenny Koryzma
SCIENCE NEWS
Year 9 Excursion to the Powerhouse Museum
Last Friday, on the 23 of August, Year 9 science students were given the opportunity to visit the Powerhouse Museum. In conjunction with our current unit on environmental sustainability, we were able to experience the EcoLogic exhibition. This was a valuable way to cement our prior knowledge, and learn new things to improve our own understanding and actions in relation to sustainability. In addition to this, we were given the chance to write Arduino coding, and explore other parts of the museum. It was a great way to see scientific concepts put into action. Overall, it was a wonderful day to spend with friends, and consolidate our scientific understanding.
Thank you to all of those involved in the organisation of this day.
By Rhiannon Essex
COLLEGE SPORT
Soccer:
Jovana M, Daniel L
Cricket:
Natalija K
AFL:
Favour A
UFC:
Miona M, George H
Netball:
Pauline A
Gym:
Damian E
Kickboxing:
Anthony R, Maddison O
Powerwalking:
Jessica S, Lana G, Marian A
Bowling A:
Christian C, Jarvia J
Dance:
Tylah K
Bowling B:
Alyssa M, Jackson R
GSkating: Faith E, Nicholas T
Beach Sports:
Lucrecia C, Talon G
Flip Out:
Jeremy B, Kristina S
Golf:
Jessica R, Luke R
MISA Sport
Our Boy MISA teams versed John Terry this week whilst our girls had a bye.
7-8 Girls Netball Bye
9-10 Girls Netball Bye
7-9 Girls Soccer Bye
7-8 Boys Soccer Loss
MVP: Joseph C
9-10 Boys Soccer Loss
MVP: Riley H
10-12 Girls AFL Bye
10-12 Boys AFL Loss
MVP: Ethan B
10-12 Boys Indoor Cricket Loss
MVP: Morgan White
Yours in sport
Ms Julia Liska
Sport Coordinator
DIO Athletics Carnival
St Benedict’s Catholic College had a team of over fifty students attend the Diocesan Athletics Carnival last Friday 16th August. Students represented the College in all areas of athletics and many posted personal bests rising to the occasion of the day.
Of special mention are Anthony Ellul from Year 10, Ashton Judge from Year 8 and Joseph Christl from Year 7 who all proceed to the next level. Anthony placed first in both the long jump and the triple jump and was named third runner up for the U15’s Age Champion. Ashton placed first in long jump and was named third runner up for the U13’s Aged Champion. Meanwhile, Joseph Christl broke the long-standing discus record for the Under 13's. Overall we had ten students place in the top three for their events, an amazing effort by our students.
While we applaud the athletic achievement of these and all the St Benedict students, of special note was how supportive the students were of one other and the wonderful sportsmanship on display that day.
Mrs Magda Mizzi
Team Manager
Year 10 Student - Rory Southwell
Year 10 student Rory Southwell has been very busy of late, he came 8th in the 2019 UCI BMX World Championships which was held in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium from 23 to 27 July 2019. He also came 1st in the NSW state championships.
Rory won the South West Sydney Academy of Sport Athlete of the Year which was across a range of sports, not only BMX, and also the Macarthur BMX club Presidents Cup for outstanding achievement.
Here is an account from Rory of his achievements to date:
-1st at the NSW state championships
-8th at the Australian championships which meant I qualified and rode at the world championships in Belgium where I didn't make it out of the heats on a count back. One of my races needed to be re-run and I did worse in the re-run. The race had to be re run because someone crashed in the race before mine, and one of the kids in my race that was behind me, ran into a first aider that was standing on the track helping the kid that crashed.
- Two 3rds and a 4th at Australian national series rounds
- 3rd in the NSW state series
-3rd and a 6th at the open ACT state championships (in different classes)
- two 2nd's in the open South Australian state championships (in different classes)
-A 4th and an 8th at the open Victorian state championships (in different classes)
Rory is also currently sitting second overall in the Australian national series with two rounds to go. St Benedict's wish Rory all the best and are proud of his achievements.
LIBRARY NEWS
29th Annual South Coast Public Speaking competition
Tuesday 20 August, 7 student representatives entered the 29th Annual South Coast Public Speaking competition at Bellambi.
I was extremely proud of Joseph Christl, Lara Caridi, Caelan Blount, Joseph Abdallah, Becca Isaac, Olivia Dowling and Morgan White. They each presented their ideas in their division and spoke with confidence as they proudly delivered content they were passionate about.
A special congratulations to Becca Issac and Olivia Dowling who both achieved first place in their group!!
A huge thank you to Mrs Holland and Ms O'Connor who supported the students and endured a long evening!
Mrs Settineri
Teacher in charge
Youth of the Year Speaking Competition
On the 28th August, Rhiannon Essex and Joseph Abdallah represented our College at the 'MISA Youth of the Year Contest' for 2019. The format of the day began with an interview before a Toastmaster's representative, where students were questioned about current affairs from the local, national and global communities. The adjudicators were able to gain awareness and understanding of the knowledge, understanding and passion from each participant, as well as witness their ability to speak naturally and intelligently. Students were also required to deliver a prepared speech in front of an audience about some of the major religious, social, educational and/or political issues within our current world that is significant to them. Students gathered from across the Macarthur region to join in this event with a staggering 27 participants, who each produced exceptional speeches about diverse issues.
Both of our students represented the college with tenacity and showed a perceptive awareness of the world around them. Congratulations to Rhiannon who achieved 2nd place for her speech 'The Lucky Country', where she encouraged her audience to think more intelligently about the political, educational and medical opportunities within Australia, in a witty and potent manner. A further congratulations is extended to Joseph, who achieved 3rd place for his speech on 'Where is the Humanity?', an empathetic piece that allowed the audience to question the impact they have on the lives of others through a prolific extended metaphor. The competition was extremely fierce, however both students attained the power to motivate and inspire the audience to think deeply in an exceptional manner.
I would like to personally thank Rhiannon and Joseph for their dedication to perfecting their ideas leading up to the event; their achievements are a testament to their hard work.
Mrs Settineri
Teacher in charge
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.