St Benedict's Catholic College
Newsletter 10 May 2019
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Dear Parents and Caregivers
It might seem a little belated, but welcome back to Term 2 and I hope this post Easter season is filled with joy. The term has begun steadily and the students have presented well in their winter uniforms. We welcome a number of new staff replacing teachers on secondment or who have moved on in promotions positions outside the diocese. Welcome to Mrs Ann Conte (Library) and Mrs. Helen O’Connell and Mr Adam Rowles (Mathematics).
In the previous two newsletters I have written about some of the more recent “trends in parenting”. These have included the normalisation of anxiety, the more balanced approach to extra curricula activities, the move to play to children’s strengths rather than hammer their weaknesses and an understanding of wellbeing as a holistic approach to boost confidence. Two final areas I would mention are these:
Healthy rites of passage
As a community we’ve struggled for many years to create rites of passage for young people. Once a young person’s first job, or their twenty-first birthday were significant markers of maturity, offering a sense that they were entering into the adult world. Community changes have largely eradicated these traditional markers, which makes it harder for a young person to know when they’ve become an adult.
There are many healthy ways to recognise a young person’s growing maturity and mark their journey into adulthood. Many families are now creating their own to mark events such as the end of primary school, the move into the teenage years, and different stages of adolescence. This year Dr. Arne Rubenstein will show parents how to create 21st Century rites of passage in a webinar he’s conducting at Parenting Ideas. We hope this trend is here to stay.
Understanding the body clock
Sleep has been high on most school’s ‘must reinforce with parents’ lists for the last few years. And rightfully so, as Australian kids haven’t been getting enough of this performance-enhancing, mental health-boosting activity. Most sleep messages provided to parents have focused on the development of good sleep habits, with regularity and routine being the major strategies. These are slim pickings indeed in the light of recent sleep findings from the world of neuroscience.
The 24-hour body clock (circadian rhythm) until now has been thought to regulate feelings of sleepiness and wakefulness over a 24-hour period. Recent findings show that the body clock drives the timing for so much of our bodily and brain functions as well. Working with the body clock means not only does a child or teen get a good night’s sleep, but it also helps them maintain optimum body and mental performance. Work against it and not only is their mental health affected but daily tasks are more difficult to perform. The most remarkable finding though, is that we can reset our body clocks every day. That’s exciting as it’s easier than we first thought for kids to get the proverbial good night’s sleep. It’s a matter of making the body clock work with them, rather than against them.
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Congratulations to all the students in Polding House who won the Cheering at the Athletics Carnival yesterday. It was a wonderful day with a new format and great participation from the students. Overall House Champion will be announced at the next College Assembly. Thank you to all our parent helpers and especially to Miss Liska and Mr. Smith who organised and ran the day.
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We are looking forward to our first Mother’s Day Morning Tea on Monday. More in the next newsletter about the event but congratulations (in advance) to the Parents & Friends Mothers Day committee ably led by Mrs Karen Caccamo, and to the staff hospitality committee who supported them, lead by Mrs Castelli.
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We welcome Fr Kommareddy Rajasekhar Reddy (Fr Raja) to St. Mary of the Cross Mackillop Parish as Assistant Priest. I am sure the College will be seeing a lot of Fr. Raja and we welcome him to our beautiful part of Sydney.
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I look forward to seeing parents of students in Years 11 & 12 at our Parent/Student/Teacher evening on Wednesday.
Michael Hanratty
Principal
CEDoW Social Media Policy
The Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) has released a Social Media Policy and Social Media Statement that include Social Media Standards when using social media in relation to CEDoW or any of its school communities.
This Policy has been developed to support CEDOW, schools and staff to minimise the reputational risk of individuals, schools and/or CEDOW. It also ensures that schools meet their compliance requirements with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) and the Australian Education Act 2013 (Cth).
Further information and a link to the new Policy can be found in the flyer below under Parents News.
More information on this Policy will be included in next week's Newsletter.
FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Welcome back to Term 2. I hope it is a successful start for our staff, students and families.
As always I’m sure that this term will go quickly – especially for students as they prepare for the assessments that will happen throughout this semester.
ANZAC Day
ANZAC Day was celebrated in the holidays and again the school was represented proudly by an enthusiastic group of students and staff who were able to partake in the commemoration at Camden. It was great to see a number of our students involved in the commemoration in other ways, such as cadets and cultural groups/clubs.
At school we also held our commemoration which is an important way to remember those who lost their lives in military and peacekeeping operations in which Australia has been involved, as well as for all those who have served in our armed forces.
DIO Soccer
Last week our DIO soccer teams were in action and performed very well. Several of our teams finished in the top 4 which is a great achievement. Congratulations to the teams and coaches on their efforts.
Year 12 Hospitality Excursion
Year 12 Hospitality students recently went on an excursion where they applied some of the skills they have learned in the last two years. It is important that students have the opportunity to put these skills into practise as they learn to develop and refine their abilities. It also allows them to meet some of the competencies associated with the course.
Mock Trial
The Mock Trial team competed against Elderslie last week and unfortunately suffered their first defeat of the season. The team will be in action again in the coming weeks and good luck to all involved.
Year 7 Zoo Excursion
Year 7 visited the zoo recently. As part of the year 7 science curriculum, students had the opportunity to see the animals and gain some knowledge and understanding of them. Despite the long trip and some light rain, students gained a lot out of the experience.
Athletics Carnival
Our Athletics Carnival was held yesterday and once again it was amazing to see the great levels of competition on the day. Students were enthusiastically moving from one event to the next and the level of commitment to perform to their best was impressive. Congratulations to all students on a great day and to the staff for the wonderful organisation.
Upcoming Events:
· Mother’s Day Morning Tea on the 13 May.
· Theatre Sports for our Stage 5 students on Tuesday 14 May
· Parent, Teacher, Student interviews for Years 11 & 12 on Wednesday 15 May
· St Benedict’s Celebration Day on the 24 May
Mr David Costin
Assistant Principal
DATES TO REMEMBER
Friday 10 May - Years 11 & 12 Reports distributed
Monday 13 May - Mother's Day Morning Tea (entry by ticket only)
Tuesday 14 May - Stage 5 Theatre Sports
Wednesday 15 May - Years 11 & 12 Parent/Teacher meetings
Friday 17 May - Years 8 & 9 Verbal Combat Incursion
Friday 24 May - St Benedict's Celebration Day
Thursday 20 & Friday 21 June - Staff Development Day
STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS: 20 - 21 JUNE
Please note that the dates for the Staff Development Days (Pupil Free), originally planned for Term 1, have been set for Thursday 20 June and Friday 21 June.
Years 11 and 12 Parent Teacher Interviews
The online interview bookings will open on Monday 13 May at 9:00am and close on Wednesday 15 May at 9:00am. Details for making the bookings have been emailed to parents this week as well as being sent through the SkoolBag App.
Please see below for details.
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MISSION AND VISION
Welcome Back to Term 2 and to the Month of May - the month of Mary. For centuries, the Catholic Church has set aside the entire month of Mary to honor Mary, Mother of God. Not just a day in May, mind you, but the entire month. The month of May is the perfect time to celebrate our devotion to Mother Mary. During May, in line with Mother’s Day, we commemorate the Blessed Virgin Mary’s extraordinary role as a mother to both Jesus Christ and the whole Catholic Church. Holding Baby Jesus in her arms - did Mary truly realise she was kissing the face of God? Yes.
In our Catholic Faith, we are taught the three core values of Mary. These were embodied by the Holy Mother in the way she lived her life. As her children, we, too, should aspire to embrace these values in our own lives and in the way we treat others. The value of humility, simplicity and charity. Mother Mary is a beautiful example of how God can transform us from ordinary people to extraordinary ones. Aside from being an important symbol in the Catholic Faith, Mary is a significant influence in our personal journey as Catholics.
Mother’s Day Reflection
On this day, as we give thanks for the mothers who are an essential part of who we are, we acknowledge also the many opportunities for mothering that all of us are called to live out in our daily lives – in our moments of expectation, our bringing to birth new life and growth, our love and compassion for each other.
We are so often filled with awe as we recognise that the most radical, world-changing events may be happening anonymously in our homes and small communities, and that we must never undermine the significance of this.
In giving thanks for the presence of mothers in our lives, we pray a blessing of gratitude, strength and compassion, of patience and support, of faith and hope for all mothers.
And we join them in their prayer:
Loving God, may our children be blessed and kept as they sleep.
And, for our sake (and theirs), may we be helped to cope when they’re awake.
"We’ve all witnessed the countless ways that mother love finds expression, so it’s no wonder that Julian of Norwich was moved to remind us that ‘God is our Father, so truly God is our Mother’. What we know of mothers helps us to better understand the tenderness of God."
What’s Happening in the RE Classroom?
It is so wonderful to see the enthusiasm and efforts of our students in the RE classes. Year 7 are currently working on their Collaborative Assessment Task which involves them researching a significant individual from the Old Testament and learn about the key themes of the stories of the Old Testament. Year 7's will be receiving their Bibles next week in class.
The current unit of work ‘Alive in Christ’ looks at how Jesus changed the lives of the people he encountered. Year 8 will receive next week their collaborative assessment task which will involve them investigating the life of a Saint in the Church, the Saint’s understanding and relationship with God but also their contribution to the society.
Year 9 are working on the unit Search for Meaning and Year 10 are looking at Church Tradition - history, challenge and change. In preparation for upcoming exam block Year 10 are investigating the significance of Vatican II for the Church and the contributions of Pope John XXIII and Pope Paul VI during this.
Studies of Religion - Taste of Ramadan Dinner
The Association for Studies of Religion and ISRA make this learning a little easier by inviting students across New South Wales to experience first-hand a Ramadan iftar (dinner). On Thursday 9 May, I accompanied three students from the College to the “Taste of Ramadan Dinner” facilitated by ISRA and Amity College in Auburn.
The aim of the night, ‘A Taste of Ramadan’ was to allow students to experience and understand more about Ramadan and how Muslims break their fast and pray, while also allowing them to meet and interact with Muslim students, who share personal reflections of the month. The program included Quran recitation, Islamic call to prayer, explanations about Salat (prayer), talks from Muslim adherents about the essence of Ramadan, witnessing a congregational prayer and eating amazing Indian food.
There were many Catholic Schools and Independent Schools present including St Vincent’s Potts Point, St John Bosco Engadine, Pymble Ladies College and Christian Brothers’ Lewisham.
The focus and reflective nature of Ramadan is a timely reminder of the values we all share, including kindness, honesty, family and charity. These are values that contribute to the strength of our multifaith, and multicultural State.
Kind regards
Mrs Kimberley Logue
Director of Mission and Vision
YEAR 12 HOSPITALITY EXCURSION TO CAMPBELLTOWN CATHOLIC CLUB 7 RYDGES HOTEL
On Friday the 3 of May, Year 12 Hospitality students had the opportunity to gain additional industry knowledge and information on the various sectors of the hospitality industry. Together we toured parts of the Campbelltown Catholic Club including different areas within the Club, Rydges, the Cube and Aquafit.
On arrival, students were greeted with a friendly reception and taken through the gaming areas, where policies, practices and legislative requirements were highlighted to the students. Students learnt how the machine systems are networked, data is collected and used and how technology has changed over time. Students then made their way through to the various lounge areas and function rooms were shown.
Peter Sheppard, the Director of Culinary Development met us at the kitchens and we were given a tour of multiple kitchens in the establishment. Students were interested to see how teams of employees communicate effectively, ways the kitchen can try to eliminate or reduce wastage and how different ingredients are sourced and used effectively. The business is investing in gaining information on various environmentally sustainable work practice concepts, such as its use of disposable coffee cups. It was interesting to see the different dining options, styles, menus and approaches to food preparation and cooking at Embers, Otis, Kyubi Modern Asian cuisine and the carvery. Emerging technologies such as the use of modern, high end ovens, blast chillers and sous vide equipment is used throughout the kitchens.
From the kitchens we moved to areas of the Cube, Campbelltown Convention and Entertainment Centre. Students felt like stage stars, backstage in the dressing room areas where Daryl Braithwaite and the Wiggles themselves have performed.
We then made our way across to Aquafit where we had a tour of the Health club and how it came to be from the diversification of the Catholic Club. Students were interested to see the purpose of the cafe inside the gym, programs that are offered to the aged and how the planning of such a venue came from feasibility studies to determine its suitability in the area.
The last part of the excursion involved a brief tour of Rydges, where we were shown reception, function areas, bars and dining areas and the very impressive laundromat facilities that service the rooms. The excursion concluded with a lovely lunch at cafe Samba. The staff at Campbelltown Catholic Club were very impressed with the level of diligence and respectful behaviour of our group. We had a great day.
Mrs Brown and Mrs Pollicina
CAPA NEWS
“Clothing tells a statement. Costumes tell a story”
Upon hearing the word Drama what do you think? Do you imagine a dramatic performance full of emotion? Or a heartfelt tragedy? Drama is not just about great actors conveying a play through their voice, it's about evoking emotion in the audience, it's about using props and costumes to convey meaning and emotion. But how do you do this? Well, that’s where we come in. We are the stitches in the costumes, we are the fabric that is sown, we are the elegant gowns you wear and the crowns that adorn you. We are the costume mistresses. We aim to achieve the best we possibly can and to improve the lives of those around us through our passion and determination for different subjects.
Kayla strives to achieve her goals in every aspect of life. She pursues a career in directing that drives her passion for the dramatic arts. An avid reader, she draws inspiration from books and from her mentor Mr Hayden.
Emelia endeavors to achieve her goals, striving to become a pediatric surgeon. Also an avid reader, her goals and inspiration stem from novels and life experiences.
Together we try to engineer a better world through our passion for the dramatic arts. Together Kayla and Emelia form the Costume Mistresses of St Benedict’s Catholic College.
Kind regards
Emelia Waters and Kayla Wilson
Year 11
MUSIC - Jaidyn Wickham
Jaidyn Wickham is a year 10 student at St Benedict's Catholic College. He began his Music journey in Year 8 like all his peers however his true passion for Music started last year in Year 9. After only 5 weeks of private lessons Jaidyn performed a duet (2 pianos, accompanied by Mrs Koryzma), a piece titled, “The Arrival of the Queen of Sheeba’, at the awards assembly in front of the entire school.
Jaidyn has been working on a composition for the ‘Fine Music Young Composer Award’ competition. 1st place being $5000. Jaidyn has composed a Trumpet Concerto in Bb Major with 2 complete movements, that has been written in the of Neo classical genre of music.
A snapshot of his composition;
We wish Jaidyn all the best in the competition.
Mrs Koryzma
CAPA
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN HISTORY?
At St. Benedict’s, History is studied as a compulsory core subject in Years 7, 9 and 10.
YEAR 7
Students have spent most of Term 1 on learning what History is, how we find out about the past, and some of the problems associated with finding the truth about History. In doing this, the students have investigated mysteries such as Otzi the Iceman, and examined the role of science and archaeology in finding out about the past.
Ancient Rome is the current focus, and later in the year the students will go on to study the Medieval World, Ancient China, The Aztecs and Medieval Japan.
YEAR 9
After having a year off in Year 8 studying Geography, our Year 9 have been investigating The Industrial Revolution in Europe and the times surrounding this event, such as the Slave Trade, Transportation of Convicts and the effect of new ideas on society, such as Capitalism and Socialism.
At present, Year 9 has embarked on a major study of World War One and World War Two, which will take them to the end of Term 2.
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Year 8 & 9 Incursion - Verbal Bullying
BRAINSTORM PRODUCTIONS:
Award-Winning In-School Theatre Performances
Verbal Combat
On Friday 17 May Brainstorm Productions will be presenting their student wellbeing program ‘Verbal Combat’ for Year 8 & 9.
Words are powerful. Words can hurt and cyber bullying is devastating. Verbal Combat is a live theatre program that follows three friends who learn that their online words can last forever. The desire to fit in and be liked is strong and when one friend starts to post witty, but mean rumours to get more online likes, the play takes a cruel twist. All too soon, the posts are wreaking havoc in all their lives and the characters quickly discover that there is no easy way out. Verbal Combat is essential learning, that addresses the dire consequences of cyber bullying and will help students understand that their digital footprints are hard to erase and so are their mistakes.
Verbal Combat is part of our student wellbeing curriculum and the program has been developed in consultation with teachers, psychologists, as well as real-life student experiences. The methodology of the program is safe, supportive and nonjudgmental and designed to provide students with positive and useful tools that they can use in their everyday lives.
More than 350,000 Australian students have already benefited from Brainstorm Productions multi award-winning educational theatre programs over the past twelve months. Their programs cater to the specific wellbeing needs of students, helping to create a healthy and harmonious school environment.
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Year 7 & 9 Online Naplan
COLLEGE SPORT
Congratulations to the following students for being nominated MVP:
Zumba:
Ella Meilak
Mixed Sports:
Caitlin Quinn, Nikhil Kumar
Netball:
Ethan Hull, Caelon Blount
UFC:
Ella Newcombe, Cameron Pavey
AFL:
Blake Straub, Annelise Anderson
Cricket:
Keeley Rogers, Harrison Auchterlonie
Gymnastics:
Claudia Sarpa, Malcolm Breen
Soccer:
Sebastian Rebollo
Kickboxing:
Dylan Birkbeck
Barefoot Bowls:
Lukkas Marrapodi
Bowling:
Hannah Fielding, Cameron Azzopardi
Gym:
Anthony Jalalati, Giuseppe Camera
Tennis:
Rhiannon Essex, Harrison Hinton
Skating:
Gwen Ucar
Flip Out:
Natalia Jedrzejczyk
MISA Sport
Our MISA teams found it hard going in the first week of competition against Mount Carmel Catholic College.
Year 7-9 Mixed Frisbee Won
MVP: Jeremy Battistuzzi
Year 7-9 Boys Basketball Lost
MVP: Matt Aducayen
Year 7-9 Girls Basketball Lost
Year 11-12 Boys Soccer Lost
MVP: Diego Castro-Eastman
Year 10-12 Girls Soccer Lost
Year 10-12 Boys Softball Lost
MVP: Morgan White
Year 10-12 Girls Indoor Cricket Draw
MVP: Amelia Kubecka
Year 10-12 Girls Netball Lost
MVP: Brook Charlton
Yours in Sport
Mr Jason Smith
Sport Coordinator
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL FUN
PARENT'S NEWS
St Mary MacKillop Parish
Mother’s Day can be a very sad time for many people. With this in mind an invitation is extended to any parent or grandparent who has experienced the death of a child or grandchild. The Pastoral Care Group of St Mary MacKillop Parish warmly invite you to afternoon tea on Tuesday May, 14 commencing at 1:30 pm. The gathering will take place in the Penola Room at St Mary MacKillop Church Oran Park.
For catering purposes it would be appreciated if you contacted either by phone or email Sr Kerry informing her of your intention to attend. Parish office 46482226 or oranpark@dow.org.au
Have you ever wondered......what is the current thinking of the church when it comes to matters of divorce, marriage and annulments? If you answered ‘yes’ to this question come along and hear Fr Ken Cafe, Episcopal Vicar for Canonical Services, at St Mary MacKillop Church Oran Park on Monday 13 May commencing at 7:00 pm. This will prove to be an enlightening evening. For more information please contact Sr Kerry on 46482226 or oranpark@dow.org.au
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.
Woolworths is conducting the Earn & Learn Programme for 2019
"It's that time of year again".
We have received wonderful equipment for the school in years gone by.
So from May 1 until June 25 collect those little Woolworths stickers and send them into the school office, or place them in the St Benedict's boxes, which will be placed in the entrance of Woolworths stores at Oran Park and Narellan Town Centre.
Happy collecting!!!!!