St Benedict's Catholic College
Newsletter - Friday 3 August 2018
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Dear Parents
The first two weeks of the new semester have indeed been both busy and rewarding. Following the break, we immediately launched into preparations for Year 11 2019 with our Electives Evening for Year 10. This will be the largest offering of subjects we have been able to make for the first 5 groups who have gone on to Stage 6 and the HSC. Next year we anticipate 155 students will march on into the Preliminary Course with a variety of intentions from University destinations to workplace readiness. We wish them well in their deliberations.
Our Host Families gathered in the first week to be introduced to the coordinating teachers and organizing body and to hear some tips and have a small cultural immersion on “what to expect” when one hosts a Japanese student. On Wednesday this week, our students arrived (exhausted) and went off for some Aussie hospitality. The 17 students from a variety of schools across Japan are joining our students in classes throughout the next few weeks.
Parent Teacher Student Meetings have come and gone again this year with Years 7 & 9 engaging with the staff in Week 1. General feedback on the new Reports are that there is a lot more academic information on the subject pages and, although the old “could do better if they…” comments are now missing, most found the Academic Care comments targeting learning and social and emotional goals quite useful. Feedback is very welcome.
The HSC Programme nears its completion this term with the Trial HSC next week. On Friday of Week 1 our Music students performed publically for parents and staff in an evening concert. Local experienced HSC markers attended the performance and they provided feedback to the students who will continue to polish their Major Works until the external examiners arrive in a few weeks. Congratulations to the Year 12 students involved and to Mrs. Koryszma who organised a wonderful evening.
We have also been lucky enough to have some significant visitors in the first two weeks. At the end of the first week, Bishop Brian Mascord made the MacKillop Precinct his first visit to schools since being ordained. Bishop Brian attended a Liturgy of Welcome at St Justin’s before touring St Benedict’s and visiting some classes. As an ex-teacher (do you ever really give it up?) Bishop Brian was able to ask some very on-point questions of our College Captains as they walked him around the spaces. It was towards the end of his tour that he let slip he is an Oblate of St Benedict and was taking a particular interest in our school.
On Monday the Leadership Team from the Catholic Education Office met for the day at St Benedict’s to meet staff and students and listen to our plans for the next few years and celebrate the great things happening around the school. Apart from getting an update on the soon-to-be-completed (October) Stage 6 CAPA facilities, our students in particular spoke of the Leadership Diploma, our catechist and faith formation programme, our Entrepreneur Club, Academic Care and a range of extra curricular activities. Feedback from the Director, Mr Peter Turner, and his team was extremely positive.
This week’s Academic Assembly celebrated not only the outstanding academic successes in Semester 1 but also highlighted students whose efforts were resulting in some significant improvements. Congratulations to all our award winners! It was also wonderful to see so many parents and other family members attend and it was great to speak with so many of you afterwards.
Finally, today, we had our Annual Year 12 High Tea. Mrs Castelli and Mrs Wardley once again organised a beautiful lunch for those about to embark on their Trial Higher School Certificate. Apart from being a real stress-buster, the food was extraordinary, the “self-care packs” generous, and the community spirit demonstrated by Year 11 in assisting was second to none. We wish Year 12 well and keep them in our prayers as they begin their examinations next week.
Warm Regards
Michael Hanratty
Principal
FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF MISSION AND VISION
“For all things give thanks”
Last week, Bishop Brian blessed our parish community with his first Pastoral Visit in the Diocese since his appointment as our Bishop five months ago. Beginning on Friday morning, a number of staff and students were invited to attend a Liturgy of Welcome, held in the St Justin’s COLA. This significant event was a first for our community as members of St Mary MacKillop Parish, St Justin’s Primary School, St Gregory’s Junior and Senior Schools along with our own school, St Benedict’s, came together in unity to celebrate this event.
During this Liturgy, Bishop Brian extended his welcome to include all of us in the Wollongong Diocese, as we are now all a part of his family. During the Liturgy he extended us his Blessings by singing for us and asking us to give thanks for all that we have. A thank you must be extended to the staff of St Justin’s Primary School for their hospitality who catered a delicious morning tea and refreshments, served by some of our own very professional Year 11 Hospitality students, led by their teacher Mrs Tracee Brown.
After the Liturgy, Bishop Brian spent some time in our College, taking a tour of the school. He was led by some of our College Leaders, and on this tour he discovered the amazing growth of our classrooms and buildings and experienced first hand the enthusiasm of the staff and students of St Benedict’s. His following days were spent visiting parishioners, meeting catechists, touring the areas and celebrating a number of masses at the Parish.
Overall, our community was truly blessed at having the Bishop visit and being able to showcase the amazing work and facilities we have on offer. Bishop Brian, for your leadership, we give thanks.
NAIDOC Week Celebrations
Last week we celebrated NAIDOC Week at our College Assembly. The theme this year was ‘Because of her, we can’ and was designed to bring awareness to the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who have fought, and still continue, to strive, for the rights of Native People.
At this assembly, we had Aunty Sharynne Freeman join us to welcome us to Country and our prayers were centered on the many gifts and talents of women, eloquently led by year 8 and 9 students. It was a great opportunity to come together as a community to recognise the NAIDOC Week celebrations.
Winter Appeal Update
Last week we were able to give all the winter appeal donations of clothes and blankets to St Vincent de Paul’s emergency collection centre. They were overwhelmed with the support of their Winter Appeal and were incredibly grateful for the large number of blankets that we collected.
This donation came at a very fitting time as they were running low on supplies to help the community, particularly for families who are finding it very difficult at the moment. The blankets, clothes, scarves and socks we collected as a community will definitely help to warm up many people in our local areas.
So thank you St Benedict's - your care and compassion in supporting this initiative has not gone unnoticed.
God Bless;
Mrs Tarnya Grana
Director of Mission and Vision
UPCOMING DATES TO NOTE
Year 12 Trial Examinations - Monday 6 August - Monday 20 August
Feast Day of Mary MacKillop - Wednesday 8 August
Year 7 Reflection Day - Friday 10 August
MISA Debating at Wollondilly Anglican School - Friday 10 August
Year 7 Pru Salter evening - Thursday 16 August from 6:00 - 7:30pm
Pupil Free Day - Friday 17 August
Bishop Brian Mascord's Visit - Monday 30 July 2018
Vinnies Winter Appeal
Thank you to St Benedict's
Vinnies were overwhelmed with the support from St Benedict's and so incredibly grateful for the blankets donated, as they were running low and particularly needed smaller blankets for children who had to access emergency housing due to domestic violence. As many single mothers struggle to pay their electricity bills, they were just what they needed to wrap themselves up in to keep warm while they sit and watch tv.
The way the whole St Benedict school community got behind the Vinnies Winter Appeal is incredible and we can't thank you enough for everything the staff involved did to make it possible.
Kind regards
Josie Cooks
YEAR 12 ANNUAL HIGH TEA
2018 Trial HSC - MUSIC
Our very talented Year 12 Music students performed one or two of their prepared HSC pieces for the Trial HSC on Friday 27th July. Each of the students performed not only for their invited family and friends but also in front of three external music examiners.
The students were given feedback by qualified music teachers who did not know of their preparation and ability level, a situation very similar to that of the HSC examination day.
The Year 10 Music class also attended the evening to not only support the Year 12 students but to clarify their own subject selection decisions.
The nerves were showing in each student as they performed their piece and there were some exceptional results achieved. The students were;
Reagan Billett, Caitlin Burke, Cooper Davidson, Gabrielle Hooton, Jeremy Perez, Jayden Price and Macey Thorne.
I would especially like to thank Mr Michael Mae (Magdalene Catholic High School), Mr Luke Bjazevich (Holsworthy High School) and Mr Craig Davidson (St Benedict’s Catholic College) for their expertise during the evening.
Thanks
Jenny Koryzma
Year 12 Music Teacher
HISTORY DEBATING
On Thursday, our Year 10 J.A. Thomson History Debating team competed against Good Samaritan Catholic College at St. Benedict’s.
This state wide and challenging competition combines traditional debating with historical issues, calling on speakers to not only communicate eloquently and persuasively, but also to display a detailed and sophisticated knowledge of the history.
We’re pleased to report that St. Benedict’s were the convincing victors.
The topic was “That Australia should become a Republic” and we were arguing the affirmative case. All three speakers were able to deliver compelling arguments for the case to have our own head of state.
The team was Morgan White, Darcey Christl, Olivia Dowling and Rhianna Irons. The team is coached by Ms. Tabitha Brown. I’d like to congratulate Ms. Brown and the students.
They move on now to the next round, travelling to Bexley to do battle with the selective state school, Sydney Technical Boys’ High School.
Andy Lundy
Relieving HSIE Coordinator
Year 7 Technology Mandatory Robotics
On Friday the 22 June, Year 7 Technology Mandatory (Robotics) attended an excursion to the Museums Discovery Centre in Castle Hill. Students were able to explore the museum and participate in a workshop run by the centre. The workshop allowed students to carry out the design process by designing their own mini-invention using littleBits, before heading out into the Discovery Centre to find an object that related to their invention through design or function.
Sebastian White
“I learnt about the different evolutionary stages of different technologies such as lawn mowers, cars, planes and all sorts of things. The excursion really showed how far we have come from way back then, as well as teaching us about how life was with technology in their own time period and the effectiveness of it back then compared to now.”
Kiara Romeo
“I enjoyed the technology excursion. I got to see how things developed over time and how they originally were. This is called innovation. I learnt about the design process and got to use little bits of technology to create something. I like how we got to use the polaroid cameras to take photos and how we could see things we use everyday like phones, TVs and lawn mowers and how they have changed.”
Kayley Skeers
On the excursion, we walked around and got to choose our favourite thing; mine was a fire place that was made from marble. We also did this activity where you put different components together. Emma and I made an alarm clock. On the excursion I learnt how different life is from then to now.
Zara Sheehan
“On the excursion, we went around in different rooms looking at all the different types of objects. I really enjoyed looking at the different generations of chairs, TVs, washing machines and the barbie dolls. It’s so crazy what our world can create over time! I also had a lot of fun in the Design and Find room. I had to put together all the different pieces and created this random buzzing thing that flashed lights. On this day I learnt that robotics is about so much more than just playing around with a robot. To Mrs Smith and Mr Gavin thank you for making this day possible, I am sure Year 7 had a lot of fun.”
Year 10.1 and 10.2 - Food Trends unit
LITERACY IN TAS
Plans, Processes and Procedures
Success in literacy and numeracy for our students in TAS involves extensive planning, following procedures and documenting processes as well as creating, interpreting, problem solving and communicating. Many of the focus areas within our KLA revolve around project based learning, whereby students are engaged in a rather lengthy design process; often including initial idea development, research and decision making, planning, organisation, time management and evaluations throughout a project. The majority of TAS assessments are heavily scaffolded, enabling students to use a template from which to plan and work through the design process effectively. Literacy and numeracy skills are developed experientially through TAS courses as students design and create products, items and concepts.
The process of planning requires a sustained effort, concentration on research and collecting data and ideas, setting realistic goals, meeting a need. Year 7 Technology Mandatory have been working towards appropriately applying spelling rules and patterns throughout their Textiles and Robotics Assessment Tasks. Their teachers focused on ensuring students recognised these important language tools meaning students were required to self evaluate and check their work before teachers marked the task. Use of appropriate content specific terminology is also emphasised, developed and used throughout the courses.
Year 8 Timber and Food Technology students have worked towards the achievement of interpreting vocabulary including subject specific technical and instructional words. Students participate in a range of theory aspects to the course that requires them to read project plans or recipes to follow instructional text. Steps need to be broken down at times because they require multiple actions to take place. Workflow planning tools like tables or production plans supported with drawings or diagrams are often scaffolded for students to complete so procedures and processes are followed accurately. Technical and instructional words used in TAS are often verbs or ‘doing words’ such as ‘knead’ or ‘warp’. These terms are encouraged and practiced during lessons to avoid use of colloquial terms that makes written work appear informal.
Year 9 Multimedia students have been assessed on their ability to write cohesively using appropriate text structure, paragraphing, sentence structure, punctuation and spelling. Their assessments have comprised the design and creation of images and posters using software called Adobe Illustrator. Students had to demonstrate their ability to plan and sketch concept ideas and then to computer generate them to meet a specific design need. In Semester 1, Year 9 Food Technology students produced a video based on a chosen dietary disorder such as anorexia, coronary heart disease or obesity. Students developed literacy skills through the generation of a suitable script whereby voice over was recorded and input into the video they created. Students were assessed on their ability to write for a range of audiences, purposes and contexts using appropriate ideas, tone, vocabulary and language devices. In Term 2, Food Technology students planned, produced and presented a dish that met their dietary disorder from earlier in the year. Students that executed this task well, planned a comprehensive workflow plan that broke down the steps of a recipe with specific detail, highlighted the equipment that was needed and included appropriate time allocations to ensure the process was smooth. Year 9 Timber students were assessed on their ability to write cohesively using appropriate text structure, paragraphing, sentence structure, punctuation and spelling. Students have read and worked from production drawings to produce timber tool trays and also documented production processes in a diary. The philosophy of timber preparation is always “measure twice, cut once”.
Year 10 Graphics students have been working on units focusing on Architecture. Students have produced house plans drawn to a scale of 1:100. Specific drawing dimensions and elevations are highlighted in the task for students to adhere to. The students are involved in learning a great deal of engineering and graphics terminology as well as developing skills in free hand sketching, isometric drawings and Computer Aided Design (CAD) drawings. Numeracy skills are also central to many aspects of design application and technology based subjects. This year, Industrial Technology Timber students have produced an instructional video to show the correct process and procedures for safe use of a piece of equipment from the workshop. Students have also read and worked from production plans to produce bedside tables along with portfolios that display design concepts, testing and evaluations of their work.
Year 11 Industrial Technology Timber work more independently through their own planning of time, finances, equipment and materials towards major projects. Students need to be realistic about the time dedicated to planning, testing and experimentation and also towards the documentation of processes. Students complete finance plans, timeline plans and materials lists, evaluating their decisions as they go to ensure their concept is achievable and meets the design need. Design and Technology students follow similar processes, but commence extensive research and gather valuable inspiration prior to arriving at a final concept. This year, these students created an original jewellery item that was made using the laser cutting machine.
Our collective challenge is to ensure that every student at St Benedict’s Catholic College is able to benefit from these structured design activities and projects as we make a concerted effort towards building literacy and numeracy. Our mission is to develop in students the essential skills needed for a changing world of work and technology. The essential skills develop students ability; to work with others, to manage themselves, to creatively solve problems and to communicate effectively. These are some of the fundamental skills necessary to achieve success in life.
Mrs Alicia Pollicina
TAS/VET Teacher
St Benedict’s Catholic College
COLLEGE SPORTING WEEK
Congratulations to the following students who were nominated as MVPs for Week 2
Cricket/Martial Arts:
Jordan Jalalty
AFL:
Chiara Saena
Swimming:
Cara McMahon
Soccer:
Malcolm Breen
UFC/NRL:
Demi Connell, Ella Fielding
NRL/UFC:
Felicity Constantine, Luca Sullo
Martial Arts/Cricket:
Christian Friscic, Zachery Newman
Netball:
Oliver Wickham, Jamie Bond
Barefoot Bowls/Indoor:
Marian Aducayen
Crossfit/Golf:
Michael Rudan
Golf/Crossfit:
Isabella Pelligrino, Ben Novak
Kickboxing/Gym:
Jonty Stead
Gym/Kickboxing:
Katherine Monier
Dance/Skating:
Caleb Crawford, Victoria Malisano
Beach Sports/Tennis:
Jena-Paul Lombardo, Kayla Wilson
Tennis/Beach Sports:
Fayme Joby, Jarvia Jose
Skating/Bootcamp:
Luke Rossato, Claudia Bournes
MISA Sport
Our MISA teams had their first week of competition against Mt Carmel. Great effort by all teams
Year 7-8 Girls Soccer Loss
MVP: Alicia Tedesco
Year 9-12 Girls Soccer Draw
MVP: Aaliyah Abouslaibi
Year 10-12 Boys Basketball Loss
MVP: Marlon Font
Year 10-12 Girls Basketball Loss
MVP: Moria Cruz
Year 10-12 Mixed Frisbee Loss
MVP: Aaron O’Callaghan
Year 7 Girls Netball Loss
MVP: Hannah McWhriter
Year 7-9 Girls AFL Loss
MVP: Amelia Kubecka
Year 7-9 Boys AFL Win
MVP: Riley Hinton
Yours in Sport
Miss Liska
DIO Netball Gala Day
A brisk morning on Wednesday 1 August, 40 students jumped on the bus and made their way to Berkeley Netball Courts for the Diocesan Netball Gala day. This day saw a new record of students representing the College in netball. We had two junior teams enter for the first time, one intermediate and a senior team.
All students played and represented the College with pride, and need to be commended on that. It was the first time our Year 7 students had played together, and under the guidance of Mrs Isbister, were able to gel as a team, and came out with a few wins by the end of the day. The Year 8 team, which was lead by Mrs Newell, were able to support each other in attack and defence and as a result, won a few of their games as well.
The intermediate team, coached by Mrs Pereira, did an outstanding job in Division 1 for the first time, coming up against some great schools, the girls should be proud of the effort and skill they displayed on the day. Lastly, our senior team did a fantastic job on the court being defeated only twice throughout the day. The team has gelled well together over the years, and it was great to be able to coach the girls through their successful day.
A special mention must go to our four Year 12 students; Jayde Bermingham, Caitlin Kitson, Gabrielle Hooton and Alex Wark, who played their last netball game for the College. It has been fantastic having such skill and experience on the court and their presence will be missed. Furthermore, thanks to our umpires Tarryn Troy, Mackenzie Maher and Gabrielle Hooton, for coming along on the day to help out the team.
Well done ladies on the fantastic results, it was a great achievement for College and we can't wait for next year!!!
YEAR 9 - SPOTLIGHT
Every newsletter this term I will be acknowledging a Year 9 student’s external achievements. Within the year group there are a lot of talented modest students who keep quiet about their wonderful accomplishments.
Regards
Mrs Smith
Ben Novak
Ben is a talented motocross rider, who has had many achievements and is racing motocross at a highly competitive level. Some of Ben’s achievements are:
The American Junior Nationals in 2017
Ben achieved some good results coming 5th overall in the 85cc class in Supercross and 9th overall in the 85cc class in Motocross.
The NSW State MX Titles 2018
Ben was titled the State Champion on the 85cc. He also was placed 5th on the 125cc and 4th on the 250cc.
Ben recently had an article written about him in the Camden-Narellan Advertiser, the Wollondilly Advertiser and the Campbelltown-Macarthur Advertiser. The articles spoke about his determination and of his motocross achievements. The article written by Ben Chenoweth can be seen below.
The College is very proud of Ben’s achievements and commends Ben on the hard work and dedication he puts into working towards achieving his motocross goals.
Teen Determined for Career in Motocross
BY BEN CHENOWETH
AT a young age, Benny Novak knew he wanted to be a motocross star.
He first took to a quad bike when he was just three years old.
Now, at 15, Benny is proving he can match it with some of the sports best.
The St Benedict’s, Oran Park student recently competed at the NSW State Titles in Port Macquarie finishing on top of the podium.
Even the wet weather couldn’t dampen his determination. “Port Macquarie had over 100ml of rain the week of the event so that was going to make for an interesting weekend,” he said.
“It was very muddy and rained on and off over the long weekend.”
“I had to be smart, I had to use my head. It was going to be a race of survival.”
“I knew if I could get a good start and stay upright I had a good chance of winning.”
Success hasn’t come easy. The extreme nature of the sport means riders are often left bruised and battered – in some cases, even worse.
Benny said he’d certainly had his “fair share” of setbacks including two injuries that resulted in helicopter rides to Westmead Children’s Hospital.
“It’s a hospital I know very well as I’m a heart patient and have been going there since I was born,” he said.
“I’ve had a few injuries (racing). I broke both wrists at the same time and was in full arm plaster, so that was fun.”
“I’ve broken my shoulder, pelvis, tibia, humerus, wrist again about two months ago and most recently my pelvis again and tore my hamstring.”
“I had to race the second last round of a major series and the NSW State Titles with this injury. I won both of those events.”
While stoked with his result at the NSW State Titles, the teenager said he had set the bar incredibly high when it came to goals in the sport.
He was intent on conquering the world.
“My dream is to be a world champion,” he said.
“I’ve been lucky enough to race over in the US twice already. Once in 2015 and then again last year.”
“I’ve had the taste of racing overseas and to be at the top of the sport here and overseas is a goal I have.”
“My passion is racing. I want and will do everything I can to make a career out of racing motocross.”
He also paid tribute to his mum, dad and brother Kane, for supporting him and making the long trips to various events. “They have been with me every step of the way,” he said. “They are helping me achieve dreams.”
The first proposed location for St Benedict's was to be on the Mater Dei site but, during the school holidays, and only weeks before the commencement of the 2011 school year, this changed. In a matter of weeks Mt Carmel generously allowed St Benedict's Catholic College to commence in classrooms (J Block) at Varroville.
The College was located at Mt Carmel for the first 2 years. Sick Bay was a bean bag in the Front Office and the CAFE consisted of an ice cream fridge, also in the Front Office.
HOUSEKEEPING
call 131 500
or visit www.transportnsw.info
Child/Youth Opal cards can be purchased online or from an Opal retailer if you are not eligible for a School Opal car.