St Benedict's Catholic College
Newsletter 8 November 2019
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Dear Parents/ Carers
The Higher School Certificate continues in this period and I congratulate our Year 12s (and their parents!) for managing their punctuality and preparation so well. We are now in the examination period for the Junior School where, not only are the knowledge and skills in each of the courses examined, but also, those very same skills that Year 12 need to demonstrate, of time management, transfer of knowledge into new and different scenarios, and importantly, practising self-regulation in managing stress and anxiety in challenging situations. It is precisely those transferable skills learned in the Outdoor Education programme that come to bear under examination conditions.
Year 11 parents and students have their Information Evening on the Higher School Certificate on Monday night. We have attempted to once again minimise the number of evenings parents attend the school by combining this with our Parent/Teacher/Student Conference Evening. All Year 11 parents will have received their son or daughters’ Preliminary Course report and should be engaged in conversations about subject selection and retention, particular subject performances of note (good or bad!).
**********
November is the month of the Holy Souls and I do recommend to you Mrs Logue’s easy-to-read reflection on the Catholic understanding of the communion of saints.
*********
You will have received an email from the Catholic Education Office with the news that Mrs. Kerrie Piatek has been appointed as the Principal of St Benedict’s Catholic College from 2020. Kerrie has been a colleague Principal from Corpus Christi, Oak Flats, for many years and I congratulate her on her appointment and wish her well. Not only does she bring a wealth of experience to the College but her previous work at St Mary’s Wollongong, a Benedictine school under the auspices of Good Samaritan Education, means that our charism based around the Rule of Benedict is in excellent and knowledgeable hands. I commend Kerrie to you as the College moves into the next chapter of its history.
Warm Regards
Michael Hanratty
Principal
FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
UAC assembly
Last week saw UAC come out and speak to Year 10 and 11 about the important processes and procedures when applying for University. This is very important information for students seeking to attend university as they start to develop their understanding of the process around Uni applications.
College Captain and Senior Leaders Induction
We also had our College Captain and Senior Leaders Induction last week. This is always an important part of the school year as we begin the leadership journey for our Year 12 students. Congratulations to all students on their induction and good luck in these positions for the remainder of this year and next.
Year 10 Youth Ministry Leaders Retreat
Our Year 10 YML’s were at their annual retreat this week. This provides students with an opportunity to develop their leadership skills as well as strengthen their faith and connections to the Parish. We are grateful to the Catholic Education Office for organising and running this retreat with our students and students from other schools within our Diocese.
Senior Retreat
The Senior Retreat was held this week and this is always a highlight in the life of seniors at our College. Students were engaged in the program and were able to strengthen their connections to their faith, family, friends and gain a greater understanding of themselves. Congratulations to all on such a wonderful experience and to Mrs Logue and the team for a great retreat.
Year 10 Examinations
Year 10 have been completing their annual examinations this week. It has been great to see students preparing thoroughly for these exams as this is an important lead in to preparing for future examination blocks down the track such as the Preliminary Course Examinations and, of course, the HSC.
Coming up:
Just a reminder to families about the Year 11 Information Night and PTS interviews on Monday 11 November – this is an important opportunity to gain information about the HSC as well as an understanding and insight as to your child’s performance in the Preliminary Course. It also gives families an opportunity to have discussions with classroom teachers about areas that students are performing well in and areas for development. I encourage all families to attend.
Reminders: Cut-off for notes to be returned
A reminder to all students and families that there are cut-off dates for the return of excursion notes. These dates need to be adhered to as they are based around, amongst other things, finalising numbers for activities and liaising with external business for finance reasons.
Kind regards
Mr David Costin
Assistant Principal
DATES TO REMEMBER
Present - 12 November - HSC Exams
Monday 4 - Tuesday 12 November - Year 10 Exams
Monday 11 November - Year 11 HSC Information Evening and Teacher/Parent/Student conversations
Tuesday 12 November - P&F Meeting
Wednesday 13 November - Girls in Science Forum
Thursday 14 - Thursday 21 November - Year 9 Exams
Thursday 14 November - Stage 6 Geography Mandatory Field Study
Thursday 21 November - HSC Modern History Site Study
Wednesday 27 November - PASS How to Surf Excursion
Friday 29 November - Year 8 Science Centre and Planetarium Excursion
FINAL CALL FOR ORDERING UNIFORMS
Anyone needing to order uniforms for next year,
particularly for Year 9 into Year 10 in 2020
Please see flyer below.
Year 11 HSC Information and
Parent/Teacher/Student conversations
on Monday 11 November
P & F Meeting
There are so many stars in our College who are achieving wonderful things! One of those achievements is to represent our great state of NSW.
The College would like to recognise students who have represented NSW in a competitive field and to nominate these students for a State Representative Award.
Nominees of any age, who have represented NSW in a competitive field (eg. sport, music, the arts or academic), either nationally or internationally, may be nominated for the Award.
Please contact the office on 4631 5300 or email info@sbccdow.catholic.edu.au with details.
Lachlan Hort - Year 8 Softball
In January this year Lachlan was a member of the NSW softball metro team to compete in the Australian Regional Championships in Canberra. From his performance in this tournament he was selected as a member of the Australian U 14 boys development team which traveled to New Zealand in the April school holidays.
He was asked to attend NSW state camp in August based on his performance in the NSW state championships. As a result of 4 days of trials he was selected in the U16 Mens Softball Team to complete in the National Championships in Melbourne in January 2020.
We are very proud of Lachlan and his achievements in Softball and wish him well for the future.
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MISSION AND VISION
The Vision of God
We look from our village or town at the sun, the moon or the stars, and we may be drawn to wonder – drawn outside ourselves to something bigger, universal, creative.
For the sun and moon and stars give light, not just to our small place, but to every part of the world. We need the light of such moments to draw us into the mystery of what is universal, what is mysterious...what is of God.
Our saints this day remind us of a life to come.
Our parents, grandparents, family, friends, teachers, neighbours, colleagues – all who have been part of our lives and who are gone to God – call us to faith in the life to come, to hope in the joy of heaven and to love that is forever.
Each of those gone to God is a star to guide us to the light of God, giving light for the future and hope for the present. They are the stars and moon and sun always shining, always full, always warm, for they enjoy the vision of God.
They are still part of our lives, for we too are part of something big and universal. As they continue to brighten our lives with their reflection of the vision of God, may we also brighten the lives of the people we love, share the joy, the love and the hope...on earth as it is in heaven.
SENIOR RETREAT 2019
Our Year 11's are currently away on their Senior Retreat in the Royal National Park at Port Hacking. What a spectacular time we are having so far. It is a privilege to accompany and lead these students on retreat.
Today’s article contains a review of DAY 1. The theme of the Retreat is “Looking in the Mirror” and the key scripture for the retreat is:
Matthew 6:19-21
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Students spent the day looking at their journey and the various signposts and crossroads they have. In the afternoon, Year 11 embarked on our very own ‘Amazing Race’. Working in small groups - students had to solve various clues and riddles in order to collect objects across the grounds of their site. The success of this activity depends on staff guidance and the honesty of all groups. However, this was quite challenging considering what each group had to do.
Certain group members received a challenge before the race.
These included:
▪ One student was blindfolded and another was responsible for guiding them.
▪ Two students were joined by string and walked throughout the race as 3 legged person.
▪ One student had to complete the race carrying a bowl of water which was been filled to a certain spot without spilling any.
▪ Two students were Siamese twins, joined at the back. They were joined by masking tape.
▪ One student had to carry a jelly bean and marshmallow on a spoon.
▪ One student had to carry a balloon without using their arms.
During the evening, students created and individualised their own ‘treasure chests’. These will be used to keep affirmations received and also a reminder of their retreat into the future.
Below is a copy of the Gospel Reflection written by 2020 College Captain, Olivia Dowling
Gospel Reflection - Olivia Dowling
It’s so hard not to get distracted by material objects. Almost everyday social media shows us what new products we need, what new clothes we have to buy. The new iPhone 11 ads are everywhere. Anytime I mention buying something, the CIA agent in my laptop fills my Facebook with ads for it. This makes it hard sometimes to stop and be grateful for what we do have. Things like food, clean water, roofs over our heads, an education. These are things that we can easily take for granted, I know I sometimes do.
The focus for this retreat, “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” calls us to reconsider where our values and dependence lie. Do you feel like you have to have the newest iPhone? Do you only find joy in keeping up with the latest trends? Do you feel like you’ve got to get more likes on your new TikTok video to feel appreciated?
Maybe it’s not physical things you’re depending on. Maybe you are prioritising your grades or school over your family. Maybe you feel like doing well in the HSC is the most important thing in the world. It is important to try your best in school, but when anything, including school work, takes over your life, it’s not healthy for us or our relationships.
It’s hard to not feel overwhelmed by the materialistic mindset pushed onto us. But it’s important to take time to realign our priorities once in a while. And this retreat is a great opportunity to do so. I’m not expecting any of you to make life-changing transformations and get rid of all your worldly possessions, I’m certainly not planning on it. That’s not what the passage is asking from us anyway. Jesus is instead letting us know, that shifting our perspective on the world, incorporating gratitude into our daily lives, is crucial to finding true happiness.
So, I challenge you, even just once a day, thank the teachers and retreat staff for organising this event. Take some time to think about what you’re prioritising in your life, and whether they are things worth your time and energy. Will they last? Will they provide you with the same joy and love our family and friends give us? If not, what can? “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Warm Regards
Kimberley Logue
Director of Mission and Vision
COLLEGE SPORT
AFL:
Jessica B, Savar N
Cricket:
Lily G, Daniel L
Mixed Sports:
Ebony W, Matthew R, Ella N, Sam F
Gymnastics:
Madeline B
Netball:
Brayden B, Riley G
Kickboxing:
Clayton E, Angela H
Gym:
Ehinomen E
Dance:
William M, Bianca B
Barefoot Bowls:
Ryan L
Skating:
Marco C
Golf:
Lachlan B, Selin M
MISA Sport
Our Girls MISA teams had a bye this week and the boys played John Therry:
Year 7-9 Boys Oztag Loss
MVP: Dakota O
Year 7-9 Girls Oztag Bye
Year 7-9 Girls AFL Bye
Year 7-9 Boys AFL Loss
Year 7-9 Girls Softball Bye
Year 7-9 Boys Indoor Cricket Loss
MVP: Luke S
Year 10-11 Girls Volleyball Bye
Year 10-11 Boys Volleyball Loss
Year 10-11 Mixed Fisbee Bye
Yours in sport
Ms Julia Liska
Sport Coordinator
Just a reminder that the parent information session at St Mary MacKillop Parish (Oran Park) for 1st Reconciliation and 1st Holy Communion 2020 is not far away, and will be held on Wednesday 13 November 2019.
Copies of the parish's 2020 sacramental process for 1st Reconciliation, 1st Holy Communion and Confirmation can be downloaded at www.marymackillopparish.org.au
The esafety.gov.au website is a comprehensive, dynamic and interactive national online safety hub for all Australians. It has recently been updated to help Australians have empowering and positive experiences online. Parents, teachers, and students are encouraged to visit the esafety Commissioner website for current, reliable and useful information regarding online behaviours.
School Uniform Shop
The school uniform shop are taking bookings for uniform fittings. It is important that Year 9 students book in early for their senior uniforms. Please call Ranier to book an appointment on 4647 8942, please see flyer below.
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.
2020 school travel applications now open
Applications for student travel in 2020 opened on Friday, 11 October 2019.
Students progressing to year 3 and year 7 no longer need to re-apply if they:
· are continuing at the same school
· are residing at the same address
· have not been sent an expiry notification from Transport for NSW.
Where a student meets the new distance eligibility, the system will automatically update their entitlement. If they do not meet the new eligibility, they will receive an expiry notification via email.
Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition which is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.
Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.
If students need to update their information or re-apply, they should go online to https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/updateDetails
Applications need to be submitted before 31 December 2019 to ensure student entitlements are updated and their current entitlement/card is not cancelled. If their application is submitted after 31 December 2019, the system will automatically cancel an entitlement/card and a new one will need to be issued.
Students in the Opal network applying for a SSTS or Term Bus Pass entitlement for the first time will receive their card at their nominated postal address. Cards will be mailed out from January 2020.
Students residing in Rural and Regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the commencement of the new school year from their nominated operator, this may be distributed via the school or sent direct to their address. Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students/Parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.