St Benedict's Catholic College
Newsletter Friday 24 July 2020
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Welcome back to Term 3
How quickly did the Term 2 holiday weeks pass? I know that many of our students really appreciated the chance to holiday with their families and also enjoyed the return of their community sports during this time. It does seem like only yesterday that I was writing to you about taking time to relax and enjoy the Term 2 break, not knowing the challenges that would be faced by our surrounding communities because of the outbreak of COVID 19 hotspots.
Returning to school this week we have focused on reviewing our Staff and Student Health and Safety Guidelines and updating our procedures and protocols based on new directives from CEDoW and NSW Health. Importantly, we have been reminding our students about the importance of practising good hygiene and working with staff to ensure safe practices within the classroom. All student Year Meetings and School Assemblies, as well as Parent and Friends’ Meetings, will continue to be held via Zoom for the foreseeable future.
We are so proud of our Year 12 students who, despite the ongoing changes to their HSC study program and the absence of many of the right-of-passage events that are a highlight of the final year of schooling, are getting on with their studies, displaying a positive attitude and continually looking for ways to improve in their subject areas. This was particularly evident by the large number of Year 12 students who participated in holiday study sessions and major project workshops, either at the College or via Zoom. A special thank you to our amazing and dedicated HSC teaching staff that facilitated these workshops and study sessions during the holiday period.
I would like to advise the school community that late last term, Mrs Colleen Mitchell, the College’s Aboriginal Education Assistant, announced her retirement. Colleen has been responsible for implementing and promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, particularly in Secondary schools in the Macarthur region over many years and most recently at St Benedict’s. Our students and staff have benefitted from her knowledge and wisdom as an Aboriginal Elder and community member. We wish Colleen all the best and will formally farewell her later this year.
We are all learning a new “normal“ in these unprecedented times. On Thursday our Year 10 students represented the College in a Zoom History Debating Competition. Congratulations to Charlotte, Rhiannan, Amy, Sophia and Emily and their coach, Ms Tabitha Brown, who were successful against All Saints College, Liverpool.
New College Hall
Last term we announced that approval had been given for the construction of a multi-purpose hall for the joint use of St Benedict’s Catholic College and St Justin’s Parish Primary School. This week temporary fencing is being erected and site sheds put in place in readiness for the build. In the early stage of construction there should be minimal impact to traffic flow and parking, however there are likely to be occasions when there will be some disruption. We plan to communicate this information to parents well in advance.
It is extremely exciting to know that sometime in early Term 2 2021 that our students, staff and their families will have access to this new facility. We hope to share the plans and important practical information with the community in the coming weeks. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.
School Oval
Over the holidays our sports oval upgrade has commenced with the installation of goal posts and line marking of the school oval. Work will continue over the next few months to ensure a quality playing surface for our students.
Thanks again to the Parents and Friends who are funding this project.
Gracious God,
We give thanks anew for your providence and presence.
We prayerfully seek your grace, amidst COVID-19 here and especially in Victoria.
We pray for those in need of healing.
We pray for your peace with those who are anxious or grieving.
We pray you will continue to strengthen and sustain
all those who are serving in response.
We pray for your Holy Spirit’s discernment
amidst the many choices and decisions
facing our national, community and medical leaders.
We pray we each might see quickly what more we can do
to help those who are vulnerable.
This prayer for our community within our surrounding communities
with all that is on our hearts,
we gather now and pray
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
St Benedict
Pray for Us
Amen.
FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
As we return to Term 3 we see continued challenges that are presented to our communities around COVID-19. I thank all staff and students for their continued adherence to the policies and procedures at Bennies – as they are important in keeping all in our community safe.
Despite these challenges, over the course of the last 2 weeks, there has been a lot happening around school.
Years 7-10 Parent, Teacher, Student interviews
Last term we held our Parent, Teacher, Student interviews for years 7-10. The changes brought about from COVID-19 meant that these had to be conducted via zoom. This has proved to be an effective measure of meeting with families in our current circumstances. I encourage all students and families to look at advice they have been given from their teachers about how to improve their grades, and set goals and strategies in the coming week to achieve this. Additionally, students could look at feedback that they have received from their assessment tasks as well as their reports to further analyse areas for growth and improvement.
Careers Update
At the end of last term, our senior students had the opportunity to partake in a zoom with representatives from the Australian Catholic University. Again, these sessions are a great opportunity for students to find out information about the Universities and courses that are offered.
Year 11 Awards Ceremony
Year 11 had their Awards Ceremony at the end of last term. This gave us an opportunity to celebrate the success and efforts of our Year 11 students at the beginning of the preliminary course. It was pleasing to see so many students recognised for their performances so far – keep up the great work Year 11.
Year 12 study classes in the holidays
It was pleasing to see so many of our Year 12 students involved in study sessions over the 2 week holiday period. Not only were students of major work at school, but several subjects offered students the chance to come in for revision and skill refinement. Thanks to all staff for their efforts in supporting our Year 12 students.
Year 12 CAS/SOR Classes
Our Year 12 students in their respective RE classes attended sessions from ‘Together for Humanity’. This gave our students important information about interfaith dialogue and the challenges that people have in living with discrimination. Thanks to the RE team for organising this event.
Mr David Costin
Assistant Principal
YEAR 12 - TOGETHER FOR HUMANITY
DATES TO REMEMBER
Tuesday 28 July - Year 12 HSC Trial Music Performance
Friday 31July - Bennies Bring a Blanket Evening at Home
Friday 31 July - Year 12 HSC Trial Drama Performance Night
Friday 31 July - School Photo Day
Saturday 8 August - Feast of St. Mary MacKillop
Monday 17 - Monday 31 August - Year 12 Trial Exams
Currently, around 38,000 people are homeless in NSW and 116,00 across Australia, a problem that needs to be addressed. One of the lead contributors to the cause of those in need, The St Vincent De Paul Society, or Vinnies for short, runs an annual Winter’s Appeal, which collects warm clothing and essential items for those in need living in poverty.
St Benedict’s helps support this cause each year with our own Winter Appeal and the event of Bennies Bring a Blanket which allows students to participate in a sleepout and gain an understanding of what it’s like to live on the streets. The annual event of Bennies Bring a Blanket always proves to be a successful and fun event but unfortunately, due to the current circumstances in regard to the Covid-19 pandemic, Bennies Bring a Blanket cannot go ahead as it usually would. However, we have decided to change Bennies Bring a Blanket to a remote event. This remote event will take place on 24 July in the evening, when students at home can enjoy a schedule of activities and videos in place of the traditional sleepout, such as musical performances and a zoom call with teachers and fellow students. We encourage all students to create their own sleepout at home, and we encourage parents to send in pictures of students participating.
Activities will be held at school prior to the event and donations to the Winter Appeal will be taken in the following few weeks. We encourage all students to participate in donating and in the remote sleepout.
Hope everyone is excited to participate in this year’s Bennies Bring a Blanket!
Joseph C
Year 8
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MISSION AND VISION
“Listen carefully, my son, to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart”. RB Prologue
Welcome back to Term 3! On June 11 during the school holidays, we celebrated the Feast Day of our patron, Saint Benedict, whose charism is at the heart of our school community. As a community we are called to remember the importance of this special charism that unites us and guides us in our daily living. Community is a very important part of St Benedict’s Rule, it is something to be proud of, to be committed to and to feel a part of. During these uncertain times we can recognise the importance of our own College community - the support and care that we have been showing to support each other. As we enter into the busyness of Term 3, as a community let us remember the words of Sister Hilda Frost (OSB).
“In all his teaching Benedict keeps coming back to one essential truth: Christ is really present in each person we encounter - within our community, family, workplace or elsewhere. Everyone is to be loved, respected, honoured, (RB 4) listened to (RB 3) and welcomed as Christ (RB 53) Everyone without exception, is to be treated with gentleness and compassion (RB 64: 36). It is a matter of accepting ourselves and one another as we really are: forgiving each other, encouraging and supporting one another..”
Year 12 - Together For Humanity Interfaith Dialogue Workshop
On Monday our Year 12 students had the opportunity to engage with the team from Together for Humanity. The purpose of this experience was to meet members of our extended community from different faith backgrounds and to have the chance to participate in “interfaith dialogue”. As this is an important part of the Year 12 Studies of Religion and Catholic Studies syllabus this was an opportunity to witness it in real life, and give the students a real world example they can use in their upcoming exams.
But what is interfaith dialogue? It is the intentional encounter between individuals who adhere to differing religious beliefs and practices in an effort to foster respect and cooperation among these groups (Agrawal & Barratt, 2014.). The students were able to meet with Rabbi Zulman who spoke to the students about his Jewish faith, Calisha who offered insights into Islam and Mark who discussed the Christian tradition, whose interaction together helped model peace and respect of each others religious beliefs and practices.
The students were able to hear from the personal experiences of the presenters and were invited to participate in activities that encouraged them to think about why it is important for society as a whole that interfaith dialogue occurs. The students asked many questions that helped them to understand more about the religious traditions and the beliefs and practices they each have. Rabbi Zulman brought in a special ancient scroll written on parchment of the Book of Esther from the Hebrew Scriptures, a special gift from his wife as a part of his wedding ceremony.
I would like to thank Mrs Periera and the Year 12 RE teachers for their support of this learning experience, the team at Together For humanity for their time and the students of Year 12 who took the opportunity to gain new insight into their studies.
Social Justice Focus
Term 3 begins with the continuation of the Year 8 Winter Appeal! So far we have been given a number of lovely warm blankets, scarves, beanies and winter clothing. We have been given lots of long life food items - cans of soup, beans, milk and cereals. Also toiletries like soaps, toothbrushes and toothpaste. We will still keep collecting these items during the week. Year 8 students will come to Academic Care in the morning to collect items!
Our annual winter event, Bennie’s Bring a Blanket has been rescheduled to Friday 31 July 2020. Due to the impact of Covid - 19 and the importance of social distancing, this event will be held via a virtual setting this year! A schedule will be sent out shortly, but this night will be a great way for our community to come together whilst engaging in the issues of homelessness through workshops and entertainment. As we would usually share a cup of soup on the night, we do encourage our families to join us with their own cup of soup at home, which will end with a family movie to enjoy! Keep an eye out for more information shortly.
Religion Work of the Week!
This week Mr Agoo has nominated Annabelle M. 7 Hildegard for her work entitled ‘Who is St Benedict?’. Her poster shows a deep understanding of our patron Saint! Congratulations Annabelle - You have earned 10 points for Hildegard!
Let us continue to see the face of Christ in all whom we encounter.
God Bless;
Mrs Tarnya Grana
Acting Director of Mission and Vision
Year 10 - The J.A Thompson History Debating Competition
On Thursday, 23 July, a group of students in Year 10 competed in The J.A Thompson History Debating competition. The 2020 competition has been conducted under different circumstances as a result of COVD-19, now having the competition being in a knockout format and via zoom.
St Benedict’s debated against All Saint’s on the topic, "That the impact of Mabo vs QLD (2) on Aboriginal peoples has been overstated".
As the negative team the students argued the significance of the Mabo case and the long lasting impact of the results. The team consisted of Charlotte G-W, Rhiannan E, Amy C, Sophia L and Emily K.
The girls were successful in the debate and progress to the next round against Tara on the topic of “That John Howard’s legacy should be centred on his economic achievements.”
Miss Tabitha Brown
Teacher in Charge
CAPA NEWS
On Tuesday this week dance troupe began. We welcomed Hayley Huges into our school to provide students from year 7 – 11 an opportunity to express themselves through dance. A one-hour high energy jazz funk routine was achieved.
What an exciting new opportunity for our students.
Yet another opportunity for students, Band began on Tuesday afternoon with Mr O’Donnell. Band will be working on modern pieces as well as liturgical pieces and any performances required for events around our school community.
Music tuition also returned face to face this term with 36 students involved in the program. If you are interested in learning an instrument, please email Mrs Koryzma for details.
Our new fortnightly choir program will begin in week 3. Time has been spent this week ensuring all social distancing measures are in place for the safety of our students and the choir master.
Coming soon – Art club and Drama club. Please keep an eye out on compass and in future newsletters for starting dates.
Grease the Musical
It is with great sadness that I announce that we will not be rescheduling our school production of Grease. In these uncertain times it is difficult to organise and promise our students an event that gathers large amounts of people in one place for a long period of time. We will organise a school production when gathering closely together is the norm again.
Thanks
Jenny Koryzma
YEAR 11 VISUAL ART
Year 11 began their final unit of the Preliminary Visual Art Course this week called 'The Human Form'. We spent a fun morning, drawing each other, exploring shape and movement.
Sara-Jane Castelli
Visual Arts Teacher
Phone Pouches
The CAPA department have introduced phone pouches to each of their classrooms. Often our students become distracted with the constant notifications/vibrations of their phone in their pockets throughout our lessons. Sometimes this leads to students asking to visit the bathroom where they may respond to these notifications losing valuable class time.
However, the mobile is a great tool to use in Creative Arts. The cameras in photography and visual arts, backing tracks in music and filming in drama all provide a link to how society and technology connect in the wider community.
In order to get that healthy balance, we have introduced a system where the student will place their phone into the pouches in the classroom when they enter. The phone will stay there throughout the lesson unless requested by the teacher for classroom use.
If a student is caught with their phone out in class, the regular school rules will apply.
SPORTS NEWS
Yours in Sport
Miss Julia Liska
Sport Coordinator
ABSENCES
We ask Parents/Carers to only report all day absences via COMPASS, part day absences should be reported to the office via phone on 4631 5300 or email to info@sbccdow.catholic.edu.au
If a student is having an absence of 3 days or more, a request should be sent to the Principal via email to info@sbccdow.catholic.edu.au
If a student is having an absence of 10 days or more an Application for Extended Leave should be completed and submitted to the office with a copy of the students itinerary, if the absence is within Australia or a copy of flight tickets if the extended leave is to be outside Australia. A copy of the Application for Extended Leave can be found here .
FIRST AID NOTICE
Given the presence of COVID-19 coupled with the commencement of the influenza (flu) season, our school has an important responsibility to provide a safe environment for students and staff. Your child should not attend school if they are showing any flu like symptoms.
If a student is sent to the office with flu like symptoms we will place them in isolation and call their parents to organise for them to be collected as soon as possible.
Your support in keeping our school healthy and safe is appreciated.
LOST & FOUND
We have a number of unmarked clothing items, jewellery, reading glasses and containers which would like to be returned to their owners. Please ask your child/ren to come to the office if they may have lost one of these items.
We ask parents to check that all their child/rens items are marked clearly with their name in permanent marker.
Any items not collected will be given to the P & F Clothing Pool at the end of Term 2.
UPDATE FROM RANIER SCHOOL UNIFORM SHOP
Ranier Shop guidelines – Covid-19
- No more than 1 family in the store at a time (or allowing 1.5m gap)
- Staff to remain behind the counter when customers are present
- Any customer displaying any illness will be requested to leave the store and purchase online or by phone
- Counter will be disinfected with spray and paper towel (or disposable wipe) throughout the day
- Tap and go payments are encouraged
- Hand sanitiser is available at all times for customers.
- Any returned stock (including fitting room returns) is to be placed on the counter by the customer.
P & F CLOTHING POOL
Please contact the P&F via pandf@sbccdow.catholic.edu.au with a list of your requirements and a contact telephone number and Tracey will contact you with availability.
CatholicCare now offers the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) in the Macarthur region, helping seniors to access entry-level support services to live independently and safely at home.
If your grandparents, parent(s) or anyone you know requires aged care assistance at home, please ask them to call 4628 0044 and ask for Melissa or Colleen.