St Benedict's Catholic College
Newsletter Friday 7 August 2020
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
The construction of the new school hall, that will be shared with St Justin’s, is well and truly underway – lots of dirt, diggers and construction fences! Over the next few weeks we can expect additional contractors on site as the builders work towards pouring the slab. A key feature of the hall is the inclusion of a gym, complete with specialised equipment and facilities for students. We would expect that the construction of the hall will have little impact on the day to day running of the College however, parents, carers and students will need to remain vigilant as they enter and leave the school site during the construction period.
In Week 5, Year 12 students commence their Trial HSC examinations. These examinations will provide students with valuable feedback about areas of strength but also where they may need to focus their revision and study program for the HSC Examinations in Term 4. Could I ask that you keep Year 12 students, their parents and teachers in your prayers.
As our Victorian friends, families and communities continue to face a second wave of COVID 19 infections and deaths, this week we also witnessed the destruction and devastation and loss of life in Beirut …..
We Pray for the first responders, medical professionals working tirelessly to help those people in crisis in Victoria and around the country. Pray for their endurance and focus.
We Pray for Beirut and Lebanon governments, that they would work efficiently to rebuild the city and provide aid to families in need.
We Pray for Christ to move in people’s hearts to encourage them to volunteer their time and resources. There is so much that needs to be done.
Pray for those without homes, those in hospitals and those grieving lost loved ones, that they would feel the arms of the comfort that only Christ can bring.
Pray for their peace in the midst of pandemic and tragedy.
St Benedict – Pray for us
Amen
Mobile Phones Updated Information
Our College is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment where all students can flourish. In today’s technology rich-world the mobile phone is an important communication tool, however, the presence and use of mobile phones in class and in other school activities can impact on students’ wellbeing, their capacity to build quality relationships and also their learning. In responding to these challenges, it is important we set College rules and guidelines that promote the safe and responsible use of digital technologies.
At St Benedict’s the mobile phone must be turned off at all times during the school day (Student Planner page 10). Exceptions apply to students where the device is part of their medical or health care plan, or if a teacher has given permission for students to use their device as part of the learning in a classroom setting.
Responsibility of Staff
Teachers and School Support Officers have the responsibility to ensure a safe and productive learning environment, free from the interference and distraction, and potential harm created by mobile phones. All staff are expected to follow the College guidelines in relation to the students’ use of mobile phones.
Teachers and School Support Officers have the right to confiscate the phone and deliver it to the Administration Office where it will be stored securely. For a first offence, the phone may be collected by the student at the end of the day. For subsequent offences within a term, the phone will be retained until collected by a parent/guardian.
Responsibility of Parent and Carers
Please do not phone or send text messages to your child during the school day. If urgent contact needs to be made, then contact the Administration Office and staff will communicate the information to your child.
Please note: All contact must be made through the Administration Office. Breaches of this requirement will result in a consequence for the student.
Important Points
- Mobile phones are NOT to be used for playing games or configuring of hotspots to allow access to the internet off the College network.
- It is a criminal offence to use a mobile phone to photograph, film or record another person without the permission of that person.
- It is a criminal offence to use a mobile phone to menace, harass or offend another person.
- If a student has not complied with the College’s Personal Electronic Device Policy and refuses to hand over mobile phone this will be viewed as a breach of the school’s policies.
- Mobile phones and all other personal electronic devices remain the responsibility of the student. The College accepts no responsibility for mobile phones and other personal electronic devices that are lost, damaged or stolen during the course of the school day.
Related Policies
CEDoW Social Media Policy
https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/about-us/policies/social-media-policy/
CEDoW Student Responsible Use of Technology Agreement
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VckLFh1DYwjznV3tYq1ZZo8Hb773aXCE/view
Congratulations Year 12 Drama Trial HSC
Last Friday 31 July the Year 12 Drama class presented their 2020 HSC individual Performances. In any normal year, putting together an individual performance or creating a project is definitely challenging, but this year there has been an extra layer of challenge for our students and their teacher Mr Alex Hayden, because of the changes to the program as a result of the COVID pandemic
All performances were entertaining and polished, and the projects were of a high standard. The students will now work to refine their performances and projects based on the feedback provided by the Drama markers ready for their HSC practical examination in September.
Congratulations Year 12 Drama students.
Warm regards
Kerrie Piatek
Principal
Reminders
- Year 9 Parents: Senior uniform needs to be ordered for 2021. See Ranier information below.
- Keep Covid safe: If your child is sick, keep them home. See below for Covid updates.
Parents please take note
- Please do not enter details of Covid test for your child through Compass, please notify the office.
FROM THE P & F
Hello from the P&F
A funding proposal for an upgrade to the school oval was approved on 30 June and it is great to see the sports goal posts on site being put to good use.
The P&F are also supporting Year 12 in the way of hospitality by providing refreshments in their Common room including hot chocolate for their enjoyment in their breaks and during study times.
A reminder - the next P&F meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 18 August. The agenda will be made available prior to the meeting on Compass and the Parent Portal. This will be set up as a Zoom meeting providing greater opportunity for parents to be involved.
Please rsvp to info@sbccdow.catholic.edu.au so that you can be sent the Zoom link to participate.
The P&F can be contacted via the email address pandf@sbccdow.catholic.edu.au
Stay safe and healthy and be kind to yourself.
Fiona Place
P & F President
International Day of the World’s indigenous Peoples 2020
FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
We are well and truly back in the swing of school with many events occurring over the course of the last two weeks at Bennies.
Music and Drama Trial
Our HSC Music and Drama students have recently completed their trial performance exam – congratulations to the group on their efforts and performances so far. The feedback was positive and shows the dedication and commitment of our students. The HSC performances for these groups are just around the corner and we wish both classes the best of luck as they prepare for these important events.
College Assembly
Our College Assembly last week was slightly different as we moved to a pre-recorded video rather than live Zoom presentations. As restrictions continue, we are looking at a variety of methods to engage with staff, students and families.
School Photo Day
Last week, we also had our school photo day. Although we were unable to have group and class photos, we were fortunate enough to have individual photos for students.
UOW Visit
We had staff members from the University of Wollongong visit some of our Year 12 students this week and aid them in their application for university. This is always a stressful and challenging process for Year 12 and we are grateful for the support of UOW in supporting our students in completing their applications.
MISA Debating
MISA Debating is back – albeit via Zoom. The junior teams have been in action over the last few weeks and we are pleased to say that they continue to perform very well. Congratulations to Mrs Mizzi and the team on their efforts to date.
Year 12 Trial HSC Examinations
Week 5 sees the beginning of the HSC Trial Examinations. We wish our Year 12 students’ good luck in these exams, as they (in most cases) are heavily weighted to the overall assessment mark.
We keep Year 12 in our thoughts and prayers over the coming weeks.
Mr David Costin
Assistant Principal
Year 12 enjoying some light refreshments during a well deserved break
DATES TO REMEMBER
Saturday 8 August - Feast of St. Mary MacKillop
Monday 10 - 14 August - Science Week
Monday 17 - Monday 31 August - Year 12 Trial Exams
Tuesday 18 August - P & F Meeting
Friday 28 August - Year 10 Vaccination Day
Tomorrow is the Feast Day of St Mary MacKillop - Australia's first Saint!
To help celebrate this special occasion please find information to live stream masses that are being offered:
Diocese of Wollongong | Feast Day Mass of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop – 8 August 2020
On the feast day of St Mary MacKillop (8 August) the Diocese of Wollongong, in collaboration with the Diocesan Catholic Women’s League, usually celebrates Mass at one of the churches where Mary MacKillop visited during her lifetime. Due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions and limitations arising from that, this year we will be filming a special Liturgy of the Word for the feast day. You are invited to view the liturgy on the diocesan YouTube channel and website www.dow.org.au on Saturday, 8 August 2020.
Alternatively, there is a live mass that will be streamed at 10 am from Mary Mackillop Place. You can get further information on how to access this event at the following website:
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MISSION AND VISION
“As we progress in this way of life and in faith, we shall run on the path of God’s commandments, our hearts overflowing with the inexpressible delight of love”
St Benedict’s Rule #49
Community is one of the core values in St Benedict’s Rule. It is through community that members can feel a sense of belonging and purpose. Here in our own St Benedict’s College community we see examples everyday of how our own community can unite, challenge and support each other to help achieve our very best. Whether in our social justice initiatives, through our class liturgies, seminars and study sessions for our students or in our interactions with others, community is at the heart of our school.
On Tuesday, our students will be gifted with a beautiful bookmark that has been handmade for them by the staff in our College Library. They have made these keepsakes as a reminder to everyone of the sense of community that we have. Whether we are working from school, or at home, this bookmark will help us to remember that we share the belief in ‘Love of God, Love of Neighbour and Love of Learning’. These bookmarks have been blessed by Father David and we hope will serve as a reminder of the significance our school community has in the lives of all its members.
On Saturday we will celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Mary MacKillop. As Australia's first Saint, she is an inspiration for many as a role model who worked tirelessly with the Sisters of St Joseph to educate Australian children, as well as to help the disadvantaged and poor. We too, in our school community can take inspiration from the words of Mary Mackillop - "never see a need without doing something about it" and be challenged to live up to these words in our own daily lives.
Social Justice Update - Bennies Bring a Blanket
Last Friday we had the privilege of hosting our first ever Bennies Bring a Blanket - Virtually!
This was a wonderful opportunity for members of our College to come together in solidarity to consider the issue of homelessness. The night began with prayers and reflections led by students in the College which led to an online homelessness simulation activity. Our guest speaker Mrs Learmonth also joined us in the evening with an interview where she discussed her important work with the organisation Orange Sky Laundry. She volunteers in the Campbelltown area to help support the homeless community with clean clothes, a hot shower and a gentle ear to listen.
The night ended with a hot cup of soup under the stars and an opportunity to watch a family movie and prayer. We would like to thank all the staff and students who helped to organise all aspects of the evening for their time and talents. Thank you to all the members of the community who were able to join us and make this a special evening whilst raising awareness of the issue of homelessness.
Thank you must be extended to Mr Morris and the Year 8 team who have led the social justice initiative of the Winter Appeal with collecting warm blankets, warm clothes, food, toiletries and money to help support those who are in difficult circumstances this winter.
International Day of the World’s indigenous Peoples 2020
The 9 of August is International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. We give thanks for the sacredness of the traditions and cultures of our Indigenous sisters and brothers, whom through their example have enlightened our way to walk gently upon this earth which our Creator has gifted us.
Year 12 Religion Catholic Studies Update
During their last double Catholic Studies lesson before their HSC Trial Examinations, Year 12 students participated in a Liturgy in the College Prayer Garden. The focus was on the challenges of life, and how we can turn the burdens we carry and boulders we face into strength. We reflected on the Scripture of Matthew where Jesus speaks of his followers actively living out his teaching, and how this is the foundation or ‘rock’ for building strong, lasting relationships. Students considered how they will be building on this ‘rock’ through their daily acts of faithfulness and love in all the ups and downs of life.
Students received a river stone and wrote on it, a virtue or other good quality they would like to be mindful of during the year. They received a second stone with the name of a peer on it, and shared a quality that they admire in that person, and passed that stone onto them.
We closed the Liturgy by praying the following:
In the face of the boulders of disrespect for all who are different,
Let us be pebbles of respect for the dignity and diversity of every person.
In the face of the boulders of having it always my way,
Let us be pebbles of mutuality and humility.
In the face of boulders of tuning out others,
Let us be pebbles of listening love.
In the face of the boulders of grudges and retaliation,
Let us be pebbles of forgiving love.
In the face of the boulders of using more than our share,
Let us be pebbles of simple sufficiency.
In the face of the boulders of violence against other species and the earth herself,
Let us be pebbles of beauty and respect.
In the face of the boulders of discrimination,
Let us be pebbles of solidarity.
We come to Jesus, ”the living stone, rejected by the builders”, but chosen and precious in the sight of God. We ask that we, like living stones, may be built into a spiritual house, to become a holy people giving glory and honour to God.
Amen.
Thank you Year 12. - we wish you all the best for your upcoming examinations.
Ms Tabitha Brown, Ms Shontelle Ferguson and Ms Melissa Pereira
RE Work of the Week!
This week Mrs Grego has nominated Madison H. from 7 Norcia for her prayer that she has written in her Year 7 RE class. The topic that they are studying is called ‘Ways of Praying’ and students are being challenged to consider the many and varied ways in which you can pray. This includes using music, art, contemplation and meditation!
Well done Madison - you have earned 10 points for Norcia!
God Bless everyone;
Mrs Tarnya Grana
Acting Director of Mission and Vision
SCIENCE WEEK Monday 10 to Friday 14 August
National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of Science and Technology. It aims to provide an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of scientists, innovators, designers and entrepreneurs to the world of Science. Here at St Benedict’s, Science Week is being celebrated next week and this year, we hope to encourage our students to become fascinated by our planet’s oceans, which cover two-thirds of its surface and help control its weather systems and the make-up of the atmosphere.
‘Deep Blue: innovation for the future of our oceans’ is the school theme for National Science Week in 2020. The Science Faculty at St Benedict’s will be running some fun activities throughout the week:
· Deep Blue Escape Challenges in each of the junior science classes.
· Academic Care Kahoot Challenges each morning
· Education Perfect Championship for Year 7
· ‘Finding Nemo’ showing in the Library each lunch-time
· Some fun activities in the Science Labs at lunch (more information to come).
We encourage all our students to get involved and have a great week!
Maria de Lima
Science Coordinator
DEBATING NEWS
Unfortunately the school we were to debate against had to forfeit giving both the Year 7 and Year 8 teams a win.
However, we decided to have a debate with the 2 teams pitted against each other. The Year 7 team won that debate.
CAPA NEWS
It has been a busy fortnight for the CAPA department. Our Year 12 Music students, led by Mr O’Donnell, presented their major works (performance, Viva Voce or compositions) to external markers for their Trial HSC. A big congratulations to all of our music students; we are so proud of them all. This was a closed event with no audience, sorry no photos.
The Music HSC practical HSC (80%) is coming up in Term 3, Week 8 (the date is yet to be released).
Also this week, our Year 12 Drama students, led by Mr Hayden, also presented their major IP works to external markers. A successful Trial HSC for our Drama students whom we are also very proud of; congratulations.
Our Year 12 Drama students are now busily preparing for their HSC exam scheduled for Friday 4 September.
Art club is our new feature for this fortnight running every Wednesday at lunch time in J3 with Mrs Castelli and Mrs Andonopoulos. All are welcome.
Our first creation – painting picnic tables
CAPA Catch Up
Choir also began this week, led by the talented Lara. 19 of our students from Years 7 – 11 enjoyed the experience of learning with a professional vocalist. We are excited about what is to come.
Band students have been working very hard with Mr O’Donnell on a Tuesday afternoon. Currently they are working on a Queen medley featuring the extraordinary Bohemian Rhapsody. Soon they will be preparing for the Year 12 Graduation Mass.
In the next few weeks, Mrs Andonopoulos, together with some of our Indigenous students, will bring to life an Artwork about the land of Oran Park and its surroundings. This mural will be placed in a prominent position within the school for students to use to learn about the story of our land before the school was built. Yet another exciting opportunity.
School entries for Fisher’s Ghost Art Award, 2020 are now open. Applications are open for only one month and close on 2 September. Please see Mrs Castelli for further information.
Thanks
Mrs Koryzma
CAPA Coordinator
SPORTS NEWS
Sport House Point Update
Yours in Sport
Miss Julia Liska
Sport Coordinator
YOUTH MINISTRY UPDATE
College Wide Competition
The Youth Ministry Leaders have developed a College wide competition entitled “Where do you see God?” Students from St Benedict’s are encouraged to create an Artwork or Photograph on where they see God in their life.
They are to submit their entry to Miss Brown either via email (brownt02@dow.catholic.edu.au) or in person.
There are a variety of prizes up for grabs including Gift Cards, chocolates and house points.
Entries are now open and close on Friday 21st August.
If you have any questions please see a YML or Miss Brown.
Youth Ministry Leaders for 2021
Year 10 students have the opportunity to apply to be a Youth Ministry leader for 2021. Applications opened today and the students applying have till August 21st to complete their application.
Kind regards
Miss Brown
Teacher in Charge
St Mary MacKillop Youth Group
Student leaders have had to organise the program, create the runsheet and handle the videos and discussion since Mr Arblaster finished his time with us.
We have two leader groups: 1) Emily A with a young parishioner who completed school last year and 2) Grace C and Sydney M. Grace’s dad, Karl, and Sydney’s mum, Amanda, sit in as adult supervision but do not run the meeting.
I have been extremely impressed with both the maturity and faith displayed by these girls. Emily was also a great teacher as a catechist at Leppington Public when the school was still able to send students to assist with SRE on Tuesdays. She really was in charge of the Yr 4-6 group while the adult catechist watched on.
Sydney and Grace have both have a wonderful enthusiasm in working with the youth group. I have to commend Grace in particular for the gentle awareness she displays in dealing with students with disabilities and how she ensures they are included. She combines faith with great stewardship.
God Bless
Yours sincerely
Kevin
Pastoral Associate
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 3.
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.