St Benedict's Catholic College
Newsletter 15 March 2019
2020 APPLICATIONS FOR YEAR 7
If you missed our Information Evening, the application package is now available from the College office, or by downloading from the College website (www.sbccdow.catholic.edu.au), under the Enrolment tab.
School tours may be arranged through the College Office. Tours are held during school hours for prospective parents and students to see a working school and to get a true sense of the Benedictine culture.
Applications close: Friday 12 April
SCHOOL TOURS - NOW ON FOR YEAR 7, 2020
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Dear Parents
If you had to write an acknowledgements section of your life so far, who would you thank? Parents, teachers, your partner? We encourage our children to show gratitude, to be thankful, but how often do they actually seek assistance or help?
Growing up, my Dad (like your parents no doubt) often used the saying; “It never hurts to ask.” Over the years as a young person and then an adult I held this belief and now, bringing up my own family, I have created a ‘norm’ within the culture of my own home that ‘it never hurts to ask.’ This phrase and ‘motto’ gives us permission to fail; permission for us to not receive a ‘yes’ and permission to try again.
As at school, so at home. Strengthening a positive family culture begins somewhere. Remember those people on your acknowledgements section of your life so far? All those people who gave you help and support; some you asked, some you didn’t. There is always someone willing to help. Remember – it never hurts to ask.
Term 1, continues apace with a number of exciting events across the College. Each day excited Year 6 students and their parents are touring our new facilities and watching classes in action. Dependent on the time of day of the tour, our visitors have been watching Science, Woodwork, Hospitality, Music, Drama and Art classes as well as participating in some Year 7 History, visiting the Café at Recess or Lunch and watching PDHPE on the Oval or in the Cloister. The Bennies Tours continue for the remainder of the term and through the enrolment interview time period. Interviews for siblings begin shortly so those families who have siblings in Year 6 will need to get their applications finalised in the next few weeks. At our Information Night held 2 weeks ago I outlined once again the “Great Myths” of enrolment. A reminder to parents that, amongst other myths mentioned, (a) There are no local boundaries (b) Catholics have a priority but typically, don’t fill all our Year 7 enrolments and (c) All intending students must fill out the enrolment form, including siblings and Year 6 students from St Justins which is one of 4 local catholic schools we draw from.
Last Friday, we held our first “Flourish Day”. It was a wonderful day, blessed with good weather and with a focus on a number of “Character Strengths” which parents will hear more of in the coming year. From Bravery to Spirituality, Good Judgment to Teamwork and Self Regulation to Appreciation of Beauty each year group undertook activities which highlighted one of the strengths. Congratulations to all the students for the great spirit that was shown and in a particular way to Mr. Turner, Mrs. Logue and our wonderful Year Coordinators for the effort that went into coordinating and managing the diverse activities that went on during the day.
In our Continuing Education Programme for Parents, the first of our annual two-session Parenting Seminar was held this week with a great group of enthusiastic and interested parents attending. It was fantastic seeing so many parents attending and sharing their stories – over the last few years our focus has increasingly been on how we can support and work with parents in their parenting journey rather than “how can you help us at school”.
Our HSC Evening for Year 12 parents featuring our 2018 DUX, Maddy Crawford, workshops on study, pathways for TAFE and University and understanding the ATAR was held on Thursday Night and well attended by interested Year 12 parents who braved the hail and storms on Thursday night. We are entering the ‘business end’ of the HSC and the workshops were a way of fine tuning student habits and parental support as we enter the next phase of preparation.
You will read elsewhere of the many positive things happening in the College at the moment. At the recent Diocesan Mass Director of Schools, Mr Peter Turner, spoke of Catholic Schools being places of “Hope”. In a year where we begin our College journey around strengths-based teaching and strengths-based parenting and, at a time when being a Catholic is demonstrably difficult, this school stands on its record of being a place of Hope for its students and its community.
Warm regards
Michael Hanratty
Principal
A message from Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong
Thank you for joining our Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) schools across the Illawarra, Macarthur, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands, and Catholic school communities across NSW, in celebrating Catholic Schools Week for 2019. It's been a wonderful week of open days, activities, masses, liturgies and other special events - including the Diocesan Education Mass, which was a significant highlight of CSW. Read more about the Mass and listen to Director of Schools, Peter Turner's speech at www.dow.catholic.edu.au/mass2019
Catholic Schools Week has showcased some of the fantastic things happening in our schools every day, and has very much highlighted our local Catholic schools - including yours! - as vibrant places of learning, faith, hope and opportunity. Thank you for your involvement.
We'd like to share with you our small Catholic Schools Week video that has been promoted throughout last week. It can be found at www.bit.ly/2XRyyHX or at www.dow.catholic.edu.au/mass2019
Can you spot the students from your school in the video?
DATES TO REMEMBER
Tuesday 19 March - Understanding your Teen - Night 2
Wednesday 20 March - Year 12 English excursion - The Crucible
Thursday 21 March - LIVE Event
Friday 22 March - Year 11 Excursion Minnamurra Rainforest
Wednesday 27 March - Australian Geography Competition starts
Thursday 28 March - Thursday 4 April - Year 12 Assessment Block
Friday 29 March - Unite 4 Festival
Friday 5 April - Year 7 Vaccinations
Wednesday 10 April - Year 7 Transition Report
Friday 12 April - Last day of Term 1
Monday 29 April - First day of Term 2 (Week B)
Tuesday 30 April - ANZAC Day Ceremony
FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
The last few weeks continued to see many opportunities and activities provided to our staff and students. Just a few of those have included:
Catholic School Week:
Last week was Catholic Schools week which was a great way to celebrate our faith and our school community. This celebration couples with the beginning of the Lenten Season, which is a reminder to us of the importance of being prayer people. It inspires our community as a reminder of the pillars of our school – for students to show a Love of God, Love of Neighbour and Love of Learning.
Caritas Launch:
Last week we also sent students to the Caritas Launch. This is a wonderful experience for students as they gain a greater understanding of our faith, as well as the importance of almsgiving – and helping those in need. The stories of Project Compassion this year will again provide the emphasis for the Prayer Focus for the reminder of the term. Students will also be involved in fundraising activities to raise money for Caritas to support their Project Compassion initiatives.
Ash Wednesday:
Ash Wednesday celebrations were held last week to mark the beginning of Lent. I had the opportunity to attend the Year 10 celebration and it was great to see so many students engaged in the liturgy. The students were provided with a solid understanding of Ash Wednesday as well as some of the requirements of the season.
Diocesan Education Mass:
Last Thursday several staff members from St Benedict’s attended the annual Diocesan Education Mass. The mass was celebrated by Bishop Brian and was a beautiful celebration of Catholic education in our Diocese. It was also a great way to start the academic year.
Flourish Day:
The College held its first flourish day last week. This day is designed to help students to flourish at school. There was a wide range of activities throughout the school, with each year group’s activity carefully planned to ensure that students were able to take something out of the day. Congratulations to all staff involved in such a rewarding day.
Parenting Seminar (Night 1):
Once again we were lucky enough to have our counsellor, Ms Gloria Melham, run our Parenting Seminar this week. We are most fortunate to have Gloria work here at St Benedict’s, and to provide our parents with such wonderful advice on raising teenagers. There is a second night to this program which will be held next week.
HSC Improvement Workshop Evening:
This week we also held our HSC Improvement Workshop evening for parents and students. There was plenty of valuable information provided to families and students as Year 12 embark on their final year of education. It was great to hear advice from last year’s College Dux, Maddison Crawford – who was able to talk to our families about some of the challenges of the HSC. As the busy assessment period for Year 12 is taking hold – we wish all of our Year 12 students the best in their endeavours this year.
Cross Country Carnival:
Unfortunately due to the weather, the cross country carnival was cancelled. At a time in the next few weeks, serious competitors will be given an opportunity to complete – more information will be provided by Miss Liska.
Year 7 2020 Applications and School Tours:
A reminder to all families that Year 7 2020 applications are now open and to ensure that you return these over the coming weeks. Additionally any family that is interested in a School Tour should contact the College Office and book a spot.
Parent information for study skills - Elevate resources:
Recently the students were involved in the Elevate Education sessions designed to help provide them with skills around study. Below is some important information that families may find useful in supporting their children in their studies.
Student Portal: https://austudent.elevateeducation.com/
Parent Portal: https://au.elevateeducation.com/parent-info
The portal password is “rondo”
Warm regards
Mr David Costin
Assistant Principal
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MISSION AND VISION
Lent is a time for prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Almsgiving? We understand alms as charity, assistance, gifts for the poor, donations, contributions, or offerings. Basically, almsgiving means doing good for others. Jesus has something to say about HOW to do that in scripture.
Jesus said to his friends, “When you give to the poor, don’t make a big show of it. When you are praying, don’t do it in front of everyone so they’ll think you’re really good. When you fast, don’t make a big production of it. If you do everything for show, you’ll already have the only reward you’re going to get”.
(Matthew 6: 1 - 6, 16 - 18)
Gives alms today “in secret”. Do good for someone. Lent is not about GIVING UP something (although it can be). It is about GIVING TO OTHERS and focusing on one's relationship with God.
THOUGHT
This Lent, how can I be of greater service to others, and start “thinking about myself less”? How often do I have the strength/the courage/the vulnerability to acknowledge that I’m not always perfect?
During Lent the College is raising money for Project Compassion. Many great initiatives are in planning and some even underway. A House competition will also take place next week, which House can create the longest coin trail plus the trail with the most money value.
Caritas Launch - Mass Tuesday 5 March 2019 at St. Brigid’s Gwynneville
To mark the start of Lent, St Benedict’s gathered with 40 Catholic schools from the Diocese at St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School in Gwynneville to launch the Caritas’ Project Compassion appeal in Wollongong.
The 2019 theme launched by Caritas Australia is based around hope and giving Lent 100%. Hope allows us to rise above our fear to help those in need to face life’s challenges. On Tuesday 5 March everyone was definitely happy to give it their all, through their prayerful participation in the beautiful liturgy. "This Lent, we look to demonstrate how hope is possible for all generations, backgrounds, cultures and communities, who are part of our one human family,” said Caritas Diocesan Director for the Diocese, Monica Ward-McCann.“Jesus has given us a light that shines in the darkness; defend it, protect it. This unique light is the greatest richness entrusted to your life.” - Pope Francis
The message of HOPE was echoed in Bishop Brian Mascord’s reflection. “Our support empowers young people to build a hope-filled future for themselves, their families and their communities," he said. "Project Compassion gives us a real sense that we’re not just working for here in Wollongong, but right across the world. We’re saying we want to make a difference because we're followers of Jesus.”
Bishop Brian invited students to consider the ways they can help to bring hope to those in need. “We have begun our Lenten journey on a wonderful note, thinking about how we outreach to others and why,” he explained. “It’s a huge challenge and not something to do just for forty days, but every single day.”
During the liturgy, student representatives were asked to sign a covenant of compassion on behalf of all attendees as a symbol of the collective commitment to help the poor of the world. Each school was then invited to join in this commitment by receiving a Project Compassion mission box and candle to take back to their schools, presented by Bishop Brian and Mrs Ward-McCann.
Year 11 students from St Benedict’s, Emelia, Caleb and Morgan, said the launch was inspiring and sharing in the experience was valuable, particularly to hear the messages about 'the importance of doing things for others during Lent instead of just giving something up' and 'giving to others especially when we are fortunate to have a lot'.
Ash Wednesday Liturgies at the College
The commencement of Lent with Ash Wednesday saw beautiful liturgies held across the College. Students had the opportunity to watch Busted Halo’s LENT in 3 minutes video clip - https://youtu.be/Xo1mjuy1NA0 . Thank You to Staff and Students who led and participated so reverently in the liturgies.
Ash Wednesday is the first day of the Christian season of Lent. Lent is a time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, where we pray, act kindly and with mercy towards other people, give up things we enjoy and give to others, as we prepare to celebrate the great feast of Easter.
For forty days, we accompany Jesus on his passionate journey to Calvary and we see the mercy he shows, despite his suffering. Like Jesus, we try to show mercy to others, just as God shows us mercy. During Lent, let us take time to reflect on our lives and say sorry for any wrong doing. This repentance and reflection helps to lead us towards a meaningful Easter. In this very nature then, Lent is a time of hope as we renew our relationship with God.
The blessed ashes remind us that we belong to God and are preparing for Jesus’ death and resurrection. The ashes symbolise our need for repentance and renewal. The cross is a sign to remind us that just as Jesus gave of himself for others, we need to do the same.
This Lent, we are also making our journey with families around the world living in poverty, especially those who are unable to earn enough money to have the basic things they need like an education, medicine, food or clothing. This year, as we prepare for his death and resurrection, let us be motivated to give all of ourselves to Lent. Let us Give Lent 100%.
Regards
Mrs Kimberley Logue
Director of Mission and Vision
UPCOMING YOUTH MINISTRY EVENTS
HSC Special Provisions
Disability provisions for the Higher School Certificate are designed to assist students who couldn't otherwise make a fair attempt to show what they know in an exam room.
A formal application has to be made to apply for provisions, which will be determined by NESA. Provisions are granted solely by how the students exam performance is affected.
Students who think they may be eligible are encouraged to click on the link below for more information. Students will also need to contact Mrs Keedle as soon as possible, as formal applications need to be submitted by the end of Term 1.
https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/disability-provisions
ST BENEDICT'S FLOURISH DAY
YEAR 12 - Pastoral Day
Friday 8 March was a significant day for the St Benedict’s community. Our first ever Flourish Day was held, where students reflected upon their individuality, built stronger friendship ties with fellow peers, and developed a sense of community spirit. In addition, students were allowed to wear casual clothes, thus allowing each other to express uniqueness and personality. The day consisted of a number of different activities completed by every year group including Pastoral days, Retreat days, Geography excursion and U-Turn the Wheel.
In particular, Year 12 students focused on their HSC journey. As small groups, students brainstormed ideas on how to stay organised, develop and maintain positive study habits and how to cope with stress during exam blocks.
Guest speaker Phillip Nwosu from PhilGoodNation was the highlight of the day for many senior students. Sharing with us his story about an unforeseen car accident that left him as an amputee, Year 12 students have learnt from Phil, the resilience, hard work and determination that he has in order to remain positive. From this, students have taken away a key message, being that having a positive mindset, determination and resilience, are the three key aspects to get you through your HSC journey.
Amongst all year groups, the day was thoroughly enjoyed, whereby students had the opportunity to mingle with others outside their immediate friendship groups, build new connections and identify new similarities. As a school community, we look forward to our next Flourish Day.
Claude Abdallah
Year 11 - U turn The Wheel
U-Turn The Wheel was a fantastic opportunity for our grade to learn about the risks and challenges associated with driving as young people. We had presentations from the police, NRMA, Youth Solutions, Headway, Safe Driving and from a truck-driver.
The police told us about laws that are designed to keep us and all other road users safe such as the blood-alcohol limit for Learners, Provisional drivers and full license holders, Mobile Drug Testing (MDT) laws and the consequences of speeding. They also reiterated the importance of wearing a seatbelt, driving at the correct speed and how to correctly use our L and P-plates.
The NRMA presentation showed us the dangers of texting and driving and driving without a seatbelt. Youth Solutions is a Campbelltown based company that visits schools to educate young people on the dangers of drugs and alcohol. They helped us understand the types of drugs and how each would affect our bodies differently. They also gave us advice about what to do at parties to stay safe.
Headway is an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) service that spoke to us about what can happen to the brain after a car accident. We also heard a very moving story of a young man who was under the influence of drugs when he had a car accident that caused his ABI. He told us about how his life had changed since the accident and urged us to think before we drive.
The truck-driver, Lofty, helped us understand how our interactions with the vehicles around us can affect everyone on the road. He also shared some personal stories of fatal accidents involving young people who were speeding or driving recklessly on the road. The Safe Drivers Course presentation gave us tips on how to pass our driving tests first go, how to correctly fill out our log books and the process involved in getting our full licences.
Year 11 is extremely grateful that the Camden Rotary Club organised this day for us and we all got a lot out of it.
Olivia Dowling
Year 10 Geography Excursion - Cronulla and Wanda Beach
On Friday 8 March, Year 10 participated in their mandatory field study for Geography. They travelled to Cronulla to conduct practical fieldwork at both Wanda Beach and North Cronulla Beach. This involved measuring both sea and air temperature, wind speed and completing a land use diagram to highlight the various ways coastal environments can be used. Year 10 also observed the natural flora and vegetation of the area as well as the Seabee Wall to consider the impact of and attempts to prevent coastal erosion.
Year 10 are to be commended on the way in which they represented the College, with a number of members of the public complimenting their behaviour and diligence. Thank you to Ms Hawkins, Mr Agoo, Miss Joyce, Mr Bulfon, Mr Tsomis, Mr Reyes, Mrs Downes for all of the planning that went into the day.
Year 9 Pastoral Day
Year 9 thoroughly enjoyed their Reflection Day led by Chris Doyle. With a mix of music, humour and engaging action in dance and group challenges. Chris challenged students to be honest with themselves, honest with others and to make good life choices. Chris challenged Year 9 to connect with each other, seek God, be better to themselves, reflect on what is meaningful in their lives and be good to family, friends and the community. Below is a reflection by Demi Connell.
Demi Connell
On Friday 8 March, Year 9 got the chance to spend the day with Chris Doyle. The day was spent in the library singing songs together, doing some physical activities that included forming into groups and creating structures all together leaving no one out and just bonding as a grade. Students and even teachers were called up the front to showcase some singing and modelling skills. We were also encouraged to wish everyone a great life and to hope that they will have happiness forever.
The day was very inspirational and made us look at life more deeply than we ever would and made us appreciate how good our lives actually are and how lucky we are to be attending a school with an amazing faith and community surrounding us. Everyone came out of the day smiling and talking about how much fun we had and that it was one of the best days at school ever!
Year 8 Pastoral Day - HEROES WITHIN US
The Year 8 Reflection Day was held on Friday 8 March 2019 at Mt Schoenstatt in Mulgoa, a most beautiful location. Mount Schoenstatt, with the Shrine as its spiritual centre, is a place of pilgrimage where love for Christ and his mother, Mary, are deeply rooted. Schoenstatt means ‘beautiful place’ and it is here that people from all walks of life find moments of peace and tranquility on their journey. They are refreshed and renewed and find the possibility to deepen their commitment to Christ.
A perfect place to hold the Year 8 Reflection Day with the theme of "Finding the Hero Within". It was an opportunity for Year 8 to uncover and discuss, the qualities and values of heroes. In fact, the values discussed link perfectly to the Benedictine Values of Community, Neighbour and Hospitality. Year 8 came to a realisation the values of HEROES, are in fact values and qualities they (we) have ourselves. Sometimes in our lives we are afraid of showing our inner hero. It is with the help of our peers before us today, where we are able to feel confident in ourselves and be encouraged to achieve all that we desire to. It is with the help and guidance of God where we are reminded that we are special and all have our own unique gifts and talents, which we are to embrace and share with the world. I have included responses from students in Year 8 about the day.
Student Responses:
Kathryn Giouzelis
Year 8 reflection day was great. I enjoyed the many activities we participated in especially Jockey's Up and creating my Justice League. The day helped me understand who I can rely on and how to be my own and someone else's hero. The values of a hero especially the concern for others is very important to me. I also really enjoyed wearing mufti because I was comfortable. Lastly, I liked that we were in small groups from our homeroom because not only did I learn more about my peers but also was able to complete awesome activities with them.
Caitlin Binskin
The reflection day was really fun and I really enjoyed it, I hope that something similar can happen again in the future. I loved being included in it and helping. It made me prove to myself that I can be a hero without a cape or superpowers, I can be a hero by just being myself, by talking confidently, by comforting someone and hanging out with them as well as forgiving others. If there is anything that I can volunteer for in the future, I would be more than happy to do so. Thank you to Mrs Logue, Mr Lundy and our teachers for making this day possible for everyone, it was even better than last year.
Hannah Dowling
Reflection day was such a great day. Throughout the day, I was able to connect with God through a fun and energetic way. Personally, I feel quite close to God. I put God into my Justice League, but I realise that some students struggle to build a relationship with Him since they find going to church and praying 'boring'. I think this day definitely made connecting with Jesus a lot more fun since we were able to dress in mufti clothes, and it didn't feel too serious. I really liked this day because it felt similar to things like LIVE and Unite. I hope we continue to have these days. Thank you so much for organising it :)
Grace Blachura
Well, I have to say, the school flourish day was a great day! Year 8 had the opportunity to go to Mt Schoenstatt for the day and learn about what makes a great hero. We all contributed to group activities, shared some good laughter and talked about the qualities and values of a hero, examples of heroes such as Jesus, Mother Teresa and, how we at such a young age can do the most heroic things, just by giving our neighbours a smile or been there for a friend in a time of need. I think I have to say on behalf of year eight, thank you for giving us this opportunity to feel so inspired.
Year 7 Pastoral Day
The Year 7 activities for Flourish day consisted of a Cyber Safety talk, making an artwork that linked to our House and participating in House Sport competitions. The day enabled us to learn about our House, the dangers of the online world as well as participate in exciting challenges in the sporting landscape. We really enjoyed Flourish day.
7 Ingham
CAPA NEWS
Drama and Dance Studio
David Knox from Interface Australia has very generously donated 50 carpet tiles for the theory side to our new Drama and Dance Studio. This addition allows for a quality working area for theory lessons as well as the professional practical space for group works and individual projects. We thank the people at Interface Australia in Minto.
St Justin's Year 6 Visit - Future Budding Artists
COLLEGE SPORTING WEEK
Congratulations to the following students for being nominated MVP:
Swimming:
Summer-Lili So
Mixed Sports:
Mario Borg, Claudia Cox
Gymnastics:
Ethan Hull, Darcy Heron, Malia Brimble, Frederick Belen
Soccer:
Libby Isaac
Netball:
Carlie Bond, Simon McCarthy
UFC:
Pauline Anoskye, Tyler Parker
AFL:
Alexander Newman, Amity Archer
Cricket:
Luke Xerri
Barefoot Bowls:
Ryan Lane, Hugh Hogarth, Kristina Stipicic
Bowling A:
Jayden Wickham, Lara Holgate
Powerwalking:
Madeline Ertl
Dance:
ALL Students
Gym:
Jarrod Clough, Dimitra Mercouris
Tennis:
Alex Lackovic, Selin Maiolo
Beach Sports:
Lachlan Balderson
Skating:
Anthony Jalalaty, Daniel Viskovich
Golf:
Michael Baxter, Elijah R., Luke Foti
Laser Tag:
Marc Duchenne
Flip Out:
Nicholas Carroll, Kate Lal
MISA Sport
Our MISA teams competed against John Terry
Year 7-9 Boys Volleyball Loss
MVP: Jacob Zammit
Year 10-11 Boys Basketball Loss
MVP: Aiden Fornari, Damon Siutz
Year 10-12 Boys Oztag Loss
MVP: Tyler Chamberlain, Aaron O’Callaghan
Year 7-9 Boys Softball Win
MVP: Cameron McFerran
Year 7-9 Girls Hockey Win
MVP: Annie Stevens
Yours in Sport
Miss Liska (Sport Coordinator)
COLLEGE SWIMMING CARNIVAL
Cold air. Overcast. Rain. This didn’t stop the 40 students competing at the College Swimming Carnival on Wednesday 20 February. What started off to look like a cold day, turned out to be perfect conditions for our swimmers. It was great to see so many students across all year groups compete not only for Age Champion and a spot to the next level, but also for their house. On the day there was a total of 20 records broken across the age groups.
The day ended with our Champion of Champions boys and girls competing against each other to see who our fastest girl and fastest boy are in the College. Congratulations to Isabella Ravino and Max Surace for holding onto their title of being the Champion of Champions for 2019.
All students gave everything in every event they went in, however, big congratulations must go to the following 2019 Swimming Age Champions:
AGE CHAMPION
12 Girls Alexis McGurie
12 Boys Andre Ravino
13 Girls Madeline Birkbeck
13 Boys Chester Hunt
14 Girls Charlotte Manny
14 Boys Jared Simpson
15 Girls Olivia Hooton
15 Boys Edan Ravino
16 Girls Isabella Ravino
16 Boys Dylan Birkbeck
Open Girls Lyndsay Robinson
Open Boys Max Surace
AGE RUNNERS UP
12 Girls Kaitlyn Benedicic
12 Boys Flynn Wright
13 Girls Keiara Lucich
13 Boys Luke Heyburgh
14 Girls Jessica Hunter and Caitlin Cortis
14 Boys Sebastian White
15 Girls Charlise McCarthy
15 Boys Darcy Chrystal
16 Girls Sienna Rixon
16 Boys Aiden Wood
Open Girls Bree Slattery
Open Boys Angus White
Congratulations to the Hildegard house for coming first overall at the Swimming Carnival followed by 2nd place Dharawal, 3rd place Ingham, equal 4th Mackillop and Norcia and 5th place Polding.
Thank you to the PDHPE staff and student helpers who assisted on the day, without their effort the carnival would not be possible. Finally, thank you to all those partners who came down to support and cheer on their children.
Yours in Sport,
Miss Liska
CCC Triathlon
Triathlon is a sport that requires persistence, stamina and hard work. On Thursday 28 February, Madelyn Manny of Year 11, competed exceptionally well in the CCC Individual Triathlon at Penrith. Madelyn came 1st in the CCC category and as a result she will now head to the Gold Coast from 3 - 6 May to compete in the NSW All Schools Team. Madelyn has been dedicating over 20+ hours per week training for her passion of competing in Triathlons. It is clear that Madelyn’s hard work has paid off.
The next day, Friday 1 March, six students from the College competed in the CCC Team Triathlon out at Penrith again. We had two teams enter this year:
Junior Boys: Tate Thompson, Sebastian White and Simon McCarthy
Intermediate Girls: Annalysse Stevens, Charlotte Manny and Olivia Hooton
All students did a great job in their leg of the race and should be proud of their efforts. The boys came 18/41 and the girls came 24/60
Well done to all students!
Clean Up Australia (Bennies) Day
In his encyclical 'Laudato Si', Pope Francis calls for all people of the world to take "swift and unified global action" against environmental issues such as pollution. With this in mind, students and staff of St Benedict’s Catholic College participated in the annual community event Clean Up Australia Day on Monday 4 of March.
The College community came together to ensure different areas around the school were free of any rubbish, using both our general waste bins and our St Vincent de Paul can/bottle recycling bins. Students were able to consider the impact of their choices on the health of the planet and make the conscious decision to minimise pollution around the school. After all, "you are called to care for creation, not only as responsible citizens, but also as followers of Christ" (Pope Francis, Laudato Si').
The following students were recognised by their teachers as stand-out participants on the day and received a certificate of appreciation at the last College assembly:
Alexander Arcadi
Brendan Rudan
Larissa Hobman
Eliza Button
Jarrod Clough
Cooper Colmenar
Andre Cortes
Michael Litherland
Elijah R.
Wesley Sicat
Lukkas Marrapodi
Alicia Marshall
Jeromy Schonell
As we prepare for Easter, which is the highpoint in the church calendar, we have the opportunity to reflect on our relationship with God and the earth and find new ways to make positive changes. Thank you to everyone for your participation and support of this opportunity that we have been given.
Miss Joyce
Teacher in Charge
Year 11 Geography Excursion - SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
On Thursday 28 February 2019, Year 11 Geography students travelled to Darling Harbour, full of excitement for their field trip to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium. The day was spent exploring the many exhibits and ecosystems at the aquarium, including a guided tour of the brand new ‘Day and Night on the Reef’ where the class investigated life on the Great Barrier Reef.
Students extended their understanding of the diverse range of organisms residing in the reef, including Batfish, dugongs, turtles and jellyfish. Students explored the importance of sharks on the reef and interacted with a range of echinoderms including starfish, sea urchins and sea cucumbers. A discussion about the impacts that humans can have on this fragile ecosystem shed light on the responsibility we have as global citizens. The group considered current issues facing the Great Barrier Reef including climate change, tropical cyclones, urban runoff and coral bleaching, and how these issues are managed to ensure ecological sustainability.
After the aquarium visit, students put their primary research skills to the test by completing a scavenger hunt in small groups. Students had to locate, observe and identify a range of things including two spheres interacting, different uses of the land, and management strategies.
Teachers were very impressed with the mature and respectful manner in which students conducted themselves on the day. We appreciate their level of engagement and appreciation for the unique learning opportunities the field trip brought them.
Miss Joyce
Teacher in Charge
On Thursday 21 March, St Benedict’s will be holding its first LIVE event for the year. At Live, students will experience live music, games, input related to the theme, small group activities, team building activities and faith formation and spiritual development.
The day starts with a lunchtime concert and then continues after school with plenty of activities, food and friends.
P & F Clothing Pool
The clothing pool is run by appointment only. You can contact Mel on 0410 486 083. Please try and keep calls, texts and messages between the hours of 9-5 Monday to Friday. Cash sales only.
If you make an appointment please be on time and, if unable to keep an appointment, please let Mel know.
We would also welcome any donations of uniforms, school bags, lap top bags etc. as stocks are running low.
Parents and Carers are reminded that the speed limit for driving on College grounds is 10 kph. Please use set down areas as advised. If staying longer please park in a parking bay.
A flyer below provides information regarding road signs to be found on the site. NSW road rules apply to all areas on the site and all fines and penalties will be applied if these are being abused. Police will be doing random visits during the term to monitor these.
Parents are asked to call the office before 2.00pm if needing to send messages to students. This allows our office helper time to deliver the message before end of school.
LOST & FOUND
We have a growing number of clothing items, jewellery, lunch boxes and drinks bottles in the office. We would really like to return them to their owners. Students are welcome to come and collect them at recess, lunch and home time.
We would like to remind parents to please put students names on all items to enable us to return them.
ABSENCES
Please telephone or email the school office to notify daily absences. If a student has a planned absence of more than 2 days please notify the office by email with the dates and explanation of absence. Please do not use the Skoolbag App to notify absences.
For absences of 10 days or more an Application for Extended Leave must be completed and are available from the College Website. If your child is ill, please keep them at home and notify the school.