St Benedict's Catholic College
Newsletter 7 June 2019
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Our “Benedict Day” celebrations a fortnight ago raised nearly $10,000 and was a wonderful example of community spirit and outreach. Beginning with a beautiful Celebration of the Eucharist with Fr Michael Williams, the liturgy concluded with our special guests, Director of Schools, Mr Peter Turner, and Head of Secondary School Services, Mr John Lo Cascio, congratulating our 100 and 300 Merit awardees and presenting them with their Badges.
With each Homeroom devising their own activity – from selling a variety of food and drink to running guessing competitions and activities on the Oval (the water bombs were especially popular), the students traded in their “Bennies Bucks” for a great time.
Our afternoon session was a celebration of our Creative and Performing Arts talent with one of the highlights being the (now traditional!) Year 12 Flashmob performance. The Procession of the House Cup finished the day with a fanfare of trumpets as it was introduced to the students for the very first time. Polding is a warm favourite for the very first title but anything can happen!
Money raised from the day will go to two different charitable works this year. Firstly, we will be supporting the work of the Benedictine monks in Norcia (the name of one of our new Houses) in rebuilding the monastery and the basilica which were destroyed by an earthquake in 2016. Secondly, with Domestic Violence being the number one issue locally and affecting many families, we are supporting a local women’s refuge.
Our Parents and Friends meeting last week resolved to purchase a second hand 28 seater late-model mini bus. Currently, our wonderful workhorse which we inherited from the Marists is struggling on and I thank our parents for their support in the purchase of the additional bus. Every hired bus costs over $400 and a new mini bus will pay for itself in no time. P&F have also resolved to purchase an honour board - as we move into presenting our fourth HSC group there is plenty to celebrate. Commissioning the design and fabrication (a modern look which will be fixed to the wall in the Library) is underway. Lastly, our Executive and the P&F Education Committee will be meeting shortly to start the planning for our “Strength Based Parenting” evening with Dr Lea Waters. Watch for information in all the usual ways.
As you would be aware, following the new policy from the Catholic Education Office regarding social media use, we need to adhere to these guidelines and therefore we will be decommissioning the “unofficial parent Q&A” Facebook page. In its place, we will be starting a College Facebook page which will celebrate the achievements of the students and promote all that is happening around the College. There will be no opportunity to comment or ask questions in that space. As always, if you need to find out what is happening around the school, the Newsletter is the primary source of information with the College website also having all the assessment calendars and other information including excursion notes and permission forms. We are working at updating and modernising some of the more static information on the website currently. Please ring or email the school if your question is urgent – no question is too basic.
Enjoy your Long Weekend and, even though it really isn’t, happy birthday to QEII!
Michael Hanratty
Principal
FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Theatre Sports
Theatre Sports have again been in action over the last few weeks. Our Stage 6 team performed well, but unfortunately did not progress into the semi finals. The Intermediate team was in action as well – after their first round performance. Although performing very well again, they unfortunately did not progress beyond the semi finals - finishing 5th. Congratulations to Mr Hayden and the teams on a great effort.
VETSteddFOOD
Some of our students also had the opportunity to be involved in the VETSteddFOOD. This is a local initiative helping some of our VET students achieve their competencies and gain some very valuable experience in their field. Students from St Benedict’s were involved in Hospitality as well as music and performance. Well done to all involved.
Year 9 and 10 Examinations
Year 9 and 10 have been busy with their exam week. It has been pleasing to see students thoroughly prepare for their exam blocks and to be setting goals in order to perform to the best of their ability. The feedback they receive from staff in the coming weeks will be valuable.
Year 8 Debating
The Year 8 Debating team was in action last week for their debut debate. The team performed well and won their first round. Congratulations to Mrs Mizzi and the team on their effort and good luck for the next round.
Speaking for the Planet Competition
Mrs Joyce has taken some students today to the Speaking for the Planet Competition. This will be a great experience to help students further understand the need to care for the environment. Good luck to all students involved.
Year 10 Careers Expo
The annual careers expo was on this week and Year 10 were afforded the opportunity to attend. This is an important part of the High School journey as students have a chance to hear about a range of career opportunities and to discover the pathways that lead to these. This can help with gaining work opportunities, in assisting with their Academic Care goal setting, as well as their subject selection for Year 11.
Uniform
Recently, with the change of weather, has come an increase in uniform infringements from students. A reminder to all families that students should be dressed in the correct uniform (including hair, make-up, jewellery etc) when they leave home until they return home. Students and families will be well aware of our uniform expectations and students should be aware that infringements of this could result in confiscation of items and other such measures. I would ask all students to ensure that they are wearing the correct uniform at all times.
Chewing Gum
A reminder to students that chewing gum is not allowed at the College. Any students seen chewing gum will receive a week of lunchtime detentions.
Mr David Costin
Assistant Principal
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday 10 June - Public Holiday
Thursday 13 June - Year 12 Liturgy with the Bishop
Friday 14 June - LIVE
Wednesday 19 June - Year 11 2020 Subject Selection Information Evening
Thursday 20 & Friday 21 June - Staff Development Day
Friday 28 June - Years 7 - 10 Report Distribution
Friday 28 June - 2020 offers mailed out
Monday 1 July - Years 7-10 Parent Interviews - Dharawal, Ingham and Polding Houses
Thursday 4 July - Years 7-10 Parent Interviews - MacKillop, Hildegard, and Norcia houses
Friday 5 July - Years 7-10 Parent Interviews Daytime
Friday 5 July - Last day of term - Pupil Free Day
Monday 22 July - First day of Term 3
STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS: 20 - 21 JUNE
Please note that the dates for the Staff Development Days (Pupil Free), originally planned for Term 1, have been set for Thursday 20 June and Friday 21 June.
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MISSION AND VISION
This Sunday 9 June, is Pentecost and our Weekly Prayer Focus during Week 7.
Pentecost is called the birthday of the church because before Pentecost, there really was no church. Jesus had ascended back into the heavens, the Apostles were hanging around, scared and confused, and nobody knew what to do. Going out to baptise people and preach about Jesus was the last thing they had in mind because their lives would be in danger.
But Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit – the force that turned a bunch of frightened, mixed-up people into church. There was a rush of wind, tongues of fire, and then suddenly there was courage, knowledge, direction and commitment! Everyone started speaking and was understood, no matter what the language of the listener was! These were saints suddenly on fire with the Holy Spirit. And it all began with the wind and fire of the Spirit.
POINTS TO CONSIDER and TO DISCUSS
What changes in you do you wish the Spirit could blow your way? How can you cooperate with the Spirit? In what ways do you need more courage, knowledge, direction or commitment? What else might you need?
In what ways are you and your school/work like the disciples before Pentecost? In what ways are you and your school/work like the disciples after Pentecost?
When people speak about your school, would they say that it has school spirit? What do they mean by that? How is school spirit like the Holy Spirit?
REC RETREAT (6 and 7 June 2019)
I spent Thursday and Friday during the week at the REC retreat held at the Hermitage in Mittagong. A favourite spot of mine - second to Mary MacKillop Place, North Sydney. The retreat was facilitated by Jesuit Priest Fr. Richard Leonard and the theme was Offering a Leadership of Hope.
Christian hope is not optimism. In an increasingly secular world it is a connection to something greater and more. It challenges the rise in individualism and personal autonomy. It confronts meaningless and even though we have never had more ways of being connected to each other, there is a rise in social isolation. The biggest killer of young Australians is now suicide. In such a context Catholic Education speaks about meaning, interconnectedness, hope, spirituality, the soul and a belief in the next world. A hard sell these days! We explored how our schools are meant to be sacramental signs with a group that rarely celebrates Sacraments. Still, we will see that our sacramental life is where our faith and our thirst for justice intersect, offers lifelong signs of hope.
Year 8RE - Collaborative Assessment Tasks
Year 8 RE classes have created assessment tasks on Saints who are Alive in Christ. This task is designed to assess their knowledge of the person of Jesus Christ. Through completing this task, Year 8 gained an understanding of how Saints and individuals live their lives like Jesus, inspired by his words and actions.
In working through this task, they also gained an insight into how Gospel values, the core values embraced by Jesus, can be applied to everyday living. Year 8 are to be commended on their excellent preparation of this task.
Carli Peters created a fantastic Pop Up book on St John Paul II
Kathryn Giouzelos created an informative poster about St Katharine Drexel
An excerpt from Daniel Stojkovski's feature article on St Maximillian Kolbe.
Miona Miljkovic's work on Oscar Romero- such professional work.
Year 7 had their Bibles blessed by Fr Raja who will assisting Fr David Catterall until the end of year at St Mary MacKillop Parish Oran Park. A beautiful and memorable blessing and experience for our students.
Year 7 have also recently submitted work for their assessment. Year 7 explored the stories of significant people in the Old Testament (Abraham, Joseph, Ruth and Esther), grasped the key themes of the stories of the Old Testament, and came to an understanding of the richness of the Sacred Scripture and its place in the lives of Christians.
Joseph Christl investigated Abraham and had to discuss a key theme of an Old Testament story and parallel this theme to a current day news story.
CAPA NEWS
Theatresports Schools Challenge (TSC)
The Theatresports Schools Challenge (TSC) – the only school's drama competition in NSW, bringing together representative teams from over 100 independent and government schools across the state in the spirit of joyful improvisation.
Teams of 3-5 students from each school create 1, 2 and 3-minute improvised (acting on the spot with no planning or preparation) scenes live on stage, judged and scored based on storytelling, technique and entertainment. Theatresports increases the students’ confidence, listening skills and teamwork, as well as strengthening their problem-solving abilities and creative thinking, all in a hilarious, fun and supportive environment. If you have ever felt anxiety during public speaking, I'm sure you can appreciate how nervous the kids get when they have to get up on stage with no preparation. Needless to say, if you simply have a go at this task, you have already shown incredible bravery.
This year, for the first time, the College entered both an Intermediate and a Senior team into the competition.
The intermediate team was made up of two students from Year 9 Sophia Laurantus and Eliza B. and two students from Year 10 Hannah Small and Grace Cremen. The senior team was made up of five students from Year 11, Emma Hooton, Isabelle Brown-Rogers, Lukkas Marrapodi, Julian DiGiovanni and Aaron Peters.
The intermediate team performed together for the first time on stage at Canterbury Girls High School and took to improvisation like ducks to water. It was a close round but the Bennies team finished second and made it into the semifinal at Ashfield Boys. The semifinal was a hotly contested evening and in the end, we placed 5th out of eight. The girls did an amazing job and can walk away knowing they lived up to the reputation St Benedict's has established over the last three years as a force to be reckoned with.
The senior team's heat was one of the best line up of schools I've ever seen at theatresports. The competition was fierce coming up against old rivals St Andrew's Cathedral school for whom we share a healthy love-hate relationship. The team played some of the best rounds I've ever seen, leaving the audience in stitches howling with laughter. Unfortunately, the judging wasn't with us this time and we were placed 5th out of 9 and missed out on the semifinal by 2 points. We left the competition, a bit deflated, and knew that we deserved more. However, what impressed me so much was the way the kids lifted each other up and supported one another. It showed true maturity and humility, both traits we are trying to pass on in Drama, reminding me of why I love teaching and working with young people. They can hold their heads up high knowing they did their best.
I look forward very much to next year’s competition and a massive thanks to all the family members that came out to watch their kids get up and do something extraordinary. Your support means a great deal to me and the students.
Mr Alexander Hayden
Drama Teacher
ART CLUB
The Art Club is a co-curricular activity which is open to students from 2:30-3:30pm on Wednesday afternoons to Week 10 of Term 2. The Club will be held after school, so parents will be required to make arrangements for their child to be collected from school no later than 3:30pm.
There is a one-off cost of $7 for the course which will cover all materials. Money is to be handed in at the office, in a sealed envelope with your child’s name clearly marked on the front. This payment is by cash only and will not be added to the school fee account.
If your child is interested in joining the Art Club, they can collect the form from Mrs Castelli.
TAS NEWS
Year 8 Technology Mandatory Food
Year 8 Technology Mandatory students have been working on a project that required them to produce a digital food magazine and make a healthy burger that was suitable for the school canteen. Students completed their own food order forms, recipe cards and workflow plans to prepare them for the practical assessment.
Students once again have produced some exceptionally well prepared and presented dishes with their own creative styling. Well done Year 8!
Miss Georges & Mrs Pollicina
Year 10 Practical Assessment - Ice cream
Stage 5 Food Technology students have once again been given the opportunity to show their creative flair through an innovative ice cream task. The assessment required students to plan, research and experiment with flavours and textures to produce a unique and creative ice cream dish.
On presentation day, the kitchens were open to staff and students who visited our showcase and sampled some of the delicious ice creams. Students were able to vote for their favourite flavour and presentation dish to assist teachers with their feedback to their students.
Congratulations Year 10 on your efforts with this task. Stay tuned for some prize winners from each class who will be awarded with vouchers!
COLLEGE SPORT
Congratulations to the following students for being nominated MVP:
UFC:
Christopher Foti & Cita Cruz
Gymnastics:
Paloma Castro
Dance:
Manuel H. & Angela Hunt
Skating:
Lachlan Balderson & Emily Hogan
MISA Sport
Our MISA teams were kept on the sideline today due to our split by round and wet weather.
Year 7-9 Mixed Frisbee No Game
Year 7-9 Boys Basketball Lost 72-28
MVP: Michael Bautovich & Daniel Sharkawy
Year 7-9 Girls Basketball No Game
Year 11-12 Boys Soccer No Game
Year 10-12 Girls Soccer No Game
Year 10-12 Boys Softball No Game
Year 10-12 Girls Indoor Cricket No Game
Year 10-12 Girls Netball No Game
Yours in Sport
Mr Jason Smith
Sport Coordinator
Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) visited St Benedict’s recently and addressed the Year 11 and 12 cohorts during their Year Assembly. As always the students proved themselves to be excellent ambassadors for the College by displaying exemplary conduct throughout the presentation.
WHAT IS UAC?
UAC processes applications for: University Entry, College Entry, Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS), Educational Access Schemes (EAS), Equity Scholarships(ES) and they calculate the ATAR for NSW HSC students.
The presentation provided our students with the latest information on all of the above.
UAC also reminded the students about the importance of attending the upcoming University Open Days this year. Please find details of all University Open Days in UAC’s PDF guide here –
https://www.uac.edu.au/assets/documents/schools/uni-open-days-2019.pdf
Year 10 Macarthur Area Careers Expo (MACE) Excursion
On Thursday 6 June, students from Year 10 had the opportunity to attend the Macarthur Area Careers Expo (MACE) at Menangle Raceway. This annual event allows students to explore the various pathways available to them for their lives beyond school.
Students had the opportunity to gain knowledge and information from representatives present from all of the major universities, as well as TAFE and private providers. In addition, representatives from the NSW Fire Brigade, the Australian Defence Force also proved popular (as did the Fireman’s hats that were given away!)
Students were able to ask questions about career options, apprenticeships, tertiary education and even get some guidance on what sorts of subjects they may need to choose next year in order to assist in achieving their long-term goals. It was wonderful to see students making the most of this wonderful opportunity.
The presentation, engagement and behaviour of our students was outstanding, with people outside our school community complimenting our students on their uniform and genuine interest in this process. Well done Year 10!
On behalf of Year 10, I would like to thank Mrs Scott, Mr O’Donnell, Mrs Conte, Ms Andanopoulous, Mrs Nguyen, Ms Joyce, Mrs Pollicina, Mrs Muscat, Mrs Mining for their guidance and assistance. In particular, we would like to thank Mr Mustapic for his wonderful organisation in supporting this initiative.
Miss Kirstie O’Connor
Year 10 Coordinator
Reflections from Students:
At the Macarthur Career's Expo, many Year 10's were able to become inquisitive about their future through the opportunity that opened many, many doors. I, myself, became extremely excited about my future because: One, it had opportunities that could lead me to achieving my dream of becoming a children's movie animator, and Two, it opened other doors that I never thought to consider. The careers expo was very intriguing to me and hopefully many of the others too, especially with all of the booklets and little tips and tricks that all of the people were providing.
Sienna Rixon
NOVA Employment and NDCO on transition to TAFE NSW
Please find attached flyers for NOVA Employment which is an invitation to the Pathways to Employment Event that will take place in August as well as the NOVA transition school taster days in 2019 to explore the NDIS School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES) package. This is for year 12 school leavers who have a disability.
There is also information from NDCO on transition to TAFE NSW for students with disabilities.
YOUTH MINISTRY UPDATE
Term 1 saw St Benedict’s first LIVE event for 2019. This event focused on the theme of Who Am I? LIVE 2 is coming up on Friday 14 June, week 7.
The aim of this gathering is to draw young people into responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community and to forge a sense of community and spirituality amongst them.
All students are invited to attend this event. Permission notes have been given out in Academic care.
Any questions please see Miss Brown.
PARENT'S NEWS
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.
Woolworths is conducting the Earn & Learn Programme for 2019
"It's that time of year again".
We have received wonderful equipment for the school in years gone by.
So from May 1 until June 25 collect those little Woolworths stickers and send them into the school office, or place them in the St Benedict's boxes, which will be placed in the entrance of Woolworths stores at Oran Park and Narellan Town Centre.
Happy collecting!!!!!
On Sunday 30 June 2019 (11.15am – 12noon) St Mary MacKillop Parish will be holding an information session for families whose children (in Year 3 and above) have already made their 1st Reconciliation (either at a different parish or in St Mary MacKillop parish in a previous year) and would now like them to make their 1st Holy Communion in 2019.
The information session will be held in the ‘Penola Room’ demountable next to the Oran Park Mass Centre, 94 Oran Park Drive.
This Information Session and following program is ONLY for children who have made their 1st Reconciliation.
For more information contact oranparksacraments@dow.org.au