St Benedict's Catholic College
Newsletter Friday 23 July 2021
I warmly welcome everyone to Term 3, especially our Year 12 students as they commence their final term at school. As we face these very challenging times, I could not be more proud of our students who have taken the current lockdown rules and remote learning in their stride showing great resilience, maturity and a genuine care and concern for others. We know many of our students are undertaking their lessons at home with the rest of their family who are also working or studying from home.
Many of our Year 12 students have HSC Major Projects due or practical based examinations coming up. These students have continued to work productively with their teachers and have taken all opportunities they have been given. Year 12 are now scheduled to sit for their Trial Examinations in Week 5 which is the same timeline as the previous Year 12 group. Both staff and students have taken the opportunity to use this additional time to complete course work and students are also undertaking extensive revision and consolidation of content.
I would like to acknowledge and thank our entire school community, our staff, our students and our families for your great support over the past two weeks. We will continue to assess our remote learning program based on staff, student and parent feedback. Any changes to our current guidelines or remote learning program will be communicated to you via Compass.
I will continue to keep you in my prayers
In this challenging time Lord Jesus Christ, our true healer,
be merciful to us and bring us your aid in these troubled times.
We place in your gentle Heart the elderly, the frail, people with disability, children,
young people and families, our indigenous peoples, those who are poor, lonely and
isolated.
As you walk with us, free them from fear, and give them patience and hope together
with our loving care.
We place our trust in you, the risen Lord, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
St Benedict
Pray for Us
Amen.
Father David
I would like to welcome back Father David from “renewal leave’. It is wonderful to have his pastoral leadership, prayers and support in these very challenging times
Mrs K Piatek
Principal
The First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
Sunday, 25 July 2021 has been designated by Pope Francis, as the First World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. It coincides with the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, grandparents of Jesus, on 26 July.
Occurring in the Year of Amoris Laetitia Family 2021-22 with the theme, ‘I am with you always’, the day draws attention to the vital role grandparents and the elderly play in our communities and in the mission of the Church.
To all grandparents, we are thankful for the gifts of life, contribution to our lives and faith you have given us.
Image: Sts. Anne and Joachim| St Ann Church and National Shrine | Metairie, Los Angeles
Assistant Principal's Report
I would like to thank all of our parents and families for their great support during the first two weeks of remote learning. Stay at home orders are difficult for families, students and teachers, but we are grateful as a community to be receiving such wonderful support.
I want to remind families that last week I sent around policies and guidelines for remote learning. If you have any questions/concerns around these, please contact the College to discuss them.
I recently spoke to some of our year groups at their zoom assembly. I reminded them of the importance at this time to stay connected to their family and friends, their education and learning, their wellbeing, physical and artistic interests as well as the importance of staying connected to their faith. I know parents are looking at ways in which they can provide these important opportunities for their children and families. The College has/will continue to send out resources to support families in some of these areas.
I would like to remind students about the importance of maintaining routines during these times. Getting up in the morning and preparing yourself in good time for the day. Having breakfast before STRIVE starts. Taking a break at 10.30am and 1pm – and getting off the screen - possibly going for a walk is important as well.
Finally, if students and families need any support, please contact us at the College
Mr David Costin
Assistant Principal
So we resumed Week 1, Term 3 in a lockdown that has been extended. Remote learning/teaching has gained momentum across Greater Sydney. Zooming, breakout groups, online collaboration, screencastify, Google Classroom, Youtube the list goes on. We have also returned to online Masses too - I do miss going to Church at St Paul’s.
Fr. David Catterall returned back to the Parish of St Mary MacKillop Oran Park last Sunday after a period of ‘renewal leave’.
Here is a pastoral message from Fr David to the Parish Family during these days of lockdown. This message was uploaded on their parish Facebook page and can be viewed here.
You are invited to join Fr David for live streamed Sunday Mass (Saturday 5pm) on their YouTube Channel. This Mass can also be viewed on demand. Please subscribe to the channel and keep up to date with their latest videos.
Here is a short URL for the Parish YouTube Channel for you to share with your 'circle of acquaintances' is: bit.ly/mmop-live
Alternatively, you may like to view Mass For You At Home which is a Catholic Sunday Mass broadcasted across Australia on Network 10/WIN Television at 6am on Sundays and 10am Sundays on Foxtel's Aurora Channel 173 (and repeated daily throughout the week). It is Australia's longest running program on commercial TV. It ministers to prisoners, the elderly, house-bound, sick and the deaf community who don't have internet. Mass for You at Home, from April 2021, is a production of the Diocese of Wollongong in partnership with the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference. It is also available to view on YouTube.
During this latest round of lockdown I have been drawn to artist Charlie Macksey. He captures emotion and feelings so effectively that one can’t help to think - yes this makes so much sense.
Remote Learning - ZOOM
While online learning wouldn’t be ideal, especially before trials the support gained by teachers, especially that from Mrs Logue in SOR, has made this time exceptionally smoother. In some of our lessons, we engaged in break out rooms, which gave our class the opportunity to collaborate and work in groups, allowing us all to continue engaging in conversation, despite the current circumstances.
Becca I -
Collaboration and Engagement has been key to the SOR online learning environment. I find it very exciting to touch base with my class (12SOR2U) each lesson and provide them the opportunity to work collaboratively in sharing their knowledge of content with one another as well as extending their skills in applying their shared knowledge to practice questions. I must admit I do miss seeing ALL my classes face to face and my colleagues too.
Here is a screenshot of a collaborative online task done by students in Year 12.
Staff and Parent Spiritual Formation
Ripples is a PODCAST developed for staff and parents on-going spiritual formation. It seeks to offer a space where people can draw on the wisdom of a series of guest speakers and can experience some treasured stillness through meditation. Practices like these create a ripple effect. They have the potential to impact the way we respond to family, friends, colleagues, to creation and to our loving God. Come and enjoy some Inspired Voices and Treasured Stillness.
The latest episode: STRENGTH AND FLEXIBILITY - In Conversation with Matthew Ames (Part 1)
Matthew Ames was 39 years old in 2012 when what started as a sore throat developed into streptococcal resulting in toxic shock. At the time there was great concern for Matthew, as he was given 1% chance of survival. Matthew was placed into an induced coma and it was Matthew’s wife Diane who needed to make the heart-wrenching decision to remove Matthew’s four limbs in order to save his life. In our conversation Matthew shares the story of his remarkable journey. Through the support of Diane, their four children, their extended family, many friends and a team of talented medical experts Matthew has come such a long way.
In this first Episode Matthew shares the challenges, the breakthroughs and the insights that he has gained over the years as he has adjusted to this new reality. Inevitably you will witness Matthew’s extraordinary strength and hear his message regarding the value of purpose and flexibility. In the Second Episode, to be released next week, Matthew will speak about some of the practices that have sustained him over the years. He speaks about the value of gratitude, mindfulness, prayer and acceptance. Following times of deep reflection Matthew has a perspective on life that is both refreshing and unique.
This is a conversation that can change the way you look at life!
“I have been extremely dogged in my determination for my purpose, but extraordinarily flexible in the way that I might get there.” Matthew Ames
Stay Safe, Stay Well, Stay Happy.
God Bless,
Kimberley Logue
Director of Mission and Vision
Compass lesson access for parents
Did you know that you can use your parent/carer Compass login to check your child/rens planned lesson content and scheduled Zoom sessions for the day?
Watch our short one-minute video to find out how to review lessons by clicking the Compass logo above or using the URL below.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uQbNmKl7o3a_l1boSvbocYUu2pnZdkvt/view?usp=sharing
Please contact me if you have any questions at kelleherj01@dow.catholic.edu.au .
Miss Jane Kelleher
Mathematics & Religious Education
Revised Trial HSC Timetable
Stay healthy HSC hub
Find tips for looking after yourself during your senior studies and dealing with changes and challenges arising from studying in the time of COVID-19.
Visit the Stay healthy HSC hub for more information
https://education.nsw.gov.au/student-wellbeing/stay-healthy-HSC?q=
BIG SCIENCE COMPETITION RESULTS
The Big Science Competition was held at St Benedict’s back in Week 6, Term 2. This year it was free for all to participate so we organised for all year 7-10 science classes to compete. The Competition was a 50 minute multiple choice quiz testing science knowledge, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Questions were set in real-life, contemporary contexts, making them relatable.
Everyone who competed is to be congratulated on their involvement. Overall, we had some fantastic results as follows:
High Distinction
Year 8 - Isaac A, Samantha E
Year 9 - William M
Year 10 - Benjamin A
Distinction
Year 7 - Patrick H, Natasha J, Harrison P-T, Liam R, Lillian S
Year 8 - Jada H
Year 9 - Massimo C, Andre S, Summer-Lili S
Year 10 - Brooklyn B
Credit
Year 7 - Maira A, Ethan A, Rhiannon B, Brodie B, Leonardo D, Bailey D, James D, Lara G, Catalina HA,
Isaac H, Winten H, Cailin J, Sienna K, Charbel M, Jordyn Mc, Alex R, Pedro S, Eva S, Kirollos S,
Larissa S, Laila T, Angela X
Year 8 - Michael C, Oliver C, Pierson C, Jackson D, Blake E, Youssef F, Andrew G, Shelby M, Maya M,
Cameron Mc, Maddison P, Lauren R, Daniel S, Jenna S, Evangaline V, Riley W, Tori W
Year 9 - Lucas A, Lara C, Daniel L, Keiara L, Alexis Mc, Tahlia M, Ella S, Isabella S, Emily W
Year 10 - Leonardo C, Althea D, Hannah D, Lyndon M, Rose N, Kiara R, Michael S, Daniel S
Dominique T, Katelynne T, Sebastian W
This was an amazing effort by all. I would like to specifically congratulate Isaac, Samantha, William and Benjamin for attaining High Distinctions. This competition is not an easy one, and so their results indicate a high level of critical thinking skills. It appears we definitely have some budding scientists in our midst!
Next year, the competition may not be free entry, but I do hope that all students who have had a taste of it this year, will choose to enter the competition again.
Certificates will be presented to these students at an assembly, hopefully in the not-too-distant future.
Maria de Lima
Science Coordinator
What's happening in Visual Art?
The Visual Art department is as busy as always creating wonderful artworks. Remote learning has not stopped these students from producing high quality artworks with some using cold coffee to paint with! We look forward to seeing what else you produce!
Year 12 Visual Art
Year 12 are working hard on their Body of Works that are due soon for their HSC. I cannot wait to share these amazing works with the school community. Well done Year 12, keep up the good work, not long to go!
Please note that these dates are subject to change and families should always check the Compass Calendar as this is the live calendar available to parents
- Friday 23 July - Postponed Year 10 Immunisations.
- Monday 9 August until Monday 23 August - Year 12 Trial HSC Exams.
- Monday 16 till Friday 20 August - Science Week.
- Wednesday 18 till Friday 20 August - Year 10 Outdoor Camp.
- Monday 23 till Friday 27 August - Wellbeing Week.
- Tuesday 24 August - HSC Showcase Evening.
- Friday 27 August - LIVE Festival.
- Monday 6 till Friday 17 September - Preliminary Course Examinations.
- Thursday 9 till Friday 10 September - Year 9 Outdoor Ed.
- Tuesday 14 September - Year 12 Farewell Assembly.
- Wednesday 15 September - Year 12 Graduation Mass and Awards.
- Wednesday 15 September - Year 12 Report released on Compass.
- Friday 17 September - Year 7 Dose 2 Vaccinations.
- Friday 17 September - Last day of Term 3.
MangaMania
The Library is holding a manga/anime design a character competition for all students.
Your design must be:-
* Original
* Hand drawn
* Appropriate
Tell us 3 things about your character/design
* Your Character’s special power
* Description
* Name
Details like height, weight, personality, interests, etc.
Entries close Friday 23rd July 2021 (T3 W2)
Entries will be displayed in the Library
Junior and Senior categories
Winners will be voted by students and Teachers
Rainer Schoolwear Shop update
College uniforms can be purchased online and will be processed when the store reopens.
For online purchasing information visit: shop.ranier.com.au or by email narellan@ranier.com.au
Phone: 02 4647 8942 - responses will be provided during opening hours.
For more immediate assistance, Head Office details are:
Online: ranier.com.au/contact
Email: custservice@ranier.com.au
Phone: 02 8337 7290
MY FIT REWARDS - ATHLETE'S FOOT STORES
P & F Clothing Pool
The P & F Clothing Pool is currently on hold, and will recommence when mandatory NSW Health Orders allow. 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.