St Benedict's Catholic College
Newsletter Friday 18 September 2020
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Next week we will farewell the class of 2020. Led by an incredible student leadership team, Year 12 2020 have, through their words and actions, embraced our College values of Love of Learning, Love of Neighbour and a Love of God. They have worked together and supported each other displaying the most incredible resilience through these challenging times. Year 12 have touched the hearts of staff, parents and the wider community with their positivity, care and support for others.
They have supported the College, by always making sure they were at school events, welcoming new students to the school, supporting their friends as they performed their HSC major works, working together in lessons, after school study and via Zoom. Collectively this group of students have been much admired, but individually each and every one of them have left their unique mark on our College community . On a personal note I would like to thank them for the welcome and hospitality they displayed to me as a new principal. Abraham Lincoln once said “I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live up to what light I have.” Our hope for Year 12 2020 is that they will always live up to the light that shines so bright within each of them.
Look To This Day
Look to this day!
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course, lie all the verities and realities of your existence,
The bliss of growth, the glory of action, the splendour of achievement,
For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision,
But today, well lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Attributed to Kalidasa
Student Congratulations
On September 4 our Year 12 Drama students undertook their HSC Practical Examination. From this examination two students, Isabelle B-R and Akhuenmose E have been nominated for NESA’s On Stage HSC Showcase where exemplary Drama performances from all NSW HSC Drama candidates are invited by nomination to perform. This is a wonderful achievement for both Isabelle and Akhuenmose as On Stage represents the best of the best!!
Congratulations to all our 2020 HSC Drama students and as well, Mr Alex Hayden who has mentored, supported and challenged these students to achieve excellence for their practical performance pieces and individual major works.
Two Year 10 students, Joseph A and Ehinomen E, represented the school in the MISA Public Speaking on Friday 11 September. For this competition, students had to present both a prepared and impromptu speech via Zoom in front of a panel of adjudicators. Congratulations to Joseph who was placed 2nd in the competition by a very narrow margin. Joseph’s speech was insightful and delivered with conviction. Special recognition to Ehinomen on volunteering to replace a student at the very last minute and still choosing to write her own material.
As this is the last newsletter for Term 3 I wish our entire College community a very safe and relaxing holiday break and look forward to seeing you when you return in Term 4.
Warm regards
Kerrie Piatek
Principal
FROM THE P & F
Hello from the P&F
Uniform review - The College is proposing a review and change in uniform. A survey will be sent out in early Term 4 to all students and families to provide feedback on the current uniform. A uniform committee will also be formed as part of this review.
Thank you to the parents who joined the Year 12 committee to share ideas on how allocated funding can be spent on Year 12 students in the last part of their schooling journey. We will share these ideas in upcoming newsletters – watch this space. We also wish all Year 12 students the very best in their last week at the College and studies towards their HSC exams.
The minutes from the P&F meeting held earlier this term will be available on Compass in the next few days along with the Constitution and P&F handbook as previously mentioned.
Please note that while the clothing pool is operating under COVID-19 protocols and current exam timetables, the clothing pool team are working to fulfil requests and orders as soon as possible.
Thank you for your patience and co-operation.
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
FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
MISA Chess
Our Chess team was in action last week in the MISA Chess competition. Congratulations to our Junior and Senior teams who both participated in the day. The Juniors performed well and finished equal 3rd from 6 in their pool. The Senior team also placed 3rd. Again, congratulations to both teams on their efforts.
RUOK Day and Wellbeing week
Last week was wellbeing week. This is an important week and includes RUOK day. We were limited in what we could do this year, but the week was a great success. Congratulations to Mr Turner and the Pastoral team on their efforts in organising this week.
MISA Debating
The MISA debating teams were also in action recently and as always performed well. Congratulations to Mrs Mizzi and the students for their continued efforts and dedication throughout this term.
MISA Year 10 Public Speaking
Joseph A and Ehinomen E recently represented the school in the MISA Public Speaking competition. This competition involves a prepared and impromptu speech in front of adjudicators (via Zoom of course). Congratulations to both Joseph and Ehinomen on their efforts.
Preliminary Exams
Year 11 have been busy this week with their Preliminary examinations. This is the final assessment in the Preliminary Course and also marks the concluding components of Year 11. Students are well prepared for these examinations, and we are looking forward to some great results.
Next Week:
Year 12
Next week will be Year 12’s final week of classes. Year 12 students have made significant contributions to our College community over the last 6 years and this a very special and exciting time for our students and families. Congratulations to all Year 12 and we wish you the best of luck in your final week and in the HSC examinations.
Other Reminders
A reminder to all students and families about the following:
- Mobile phones should not be seen or used at school. Any phones that are seen or being used will be confiscated
- Compass – as merits, strength spotting and concerns are placed on Compass, I would encourage all families to check these on a regular basis and have conversations with their children around the nature of these entries. If you have any questions about an entry, please contact the appropriate teacher.
Mr David Costin
Assistant Principal
SCHOOL HALL UPDATE
The slab is down and the excitement builds!
Reminders
- Photo Consent forms have been sent out via Compass and will need to be returned to the office before Friday 18 September.
- Year 11 Preliminary Final Examinations are scheduled for Monday 14 September to Friday 25 September. Please take note of the procedure to be followed if your child is absent from an exam.
- Keep Covid safe: If your child is sick, keep them home. See below for Covid updates.
- Please do not use Disabled Parking Spaces without a Disability Sticker.
- Please note that during exam periods students cannot be called to the office during recess and lunch.
Parents please take note
- Please do not enter details of Covid test for your child through Compass, please notify the office.
DATES TO REMEMBER
- Monday 14 - Friday 25 September - Preliminary Examinations
- Monday 28 September - Monday 12 October - Term 3 School Holidays
- Monday 12 October - Pupil Free Day
- HSC Examinations - Tuesday 20 October - Wednesday 11 November
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MISSION AND VISION
“And let them first pray together, that so they may associate in peace.” St Benedict’s Rule 53:4
Each year around the world we celebrate the International Day of Peace on September 21. This year the United Nations has released the theme of ‘Shaping Peace Together’. On this day people of the world are encouraged to avoid conflict, warfare and observe 24 hours of non-violence. Peace is an important virtue in the Rule of St Benedict - it is the aim of all Benedictines to strive for peace on all levels, within yourself, with others and even with God. Peace is not something that we just wait for and hope will happen, it is something that we need to strive for and actively seek. Earlier this year Pope Francis wrote a papal letter where he referred to Peace as a journey of hope. He wrote on the inequality and injustice that still exists in many parts of our world, particularly with how we treat each other and care for our common home, highlighting how important it is that we help to shape a more peaceful world for all.
As a Benedictine community we share a common solidarity and desire to bring justice into the community and beyond. We recognise that there is nothing in the world that is not in our hearts first and foremost and that for us to help shape peace together we must seek and pursue it together. We saw this, last week at our College by celebrating RUOK Day. On this day we took the time to check in with others and had meaningful conversations. By doing this we not only raise awareness but to ensure that each of us can start a conversation that can be continued later. This is a way that we have already been shaping peace. Thank you to everyone in the community for their support with this initiative.
This week as we prepare to farewell our graduating class of 2020, we acknowledge the hard work and dedication of these students over their last 13 years of schooling. As they prepare to leave the security and routine of life here in the College and start the exciting new chapters of their lives, we offer them this blessing:
Heavenly Father,
Surround those who are graduating with your grace.
Bless them with hope so that they move into
The future with eager and open hearts.
Help them to put the knowledge, skills,
And insights gifted through their education
To use for the good of all humankind.
Inspire them to believe in the goodness of life
Even when faced with challenges and difficulties.
As they commence with their lives, may they grow
Ever more grateful and wise.
Amen.
Our new Hall needs a name?
Work has been progressing well on our new joint hall being constructed near our Science Labs and prayer garden, joining us with St Justin's Catholic Parish Primary School. So far a lot of underground and base work is already completed. As work continues we realise that this new structure needs a name! We are encouraging everyone to get onboard and make a suggestion! The name you put forward will need to reflect all aspects of our school precinct, not just our own Bennies school community. Please email your suggestions to granat01@dow.catholic.edu.au and if you are the lucky person who suggests the name that the committee chooses first, you will win a prize pack!
Social Justice Focus
The BEARs have continued to care for creation over the last few weeks. Our lettuce garden bed is thriving and we are looking forward to this being used in Food Technology classes in the coming school weeks. Our snow pea seedlings are also coming along well and are almost ready to be secured to their supportive stakes. We recently replanted a mint seedling that is adjusting well to its new home, and we are eagerly awaiting the germination of sunflower and chilli plant seeds that we sowed in our mini greenhouse a few weeks ago.
The BEARs are also continuing to collect bread tags for recycling through the company Terracycle. These can be added to the collection jar in the College Library, or given to Miss Joyce.
We would like to thank the whole College community for your ongoing support of the BEARs.
Miss Joyce
WEN Coordinator
Work of the Week
This week Mr McEvoy has nominated two students from Year 10 RE for their outstanding presentation on the Catholic Church and how it has changed throughout history to respond to the signs of the times. Well done to Charlotte M. from MacKillop House and Charlotte G.W. from Norcia House - you have earned 10 points each!
God Bless;
Mrs Tarnya Grana
Acting Director of Mission and Vision
DEBATING NEWS
Today was round 5 of the debating competition.
The Year 7 team of Madison, Lauren, Jenna and Angus (with Cody as reserve) debated extremely well. While they did not win they have improved greatly throughout the term. They have learnt to structure a speech, rebut and work as a team. This is the end of their debating journey for 2020.
I am also pleased to announce that the Year 8 team of Grace, Lara, Summer and Caelen remain undefeated. They have an assured place in the grand final to be debated next term on Friday 23 October.
CAPA NEWS
A massive congratulations to our Year 12 Music students who conducted their HSC Music practical exams last Friday. This examination represents the culmination of two years of perseverance, hard work and preparation for these students, particularly in the current Covid 19 climate. While it can be a daunting undertaking to perform only to HSC examiners, our Music students faced their fears and delivered musical performances they should be extremely proud of. The College's CAPA department could not be prouder of these young musicians for everything they have achieved. If they choose a career in music, the industry is going to be in very good hands.
Mr Brandon O'Donnell
Visual Arts and Photography:
It has been a very busy time in the Art Department with all Year groups working towards the completion of their assessment tasks. All students have worked hard in order to strive for their best. Year 7's are now working on their John Wolseley inspired children's books that will explore the beautiful Australian Landscape and our wonderful native creatures. Year 9 are exploring Pop Art and have been working on representing food in paint and as sculpture. Year 10 have begun looking at Architecture through printmaking where they will recreate a building within the Sydney area using perspective skills and design elements they have learnt in class.
Year 11
Year 11 Visual Arts, Photography and Drama began their Preliminary Examinations this week. The CAPA Department would like to wish all our students well for these exams and look forward to their return next term.
Mrs Sara-Jane Castelli
Acting CAPA Coordinator
HSC Drama exam success
On Friday 4 September, the HSC Drama class completed their Drama performance exam in front of three external markers. This exam is the culmination of the practical element of the course and for some, the end result of four years of blood, sweat and tears. It is a day filled with nerves, high emotion, performance anxiety and just getting through the day is a feat of incredible bravery and resilience. Due to COVID restrictions, only the Individual performances were presented for examination. An individual performance is a monologue (one person acting on stage) of 6-8 minutes. This year we had nine performers take to the stage with fabulous examples of dramatic, tragic and comedic monologues. The day ran very smoothly with all students leaving everything on the stage, performing their best for the markers who were notably impressed with the talent displayed at the college.
The performers were:
Aaron P
Montanna R
Liam R
Faith E
Emily M
Emma H
Julian Di G
Isabelle B-R
Additionally on the 24 August, the non-performance individual projects were submitted to be sent to NESA for marking. This year we had 4 students doing costume designs, 1 doing stage design and 1 completing a director’s folio. These design students are Jean-Paul L, Emily B, Elliana K, Logan S (costume design), Giuseppe C (stage design) and Kayla W (director’s folio) chose a play from the syllabus and created their design with this as the stimulus. It was a particular matter of pride for me to see the quality of these works as they raised the bar exponentially and have set a new standard for future non-performance individual projects at the College. I fully expect that they will do very well.
We also received the wonderful news that Isabelle B-R and Faith E were nominated for Onstage. Onstage is a yearly selection of the best performances of the HSC and as a drama student, is the highest honour you can receive. Each year, approx 60-100 students out of up to 3000 are nominated for this and out of that number about 20-30 are chosen to perform their monologues at The Seymour Centre in Sydney. Over two weeks, the students selected will perform to total audiences of up to 7000. These are the first nominations for the college and the importance of these nominations cannot be overstated. This is the Holy grail for Drama teachers and I am stoked for Isabelle and Faith. We will hear in a few weeks if they are successful and the college wishes them a ‘break a leg’ and ‘CHOOKAS’.
I am incredibly proud of every student in the HSC 2020 Drama class. It has been a very difficult year and the resilience the students have displayed is a testament to their maturity and grit. I will miss this class very much when they move on and wish them all the best in their future. The only thing I ask is that they give me a shout out during their acceptance speech for best actor/actress at the Oscars, Tony’s or Emmy awards.
Mr Alexander Hayden
Drama Teacher
TAS NEWS
Year 9 Food Technology
This Term Year 9 have explored many cake decorating techniques through the topic 'Food for special occasions'. Unfortunately due to COVID restrictions this year we have not been able to plan and participate in our usual variety of communal celebrations, however students have not let this affect their enthusiasm as they have been busy designing a celebration cake for their Assessment Task.
The class is to be commended for their efforts, in what is always a high pressure task!
Keep up the great work!
Mrs Reavell & Mrs Mariani
SPORTS NEWS
Yours in Sport
Mrs Ashleigh Durrant
Sport Coordinator
YEAR 11
Year 11 Year Coordinator's Message
With guiding prayer and a healthy snack Year 11 began their HSC journey by commencing their preliminary exams . I would like to congratulate them on their attendance, their efficacy and diligence in the way they have undertaken these exams.
I would also like to extend my gratitude to Grima Brothers, Gregory hills who kindly donated 135 apples for Year 11 to start their week with a smile.
Next Tuesday Year 11 will return to complete their final week of exams and I wish them well.
Mrs Holland
Miss Liska
Year 7 Coordinator
SCHOOL HALL BUILDING PROGRESS
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.