St Benedict's Catholic College
Newsletter 6 December 2019
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Dear Parents and Caregivers
It is always exciting starting new things. Last week we welcomed our new Year 7s to the College. These young men and women are our “decade” students: the tenth cohort of St Benedict’s students who will graduate from Year 12 in 2025. They were welcomed by our incoming Principal, Mrs Kerrie Piatek, and by their Year Coordinator, Mrs Christy Smith. There was a palpable excitement on the Preparation Evening and also on the Orientation Day as they prepare themselves for a significant change in their lives!
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It is indeed the waiting season as we moved this week into the first week of Advent, waiting in anticipation of the birth of Our Lord. Even though most people think the year begins on January 1, the liturgical year begins in Advent. So it’s a great time to start fresh and to begin our conversion—our turning back—to Jesus again.
I love the season of Advent. I like the colours, the smells, the rituals, all the good things that come with it. Our College Captains have their tradition of putting up the school Christmas Tree in the student foyer and at the end, we get to celebrate the birth of Jesus. With all the festivities and commitments attached to the season of Advent and Christmas, I often forget that this is the beginning of a new year. I’ve always made New Year resolutions on January 1. I never really gave any thought to doing this in December. But I think I need to push up that date.
It was St. Francis who said: “Let us begin again, for until now we have done nothing,” and when I came across this quote a few years ago it didn’t really resonate with me. But now, for Bennies, Advent is the perfect time to “begin again” on so many levels. New leadership, new Decade for the College and, like our Year 7 students, a new start.
This December, not January, is also the best time to renew our commitment to Christ. Advent, the beginning of a new liturgical year, can be a fresh start for each of us.
“LET US BEGIN AGAIN, FOR UNTIL NOW WE HAVE DONE NOTHING.”
St Francis
Warm regards
Michael Hanratty
Principal
FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
History Week
Last week saw the HSIE department celebrate History Week. Activities were organised and staff dressed up as historical characters to mark the event. Even though it was a little later than normal, this was an important recognition of our past and a fun way of engaging students with history.
9 English – Jewish Museum
The Year 9 students recently attended the Jewish Museum as a way of supporting their current novel study in English. This is an important way of helping students to develop their understanding of the Holocaust and the horrific impact it had on people’s lives. Staff and students were able to listen to a survivor recount their experience of being in a camp. We are grateful to the survivors for sharing their stories and experiences.
PASS Excursions
As a part of the 9 and 10 elective courses, PASS students also attended their annual excursions last week. Congratulations to the PE staff for organising these activities and to the students on their great engagement on these days.
8 Science Excursion
Last week Year 8 also were on excursion – this time at the Space Centre and Planetarium. This day provides support for units being delivered in the Science Curriculum and is always an enjoyable day for the students. It’s a great way of allowing students to connect to the curriculum and to explore a little more about space.
Year 7 Orientation day
Year 7 2020 visited the College last week as they had their Orientation day. Students were able to get to know some of the key staff that will be supporting them next year as well as have a look around the school and get to know their fellow class mates. Overall a good day was had by all and congratulations to our Year 7 2020 students on the day. A big thank you to the P@F who cooked and served the lunch to the students.
LIVE
Last Friday saw the final LIVE event for the year. This is a great initiative run by the Bishop’s Office and the Catholic Education Office, Wollongong. It allows our students to connect and explore their faith in a meaningful and relevant way. Thanks to Miss Brown and the team for the organisation of the event – it was a great success.
Middle Leaders and Youth Ministry Leaders Induction
This week saw the induction of our newly appointed Middle Leaders and Youth Ministry Leaders. I know that there were some very impressive interviews held for these positions and congratulations to all for applying. Good luck to these students as they begin their leadership journey.
ACYF
Today, 10 of our Year 10 students fly out to Perth for the Australian Catholic Youth Festival. This will be an a mazing experience for our students and we wish them all the best over the coming days. Thanks also to Miss Brown and Mr Agoo for attending and supporting the students.
Kind regards
Mr David Costin
Assistant Principal
DATES TO REMEMBER
Thursday 12 December - Year 10 Reflection Day
Monday 16 December - End of Year Mass, Semester 2 Awards.
Monday 16 December - Years 7-10 Reports Distributed.
Wednesday 18 December - Parent/Teacher Meetings
Wednesday 18 December - Year 12 Morning Tea
Thursday 19 December - Pupil Free day/Staff Development Day
Wednesday 29 January - Year 7, 12 and other New Students Return
Thursday 30 January - All Students Return
Thursday 6 February - Year 12 UOW Discovery Day
FINANCE OFFICE CLOSED
FINAL CALL FOR ORDERING UNIFORMS
Anyone needing to order uniforms for next year,
particularly for Year 9 into Year 10 in 2020
Please see flyer below.
Year 10 - Jacob Veres
We would like to congratulate Jacob on his sporting achievements in baseball this year. They have been outstanding and we commend his dedication and commitment to his sport. Jacob represented Macarthur Baseball League in the 2019 State League Championships. Their team qualified for Nationals.
Four teams from NSW went to the Nationals Baseball Championships with Macarthur finishing third in Australia bringing home a bronze medal.
Also this year Jacob was selected to play in the Roos World Boys Baseball team to play against other teams from around the world in Italy. The team ended up finishing 5th in the world.
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MISSION AND VISION
Advent is a sacred time and space which provides us with the opportunity to stand back from the busyness of our lives and become aware of who we really are. It is a small oasis of calm that enables us to reflect on the deeper questions of life.
Who am I at the core of my being?
What is the purpose of my life?
What am I called to be?
Advent enables us to cultivate a contemplative awareness that can move us forward to a new place of growth, where the invisible and visible in ourselves and in all of creation becomes interwoven and at one. It is a place where we are drawn into communion with each other, with the whole of creation and with a divine power who holds us all in being and desires to be in relationship with us.
Our lives can be filled with constant activity and excitement. We rush through our days in stress and anxiety as if we were on this earth to stay. We worry and grow anxious and we magnify trivial things until they become important enough to control our lives.
We can spend such a great deal of time looking forward, rushing into the next thing or looking backwards worrying about our perceived mistakes, that we rarely still ourselves and our minds long enough to be truly in the present moment.
Cultivating a contemplative awareness helps us to be fully awake, alert, conscious and present. It is a space where our minds become still and our hearts are awakened to the presence of God living in us and through us.
Coming into contact with our own inner stillness we begin to operate from it in our daily lives. When we respond to our problems from a place of stillness we respond with calmness and peace. Stillness allows us to accept fully the reality of what is right here and now and more importantly, to recognise God’s presence at the core of everything.
Allowing ourselves to be enfolded by stillness reveals to us a most comforting truth – in all our struggles and efforts to be truly human and loving, we are always surrounded by and held in the loving shelter of God’s presence. With this realisation we come to acknowledge that it is a privilege and a wonderful gift to be alive and to be here.
Gratitude then becomes the frame that holds our life.
VINNIES CHRISTMAS APPEAL
"For it is in giving that we receive" - St Francis of Assisi
Christmas for many of us is a time of happiness and celebration as we gather with our family and friends sharing meals, laughing and chatting as we open presents. However, for many people experiencing poverty and hardship, as well as those affected by the drought and fire, Christmas can be a challenging time.
This year, the Bennies Community have responded to the call of our local community, donating food items to be donated in hampers for our local community. We would like to personally congratulate and thank the College community for their outstanding contributions this year, with overwhelming support from every year group. These donations will be able to support the local families who need it most this Christmas season.
The photo below contains a small fraction of what has come in - there is so much more.
NICHOLAS CARROLL - YEAR 10
YEAR 8
At the beginning of Term 4, a group of Year 8 students began planning and organising ways to help raise money for the St Vincent De Paul Bushfire and Christmas appeal. With the combined help of Mrs Logue and the library staff, we were able to organise a bake sale, a raffle, a jelly bean guessing jar and popcorn and fairy floss sale.
The Bake sale and sale of popcorn and fairy floss were a huge success having the whole school coming to the COLA in flocks to buy at recess and lunch. From these two events we have raised over $700:00. A very big thanks to the Year 8 Christmas team, which included Ashton J, Zane R, Rose N, Ronan C, George H, Azariah B, Natasha S, Hannah D, Jaeme S, Daniel S and Isaac A. A special thank you to our parents for their support and contributions of items to the raffle and to Mr Lundy and Mrs Logue for overseeing it all and helping out at lunches and recess.
Another big thank you to my parents to Mr and Mrs Camilleri for supplying the school with the fairy floss and popcorn and Mrs Sheran Shultz for providing some delicious fudge and Boston cream cake.
We have just commenced selling tickets for the raffle. Prizes include:
Sweet Sensations Spa Voucher (Beauty Base @ Narellan Town Centre valued at $122:00)
$50 Bunnings Voucher
$40 Coles Myer Voucher
$30 Events Voucher
$30 Teen Voucher
$30 Narellan Town Centre Voucher
Box of Cadbury Favourites
X2 Marvel Figurines
X2 AFL footballs.
The Jelly bean guessing competition and raffle winners will be drawn and announced after the End of Year Mass on Monday 16th December 2019. we are sure to have raised enough funds to provide families in need a happy and joyful Christmas.
Ronan Camilleri -Year 8
Bishop honours volunteers at annual catechist Mass
PHOTO: Mr Jude Hennessey, Blake Straub, Sydney Madsen and Grace Cremen with Bishop Brian Mascord
Over 70 volunteer Catechist teachers from government schools in the diocese including Year 10 students from St Benedict’s Catholic College were honoured by Bishop Brain Mascord on Saturday 16 November 2019 as part of the annual diocesan Catechist Mass.
Congratulations to the many amazing catechists who reached milestones in their training or years of service as volunteer Catholic Special Religious Education teachers in NSW public schools, including a number who received life membership of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) for 30 years of service.
Bishop Brian noted the massive impact that over 600 volunteers make teaching almost 8,500 young people in over 140 public schools stretching from Helensburgh to Ulladulla and Ingleburn to Moss Vale.
The Diocesan Director of CDD, Mr Jude Hennessy, applauded their enormous impact—providing a wonderful choice for parents in public schools, forming students in the faith of their family, and highlighting how they help them develop their knowledge of Jesus, the Church and God’s call for them to be agents of love in the world.
We thank God for all our catechists in the Diocese of Wollongong!
A Mass of Thanksgiving for the work of our Student Catechist’s was held at St Mary MacKillop Parish at Oran Park on Wednesday 27 November 2019 at 10:30 am with a special morning tea held afterwards.
Congratulations and thank you to our Year 10 students who are involved in Catechist teaching at Leppington Public School.
Emily A
Nicholas C
Grace C
Chelsea G
Sydney M
Isabella S
Hannah S
Charlotte S
Kai S
Warm Regards
Kimberley Logue
Director of Mission and Vision
YEAR 9 PASS EXCURSION TO FARM BEACH
On Wednesday 27 November, the students from Year 9 PASS attended the Farm beach at Killalea State Park to participate in a surf excursion. During the bus trip, the students were feeling anxious and nervous about learning to surf. For many students, it was their first time surfing down at Killalea. However there were a few students who were experienced surfers too.
The lesson began with students learning to paddle, stand up and balance on the board on the sand. Shortly after the students hit the waves. Some were successful in standing up and controlling the board, while others were tired but did their best at attempting to get up on the board. The day was a fantastic experience and all students were pushed out of their comfort zones to learn new skills.
Annalyse S, Olivia H and Charlotte M - Year 9 PASS.
TAS NEWS
Year 10 Food Technology
Last week, Year 10 Food Technology students presented the local organisation “We Are Community” with a few baskets of non-perishable items. Year 10 were studying a unit on Food Equity. We were reflecting on the needs in the local community and the students were keen to be able to give back to the local community.
Vice President, Amanda Axisa, was thrilled with the contribution the St Benedict’s community have made and trusted that the food will bring some relief to families, particularly around the Christmas season. Thank you to the Year 10 Food Technology classes and the staff who contributed to this fundraiser.
Mrs Pollicina and Miss Georges
SCIENCE HAPPENINGS
Year 9 Spectacular Science Extension Excursion
On Thursday 21 December, 17 Year 9 students who have been excelling in Science this year were given the opportunity to attend a Science Enrichment day at the University of Sydney. Below are the thoughts from a number of students who attended. Thank you to Mrs Brown for accompanying the group.
The 2019 Spectacular Science program at Sydney University was very intriguing and fascinating. We got to participate in engaging and fun hands-on science activities and met real scientists who shared many interesting things with us. The diversity of sciences explored on the day, engaged and sparked my interest. We got to find out the many ways in which scientists research bees. The bee-related talks and activities we took part in taught us about a bees habitat, flight patterns, hierarchy of the hive, pests and disease, honey quality, pollen, nectar collecting and more. I enjoyed the day with my friends experiencing a variety of science activities and exploring Sydney University.
Abbey Newton
The Spectacular Science Day was a great learning experience. We were able to discuss and partake in activities pertaining to psychology, ethics and communication, all around the main theme of bees. Some particular highlights for me included being able to hold a stingless bee, and watching the spectacular science show. All of the people involved on the day were extremely knowledgeable, and as such, it was a valuable way to enrich our scientific understanding. It was also inspiring to experience the beautiful campus of the University of Sydney. Thank you to Mrs Brown for organising and facilitating this excursion.
Rhiannon Essex
On Thursday I actually had a really good time. The campus is really nice and I really liked the theme of bees. I didn't understand how vital they are for our survival and learnt so many fascinating facts about them. Overall, my favourite was probably the ethics session as I got to have deep and interesting conversation with my peers about a really subjective topic.
Charlotte Gibbs-White
Year 8 Science Excursion to Science Space Centre, Wollongong
On Friday, 29 November, Year 8 headed out to the Science Space Museum in North Wollongong. Many teachers helped out on the day and overall it was a great learning experience for all involved. The day consisted of 3 main parts: the planetarium, a liquid nitrogen show and free time where we were able to walk around, trying out many different activities, each teaching us about different aspects in science
The planetarium was similar to a movie theatre, it had a large dome roof where a movie was projected. The movie, ’Violent Universe’, taught us about the movement of our galaxy, the earth and our solar system in relation to the size of other galaxies, the dangers of space including asteroids, black holes, and questions we have been able to answer and questions we are still trying to figure out.
The second part of our excursion was a liquid nitrogen show. We learned about what liquid nitrogen is, what it does to certain objects such as balloons, metal, and a bouncy ball and how it reacts to being bottled up (spoiler alert, there were explosions). This was overall really fun, we got to help in some parts of the show and it was so cool to learn new things but in a fun way, experiencing it first-hand.
The final part of our excursion was free time where we got to try out many different activities each one teaching us something different. There were a large number of activities and each student got to try every one. The hands-on experience allowed us to learn in our own style and at our own pace.
The science space museum was overall a fun and educational experience. We all got to participate in hands-on activities and everyone had a chance to learn about something they were interested in.
Natasha Saab and Talia Rosario
STANSW Young Scientists Awards
Congratulations to the following Year 10 students for achieving awards for their Student Research Projects which were completed as part of an assessment task earlier in the year. Each student was required to choose a topic, independently carry out the investigation, then analyse and evaluate the data. All 4 students were from Mrs Learmonth’s Science class.
Amelia Kubecka – Credit award for her project on 'Which form of exercise will most improve cardiovascular fitness?'
Hannah Small – Credit for her project on 'How fertiliser affects plant growth'.
Sienna Rixon- Credit for her project on 'Food Chemistry- The effect of baking powder on the chemical leavening of a cupcake'.
Grace Cremen received a Commendation for her project on 'How colour affects the absorption of light'.
Year 10 Forensics Incursion
On Monday 2 December, the Year 10 Science classes took part in a Forensics Workshop here at school. During the double period session, students were given the task of solving a murder CSI. Students were presented with the case and then were required to examine and interpret the evidence which included arson, DNA, fingerprint and ballistic samples. Students then had to come up with a series of events leading to the crime and provide a motive.
The presenter from Education Interactive was very engaging and the Year 10’s enjoyed learning about the techniques used by Forensic Scientists to solve a crime. They discovered that Forensic Science is a challenging field and requires a sound understanding of Physics, Biology and Chemistry – topics that have been studied throughout the Stage 5 Science course.
Maria de Lima
Science Coordinator
COLLEGE SPORT
Some sports were cancelled cancelled due to poor air quality.
Congratulations to the following students for being nominated MVP:
Gymnastics:
Reilly M, Tiana N, Rose N, Olivia R
UFC:
Harrison D, Kayla D
Gym:
Jackson J, Eric M
Kickboxing:
Braedon P
Bowling:
Tauren Mce, Charlotte G-W
Dance:
Keira H, Faith E
Bowling B:
Jarrod B
Flipout:
Lazar K
MISA Sport
Our MISA teams have finished for the year. Congratulations to both teachers and students.
Year 7-9 Boys Oztag
Finished 4th
Year 7-9 Girls Oztag
Finished 5th
Year 7-9 Girls AFL
Finished 5th
Year 7-9 Boys AFL
Finished 2nd
Year 7-9 Girls Softball
Finished 5th
Year 7-9 Boys Indoor Cricket
Finished 3rd
Year 10-11 Girls Volleyball
Finished 4th
Year 10-11 Boys Volleyball
Finished 4th
Year 10-11 Mixed Fisbee
Finished 4th
Yours in Sport
Ms Julia Liska
Sport Coordinator
BEARS UPDATE - The latest produce from our vegetable garden
The BEARs are so proud of how successful the garden has been and we're looking forward to making it bigger and better next year!
Paul Wade Seminar for Year 11
As part of St Benedict’s Well Being and Careers programs, on Tuesday 26 November 2019 the Year 11 cohort participated in an incursion to hear keynote guest speaker, Paul Wade OAM. Paul engaged the students in a one hour presentation aimed at enhancing emotional wellbeing by increasing each student’s ability to build resilience through maintaining a positive mindset during adversity and change.
The students were also given a deeper understanding of the need to make themselves employable! This included a focus on the employability skills set that employers are looking for in a young person.
Paul Wade developed this program through the challenges and triumphs he faced as Captain of the Socceroos, as well as with his own personal struggles in dealing with epilepsy which has given Paul a unique life experience.
Now let’s hear from some of the students!
The Paul Wade seminar that myself and the rest of Year 11 had the pleasure of attending was an inspiration and an encouragement. Paul Wade’s courageous story on how he overcame adversities and continued to push himself to his limits to achieve his goals inspired me to try my best at everything I take part in. Paul Wade spoke about the importance of never giving up and developing resilience, along with the significance of employability skills such as consistency and making small sacrifices to better your work ethic. Overall, this seminar taught me a lot and I would encourage anybody who has the opportunity to experience a Paul Wade seminar to do so.
Isabella Todd
The Paul Wade seminar proved to be very inspiring, as a year group we had the pleasure to experience different aspects of Paul's life. He showed the year group that even with great difficulty it is possible to achieve your goals and endeavours if you apply the effort to your life. Truly the Paul Wade Seminar was an experience that will be forever cherished. Having the chance to converse with an international superstar proved to be a wonderful experience.
Jean Paul Lombardo
Yesterday myself and the Year 12 cohort were privileged enough to attend a motivational and inspirational talk by retired Socceroos Captain, Paul Wade. Paul shared many stories with us, with a focus on goal setting, resilience and motivation. We are all able to acknowledge what Paul shared and use this as a guide, challenging our way of thinking and inspiring us all to make positive life choices. Thank you to Paul for sharing his journey with us and leaving us with the message to “understand our gifts we have from God” and to use them throughout life!
Isabella Friscic
On Tuesday morning Year 12 heard from OAM recipient Paul Wade, who discussed the importance of developing resilience. Using stories from his time as a Socceroo and the Socceroo’s Captain, Paul gave us insight into the power of positive thinking in the face of adversity and challenge. His story of resilience was inspiring and left us wondering how we can make small changes in our lives to enhance our God-given talents. Although I’m not a soccer fan, I was able to admire his commitment and drive that led him to such great success. A massive thank you to Paul for coming and talking to us, and also to Mr Mustapic for organising the seminar.
Olivia Dowling
Regards
Anthony McAteer and Mark Mustapic
Year 11 Coordinator and Careers Advisor
YOUTH MINISTRY AT ST BENEDICT'S UPDATE
Term 4 has been a busy term for Youth Ministry here at St Benedict’s. This term we have seen the induction of our YMLs for 2020, The YML formation Retreat, LIVE 3 and the next few days ACYF in Perth.
On Tuesday we appointed our 11 YMLs for 2020. These students are: Emily A, Paris B, Nicholas C, Grace C, Becca I, Fayme J, Jarvia J, Sydney M, Hannah S, Kai S and Nicholas W. The students attended a Youth Ministry Retreat ran by The Catholic Education Office Wollongong.
Emily Azzopardi had the following to say about the retreat:
On the 4 and 5 of November, the Youth Ministry Leaders (YMLs) for 2020 gathered at Stanwell Tops Retreat Centre with other Leaders from around the diocese. There we engaged in team-building exercises, discussions and reflections that allowed us to develop the skills to fulfil our leadership roles in the new year. It was a great opportunity to meet fellow YMLs and deepen our understanding and faith through learning other’s perspectives.
The evening we spent at the Retreat provided a great opportunity for reflection, as we deepened our own faith and connection to God. Through worship, prayer teams, reconciliation and reflection, we were all able to gain a lot from this touching experience. As a team, we all really enjoyed our Retreat and can’t wait to put the skills we learnt into practice next year as your Youth Ministry Leaders for 2020.
LIVE 3
Live 3 took place on Friday 29 November at the College. The theme of Live was “Who are We?” Run by the Catholic Youth Ministry Wollongong, Live 3 explored what our purpose is and how we can live our life to the fullest. The afternoon began with games, followed by a guest speaker and then a worship session and dinner.
Benjamin A from Year 8 had the following to say about all three LIVES this year:
LIVE is a fun and eye-opening experience that everyone should get the chance to experience. It is truly a chance to gain an insight into oneself and gives you a chance to ask yourself questions about your own life and faith. LIVE has a very relaxed and judgement-free environment, which only helps it more. The activities it opens with are always fun and help to bring the participants together, and the following talk, songs and small group activities are a great spiritual eye-opener. It’s a really fun night that I recommend everyone goes and tries at least once, And even if it’s not your kind of activity, then at least you gave it a try. The food at the end is also a welcome bonus.
Jarrod Emmett from Year 7 had this to say:
LIVE is a special day where everyone gets together to spread words about God and it only happens 3 times, once in Term 1, another in Term 2 and another in Term 4. Everytime I go to LIVE I think about how he came to us, why did he come back then, why didn’t he come now or maybe why am I here?
This live performance was one of the most fun LIVEs U have been to cause there was more information about God. One thing I learnt was, these two words are two of the shortest words in English they are “YES OR NO”.
The words YES or NO are really important and you need to think about when you say it , how you say it, and why you say it.
Also at LIVE we played fun mixed games which where flip a bottle, flip a cup and throw a pencil and catch it.
ACYF 2020
On Friday 6 December, eight Year 10 students accompanied by Miss Brown and Mr Agoo will be representing the College and the Diocese at Australian Catholic Youth Festival in Perth. The Australian Catholic Youth Festival (ACYF) is a national gathering of Catholic young people established by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC). It exists to provide young people with opportunities to deepen their relationship with Jesus, be empowered to be disciples in the world today and encounter and celebrate the vitality of the Church in Australia.
The Australian Catholic Youth Festival exists to:
Provide a high quality formative and experiential opportunity for young Catholics to encounter Jesus Christ, in the context of the Catholic Church in Australia;
Listen to and discuss the issues and challenges in the lives of young Catholics in Australia;
Evangelise young people and empower them to be evangelists;
Provide young people with local examples and connections of vocations, social action, liturgy and prayer, catholic music and catechesis.
The students have attended two formation days at Wollongong to prepare and are very excited for the festival and experience.
LOST PROPERTY
We also have a number of school uniform items with no names on them. Can you please mark all items of clothing clearly with your child's name.
Students are welcome to come and collect articles at recess, lunch and home time.
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.
Parents are asked to email teachers between 7:40am and 6:00pm if requesting appointments or needing information, please allow teachers 48 hours to reply. The school office is open from 7:40am until 3:30pm. If calling for a teacher please allow them 24 hours to return your call. Parents are asked to remember that teachers are in class during the day and have meetings after school hours.
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.
2020 school travel applications now open
Applications for student travel in 2020 opened on Friday, 11 October 2019.
Students progressing to year 3 and year 7 no longer need to re-apply if they:
· are continuing at the same school
· are residing at the same address
· have not been sent an expiry notification from Transport for NSW.
Where a student meets the new distance eligibility, the system will automatically update their entitlement. If they do not meet the new eligibility, they will receive an expiry notification via email.
Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition which is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.
Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.
If students need to update their information or re-apply, they should go online to https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/updateDetails
Applications need to be submitted before 31 December 2019 to ensure student entitlements are updated and their current entitlement/card is not cancelled. If their application is submitted after 31 December 2019, the system will automatically cancel an entitlement/card and a new one will need to be issued.
Students in the Opal network applying for a SSTS or Term Bus Pass entitlement for the first time will receive their card at their nominated postal address. Cards will be mailed out from January 2020.
Students residing in Rural and Regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the commencement of the new school year from their nominated operator, this may be distributed via the school or sent direct to their address. Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students/Parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.