St Benedict's Catholic College
Newsletter 8 September 2017
Principal's Report
The reading at last Sunday’s Mass was from the Gospel of Matthew where Jesus questioned His disciples about what is important. In one of the best known quotes from Matthew, Jesus asks “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” This is a question that we can ask in reference to what is important to each of us. If we place Jesus at the centre of our universe and recognise that wealth may come and go but salvation is for eternity, we can make decisions that benefit ourselves and also those around us. It is again a yardstick that we can use regularly and not only when we are making important decisions within our lives.
At last week’s assembly I spoke with the students about two concepts important for growth. These words were Nurture and Nourishment. We often nurture the things that we treasure and try to protect them by ‘wrapping them in cotton wool’. Whilst protecting the things important to us is essential, it is also necessary to nourish them by exposing them by feeding them what they need and occasionally exposing them to new ideas and experiences. This nourishment and nurturing, of ourselves and those around us, will help to maintain a spirit of community and welcome in the true Benedictine tradition.
In the spirit of this nurturing, our Year 7, 8 and 10 students have all recently undergone Pastoral days or Leadership camps. Year 9 will complete their Leadership camp next week. These events are compulsory activities within the College Calendar and are an essential learning opportunity for students to experience something new or out of their normal comfort zone. I thank all the staff who put enormous amounts of time and effort into the preparation and planning of these events and then often work without breaks during the days. From the feedback from the students, these are valuable and enjoyable days but we do continue to evaluate each of them in order to improve them for the following year.
Next week we will be inducting our College leaders for 2018. Parents of these students should have already received an invitation to this event and we look forward to sharing this ceremony.
Over the last two weeks of term, I encourage all our students, but especially the Year 12s, to continue to work to the best of their ability in order to achieve what they are truly capable of.
We ask you to continue to keep Fr David in your prayers as he faces ongoing medical treatment.
Finally, congratulations for last Sunday and thank you to all the fathers within our community. Your nurturing and nourishment of your children is a great way of enhancing the growth of our young men and women.
Steve Lo Cascio
Acting Principal
College Mission and Vision
Our Prayer Focus for the remainder of the term continues on the theme of Community. Last week we learnt that St Benedict, due to his many experiences, seemed to understand human nature well, and that the key to spiritual progress lies in constantly making the effort to see Christ in each person. This is what a Benedictine community is built on – seeing the face of Christ in all those around.
As we have been praying for Community, this week we have focused particularly on praying for Fr David. Everyday we have, as a community, been praying the Novena for the Healing of Fr David. Although the Novena finishes soon, I would hope that families continue to keep Fr David in their prayers.
Year 8 Reflection Day
Last week Year 8 had their Reflection day, the theme of which was ‘the Value in Me, the Value in Others’. The students had an enjoyable day and learnt a lot about themselves, their peers and there relationship with God. For many, there were challenges presented in opening our eyes and seeing the value of all in the community around us. The bomb shelter activity certainly provided students with an opportunity to realise that we are all made in the Holy image of God.
Catechists
Our student Catechists continue to do a great job at Oran Park Public School. The students have been providing support for the Catechists from the parish through this visits this year. Louisa Court, Secondary SRE Assistant - Student Catechist Program Coordinator from the CCD Wollongong, has provided fantastic support for the students and last week came for a lunch visit with our students. We are grateful to both Louisa and the Parish for the great support that the students receive as part of this program. Next term we will talk to our Year 9 students to gauge the interest levels for next year’s program.
Religious Literacy Assessment
Last week our Year 8 students completed the second part of the Religious Literacy Assessment. This section was an extended response and challenged students on the current unit – ‘Disciples, Martyrs and Witnesses to the faith’. This is a great program as it allows the students to explore the early Church and the many significant men and women who played an important role in the development of the faith. The task itself allowed for students to show their knowledge of this unit and to practise the skills of essay writing. I look forward to receiving these results.
Year 12 Graduation Mass and Awards
The Year 12 Graduation Mass is in Week 10 on Thursday 21 September and will be a beautiful celebration of our Year 12 group and their contribution to the College over the years. The Graduation and Awards ceremony will follow the liturgical celebration. I certainly look forward to the evening and am very grateful for the involvement of so many staff and students in this significant celebration.
Mr David Costin
Acting Assistant Principal
Director of Mission and Vision.
Year 12 upcoming events
Date: Wednesday 20 September
Event: Year 12 Breakfast
Time: Students to arrive at the College at 7:15am for a 7:30am departure
Date: Wednesday 20 September
Event: Farewell Assembly
Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
Parents are invited to to attend this farewell ceremony. Following the ceremony there will be a picnic day for the students at a venue to be announced.
Date: Thursday 21 September
Event: Year 12 Graduation Mass Practice
Venue: St Paul's Catholic Church, Camden.
Time: 9:30am - 11:30am
Students are to make their own way to and from St Paul's and are to wear their full winter uniform.
Date: Thursday 21 September
Event: Year 12 Graduation Mass
Venue: St Paul's Catholic Church, Camden.
Time: Students are asked to arrive no later than 6:30pm for a 7:00pm start.
Uniform: Full winter uniform
Student Printing Reminder
Students are unable to print work during lesson time in the library.
The library is open from 7.30am before school, recess, lunch and until 3pm after school.
Students will need their student card to print.
Second-Hand Uniform Shop
The Second-Hand Uniform Shop is in desperate need of donations in good pre-loved condition. The waiting list is growing day by day.
Items of clothing, hats and bags can be left with the lovely ladies in the office by parents, carers and students alike.
For any enquiries, please call Melissa Nicholas on 0410486083.
Year 10 Outdoor Camp
A significant component of the Year 10 Pastoral calendar and the College Leadership Diploma is the Year 10 Outdoor Education Experience. With this in mind, Year 10 and a band of enthusiastic staff descended upon the Somerset Outdoor Learning Centre in the picturesque Colo Valley.
Over three days and two nights students and staff were presented with an array of learning opportunities that cannot be found in a regular classroom setting. Everyone involved was invited to step outside of their normal comfort zones, leave the creature comforts of home behind, and place their faith and trust in their peers, in order to work together and successfully complete the different challenges presented.
Upon our arrival we were greeted by the staff of Somerset and introduced to our camp leaders. Energy levels were quickly boosted by lunch and the different groups set off to their designated campsite for night one. For two groups that meant a four-hour, 8km trek and a three hour canoe journey down the Colo River!
Each group completed four activities in addition to setting up their campsites, dismantling the same site and then setting them back up again. Every activity presented their own unique challenges but the unifying feature for each one was the support and teamwork required to successfully complete each activity.
The students hiked over 8km through the Colo Gorge, completed a challenging high ropes course, canoed themselves and their camping gear down the Colo River and pushed themselves through the “River Run” mud and obstacle course. Being able to witness the support and determination was incredibly positive. Watching students and staff face fears and overcome them with the support of their classmates was the highlight of our time away.
Another standout feature of the whole experience was the teamwork and synchronicity on display at the respective campsites: collecting firewood, preparing dinner, cleaning up following dinner and sharing friendly banter around the campfire.
We were blessed with dry and wind free weather. The nights were very cool and this is where the expert advice of our camp leaders really came to the fore.
It would be remiss not to thank everyone involved but I would especially like to thank Mrs Pereira, Mrs Sammut, Mr Hayden and Mr Wisbey for leaving their own family commitments to accompany Year 10.
Whilst it was challenging, the Year 10 Outdoor Education Experience was most rewarding.
Congratulations to everyone involved.
Matt Limbrey
Year 10 Coordinator
Year 7 World of Maths Incursion
As part of Literacy and Numeracy week celebrations, on Wednesday 30 August, Year 7 students participated in the World of Maths incursion at the College. As in previous years, Peter, from World of Maths, brought many hands-on problem-solving investigations and the Mathematics staff provided a range of activities. This year the Year 7 group from St Francis joined us in celebrating the day. The Year 7 students are to be commended for their excellent behaviour and participation on the day.
Paul Dempsey
Maths Coordinator
“On Wednesday 30 August, Year 7 students from both St Benedict’s and St Francis were invited to participate in a day filled with mathematics activities. Students were given the opportunity to experience maths in a more hands-on environment, targeting the development of problem solving skills. Activities included solving an array of different problem-based stations through the ‘World of Maths Roadshow’, along with playing adapted versions of some classic board games. Students put their maths skills to the test, participating in trivia and competing against each other on a website. On behalf of all Year 7 students, I can say that, it was an educational and enjoyable day!” By Rhiannon Essex
MISA Youth of the Year
On September 1st, we journeyed to Mt Carmel High School with Mrs Settineri, to represent our College in the 'MISA Youth of the Year Contest' for 2017.
The focus of the event is to raise awareness and understanding of current affairs around the world, within Australia, and our immediate local area. We were required to engage in an interview with our judges and deliver a prepared speech in front of an audience, about some of the major religious, social, educational and political issues within our current world.
Schools gathered across the Macarthur region to join in this event with 21 students producing exceptional speeches on diverse issues. It was amazing to see young people discussing such pressing issues and uniting for awareness or change to occur.
We thoroughly enjoyed meeting students from different schools and congratulating the deserving winners from Mt Carmel and Good Samaritan. All in all, the experience was highly educational and enhanced our public speaking skills.
With the competition aside, we managed to make some lasting friendships!
Julian Di Giovanni and Mia Gibbs-White
Tuesdays Sports News
Congratulations to the following students who were nominated as MVPs for Week 8:
MILO Cricket:
Mary-Rose El-Helou
AFL:
Lachlan Bigwood
Soccer:
Michael Corte
Taeknowdo/NRL:
Nicholas Carroll
Martial Arts:
Ben Waights
Netball:
Jackson Roots, Tarryn Troy
Barefoot Bowls:
Zac Winters, Natalia Jedrzejczyk
Beach Sports:
Felix Muzirwa
Bowling A:
James Bohacs
Bowling B:
Mikayla Brooksby
Crossfit:
Cooper Judge, Christopher Robertson
Golf:
Cooper Head
Pilates/Yoga:
Abbey Riley, Isabella Ravino
Powerwalking:
Rohan Wallace
Spin Class:
Marcus Petrovski
Tennis:
Macey Thorne
MISA Sport
Our MISA teams had their first week of competition against Macarthur Anglican College
Year 7-9 Girls Soccer Win
MVP: Jayme Willingham
Year 10-12 Girls Soccer Loss
MVP: Jenna Sarkis
Year 10-12 Boys Basketball Loss
MVP: Isaac Hobman & Lachlan Parker
Year 10-12 Girls Basketball Loss
MVP: Angel Pallar
Year 7 Girls Netball Win
MVP: Charlize Zuvela
Year 8 Girls Netball Win
MVP: Maddison Fowler
Year 7-9 Boys 12’s AFL Win
Year 9-10 Boys Rugby League Bye
Yours in Sport
Miss Liska
CAREER NEWS
UAC Applications OPEN NOW!
On-time UAC applications close midnight AEST on Friday, 29 September 2017.
Make sure your year 12 student submits their applications by this date to avoid late fees. Don't forget, students can still change their preferences all the way up until December 17 for consideration in December Round 2.
Visit the UAC website for more information about applications and offer rounds.
University of Notre Dame - Getting to Know Nursing Day
12 September . 5.30pm to 7.00pm (arrive 5.00pm)
160 Oxford St, Darlinghurst (cnr Victoria Street)
Get to know what it’s really like to study Nursing at Notre Dame.
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from the Dean of Nursing about:
- Nursing as a profession
- The structure of Notre Dame’s three year Nursing program,
- How the School of Nursing produces graduates who are highly regarded for their skills and knowledge and employed promptly in the health sector
02 8204 4404 or sydney@nd.edu.au
Apprenticeships for 2018
Now is the time to apply for Apprenticeships for next year. If you leave it until November/December you may miss out a job offer www.australianapprenticeships.gov.au/i-want-become-australian-apprentice
Chef Apprenticeships from HTN
Gain entry into the world of cooking through a guaranteed placement in some of Australia’s best kitchens.Our approach ensures that Apprentices are able to acquire a variety of skills from different industry placements during the course of their training. Our Industry Advisors provide expert guidance for all work placements.
Essential Energy Apprenticeships 2018
We are currently offering apprenticeships for Powerline Workers, and Electrical Technicians in our Regional Operations and Zone Substation branches.
http://essentialenergy.com.au/content/apprenticeships
Housing Industry Association Apprenticeships
There has never been a better time to start a career in the housing industry. Doing paid training through an apprenticeship is a great way to learn new skills, make industry contacts and get set up for the future. HIA Apprentices matches apprentices with the right boss and makes sure they are supported until they finish. Call: 1300 650 620
https://hia.com.au/about/careers/ApprenticeProg
Master Builders Association Apprenticeships and Traineeships
Master Builders Apprenticeship Service is a Group Training Organisation, who employs apprentices and trainees to place them with tradespeople, builders and contractors within the Building and Construction Industry for on the job training in their selected trade.
We’re always looking for great people looking to start their apprenticeship . Apply by completing the form found in the link below.
http://www.mbansw.asn.au/Services/Apprenticeships/Become-an-Apprentice/
Electrogroup Electrical Apprenticeships
We encourage people interested in gaining an Electrogroup apprenticeship or wishing to partake in a pre-apprenticeship course to register their interest at any time by sending through a completed application form.
You will learn to install and maintain electrical components, wiring, equipment and systems. You may have the opportunity to elect to work in specialised areas of the electrical industry
http://www.electrogroup.com.au/apprentices-overview/
Automotive Group Training Apprenticeships
We employ apprentices and then place them with one, or more, host trainers in order to undergo their trade training. These host trainers are businesses operating in the Automotive industry and can range from small local workshops to bigger car dealerships. We will always aim to place our apprentices into a business that is close to their home and that fulfils all the requirements for them to learn the trades of their apprenticeship of choice.
Select an auto Career here you like: http://www.agtnsw.com.au/job-seekers/job-profiles
Register for an opportunity here:
http://www.agtnsw.com.au/Job-Seekers/Register-with-us
MTA Automotive Apprenticeships
If you are a job seeker or recent school leaver and are seeking an apprenticeship in the automotive industry, simply email your resume to Aaron or John below. If you have any questions please feel to call at any stage.
http://www.apprus.com.au/what-we-do.html
Automotive Apprenticeships - Inner City, Eastern Suburbs, St George and Sutherland Shire
Aaron Low, Candidate Resourcer, Ph: (02) 9891 6900Email: alow@apprus.com.au
Automotive Apprenticeships - Sydney Greater Metropolitan area, Central Coast & Newcastle
John Vu, Candidate Resourcer, Ph: (02) 9891 6900, Email: jvu@apprus.com.au
- Light Vehicle
- Heavy Vehicle
- Motor Cycle
- Spray Painting
- Panel Beating
- Auto Electrical
- Tyre Fitting
- Steering and Suspension
- Transmissions
- Radiator Repairs
- Car Detailing
- Parts Sales
- Automotive Administration
Landscape Contractors Apprenticeships
If you are looking for work in the Landscaping Industry, please view our positions vacant page on this website. If you are actively looking for work in our industry, please submit your details on this form below.
http://www.landscapenswact.com.au/job-seekers-application-form.html
Master Plumbers Association of NSW Apprenticeships
7 steps to become an apprentice plumber:
http://www.masterplumbers.com.au/LiteratureRetrieve.aspx?ID=104287
Website information here:
http://www.masterplumbers.com.au/apprenticeship-opportunities
Brickies In Demand
· Be paid to learn a skill you can use all your life;
· Work outdoors, with your hands; See the results of your work!
· Open door to advancing through the Construction Industry
The housing supply shortage continues and high quality bricklaying apprentices are in demand to build housing and construct commercial developments for our growing nation.
https://www.becomeabricklayer.com.au/my-future-freedom/trade-apprenticeship-vacancies/
https://www.becomeabricklayer.com.au/about-bricklaying/career-suitability/
Electrical Apprenticeships - NECA Group
Due to an industry wide increased demand for electrical apprentices, NECA Electrical Apprenticeships is offering a pre-apprenticeship course to be run from October to November 2017, with the participants becoming available for placement early/mid November. If interested in applying an Electrical Apprenticeship contact NECA Group Training and fill in the expression of interest form http://www.necatraining.com.au/apprentice-expression-interest-form/
Antioch Reunion
Antioch was introduced to the Wollongong Diocese in the early 1980s by Engadine Parish. A reunion is planned for Saturday 3rd March 2017 including a celebratory mass and dinner. To register your interest and receive an invitation please email your name (include maiden name if applicable) to antioch.wollongongdiocese@gmail.com
General enquiries to Dianne Hukins 0412840772 or Ann Packham 0423869803. Musicians wishing to be involved in celebrations please contact Elise (Nicholls) Burns 0407781359. Pass it on.
#TryAlpha - St Mary MacKillop Parish, Oran Park
Adults, you are invited to come and see Alpha in your parish!
Date: Tuesday 19th September 2017
Time: 7pm
Venue: St Mary MacKillop Catholic Church
Dinner: Includes pizza for dinner
RSVP for catering: 4648 2226 or oranpark@dow.org.au
Check out this clip on You Tube www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLQZM1QwuUs