St Benedict's Catholic College
Newsletter - Friday 6 July, 2018
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Dear Parents and Caregivers
At the beginning of this week each family in Years 7-10 received their child’s College Report for Semester 1. You will have noticed a new format this year with a much more detailed set of descriptors about what your child can and cannot do as measured formally in assessment tasks and informally in classroom activities. After long and robust discussion it was decided by the staff that the comments section was neither long enough to provide detailed information to build on the grades nor in keeping with the information NESA is requiring us to provide to families. Hence, the redesign.
We also have continued with our practice of sending a separate, detailed Literacy and Numeracy Report which has been compiled across each subject area. Improvement in Literacy has been a significant focus of the College in the last two years as high Literacy standards impact results across all subjects right through to the Higher School Certificate. Some Year 10 parents will also find a Report on the Minimum Standard Literacy and Numeracy Tests for those who needed to sit for that this term.
Now that your son or daughter has arrived home does the report go in the drawer or become a point of planning and strategising?
How you react to the school report as parents is very important. Most parents adopt the “As long as you did your best” approach. Which is fine as far as it goes but working smarter rather than just giving 100% effort can also help. Psychologists use the word hope in a particular way to describe a strategy to improve. They say a person has hope when they believe that they can find ways to achieve their goals and to motivate themselves to try and follow those ways and meet those goals. The theory suggests we need three things to actually have ‘hope’:
- Goals: something we are aiming to achieve in the future. “Academic Care Conversations” in every class provide a forum for this.
- Pathways: at least one way (and hopefully more than one) that we might follow to achieve those goals no matter how small. Ways each student can improve are taught in Academic Care but the College also has semi-streaming of classes, which provides a broad variety of electives, ATAR and non-ATAR pathways in Stage 6, Vocational Education Subjects delivered in house in Stage 6 and integrated work placement for those who are on that journey to the work force.
- Agency (sometimes called efficacy): the belief that the students can actually make things happen along those pathways themselves in order to meet the goals. This is a key area the staff have been working on with the students. Student self-belief is crucial for resilience and motivation. Parents who develop not only a Growth Mindset in their children (and themselves) but also work closely together with the classroom teachers have a huge impact on student self-belief. Parents who don’t attend Parent Teacher Nights, for example (“I hear the same things each year”) send all the wrong messages about the 2018 purpose of these evenings. Not just “Report On” but “Improve On” results is key here. Understanding the goals and how to get there will be different each semester.
I hope you have fruitful discussions with your children.
I am sad to report that Ms Karina Lemon, our Careers Advisor, is departing for the greener shores of Tasmania in a whole new career direction. Ms Lemon has had an enormous impact on the lives of the many parents and students who have accessed the workforce through apprenticeships and taken her guidance around University entry. She has been tireless in her efforts to have the best outcomes for the students in the various pathways they have undertaken and her enormous breadth of knowledge, her positivity and her great laugh will be missed by staff, parents and students. Mrs Laura Prifilio will fill Ms Lemon’s role in Careers.
We have reached the end of the term and, being the middle of winter, the students have earned their break with the flu season in full cry. For those taking time off, I trust you enjoy the fortnight connecting with your children again.
Warm Regards
Michael Hanratty
FROM THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF MISSION AND VISION
‘Do not be afraid, have only faith’ (Mark 5:21-43)
This week in our Gospels we hear of two examples of Jesus’ miracles and healing - particularly the healing of a young girl who appeared dead, and a woman who had suffered terrible hemorrhaging for twelve years. The significance of these stories reminds us of the importance of having faith in Jesus - placing our trust in him especially during the tough times.
The woman who had suffered terrible bleeding for such a long time, went against all social taboos and placed all her trust in Jesus. As our Year 12 students prepare for their upcoming Trial examinations, we ask that they too, are not afraid and place their trust in Jesus. Tales of the miracles of Jesus healing people is not new, but this Gospel is a fitting reminder of the significance of women in our world today.
Next week, we celebrate NAIDOC Week, the theme this year being ‘Because she can!’ - a celebration of the strength and courage of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, both past and present.
Social Justice Forum
On Thursday 28 June, Middle Leaders, Emily Azzopardi, Nicholas Carroll, Gabrielle Coleman and Kai Straub attended the Secondary School Social Justice Forum with Ms Alex Wojcik. It was a very informative day that focused on Catholic Social Teachings and provided students with the opportunity to exchange ideas on how to promote important initiatives in our school. The day was run by the Catholic Education Office Social Justice Team, and guest speakers from Caritas helped to direct the focus of students to the importance of faith in action. I thank these students for representing the College at this event.
This week there has been a number of initiatives happening in our school community, particularly in support for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. A huge thank you to the staff, student and members of our generous community that have come together in solidarity to support this cause through raising money and the donations of warm clothes, blankets, scarves and socks.
A Year 9 Social Justice Middle Leaders Update:
Winter Appeal
Once again St Benedict’s has been involved in the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal, with outstanding results. As a school we collected dozens of blankets and raised significant funds that will all be donated to the St Vincent de Paul Society. We would like to especially thank Year 11 and Year 7 for their outstanding efforts this year, with particular thanks to 7.6 who raised over $100! Thank you to everyone who contributed to the appeal, your donations will be going to help many people in our community living it rough in the cold.
Bennies Bring A Blanket
This was overall enlightening experience that provided a realistic insight on the conditions faced by the homeless in our area everyday. Statistics and stories shocked many, but delivered a new perspective on those in our community who don’t have a home or supportive family. Throughout the night, students and teachers participated in a variety of games, and were given the opportunity to live it rough for the night, sharing a warm meal and constructing a shelter for the evening. Overall the night gave students the opportunity to gain an understanding and empathise with the disadvantaged in our community.
By Emily Azzopardi and Nicholas Carroll
So as this busy term draws to end and we prepare for our holidays, I wish everyone a safe and rejuvenating break.
God Bless;
Mrs Tarnya Grana
Director of Mission and Vision
UPCOMING DATES TO NOTE
First Day of Term 3 - Monday 23 July
Year 11 2019 Elective Evening - Tuesday 24 July
Japanese Home Stay Parent Night - Wednesday 25 July
Year 7 and 9 Parent/Teacher evening - Thursday 26 July
Year 12 Trial HSC Music Performance Night - Friday 27 July at 6:30pm
ENJOY YOUR BREAK
We hope you enjoy a safe and relaxing break.
See you back on Monday 23 July.
URGENT - FAMILIES NEEDED TO HOST JAPANESE STUDENTS
HOST FAMILIES NEEDED FOR 5 MORE JAPANESE STUDENTS
St Benedict’s College are hosting a small group of 15 co-ed Japanese high school students, (13 girls and 2 boys) from 1 to 12 August.
We are still looking for placements with host families for five female students .
**Home stay hosts will be paid a tax free allowance of $400.00 for each student, which will more than defray the costs of hosting.
Last year’s host families enjoyed the experience very much and found it most rewarding and memorable.
Why not consider hosting a student in your home & enjoy this great experience?
CONTACT: Bill and Margaret Clark on 0418 215 990 or 0488 777 886 or
PEEL PARAGRAPH WRITING
As part of our Literacy and Numeracy Improvement Initiative at the College, students are becoming increasingly familiar with PEEL. The PEEL paragraph writing approach is a proven way to help students’ writing process by providing a structure for their writing. Specifically, it is an effective way for students to organise their thoughts before writing a response.
Every Paragraph Makes ONE Point
This is the key to making PEEL work. Taken together, the points made should combine to provide a relevant response to the topic/question being addressed.
The simple elements that comprise the PEEL format are the main ingredients of all great paragraphs. Regardless of whether you are writing an essay, newspaper article or exposition piece, in most respects, paragraphs should model the PEEL design.
REMEMBER, we can’t write without the ability to read, and reading improves our ability to write!
Ask your children, “how many books have you read lately?”
Below is an example of a PEEL template provided to students in PDHPE who have been asked to prepare a 3-4 paragraph response.
Discuss the implications of leading a sedentary lifestyle and not participating in physical activity for long term health.
INTRODUCTION
Introduce the topic with a strong opening statement.
Show your understanding of the topic and mention the ‘main’ areas/ideas that you
Paragraph 1
POINT
The implication of physical inactivity to one’s health is…
EXPLAIN
Explain the impact this could have on an individual.
EXAMPLE
Identify an example of this in an individual’s life.
LINK
How does this link back to the question? How does it link/connect to your next point?
Paragraph 2
POINT
Another implication of physical inactivity to one’s health is…
EXPLAIN
Explain the impact this could have on an individual.
EXAMPLE
Identify an example of this in an individual’s life.
LINK
How does this link back to the question? How does it link/connect to your next point?
Paragraph 3
POINT
Lastly, ____________________ is an additional implication of physical inactivity to one’s health.
EXPLAIN
Explain the impact this could have on an individual.
EXAMPLE
Identify an example of this in an individual’s life.
LINK
How does this link back to the question?
CONCLUSION
Summarise your main points (without introducing new evidence) and reach a conclusion with a final comment.
Maths Newsletter Paragraph
On Wednesday the 4 of July, a group of year 7 and 8 students went to Western Sydney University to partake in a Mathematics Enrichment Day with other schools within our diocese. We found it to be a highly enjoyable and informative day.
We attended a lecture about Maths, completed a range of problem activities, and participated in a STEM based activity, in which you had to answer complex Maths questions in order to help build a catapult.
All students learnt a lot from the experience and had a great time meeting new people and seeing the university campus. Thanks to all teachers who facilitated and organised the trip.
By Rhiannon Essex and Sophia Laurantus
MISA Dance festival 2018
Last Tuesday 26 June 24 students from Years 7 - 10 took part in the annual MISA Dance Festival. The festival brings together 17 independent schools from all over the Macarthur region to showcase their best dancers and share in their love of all things dance. This is the 7th year that St Benedict's has taken part and we have established ourselves as a powerhouse of dance in the region.
The three choreographers Olivia Dowling, Year 10, and Katherine Monier and Sydney Madsen, Year 9, choreographed the entire piece. They were inspired by the story of PT Barnum in the film 'The Greatest Showman' and have created a piece that presents many of the different individuals found in a circus such as trapeze artists, clowns and ringmasters. Fascinated by the film's positive message of the acceptance of others and of yourself, the three choreographers aimed to showcase as many dancers as possible and tell that same message of believing in oneself. Focusing on the spooky and creepy side of the circus as well as the energetic and dynamic side. "Welcome to the Circus" took the audience back to their childhood, in the stands watching the incredibly talented performers that make up a circus theatre.
Every student in the MISA Dance company exemplified the qualities of a St Benedict's student and their professionalism, passion and positive attitude was commented on by the organisers and dance teachers from other schools. The choreographers, Olivia Dowling, Katherine Monier and Sydney Madsen, showed incredible leadership and patience from auditions all the way through to performance and should be congratulated on their amazing job. Many memorable moments were shared both on and off the stage.
I look forward to next year's festival with excitement and anticipation
Mr Alexander Hayden
YEAR 8 COORDINATOR SEMESTER ONE REPORT
Our College places a high priority on working with students, teachers, parents and caregivers to maximise student engagement and achievement. The aim of this report is to share with you the many opportunities offered here at SBCC for your Year 8 child and keep you up to date on news and events of this semester.
Academic Tutor Program
As a Year 8 team, the Academic Care teachers and I work hard every day to support our Year 8 students through the many learning curves of growing up. We are there with them as they build on their academic and social skills and we continually encourage their sense of resilience, mindset and skills they will rely on in future years.
The three main areas covered day to day are:
∙ SMART GOALS: Who am I now, what are my strengths and what do I want to achieve using short term and long term academic and personal goals.
∙ Resilience and Positive Growth Mindset: How can I use my strengths to help myself?
∙ Leadership: How can I use my strengths to help others and lead by example.
Year Team Meetings
This year we began with Goal Setting and strengthening our relationships with one another, as well a focus on understanding peer conflict and bullying.
Students have learnt about, and discussed, the four main types of bullying: exclusion, verbal, physical and cyber. They also were reminded about how to speak to their peers using appropriate language and showing mutual respect for one another and their teachers. In their Academic Care Groups they have developed strategies, based on their personal strengths, skills that they can use to make a positive contribution to each other and our college community.
Another focus has been on developing an understanding of gender roles and the positive way students must remember to interact with each other. From respecting women, to not tearing each other down, and working as a team. Remembering the ‘sisterhood’ and how to be a ‘real man’ are some of the catch phrases we have discussed in our year team meetings.
One way to feel continually connected, is to look out for one another and feel part of a ‘Team’ as I refer to it - the students are definitely starting to acknowledge their connection to their school and their peers and are demonstrating a real sense of belonging and maturity.
Around the College
We have many opportunities on offer here at St Benedict's for Year 8.
Sport is a valuable way to improve health and enjoy interaction and healthy competition, as well as developing and strengthening important physical and social skills. Mrs Liska, our Sports Coordinator, is very dedicated to ensuring students have a wide variety of venues to enjoy on a Tuesday.
Our St Benedicts Annual Feast day saw students in Year 8 being very generous in their donations to the charity Catholic Care and the effort they put into their stalls was outstanding! A special thank you goes to all the AC Tutors who guided and managed this wonderful day.
As part of Well Being Week this term, the Trivia Quiz at the end of the day was well received, a positive response from all was very inspiring. A free pizza lunch for the class winners in each class was also a popular prize!
Hot Chocolate
As a thank you to all the students for their generosity this term, Year 8 were privileged to receive a nice hot chocolate each morning in Week 9. A special thanks to Mrs Tracee Brown and Ms Tabitha Brown who became baristas for the week!
FIFA World Cup Tipping Competition
Thanks to all those students who have logged on and are placing their tips online! At present after the group stage, the leader is Jeremy Battistuzzi, followed by Luke Shipley and Lachlan Bigwood. Well done !
Attendance
Attendance has steadily improved this term and I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that if your child is suffering from a slight cold, cough, headache, please do encourage them to come into school. The chances are, once they are in school they perk up and are able to spend the whole day in school and do not miss any of their lessons.
If their condition worsens then we will call you to arrange for someone to collect them.
If a child has an attendance percentage of 90 or below they are considered to be a persistent absentee and it is our duty to contact you and discuss ways in which this can be improved.
Below is a table, which summarises the impact of absence on a student’s learning.
Perfect Attendance
Congratulations to those students who have had perfect attendance this semester, 100% attendance is a real achievement. Well done !
Nebin Biju
Darcy Chrystal
Andre Cortes
Lachlan Crawford
Alessia Criniti
Sienna Forner
Charlotte Gibbs White
Zander Hulme
Michael Litherland
Charlotte Malvern
Wesley Sicat
Oscar Simmons
Gwendolyn Ucar
Oliver Wickham
My philosophy is that if you feel connected to each other and the school, your sense of purpose and belonging is strengthened. If you ask the average person what they remember about school, their answer most often that not, will be their memories of the ‘fun times’ they had at school. The camps, the excursions, sport, the times when teachers and students had some down time to really get to know each other. These are the experiences that help us bond, create unity and instill care and trust for one another.
I have already been very impressed with Year 8, they are keen to do their best in and out of the classroom and are getting involved with lots of initiatives such as Live, school based Theatre Sports, the school choir and band, debating, ANZAC day ceremony, our St Benedict's feast day, Bennies Bring a Blanket, social justice donations , MISA and DIO sport, to name a few!
I am looking forward to continuing to get to know Year 8 even better in the coming months.
If you have any queries or concerns, please feel free to contact your child’s Academic Care Tutors in the first instance, or myself through the school office.
Mrs T. Holland
Year 8 Coordinator
COLLEGE SPORTING WEEK
Congratulations to the following students who were nominated as MVPs for Week 10
UFC:
Isaac Orton, Jade Chambers
AFL:
Isabella Wood
NRL:
Angelo Stivala
MILO Cricket:
Jasmin Cosio, Joesph Abdallah
Martial Arts:
Sophia Laurantus, Amy Crisante
Netball:
Lianna Yenco, Jacson Finney, Angela Hunt
Barefoot Bowls:
Mitchell Parker
Golf:
Bradley Wakelam
Crossfit:
Eric Mougious, Luke Smart
Gym:
Melanie Tedesco-Kalavritinos, Bree Slattery
Kickboxing:
Ethan Moubarak
Dance:
Victoria Malisano
Skating:
Shaye Thorne
Beach Sports:
Leonardo Malisono
Bowling A:
Montana Robinson, Eryn Robertson
Bowling B:
Lazar Kljajic
Yours in Sport
Miss Liska
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