St Benedict's Catholic College

Newsletter - Friday, 9 September 2022

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It is with sadness and deep respect that we mourn the death and honour the life of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

PRAYER - from Cardinal Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster


“We pray for the repose of the soul of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We do so with confidence, because the Christian faith marked every day of her life and activity.


In her Millennium Christmas message, she said, ‘To many of us, our beliefs are of fundamental importance. For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ’s words and example.’


This faith, so often and so eloquently proclaimed in her public messages, has been an inspiration to me, and I am sure to many. The wisdom, stability and service which she consistently embodied, often in circumstances of extreme difficulty, are a shining legacy and testament to her faith.


Our prayer is that she is now received into the merciful presence of God, there to be reunited with her beloved Prince Philip. This is the promise of our faith, and our deep consolation.


Queen Elizabeth II will remain, always, a shining light in our history. May she now rest in peace”

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Our deepest condolences are with the families and friends of those lost in the Buxton tragedy, the first responders and community of Buxton. We offer our thoughts and prayers to the students and staff of Picton High.

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Year 9 Camp

Good luck to our Year 9 students who are currently preparing for Camp on Thursday and Friday of Week 9. The camp is an outstanding opportunity to promote student leadership and allow our students to challenge themselves and push themselves outside of their comfort zone. Also, a big thank you to the staff members that are attending the camp and supporting our Year 9 students on this important journey.

Student Online Behaviour

A focus of my address last Tuesday at the Polding House led College Assembly was the significance that both St Benedict and Bishop Bede Polding placed on the importance of respecting the integrity and dignity for all. These values guide us in our relationships with others particularly in how to treat others not only face to face but also online. I know that many students were disappointed to hear that within our community there are some students that have been disrespectful to others via online messaging. The types of messages have included;


  • sending incorrect information about or posting embarrassing photos or videos of someone on social media
  • sending hurtful or threatening messages, Images or videos
  • impersonating someone and sending messages to others on their behalf or through phoney accounts.


Our Wellbeing team have been supporting those students and families who have experienced this disturbing behaviour and we continue to work with our students in promoting and educating them in safe and respectful online behaviour. Below is a webinar that may assist parents and families supporting their children.


Cyberbullying and Online Drama: CCSP Webinar for parents and carers of young people aged 11-18 years

In partnership with the eSafety Commissioner, the Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT (CCSP) is running a free webinar designed for parents and carers of young people aged 11 to 18 years old. The webinar will include hints on how to start conversations with your child about their online friendships and positive ways to deal with changing relationships.

The webinar will cover:

  • starting conversations with your child about their online friendships and positive ways to deal with changing relationships
  • understanding the rights, laws and community expectations that govern social media use

The webinar is being held on Tuesday 20 September 2022 from 7.30 pm-8.30 pm. Access the webinar flyer here.


Click here to register



Warm regards

Kerrie Piatek

Principal

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Dear St Benedict’s Community,


Got a niggling feeling that someone you know or care about it isn’t behaving as they normally would? Perhaps they seem out of sorts? More agitated or withdrawn? Or they’re just not themselves. Trust your instinct and act on it. By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed, you could help that family member, friend or workmate open up. Sometimes just listening or being present to another is all that is needed.


I think the most important thing is letting them know you’re there to listen. If people don’t want to talk, that’s fine as well. It may open up a conversation at a later point. Sometimes it’s a matter of just listening and giving them an opportunity to unload.

I encourage you also to check in with yourself - this is at times quite hard to do. It can also be equally hard to reach out and say to another - I AM NOT OK!

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Buxton Car Accident

The communities of Buxton and Picton plus surrounding areas have been rocked by the tragic news of five young lives lost in a single vehicle accident on Tuesday night.

We keep in our prayers all who have been affected by this event - families, friends, communities, schools, first responders plus the young driver.


Lord, have mercy

on those who mourn

who feel numb and crushed

and are filled with the pain of grief,

whose strength has given up

You know all our sighing and longings:

be near to us and teach us to fix our hope on you

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.


We also pray for the young people who have lost their lives - Lily, Summer, Gabriella, Tyrese and Antonio.

Eternal rest grant unto these young people, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon them. May each of them rest in peace.


PRAYER

CEODOW - Ripples - Episode 31 - LINK



Ripples is a PODCAST developed for staff and parents on-going spiritual formation. It seeks to offer a space where people can draw on the wisdom of a series of guest speakers and can experience some treasured stillness through meditation. Practices like these create a ripple effect. They have the potential to impact the way we respond to family, friends, colleagues, to creation and to God. Come and enjoy some Inspired Voices and Treasured Stillness.

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BLESSING AND OPENING OF THE HALL - Thursday 1st September 2022

The Blessing and Opening of the Hall took place last Thursday. It was a most wonderful liturgy and a great collaboration between St Benedict’s and St Justin’s.


It was wonderful to have Most Reverend Bishop Brian Mascord, Mr Peter Hill, Director of Schools, Mr Peter Sidgreaves - State Member for Camden, Fr David Catterall - Parish Priest of St Mary MacKillop, Oran Park and special guests from the Catholic Education Office, Wollongong.


Our principal Kerrie Piatek, said the new College hall that we share with St Justin’s is a fabulous flexible space for assemblies, liturgies, performing arts events, and sports activities that can also double as a wonderful social space for their wider community.

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Mr Hill let the students know that they are one of the great success stories of the diocese.

"You are both super-schools when it comes to living the Catholic faith, your learning, and being bearers of Christ’s love in the Oran Park area—which just happens to be the fastest growing region in the diocese," he said. "Nearly 10 years since we moved onto the land where we stand today, I’m delighted that we’ve been able to contribute again to what is already a very special extended school community with the addition of these new facilities."

"I hope this magnificent hall, and all of its facilities assist you to continue being super-learners, to come together more often to embrace, serve, nourish and respond, and you continue to be bearers of Christ's love for all to see."

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Mrs Kimberley Logue

Director of Mission and Vision,

Religious Education Coordinator

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Developing a Study Timetable

Developing and following your own personalised learning timetable can be helpful to your studies and your motivation for a number of reasons:


  • A timetable adds focus, pattern and structure to your study.
  • Timetabling will enable you to review each section of your studies, establishing the key tasks involved and identifying the time slots when you will engage with them.
  • Creating a study timetable will help you to overcome procrastination. You will find it useful to develop some sort of personalised system for organising your study time. This will allow you to decide what needs to be done and when. Without such a structure a lot of time can be wasted procrastinating or being distracted by elements of the study process. You might find yourself starting one thing and then another and wondering whether they are getting anywhere.


The aim of planning a study timetable is to identify or create regular time slots for study, ideally when you will be at your most alert, free from distractions and able to concentrate. Think about planning your study as an integral part of your life. This train of thought can go a long way to help you to maintain a positive attitude and a healthy work/life balance.


  • It is important, when planning, to realise that study does not take place in a vacuum but needs to be organised around your other fixed commitments, like work and/or family. This may involve looking at regular activities that could be moved, done less frequently, delegated or deferred whilst you study.


  • Depending on your circumstances it may help to involve other people, family and friends in the planning process to, where possible, gain their understanding, cooperation and support. When you create a study timetable that you can share with others it will help them to feel included and involved. It will also act as a reminder to them that there will be times when you should not be disturbed.


  • It is important to schedule ‘free-time’ into your timetable. Such time can be used for relaxation, and social activities, things that help you achieve a balance. Having ‘free-time’ slots also means that there will be an element of flexibility built into your timetable. If a task needs extra time or there are some unexpected developments you have a built in a way of coping.


  • You also need to think about how much time you need to devote to study as you plan and draw up a timetable.


Once you have considered all of the points above and thought about your own circumstances, start to prepare a timetable. It is usually easiest to think in terms of weeks when you design your timetable, although this is a purely personal exercise so use whatever suits your circumstances best. Split up each day, in a logical way to accommodate your commitments. If you work or play sport then mark out the blocks of time when you will be at work or sport.


Keep your timetable template and update your timetable each week. If you have a fairly regular routine the chances are that the timetable will not have to change much over subsequent weeks.


Please follow this link if you would like to use a simple template to make a study timetable.

Atomi – Free Student Trial

On Monday, students in Years 9-12 received an email from Atomi inviting them to the Atomi learning platform. Atomi helps students and teachers work better together with thousands of video lessons, interactive quizzes and personalised revision recommendations powered by AI.


Atomi lessons are easy to understand, interesting from start to finish and only cover the information you need. They combine the experience of senior teachers, exam markers and expert lesson designers. Each lesson incorporates the latest research in pedagogy

and neuroscience in order to maximise engagement and retention.


We have organised a trial of Atomi for 10 weeks. Students are encouraged to make use of this resource, particularly Years 11 and 12 students with their exam revision. If you have not yet done so already, please go to your Gmail inbox and complete the activation of your account. The email came from "Atomi"


To make sure students know how to log in, build their own past papers, access work assigned by their teachers, etc, watch this quick 7-minute video that steps through it all.


o Stage 5 - https://www.loom.com/share/97dc0bc5e3034280b18bfb5fc2373d49


o Stage 6 - https://www.loom.com/share/b27788b6073a482f9c059a385c65a757


Congratulations to Year 11 students who are already making great use of this resource in preparation for their Year 11 Final Exams.


We look forward to gathering student feedback on this trial.

Year 11 Final Examination Timetable

Year 11 Final Examinations will take place between Monday 12 September and Friday 23 September.


School attendance during Year 11 Final Examinations

If students do not have an exam, they do not need to attend school on those days. Students will be granted Flexible Attendance. Students will be permitted to sign out and leave school after they have finished their exams for the day. They will also be able to arrive and sign in for afternoon exams.


Supervised, individual, silent study will be provided for students who choose to remain at school.


Exam details

All morning exams will commence at 8.30 am and all afternoon exams will commence at 12.10 pm. Exams will take place in the Hall and D-Block. Students will wear Full School Winter Uniform, except for Tuesdays. If students have a morning exam, they will meet in the Senior Area at 8.10 am. For afternoon exams, students will meet in the Senior Area at 11:55 am.

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During the Year 11 Final Examinations:


  • All classes will be suspended;
  • Only attend school on the day of an exam
  • All students must attend school for a full day for the Year 12 Farewell on Tuesday 20 September
  • Arrive at least 20 minutes before exams (exams will not be delayed for students who arrive late)
  • You may leave school if you do not have another examination
  • Do not come to school if you are experiencing COVID or flu-like symptoms. Please see your doctor on or before the day of the exam and get a medical certificate. Follow the Illness/Misadventure process.

Attendance during exams

Please follow these instructions for exam attendance:


  • All examinations will be conducted in the Hall during Week 9 and the D-Block during Week 10.
  • Congregate in the Senior Area 20 minutes before the exam and follow the instructions of the supervisors.
  • You will not need to sign in if you are arriving for a morning session
  • If you are leaving after a morning session, sign out at the front office
  • If you are arriving for an afternoon session, sign in at the front office
  • You will not need to sign out if you are leaving after an afternoon session
  • Students must stay at school if you have an exam in both morning and afternoon sessions.
  • Students are not permitted to leave after their morning exam and then come back for their afternoon session.
  • The library will be available if you wish to remain at school and study. If you are remaining at school, you will need to stay in the library except for recess and lunchtime.

Absence from an exam

If you are absent from an exam:


  • Contact the school (ph.4631 5300) on the morning of the exam to leave a message for your Year Coordinator.
  • Complete an Assessment Illness/Misadventure Appeal form. The form can be obtained from the College website/Compass and must be completed as soon as the absence is known. Please make sure that the independent evidence section of the form is completed such as a medical certificate. COVID related illness requires the NSW Health email/text message as evidence.
  • If you become ill during an examination, please ensure that you notify the supervisor during the exam. You will also need to complete an Illness/Misadventure Appeal form if you believe that illness has affected your performance during the examination.
  • Catch-Up exams will be held. Absent students will be contacted to arrange an alternate time to sit for their missed exam. This may require students to sit for two examinations on the same day.

Examination Instructions

During all examinations, you will need to follow these instructions:

  • Examination materials – pens (black) and a calculator (if necessary) are to be placed in a clear plastic sleeve which will be inspected on entry into the exam room. You may bring in a clear drink bottle without labels. No pencil cases and no other material will be allowed into the room.
  • Digital equipment – the only digital equipment that will be permitted in the examination room is your calculator. Leave your mobile phone, smartwatch, laptop and any other equipment in your locker at the beginning of the exam session. Students found with digital devices in the exam room will receive Zero.
  • Silence – you will need to be silent during all examinations. If you need assistance, raise your hand and wait for the supervisor to help you. Do not attempt to communicate with any other students during the examination, even when papers are being collected. You will not be permitted to leave any exam early.

  • Toilet breaks – in order to keep disruptions to a minimum, NESA rules are that students are not permitted to go to the toilet in the first 30 minutes or the last 30 minutes of any examination.
  • Non-attempts - make your best attempt on all sections of your paper. Non-serious attempts and non-attempts may be considered for an N-Determination Warning Letter.
  • You will not be permitted to leave an examination early, even if you have finished, and you will not be permitted to sit for an exam if you are more than 30 minutes late.

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During Week 9, all students from Years 7 - 10 will participate in Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) in Mathematics, Reading Comprehension and Science. PAT tests are designed to assess each student’s current capability against the appropriate standard for their age.


The tests are online, multiple-choice and each test will take 40 - 45 minutes.


Test durations:

Reading - 45 minutes

Maths - 40 minutes

Science - 40 minutes

All students will receive their login details by email before Monday morning.


Student Instructions (these details will be emailed to students)


  • For the Maths test, calculators may be used by students. They will need their physical calculator with them.
  • Students should be encouraged to use a pencil and paper to assist with working out in all tests.



Mr Christopher Shelton

Director

Learning & Teaching

Changes to COVID-19 self-isolation requirements

Last week the Prime Minister announced that the isolation period for people who test positive for COVID-19 would be reduced from 7 days to 5 days from Friday 9 September.


What this means for students and school staff.

From Monday 12 September (Week 9, Term 3), staff, students and visitors who test positive to COVID-19 must:

• Complete 5 days of isolation from the date they tested positive;

• Be symptom-free before returning to school (if symptoms remain after day 5 they must continue self-isolating and follow NSW Health guidelines);

• Receive a negative rapid antigen test (RAT) result before attending school after their isolation period is complete (the result does NOT need to be provided to the school);

• Wear a mask on days 6 and 7 when attending school (for all staff and for students aged 12 years and older).


Exceptions to the reduced isolation period

Due to the higher risk associated with some school settings and activities, the 7-day isolation period will remain for staff, students and visitors who have tested positive to COVID-19 and work at or attend specialist learning settings, assisted transport or overnight excursions.


Staff, students, and visitors may return to these higher risk settings after isolating for 7 days from the date they tested positive if they are symptom-free.


Questions or concerns

Thank you for the ongoing support and care you have shown for our school community. As we enter spring and the weather warms up, it is important to continue taking steps to keep ourselves and others safe.


We can all play a part by:


  • Staying home and testing if unwell, even with the mildest of symptoms;
  • Reminding your child of the importance of good personal hygiene (including sanitising and washing hands, coughing into their elbow, and avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth);
  • Informing the school if your child has returned a positive COVID-19 test result;
  • Following NSW Health advice for close contacts and positive cases.


If you have any questions or concerns about this change or any other matter related to COVID-19, please contact the school by phone or email.

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Year 7-8 MISA Netball

The Year 7-8 MISA Netball team have had a fun and great experience this year. We finished the season by winning our finals and coming third overall with a score of 34-22 against Oran Park Anglican College. The team had great sportsmanship and the teamwork from them was amazing. We went to every game with a positive attitude and learnt a lot. The team this year was a great mix with many different abilities but the skills of everyone on the court made an amazing and high intensity game. We would like to thank Miss Lorking for being an excellent and helpful coach and to thank the scorers and umpires. - Annaliese B (Year 8)

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MISA AFL 10-12 BOYS WINNERS

This term I had the pleasure of coaching the Year 10-12 boys in the MISA competition.


The team was made up of a group of year 10 and 11 boys, some with AFL experience but the vast majority coming to try a new sport.


The weather played havoc with the start of the season and due to the bye rounds, consistency was hard to come by.


However, the boys kept turning up each week, and each time they played together improvement was on the rise.


The boys ended up finishing 2nd and found themselves playing the top of the ladder team of Oran Park Anglican.


The grand final was the best game the boys had played all season. No matter their skill or experience level each player worked hard to contest for the ball, the tackling pressure was through the roof, and perhaps the most pleasing thing about the game each and every boy played for each other. No one was selfish and each time someone did something whether it was a good play or a mistake the boys got around each other and congratulated each other.


During the game, the team was not in control and in the end went on to win 61-25.


Congratulations to the boys on their hard work and a great win. I hope to see them back next season.


Mr Bradley Gavin

Acting Administration Coordinator

TAS Teacher

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Year 7 and 8 MISA BOYS WINNERS

St Benedict’s have done it, a dominant 5-0 victory in the Grand Final capping off what was a fantastic season. After a season where the Bennies boys won all games in the regular season in convincing fashion, the ultimate test awaited in the Grand Final. The opponents, the also undefeated William Carey Christian School from the other side of the draw. The boys prepared well and approached the game with their usual focus and application.


From the outset, it was clear that the Bennies boys were there to play, enjoying long spells of possession, stopping attacks in their tracks and looking to launch into attack quickly. The first goal came as a result of a penalty after a long build up, and Koby R dispatched the penalty with confidence. Shortly after, Jayden W doubled the advantage, keeping up his record of scoring in every game. Before you could blink, another penalty was given for a rough foul in the box. This time, Ayden P stepped up and converted into the top right hand corner of the goal.


Half time arrived and the talk at half time revolved around keeping control of the game and the Bennies Boys executed the game plan to perfection. Rounding out the game with two goals in the second half, with the truth being that the scoreline could have blown out even further.


Congratulations to these boys for the effort, dedication and spirit throughout the season. Hopefully there are many more victories to come!

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Year 9 and 10 MISA BOYS WINNERS

The Year 9 and 10 M.I.S.A. Bennies football team managed to complete the double, with a tight 2-1 victory in the Grand Final, also against William Carey Christian School. The Bennies boys dominated proceedings, as their undefeated record during the season would have suggested, but could not crack the sturdy William Carey defence. After a tight first half, the second half proceeded to be an end-to-end affair, with both sides possessing numerous attacking talents that threatened to break open the deadlock.


The match came to life at the end of the second half, with Ethan C scoring a well-taken goal that looked to have won the game a minute before full-time. There were more twists and turns to come however, as William Carey were able to score with the last attack of the game, slotting home to take the game to extra time.


Extra time was a tense affair, as it usually is on these occasions. The decisive moment came during the first period of extra time, when an excellent diagonal pass found Ethan C who took an excellent touch into the box and won a penalty. Ivan D stepped up and with his own team and the Year 7 and 8 team looking on, calmly slotted home. In what were awesome scenes, both teams were able to celebrate their grand final victories together.


Congratulations to these boys on an excellent season.


Mr Thomas Kasunic

HSIE Teacher

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Year 12 Design and Technology Major Design Projects

Congratulations to the 2022 HSC Design and Technology class for completing outstanding Major Design Projects this year.


Students completing a Major Design Project must identify and solve a genuine design problem. This is done through authentic research, testing and experimenting and lots of evaluation.


From protest fashion to a regional site designed for the community of Crookwell, to body positive and appropriate swimwear for young girls, educational bullying resources for high school students, e-waste jewellery, home art pieces, a pill box dispenser, interchangeable baseball cleats, zero waste bag collection, dog collar that holds a tracking device, turbine engineering project for STEM students, recycled denim clothing range and a new motorpark design, 2022 Design and Technology have solved problems and created quality solutions.


As Year 12's Design and Technology teacher this year I have enjoyed watching students solve their design problems and grow as designers. I look forward to hearing their design success stories in the future.


Well done Year 12 Design and Technology!


Ms Lorena Ghignone.

TAS/VET Faculty

VET Coordinator, TAS/VET Teacher

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Wednesday of Week 6 Year 10 departed for their Outdoor Education program at Camp Somerset, which is located in the beautiful Colo Valley just past Windsor.


Students experienced a range of settings and activities that have been developed to improve their self-confidence and resilience. Once we arrived at Camp Somerset, we unpacked our bags and loaded up our rucksacks. The cohort participated in activities that were fun whilst at the same time challenged them physically and mentally. These included a high ropes course, kayaking and the ‘River Run’.


By far the most challenging activity was the hike. This pitted the young men and women against themselves over an 8km trek carrying their rucksacks. The sheer determination of the groups was phenomenal. They showed tremendous courage and camaraderie whilst completing this difficult task.


Special thanks must go to the absolutely fabulous group of teachers that accompanied the group. Giving up time away from their own families, they have helped the students develop very important attributes for the many hardships that life may throw at them.


Mr Peter Morris

Year 10 Coordinator

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The CAPA Department has been hive of activity for the last two weeks. Year 12 Drama had the practical component of their course marked for the HSC, Visual Art handed in their Body of Work for HSC marking and the Year 12 Music students had their HSC marking day today. Thank you to Mr Hayden, Mr O’Donnell and Mrs Castelli for working with our students preparing them, and a thank you to Mrs Koryzma and Mrs Andonpoulos for supporting both teachers and students. The hard work is not over yet though as we are now preparing for the theory component of each course with the HSC Examinations coming up. We wish our Year 12 students well for the last few weeks of school.


Year 11 have had their final assessments as well as having their preliminary examinations coming up. Students are encouraged to seek assistance from their teachers should they need it. Wishing you all the best of luck as you complete your Preliminary Course in Drama, Music and Visual Art.


CAPA Department

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Stage 6 PDHPE and SLR First Aid Course

As part of the PDHPE First Aid unit and the SLR course, Year 11 and 12 students had the opportunity to participate in a First Aid course offered at the College on Monday 22 August. External instructors from Vital First Aid delivered the course content with students having to complete a range of practical and theoretical components to successfully complete the course. As a result of participating in the course, students have achieved a formal First Aid qualification that is recognised in the workforce. The course also complements the content being studied in the Preliminary First Aid topic in PDHPE.


The qualification is nationally recognised and provides participants with the skills necessary, not only to be the first aid representative at a workplace, but also to help family and friends in emergency situations. Students enjoyed learning from the parametric presenters who shared their real life experiences and gave great context to the learning of the content. The trainers ensured that the students’ day was fun, enjoyable and most importantly that they gained the skills necessary to make a difference in an emergency.


All students worked well throughout the day and through the pre-course activities. There were comments made by all of the instructors about the exceptional behaviour and effort that our students displayed. Congratulations to all students involved in both gaining this valuable qualification and for representing the school so well.


Melissa Loudoun

PDHPE Leader of Learning

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Year 7 English Gallery Walk

This week Year 7 English are finalising their study of Tim Winton's iconically Australian novel Blueback.


Students were able to consolidate their knowledge and understanding of the text especially the intention Winton had in writing the tale about the big blue Groper.


Students became aware that it was not just a story about a boy and a fish but a touching story about heroism, sustainability and the dangers of greed.


Students created their own interpretations of the text by selecting activities from a choice board. where they were in control of what they wanted to create and focus on.


Their creations were a collection of digital and hard copy pieces of work and their peers were able to view these and comment on their work using two stars and a wish feedback

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Year 9 - cooking up a storm!

9.FTE2 have been cooking up a storm down in the food technology rooms. Here are some of their wonderful creations!


Miss Singh and Mrs.Reavell.

Sundried Tomato Pesto with Bacon and Halloumi Bites
Beef Quesadillas with Mango, Avocado, Onion & Capsicum Salsa
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Lamb Souvlaki Wraps & Tzatziki Dipping Sauce
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Aubergine Penne Arrabiata with Basil & Tomato Bruschetta

As we have been studying the unit “Food Selection and Health” students have had the opportunity to taste test a range of health related products! These products included gluten free, lactose free, iron fortified and vegan products!


Not only did students examine the taste, texture, aroma and appearance of these products but they also had the opportunity to discuss the nutritional value, suitability and effects these products have!


Miss Singh

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It has been another busy couple of weeks for the Social Justice team. Year 9 members organised a staff v student State of Origin series in Oztag on Tuesdays during Week 4, 6 and 8. There was such a huge positive response to these games, that more and more students began to ask for more games.


This led the Year 9s to establish a Year 12 soccer game against staff. Unfortunately for the students, the staff won again! I was then sent numerous emails from Year 12 students who challenged staff to a rematch but again, staff won! This week, we had Year 11 play basketball against staff and guess what happened? STAFF WON! Let’s hope next week, the Year 12 basketball team can bring a win in for the students, as the rivalry is now huge!


On behalf of the Social Justice team, a massive thank you to all the staff and students who volunteered their time to participate in each of the games and a big thank you to all students and staff who attended the games to show their support. It has been quite a fun time at recess and lunch.

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This week we celebrated RU OK Day with Ella F in Year 12 being the main driver behind this initiative. Ella, along with her friends, created posters and a Google Slide presentation that was shared school wide, to show students how to ask that important question, are you ok?


By doing this, we are empowering our students to start a meaningful conversation that could help to change a life. We are supporting this year’s message that ‘no qualifications are needed’ to help support our friends, family members and colleagues.

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On Thursday, the BBQ returned to the playground with students and staff buying 300 sausages to support our focus on Catholic Missions this week. Thank you to all Year 12 and Year 10 students along with Mr Topham, Mrs Howe, Mrs Howlett, Mrs Camilleri and Mrs Miller for helping to organise, run and cook the BBQ. Students are encouraged to check out Compass notifications and announcements for updates on more BBQs to come.


If you would like to join Social Justice and help us to make a difference in the lives of others and to be part of a team of 54 students who are passionate about social justice in the community, then please speak with or email Mrs Castelli.


Mrs Sara-Jane Castelli

Social Justice Coordinator

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UOW Summer Master Classes for HSC Students

Applications are now open for the University of Wollongong's Summer Master Class program. Classes are open to students commencing Year 12 in Term 4, 2022, and are offered across a range of subjects.


Students who successfully pass their Summer Master Class subject will, at a minimum, be guaranteed a conditional offer or admissions interview to a degree that aligns to the Summer Master Class subject they complete (noting must meet the assumed subject knowledge criteria), and credit towards a UOW degree that could make them eligible to skip a whole subject when they study at UOW.


UOW will be running two public online information sessions via Zoom: 7.00 pm, Tuesday 30 August 2022 7.00 pm, Wednesday 7 September 2022. Students and their families can access further information or book a spot to attend an information session by visiting: https://www.uow.edu.au/engage/outreach-pathways/year-12/year-12-summer/

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Congratulations to all our 2022 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge.

Here are a few of our Challengers receiving their prize pack from the Library. Official 2022 Premier’s Reading Challenge Awards will be presented next term at the College Assembly.

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Meanwhile - watch the Oliver Homepage for upcoming events…

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Library Borrowing Guidelines

St Benedict’s students and staff have access to both a physical library and a digital library (Sora).


CEDoW has clear and consistent guidelines on text collections within our system of schools.

The St Benedict’s college library collection is balanced with print and digital resources that are diverse and informed by learning and teaching requirements. Resources purchased or made available by the college are carefully selected in consultation with college staff. College library text collections contain broad, general and specific selection criteria for education resources.


Library staff make decisions on age-appropriate resource suitability as texts are purchased by the college. This age-appropriateness is guided by author and publisher recommendations as well as bookshop and recommended website reviews. However, most importantly, library staff apply professional knowledge and experience to ensure resources are relevant and suitable, and that the collection as a whole is balanced. Junior students are sometimes unable to borrow texts in the library that are considered more suitable to older students at the College. However, a written permission note from the student’s parent or guardian giving consent to allow books catalogued as ‘suitable for Year 9+” may be submitted to the Library which will then be added to the student’s profile.

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Further information on our Resource selections can be found on the CEDoW Library website found at https://libraries.dow.catholic.edu.au/resource-selection
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Student images missing from the newsletter

There are many fantastic opportunities available for students at our College. Unfortunately many of those experiences are not photographed due to student permission to publish forms not being submitted to the College Office.


If your student has been involved in a sporting team or extra curricular activity but their photo has not been published in the newsletter please complete the permission to publish form and lodge the form at the College Office.


The permission to publish form is available to download here

Information in this calendar list is correct at the time of publication but is subject to change without notice.


Mon 12 Sep - Preliminary Course Examinations Commence, NSWCCC Athletics - Homebush

Thurs/Fri 15 & 16 Sep - Year 9 Outdoor Ed (Camp)

Fri 16 Sept - Year 12 Mini Carnival Day & Pastoral Day Lunch

Mon 19 Sep - Year 12 Final Day of Lessons

Tue 20 Sep - Year 12 Farewell Assembly

Wed 21 Sep - Year 12 Graduation Mass and Awards, Year 12 Reports released on Compass

Fri 23 Sep - Year 7 Vaccination Visit 2


End of Term 3


Mon 10 Oct - Term 4 Starts

Wed 12 Oct - HSC Examinations Commence

Tue 25 Oct - YML & Middle Leaders Induction Ceremony 8:10am

Fri 28 Oct - Year 7 History Incursion

Tue 01 Nov - Year 11 Report Release via Compass 2:45pm

Wed 02 Nov - Senior Retreat

Mon 7 Nov - Year 12 Sign Out, Year 11 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews 3-8pm

Tue 08 Nov - P&F Meeting at 6.30pm

Wed 09 Nov - Year 12 Formal

Fri 11 Nov - 25th Annual CDF Sports Awards

Wed 23 Nov - Yr 7 2023 Orientation evening - 6.30pm - Hall

Fri 25 Nov - Yr 7 2023 Orientation Day for Students

Tue 13 Dec - Year 9 Academic Awards - 8:50am - Hall, Year 10 Academic Awards - 12:50pm - Hall, Last Day Year 10 and 11

Wed 14 Dec - Closing Mass and Yr 7-9 Academic Awards - Hall - 8:10am, Yr 7-9 Report Distribution via Compass at 2:45pm

Thu 15 Dec - HSC Results Released, Students Activities Day

Fri 16 Dec - Term 4 Ends for Students, Yrs 7-10 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews (all day)

Tue 20 Dec - Term 4 Ends (Staff)


End of Term 4

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Summer uniform commences Term 4

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Rainier College Uniform Shop - Update

RANIER has advised that there may be significant delays with the college uniform. This delay is due to COVID lockdowns in China.


Orders placed for home delivery are despatched twice a week from the Uniform Shop. Orders placed for collection from college office will be available Mondays after 2:30pm, orders placed prior to 9am Monday will qualify.


TRADING HOURS DURING COLLEGE TERMS:

Monday 9am – 5pm

Tuesday 9am – 5pm

Wednesday 9am – 5pm

Thursday 9am – 5pm

Saturday 9am – 12pm


Collection from shop | Collection from College | Home Delivery


CONTACT:

Ranier Schoolwear Unit 5/6-8 Porrende Street Narellan 2567

Online purchasing and appointments visit: shop.ranier.com.au

Email: stbenedict@ranier.com.au

Phone: 02 4647 8942

Responses will be provided during opening hours


For more immediate assistance, Head Office details are

Online: ranier.com.au/contact

Email: custservice@ranier.com.au

P & F Clothing Pool

The P & F Clothing Pool has reopened, 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. Items can be paid for and collected from the SBCC College Office.

MY FIT REWARDS - ATHLETE'S FOOT STORES

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