St Benedict's Catholic College
Newsletter 16 August 2019
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Dear Parents, Caregivers, and friends of the College,
Where did the time go? Has it been that many years since we caught up? Doesn’t time just fly? Days are just not long enough!
The one thing we cannot control is the passage of time. What we can control is what we do in the passage. There is not a ‘silver bullet’ solution to ensure the time we do have is spent productively and satisfies our personal needs, and that of our work and home environments. What I can relate to young people, and it might well apply to us all, is this: Take time to make the time, if not now, when?
We all make excuses for putting off or delaying things that we ought to do, often wasting time on the trivial events of life. We even spend time worrying about what we should have done; procrastination is not the same as careful thought. Lack of time, and more correctly, lack of careful organisation, also leads to stress. How many times do young children (and ourselves) leave things until the last minute or putting if off until there is a consequence? ‘I should have started that assignment earlier’, ‘I meant to get the car serviced and now …’ We are all guilty of use of the ‘time crimes’ being time wasters, daydreamers, procrastinators, delayers.
One time area we can all be better at is to be always, ready, prepared and willing for the coming of Christ. The lifestyles we lead will make us ready without having to look over our shoulder, watch the clock, or be afraid of being taken by surprise. Jesus, in many of his parables, suggests that if we are ready and waiting for him, he will be thrilled and give us our just rewards. Orientating our lives in such a way, that we are always ready to receive Jesus Christ, is a gift of time.
If we live according to the Spirit, as St Paul writes, then we will be always ready to receive Christ into our lives, whether this is in the Eucharist, or in the ‘other Christs’ we meet in our daily lives. Perhaps, it is also in our quiet times of prayer and reflection, that Immanuel (Emmanuel), God is with us. Do not seek perfection, as that is the realm of God, rather seek out the humanity in each other, appreciate our fragility, and sometimes forgiveness, with agape love.
My time at this wonderful community has now drawn to a close. I sincerely thank all students, parents and staff for their hospitality and welcome. There are so many very special touchstones in this community that must be treasured, celebrated and lived. Take care of each other.
Best wishes and God’s blessings
John Killeen
FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Dr Lea Waters
A reminder that Dr Lea Waters is visiting the College soon. Tickets are currently available and the first 100 families that book will receive a free book. This will be a very informative and valuable night and I encourage all families to attend.
Car Park
A reminder to families who drop students off in the morning that this section of the carpark is for students only to exit their car and then enter the school. The purpose of this is to provide quick access for families in dropping off their children.
Trial HSC
The Trial HSC exams have been on for the last 2 weeks. Year 12 students have been working hard in order to prepare for these important examinations. Not only does this exam block give students valuable practice at completing examinations, they are also heavily weighted assessment tasks contributing to the students overall HSC Assessment marks. Good luck to all students as they complete these exams.
Year 12 have also been very busy completing their major works for many of their practical subjects. The major works in these areas are due over the coming weeks and good luck to all staff and students as they complete these pieces.
Preliminary Examinations
Speaking of exams, Year 11 are currently preparing for their Preliminary Examinations. These exams will be the final assessment component of the Year 11 course. Again, students are busy preparing for these exams both in classes and at home. Good luck to all students in these exams.
Mass for the Feast of St Mary MacKillop
Last week students in Year 9 took part in a Mass at St Justin’s to celebrate the Feast of St Mary MacKillop. This was a great opportunity for our students to come together with students from St Justin’s and parishioners from the parish to celebrate this important day. Thanks to all involved for a great celebration.
Year 11 Biology Excursion
The Year 11 students recently went on their compulsory excursion. This has allowed students to gain first hand experience in the field as well as meet some of the outcomes of the course.
History Debating
Our History debating teams continues to do well. The Year 11 team were successful in their debate and continue into the quarter-finals of the competition. The Year 10 team, although now knocked out, performed admirably and have represented themselves and the College well.
Science week
Science week has been a great success. The Science Faculty has put on scientific events and activities to help develop our students scientific understanding and love for the subject. Congratulations to all on a successful week.
Year 9, 2020 Stage 5 Information night
The Year 9, 2020 Stage 5 Information night was held this week. This is a valuable evening that provides our Year 8 families with an understanding of the curriculum changes for stage 5, the elective process, the direction of our wellbeing programs as well as an understanding of our outdoor education program. Thank you to all families who attended this informative evening.
Diocesan Athletics
Our Diocesan Athletics Team is in action today and we wish them good luck.
Wellbeing Week
Wellbeing week is next week. A note has been sent home to all families today, and is available on the website, with information about the week. As always it will be a great week and all are looking forward to it.
Relieving Principal Mr John Killeen
Today sees the last day at the College of our relieving Principal Mr John Killeen. We are very grateful for Mr Killeen’s guidance, support and leadership in the absence of Mr Hanratty over the last 7 weeks, and wish him well as he returns to his normal routine.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday 19 August - Wellbeing Week
Tuesday 20 August - P & F Meeting
Thursday 22 August - Year 8 Music Incursion
Friday 23 August - Year 9 Science Excursion to Powerhouse Museum
Friday 23 August - Debating - Year 8
Friday 23 August - Bennies Warms the City
Tuesday 27 August - Year 12 Gathering with the Bishop
Wednesday 28 August - Friday 30 August - Year 10 Outdoor Camp
Friday 30 August - Public Speaking Competition
Friday 30 August - LIVE Festival
Monday 2 September - History Week
Monday 2 September - P & F Fathers Day Event
Tuesday 3 September - HSC Showcase evening - TAS and CAPA
Wednesday 18 September - Dr Lea Waters
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MISSION AND VISION
Bennies Warms the City - Friday 23rd August 2019
As part of their Gold Leadership Diploma Mia Gibbs-White and Emelia Carroll from Year 11 would like to invite you to ‘Bennies Warms the City’ formerly known as ‘Bennies Bring a Blanket’. This is an after-school event which will be held on Friday, 23 August 2019 (Week 5 from 3:00 -7: 00 pm) - the night will raise funds for Orange Sky Laundry and Vinnies Winter Appeal.
Basically, the theme of the night is homelessness in regional and city areas of Australia. Homelessness also occurs here in our own Camden area. The event is taking place during Wellbeing Week, there will be a focus on how it feels to be homeless and the dignity of the human person - another important aspect of the night is what it means to have a home.
There will be various activities organised by Emelia and Mia as well as performances, presentations and group games plus food.
We are also collecting money and donations of small toiletries (travel size) to make into packs for Orange Sky Laundry/Vinnies which can be dropped off to the College office or brought in on the night.
Items we need:
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body Wash or Soap
Toothpaste
Toothbrush
Deodorant
Travel Pack Tissues
Hand sanitizer
Hand Cream
Mouthwash
St Mary MacKillop - Feast Day Mass
On Thursday 8 August 2019 - our Year 9 students joined with St Justin’s for a most beautiful Mass for the Feast of St Mary MacKillop of the Cross. Mass was celebrated by Fr. David Catterall.
A number of our students were involved as readers - Jared S., Charlotte G-W., Michael C., Michael P., Joseph A., Rhiannan E., Lucia P. and Madison O’B. Alessia C. was part of the Offertory Procession and Jak F. as Junior Acolyte.
This year is also the 110th anniversary of St Mary MacKillop's death.
REFLECTION
Mary MacKillop lived with radical faith and trust, inspiring hope in entire generations of people. This dynamic woman found life in the call of Jesus, devoting herself to the needs of others, especially the downtrodden, poor and forgotten.
She never lost sight of the personal invitation at the heart of today’s gospel, to strive first for the kingdom of God. She proclaimed it and built it up with her Sisters of St Joseph bringing education and relief to the poor. Mary and her companions would see a need, discern a response, and act with love and trust in God. Her letters tell of her fidelity in trial and challenge, joy and consolation. Her courage in the face of persecution is legendary.
The Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart are women who continue God’s mission by immersing themselves in the midst of life to empower others for life and bring hope. Some of the most marvellous women you will meet. I have had the privilege to work with Sr. Jan Barnett and Sr Berenice Cornish - who I call TRUE FRIENDS.
For close to 30 years of my 35 years of life - the Josephite Charism has been integral to my life - both as a student and as an educator. My husband, on his return from Afghanistan, had Mary's infamous words tattooed on his right forearm - Remember we are but travellers here. It is through her intercession, that my husband lives and continues to battle with his PTSD.
Let us look to Mary MacKillop and learn from her as a model of faith, love and generosity. Like her, may we find our joy in God’s presence.
Wellbeing Week
“Do unto others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31). This week is a time for you to focus on the way you treat yourself and others. Employ kindness and compassion in all of your actions, and do all that you can to improve the lives of everyone around you.
According to Beyond Blue, approximately one in seven young Australians experience mental health problems. Think about ways in which you could help those around you, or seek help from others. Wellbeing is not something to shy away from, nor ignore. This week, complete Random Acts of Kindness. Smile at your peers, compliment your friends and teachers, help your parents around the house. Realise how important you are and how powerful your actions can be. Just as importantly, be kind to yourself. You are never alone. You are LOVED. God will always be there for you and many people around you will offer support. Give yourself time to rest, and do what you love.
In the words of Eleanor Brownn, “Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel”.
If you or someone you know is experiencing hardship, do not be afraid to speak to someone you trust. It is normal to feel sad sometimes, but it is important to act if you think yourself or someone else has depression, anxiety or just does not seem right.
Enjoy the little things in life and look after yourself and others.
Sometimes the ordinary is EXTRAORDINARY.
By Amy C., Rhiannon E. and Sophia L. (Social Justice - Year 9)
Kimberley Logue
Director of Mission and Vision
CAPA NEWS
ART CLUB
Our first Art Club for 2019 began Week 6, Term 2 and continued to Week 4, Term 3. During this time, our very talented artists have created felted objects and tree scarves using merino wool, Joy Hester inspired portraits and finally Pop Art style self portraits.
Students have turned up every week ready and excited to pick up from the week before. We have had a lot of fun over the weeks and we look forward to seeing them again in our next club starting in Week 5.
If you haven't already collected a permission note, please make sure you see either Mrs Castelli or Ms Andonopoulos in the art rooms.
Well done fellow artists! Keep on creating!
HSC – Practical works
It’s that time of year for Practical works to be submitted/performed. Year 12 Drama have their scheduled HSC Day on Monday 26 August and our Visual Arts student’s Body of Work must be completed by Monday 2 September.
We wish our Year 12 CAPA students all the best during this time.
Mrs Koryzma
CAPA Coordinator
SCIENCE NEWS
Year 11 Biology Excursion
Last Friday, on the 9 of August, Year 11 Biology travelled to Mount Kiera for our Biology excursion and fieldwork study. The excursion was highly beneficial for the classes and offered us a practical insight into our modules, Biological Diversity and Ecosystem Dynamics.
At Mount Keira, the classes spent time identifying the multiple species of trees at Mount Keira, using their leaves. We also set up a 100 m2 quadrat on the forest floor, in which we identified the variety of plant and tree species present. Students also used various tools to classify and study the tree canopy, the size of trees, and the type of soil present. It was really interesting and fun to be spending time doing biology in the beautiful forest.
We also looked at the various adaptations of both animals and plants which helped them to survive in the rainforest environment. Our personal favourites were looking at the waxy cuticle of leaves and the tiny Morton Bay Fig Tree Wasps. We finished the day by completing a capture and release of smaller animals around the area. This included scorpions, squirt worms, beetles and various types of centipedes.
Thank you to Dr Bastias and Mrs Hickman for organising the day for us.
By Darcey Christl and Isabella Ravino
Science Week
This week was a big week in the Science Faculty as we celebrated National Science Week. The theme this year was Destination Moon: More Missions, More Science. The week was focussed on celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the first moon landing by humans as well as thinking about future paths in the areas of space science. We had plenty of activities throughout the week which included:
- A Science Trivia Quiz every morning during Academic Care with prizes for the winning home-rooms (still to be determined).
- Lunchtime and recess activities which included making Alien Poo (slime), launching water and alka-seltzer rockets and a space docking challenge.
- In the library at lunch, we showed the Pixar movie, Wall-E, for those students who felt like ‘chilling’.
- The Education Perfect Science Championships will continue to run until next Monday with the opportunity for the highest scoring student to win a prize.
We had a great turn out of students for each of the activities. It’s great to see so many students excited about science! Thank you to the Science staff for organising and running these activities.
In addition, each science class from Year 7 to 10 participated in some in-class activities relating to the moon landing. Year 9 and 10 classes did an Escape Room Challenge which brought out their competitive streaks. Other year levels participated in a NASA initiative where they will be sending their names to Mars in the next Rover mission which is due to occur in 2020.
This weekend, Science Week activities will continue around Sydney at various locations. If you would like to know what’s on, go to scienceweek.net.au on the web to find a range of activities the whole family will enjoy.
Big Science Competition Results
The Big Science Competition was held earlier in the year but the results have only recently been released. The competition is a one hour quiz where students have to answer a series of questions online. Questions tested critical thinking and problem solving skills and were set in real-life, contemporary contexts.
This year we only had 10 students who chose to compete, but we are proud of the achievements of these students. The following awards were given out at year assemblies earlier in the week:
Distinction
Rhiannon Essex (Year 9)
Credits
Joseph Abdallah (Year 9)
Charlotte Gibbs-White (Year 9)
Mitchell Parker (Year 10)
Congratulations to these students. It would be great to see more students competing next year.
ANCQ Chemistry Quiz
Students in Year 11 competed in the ANCQ National Chemistry Quiz on Tuesday 30 July. We look forward to the results which will be released shortly.
Ms Maria de Lima
Science Coordinator
COLLEGE SPORT
Gymnastics:
Harry R., Ella S., Vasli K., Grace C.
AFL:
Malia B.
Cricket:
Patrick M.
Netball:
George H., Grace B., Ashton C.
UFC:
Pauline A.
Zumba:
Amity A., Riley H.
Mixed Sports:
Tino M., Daniela S.
Kickboxing:
Eric M., Alicia M.
Gyms:
Phillip S., Ben W.
Bowling A:
Marian A., Michael P.
Dance:
Lara H., Michael R.
Barefoot Bowls:
Lucia P., Emily K.
Beach Sports:
Javier L., Mikala R.
Skating:
Daniel V., Hugh H.
Flip Out:
Olivia S., Zach N.
MISA Sport
Our MISA teams came up against St Pat’s and Magdalene.
7-8 Girls Netball Loss
MVP: Jessica H.
9-10 Girls Netball Loss
MVP: Amy E.
7-9 Girls Soccer Draw
MVP: Sarah B.
7-8 Boys Soccer Loss
MVP: Thomas C.
9-10 Boys Soccer Loss
MVP: Riley H.
10-12 Girls AFL Loss
MVP: Jessy A.
10-12 Boys AFL Win
MVP: Declan P.
10-12 Boys Indoor Cricket Loss
Yours in sport
Ms Julia Liska
Sport Coordinator
LIBRARY NEWS
ARE YOU A CYBER SAFE PARENT?
Please consider joining this e-safety masterclass from the Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay. It will be live-streamed on September 5, 6-8pm.
If you are unable to attend this class but still interested in keeping your child safe online look at the resources available for parents from the eSafety Commissioner.
Ann Conte
Head of Library and Information Services
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.
MEDIA RELEASE from CCSP
The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT (CCSP) is urging all parents, particularly parents of children in Catholic schools, to speak up in opposition to the bill passed in the Lower House of the NSW Parliament last week.
As the bill now moves to the Upper House for further debate, CCSP Chair, Narelle Burke, says that now is the time for all who have experienced the joy of being a parent to speak up to protect innocent unborn children.
“We lament the result delivered by the Legislative Assembly last week and feel betrayed by our Parliament. Not only was this bill sprung upon the people of NSW and passed without appropriate consultation, it is both ill-conceived and poorly drafted.
“We commend the 31 State MPs who voted to support life. We now call upon the members of the Legislative Council to do the right thing by ensuring that this bill does not become law.”
“We call upon our elected representatives to defend the most vulnerable and defenceless members of our human family, to be a voice for the voiceless, by doing what is right and voting against this bill,” Mrs Burke said.
CCSP Executive Director, Peter Grace, says that parents and all other people of good will who value human life need to let our parliamentarians know that this so-called Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill 2019 both de-values human life and infringes upon the fundamental rights of doctors who conscientiously object to abortion.
“I encourage all parents to attend the Rally for Life being held at 6:00pm on Tuesday 20 August in Martin Place, Macquarie Street, Sydney. We need to make sure our parliamentarians know that any law that gives a green light to abortion on demand up until birth is not good law. As it stands, this bill fails to protect our most vulnerable and defenceless precious little brothers and sisters.”
“Because all human beings are made in the image and likeness of God, we must vigorously defend the dignity of the human person and the sacredness of life from conception to natural death. In doing so, we stand in solidarity with both the unborn and with all pregnant women and offer them our support. We call upon our legislators and the wider community to extend to pregnant women facing difficult decisions the compassion and practical support they need.
“Let us stand up for truth, goodness and beauty. This bill is none of those things. We want our elected representatives to do what is decent and right. We have an opportunity to send them this message on Tuesday. Please join us, but if you cannot attend, please pray that our lawmakers will embrace a culture of life by voting against this bill,” Mr Grace said.
The Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) is the peak representative body for parents with children in Catholic schools in NSW and ACT.