ST BENEDICT'S CATHOLIC COLLEGE
Newsletter - December 1 2017
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
“I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me” Matthew 25:35-36
At the last College assembly, I reflected with the students about the important things that make our College special. There were the obvious suggestions about our core values of Love of God, Love of Neighbour and Love of Learning, but within each of these there are guides that help us interpret how we might live these things out. The reading last weekend gives a very simple and clear picture of what we might strive for in continuing to build the St Benedict community. We often speak of the need for hospitality and welcome and the desire to be better people and this can be achieved by always thinking of the ‘other’. If we see the face of Christ in others, it helps us to be better people. We can strive to feed the hungry and care for the sick and within our own community, people may be hungry for things such as food, companionship or acceptance, and it is our job to try to feed them. I encourage all members of our community to be always looking to support all we come into contact with.
This was highlighted during the assembly when the local chapter of the St Vincent De Paul received the winter appeal items collected from the students. They spoke about the great work that they do throughout this region and the need that is around our neighbours. The students are now embarking on the Christmas appeal and will again be collecting for those less fortunate.
Last Friday we farewelled our Year 12 class of 2017 with their formal. This celebration was the final time that our students and parents will come together with the staff as a congratulations and thank you. The event was coordinated by Miss Chalmers and a dedicated team of staff and students. It was a most memorable evening and was made all the better with the hard work and commitment of Miss Chalmers and her helpers. I congratulate her and the students on this fantastic farewell and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours.
At the other end of the learning schedule, we hosted our Year 7, 2018 students for an information evening and orientation day at the end of last week. The new students were clapped into the College and spent the day meeting new friends and becoming familiar with what it means to be a St Benedict’s student. I thank Mr Costin and Mr Shelton for the information evening and Mrs Newell, Mrs Brown and the staff and middle leaders for the work on the orientation day. A special thank you goes to our consistent band of parent volunteers who turned up early on the day to cook a BBQ lunch for the new students. This visible support and workload again shows the hospitality in action that we aim for at St Benedict’s. Thank you and congratulations to all who assisted and were involved.
The final Year 7 – 10 academic reports will be distributed to students on December 11. The final mass and academic assembly will occur on Wednesday 13. Parents will receive an email if your child will be receiving an award but all parents are certainly welcome to join in these celebrations. Further details about the final few days will be published in other areas of this newsletter.
Finally, I wish all students and staff involved in the Australian Catholic Youth Festival next week the best of luck. These people have been involved in a number of formation days and I am sure will have a fantastic experience based in faith and fun. I ask for your prayers and good wishes for these students and staff.
Mr. Steve Lo Cascio
Acting Principal
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MISSION AND VISION
The reading this week was focused on Matthew 25:31-46 or more commonly known as The Sheep and the Goats. This is a beautiful reading and one we often use in many of our Social Action initiatives and liturgies. I include here a quote from Pope Francis at Saint Peter's Square on Wednesday, 24 April 2013 about this reading:
Lastly, a word about the passage on the Last Judgement in which the Lord’s Second Coming is described, when he will judge all human beings, the living and the dead (cf. Mt 25: 31-46). The image used by the Evangelist is that of the shepherd who separates the sheep from the goats. On his right he places those who have acted in accordance with God’s will, who went to the aid of their hungry, thirsty, foreign, naked, sick or imprisoned neighbour — I said “foreign”: I am thinking of the multitude of foreigners who are here in the Diocese of Rome: what do we do for them? While on his left are those who did not help their neighbour. This tells us that God will judge us on our love, on how we have loved our brethren, especially the weakest and the neediest. Of course we must always have clearly in mind that we are justified, we are saved through grace, through an act of freely-given love by God who always goes before us; on our own we can do nothing. Faith is first of all a gift we have received. But in order to bear fruit, God’s grace always demands our openness to him, our free and tangible response. Christ comes to bring us the mercy of a God who saves. We are asked to trust in him, to correspond to the gift of his love with a good life, made up of actions motivated by faith and love.
This passage also reminds us of the importance of the Benedictine virtue of Hospitality. Benedictine hospitality goes far beyond the normally expected social graces, it is meant that everyone we encounter, the poor, the traveller, the curious, those not of our religion, social standing or education should be received with genuine acceptance. One of the well known phrases in the ‘Rule’ is ‘Let everyone that comes be received as Christ’.
Social Justice
At our assembly last week we handed over much of the clothing that had kindly been donated by families to Vinnies. We also launched the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Two representatives form the Camden chapter of Vinnies, attended the assembly and spoke about the wonderful contribution that our College makes to the lives of those in need. They also spoke openly about some of the challenges people in our local community face in terms of financial hardship, which can often lead to homelessness and other problems. As we launch our Christmas appeal we ask families to support the wonderful work that Vinnies do in providing those with very little, the basics to survive.
Catechist Program
Last week Louisa Court spoke to our Year 9 students about the Student Catechist program. It was great to see so many students take up this wonderful opportunity. On Wednesday we had several students attend the training session and from all reports it was a great success. I look forward to these students engaging in the program next year.
Mr David Costin
Acting Assistant Principal / Director of Mission and Vision
Strike Action News
Dear Parents & Carers
The Union has notified us that members will stop work at St Benedict’s Catholic College on Monday 4 December from the start of the school day until 12:30pm. Supervision of students will be provided but normal classes will be affected. You may wish to keep your child at home.
Normal routine and classes resume at 12:30pm. Please contact the school directly if you require further information.
Yours sincerely
Steve Lo Cascio, Acting Principal.
Physical Activity and Sport Studies Excursion - Wednesday 6 December
Date:
Wednesday 6 December 2017
Time:
8.10am - 2.30pm
Uniform:
Full sports school uniform, including school hat.
What to bring:
Food, drinks, hat, sunscreen, towel and swimming costume.
HSC Chemistry Excursion - Wednesday 6 December
Date:
Wednesday 6 December 2017
Time:
8.15am - 2.30pm (Please meet in the Cola)
Uniform:
Full school uniform.
What to bring:
Writing materials, food, and drinks in a small back pack.
St Benedict’s end of year Beach Day
Date:
Thursday 14 December 2017
Venue:
Austinmer Beach
Transport:
Students will travel by bus from the school.
Departure Time:
8:30am
Return time:
2:15pm
Dress:
Neat casual
Strict legislation has recently been put in place outlining very specific guidelines that must be adhered to when a student group is in a water environment. In order to comply with these guidelines no student will be permitted to enter the surf whilst we are at Austinmer. According to this legislation only students involved in sanctioned learning programs can enter the surf. Any student wishing to swim will be able to do so in the ocean pools at Austinmer Beach.
Constant supervision will be provided but it is a mandatory requirement for all students present to wear a wristband indicating their level of swimming proficiency. All students must wear these wristbands regardless of whether they enter the water or not.
The students can wear appropriate mufti clothing on the day and whilst sunscreen will be provided it is encouraged that they bring their own sun protection. In the interests of skin safety, singlet tops or shoe string straps are not to be worn. Offensive pictures or slogans on clothing is unacceptable and t-shirts/rash shirts must be worn at all times, including in the water, by all students. Thongs and sandals are permitted whilst we are at the beach but students will be required to wear closed toe footwear whilst on the College grounds and on the bus.
Supervised access to the limited food facilities will take place although it is also encouraged that students provide a healthy range of food and drink for the day.
UPCOMING DATES TO NOTE
School reports for Years 7 - 10 will be distributed
December 13
Final College Mass
December 14
Beach Day
December 15
Parent / Teacher interviews
January 30
Year's 7, 12 and all new students return to College
January 31
All student's return
Year 9 Extension Science Excursion
Last Thursday 17 students from Year 9 had the opportunity to attend a Spectacular Science Outreach Day at the University of Sydney where we took part in activities alongside 11 other schools around Sydney.
We started out at 7am, catching a train from Leppington to Redfern then walking to the expansive university campus. The day began with a Science show in the School of Chemistry where we witnessed some spectacular explosions and surprising demonstrations which addressed many misconceptions about science.
After recess, we were taken down to the School of Physics where we were blown away by the cooling effects of liquid nitrogen on super conducting magnets, learnt how physicists discover information about ‘aether’ and learnt about the concept of projectile motion. Even though it sounded complicated, the physicists presented the information in a way that made it fun and easy to understand.
Our next stop was a a Chemistry workshop where we created slime by mixing PVA, water and borax over heat. We then played with an unlimited supply of liquid nitrogen, we cooled gases such as argon and carbon dioxide, and froze orange slices, celery and flowers to below -196°C.
A relaxing lunch on the university lawns, and a wander through the beautiful main quadrangle made us seriously consider what university life would be like. Overall, we all had a great day and would like to thank Dr de Lima for giving us this excellent opportunity as well as Mr Gallagher for accompanying us.
Alyssa Chambers
Year 9
2017 STANSW Young Scientist Awards Competition
This year we had 2 Year 10 students participate in the 2017 STANSW Young Scientists Awards. The competition required students to design and carry out an independent scientific investigation in their own time. They then submitted a report based on their findings.
The following students are to be congratulated on their outstanding achievement:
Emily Newton received a Distinction for her investigation titled “Hookes Law: Investigating Spring Constants and Displacement”.
Zac Winters received a Credit for his investigation titled: “How does CPU clock speed affect performance of a computer?”
Both students worked hard on their projects which were initially a part of a Science assessment task completed in Semester 1.
Dr de Lima
Science Coordinator
Angelique with Mayor Lara Symkowiak
Camden Council Victor Chang Science Awards
This year, Angelique Pallar of year 11, was the recipient of the prestigious Victor Chang Science Award. The award was presented to her on Monday 20 November at a ceremony hosted by the Mayor of Camden, Lara Symkowiak.
The award recognises the efforts and achievements of Australian school students in the area of Science. Angelique is a well-deserving student who has demonstrated an exceptional work ethic in Chemistry and Biology. She is an independent learner, demonstrating initiative and a positive attitude towards her studies.
As part of the award, Angelique will get the opportunity to visit the Victor Change Cardiac Institute to learn first-hand about its activities and about a career in Science.
Congratulations, Angelique!
Dr Maria de Lima
Science Coordinator
College Sport Week
Congratulations to the following students who were nominated as MVP's for Week 7 & 8
AFL:
Madison Bailey, Darcy Christl, Jordan Romeo & Mary-Rose El-Helou
Martial Arts:
Michael Baxter & Georgia Vella
MILO Cricket:
Paige Fisher, Jacson Finney, Dimitria Mercouris & Oliver Tomac
Swimming:
Erin Small
Netball:
Nick Carroll & Callum Elder
Soccer:
Tiffany Eid, Sienna Rixon & Reannon Borg
NRL/Taeknowdo:
Erin Miller, Nate Brennan, Savannah Abdow & Ben Waights
Taeknowdo/NRL:
Joshua Ogden & Jaytee Spitiri
Barefoot Bowls:
Jared Madsen & Charles Makufa
Beach Sports:
Frederick Semarano, Jordan Flood, Yasmine Reidy & Dylan Lane
Bowling B:
Natasha Camera & James Moore
Crossfit:
Jack Napoletano, Harrison Whalan, Daniel-Paul Khalil & Diego Castro-Eastman
Golf:
Byron Smith & Deacon Natsia
Pilates/Yoga:
Ethan Lane & Emily Murdoch
Spin Class:
Alicia Marshall & Cameron Almond
Tennis:
Annalise Jennings & Rhianna Irons
MISA Sport
Our MISA teams had their 6 and 7 week of competition against Wollondilly Anglican College and Broughton Anglican College
Year 7-9 Girls Oztag
MVP: Jorja Urso
Year 7-9 Boys Oztag
MVP: Felix Muzirwa & Heath Milford
Year 10-12 Boys Volleyball
MVP: Mitchell Orridge
Year 10-12 Girls Volleyball
MVP: Leah Brown & Skye Slattery
Year 7 Girls Basketball
MVP: Annalysse Stevens, Georgia Davidson & Kamaria Nadar
Year 7 Boys Basketball
MVP: Lachlan Bigwood
Year Opens Mixed Tennis
MVP: Amy Smsarian & Lachlan Crawford
Yours in Sport
Miss Liska
Chenoa Brimble - Netball Star
Chenoa Brimble has been playing netball for 8 years and over these years she has demonstrated her natural ability to work the court with ease and elegance. Although Chenoa predominately plays Centre she is a talented netball player who can play any position whilst making it look effortless.
In the coming weeks, Chenoa will be travelling to the USA and Barbados to represent Australia in the Junior Netball Wanderers Australian team. Chenoa will be travelling for four weeks with this team and during this time, she will play six games whilst receiving some high level coaching experience on tour and will get the opportunity to visit some of the famous landmarks in America.
This is a fantastic opportunity for Chenoa where she will meet new people from around the world, whilst learning and developing her netball skills.
We would like to wish Chenoa all the best of luck whilst on tour and we cannot wait to hear about her experience when she returns.
Yours In Sport,
Miss Julia Liska
Annual CDF Wollongong Sports Awards
The Annual CDF Wollongong Sports Awards was held on Friday 17 November, at St Mary’s Star of the Sea College, Wollongong. This night is a special night for our sporting athletes as they are acknowledged for their outstanding achievements in their sporting endeavours throughout the year.
The students not only represent the College in their chosen sports, but also at a Diocesan, State and National level. This year we had five students receiving an award, which is a great achievement within our College.
I would like to publicly congratulate these students on their hard-work, dedication and commitment to their sport:
Nakiehsa Brimble- Athletics, Year 7
Connor Price- Cross Country, Year 7
Jared Madsen- Cross Country and Athletics, Year 11
Courtney Schonell- Hockey, Year 11
Karley Schonell- Hockey, Year 11
I would also like to thank the parents of these students for their support, because without you, the students would not be able to compete.
I would like to thank our Co-Curricular captains Jayde Bermingham, Cooper Davidson and Thomas Haidle for assisting on the night and reading out some of the awards for the students.
Thank you also to Mr Hanratty and Mr Lo Cascio for attending on the night and supporting our students.
Yours In Sport,
Miss Julia Liska
Social Action Team
St Vinnes Winter Appeal
It is a common misconception that only homeless people require food relief. However, the main recipients of food relief are individuals and families who have generally low incomes or are unemployed, not just those who are homeless. The face of hunger in Australia is diverse – it affects males, females, children, the elderly, single people and families, students, employed, unemployed and retired people.
If you have any food to donate for the Vinnies Hampers, it can be left in the upstairs storeroom next G7. If you have bought a present for a child, can you please place under the tree in the library and attach a tag.
Warm regards
Mrs Sara-Jane Castelli
Fundraising Update
For the first few weeks of Term 4, we have focused on helping Catholic Missions to raise money for communities in Uganda. Unfortunately these communities do not have access to hospitals or schools as in Australia. Therefore, we were able to raise $270 to help buy an Ambulance and resources for children through our cake sale and ribbon day.
International Day of People with Disability
On December 3, is International Day of People with Disability. This is an official date sanctioned by the United Nations. Each year the UN announces a theme to observe for International Day of People with Disability.
The annual theme provides a focus on how society can strive for inclusivity through the removal of physical, technological and attitudinal barriers for people with disability. The theme for 2017 International Day of People with Disability is “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all”.
The key principle of this theme is to ‘leave no one behind’ and empowers people with disability to be active contributors of society. St Benedict’s Catholic College is a proud supporter of this day and will be raising awareness in the lead up to this event.