We are now accepting completed enrolment application forms for students looking to enrol in Year 7, 2024. If you weren't able to attend our Open Afternoon, enrolment packages can be collected from the College Office.

Applications MUST be returned by Friday 31 March. In the meantime we are hosting an Information Evening and Student Q & A Session on Monday 13 March from 6.30pm - 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please RSVP here.

On Monday 13 February, Year 11 Biology students visited Penrith Lakes Environmental Education Centre. The purpose of the excursion was to undertake a mandatory field study on the fresh lake ecosystem.

This study was conducted to complement what we have been learning in class on Ecosystem Dynamics and allow students to gather information for their upcoming assessment task.

During the day, students were enthusiastically involved in collecting data using a variety of scientific equipment to determine some of the abiotic factors (such as water turbidity, pH and oxygen saturation of the lake) and biotic factors (such as abundance and distribution of waterbirds and waterbugs) of the lake ecosystem.

Students will use their first-hand investigations, knowledge and information presented on the day, to compare data from the past and present to determine the overall health of the ecosystem at Penrith lakes.

Ms Brigitte Bastias

(Biology Teacher)

On 13 of February, the Year 11 Biology classes were given the fantastic opportunity to visit the Penrith Lakes environmental education centre and gain a deeper insight towards the government rehabilitation scheme of the Penrith Lakes. During this excursion we participated in various engaging activities; dip netting, experiments to determine abiotic factors, etc. as well as discussions that were highly useful in deepening our understanding of abiotic and biotic factors and how exactly they influence an ecosystem. It challenged us to think critically about the positive and negative effects on the specific ecosystem, and the vital niches/roles of different organisms in an ecosystem.

This excursion was a great experience for both my peers and me, and luckily for us, the weather was perfect. Thankyou to Ms Bastias and Miss Lorking for organising the excursion.

Favour A.

(Year 11 student)

Last Friday, Year 9 Physical Activity & Sports Studies students were lucky enough to visit Treetops Adventure Park for an excursion.

Students challenged themselves by working their way through 4 thrilling high ropes courses which included obstacles such as non-stable logs, climbing through mesh nets and zooming down zip lines.

In PASS, students have been learning about the great outdoors and the many benefits that come with spending time in nature. As students were completing their courses high up in beautiful blue gum trees, they were also discovering very many creepy crawlies. The joys of being outdoors!

A special thank you to Mrs McCorry, Miss Gray, Mr Rushworth and Mr Sapienza for motivating and providing support for the students throughout the day. The students should all be proud of their effort and courage!

Miss Mora

Last Monday, our Year 11 and 12 Music students were lucky enough to attend the Encore concert, showcasing the best performances and compositions from the 2022 HSC music students. By all accounts it was a genuinely enjoyable and informative day.

After arriving in the city, students were treated to a walkaround tour of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. It was a great opportunity for the students to see the technology that has only been developed recently, as well as historical structures that have existed since the first convicts landed on Australian soil.

Students were able to explore many rooms in which performances are presented. What intrigued our students most about the tour was the architecture of the rooms, which enhanced the performances of the students of the Sydney Conservatorium and the Sydney Conservatorium High School.

After the tour, it was time for the main event of the day which was Encore, the best performing/composing HSC Music students of 2022. Many students had never been in the Opera House before and they were in awe of the way that the building was designed, giving a sense of majesty to the student performances.

There were a number of amazing performances, from pianists who played with tremendous technical skill, to band performances, stunning vocalists, and many others very talented solo instrumental performers.

Students really enjoyed the day, and one day we hope to see a St Benedict’s student represent us in Encore.

Please follow the steps below to explain absence/s (partial or whole day.) This must be done within 7 days of their absence.

If you experience any difficulties, please contact the College Office anytime from Monday - Friday 7.30am - 3.30pm.

P: (02) 4631 5300

E: info@sbccdow.catholic.edu.au

• Monday 6 March - Year 11 D&T - Excursion to Macarthur Tourism, Travel & Events College
• Monday 6 March - Year 9 History Elective - Excursion to Camden Museum
• Thursday 9 March - Year 10 - 12 ATSI Students - Bangawarra Education Program
• Thursday 9 March - DIO Boys Touch 13's, 15's & Open
• Friday 10 March - DIO Swimming
• Monday 13 March - Year 11 D&T - Excursion to Macarthur Tourism, Travel & Events College
• Wednesday 15 March - NAPLAN Year 7 & 9
• Thursday 16 March - Year 10 - Excursion to Cronulla Beach
• Friday 17 March - National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

The P & F preloved Uniform Pool is open. For all enquiries please email: uniforms@sbccdow.catholic.edu.au Our wonderful P&F volunteer Tracey will contact you.

Items can be paid for and collected from the SBCC College Office. We do not return, exchange or refund on 2nd hand clothing as these are donated by families.

Donations of items in good condition can be left at the College Office.