Spiritual Reflection - Being Brave and Making Change

Each year our country celebrates National Reconciliation Week from 27 May to 3 June. It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

As Catholics we understand deeply the concept of Reconciliation. We have the Sacrament of Penance which invites us to reflect on those times when we have missed the mark in how we live and then calls us to repair and restore the broken aspects of our lives and relationships with God, people and all of creation. During National Reconciliation Week we are called to repair and restore the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and all Australians, recognising the history of what has been and moving forward together in a spirit of love.

The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme is Be Brave. Make Change. and is a challenge to all Australians to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. It is a challenge to individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.

2022 is marked by significant national anniversaries of brave actions.

50 years ago: In January 1972, a group of brave young men began the longest protest for Indigenous land rights, sovereignty, and self-determination by planting a beach umbrella and signage proclaiming the Aboriginal Embassy across the road from (then) Parliament House in Canberra.

30 years ago: In June 1992, the ten-year fight of a group of Torres Strait Islanders, led by Eddie Mabo, over ownership of Mer (Murray Island) resulted in a High Court decision that recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have rights to land – rights that existed before the British arrived and can still exist today.

Also, in 1992 on 29 May the Torres Strait Islander Flag was officially presented to the people of the Torres Strait Islands at the sixth Torres Strait Cultural Festival.

25 years ago: In April 1997 the Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families was released, a testament to the bravery of thousands who told of the impact of forcible removal from their families, cultures and communities.

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that reminds us that while generations of Australians have fought hard for meaningful changes like these, future gains, such as the realisation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, are likely to take just as much, if not more, effort. This Reconciliation Week we are invited to make change beginning with brave actions in our daily lives – “where we live, work, play and socialise”.

Two actions to consider:

1. Commit to pray for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brothers and sisters - for healing, justice and Reconciliation.
2. Learn more about the Uluru Statement of the Heart and raise awareness of the issues in your own circles.

The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, “Be Brave. Make Change.” is a challenge to all Australians— individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.

Last year Reconciliation Australia encouraged all Australians to take action; not just in National Reconciliation Week but every week of the year.

We saw unprecedented response to our suggested actions for everyday and for braver action.

This year we are asking everyone to make change beginning with brave actions in their daily lives – where they live, work, play and socialise.

National Reconciliation Week—27 May to 3 June—is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Find out more about National Reconciliation Week #NRW2022 #BeBraveMakeChange

Colouring pages are available at the Library, or you can download a copy here:

National Reconciliation Week Colouring Competition pages

Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

This week's ACEN eBooks

National Reconciliation Week

The theme for this week’s ACEN eBook’s is National Reconciliation Week - 27 May to 3 June 2022. This is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Please see below ACEN eBook of the Week National Reconciliation Week titles for primary, secondary, and staff. The titles chosen for primary and secondary students are always available.

RSVP required by Wednesday 1/6/22 - register your attendance online:

College Family RSVP registration - St Benedict's Feast Day Mass

Year 12 have been offered the opportunity to study at school on Wednesday afternoon/evening during the lead in to the Trial HSC examinations. Last Wednesday was the first session.

This is completely optional and I would like to thank members of staff who spent time with Year 12 students after school.

Mr Matthew Limbrey

Year 12 Coordinator

This term Year 10 students have been working on creating a new ice cream flavour as their assessment task. Congratulations to Year 10 students on the creation and presentation of such scrumptious treats.

On Thursday May 19, the Year 11 Ancient History class travelled to the University of Sydney. We were given the opportunity to explore various eras of history including Rome, Greece and Egypt at the Chau Chak Wing Museum located at The University of Sydney. Our guide Julie, accompanied us through hands-on activities and walls of interesting artefacts that helped us to develop a new understanding of the ancient past. It was an amazing day and we are grateful to have been able to experience it. Thank you to Mr Morris and Mr Wheeler for joining us and for ensuring transport and organisation went so smoothly.

Jessica G and Daniel S - Year 11 Ancient History 2022

Enrolment packages are available at the college office or by download from our website

http://www.sbccdow.catholic.edu.au/enrolments

Completed enrolment applications can be emailed or delivered to the College Office.

Well done and thank you to Alyssa M, Ellie D, Jorja S, Luke L, Luke F and Zander H who assisted with the running of the Wollongong Diocese Primary Cross Country carnival on Tuesday. Over 25 primary schools represented at the event along with a very high number of parents and spectators.

The Head of Sport of the Wollongong Diocese was overwhelmingly impressed with the contribution of these students from St Benedict's. His letter of appreciation to Principal Kerrie Piatek is below.

Well done to these students and congratulations on their fantastic representation of the school!

Good afternoon Kerrie,

I wanted to take this opportunity to express to you my gratitude and appreciation for the support from your students at our primary cross country staged yesterday at the Narellan Sports Hub. With the change in venue and new format we were very dependent on student support to ensure the event ran smoothly.

We had over 25 primary schools represented yesterday along with a very high number of parents and spectators.

I was overwhelmingly impressed with the contribution of the students from St Benedict's. Their school uniforms looked impressive and were worn with pride. The confidence, manner and initiative of the students on the day was fantastic. They were proactive, focused and stayed on task throughout the entire event. The students were great ambassadors for your school and their families and took on all roles with enthusiasm and a high level of competency.

I had a significant number of parents approach me on the day and make commentary on how great the St Benedict's students had been and how they noticed their high level of contribution.

My thanks also to Lisa Paton who organised the students and set out some expectations for them on the day. I am grateful for the ongoing support of secondary schools in pathway sport and recognise this is an additional contribution of organisation for Lisa. The outcomes for this event proved to be of great benefit for all involved. A photo of your students is attached.

Thank you again Kerrie for your support.

Best Wishes,

John

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

Wed 01 Jun - Year 11 2023 Subject Selection Evening, Year 9 2023 Subject Selection Website Launch

Thu 02 Jun - Year 12 - English Standard HSC Symposium, Riverside Theatre

Fri 03 Jun - College Feast Day

Mon 06 Jun - Year 12 - English Advanced HSC Symposium, Seymour Centre

Tue 07 Jun - NSWCCC Cross Country - Eastern Creek

Wed 08 Jun - Year 10 Fast Forward Program, Year 12 UOW Discovery Day, Year 8 Music - African Beat Company Incursion

Thu 09 Jun - Year 10 Mace Excursion

Fri 10 Jun - Staff Development Day - Spirituality / Pupil Free Day, Basketball - Yr 7-8 & Yr 9-10- Qualifying Tournament

Mon 13 Jun - Queens Birthday Holiday

Tue 14 Jun - MISA Debating Semi-Finals

Fri 17 Jun - Year 9 Reflection Day - Offsite

Tue 21 Jun - MISA Dance Festival

Mon 27 Jun - TAFE Trade Readiness Course

Tue 28 Jun - TAFE Trade Readiness Course , Year 7 - 10 Parent Interviews Zoom - 3pm - 8pm, MISA Debating Grand Final

Wed 29 Jun - TAFE Trade Readiness Course

Thu 30 Jun - TAFE Trade Readiness Course, Year 7 - 10 Parent Interviews on site 3pm - 8pm

Fri 01 Jul - TAFE Trade Readiness Course

End of Term 2

Mon 18 Jul - Term 3 Starts

Tue 19 Jul - Stage 6 Academic Award Ceremony - College Hall

Mon 25 Jul - Stage 4 Academic Award Presentation - 8:10am, Stage 5 Academic Award Presentation - 11:00am

Mon 01 Aug - Trial HSC commences

Thu 04 Aug - 2023 Captains Interviews

Mon 08 Aug - Feast of St Mary MacKillop

Mon 15 Aug - Feast of the Assumption, Science Week

Tue 16 Aug - P&F Meeting - 6.30pm, NSWCCC Girls Netball Champs - Penrith

Fri 19 Aug - Science Week, Year 12 High Tea

Tue 23 Aug - Bishop’s Student Excellence Awards (2022 Cohort – Year 12)

Thu 25 Aug - MISA Youth of the Year (MCCC)

Mon 29 Aug - Staff Development Day - Wellbeing / Pupil Free Day, Wellbeing Week

Fri 02 Sep - LIVE 2022

Mon 12 Sep - NSWCCC Athletics - Homebush

Tue 20 Sep - Year 12 Farewell Assembly

Wed 21 Sep - Year 12 Grad Mass and Awards

End of Term 3

Mon 10 Oct - Term 4 Starts

Wed 02 Nov - Senior Retreat

Tue 08 Nov - P&F Meeting at 6.30pm

Fri 11 Nov - 25th Annual CDF Sports Awards

Fri 18 Nov - Year 12 Formal TBC

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

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 Academic Awards - 7-9

Thu 15 Dec - Students Activities Day

Tue 20 Dec - Term 4 Ends

End of Term 4

It is a worthwhile and positive experience to be involved with the SBCC P&F, working closely with the College Principal and Leadership team to enrich the learning opportunities of our students.

The work of our P&F helps to ensure that our students experience at St Benedict’s Catholic College is of the highest quality.

Expressions of interest are currently sought for the SBCC P&F Executive Team. If you would like to make a contribution to our college as a P&F Committee member please email your details to: pandf@sbccdow.catholic.edu.au.