St Benedict's Catholic College
Newsletter Friday 29 May 2020
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Twenty years ago this week more than 250 000 people walked across the Harbour Bridge for reconciliation. It took almost six hours for every person present to cross the bridge, people of all ages, from many different cultural backgrounds showing their support for meaningful reconciliation between Australia’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
The late Nelson Mandela said the walk was a sign of Australia “wanting to heal itself and deal with the hurt of the past”. “Leaving wounds unattended leads to them festering, and eventually causes greater injury to the body of society,” he said.
Reconciliation week 2020 marks the twentieth anniversary of this reconciliation bridge walk and there is acknowledgement from those committed to working for reconciliation that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and Australians now benefit from the efforts and contributions of people committed to reconciliation in the past.
This year’s theme “In This Together” is about reminding all of us that we have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and cultures.
These messages align very closely with our College Benedictine values. As part of a Benedictine community, regardless of our year group, teaching subject or position in the College, we all have a role to play and we need to work together to ensure that we get the best learning and wellbeing experiences for every student and staff member.
I would like to congratulate our students on the positive way that they have returned back to school. It very clear from visiting classrooms and speaking with teachers that our students are ready and excited to learn and recommence the many and varied cultural and sporting activities that are available at the College.
P&F Thank You
I would like to thank the P&F and wider parent community for your financial support in the purchase and installation our four new flagpoles placed near our prayer garden. Yesterday we proudly flew the Australian, Australian Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and College flag for the very first time. I think it is apt that this has been done in Reconciliation Week.
FROM THE P & F
Hello from the P&F
The Term 2, P&F meeting was held on Tuesday night, a first via Zoom. The meeting was well attended by parents, our best turn out yet. Items discussed included proposed changes to the uniform, the impact that COVID-19 has had on Year 12 students, fundraising grants, support for school families in times of need, a P&F handbook and The Duke of Edinburgh program. The minutes, once finalised will be made available on the parent portal and via compass.
A funding proposal was approved to fund a Year 12 Breakfast Club that will run on a weekly basis until the end of the year. This initiative is greatly supported by the P&F. We want to ensure Year 12 are feeling that bit special given their final year of schooling has been turned upside down of late and time is quickly going by for them. More details will be shared on this great initiative as soon as it is launched in the coming weeks.
Mrs Piatek conveyed her sincere thanks to all parents who have shown their support and provided valuable feedback to the staff at the College during the last few months so please keep the feedback coming – it is very appreciated.
As a token of parent appreciation, the P&F are funding a pizza lunch next week to say thanks to all staff at Bennie’s who have gone above and beyond providing support and ensuring the wellbeing of students and families during these challenging months with remote learning.
Please note the date for the next P&F meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 18 August. The agenda will be made available prior to the meeting on compass and the parent portal.
The P&F can be contacted via the email address pandf@sbccdow.catholic.edu.au
P&F Clothing Pool
Please note changes to the clothing pool remain in place until further notice. Parents should email any clothing requests to pandf@sbccdow.catholic.com.au and Tracy will check stock levels and liaise directly with you to supply items if they are available.
With current restrictions in place, items cannot be fitted for sizing due to laundering requirements. With the seasonal change of school uniform, we welcome any donations of winter uniforms.
Stay safe and healthy and be kind to yourself.
FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Staff have been very excited this week to welcome back the whole school as we move into the next phase of our plan. There certainly has been a great buzz around the school and it was fantastic to see the energy, excitement and learning taking place over the course of this week.
Careers Week
The Careers presentation’s organised by Mr Mustapic over the last 2 weeks have been impressive. Students have been able to find out about UAC and the processes this year for applying to Uni, as well as hearing from many of the universities themselves about their Campuses, the courses they offer, and university life in general. There has also been the HSC and beyond Virtual Careers Expo that students have been able to access, again focusing on supporting students in the transition from school to post school.
Zoom Assembly
Last week we were able to hold our first College assembly of the term. This was conducted via zoom and shown through youtube to our students. It was great to be able to connect with the whole school in this way. We were able to hear a musical performance from Isabelle Brown Rodgers as well as congratulate our amazing Science IQ team, who performed so well at the end of last term.
Subject Selection Process
The Subject Selection process for Year 10 going into Year 11 is about to start. This is an important step in the HSC. Over the course of the coming weeks, families will be able to access the information (that normally is presented on the information night) via video. This will allow families to understand the process and start to gain some information about the courses that are offered. Families will also have an opportunity to have a zoom mentoring session with one of the staff members at Bennies. This is also an important step in ensuring the right students are in the right courses.
Mr David Costin
Assistant Principal
DATES TO REMEMBER
Thursday 28 - Wednesday 3 June - Year 9 & 10 Examination Block
Monday 1 - Friday 5 June - Year 9 National Science competition
Wednesday 3 June - Year 11 2021 Subject Selection Information on Parent Portal
Thursday 4 June - Year 12 UNSW Zoom at lunchtime
Monday 8 June - Public Holiday
Wednesday 10 June - Year 11 Subject Selection Mentoring Interviews
Friday 12 June - Year 11 Subject selection initial course indications due
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MISSION AND VISION
What kind of world, society, church or community will emerge from the coronavirus pandemic?
For Christian believers, one thing is clear. True newness is the work of God’s creative Spirit.
Pope Francis said it in Laudato Si’: ‘
The Spirit of God has filled the universe with possibilities and, therefore from the very heart of things something new can always emerge’ (80).
More than ever, it is to the Spirit, ‘infinite bond of love . . . intimately present at the heart of the universe’ (238) that we must attend with all our might.
To pray as we do for the Holy Spirit to ‘renew the face of the earth’ is to pledge ourselves to whole-hearted ecological conversion. Fitting that this Sunday is not only the last day of Autumn but also Pentecost.
Spirit of God, come weave your dreams
In marrow, joints and in between
And sew them in our hearts.
Come, father mother of the poor,
Our endless, overflowing store,
The source of all love’s arts.
You are our comfort unsurpassed,
Contentment, as when home at last,
Refreshment when we thirst.
When we’re burdened, you are rest,
Keen to give at our request
An energetic burst.
Share with us Christ’s consciousness
In whatever wilderness,
Send us, aim us true.
When we’re dull and unaware,
When we miss the mark, be there,
Guide our way anew.
In our souls’ most hidden reach,
There you breathe and there you teach,
Dark but flaming night.
In the garb of everyday
There you weave your gentle way:
Jesus’ mind and sight.
Bound by racing time and space
Human mind cannot keep pace;
In loving awe we bow.
Absolute, you are beyond us
Yet, within, the fire that bonds us;
Silent, you surround.
Susan Connelly rsj
So much happens in the space of a week and sometimes even a day. My last article spoke about the return of Year 12 to the classroom - fast forward to two weeks...everyone is back. Another time for transition and adjustment. Cafes, pubs and clubs have begun to re-open and it is very exciting that the beauty salons open from Monday 1 June. Hopefully, the resumption of Mass is not too far off. Have a read of the Pastoral Statement released by Bishop Brian Mascord that takes effect 31st May.
Last night hot off the press: "Coronavirus restrictions in NSW to be eased for wedding, funerals and religious services" read the Article.
This week is also National Reconciliation Week. The theme for #NRW2020 – In This Together – is now resonating in ways which could not have been foreseen when announced last year, but it reminds us whether in a crisis or in reconciliation we are all #InThisTogether.
Much has happened since the early days of the people’s movement for reconciliation, including greater acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights to land and sea; understanding of the impact of government policies and frontier conflicts; and an embracing of stories of Indigenous success and contribution. 2020 also marks the twentieth anniversary of the reconciliation walks of 2000, when people came together to walk on bridges and roads across the nation and show their support for a more reconciled Australia. As always, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and Australians now benefit from the efforts and contributions of people committed to reconciliation in the past.
Today we work together to further that national journey towards a fully reconciled country.
Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
For the Catholic Church in Australia, this week offers us a time to be fully the Church that Jesus wants us to be - a Church in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make their own unique contribution and that contribution is joyfully received by others.
Father of all, You gave our Aboriginal People the Dreaming
You have spoken to them through their beliefs,
You then made your love clear to them in the person of Jesus.
We thank you for your care of these people.
You own them. You are their hope.
Make them strong as they face the problems of change.
We ask you to help us, the people of Australia,
To listen to them and respect their culture.
Make the knowledge of you grow strong in all people
So that you can be at home in all of us,
And so that we can make a home for everyone in our land.
RECONCILIATION WEEK 2020
On the 26 of May 1997 the landmark Bringing them Home report was tabled in federal parliament. Bringing them Home is the final report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families and was conducted by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (now called the Australian Human Rights Commission) between 1995 and 1997.
The theme for Reconciliation Week in 2020 was “In this together!” This theme highlights the need for bipartisan support for the cause of reconciliation in our nation. St. Benedict’s were blessed this year to celebrate the day with students producing a ‘sea of hands’ as sign of mutual cooperation and acceptance of the need for harmony to move forward and complete the process of healing between all Australians. This coincided with the inaugural launch of the College’s new flags pictured below.
The College was also gifted a piece of artwork from the Caitlin Oldfield who is the College’s Aboriginal Educational Assistant. The artwork, in traditional dot style painting, tells the story of the College and highlights many of the landmarks of the area. I would like to thank the Executive of the College for their continued support and in particular Ms Oldfield for her exceptional gift.
Peter Morris
Aboriginal Educator
CAPA NEWS
It is unfortunate that our school production of Grease has been cancelled for 2020. It has been rescheduled for June 2021.
We are saddened for our Year 12 students who have put so much time and energy into the show.
We will be recasting early Term 3.
Musical team
SPORTS NEWS
College Sport Week 5 MVP
Tuesday was an exciting day for the College as the students in Year 7-10 were able to get out and about and do some physical activity with their homeroom class for the first time in months.
The students participated in a variety of sporting activities here on the school ground ranging from Bootcamp to Newcombe ball, dodgeball to bocce and even some yoga and skipping. It was fantastic to see the students getting involved and cheering their friends during this time.
Being active is important for our minds, so it made me very happy to see the students running around.
School Sport:
7 Dharawal: Dom M, Evangaline V
7 Ingham: Lucinda G, Jackson R
7 Polding: Jye B
8.1:Maurizio W
8.2: Olivia W
8.3: Mia M
8.4: Natalija K
8.5: Malia B, Braith T
8.6: Anannya M
9.1: Maddie k, Azariah B
9.2: Katelynne i, Rose N
9.3: Matt A, Andrea C
9.4: Annaliese A, Sebastian W
9.5: Ryan W, Tiana N
9.6: Fynn B, Daniela S
10.1: Alexander M, Annalysse S
10.3: Zoe S, Ian P
10.4: Charlotte M
10.5: Damon F, Ella F
10.6: Connor P, Mason R
Yours in Sport
Miss Julia Liska
Sport Coordinator
St Benedict’s celebrated National Careers Week 18-22 May 2020 by having Guest Speaker Virtual Seminars via Zoom each day of the week. These presentations were held during recess and lunchtimes. The Senior students proved themselves to be excellent ambassadors for the College by displaying enthusiastic and mature behaviour throughout the Zoom sessions.
Zoom presentations were held by: Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), University of Sydney, Western Sydney University, University of Notre Dame, University of Wollongong and Sarina Russo Apprenticeship and Traineeships which provided students with the latest information on: Courses, Scholarships, Adjustment Factors (Bonus points), Early Entry and Alternative Entry at their respective universities.
Year 12 spent time during the week engaging with the Year 13 Digital Careers Expo.This enabled the students to complete a Skills Forecast and Career Plan.
There were many featured articles on Careers in various industries from Accounting and Banking to Beauty and Fashion. There were over 100 exhibitors including: UAC, Universities, TAFE, ADF and various employers. We also had Webinars from a variety of presenters including a GP, Defence Barrister, Pharmacist, Senior FireFighter and even a Professional Surfer all giving valuable insights into their respective industries.
Now most importantly let’s hear from some of our students:
In Week 4 of the term, students in Years 11 and 12 engaged in Careers Week which was held virtually in Zoom conferences and online expos this year as a consequence of the current safety protocols regarding COVID-19. Although this current predicament has certainly hindered some of our school experiences, Senior students still had the ability to take part in Zooms from universities such as Sydney, Notre Dame, Wollongong and Western Sydney as well as Sarina Russo Apprenticeships and Traineeships, and UAC. These Zoom meetings gave students the ability to view a live presentation from the organisations whilst also asking any questions that they might have regarding courses and life after Year 12.
During this week, the Year 13 Careers Expo was also held. This virtual expo involved live online events with experienced professionals in all types of careers who took part in short interviews as well as answering any questions. The Careers Week was a great way for Senior students to see their options for the future as they could access free information and inspiration regarding post-school education conveniently online.
Mia Gibbs-White
Last week Year 12 were given the opportunity to hear from various universities, TAFEs and apprenticeships via Zoom webinars. During such uncertain times, it was great to hear from Universities and UAC about the measures being implemented to ensure Year 12 students are not disadvantaged by school closures and remote learning.
Presentations from schools such as the University of Sydney and Notre Dame provided insightful information about the Early Entry and alternative pathways available, which helped relieve some of the anxiety we have been feeling recently. The Q&A sessions at the end of each Webinar were particularly helpful in that we were able to ask the presenters questions weighing on our minds, even if they were general questions about University life.
A huge thank you to Mr Mustapic for organising the Careers Week and for constantly helping us plan our futures.
Olivia Dowling
Mark Mustapic
Careers and Pathways Coordinator
CAFE NEWS
With the introduction of Compass, the former Student ID number is changing to a unique Compass number. Currently your Flexischool Café account is linked to your Student ID number. Letters went home with students on Monday with their Compass numbers.
To be able to purchase from the Cafe, could you please access your FlexiSchool account and edit your students card number. If you are having trouble accessing your account, could you please contact FlexiSchools direct at www.flexischools.com.au
A full menu is now available from the cafe and website.
UPDATE FROM RANIER SCHOOL UNIFORM SHOP
We will be able to deliver uniforms to the school on Tuesday afternoons at approx. 1pm to allow for 2:30pm collection.
Please note:
- the orders will be bagged and labelled by student name
- Ranier cannot accept responsibility for lost items once delivered to the school
We need to amend our website so the school delivery preference can be selected. Once this is completed, the new option will be available. We are just awaiting a timeline from the developer.
Ranier Shop guidelines – Covid-19
- No more than 1 family in the store at a time (or allowing 1.5m gap)
- Staff to remain behind the counter when customers are present
- Any customer displaying any illness will be requested to leave the store and purchase online or by phone
- Counter will be disinfected with spray and paper towel (or disposable wipe) throughout the day
- Tap and go payments are encouraged
- Hand sanitiser is available at all times for customers.
- Any returned stock (including fitting room returns) is to be placed on the counter by the customer.
P & F CLOTHING POOL
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 with availability.