St Benedict's Catholic College
Newsletter Thursday 1 April 2021
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
We Belong , We Engage, We Challenge
As we move through our annual commemoration of the central unique events of our Catholic faith, the final days of the life of Jesus, his suffering, death and his Resurrection, we are reminded how different our ceremonies and rituals will be this year given the lifting of COVID restrictions. I hope that our students and families take some time to rest from the business of this Term, to find time for peace and reflection ;
Let us try to make Easter special and give time to each other as we share the gift of new life. As we renew our baptismal promises, may we grow in faith and love. ”Caritas Australia.
Jesus meets his mother in this depiction of the fourth station of the Way of the Cross by American artist Virgil Cantini.
Photo: CNS, Bob Roller
Photo: CNS, Bob Roller
Athletics Carnival
Last Friday, 26 March, our College community came together at Campbelltown Stadium for the Annual Athletics Carnival. The day was full of amazing performances on the track and field with a number of records broken. A highlight for all was the House Chant Competition which was characterised by loud drums, chants and war cries from each of the houses. The final result was met with wild celebrations by Dharwhal, who narrowly beat Hildegard, with Polding securing third place. Congratulations to all students who attended on that day, and who displayed such incredible and inspiring House Spirit showing a great sense of “Belong” in all areas of competition.
Farewell to Mr Andrew Lundy
This Term we farewelled Mr Andrew Lundy from our College. Mr Lundy joined the College in 2014 as a History and Pastoral Care Leader. During his time at the College, he has inspired a love of history in all those he taught with his passion and in-depth knowledge. He has been integral in developing our College Pastoral Care systems and has been key in leading positive education initiatives. His care of students and support of families has been very appreciated. Mr Lundy has made a wonderful contribution to not only our school community but the many other schools in his teaching career. We wish him all the best on his next journey.
“May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields.”
Chrism Mass
A very special thank you to our Year 12 Student Leaders Grace C, Nicolas C and Sydney M and also to Mr Karl Cremen, who represented our College and Parish community at The Chrism Mass on Tuesday, 31 March at St Francis Xavier Cathedral, Wollongong. The Chrism Mass is held during Holy Week in every Catholic diocese, saw priests, deacons and representatives of the entire Wollongong Diocesan community gather around our Bishop Brian Mascord, as he blessed the Holy Oils for use in the coming year.
Thank you
I would like to thank our professional, passionate and dedicated staff who have worked tirelessly this term for the students in our care. I would also like to thank our P&F executive for their ongoing support of the College community. I wish our Year 12 students a restful break and hope they are able to recharge, but also continue to build on the great start they have made to their HSC year.
Mrs Kerrie Piatek
Principal
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
Athletics Carnival
Last week saw our Athletics Carnival go ahead. This was really exciting as for some time, there was doubt around this, due to the amount of rain that we had in the days prior. Ultimately though, it was great to see students so engaged on the day and really putting in great efforts to receive as many points as possible for their House. Additionally, the House spirit on show was very impressive and congratulations to all students and staff for their efforts on the day. In particular congratulations to Miss Paton for her organisation and preparation as well as the House Coordinators for their efforts in driving participation and House spirit.
DIO Soccer
This week saw our DIO Soccer team in action. Despite the early start, from all report’s, students represented our College with pride and put in a great effort.
Wollongong Diocesan team at the NSW Catholic Schools Touch Football
Congratulations to Miss Paton, who this week has been coaching the Wollongong Diocesan team at the NSW Catholic Schools Touch Football competition. This is the third time now that Miss Paton has coached this side and congratulations on this achievement.
Year 7 Interim reports
Year 7 today will receive their interim reports – which is important in helping families know how their child has settled into High School life. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s STRIVE coach or classroom teacher if they have any concerns or questions around their child’s progress to this point so far.
NAPLAN Practice
On Wednesday, students in Years 7 and 9 had an opportunity to engage in practice for the upcoming NAPLAN test. Good luck to our students when they sit their NAPLAN tests.
Holy Thursday
Today is Holy Thursday and this afternoon we will hold our Easter liturgy – which I am confident will be a beautiful celebration. Holy Thursday is the commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, when he established the sacrament of Holy Communion prior to his arrest and crucifixion (https://www.catholic.org/lent/thurs.php) and the celebration of Easter. I would encourage families to be aware of Mass times over the Easter period and to attend these as part of the Easter celebrations.
Mr David Costin
Assistant Principal
FRIDAY 2 APRIL, 2021 WORLD AUTISM DAY
P&F NEWS
A reminder that the P&F can be contacted via the email address: pandf@sbccdow.catholic.edu.au
Fiona Place
P & F President
Reminders
- Keep Covid safe: If your child is sick, keep them home. See below for Covid updates.
- Please do not use Disabled Parking Spaces without a Disability Sticker.
- Tuesday afternoon is Sports Day therefore, if you are collecting your child early they must have a note to remain at school.
DATES TO REMEMBER
- Friday 2 April - Good Friday.
- Friday 2 April - World Autism Day.
- Saturday 3 April - Easter Saturday.
- Sunday 4 April - Easter Sunday.
- Monday 5 April - Easter Monday.
- Monday 19 April - First day of Term 2.
- Thursday 22 April - DIO Open Girls Soccer.
- Friday 23 April - Year 7 Zoo Excursion.
- Sunday 25 April - Anzac Day.
- Wednesday 28 April - School Photo Day. (Please note correction)
- Friday 7 May - St Benedict's Feast Day - Cafe closed for this day.
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MISSION AND VISION
HOLY WEEK
This time last year we were in the midst of the upheaval of COVID19 and the various daily restrictions that came with it. Our Lenten practices required our own preparations in being creative in what to do for Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and the Easter Season. For my family and me, it was weird not going to Palm Sunday Mass or the washing of the feet and even the Stations of the Cross on Good Friday. After Easter Sunday Mass we usually spent the day with the WHOLE family - nope, we could not do that. Participating from home online was the way to go.
However, this year thankfully we will be able to go to our Churches, participate in the key days of Holy Week and spend the day with our families.
As we begin Holy Week with Passion (Palm) Sunday we are reminded that God is present in the midst of our suffering. The most important thing to note about Jesus’ cry of anguish on the cross is that it is addressed to God 'My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?' – that it is a prayer. Let us not lose sight of the fact that, like us in all but sin, Jesus prayed out of a deeply-felt human need to praise, thank and petition God. Abandoned by all but a few of his disciples, he turns to God who alone is always faithful. In doing so he leaves us an example that we should follow.
We too can find God in all things, even in the midst of suffering and apparent abandonment. Jesus’ last words, ‘It is finished,' are like a cry of triumph. ‘My mission is accomplished’, he seems to say.
Why do Catholics wave palms on Palm Sunday, wash each other’s feet on Holy Thursday, or kiss the cross on Good Friday? In a BRAND NEW version of their classic video (with a bonus extra minute — because there’s a lot going on this week!), Busted Halo explains the significance of the final week we spend preparing for Easter.
VIDEO REFLECTION: HOLY WEEK
EASTER LITURGY
Our College Easter Liturgy was led by students of Year 12. Our liturgy remembered the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Parts of the liturgy were drawn from the Masses and other prayer services held across our Parish over this Holy Week and Easter time.
Grace of Year 12 shared a beautiful reflection with the College during the liturgy. I have included it below.
Usually, this liturgy is the only one lots of you will attend during Easter, yet it is a time to remember the death of Jesus Christ, and also the significance of his resurrection which is often forgotten.
Christians believe that the crucified Jesus is fully God, and as fully human he represents all humankind in this saving event. Now I want to ask a question: What does Jesus mean to you? He might be a close friend or he might be someone you’ve ghosted and you haven’t talked to in a long time. Regardless of where Jesus is in our lives, he is still always there for us and walking ahead of us.
The Easter Gospel from St. Mark is the earliest account of Jesus’ resurrection in the New Testament that has the Easter message, “Jesus of Nazareth has been raised………he is going ahead of you…...you will see him.” I know that personally, I can get very distracted considering how much life throws at you, but the message of this liturgy today is that Jesus is going before you in life and he is paving a path for you to walk down and his sacrifice was out of love for us. His message of peace, non-violence and forgiving love continues through the centuries
If Jesus was able to sacrifice his own life to forgive our sins, regardless of how big or small, our sacrifice to God is to surrender. You need to surrender to see God’s work within your life. Easter is a time for us to learn to surrender and understand that Jesus died for us out of love and as an effort to help us to surrender. Jesus embodies the way God wants us to live; with love and humility and following in his footsteps and appreciating his sacrifice for us helps us to surrender and see that ‘he is going ahead of us’ throughout the year and especially at Easter.
Thank you to Mr Alex Hayden for putting together the fabulous drama which involved the reenactment of Jesus before Pilate from the Gospel of John. It was wonderful to see so many students put their hands up to be involved including students from Year 12. The role of Jesus was played by Daniel L and Phillip S played the role of Pontius Pilate.
Thank You to Mr Brandon O’Donnell for his marvellous work with your music students and choir for the Easter Liturgy. Jeremy of Year 11 displayed his wonderful vocals in the song “I’ll Carry the Cross” and what amazing voices that Emily, Peace, Charlotte and Hannah have.
Wishing all our families a happy and safe Easter.
Mrs Kimberley Logue
Director of Mission and Vision
PROJECT COMPASSION
Students in Years 7-10 have been developing their literacy skills through the Literacy Planet platform each Monday A during Strive. Students complete a variety of activities, called ‘missions’, to enhance their comprehension and understanding of correct spelling, grammar and punctuation. So far this term, our students have completed a total of 5000 literacy missions. Congratulations to all students who have been using Literacy Planet regularly to enhance their skills!
Jo Baker
Literacy Instructional Coach
NSWCCC SWIMMING CARNIVAL NEWS
Congratulations to Dylan G who represented St Benedict's at the NSWCCC Swimming Carnival on Monday 29 March, 2021.
Dylan was placed in the 3 events he competed in:
12 yr old 50 back -1st place
12 yr old 50 breast 3rd place
12 yr old 50 fly 3rd place.
DIOCESAN SOCCER UNDER 13'S GIRL'S SOCCER
What a great day at the Diocesan Soccer Carnival for the Under 13s girls’ team!
With a mishmash of seasoned soccer players and enthusiastic newbies, the girls worked exceptionally hard to support each other. From organising positions to running warm-up drills and ensuring everyone had adequate rest, the team operated like a fine Swiss watch!
The girls saw the successes in each game and worked hard to improve from each loss. It was a surprise callout to the playoffs that caught us all off guard, but excited and ready for a final opportunity to prove themselves. With a rush of adrenaline (or perhaps the lollies working their magic!) they were able to win their last game 5-0 against John Therry.
Congratulations to all of the girls for their great achievements. Certainly, the camaraderie and memories shared on this day will last a lifetime!
Miss Lisa Paton (Sport Coordinator)
The NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge has commenced for 2021 and is open to students from Year 7 to 9 (with special dispensation for students in Year 10 who have completed the challenge every previous year and were unable to do so in 2020).
The aim is to encourage a love of reading and the challenge is to read 20 books - 15 from the PRC List and 5 personal choice books between March 2021 and 20th August 2021.
It’s easier than you think - you can count books you have read since September 2020 when last year’s challenge ended.
Our Library has a great display of PRC Books and you can add some books you’ve already read at home.
Take the Challenge! See the Library Staff to sign up and find out more details.
Happy Reading
The Library Team
AN EASTER GIFT TO YEAR 12'S FROM MRS HOLLAND
YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS
LIVE - 'CONNECTED BE'
On Friday 19 March, 2021, St Benedict’s held its first LIVE event for the year.
LIVE aims to draw young people into responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the Catholic faith community, and to forge a sense of community and spirituality amongst them.
The day started with a lunchtime concert in the COLA. This was open to all students and was a great way to bring the College community together. The crowd favourite song that had everyone up and dancing to was Miley Cyrus’ Party in the USA.
The event continued with an after school session focusing on the theme “Connected Be”.
The students in attendance enjoyed an icebreaker game of guess that song, followed by a fantastic guest speaker, who inspired the students to be true to who they are and what they want to be in life. This was then followed by worship prayer and a lovely pizza dinner.
I would like to extend a massive thank you to the following staff for staying to support the event: Miss Joyce, Mrs Newell, Mrs Logue, Mr Agoo, Mr Bulfon, Miss Ferguson, Mrs Castelli, Mrs Colyer, Miss Kelleher, Mrs Smith and Mrs Piatek. Without the support of these teachers, the night would not have been so successful.
The next LIVE event will be held in term 2. We look forward to seeing you there.
Miss Brown
SOCIAL JUSTICE
The Social Justice team would like to thank the St Benedict's community for their kind and consistent support of Project Compassion. Together, we have raised a substantial amount of money we can pass on to those in our world who are less fortunate than us. Our students have demonstrated compassion throughout Term 1 in supporting the many initiatives the Social Justice team have run as well as those Strive and House groups who have also contributed through their own initiatives. We truly have the most wonderful community.
Next term our focus will be on the Vinnies Winter Appeal. Currently, our team has many exciting initiatives being planned and we are extremely excited about announcing these when we return from our holiday break.
Please remember, if you would like to join our team of 32 students in Social Justice, please email Mrs Castelli or come along to our next meeting which will take place on Tuesday Week 1.
Thank you to our team members for your constant support and leadership. I am looking forward to spending next term with you.
Mrs Sara-Jane Castelli
Social Justice Coordinator
CAPA NEWS
Several of our creative students in Music and Drama participated in the Easter Liturgy today in our COLA. It was wonderful to see so many students put up their hands and get involved.
Continuing next term:
Music tuition, all students involved will remain in their scheduled time slots.
Dance troupe on Tuesday mornings from 7:30 – 8:30 am.
Choir every fortnight on Monday A from 10:30 – 11:30 am in Performance 3.
Art Club – every Wednesday in the Art room.
Please email Mrs Koryzma if you wish to join one of these extracurriculars.
Starting next term will be Drama club; watch this space (and Compass) for details to come.
Year 12 Drama, Music and Visual Arts students should take advantage of the school holidays and spend time on their major works. HSC practical is in Term 3 (Drama Week 6, Visual Arts Week 7 and Music Week 8). Teachers will be expecting a significant volume of work during this break and the first few weeks of Term 2. Email your Year 12 teacher if you have any questions throughout the holidays.
Mrs Jenny Koryzma
Creative and Performing Arts Coordinator
WOMEN IN SCIENCE AT BENNIES
The Month of March has been a big month for women globally with International Women's Day on 8 March. In Science, we thought we would continue interviewing some of our female senior students, some of whom could be future leaders in the field of Science. This week, Hannah S in Year 12, shared her science experiences and aspirations.
What Stage 6 Science(s) are you studying?
I am studying Physics and Biology.
Why have you chosen to study Science for the HSC?
I chose to do HSC Science because I enjoy it and I'm good at it. I find it really interesting and although it's confusing sometimes, it's really satisfying when it clicks and you finally understand. Plus, I have a chance to do experiments and those are fun. Biology was a must-have for me because I've always loved it, while Physics was just the least-bad option available to fill out my remaining units. I figured I could just drop Physics after the prelims, and by half-way through the first term of Year 11, I was counting down the days until my exams. By the end of Year 11, I came out with pretty good prelim results in both subjects, and I decided to stick with Physics for just a few more weeks to make sure I wouldn't regret dropping it. Turns out, I didn't drop it, and now I actually enjoy it. Year 11 me would be horrified!
What do you love about Science?
I really love Science because I like to discover how things work and why stuff happens. HSC Science is so fascinating because you really go in-depth and explore all the big questions that they kind of skimmed over in junior years. The universe is like Ikea furniture and Science is like the instruction manual - a bit confusing and frustrating at times, but the key to understanding how everything goes together. Also, Science is awesome because it can tell you how the universe was (probably) created and also how it will (probably) end, and most of what comes in between, which is the closest thing to time-travel we have at the moment. I also love doing experiments, because you get to throw things, and dissect things, and set things on fire and as long as you write it down, it counts as schoolwork. There is a lot of work that goes into HSC Science, but it is totally worth it.
Are you planning to pursue a Science-based career? And if so why?
That's the current plan. I'm thinking of something along the micro-biology line. I'd like to work with endangered species, doing conservation work and studying them. I really like plants and animals and seeing how they interact with their ecosystems. I also think evolutionary biology is so fascinating, so I might end going in that direction. I really just want to be able to play with animals and plants for a living. I'm not quite sure where I'll end up yet, but I'm pretty certain it will be within the science realm.
BEARs CREATIVE COMPETITION
The BEARs were proud to organise a Creative Competition around the theme of ‘environment’ to raise money for Project Compassion this term. There were several outstanding entries in the competition and on Tuesday 30 March, students from the BEARs judged these in four different categories: photographs, poetry, movies and artworks.
The BEARs would like to thank every student who entered the competition for their support of this fundraising initiative. The creativity shown was incredible and we look forward to announcing the winners soon.
Miss Joyce
BEARs Coordinator
CAFE NEWS
EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY DAY COUNTS
One issue highlighted by our 2021 school attendance data is that families may not be aware of just how much time their child is missing from school.
You may be surprised by the statistics below:
Being absent from school for 1 or 2 days doesn’t seem like much, it is.
Just a little bit late for school doesn’t seem like much, it is.
The current average daily attendance rate for Term 1 2021 - 85%
Our target average daily attendance rate for all year groups is over 90%. That figure is represented by the purple line on the chart below. Currently, Year 7 is the only cohort exceeding this attendance target.
The charts below break down absences per day of the week. When did Friday’s become optional attendance? It appears many students are taking the soft option here. Students must be at school 5 days a week.
HELP KEEP OUR STUDENTS SAFE
ADDRESS:
Ranier Schoolwear Unit 5/6-8 Porrende Street Narellan 2567.
For online purchasing and appointments visit: shop.ranier.com.au
We offer:
- Collect from Shop
- Collect from School
- Home Delivery.
CONTACT US via email narellan@ranier.com.au
Phone: 02 4647 8942
Responses will be provided during opening hours. For more immediate assistance, Head Office details are:
Online: ranier.com.au/contact
Email: custservice@ranier.com.au
Phone: 02 8337 7290
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS FOR SHOP ENTRY
- Please do not attend the shop if you are unwell
- Limited people permitted in the shop at any time
CAFE NEWS
ABSENCES
We ask Parents/Carers to only report all day absences via COMPASS, part day absences should be reported to the office via phone on 4631 5300 or email to info@sbccdow.catholic.edu.au
If a student is having an absence of 3 days or more, a request should be sent to the Principal via email to info@sbccdow.catholic.edu.au
If a student is having an absence of 10 days or more an Application for Extended Leave should be completed and submitted to the office with a copy of the students itinerary, if the absence is within Australia or a copy of flight tickets if the extended leave is to be outside Australia. A copy of the Application for Extended Leave can be found here .
FIRST AID NOTICE
Given the presence of COVID-19 coupled with the commencement of the influenza (flu) season, our school has an important responsibility to provide a safe environment for students and staff. Your child should not attend school if they are showing any flu like symptoms.
If a student is sent to the office with flu like symptoms we will place them in isolation and call their parents to organise for them to be collected as soon as possible.
Your support in keeping our school healthy and safe is appreciated.
LOST & FOUND
We have a number of unmarked clothing items, jewellery, reading glasses and containers which would like to be returned to their owners. Please ask your child/ren to come to the office if they may have lost one of these items.
We ask parents to check that all their child/rens items are marked clearly with their name in permanent marker.
Any items not collected will be given to the P & F Clothing Pool at the end of Term 3.
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.
CatholicCare now offers the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) in the Macarthur region, helping seniors to access entry-level support services to live independently and safely at home.
If your grandparents, parent(s) or anyone you know requires aged care assistance at home, please ask them to call 4628 0044 and ask for Melissa or Colleen.