St Benedict's Catholic College

The team from the Duke of Edinburgh embarked on the second and final hike for the year. Our hike began with students starting the journey by taking the train into Heathcote station. It was here where the students began their journey into the Karloo walking track and it was evident that they were up for the task with fantastic communication skills on display to guide each other through the 10 km gruelling day 1 hike. Each student showed great enthusiasm and energy to complete the walk which came with very difficult terrain. We were able to then enjoy the campground, setting up tents, viewing an amazing waterfall, cooking and sharing some wonderful stories. Day two began with a less intense walk along the Ulaloo walk track with all students working as one to guide each other back to waterfall station.

Each student should be very proud of their efforts in working with each other to go through the difficulty of the hike. Also, a special mention to Mr Flannery, Mr Denbeigh and Ms Hawkins who agreed to come on the hike and make sure all students were safe and had an enjoyable experience.

All students will upload a video report from the previous hike with most students now on the verge of completing their bronze award. Sign ups for the Duke of ed program will open up at the beginning of week 4.

My experience with Duke of Edinburgh:

Going into the second hike of the year, I had mixed emotions. I knew that the hike was going to be more challenging with newer obstacles. So it's safe to say I went in nervous, not looking forward to much, but I was completely wrong. This hike allowed me to create memories that I’ll be able to look back on, form and strengthen friendship and create bonds. This hike bridged the gap between both students and teachers. We were able to interact on a more personal level, which is not often available in the classroom. These conversations revealed unprecedented levels of communication, respect, and trust. In the end, this journey served as a reminder that life is full of unanticipated events and that the most unexpected situations often contain the most valuable gifts. It taught me not to judge experiences only on my previous assumptions, but rather to greet each new adventure with an open heart and mind. The memories we made will live on in my heart as a monument to the power of nature, togetherness, and the unexpected beauty of life's journey.

If I had to give one piece of advice to someone considering joining is if in doubt sign up with your friends because this experience could seriously leave a positive impact on your school experience and is a great way to get out of your comfort zone.
Awer - Year 10

• MACFEST (Friday 8 December 2023)

• As Bearers of Christ’s Love in the Diocese of Wollongong and Bishop Brian Mascord’s passion for Catholic student leadership in his system of schools, we are delighted to outline details of MACFEST to held at Magdalene Catholic College on December 8 to be headlined by Fr Rob Galea.

• Each of the 5 Macarthur Secondary Schools are invited to bring 100 students from their Years 10/11 cohorts to be immersed in a festive experience of mission and ministry.

• Students in Years 10 and 11 who are interested in attending please see Mr Bulfon or Mrs Logue

During Weeks 3 & 5 of Term 4 all students from Years 7 - 10 will participate in Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) in Mathematics, Reading Comprehension and Science. PAT tests are designed to assess each student’s current capability against the appropriate standard for their age.

The tests are online, multiple-choice and each test will take 40 - 45 minutes.

Why do we use PAT?

At St Benedict’s, PAT helps in measuring a student’s knowledge, skills and understanding in a subject, which in turn helps pinpoint where they are in their learning journey – and what they need to progress.

Staff use a multitude of data including PAT and NAPLAN to help determine how to best differentiate the learning within their classrooms. It is essential, therefore, that students approach these tests seriously, allowing them to be a genuine reflection of their ability.

St Benedict’s, staff use a powerful and intuitive data package called Literatu, which sorts and presents data on each student in each class. Literatu highlights to teaching staff what specific skill areas need development, allowing them to cater the learning to the different learners in the class.

Below is a sample view of the data ‘Ledger’ that staff have for each class:

Test durations:

Reading - 45 minutes

Maths - 40 minutes

Science - 40 minutes

All students will receive their login in details closer to the tests.

Student Instructions (these details will be provided to students)

• For the Maths test, calculators may be used by students. They will need their physical calculator with them.

• Students are encouraged to use a pencil and paper to assist with working out in all tests.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via ghignonem01@dow.catholic.edu.au

TERM 4

• Wednesday 1 November to Friday 3 November - Year 12 Senior Retreat
  
• Tuesday 12 December - Last day for Years 10 & 11
• Wednesday 13 December - Students Activity Day
• Thursday 14 December - Last day for Years 7, 8 & 9
• Friday 15 December - Parent Teacher Interviews Years 7 to 10 (8am - 12.30pm)

TERM 1 - 2024

• Wednesday 31 January - Year 12 ONLY first day (Sports Uniform)
• Thursday 1 February - Year 7 & 11 ONLY first day (Summer Uniform)
• Friday 2 February - Years 8, 9 & 10 first day (Summer Uniform)

03 Nov 2023 – 11.59 pm SRS course preference deadline

10 Nov 2023 – 07.30 am November Round 1 offers released

16 Nov 2023 – 11.59 pm November Round 2 course preference deadline

23 Nov 2023 – 11.59 pm EAS application (including documents) deadline. How to apply

23 Nov 2023 – 7.30 am November Round 2 offers released

• How to edit your personal details in your UAC application
• How to manage your UAC application
• How to apply for an Equity Scholarship
• How to log back into your UAC application
• Jobjump Careers news bulletin
• JobJump Subject Career news
• A guide on how to help motivate your child during their HSC

Software engineering internship for female-identifying and non-binary Year 12 graduates. Please see the attachment for more information.

• Data Comms and Audio Visual Apprenticeships.

The NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Aboriginal Employment Strategy Team is offering School-Based Aboriginal Traineeships (SBATs) that allow you to make an early start on your career while you’re still finishing school.

Closing date: Friday 3rd November 2023

For more information: If you have any questions or would like more information, please email the Aboriginal Employment Strategy Team at DCJ.

Email: AES@justice.nsw.gov.au

University of Sydney | Designing your future with a Bachelor of Arts October 25, 2023

Discover the Bachelor of Arts and the combined four-year Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies degrees that will provide you with an outstanding liberal arts education. Find out how studying arts and social sciences at Sydney will prepare you to meet the challenges of the modern workforce, where expertise, inventiveness, logic, and critical thinking come to the fore.

Find out more

University of Sydney | Studying Design at Sydney October 25, 2023

Learn about how our new Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design) will provide you with the innovative technical and social design skills to become a leading-edge designer in today’s fast-paced job market. Find out how your passion for creativity and problem-solving can be harnessed for a career in digital and visual design.

Find out more

Aviation Job Skills Workshop – Auburn October 26, 2023

Join us at our workshop to explore the huge variety of Airports and Aviation job career pathways available to the women of Western Sydney.

Each workshop is designed to share career pathways, training options, and skill requirements, job application tips for women to apply for aviation jobs. It’s a great insight into the amazing career opportunities that exist at Airports, including careers that do not require any formal qualifications to enter. Find out more

Sydney Design School | Open Day October 28, 2023

Be open to creativity! We’re opening our studios for a day of exploration. Meet our passionate Educators, view our exhibition space, and get hands-on building an interior mood board or 3D model.

Find out more

University of Sydney | Your career in early education November 1, 2023

Interested in making a difference in the lives of young children? Join our webinar to hear about the important work early childhood teachers do. Learn how our accredited Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) will give you a strong theoretical and practical foundation to teach young children and provide them with a strong start in life. Find out more

University of Sydney | Pathways to Studying Law- November 1, 2023 Find out more

Aviation Careers Forum – Parramatta November 9, 2023 Find out more

AIE | Open Day November 18, 2023

Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation, film, and visual effects at the AIE Open Day on Sat 18 November 2023. This event will be held at AIE Campuses in Sydney from 10 a.m. to 3 pm.

AIE’s Open Day- The day will cover everything you need to know about the:

• careers in games and VFX that we train students for;

• studios and industries that we work with;

• courses we offer – from beginners to professional mastery, and;

• the software, skills, and knowledge we teach. Find out more

Enter the World of Le Cordon Bleu – Careers Residential, Sydney November 21 to November 22, 2023 Find out more

Scholarships

Disability-specific scholarships

Some scholarships are designed with specific disabilities in mind.

For example, Vision Australia offers scholarships dedicated to students who are blind or have low vision, providing them with resources to support their studies.

General disability scholarships

Other scholarships are open to students with any type of disability.

Organisations like the Australian Disability and Indigenous Peoples’ Education Fund offer opportunities for a wide range of disabilities.

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We have a large number of lost property items without names including:

• Glasses
• Sports jackets
• Water bottles
• Jewellery

If anyone is missing anything please come to the administration office to collect.

Students who need a School Opal card or travel pass for 2024 can apply here. A new application will need to be submitted if they are applying for the first time, or if they are requesting additional travel entitlement because of new shared parental arrangement (e.g. joint custody).

Students who change address, school, campus location, have repeated a year or received an expiry notification from Transport for NSW for their school travel entitlement should renew or update their details before the end of Term 4. This will ensure that schools can endorse applications, and entitlements remain valid for the start of the 2024 school year. School Opal card holders will have the changes applied to their existing card.

If a student’s distance eligibility has changed based on their grade (i.e. grade two to grade three), the system will automatically update their entitlement if they meet the new criteria. If they do not meet the new eligibility criteria, we will send them an expiry notification via email.

Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition that is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.

Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their Student Opal card at their nominated postal address. Cards will be mailed out from January 2024.

Students living in rural and regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the start of the new school year from their nominated transport operator. It may come via the school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

It has come to the attention of Executive staff that a number of students are turning up to school late without their Compass card. This card is compulsory for all students attending the College. If your child/s has lost their Compass card, please follow these instructions.

College P & F Uniform Pool orders

P & F Uniform Pool order form - click here

The P & F preloved Uniform Pool has reopened, please complete the order form and send to the P & F by email at: 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.