Last week we celebrated the feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. This is a very important time for Australian Catholics as Mary played a vital role in the establishment of Catholic schools in Australia.

Mary’s work is a reminder to us to care for others, treat others with respect and dignity and to show compassion towards those less fortunate than us. We thank God for the example of Mary MacKillop and ask Him to help us to be more like Mary in all that we do.

Yesterday our school gathered for a liturgy for The Feast of the Assumption. Thank you to Mrs Logue and the student helpers for putting the lovely liturgy together. At the liturgy we were reminded that The Feast of the Assumption is celebrated to assure us that Mary, mother of God, is glorified in heaven. God’s choosing of this woman to bring Jesus into the world is fulfilled by her welcome into the full presence of the Trinity in heaven. Her faithfulness and courage give us reassurance that we too, by our faithfulness and courage, will be one with her and our loving God for all eternity. I share with you the prayer that we prayed together.

Loving God,

In her earthly life, you graced Mary with the motherhood of Jesus

and ultimately welcomed her into eternal life with you.

May her prayers and example fill us with the desire

to also bring your goodness into the world

and to live with you for all eternity.

We pray through Jesus Christ your Son.

Amen.

Congratulations to all Year 12 students who have been working exceptionally hard for their Trial Higher School Certificate Examinations. These exams will provide students valuable insight and feedback on their course work and will enable students to set goals for the remainder of Term 3, leading into the Higher School Certificate.

We eagerly await Wellbeing Week next week. This week will enable both staff and students the opportunity to focus on their wellbeing and provide some specific examples of how to maintain a positive lifestyle. I would encourage all parents and carers to engage in conversations with their children about specific strategies to support wellbeing both at school and at home.

Thursday is our Feast Day and Friday is a Staff Professional Development Day looking at Wellbeing. Please note that this is a pupil-free day.

Kind regards,
Michael Turner

As we move into the middle of the Term, it has been great to see the level of learning, faith and community spirit shown at the College recently. Year 12 have all but completed their exams, Year 11 students have begun their selection of College Captains for 2025, students have made their way to a range of faith encounters, and next week will (finally) see Feast Day be held. Well done to all on their preparation for this and I look forward to sharing this day with everyone.

Last weekend, I was proud to take some Year 11 leaders to the Annual Campbelltown Catholic Club Mass at Eagle Vale. Both Jada Halls and Cody Irwin represented the College with dignity and were a testament to the values we espouse as a school. Bishop Brian was very impressed with the way they carried themselves and commented on the ongoing support of the Diocese of Wollongong for the school.

Can I take this opportunity to remind parents of the need to have students at school by 8:05am and that uniforms (including blazers) need to be worn appropriately each day. Further, with the flu season extending into September, please also be mindful of sending sick children to school. In the event of illness, work is made available on Compass or Google Classroom so that no sick child misses the opportunity to learn.

Thank you all for a great start to the Term and we look forward to supporting our Year 12 students as they work hard to reach their goals for the HSC.

Kind regards,

John Wheeler

Two big celebrations take place during the month of August - the Feasts of Mary Mackillop and the Assumption of Mary. I had the privilege of attending and taking Lilia Caridi and Samuel Binskin to the Feast Day Mass for Mary MacKillop at the St Francis Xavier Cathedral in Wollongong, Bishop Brian Mascord was the celebrant and spoke in his homily of the importance of faith, perseverance and relationship in Mary’s life. Mary MacKillop’s relationship with God was clear in not only her words but also her actions.

Year 12 had their Studies of Religion Trial Examination on the Feast Day of Mary MacKillop - before they commenced their exam I led the cohort in this Mary MacKillop Prayer.

PRAYER

Ever-generous God,

You inspired St Mary MacKillop

to live her life faithful

to the Gospel of Jesus Christ

and constant in bringing hope

and encouragement

to those who were disheartened, lonely, or needy.

With confidence in your generous providence

and joining with St Mary MacKillop, we ask that you grant our request

for clarity of thought and

calmness for our Year 12 students as they complete their trial exams.

We ask that our faith and hope

be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit so that we too,

like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage,

trust, and openness.

Ever-generous God, hear our prayer.

We ask this through Jesus Christ.

Amen.

The Feast of the Assumption is celebrated to assure us that Mary, mother of God, is glorified in heaven. God’s choosing of this woman to bring Jesus into the world is fulfilled by her welcome into the full presence of the Trinity in heaven. Her faithfulness and courage give us reassurance that we too, by our faithfulness and courage, will be one with her and our loving God for all eternity.

As a College we came together in the COLA for a special liturgy for this day of Holy Obligation. Thank You to Claire, Kirsty and Jada from Year 11 for their involvement in the liturgy.

A special thanks to Christian Barbadillo who sang - Hail Mary, Gentle Woman. Christian sang with such reverence and emotion.

I spoke to the College after the liturgy about the significance of Mary - as the Mother of God. Mary is not God but what chosen to be the Mother of Jesus. Mary was a true disciple of Jesus and lived her whole life dedicated to Jesus - from the joyous point of his life to his most sorrowful - death on the Cross. So in your time of joy and/or sorrow - why not say a Hail Mary or two. The words of this prayer come from the Gospel Matthew and are words used by Angel Gabriel and her cousin - Elizabeth.

The Feast of the Assumption is celebrated to assure us that Mary, mother of God, is glorified in heaven. God’s choosing of this woman to bring Jesus into the world is fulfilled by her welcome into the full presence of the Trinity in heaven. Her faithfulness and courage give us reassurance that we too, by our faithfulness and courage, will be one with her and our loving God for all eternity.

Kind regards,

Kimberley Logue

Writing continues to be a focus in all classes in Semester 2.

Students are writing in their notebooks rather than typing notes in their laptops and all students must have their own pencil case with pens/pencils and their notebooks for every lesson.

We are currently seeking expressions of interest for HSC Exam Supervisors.

The role of an HSC Exam Supervisor is to assist the Presiding Officer who is directly responsible to the NSW Education Standards Authority for the effective conduct of the examinations.

The role requires availability during the official HSC Examinations.

If you are interested in working as an HSC Exam Supervisor in 2024, or if you have any questions, please email Curriculum Office at - sbcccurriculum@dow.catholic.edu.au for more information.

Kind regards,

Wendy Fawbert

Dear Parents/Carers,

As part of our Positive Education philosophy that underpins our Pastoral Care Strive programs, St Benedict’s Catholic College will be holding “Wellbeing Week” next week. We recognise the importance of leading healthy, balanced lifestyles, the challenges of achieving this in our busy lives, and the significance of maintaining strong mental health.

Throughout Wellbeing Week, we will promote physical and emotional health with activities designed to equip our staff and students with the understanding and skills needed to make informed decisions about their health now and in the future.

Our postponed Feast Day will take place on Thursday of this week. Students are permitted to wear appropriate HOUSE mufti clothing on this day. Bennie's Bucks will be available for purchase online or on the day. The day will feature food stalls, giant inflatable activities, various activity stalls, and a returning Australian Wildlife Display.

Additionally, Friday will be a Staff Development Day (Pupil free day) where staff will engage in professional development focused on wellbeing to equip them with the tools needed to identify and understand mental health concerns among students. By championing healthy lifestyles and emotional wellbeing, we aim to raise standards and improve student achievement levels.

Key activities throughout Wellbeing Week include:

• Student-led Morning Prayer Intentions and Messages

• Tuesday All School Crazy Sock Day

• Guest Speakers: AFL Greater Western Sydney Giants and Matt Purcell

• Trivia and Pop Quizzes during Strive

• Year 7-8 Bennies Amazing Race

• Music bells based on popular music

• Wellbeing year group team building

• Year 12 High Tea

• Strive vs Strive Tug O War

• Year 9 YAM (Youth Aware of Mental Health)
  
  

Important Dates:

• Tuesday 20 August Crazy Sock Day

• Thursday 22 August Feast Day (House Colours Mufti)

• Friday 23 August Staff Professional Development (Pupil-Free Day)

We are committed to the health and wellbeing of our students and staff and look forward to this enriching week.

Kind regards,

Teresa Holland

Term 3

• Monday 19 to Thursday 22 August - Wellbeing Week Activities
• Tuesday 20 August - P&F Meeting - 6pm Library
• Friday 23 August - Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day)
• Friday 30 August - Father's Day Breakfast - 7.30am (Please RSVP by Wednesday 28 August)

IMPORTANT DATES THIS TERM

• Thursday 26 September - Last day of term 3 for students
• Friday 27 September - Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day)
• Monday 14 October - Term 4 starts (Students and Staff)

As a faculty we have been in our element over the last few weeks with the Paris Olympics. The highs, the lows and the many links to PDHPE. So many amazing achievements and Aussie pride. We can’t wait to make real world connections in the classroom.

Matt is an integral part of St. Benedict’s. His approach is one of making the most of teachable moments. He embodies a holistic approach through making strong connections with students and asking them to learn from the community around them. Matt has high expectations on the fundamentals of life. He makes a lasting impact on students with many still reminiscing on his Limbreyisms and life lessons learnt.

Our next teacher is a living example of the power of physical activity and the importance of leading by example. With an unwavering positive attitude, this teacher constantly strives to be the best version of themselves. Whether coaching a netball team, hiking for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, or competing in the staff vs. student race, you will always find this teacher actively engaged and inspiring others through their actions.

Melissa Loudoun

Head of PDHPE

On Monday 12 August Ms Caitie Oldfield our college Aboriginal Education Assistant attended a Year 9 Design and Technology lesson to present students with examples of recycled plastic bag products and shared her creative ideas with us!

Ms Oldfield is an artist who specialises in indigenous works. She shared traditional weaving techniques using native plants from our school playground and discussed possible design solutions to our current task design brief.

This term, Year 9 Design and Technology have been tasked with designing, manufacturing and advertising a sustainably made wearable piece of adornment, such as a bag. The bag product must be made from recycled plastic bags and be inspired by students' personality, values and culture.

Thank you for your time Ms Oldfield for her time in class! We are looking forward to showing Ms Oldfield and the St Benedict's community our final products for Task 2 early Term 4.

Year 9 have started concept drawing for Task 2 where they need to design and make a bag from recycled plastic. Students have been producing outstanding work that is highly creative. I cannot wait to see their designs come to life!

We start experimentation in Week 5. This will include fusing plastic and learning how to use the sewing machine.

Keep up the fantastic work Year 9 Design and Technology!

Ms Ghignone
VET Coordinator, TAS/VET Teacher

Year 9 Food Technology students have been learning about the complex processes of digestion. To deepen their understanding, they created a model to explore how the human body processes food. Students used everyday materials to represent each stage of digestion, from start to finish. This hands-on project deepened their understanding of the complexity of the digestive system. Their enthusiasm and engagement were evident and have no doubt they will never forget the journey our food makes from start to finish.

Clarence Flores
TAS Teacher

I would like to thank the Year 9 community for their efforts with their bake sale on Friday Week 3. Together they raised $450 for St Vincent De Paul - well done Year 9!

WinterFest will take place in the coming weeks this term with over 140 students who have indicated their attendance for the event. It is a $5 entry, but students will receive a sausage sandwich for this. There will be a number of food and drink stalls as well as plenty of game stalls, craft stalls, face painting stalls and a photo booth with Santa available to purchase from. Students are encouraged to wear festive clothing for their chance to win one of two prizes. So please come along with your friends to enjoy a fun afternoon listening to Christmas music performed by students at a Christmas themed market from 3pm - 6pm. All money raised at the stalls and the entry payment will go to St Vincent de Paul. Please check Compass for the permission note.

Year 12’s Winter Sleepout is also taking place this term. If you are still interested in attending, then please check Compass for the permission note. We look forward to a fun evening of games, movies and food with you all.

The Social Justice team is asking for donations of preloved Christmas decorations to add to our collection that can be used for WinterFest and for decorating our school in Term 4 leading up to the Christmas period. Please bring them to Mrs Castelli or hand in to the front office when you arrive at school.

If you would like to join the team, then please contact Mrs Castelli or attend one of our meetings on Wednesday every even week at recess in J1.

Mrs Sara-Jane Castelli

Social Justice Coordinator

We are so proud of year 11 students Samantha Essex, Jada Halls and Aaron Josh Joy who were the recipients of the prestigious Victor Chang School Science Awards. The awards were presented to them on Monday 12 August at a formal ceremony by scientist Dr Alastair Stewart, Deputy Mayor Cr Therese Fedeli and Member for Camden, Sally Quinnell.

The award is in honour of pioneering cardiac surgeon, Dr Victor Chang, with the goal of promoting careers in STEM as a viable and interesting career path. Samantha, Jada and Aaron are all well-deserving recipients demonstrating a passion for science and outstanding achievements over the course of their secondary schooling.

Well done and congratulations to all.

Maria De Lima
Head of Science Department

We were so lucky to have Sarah Fordham, practising artist and ACU lecturer, run an artmaking workshop with our class teaching them that art is more than just a painting or a drawing. Art has evolved over time to now being incorporated into packaging for products that are aimed to capture consumers attention and so artists are needed! In our next assessment task, Year 9 students will create a mini body of work where they are required to create a series of artworks that will incorporate their skills from the workshop as well as creating a clay vessel that will reflect their designs. Updates on their progress will be in further newsletters, so please look out for them.

Year 10 have begun their new unit of work, exploring Street Art with a focus on Banksy, the anonymous street artist who has been quite active around London this week. Students will focus on extended response writing this semester where they will be taught to answer a range of various questions using Banksy and his work as their main artist. In addition to this, students will develop a body of work for their artmaking assessment task, that will explore social or environmental issues. They will do this through designing and painting a skateboard deck and will then choose another medium to work with.

Congratulations Year 12 on the completion of your HSC Visual Art Trial Examination today. I am very proud of the effort you are putting into your studies. However, our next hurdle to overcome is the BOW due date, Monday 2 September 2024 at 3pm. Over the next couple of weeks, the Year 12 art class will be working hard to complete their BOW. Once this work has been completed and marked, photographs of each will be displayed in the newsletter. I look forward to sharing their wonderful work with our school community.

Jennifer Koryzma
Head of CAPA Department

Check out the Library’s display for Book Week.

Who wrote it first?

Calling all Swifties, Tupac, Twenty-One Pilots, Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish and more fans. Coming soon to the Library, an epic Trivia competition testing your knowledge of famous artists v famous poets.

Watch the Library Screens and Oliver for more information and get ready for a showdown.

This is the last week of the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge which will wind up on Friday 23 August 2024. Still time to complete the challenge - registration is still open and books read since September 2023 can count towards your tally.

Don’t forget the Library has plenty of resources to support your HSC preparation with a dedicated area of study and resources to borrow. These resources are always available to borrow.

Happy Reading!

The Library Team

Step 1 - Register

Open your Flexischools app or use their website:

App Store - https://apps.apple.com/au/app/flexischools/id1420774608

Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?gl=US&hl=en_AU&id=com.flexischools
Website - https://user.flexischools.com.au/register

1. Submit your email to create an account

2. In your inbox, open the registration email

3. Click the link within and follow registration prompts in app

Step 2 - Setting up your child's details

Once your account is set up, log into your Flexischools app.

1. Select 'Profile' icon on the bottom right hand side of the screen

2. Under 'Students' click 'Add new'

3. Enter your child's name, school, year level, class & student card number*
* This card number is on the back of your child's Compass Card (10 digits)

Step 3 - Order and pay with ease!
Here's how to order food on Flexischools

1. Click 'Order food' top of app home screen

2. Select the student you'd like to order for

3. Choose a service (break 1 - recess) or (break 2 - lunch) and order date

4. Select any items you'd like to order

5. Once finished, click 'view order'

6. Select 'Checkout & pay' to place the order

When using the Compass App:

1. At the bottom of the screen, select the 'more' option

2. Select the 'Open in Browser' option

3. On the top right hand of the screen click the 'clog symbol'

4. A drop down menu appears and select 'CompassIdentity Card'

5. Click 'Order New Card'

5. Under 'Payment' click the 'Order Now' button

6. An $11.50 (including GST) fee applies and once paid it will take up to 7 school business days to arrive at school

7. The office will send an email to the student when it arrived and the student will need to collect from the Student Foyer.

Remember when the new Compass Card arrives, to update your 10 digit code on the back of the card with Flexischools.

This is a friendly reminder that students are not to carry medication with them on site, with the exemption of an EpiPen and/or Ventolin. If your child is required to take any medication during school hours this must be provided to the office by a parent/carer accompanied by the completed Request to Administer Medication Form attached below.

The DIO Athletics Championships were held on Friday 2 August at Campbelltown Athletics Stadium. Throughout the day all students competed with great pride and determination as they represented the College across both the track and field events. There were a number of outstanding individual performances by our students on the day and as a result this has seen them progress to the NSWCCC Athletics Championships to be held later this term.

Congratulations to the above students and we wish them the very best as they compete at the next level.

The 2024 Athletics squad consisted of the following students: Dominic Agostino, Isaiah Agpoon, Sofia Andrews, Annaliese Bennett, Tahlia Bennett, Georgia Betar, Chantel Bihnam, Bailey Conte, Cooper Conte, Riley Davies, Marcella Dawood, Emily Denford, Emily Duncan, Annette , Alexis Fenning, Noah Hooper, Asher hooper, Bailey Kajfes, Evangeline Lambos, Emme Langdon, Blake Marks, Sophia Mihas, Luca Mileto, Isabella Morvillo, Sienna Muscat, Ella New, Ella Newcombe, Lauren Osei-Boamah, Emilie Park, Olivia Patton, Aleisha Robinson, Mikaylah Robinson, Lachlan Sadler, Harrison Skinner, Molly Small, Luke Spirou, Marcus Spirou, Bailey Staunton, Bella-Maria Virgas, Bree Vitalone, Cooper Vitalone and Roberto Warden.

Our U15s boys rugby league team put on a spirited performance against Broughton this week, showcasing their resilience and teamwork in what turned out to be a challenging match due to wet and slippery conditions. Despite the weather, the boys demonstrated great determination and effort throughout the game. In a must win game, the boys delivered in getting a vital 2 points.

Dylan Patton was a standout on the field, scoring an impressive four tries and consistently pushing the team forward. His performance was nothing short of outstanding, and his tries were a testament to his skill and perseverance. Jody Collins also made a significant impact, crossing the line to seal victory for the mighty Bennies boys.

Looking ahead, we face WACC next week at the Narellan Sports Hub in a top of the table clash.

Our 7-8 MISA Girl Netball team has had a fabulous start to the Term with two convincing wins against Oran Park Anglican College and Georges River Grammar School, followed by a close win against Macarthur Anglican School this week. I have been very impressed with the dedication of this team, all students commit to our weekly training sessions and are willing to play in any position required of them. It is a privilege to coach such an enthusiastic and competitive team. The skill and versatility of this team is of a high standard and with some continued practice and game play this will be a tough team to beat.

Each week, the team managers and I discuss stand out performances and vote on Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the match. Congratulations to the following students who have received MVP over the past three weeks:

• Lily Kovacevic

• Eliza Fiumara

• Olivia Patton

• Abby Young

Coach

Mrs Bulger

Simon Zahra
Sports Convenor

.

Kind regards

Suzanne Seychell

Numeracy Instructional Coach

Studio5 has relocated to a new site in Campbelltown and is now open for students from Years 11 and 12 to study Monday - Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm and during school holidays.

To book, send an email to studio5@dow.catholic.edu.au with your name/school and the date/time you plan to attend. Cancel at any time via email.

Printing and binding facilities available.

Address: Suite 3.01, Building B, Lvl 3, 4 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown NSW 2560

Website: https://www.atstudio5.com/

Email: studio5@dow.catholic.edu.au

Contact: Natasha Hamilton 0429 193 168

For all things related to the College BYODD Program, please visit the College BYODD Site. Here you will find all information relating to the BYODD Program including device requirements, Apple Care + and how to configure your device for use at the College.

For questions relating to BYODD, please contact the College or email:

https://sites.google.com/dow.catholic.edu.au/byoddsbcc/it-support

As the academic year progresses, students are once again faced with the important decision of choosing the right pathway for their future careers. With university applications now open, it's crucial to stay informed about key dates, including application deadlines and entry requirements. Additionally, students should explore the various scholarships available and learn how to apply for them. This information is essential for making well-informed decisions that will shape their educational journey.

Below are the Job Jump links with important career information - job opportunities:

Subject Careers News:

Students are encouraged to apply for a USI if they are considering further studies beyond school - whether university or vocational education and training (VET) - to create their USI now. A USI is required for most applications so get your students prepared before they apply. The process is simple and can be completed in less than 5 minutes using one form of identification, such as a birth certificate or driver’s licence.

Anyone doing nationally recognised training, be it VET in schools, a First Aid course or higher education, must have a USI. They will not be able to graduate without one.

Without a USI, higher education students will not be able to access a Commonwealth Supported Place, receive Commonwealth financial assistance such as a HELP loan, or receive their statement of attainment, qualification, or award.

For those students who may already have a USI but have forgotten the details, they can find their USI by following a few simple steps.

To find out more about the USI, please visit the website.

If you have any queries please contact Mrs Brown.

Mrs Tracee Brown

Transition & Pathways (TaP's) Coordinator/ TAS Teacher

The College is thrilled to announce that Claire Small has won the World Championship in the Female Junior Black Belt Opens division (ages 14-17). We couldn't be prouder of Claire. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!

https://www.trybooking.com/CUGWA

Our College's Clothing Pool is running low on uniforms, and we need your help! If you have any uniforms you no longer use, please consider donating them.

You can drop off your donations at the office Monday to Friday, from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Your generosity will make a big impact!

Thank you for your support!

Please find attached the school bus timetable for 2024 or you can click on the link below to see our school timetable that has been uploaded onto the transit systems website.
https://nsw.transitsystems.com.au/

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 in cash ONLY and collected from the SBCC College Office.

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

Please note Rainier's office hours over winter:

• Narellan Shop will be closed on Fridays ONLY from 21 June – 2 August
• Narellan Shop will be closed for stocktake from the 8 July – 13 July (one week only)

New girls short now available in-store or online.

CONTACT:

Ranier Schoolwear Unit 5/6-8 Porrende Street Narellan 2567

Online purchasing and appointments visit: shop.ranier.com.au

Email: stbenedict@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