St Benedict's Catholic College

St Benedict’s Catholic College is proud to present our very first Musical, “The Wiz”. Based on the original “The Wizard of Oz”, this stage production tells the tale of Dorothy who makes her way to seek the mysterious Wiz in an attempt to get back to Kansas. Along the way she meets a band of characters who accompany her in her quest, such as The Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion.

Book by: William F. Brown, Music and Lyrics by: Charlie Smalls, Adapted from “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L.Frank Baum

Don't miss out! Purchase your tickets via TryBooking: https://www.trybooking.com/CQVJM

Over the past four weeks along with senior school staff I have been conducting interviews for Year 7 2025. It has been a privilege meeting new families and those families who already have children in our school. Parents and students have spoken positively about the reputation that St Benedict’s has in our community and as well, our wonderful Open Night. All the young people that we have interviewed for Year 7 places in 2025 have been excited about starting high school and have each shared their hopes and dreams as they commence the important transition into secondary education. Letters of offer will be emailed to parents and carers on the 21 June 2024.

Year 11 marks an exciting time in a student’s learning journey at St Benedict’s. The 2025 Year 11 Subject Selection Evening will take place on Monday 27 May, for parents and students, commencing at 4:30pm. The evening will provide Year 10 students and their parents and carers with the opportunity for one-on-one discussions with KLA Leaders and senior teachers regarding all the subjects offered in 2025. In addition, a number of external providers from universities, TAFE and other employers have been invited to attend. I look forward to meeting with you on Monday and I am hopeful that the information provided at this night will ensure that all students and parents are well informed when making decisions about subject choices for 2025.

This year the Parents and Friends’ Association have provided support for the Thredbo Mountain Bike Competition, purchase and installation of Whiteboards in six Mathematic classrooms, the School Production of the Wiz, new whiteboard tables for three classrooms, LEGO kits for Year 7 Technology and resources for Design and Technology . The support of the P&F continues to significantly enhance our educational environment and provide our students with invaluable resources and opportunities. It is through unwavering support of the P&F executive and parent and carers that we can continue to strive for excellent catholic education and ensure a bright future for all our students.

P&F Treasurer Role 2025

Nichole Pace Treasurer of the Parents and Friends Association, will be stepping down from this role at the end of 2024. I would like on behalf of our College community extend our deepest gratitude for her years of service. She has managed the P&F funds with integrity and transparency, ensuring that every dollar was used effectively to benefit our College and our students.

The P&F Treasurers role is significant for our College community. If you are interested in taking up this role in 2025 please contact me directly.

We are pleased to announce that Cantina has been the successful tender to our school Canteen. Commencing Term 3, Cantina will operate the school canteen. Cantina has 25 years experience in operating canteens across a number of schools and has embraced the NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy. They offer a diverse and inclusive menu that caters to various dietary requirements. This includes a range of delicious gluten free and Vegetarian dishes. Please click on the link below to have a look at the menu.

Kind regards,

Mrs Kerrie Piatek

Kind regards,

Wendy Fawbert

Session One commenced on Tuesday 14 May 2024. It was wonderful to have 7 seniors from the local parishes of Oran Park and Camden involved. Our students were sensational in the guidance they provided each senior with their various IT issues - use of phones, setting up new laptops, how to install and update apps on the phone.

Year 10 Catholic Studies are currently studying the topic ‘Sacraments at the Service of Communion’ and have an assessment task about VOCATIONS. 10CATP attended Mass on Friday 17 May 2024 celebrated by Fr Felecki. It was wonderful joining together in prayer and communion. Fr Felecki’s homily was faith filled, inspiring and connected well to Year 10. Fr Felecki shared the importance of faith and maintaining a relationship with Jesus in the world today.

This wonderful day was facilitated by the Lasallian Youth Team and the theme was FLOURISH OLYMPICS. YMLs from Year 10, 11 and 12 also assisted as small group leaders on the day.

Session 1 has a dual focus. The first was to provide a common definition of what it means to flourish. Secondly, to truly flourish requires a team of people, each taking ownership and contributing. Session 2 provided experiential opportunities for students, individually and as part of a team. Revealing that flourishing takes training (sacrifice, time and effort). It also delved into the notion of success, and failure. Particularly failure, mistakes and bumps on the road are a normal part of the process. Session 3 was a reflective experience that delved into Jesus’ “teammates”, and their experience of failure, strengths, character and virtues.

Kind regards,

Kimberley Logue

• Monday 27 May - Year 12 Mid-Course Presentation of Awards
• Monday 27 May - Year 11 2025 Subject Market and Information Evening (Parent & Student)
• Wednesday 29 May - Year 10 PASS Roadshow
• Thursday 30 May - Year 12 Biology - UNSW Museum of Human Disease
• Friday 31 May - Vinnies Retro Day & Social Justice BBQ lunch
• Monday 3 June - Year 11 Progress Presentation of Awards
• Tuesday 4 June - Year 12 English Standard - Seymour Centre Excursion
• Wednesday 5 June - Year 11 & 12 English Advanced - Seymour Centre Excursion
• Friday 7 June - FEAST DAY & MASS

School Holidays - Term 2

• Thursday 4 July - Last day of term for students
• Friday 5 July - Staff Development Day
• Term 2 Holidays - Monday 8 July - Friday 19 July

The 2024 Pi Recital Contest celebrates mathematical brilliance and extraordinary achievement in our school community. The winners of this year’s contest exemplified the benefits of dedication, sustained practice and determination.

However, what’s so exciting about the Pi recital? When someone can recite Pi to an insane number of digits, it is like witnessing a mathematical magician in action.

In a world where precision and accuracy is highly valued, our winners have not only exemplified extraordinary ability, but have also inspired us in setting an example of what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.

I would like to formally commend this year’s winners for their exceptional efforts.

Junior Division Winners:

Gold medal - Kye Halls

Silver medal - Vinz Johan Alducente

Bronze medal - Annabelle Williams

Senior Division Winners:

Gold medal - Jada Halls

Silver medal - Dillion Mullins

Bronze medal - Dakota Lewis

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On Tuesday the 17 May, Year 11 Design and Technology attended a field observation to Curry Reserve Water Play Park at Elderslie. This excursion was an authentic learning experience for the students as for their second assessment task in Preliminary Design and Technology they have to;

Students spent some time at the site observing the pre existing structures and nature strips, measuring out possible spaces, brainstorming and discussing ideas and sketching ideas for their solutions to the given brief.

I am looking forward to what Year 11 Design and Technology students come up with for this task and who knows we may even have to take some of the designs to Camden local council to include in the park!

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On May 13, Year 7 went to Sydney Zoo. The purpose of this excursion was to help year 7 with their upcoming assessment task. While we were at the zoo we were split into two groups to learn about animal adaptations and features of animals. They taught us about the 5 types of animals and how to classify them in groups. For about 30 minutes they took us around the zoo and they were showing us the different animals and features that they had. While we were in our groups l learnt about the ways to classify animals and how different animals have features that can help them survive. They showed us 3 different animals a snake, frog and a praying mantis. They allowed us to pet the snake to identify if it had dry scales and they showed us the frog and praying mantis. Overall, the Zoo was a great experience and l feel like it'll be a great experience for future students.

Written by Mufaro Nyanyiwa - Year 7

The Science Club runs every Thursday during lunch in the science labs. In Week 3 students were given the opportunity to make vanilla ice-cream. They placed milk, vanilla and sugar in a ziplock bag, covered it in ice and salt, then massaged the bag. After a few minutes, ice-cream was formed. Students were most excited to eat their own ice-cream.

We look forward to seeing more students coming along and doing exciting activities with other like-minded students.

All are welcome.

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On May 15, Year 7 students attended the MISA Debating Workshop at St Francis Catholic College with other schools from the Macarthur area. They learned about debating aspects such as Manner, Matter, and Method and engaged in a mock debate on “McDonald’s should be banned.” Although they didn't win, they enjoyed brainstorming and practicing impromptu debating.

The event included a demonstration by Year 8 students, where attendees voted on the debate winner. The day ended with a quiz and treats.

Student Reflections:

• Kye Halls: "I enjoyed the MISA debating workshop; it allowed me to better understand how a debate runs and what makes a good debate team."
• Evie McEntee: "It was a really fun day for us, and it taught us a lot about debating and how it can help us in the future. It was an experience that I’m sure we won’t forget!"
• Sophia Mihas: "I enjoyed the day and hope they do more for the Year 7 students in the following years!"
• Joel Taylor: "We had a lot of fun, and it was a very good experience in my high school life. I would love to do it again."
• Johan Alducente: "Honestly, it was a great experience!"
• Aecrid-Abrielle Calupas: "Having the privilege to join this workshop has been the highlight of my week! An enjoyable day indeed where insightful discussions occurred and productive mock debates were performed."

The workshop was an enriching experience, fostering both learning and enjoyment among the Year 7 students.

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At Tuesday's school assembly we were able to congratulate our dedicated and inspiring students who have recently achieved the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to their hard work, determination, and commitment to personal growth and community service.

Earning the Bronze Award is no small feat, as it requires participants to complete a series of demanding and rewarding activities across several months. Congratulations must go to:

• Chloe Seychell

• Jenna Simpson
• Claire Small

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Week 5 is going to be a fun week for the St Benedict Community. We have Retro Day on Friday. For $2, students are encouraged to dress up in clothing from one of the following eras, 60s, 70s, 80s, or 90s with all money raised going to St Vincent de Paul. During our assembly on Tuesday, Mrs Castelli, Mr Earl and Mr Bulfon provided a demonstration of what students could wear. In addition to dressing up, the Social Justice team will be running a BBQ lunch with a sausage sandwich and cans of soft drinks for sale. Students are encouraged to be quick! Cash only!

Each STRIVE group has been allocated an item to bring in. These can be brought to the collection point in the TAS quad every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during STRIVE for the remainder of the term.

There will be many more initiatives running this term, like Oodie day amongst many others so please ensure you check Compass, the Newsletter, VIVI and the College socials for any new updates.

If you would like to join the team, then please feel free to attend a meeting every Wednesday Day 8 at recess in J1 or send Mrs Castelli an email.

Mrs Sara-Jane Castelli

Social Justice Coordinator

This is an exciting time for Year 10 students as they choose their subjects for Year 11 and 12. PDHPE offers a variety of options that are always popular with students. Here is a brief description of what's on offer.

CAFS draws upon selected components of family studies, sociology, developmental psychology and students’ general life experiences. This course focuses on skills in resource management that enable people to function effectively in their everyday lives, in families and communities. This course can assist students in future career pathways such as social work, family law, teaching, nursing, early childhood, psychology, community work and local government liaison. CAFS is a 2 unit, ATAR course.

Our most popular stage 6 subject is Health and Movement Science. This course is challenging and requires dedication from the students. Health and Movement Science draws on a multitude of fields and application of scientific concepts to actively engage students. Students investigate the health status of Australia, the interrelated factors that affect health and the factors that influence movement and performance. The course can prepare students for future study and careers such as paramedical health sciences, sports trainer, nutritionist, sports administration, exercise physiology, speech pathology, nursing etc. This is a 2 unit, ATAR course.

Sport, Lifestyle and Recreation is a practical based course. Students develop knowledge and understanding of a range of sport and recreational pursuits. The course offers insights into post-school study and career pathways such as sports coaching, sports training, event management, personal training, sports journalism, sports administration etc. This course is a 1 or 2 unit, non-ATAR.

EEC explores issues within an early childhood context and considers these in relation to the students themselves, their family and the community. The course provides an opportunity to explore pregnancy, childhood development and promoting positive behaviour. Components of the course allow hands-on experiences such as taking home a virtual baby and creating an educational activity from household items. This course is suitable for students interested in childcare, teaching, child psychology, nutrition and department of community services. This course is a 1 or 2 unit, non-ATAR.

Year 11 CAFS students delved into the intricate dynamics of group roles through engaging activities. To facilitate this exploration, they embarked on a creative journey by sculpting zoo animals out of play-dough, offering them hands-on experience in completing collaborative tasks. The students not only demonstrated remarkable teamwork but also adeptly reflected on the roles they assumed during the task. Additionally, they navigated a thought-provoking lifeboat activity, tasked with selecting crucial items for survival. Through this exercise, students had the opportunity to discern their inclination towards being task-oriented, socio-emotional, or potentially disruptive within group settings.

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Year 9 have been working on developing their Mulga inspired school landscape which also includes various little characters. Their work will be on display in the COLA in Week 9 for the school community to see.

Year 10 are working hard on their portrait painting for their upcoming assessment task that is due in Week 5. Students have chosen a person of significance to them to paint using the style of Anh Do. Year 10 will also have their work on display in the COLA in Week 9 for the Stage 5 Art Exhibition.

Year 12 are working towards the completion of their Body of Work which is due to NESA for HSC marking on Monday September 2, 2024. Each student has developed their own concept to explore through their material practice. Students are also working toward their Trial Examinations in Term 3. We look forward to showcasing their talent once their work is completed and has been submitted. Keep going Year 12, you are nearly there!

Year 11 have been studying the process and arrangement of digital photography. Focusing on the style and influence of Pop-Artist David Hockney, students have created their own versions of what is called a ‘Joiner’ for their latest assessment task.

Students have been developing and growing their skills in the photographic art form and are building confidence in using digital platforms such as Photoshop to edit and arrange photographs.

This term we’re happy to announce that we will focus on film photography for the first time at the school!!! Future works from this will be posted soon.

Last week, year 10 and year 11 drama students went on an excursion to Broughton Anglican College, where we embarked on an exciting drama journey. Throughout the PIP day, we participated in a variety of practical workshops with three theatrical practitioners. La Mora and I personally enjoyed making puppets, involving us having to make a life size puppet out of paper that we would use to make a mini group performance. We also enjoyed participating in a well known exercise called walked the space, where we are guided through a variety of movements to build our focus. This excursion allowed us to connect with other schools, giving us the opportunity to create friendships through drama and the experiences we’ve all encountered in our times as drama students. Overall, this experience was a once in a lifetime opportunity for all of the drama students and teachers at St Benedict’s Catholic College.

By La Mora and Javiera

Click on the below PDF's to see what jobs can come from CAPA.

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The 2024 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge is in full swing. However, it’s not too late to join in the challenge. All students wishing to join the challenge are encouraged to see the Library staff to organise registration and will then be eligible for a Library prize as well as the opportunity to receive a Certificate issued by the NSW Premier awarded at the end of year College Assembly.

Whilst you’re exploring the Oliver Home Page check out our range of Ebooks and Audiobooks accessed via the Sora App

This week the Library is supporting the National Sorry Day initiative with a range of resources on display

Happy reading!

The Library Team

We are thrilled to congratulate Zaylee Budden from Year 11 on her incredible achievement of being selected to represent both the West Tigers NRL Club and St Benedict’s Catholic College at the NRL Indigenous Youth Leadership Summit! Out of all of the schools in our region, Zaylee is one of just 4 students chosen for this prestigious opportunity.

The NRL Indigenous Youth Leadership Summit is an annual event where 68 selected high school students from across Australia and New Zealand come together for the week leading into the NRL Indigenous Round to develop leadership skills and gain invaluable opportunities. Zaylee's selection is a testament to her dedication, leadership potential, and commitment to excellence.

On Wednesday morning, 4 students attended the annual Sorry Day Mass at the Holy Trinity Church in Minto. The Mass was celebrated by members of the local Aboriginal community and involved a range of traditional songs and dance. The students who attended participated with reverence and were exceedingly grateful for their chance to attend on the day.

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At Tuesday's assembly we presented the medallions to our College Age Champions for both the Swimming and Cross Country Carnival. The Swimming Age Champions are as follows:

Congratulations to the below students who were Age Champions at our recent College Cross Country Carnival.

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

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Don't miss out on purchasing your child/s school photos.

To order: www.advancedlife.com.au
School code: 8A9 6V4 L53

Due to the popularity of the Cross + Generation technology program, CatholicCare, will again partner with St Benedict's Oran Park and CEDoW to help with the technology that you may be struggling with. Bring in your device, either your phone, laptop or tablet and the students will assist you with becoming more confident in downloading apps, sending messages or even using google maps.

The following dates will have afternoon tea provided:

• Tuesday 28 May 1pm-2.30pm

• Tuesday 4 June 1pm-2.30pm

Please join us in this unique opportunity to connect with seniors, and students for some information sharing in a fun relaxed setting at St Benedict's Catholic College Oran Park.

Places will fill quickly, so please contact Jane Hollier Parish and Community Officer CatholicCare on 0417018152 or janeh@catholiccare.dow.org.au

Your child's school is participating in a survey that allows parents to express their views about their perceptions of their children's experiences at home and school. If you have more than one child at the school and your perceptions differ for each child, you may choose to complete the survey more than once to provide feedback on each child's experiences.

Your participation in the survey is anonymous and confidential. When you submit your survey, the responses are recorded on a secure site without identifying information. Your answers will e mixed with those of other parents and caregivers from the school. Your may skip any questions you do not wish to answer.

To start the survey click here: https://tellthemfromme.com/survey/splash/sbcc2024

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.

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