St Benedict's Catholic College

Earlier this term, students from across the Diocese were invited to gather together to participate in a Youth Ministry Leadership Formation Day.

The day involved a range of opportunities to develop their spirituality and build on their Character Strengths of Leadership and Teamwork. The students of Year 10 involved in the day are to be commended for the way they represented the College and our values.

Here is a small reflection from some of our Youth Ministry Leaders about the day:

The day was very informative and an instrumental part to building our spirituality alongside numerous other students from a variety of schools, assisting us in flourishing as a community. On the 25 October, the Youth Ministry Leaders of St Benedict’s were invited to participate in a YML event in Wollongong, exploring the central theme of ‘The Good Shepherd’ and how we can reflect its parabolic message in our everyday lives as school representatives.

We travelled by bus to Stanwell Tops. It was there that we got to interact with and work alongside other future YMLs not only from the Macarthur region but the whole Wollongong Diocese. It was a great day filled with many fun activities and workshops that allowed us to build upon our leadership skills, ultimately creating a community among our schools.

- Jenna (Year 10)

The day was highly educational and enhanced the spirituality of all involved students, where we discussed and proposed methods of worship, ways to lead our community, strategies we can embody in our communities to extend pastoral outreach, our vision and mission as leaders and Catholics.

- Jada (Year 10)

The YML retreat day was a fantastic event that we were able to spend our day connecting with other students from schools around us, while also connecting with our school group. We were able to plan for ideas we wanted to implement into our school and collaborate with other schools to create partnerships through our YML journey. This retreat was great to meet new people and catch up with people that I haven't seen in a while!

- Claire (Year 10)

Christmas is around the corner and so with this in mind, the Social Justice team is hosting a Christmas door decoration competition in STRIVE classes. Students are encouraged to donate decorations but they can also make decorations using their own supplies.

Members of the Social Justice team will visit each STRIVE on Monday Week 8 to vote for the winning door. The winning STRIVE will then receive a Pizza Lunch for their efforts on Friday Week 8.

For current Year 9 and 10 parents

We are delighted to inform you that we have received much interest in the NASA High Trek Space Tour planned for St Benedict’s in 2024. This means we can now move to the next stage of planning. We will be holding a parent information evening for any interested Year 9 and 10 parents on Monday, 20th November in the school library at 6 pm.

During this session, a member from Latitude Group Travel will present information including the details on the itinerary, activities, costing and airfare.

Ms Vargas and Ms de Lima will explain the learning outcomes for the trip, as well as the criteria that we will use to select the students who will attend.

There will also be time to answer any of your queries.

To register your interest please RSVP via this link: https://www.trybooking.com/CNFRW

We look forward to seeing you on the night.

The retreat provided students with an opportunity to step away from the business of their usual day to day activities and to take some time to reflect on their journey to this point and develop their understanding of how they can be Christ’s light in our world by living a Love of God, Love of Neighbour and a Love of Learning. In the planning stages of the retreat, many teachers have commented that in their experiences, the Senior Retreat is often held as one of the highlights for students, as it not only allows them to develop their relationship with God, and to be His light, but it also draws the group closer together and provides for the strengthening of relationships which have been built upon over the last 5 years. Additionally, it provides a great foundation to build upon for the final year of education at St Benedict’s in preparation for the HSC.

A detailed reflection will be in next week's newsletter.

TERM 4

• Monday 13 November - Immunisation Program Year 7
• Tuesday 14 November - Year 11 Careers - Girl on Fire Excursion
• Wednesday 15 November - Years 9 & 10 Bell Shakespeare Drama Production Excursion
• Wednesday 15 November - Year 7 2024 Information Evening 6.30pm HALL
• Thursday 16 November - Year 10P Science - Grand Challenges - Igniting the Future Excursion
• Friday 17 November - Year 7 2024 Orientation Day
• Tuesday 21 November - Years 10 & 11 Careers Expo - Scope Disability Services
• Wednesday 22 November - Year 9 Fast Forward Program - University Day

• 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 / Parent Teacher Interviews Years 7 to 10 via Zoom (12.00pm - 2.30pm)
• Friday 15 December - Parent Teacher Interviews Years 7 to 10 via Zoom (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)

The Library celebrated Halloween with a twist with our Horrorween promotion featuring fiction resources within the horror, speculative and fantasy genres. Creepy books, frighteningly good stories and ghostly tales all on display.

The Library will be implementing Technology Free Friday for the remainder of the year at the Recess and Lunch break. This will provide our students the opportunity to either:

• Read a book

• Play Chess

• Play Games

• Ask for direction

Relax - this will not apply to Senior Students!

Happy reading

The Library Team

Year 10 Photography as they investigated experimental photography.

The CEDoW Secondary Sport Awards will be held on Friday 10th November. The following students will be receiving awards on the night:

Secondary Medallion

• Ethan Clugston (NSWCCC Baseball)
• Ted Collins (NSWCCC Swimming)
• Saige Tautalafua (NSWCCC Netball)
• Lincoln Judge (NSWCCC Cross Country)
• Jude Hamilton (NSWCCC Cross Country)

Secondary Blues

• Lachlan Hort (NSWCCC Softball / NSW ALL Schools Softball)

We would like to acknowledge and congratulate these students for the level of success that they have achieved in their chosen sport in 2023.

Visit the St Benedict's Catholic College Careers website here

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.

If you are thinking of taking extended leave outside of the school holidays that is more than 10 consecutive days, please ensure you complete the attached form below. Any additional leave needs to be approved via the Principal. Completed forms can be dropped into the office either via the parent desk or student desk.

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.