St Benedict's Catholic College

This year the Library Staff are encouraging staff and students from St. Benedict’s to participate in “Bennie’s Book Bonanza” on Wednesday 24th August by dressing in their interpretation of “Dreaming with eyes open”.

Participants will be requested to donate a gold coin which will be donated to our local Indigenous Community’s very own Book Bonanza.

The level of commitment and support for our year 12 students by staff has been extraordinary over the past two weeks, so too is the diligence and dedication of our Year 12 students who have almost completed their Trial HSC examinations. The relieved faces coming out of their examinations this week has been very different to the nervous smiles on the first day of exams. I would also like to acknowledge our Year 12 students who are completing practical projects for the HSC during the Trial Examination period. I ask that you continue to keep our Year 12 students in your prayers.

I look forward to meeting with parents next Tuesday at our Term 3 P&F Meeting. I would also like to thank the P&F for supporting the establishment of our Hospitality Food and Beverage Course by providing financial support to purchase resources and equipment.

This week we met with Year 11 to commence the selection process for the 2023 College Captains and Prefects.

The 2023 Student Leadership Structure is

· 2 College Captain positions

· 2 College Prefect Ministry and Mission positions

· 2 College Prefect Learning positions

· 2 College Prefect Cocurricular positions

· 2 College Prefect Wellbeing positions

Application are due to Mr McAteer by Friday 19 August 2023.

Warm regards

Kerrie Piatek

Principal

Last month of Winter and we are almost halfway through August. That means SPRING is just around the corner. Year 12 are about to complete their Trials, Year 11 are preparing for Preliminary Exams, Year 10 are preparing to go on camp and our Year 7, 8 and 9 students are working busily on their various assessments tasks.

August is a special month for the Catholic Church - with the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and the Assumption of Mary.

Sr Monica Cavanagh, Congregational Leader, Sisters of Saint Joseph shared a reflection on the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop - 8 August 2022.

Each year on the 8th of August we celebrate the Solemnity of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia's beloved first saint and co-Patron Saint of Australia. On this day, we celebrate the important role she played in making education accessible for children in our country. Mary MacKillop devoted her life to ensuring a holistic Catholic education for children from rural, poor families.

St Mary MacKillop's impact on Australian education was remarkable. She was a trailblazer and a leader who passionately advocated for the education of underprivileged children and children in remote areas where others either would or could not go. For such children and their families, Mary opened a door of hope into the future.

St Mary MacKillop's legacy lives on in the magnificent work of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart - education, mission, justice, environment, and the empowerment of poor, local communities both here in Australia and overseas (Mary MacKillop Today). I have been blessed to have been taught in Josephite schools and even worked for 10 years in one.

During his World Youth Day (July 2008) reflections on Mary MacKillop, Pope Benedict XVI remarks that, “Mary MacKillop’s perseverance in the face of adversity, her plea for justice on behalf of those unfairly treated and her practical example of holiness have became a source of inspiration for all”.

The College engaged in different prayers during each lesson of the day. I have included a sample for you all to see.

Our College hosted Amity College Thursday 11th August 2022 for this session and students had the opportunity to review and evaluate their learning and insights gained, reflect on challenges and joys of the encounter, share reflections of their encounter experience and to identify a personal commitment that celebrates diversity and promotes harmony.

It was wonderful to see the students engage, converse and have wonderful a time together.

Student reflection - Kathryn G

The interfaith dialogue encounter was a great experience for personal and learning development. It allowed us, students, to connect with students of Amity College and strengthen our skills when socialising with other faiths. For example, through the activity groups towards the end of the day. This included art, creating videos to interact, and outside games. This is what allowed us all to form closer bonds and learn how similar we all are in people. Through discussion and bonds being formed, we become comfortable in asking questions about each other's faith which also acted as a good revision of Islam and build our awareness of others. Overall, the last session of the interfaith experience was one of the most enjoyable of the four and allowed for all of us students to learn about each other in an enjoyable way.

This Monday, 15th August, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. This feast day is a 'holy day of obligation' and holds the same rank as a Sunday.

You are invited, as we celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to find time (either individually or as a family) to pray the Rosary - especially the Glorious Mysteries where we remember Mary's Assumption. Ask Our Lady to pray with you to God for your needs and the needs of our world. To assist you with this you may like to use YouTube Rosary as recorded by Bishop Robert Barron.

Link: The Rosary (Glorious Mysteries) with Bishop Robert Barron

Mrs Kimberley Logue

Director of Mission and Vision

Religious Education Coordinator

In Week 2 our College Assembly was led by our Dharawal House Leaders and Coordinator Mr Agoo. The House Leaders developed the following House Prayer:

Dear Father, Creator of the Earth,

We thank you for the land of the Dharawal people that we are gathered on here today.

Give us the strength and understanding to be stewards of the environment and to be custodians of all Your Creation.

We ask you to guide us in listening with our heart,

And sharing Your Love through our actions.

Help us to be united as one in our community,

And to be witnesses of Your faith, wherever we may go and whatever we do..

Give us the courage to strive to live and be the light,

And acknowledge you in all those we meet and the land on which we live.

St. Benedict,

Pray for us.

Amen

Social Justice

Our Social Justice Team continues with their amazing work around the school and within the local community. This week saw the launch of our own “State of Origin - Staff v Students” Oztag game. In a thrilling Game 1 our staff team were victorious over the 7 and 8 team by a convincing margin of 7-1. Player of the match was the usually reserved Mr Martin, whose competitive spirit inspired all staff and students alike. Thank you to Mrs Castelli for her leadership and organisation of our Social Justice Club.

HSC Major Works

Congratulations to our Year 12 students who have completed their HSC Major Projects in Industrial Technology - Timber and Industrial Technology - Multimedia. These students have worked tirelessly over the past 12 months, including spending significant time at school during the holidays completing these works. Once again, thank you to the staff involved especially Mr Andruschko and Miss Pepper for their support of their students.

Uniform

A reminder that no student is to be wearing a black hoodie or black tracksuit pants as part of their College uniform. If there are any issues with uniform please direct your enquiries to the relevant STRIVE coach.

Student Parking

A reminder that no students are to park in the grounds of the school. All student parking is to be on the street. Thank you for your continued support with this.

Mr Michael Turner

Assistant Principal

Mr Christopher Shelton

Director

Learning & Teaching

Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong

Social Media Standards Noncompliance (Parents/Carers) Procedure

‘Each year since 1945 the CBCA has brought children and books together across Australia through CBCA Book Week. During this time schools and public libraries spend one glorious week celebrating books and Australian children's authors and illustrators. Classroom teachers, teacher librarians and public librarians create colourful displays, develop activities, run competitions and tell stories relating to a theme to highlight the importance of reading. You will often see parades with students dressed as their favourite book character’.

Source: https://www.cbca.org.au/cbca-book-week 05.08.22

This year the Library Staff are encouraging staff and students from St. Benedict’s to participate in “Bennie’s Book Bonanza” on Wednesday 24th August by dressing in their interpretation of “Dreaming with eyes open”.

Participants will be requested to donate a gold coin which will be donated to our local Indigenous Community’s very own Book Bonanza.

Every reader or listener has their own interpretation of when they read or hear a story. It is a journey your imagination takes you on.

You might like to:

1. dress up to depict your interpretation of a favourite book you have read or

2. explore some of the ‘first stories’ by clicking on the picture on our Library Home Page to read a D’harawal Dreaming Story and dress up as a bird or animal ONLY.

“Dream with your eyes open!”

At this time everyone will be able to:

• Explore the library in a new light and open your eyes to the dream journeys available

• Visit a selection of different genres we think will take you on your dream “with your eyes open”

• Visit the book display within the library

• Display your creative costumes in the COLA at lunchtime

• Have your photo taken in front of our amazing display within the library

• Donate a gold coin towards our local Indigenous Community to provide another community with a book bonanza

• Create a sense of community

We look forward to seeing what amazing costumes our Bennie’s Community can create!

Big News!

The first annual Australian School Library Day will also happen on 24 August 2022.

This is a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on the important work that happens in our school library that might normally be hidden from view.

On Friday 29 July, the Social Justice team along with the House Coordinators and Leaders ran the annual Bennies Bring a Blanket. A massive thank you to all students and staff who attended the afternoon and who helped to organise and run the event. In the lead up to the event, the whole school community came together to donate various food items and warm blankets, hats, scarves and socks to local charity, “We Are Community”. Your generosity will help make someone’s day that little bit easier. Below is a reflection written by Evangeline V in Year 9 about Bennies Bring a Blanket.

“An evening full of fun, laughter and reflection proved that our school is an intertwined family that recognises the needs of our community and are always prepared to take action for those around us. On Friday, the 29th of July, the social justice team and all house leaders hosted the annual “Bennies Bring a Blanket!” This evening, where staff and students stay back after school to participate in games, singing and the famous soup kitchen acknowledges all those in our community, who are suffering during the winter months. By donating blankets, warm clothes and canned food, St. Benedict’s has collected a tremendous amount of donations which have been donated to “We are Community''.

This year there were many new and fun activities, presented by the house leaders. Dharawal and Polding organised the spectacular fashion show where two candidates from each house got to strut their stuff down the runway! Along with this, the MacKillop house organised the “bennies games' ', referencing the commonwealth games, which have occurred over the past days. Here it was a showdown, house versus house in completing challenges! Our competitive sides truly came out in order to win these games. To cool down after the intense battles, we all sat together, huddled close, to listen to our students' talent. Students had an extraordinary amount of courage to come up and busk in front of everyone. It was a very tranquil moment, in which we all were able to bond and come closer with each other. As a group, we also battled it off in a cardboard house building competition and enjoyed a warm cup of soup. To conclude, this evening was a fantastic event, where I feel many of us came out of our shells and got to reconnect with our friends. Not only was it a time to enjoy, but a time to reflect and recognise there are people around us who are suffering and may not be able to fulfil their life due to their circumstances. Donating food, money and clothes was just one of the ways St. Benedict was able to do this. We must take action, even if it is just one step at a time! Thank you to the social justice team, house leaders and Mrs. Castelli for this extraordinary evening.” Evangaline V

Mrs Sara-Jane Castelli

Social Justice Coordinator

Congratulations to the year 7/8 girls DIO netball team. It was a warm but fun day at the courts where the girls played well, backed each other up and some even had a go at a different position to give other girls a rest. The girls had never played together before so it was great teamwork. The girls never gave up and supported each other all day. Well Done!

Year 11 SORII students participated in a programme facilitated by Catholic Mission with the community of Amity College. Throughout this programme, schools have gathered together several times, with common goals of developing respect and appreciation for one another, exploring the diversity within the group, exploring the similarities and differences within the Christian and Islamic faith, and developing a more profound understanding of faith and culture within communities. Not only did both schools achieve these goals, but during this process we were able to learn more about ourselves and form friendships which will last a lifetime.

Throughout this programme, Catholic Mission arranged a variety of initiatives including;

1. A workshop facilitated by Catholic Mission at St Benedict’s
2. A joint session of St Benedict’s students and Amity students at Amity college
3. A joint tour of St Jerome’s Catholic Church and Lakemba Mosque with lunch
4. Most recently on the 11th of August, a joint session of Amity students and St Benedict’s students - hosted by St Benedict's where schools had a final opportunity to exchange a meal, laughs and conversation for a final time this year.

During session four, we as a community partook in prayer led to members from both schools, an icebreaker game, a rock painting activity, morning tea and lunch. Then to conclude the day, we have a choice of either being involved in a canvas painting activity, dance activity, team game outside or interview as a way for students to work as a team, converse and strengthen our friendships with one another. In addition to friendships, I believe this programme has allowed students to develop an essential life skill - being able to work and develop relationships and respect for all people regardless of similarities and differences. This initiative has been extremely memorable and Year 11 looks forward to connecting with Amity in 2023.

Yr 10.1 Food Technology have been completing a unit on "Food Trends". Part of this unit is analysing the way food is being presented. These wonderful students were given a range of foods to choose from to come up with a combination of images of their choice to present and photograph foods as seen in magazines or on social media platforms.

More images will be published in next week's Benny's Bites College Magazine

Year 10 students had a forensic science incursion on 3rd August , they enjoyed solving the case given by the instructor and many students were able to solve the case by solving the problems. Students participated and learnt about forensic science. It was a great session.

Visit the St Benedict's Catholic College Careers website here

Year 11 students who are participating in the Western Sydney University Fast Forward Program attended a whole day excursion on Thursday 4 August to Western Sydney University Campbelltown Campus.

The students participated in fun and informative activities to inspire their learning journeys, and to get them thinking about their skills, interests, and future careers. The theme of the day was ‘Welcome Aboard Flight WSU 100 - Destinations Unlimited'. Students focused on:

→ Identification and Application of essential transferable skills

→ Exploration of career possibilities tailored to personal skill strengths and interests

→ Developing students’ awareness of, and familiarity with the university environment

The following students are to be commended for being great ambassadors of the College on the day.

Benjamin A, Azariah B, Madeline B, Malcolm B, Hayley C, Leandro C, Andrea C, Hannah D, Kathryn G, Jessica G, George H, Lyndon M, Simon Mc, Emily Mc, Kiara N, Rose N, Olivia P, Kiara R, Michael S, Katelynne T

Now let’s hear from some of the students:

Hannah D

On Thursday, Year 11 Fast Forward students had the opportunity to visit the WSU Campbelltown Campus for the ‘Destinations Unlimited’ course. The day began with an introduction to the key transferable skills that we can apply to different environments and careers. We were guided through a self reflection that allowed us to identify personal strengths and skills that can be aligned to specific careers within a range of industries. We also had the amazing opportunity to speak with six current WSU students who provided insight into life at university and gave great tips for how to choose the right path after high school, explaining what employers look for in applicants and how to refine and apply our skills to our chosen career. The Fast Forward program continues to offer support and guidance for our studies over the next year leading up to university applications and HSC.

Leandro C

Last Thursday, Western Sydney University hosted the ‘Destinations Unlimited’ course for the Year 11 Fast Forward students. Students were taken to the Campbelltown Campus where we were able to apply key skills that are necessary for all careers. A board of mentors, who were students themselves at WSU, were provided for guidance in our application of such skills throughout the day. We were able to communicate with a variety of Fast Forward students from other schools, whilst competing as a school to win the challenges set by WSU. The day was a great opportunity for us Fast Forward students to develop new skills that could be applied in future careers that were spoken of on the day. The mentors provided an insight into the different career pathways that one might be interested in. Finally, the WSU Fast Forward program is a great initiative that aims at enhancing the opportunities towards achieving your desired career path, as there are $20K WSU Fast Forward Scholarships that students can apply for in Year 12.

Mark Mustapic

Careers Adviser/TaPS

Students studying Business Services in NSW are required to undertake 35 hours of mandatory work placement in the industry. This week the Year 11 Business Services group participated in a virtual work placement with Salesforce. Salesforce and the NSW RIEP program have brokered a partnership with the NSW Workplace Learning Network to host a one-week mega project. St Benedict’s students have developed projects in small groups to conquer the directed outcome ‘Selecting a UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and design a project plan aimed at building community support for the goal.’

Kayla, Demi, Scarlett & Nicholas

SDG 13 - Climate Action:

Our plan is to use 2 eco-friendly sources to power, generate and revive our planet. Using solar energy and exterior greenery we came up with solutions to renovate an office building to make the majority of the offices electrical power renewable, to sustain our planet.

Montana, Ela & Tahlia

SDG 5 - Gender Equality:

Our goal is to make an advertisement video for gender equality and improve the lives of everyone who is struggling and to send a message to people with famous influencers in it to tell their opinions and perspectives of what they think or how they think we can change gender equality in society.

Ashton, Jett & Jaeme

SDG 14 - Life Below Water:

As a group, we thought the SDG ‘Life Below Water’ was one of the most important goals to tackle, as 3 billion people rely on fish as their main source of protein. Life below water focuses on all marine life under water, not just fish. Overfishing is one of the main reasons that marine life is thinning out under water. Did you know that between 60 - 273 million sharks are killed due to overfishing? Rubbish & plastic in the ocean also kills around 100,000 marine mammals every year. Laws preventing overfishing could help fix the overfishing problem, mass fish breeding farms could help repopulate the ocean and specialised trash trawlers could help pull the floating trash islands out of the ocean!

Tiana & Daniela

SDG 6 - Clean Water & Sanitation:

Our solution is to transport the excess water to rural Australia, in cities where there is a low water supply due to weather conditions, and provide a large water tank that allows for extra water to be used in certain areas. We do this by taking water from our dams when they are almost overflowing and transporting it, similarly to how gasoline is transported from gas station to gas station.

This week wouldn’t be possible without the organisation of Ms Ghignone and Mr Bulfon. Who worked diligently for the Business Services students to be the first at St Benedict’s to complete the first virtual workplace.

By Kayla D and the 2022 Year 11 Business Services class.

The Premier’s Reading Challenge ends 19th August 2022. We have a number of Students who have completed the challenge whilst others are fearlessly reading. All our participating Challengers are to be congratulated on their fantastic effort.

Our 2022 Challengers will all receive a super cool prize pack from the Library and our triumphant Challengers will be awarded a Certificate from the NSW Premier’s Office. If you are busily adding to your reading logs or need some help to complete this challenge, please come to the Library as soon as possible. For more information regarding the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge for next year, please see the Library staff.

Don’t forget you can access ebooks and audiobooks through the digital platform Sora - Just go to the College Library Homepage Oliver and click on the Sora button to open a world of reading or you can download the app to your phone. It’s a great way to relax.

Staff and students are now also able to borrow magazines through Sora. All magazines are available for simultaneous use -so there is no waiting. Magazines are on loan for 14 days then they self-return and back issues of magazines are also available. Check it out today!

The Library is celebrating Book Week Week 6 Term 3 with the CBCA theme ‘Dreaming with eyes open’. Come see the ‘dreamy’ display in the Library- it will definitely make your eyes ‘open’! This year the Library Staff are encouraging staff and students to participate in “Bennie’s Book Bonanza” on Wednesday 24th August by dressing up in their interpretation of “Dreaming with eyes open” taking inspiration from a favourite book character or an animal or bird only from some of the ‘first stories’ compiled in the book D'harawal : Dreaming Stories. Participants will be requested to donate a gold coin which will be donated to our local Indigenous Community’s very own book bonanza.

Keep an eye on the College Library’s Oliver Homepage for further news about this and other exciting events.

Happy reading

The Library Team

To All Schools

We would like to notify you that from Monday 1st August 2022, Picton Buslines drivers and staff will be implementing a two-week blitz on school student bus passes.

The Transport for NSW School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) provides eligible school students with free or subsidised travel on public transport between home and school. When travelling between home and school, students must adhere to various regulations regarding passenger behaviour and the Codes of Conduct for travel by bus. One of the obligations of students is to show their travel pass or ticket when requested.

We ask that you notify any students that catch Picton Buslines buses to and/or from school to have their physical bus passes ready to display to the driver before boarding the bus. Note that we will not accept students showing a photo of their bus pass on their phone.

If a student is planning on catching the bus and they do not have a current valid bus pass, their pass is damaged or lost card, please inform their parents/guardians to contact our office on 02 4677 1564 or email us at info@pictonbuslines.com.au to organise a pass.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Thanks and regards,

Andrew

ANDREW FERRIS

Manager | Director

M: 0409 811 343 P: (02) 4677 1564
W: www.pictonbuslines.com.au

There are many fantastic opportunities available for students at our College. Unfortunately many of those experiences are not photographed due to student permission to publish forms not being submitted to the College Office.

If your student has been involved in a sporting team or extra curricular activity but their photo has not been published in the newsletter please complete the permission to publish form and lodge the form at the College Office.

The permission to publish form is available to download here

Families of current Year 5 students are invited to complete an Expression of Interest for Enrolment for Year 7, 2024.

Expression of Interest is not a formal enrolment application, but an opportunity to be included in St Benedict's College information and enrolment timelines as they become available.

Click the image above or click here to register your family's details.

Mon 15 Aug - Feast of the Assumption, Science Week

Tue 16 Aug - Year 12 return to classes following trial HSC examinations, Parent College Partnership Group Supper - 6:00pm, P&F Meeting - 6.30pm, NSWCCC Girls Netball Champs - Penrith

Fri 19 Aug - Science Week, Year 12 High Tea

Tue 23 Aug - Bishop’s Student Excellence Awards (2022 Cohort – Year 12)

Wed - Fri 24-26 Aug - Year 10 Outdoor Ed (Camp)

Thu 25 Aug - MISA Youth of the Year (MCCC)

Mon 29 Aug - Staff Development Day - Wellbeing / Pupil Free Day, Wellbeing Week

Wed 31 Aug - Colour Run

Thu 1 Sep - Blessing and Opening of Hall

Fri 02 Sep - LIVE Wollongong 2022

Mon 12 Sep - Preliminary Course Examinations Commence, NSWCCC Athletics - Homebush

Thurs/Fri 15 & 16 Sep - Year 9 Outdoor Ed (Camp)

Fri 16 Sept - Year 12 Mini Carnival Day & Pastoral Day Lunch

Mon 19 Sep - Year 12 Final Day of Lessons

Tue 20 Sep - Year 12 Farewell Assembly

Wed 21 Sep - Year 12 Graduation Mass and Awards, Year 12 Reports released on Compass

Fri 23 Sep - Year 7 Vaccination Visit 2

End of Term 3

Mon 10 Oct - Term 4 Starts

Wed 12 Oct - HSC Examinations Commence

Tue 25 Oct - YML & Middle Leaders Induction Ceremony 8:10am

Fri 28 Oct - Year 7 History Incursion

Tue 01 Nov - Year 11 Report Release via Compass 2:45pm

Wed 02 Nov - Senior Retreat

Mon 7 Nov - Year 12 Sign Out, Year 11 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews 3-8pm

Tue 08 Nov - P&F Meeting at 6.30pm

Wed 09 Nov - Year 12 Formal

Fri 11 Nov - 25th Annual CDF Sports Awards

Wed 23 Nov - Yr 7 2023 Orientation evening - 6.30pm - Hall

Fri 25 Nov - Yr 7 2023 Orientation Day for Students

Tue 13 Dec - Year 9 Academic Awards - 8:50am - Hall, Year 10 Academic Awards - 12:50pm - Hall, Last Day Year 10 and 11

Wed 14 Dec - Closing Mass and Yr 7-9 Academic Awards - Hall - 8:10am, Yr 7-9 Report Distribution via Compass at 2:45pm

Thu 15 Dec - HSC Results Released, Students Activities Day

Fri 16 Dec - Term 4 Ends for Students, Yrs 7-10 Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews (all day)

Tue 20 Dec - Term 4 Ends (Staff)

End of Term 4

RANIER has advised that there may be significant delays with the school uniform. This delay is due to COVID lockdowns in China.

Orders placed for home delivery are despatched twice a week from the Uniform Shop. Orders placed for collection from school office will be available Mondays after 2:30pm, orders placed prior to 9am Monday will qualify.

TRADING HOURS DURING SCHOOL TERMS:

Monday 9am – 5pm

Tuesday 9am – 5pm

Wednesday 9am – 5pm

Thursday 9am – 5pm

Saturday 9am – 12pm

Collection from shop | Collection from College | Home Delivery

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

The P & F Clothing Pool has reopened, 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. Items can be paid for and collected from the SBCC College Office.