St Benedict's Catholic College

The St Benedict’s community gathered together for the Opening School Mass on Thursday, 15 February 2024.

The Mass was celebrated by Father David Catterall, with Deacon Sam assisting. Our Year 7 2024 students processed into the mass accompanied by the Year 12 House Leaders and House Coordinators and were welcomed into the “Bennies Community”. Our Social Justice Leaders and Youth Ministry Leaders also received their badges of office.

A highlight was welcoming back Father David to our community. His inspirational homily spoke to each and every person present and reminded us that during this Lentern period ”we are not on our own but united together with Christ’s cross”.

As part of our commitment to building improvement, for student learning we've been diligently working on enhancing our teaching programs to align with student data collected from recent internal and external assessments.

At our Staff Professional Development day our staff have worked on an exciting project to create enriching and challenging learning opportunities for our students in response to the data we have collected about their learning through both in-school and national assessments, as well as all of the informal data we gather in our lessons each day. We will continue to work together as a team to share our wisdom, experiences and passion as we continue to inspire a 'love of learning' in our St Benedict's students.

On Tuesday 27 February the P&F Annual General Meeting will be held in the school library at 6pm. All are welcome to attend. At this meeting all the executive positions will be become available and be voted on. These committee members have done an amazing job, but the P&F is always looking for new members.

Kind regards,

Mrs Kerrie Piatek

Ash Wednesday:

Ash Wednesday marks the start of the liturgical season of Lent in the Catholic Church, a season where we are called to journey as Christ did, through the wilderness for 40 days. The three pillars of Lent, what we are called to do, is to grow closer to God through prayer, practice self-control through fasting, and to serve each other by giving alms. This is all to prepare us to fully live the mysteries of the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ during Holy Week.

To mark the start of the Lenten season, the College community gathered in house groups across various locations in the College to be led in liturgy by their teacher house leaders. Students were selected to lead the liturgy along with their teachers, and did a wonderful job as we came together to commence our Lenten season as we journey with Christ through the wilderness this Lent. Students participated in a Liturgy of the Word where they listened to God's word, a reflection on the Gospel and received ashes on their foreheads, an ancient practice that marks the start of Lent.

I would like to thank Mr Arcuri, Mr Bulfon, Mr Earl, Ms Lorking, Ms Pepper, and Ms Settineri for the leadership of their houses and for all of the work they put in to preparing their students in the lead up to the Ash Wednesday house liturgies, as well as all of the students who helped to lead their houses in these liturgies.

Opening Mass:

On the 15 February, the St Benedict's Catholic College community gathered for our Opening School Mass, marking the start of the academic year in the College. As a community, we were delighted to welcome back Father David Catterall, for his first official Mass back in the parish after his chemotherapy treatment. We were also delighted to welcome our newest students, Year 7 class of 2024, who were processed in and led by their Year Coordinator, Mr Joshua Agoo.

As Saint Maximilian Kolbe stated, "God dwells in our midst, in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar." It was a truly special occasion, where we were able to gather as a community to celebrate Mass and remember the wonderful community in which we belong. A highlight for many students was Father David's homily, where no doubt the numerous Taylor Swift references made for a relatable, reflective and wonderful homily on our call to follow and journey with Christ through the wilderness this Lenten season.

Students fulfilled many responsibilities on the day and were marvellous in their preparation for mass and for their reverence during mass. I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mrs Kimberley Logue, REC, as well as Mrs Wendy Fawbert, Acting Assistant Principal and Mrs Kerrie Piatek, College Principal, for their assistance in preparing the students for the mass, as well as all of the students who fulfilled their responsibilities so well on the day.

Thank You is also extended to Deacon Sam for joining us in celebrating our Opening School Mass. A special thank you to Mrs Jenny Koryzma and Mr Brandon O’Donnell for the wonderful music and choir.

Kind regards,
Thomas Kasunic

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind for me and also the College - from Ash Wednesday liturgies, Opening School Mass and Michael Turner and I travelling to LA.

I flew out on Monday 12 February 2024 headed to Los Angeles.

Our visit to Homeboy Industries stirred our souls profoundly. Led by the compassionate vision of Fr. Greg Boyle, this haven of hope transforms lives with its embrace of second chances. We witnessed resilience in action as former gang members and previously incarcerated individuals found redemption through employment, therapy, and education. Fr. Boyle's unwavering commitment to breaking the cycles of violence and despair inspires awe. Each story we heard spoke volumes about the power of love and community in healing wounds and restoring dignity. Homeboy Industries stands as a beacon of light, reminding us all of the transformative potential of compassion and solidarity. We were also blessed to hear Fr Greg speak at the Congress on ‘Cherished Belonging;

Our visit to St. Finbars Burbank was a testament to the vibrant spirit of learning and community. Meeting with teachers and visiting classes, we witnessed dedication and passion shaping young minds. The enthusiasm of students and the nurturing environment created by educators left a wonderful impression. St. Finbars embodies a commitment to excellence in education and the holistic development of each child. It was a privilege to witness the profound impact of education in shaping the future generation. A number of staff have been working their in excess of 20+ years.

Our visit to St. Genevieve in Panorama City was eye-opening. Since Dan Horn's turnaround efforts, the school has transformed remarkably. Walking through its halls and visiting various classes including Pre-K to 10th Grade Algebra, we felt the positive energy and enthusiasm for learning. Students were engaged, and teachers radiated dedication. The once struggling school now thrives with a renewed sense of purpose and community. Dan Horn's leadership has revitalised St. Genevieve, creating a nurturing environment where students can flourish academically and personally. It's inspiring to witness such a remarkable journey of transformation within the school.

It was extra special to join the school and staff for Ash Wednesday Mass on Wednesday 14 February at 1:30pm. This mass was on at the same time as the Opening School Mass for St Benedict’s.

The Los Angeles Religious Education Congress was a dynamic and exciting 4-day event filled with keynotes, workshops, liturgies, exhibits, and entertainment that showcased the depth and beauty of our Catholic faith. The 2024 RECongress Theme Song - has left a lasting impression on me and echoes the universal language of love.

Reflecting on the richness and diversity of the 2024 LA Religious Education Congress, I am drawn to highlight three remarkable talks that left a profound impact on myself: those by Fr. James Martin, Fr. Richard Leonard and Fr Greg Boyle.

Fr. James Martin's presentation on "Jesus on the Margins" focused on the transformative power of compassion, empathy, and inclusivity in our journey of faith. With eloquence and insight, Fr. Martin explored the Gospels through the lens of Jesus' ministry to those on the margins of society – the marginalised, the oppressed, and the outcast. Fr James referred to stories of the Woman at the Well, Zaccheaus and the Raising of the Lazarus. Through compelling stories and thought-provoking reflections, he challenged those listening to embrace a spirit of radical hospitality and solidarity, echoing Jesus' call to love our neighbours as ourselves.

In a separate workshop, Fr. Richard Leonard, an Australian Jesuit priest captivated audiences with his inspiring stories of faith, weaving together narratives of hope, resilience, and grace in the face of adversity. Drawing from his extensive experience as a storyteller and theologian, Fr. Leonard shared poignant accounts of individuals whose lives have been transformed by encounters with God. From moments of doubt and despair to instances of profound revelation and redemption, his stories touched on the universal truths that bind us together as a human family, reminding us of the enduring presence of God in our midst. Fr Richard’s first workshop was so good I went and saw him speak a second time on the “Law of Love”.

Fr. Greg Boyle's RE Congress talk on "Cherished Belonging" resonated deeply with attendees. With heartfelt anecdotes and profound insights, he emphasised the importance of creating spaces where every individual feels valued and accepted. Fr. Boyle's message centered on the transformative power of love and inclusion, highlighting the inherent dignity of every person, regardless of background or circumstance. Through his compassionate approach, he challenged listeners to embrace empathy and understanding, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends barriers and heals wounds. Fr. Boyle's words echoed long after the talk, inspiring a renewed commitment to building communities of compassion and belonging.

All three presenters exemplify the spirit of compassion, courage, and authenticity that lies at the heart of the Catholic faith. Their talks served as poignant reminders of the sacred duty we share to seek out the marginalised, uplift the downtrodden, and bear witness to the transformative power of love and mercy in our world.

In addition to these enlightening sessions, we had the privilege of celebrating Mass led by Archbishop Jose Gomes and a Mass led by Cardinal McElroy. These solemn and sacred gatherings provided opportunities for prayer, reflection, and communion, as we joined together in worship and thanksgiving for the gift of faith and community. The MUSIC was amazing and so uplifting - most songs had English and Spanish intertwined.

I had the privilege to travel with wonderful educators and Catholic leaders from the Diocese of Wollongong - Principals, APREs and Religious Education Coordinators from both primary and secondary settings. Fr Patrick Vaughan, Oarish Priest of Bulli was the Chaplain for our trip. He provided a wonderful presence to all of us. I am grateful and have been blessed in so many ways to go on this journey. A special thanks to Catholic Education Office of Wollongong for the wonderful opportunity.

Kind regards,

Kimberley Logue

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment of literacy and numeracy skills. Each year students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in tests for writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

NAPLAN will take place from 13-25 March. NAPLAN tests are just one part of our school learning assessment program and questions are primarily based on knowledge, understanding and skills gained from the prior year of schooling.

In preparation for NAPLAN 2024, our school will undertake activities to help students to become familiar with the format and functionality of the online tests.

Students and parents can access the public demonstration site to familiarise themselves with NAPLAN and the types of questions and tools available. Excessive preparation for NAPLAN is not required nor recommended.

Please click on this link for further information. If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact the College. A detailed schedule will be sent out closer to the test date.

Kind regards,
Wendy Fawbert

• Monday 26 February - College Swimming Carnival - Competitors only
• Monday 26 February - College Open Day - 3.30pm to 7pm
• Tuesday 27 February - P&F Meeting + AGM - 6.00pm in the Library
• Thursday 29 February - Cross Country - Competitors only
• Thursday 29 February - Year 10 & 11 VET Students (White Card training)
• Friday 1 March - Year 11 students Incursion - Thomas Reynolds Drug Education Australia Workshop
• Monday 4 March - Year 9 PASS students - Tree Tops Excursion
• Monday 4 March - Year 11 Music students - Sydney Opera House Excursion
• Friday 8 March - Catholic Leadership Project
• Thursday 28 March - Staff Development Day (No students on site)

Year 7 have begun their first year in high school and in the Visual Art department well. We are currently learning about the elements of art and principles of design being the foundations of a successful artwork.

“Open your ears to music, your eyes to painting. And don’t think! Ask yourselves whether the work of art has made you feel like you’ve walked into a new world”. - Kandinsky

To consolidate their understanding, Year 7 have spent some time learning about the artist Kandinsky and how he used the elements and principles to create his artworks. Students were asked to listen to classical music and then create their artworks based on how the music made them feel using the elements and principles. Below is a work in progress, we will share the final artworks in the next newsletter.

Shortly, students will begin using their analytical skills when interpreting the meaning within artworks. We will do this through learning about Pablo Picasso and the Cubist art movement.

Year 9 has settled into the Stage 5 Visual Art course well. They have taken on the challenge of creating one-point and two-point perspective drawings. Students will then be introduced to Reg Mombassa and his style of artmaking. From this, students will then create a drawing of an area of our school in charcoal using the skills learnt in analysing Mombassa’s practice.

Below are examples of their title pages for this unit.

Year 10 has entered the year with a classroom full of enthusiasm. They have started to learn about various portrait artists like Joy Hester and Abbey McCulloch using watercolour and charcoal. These portraits are focused around their personality and emotions rather than a true physical likeness. Students will then start to use their analytical skills when learning about the symbolism artists like Frida Kahlo and Anh Do use. Below is an example of their Joy Hester inspired portraits.

Year 11 and 12 Students made Parents and Staff very proud of the way they all conducted themselves and represented the school at Discovery Day at Wollongong University on Friday. All students embraced the day and allowed themselves the opportunity to experience University life and venture into learning about careers they were interested in.

Mrs. Brown

Attending the Wollongong University Discovery Day was a delightful experience. The vibrant academic atmosphere and the diverse community of uni students made it look like going to the University of Wollongong would be partaking in an engaging and enriching community. Exploring the captivating surroundings, from the great greenery to the various inviting cafes, added an extra layer of enjoyment to my university journey last Friday. Wollongong University's warm and welcoming environment made the day very memorable. I thank Mrs. Brown and the teachers for their support and for allowing us to partake in Discovery Day.

Kaitlyn Benedicic

My experience at the UOW helped me gain a lot of knowledge about University life and the different courses provided there. The three lectures that I picked were Nursing, Teaching, and Law. All three of those lectures were enjoyable and helped me gain knowledge of what they teach in those courses. The lectures showed what types of jobs the degrees can make you eligible for. Overall, I was very successful in the way of gaining an understanding of what university is about and the culture that it has within the campus which I may potentially experience in my future years.

Bailey Helson

The UOW discovery day was a fun and insightful experience. During the sessions, I met the tutor and discussed the course answering questions about the work, along with a fun interactive game. I could walk around and explore the Wollongong campus with friends, giving me a great understanding of day-to-day life. The student life and music created a fun atmosphere and were helpful when getting across campus. I would recommend anyone to attend this event!

Dakota Lewis

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Last Friday 16th February, students in the year 11 Biology classes had the amazing opportunity to investigate the biotic and abiotic factors of the Mt Keira rainforest down in the Illawarra Region. Guided by knowledgeable park rangers, we searched into the interconnectedness of a diverse range of species within this ecosystem. I learnt most importantly, from the towering trees amongst the canopy to the microscopic insects moving rapidly beneath our feet along the forest floor, that each organism plays a vital role in supporting a balance within the ecosystem. Observing selection pressures was of one of my highlights of this experience, and it left me star struck about the complexity of nature and the way it functions. This captivating learning experience not only further expanded our understanding of ecological concepts, but deepened our appreciation for the importance of sustainably in maintaining a healthy, balanced ecosystem.

Hannah L.

The excursion to Mt Kiera was a great day to consolidate what we have been learning in class. We learnt about different adaptations in the area as well as ecological sampling techniques. We also had the opportunity to view different parts of the rainforest. Overall it was a very enriching experience.

Samantha E.

Kind regards,
Marie de Lima

This month is the month of love and the Library celebrated a combination of Valentine’s Day and Library Lover’s Day. To foster a love of books the Library is currently running a ‘Blind Date with a Book’ promotion. Our students are encouraged to borrow a book which has been covered and has a few words on the front to entice the reader to take a chance and possibly find a book they really ‘love’. A google document will be sent to each borrower asking them to ‘rate their date’ with their book.

This promotion will run for the month of February.

The 2024 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge begins on Monday 26 February 2024 and ends 23 August 2024. The Library is looking forward to encouraging and supporting this fantastic opportunity for students to challenge themselves and explore a variety of books. Here are some quick facts and for any further information, please just ask the Library staff.

Keep an eye on the Oliver home page for information regarding all new resources as well as our upcoming promotion for International Women's Day, Harmony Day and other events.

Happy reading

The Library Team

Last week during the Opening Mass for the College we had the opportunity to present the Youth Ministry Leaders of 2024. The Youth Ministry Team will be responsible for leading the vision of Youth Ministry in the community. Students will work together to support opportunities for students to develop their spirituality and lead faith formation events in the College. Congratulations to the students on this momentous occasion and we look forward to the work you will be doing this year.

Mr Steve Bulfon

Youth Ministry Leader

A big thank you to all students who have contributed to Project Compassion through providing coins in the STRIVE box, buying pancakes and supporting Year 12 on Valentine’s Day. We have a number of events planned for the remainder of the term:

Zooper Doopers (From Tuesday Week 6)

Zooper Doopers will be sold on Tuesdays after sport.

YEAR 7 BAKE SALE (WEEK 7)

Year 7 will host a bake sale on Friday Week 7 to raise money for Project Compassion.

EASTER RAFFLES (FROM WEEK 7)

Grace C and Tahlia E have run this initiative since they were in Year 7. This is their last year!! They will be asking the school community to donate Easter eggs for this raffle. These can be brought to C3 during STRIVE on Mondays and Wednesdays ONLY. Tickets will go on sale in Week 8 with winners announced on Wednesday Week 9.

Harmony Day - 20 March (Week 8)

There will be a number of activities taking place throughout this week, in particular, Cultural day on Friday 22 March. The team would love it if all staff and students could wear some sort of clothing/costume that shares your culture with the school community.

Mrs Sara-Jane Castelli

Social Justice Coordinator

Every one of us does Numeracy in some form every day, whether it’s setting a timer while cooking, working out what time to leave to get to work, or mentally calculating how many days are left until payday.

By the time we become adults, most of this has become so ingrained that we don’t even notice or class it as ‘doing maths’. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had someone say to me that they are terrible at maths, yet they manage these processes (and many more) every day.

Often, what it boils down to is that we can use maths in context without a problem, but we sometimes find the abstract nature of the subject – such as column subtraction or adding fractions – difficult.

For parents who last came across formal calculation methods when they took their exams at the age of 16 or 18, supporting their child in maths may be daunting.

Numeracy is all around us - it is ingrained in everything we do. Understanding and using mathematical concepts, and being numerate, helps children know and describe the world around them and make meaning of these encounters. It is, therefore, an essential skill for successful daily life.

Here at St Benedicts, we have seen a few numeracy projects commencing. Just to name a few…

• RUTAC Year 7 Maths (Read, Understand, Think, Answer and Check)

• Year 12 visits to look closely at Numeracy and Graphicacy questions associated with subject specific papers

• Classroom visits going over past papers, graphs and timelines

I would encourage students who are struggling with numerical concepts to attend the Homework Help sessions on Mondays and Thursdays at lunchtime in G2. These sessions are facilitated by our expert and dedicated teachers in the field of Mathematics.

Suzanne Seychell

Numeracy Instructional Coach

seychells01@dow.catholic.edu.au

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

The Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) is offering a significant number of Initial Teacher Education Scholarships to current YEAR 12 Students in both our CEDoW systemic and non-systemic schools who intend to commence undergraduate courses in teacher training in either Primary or Secondary Education.

➢ A significant number of scholarships are awarded each year to students who will become a part of our ‘Step into Teaching’ Scholarship Program

HOW TO APPLY

1. Click here to access the application form or contact your TaPS coordinator.

2. Return completed form to Sherryn Moore SIT@dow.catholic.edu.au by end of week 10 Term 3.

3. Applicants shortlisted will be required to attend an interview early December (HSC results when released and available, will be taken into consideration) * Conditions apply.

The Defence Work Experience Program provides young Australians interested in Defence as a future career, the opportunity to sample life in Defence and learn more about the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Public Service (APS).

Defence work experience activities are designed to be hands-on and interactive so that you can make informed career decisions.

Participants must be 15 years of age or over at the time of the placement.

How to Apply Placements are advertised through the Defence Work Experience Program Jobs List.

Each placement includes an information pack that provides details of the activities you may participate in, any special conditions of the placement, and the eligibility/assessment criteria.

Job Name & Apply By Date

Air Force Familiarisation Placement - RAAF Richmond - March 2024

Navy Familiarisation Program: HMAS Coonawarra 25-Feb-2024

Naval Gazing: Navy Careers Experience - April 25-Feb-2024

ASD Cyber Security and Robotics Work Experience Program (April) Brindabella Park, ACT 25-Feb-2024

Air Force Aviation Program for Women 1 RAAF Williamtown (Hunter Region) 03-Mar-2024

Navy Aviation Overview (April) Nowra, NSW 03-Mar-2024

Exercise First Glance - Indigenous Youth Placement: RMC Duntroon 08-Mar-2024

Joint Proof & Experimental Testing Immersion Day: Port Wakefield (23 April 2024) 11-Mar-2024

Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Showcase 6 May 2024 17-Mar-2024

Please ensure you have actioned the '2024 Acceptance Use of Technology Agreement' and the '2024 Consent for the use of students image and/or work' via Insights in your Compass parent portal. (Tip sheet attached)

The School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) moratorium free travel period for 2024 will expire tomorrow, Friday 23 February 2024. The moratorium period was provided to allow eligible students who have not yet received a student bus pass to organise one.

From next Monday 26 February 2024, all students will be required to present to the driver their physical 2024 Picton Buslines School Bus Pass, for every trip. We will not accept photos of bus passes taken on students’ phones. Please have the pass ready to show to the driver as you board the bus.

If a bus pass is not presented, the students must pay the required cash fare.

• Students who have not yet applied for a 2024 Bus Pass, can still do so via the link here https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/ticket-eligibility-concessions/school-student-travel.
• Students who are not eligible for free school travel via SSTS can apply and pay for a Term Pass via the link here https://pictonbuslines.com.au/school-term-passes/.
• Students who have applied, received the approval email but have not received a 2024 Bus Pass should contact Picton Buslines on 4677 1654 or at info@pictonbuslines.com.au.

Further information and terms and conditions of School Bus Passes can be found via TfNSW, https://transportnsw.info/school-pass-terms.

For any questions or concerns that cannot be resolved via the TfNSW link above, please contact Picton Buslines directly on 4677 1654 or info@pictonbuslines.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 and collected from the SBCC College Office.

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

RANIER has advised that there may be significant delays with the college 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 college office will be available Mondays after 2:30pm, orders placed prior to 9am Monday will qualify.

TRADING HOURS DURING COLLEGE 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