Dear Parent/Carer,

As you may have read earlier this week via Compass, from the commencement of Term 3, I will be taking personal leave for the remainder of the 2024 school year. Mr Michael Turner has been appointed as Acting College Principal in my absence.

A plan has been put in place for my leave to ensure that the smooth operation of the school continues uninterrupted. Our dedicated college staff will continue to work to maintain the high standards of catholic education that our college is known for.

I would like to thank Father David Catterall and Director of Schools, Mr Peter Hill for their support of my leave, and Mr Michael Turner for undertaking the Acting Principal role during my absence.

Staff and students of the College gathered in the Hall for a Liturgy of the Word to pray for Bishop Emeritus Peter Ingham who passed away on the 26 April 2024. A most beautiful and reverent liturgy.

The readings and prayers used in the liturgy were all selected by the Bishop himself. Please watch this beautiful video reflection below:

This Sunday we celebrate our mothers and all those who demonstrate through their lives and actions, an openness to, and support of new life. We wish everyone a happy Mother's Day. I want to thank the Mother's / Carers who came to our breakfast. I also want to thank the P & F, staff and students who assisted to make this event so memorable. A special thanks must go to the students and staff who made these beautiful cookies for their mum's.

Photos taken from the event will be included in the next edition of the newsletter.

Mother’s Day Pray

Lord Jesus Christ, You chose to put yourself—tiny, needy and helpless—into the nurturing and watchful hands of a human mother.

Since then, every act of mothering, both physical and spiritual, in every time and every corner of the world recollects Mary’s.

Inspired by this example, we, too, honour our mothers and mother figures today.

Bless these women, that they may be strengthened as Christian mothers and nurturers.

Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.

Grant that we, their sons and daughters, honour them always with a spirit of profound respect.

We ask this in your holy name.

Amen.

Our College will be hosting 20 students (boys and girls aged between 13 and 14) and 2 teachers from Tomioka Higashi High School Japan. As part of this visit we are seeking families to host these Japanese students. They will arrive on Saturday 24 August and leave on Wednesday 28 August.

Students will attend school during the day and there is a payment of $50 per night to help with any additional costs incurred. It is an amazing experience that your whole family will enjoy.

Show someone from another country and culture our beautiful area and share your family with them. If you are interested please refer to the information below:

Kind regards,

Mrs Kerrie Piatek

Year 11 and 12 reports are released at 3.00pm on Friday.

Bookings for Parent Teacher Student Meetings close on Tuesday, 14 May 2024 at 2.30pm through Compass Conferences.

Zoom conference links will be emailed on Tuesday as well.

Kind regards,

Wendy Fawbert

This week, we honour all mothers - the pillars of our families and society. They offer love, care, and support, often putting their own needs aside for their loved ones. We pray to Mary, our Mother, for all mothers as well as those who fulfil a mother's role, and those who have not had the chance to be a mother, may they all be blessed!

The Camden Anzac Dawn Service was held at the Equestrian Park in Camden and commenced at 5:15am. It attracted huge numbers of people. St Benedict’s had a number of students and staff in attendance. A special thanks to Makayla of Year 7 for laying the Anzac Wreath during this ceremony. It was also wonderful to see a number of our students who were also present due to their involvement in cadets.

Our College proudly participated in the Anzac Day Community March, with the enthusiastic involvement of over 30 students. Led by the school's dedicated staff, including the invaluable contribution of Mr. O'Donnell, the students marched with reverence and respect, honouring the sacrifices of those who served our country. Their presence symbolised the enduring spirit of remembrance and gratitude within the community, embodying the values of service and commemoration that Anzac Day represents. It was also wonderful to have Grace from Year 10 Dad and Grandfather also join us in the march. Grace’s grandfather served in Vietnam.

Thank you to Lilia and Grace from Year 10 for laying the Anzac Wreath at the 11:15am Anzac Commemorative Service on behalf of the College.

During the school holidays, I and other students from the College paid our respects to our soldiers past and present on ANZAC day. This year marked the 109th anniversary of the landing of the ANZACS on the beaches of Gallipoli, ANZAC day serves as a reminder of the great sacrifice that was made so that Australia is the Free and safe country that is home to people from all different backgrounds.

My responsibilities split me between my role as a Leading Cadet at 303 (City of Camden) Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets and being a senior student of the College. ANZAC day began with a cold but warming dawn service in Camden, the squadron attended the dawn service and provided the catafalque party for the service. It was great to see the attendance of over 5000 people for the Dawn Service demonstrating that the community will remember the sacrifice that the ANZACS and our ADF members make for safety and freedom. The speakers at the dawn service provided great insight and examples of the significance of ANZAC day in Australian lives, including a former Royal Navy helicopter pilot who described his own experience of the significance of ANZAC day as an immigrant to Australia and what it means to Australians. Mrs Logue and her Husband Tim Logue who served in the Afghanistan War, provided beautiful and heartfelt prayers for the ANZACS, currently serving ADF personnel and veterans. It was again a warming sight to see the Camden community laying wreaths at the service including students from the College to commemorate the ANZACS.

Following the conclusion of the dawn service I made my way to Campbelltown to be part of the Banner party for the morning service at Lawson Park, again with a huge attendance of people for the service. After completing my duties with my squadron I then rushed to Camden to be with the College for the march down Argyle Street in Camden. Fortunately, I made it time for the march and joined fellow college students for the march. I would like to sincerely thank Mrs Logue for giving me the huge honour of carrying the College banner for the march. Camden was bustling full of people who took the time to come and pay their respects to the ANZACS and current service members showing the spirit of the ANZAC lives on in the community.

Having attended three services over the day I was able to see the Spirit of the ANZAC on full display throughout both the Camden and Campbelltown communities through the large attendance at all three services. It was a great privilege to be able to be part of the Banner party at Campbelltown and to carry the College banner in my final year of representing both my Squadron and the College. Through being a witness to the dedication of my fellow students and their involvement in ANZAC day I am confident that the significance of ANZAC day will be upheld after my time at my squadron and College has ended.

The team from Lasallian Youth Ministry were our facilitators for the Year 7 Reflection Day. The theme of the day was ‘Building Community’. This day invited students to think about the importance and value of community, while introducing and welcoming them to the Benedictine Community that we are all a part of.

The morning session looked at the importance of communities. It also encouraged conversations about which communities we belong to.

The middle session explored how each community member can influence and is influenced by the community. Within a community, there is unity with diversity.

The afternoon session explored the Benedictine core value of prayer and faith. Faith in ourselves, faith in the broader community and faith in God. When we have faith we can both ask and provide assistance, to be great community members.

The added bonus of the day was the involvement of Youth Ministry Leaders (YMLs) from Years 10, 11 and 12 as small group facilitators. The teachers present as well as the facilitators were thoroughly impressed with the leadership, enthusiasm and faith demonstrated by the YMLS.

I have included below some reflections from the YMLs.

ISABELLA WOODS - Year 12, Youth Ministry President

On Monday the 6th of May, the College’s year 7 students engaged in a fun Reflection Day run by fantastic leaders from the Lasalle Ministry team.

With the theme “building community”, students worked together alongside a number of year 10-12 leaders and teachers to play games, sing, dance and reflect on their high school experience so far — fostering a strong sense of belonging and community that will remain with the students. It was wonderful to witness the bonds that were formed through these activities, and to hear some of the amazing things that our year 7 students have achieved this year.

As a senior student I had the privilege of working alongside the La Salle team for the day, who ran an amazing program and created an exciting, inclusive environment for the students. The senior leaders involved in this day also showed immense leadership and planning skills, and are fantastic role models for the newest members of our community.

I would like to thank Mr Bulfon, Mrs Logue, and the senior students involved in the planning and organisation of this day - and of course all of the year 7 students who got involved!

ELIZA MARSHALL - Year 12, Youth Ministry Vice President

I wanted to say thank you for giving me the chance to take part in the Reflection Day for Year 7. Seeing the student's development and teamwork as they learned about the concept of Building Community was truly inspiring. A strong sense of belonging was built through their teamwork, as we watched the younger students make new friends and connect with new people. The mentoring role of the senior students helped strengthen the year 7 students' idea of community, which I truly believe will have a long-lasting impact on them. The day was an important reminder to both the year 7's and the senior students of the strong support and connection within our school community.

MAKALYA MCATEER

On Monday I attended the Reflection day for Year 7. This was a wonderful experience which made me feel a stronger connection to the community and people around.

From the moment the day began the La Selle group brought a fun spiritual and reflective environment. The day was all about building community and relationships. It was also a good chance to reflect on the community that is around us and how it can influence our lives.

We went into small groups with 2 leaders from the senior years to assist in activities. The leaders were very welcoming and helped us with questionable situations that we may face as well as strategies for year 7. In the groups we got to know each other and few things about us and the wonderful talents we can bring to the community.

During the day, we sang and listened to fun music. We also learnt about a deeper level of the life St Benedict lived through a conducted role play from our leaders. There were always many faithful activities through joy, memories and good learning opportunities. Through all the activities it was a good way to reflect in the community we are a part of and the relationships that we have.

From this day, I have taken new understandings on how to build relationships within and out of the community. I really enjoyed it and are thankful for everyone who made this day an awesome day.

ISLA PRIDMORE

On Monday, reflection day, some of the year 10s, 11s and 12s helped out and were amazing, they were so fun to talk to and showed great responsibility. In our little groups the student leaders would make sure everyone was getting a go at talking, sharing and interacting with the rest of the group. They also made sure that they knew your name and sometimes even a little fun fact about yourself. The groups helped me make some new friends while also having some friends already with me.The Lasalle Youth Ministry team were incredible, they were so much fun and loved sharing fun facts about themselves and teaching us the importance of BUILDING COMMUNITY. The talent show was also really exciting getting to know what people's special talents were. There were kids that could dance, beatbox, and even solve a rubix cube with one hand in 30 seconds. Thanks for this amazing experience, teachers, hosts and Lasalle.

EVAN PRICE

On Monday the 6 May, we had a reflection day. The Lasallian Youth Ministry team came to spend the whole day with us. During the day we were divided into groups of 8-10 students. We had a student leader come to spend the day with us from years 10,11,12. We learned about the importance of COMMUNITY and our role in it. In those groups we discussed our favourite food and any talents we have. One of the staff members was a great singer and was singing in front of the grade the whole day. Afterwards we played this game jockey, similar to Simon says but with differently acted actions.

You are invited to join with parishioners of St Mary MacKillop Parish, Oran Park to support the re-establishment of the Parish Community Garden that is located here on the school/parish precinct. Help support the Garden’s reconstruction – BUY SOME SOCKS! Adult Socks: $10 / Kids Socks $5 All donations will assist in purchasing new seedlings and soil.

There are 2 ways to get your hands on some crazy socks! The Parish Community Garden team will be taking orders for socks at the end of Mass on the following dates at our Oran Park Mass Centre: Weekends of 4 & 5 May, 11 & 12 May and 18 & 19 May. Alternatively, you can purchase your socks online using the discount code: SOCKS4SEEDS for a 10% discount.

Please note: it is IMPORTANT to use the discount code online to link your purchase to our fundraiser: visit the page https://jollysoles.com.au/collections/individual-pairs (Offer ends 17/05/2024)

Kind regards,

Kimberley Logue

In 2024 a ‘Student of the Month’ award was created by the College. A recipient will be selected from each STRIVE class at the end of each month and presented to their year group. At the end of the year, these students will also be given a lunch to acknowledge their accomplishments. A criteria has been developed to support teachers nominating students for this award.

To be selected for Student of the Month, a student should have achieved one or more of the following within that calendar month::

• Engaged in Community Service within the College

• Participated in and been an integral contributor to pastoral discussions and lessons in STRIVE

• Have more than 90% attendance for that calendar month

• Contributed to the College through events, mass, carnivals, meetings or other activities

• Engaged highly in subject classes and not received any Learning Notes on Compass

• Shown drastic improvement as a result of the engagement with a College Wellbeing, Attendance or Whole School Support Plan

The students of the Month for February and March are:

NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended and funded for adolescents by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in a school-based vaccination program, including:

• diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa)

• human papillomavirus (HPV)

• meningococcal ACWY.

Consent for each vaccine must be provided by parents/guardians for students to receive free vaccinations at school.

From 2024 parents/guardians can provide consent online for their child’s routine school vaccinations on the online consent portal. Select login with Service NSW Account.

To provide online consent you will need:

• your Service NSW log-in details

• Medicare card details for you and your child.

If you or your child do not have a Medicare card, consent can still be provided by requesting a paper-based consent form – available on request from the College office.

Parents can withdraw consent at any time before vaccination takes place:

• where consent has been given online, please log-in to the secure NSW Health portal and follow the prompts to withdraw consent, or

• where consent has been given on the physical consent form, please write to or call the school to advise the student's name, school grade and those vaccines the withdrawn consent applies to.

In 2024 the following will be offered at St. Benedict’s:

Year 7 (Fri 9 Aug):

• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (dTpa)

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Year 10 (Mon 20 May):

• Meningococcal disease

Students will be asked to wear sports uniform on the day to allow for ease of delivery.

More information can be found at NSW Health here:

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/schoolvaccination.aspx

Kind regards,

John Wheeler

• Monday 13 May - Year 8 Reflection Day
• Monday 13 May - Year 7 Science Excursion - Sydney Zoo
• Tuesday 14 May - Year 11 & 12 ACU Step into Teaching
• Wednesday 15 May - Year 11 & 12 - UOW Early Entry + Scholarships
• Wednesday 15 May - Year 11 & 12 Parent, Teacher Interviews via Zoom
• Thursday 16 May - Year 10 & 11 Drama Excursion PIP Day
• Friday 17 May - Year 11 Ancient History Excursion - Chau Chak Wing Museum
• Monday 20 May - Year 10 Vaccinations
  
• Tuesday 21 May - P&F Meeting - 6pm College Library
• Thursday 23/Friday 24 May - Year 7 - 11 Duke of Edinburgh Excursion

On Wednesday of Week 2, the College Captains and Prefect made their way by public transport to NSW Parliament House. They had been invited by Tanya Davies MP, to take part in the Badgerys Creek School Captains Leadership Forum. The day consisted of a Q & A with Mrs Davies MP, followed by viewing a session of Question Time. This opened the students’ eyes to wonders that is Australian politics. The students were surprised by the high energy levels of the MPs as well as the heated discussions that took place between the two main political parties.

Students were then addressed by Rachel Merton (Liberal Memeber of the Legislative Council) and Tim James MP (Shadow Minister for Fair Trading, Work, Health and Safety). These individuals addressed their own experiences of leadership and took questions from the audience.

A tour of Parliament House was next on the agenda. This saw the students go ‘behind the scenes’ and see the inner workings of Parliament, including the offices of the large media organisations. The most exciting moment was an impromptu exchange with NSW Premier Chris Minns.

The day provided a great opportunity to the leaders of the College. The students left feeling inspired and ready to serve.

.

On 3 May Year 9 attended their TaPs Career day. This day consisted of career profiling where students developed a career plan based on their current identified areas of career interest.

The students had access to various presenters in the local community who provided relevance to school education for future career opportunities. The guest speakers dissolved the myth that careers must be linear and diminished occupational stereotypes. in a "Who am I? activity.

Students were allowed to engage with Western Sydney, NOVA, SWSLHD – Health, Elizabeth Teseski: Astrophysicist, Absolute Care Response team, Ausgrid Electrical, Sydney Flight College, Law- Tiarnne Teseski, VET Pathway Coordinator, Jenny’s Kindergarten, GKA Fitness, Shorrocks Human Movement & Rehabilitation Services, Harris Orthodontics, Pharmacist and Nurses.

Students then developed a Career plan based on their current identified areas of career interests and researched the subjects, and education required to develop their career pathway.

The day was a wonderful success after writing their resumes and having a BBQ lunch students had the opportunity to seek information from various careers in a market day stall.

.

Welcome back to Term 2. We have a lot planned this term as we will be supporting St Vincent de Paul, the Camden branch. Unfortunately, there are many families and individuals who seem to be needing additional help in our community and so the team is asking for donations of various items. 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.

In addition to food and toiletries, the team is organising a variety of events to be run throughout the term with the help of Dharawal house and Hildegard house to raise money for St Vincent de Paul. Cans of soft drinks were sold at the athletics carnival, thank you to everyone who made a purchase. Friday 17 May (Week 3) will see Bennie’s first RETRO dress up day! Students and staff are encouraged to come dressed in an outfit from the 60s, 70s, 80s or 90s for $2, however, we do ask that all students wear enclosed shoes and appropriate clothing for school.

There will be many more initiatives running this term, like Oodie day and another BBQ 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

On 1 May 2024, Year 12 students enrolled in the Studies in Catholic Thought course at St Benedict’s Catholic College, had the privilege of working alongside Carrington Aged Care (an aged care facility based in the heart of Camden), specifically with 7 of the residents, in an effort to get to know THEIR STORY. We, as young people, go to school, work daily, go shopping and adventures, whilst those in the retirement village tend to calm down with their daily lives, from cups of tea, to conversations, to daily strolls. Family visits and visits from youth is an important way of keeping our young population aware and intertwined with an ever ageing population. It gives our students the ability to get to know stories from the past and to provide comfort to those who might be lonely. This partnership between Carrington and St Benedict's Catholic College will hopefully be one that continues in the future.

Visiting people in the aged care facility ties in with our study of the COMMON GOOD. The COMMON GOOD refers to the well-being, welfare, and interests of the entire community or society as a whole. It emphasises the collective benefit and flourishing of all individuals within a community rather than the interests of specific individuals or groups. The COMMON GOOD encompasses various aspects of societal life, including social, economic, environmental, and political dimensions. It involves promoting equality, justice, and fairness to ensure that everyone has access to basic needs, opportunities, and resources necessary for a decent and fulfilling life.

By having our Year 12 students visit, we are contributing to the following benefits experienced by the residents;

1. Combating Social Isolation: Many elderly individuals in nursing homes may experience loneliness and social isolation. Regular visits provide social interaction and companionship, which can improve their mental well-being.

2. Boosting Mood and Mental Health: Interacting with visitors can uplift residents' spirits, reduce feelings of depression, and provide a sense of belonging and connection to the outside world.

3. Enhancing Cognitive Function: Engaging in conversations and activities during visits can stimulate residents' minds, keeping them mentally sharp and engaged.

4. Building Relationships: Regular visits help strengthen bonds between residents and their loved ones, fostering a sense of familial support and love.

5. Providing a Sense of Purpose: Feeling valued and appreciated through visits can give residents a sense of purpose and significance, enhancing their overall quality of life.
   

   
   

The following are excerpts from our Year 12 students of their first visit - we endeavour to go there again monthly until the end of this term with the potential for fostering deeper relationships with Carrington in the near future. I wish to thank Carrington Aged Care for their openness to such a project and allowing us to visit their residents.

“I liked going there and talking with Kay, as she is very able and had lots of stories to tell. I liked getting the experience of knowing what life was like for Kay and how she grew up. I also liked learning that Kay didn't like the fact that she wasn't allowed to cook (although she quite likes cooking).” (Alana Dos Santos)

“Yesterday at Carrington I had a great time. I met with a lovely lady named Margaret. She's 91 years old, born in London. She moved to Australia to become a nurse for 3 months and she met a man. After 3 months she went back to England. The man then rang her up and asked her to marry him and come back to Australia, so she did. They had 4 children and 9 grandchildren. Her husband passed away when he was 50. She grew up during WWll. None of her family come to visit her. She has 0 friends. She doesn't have any hobbies she likes to do. She gets very anxious and doesn't like talking much at all. She likes dogs.” (Laila Campagna)

“I enjoyed communicating with the lady, I really liked the area that it was located in. I was really nervous at first because being in a new area is scary. The workers were really energetic and kind to us which made me feel comfortable as time went on.” (Malia Brimble)

“John was a very nice guy to talk to; he had very interesting stories ranging from him growing up in London and avoiding the bombs.” (Aidan James)

“I liked talking to June, because she was very funny and sweet. She spoke of her siblings (who have all passed away). Her little brother died when he was 2 days old, her sister died at 2 years old by getting smothered on a lounge (accidentally), her older brother died in a motor bike accident, and her twin died from bowel cancer. These were all very hard to hear and it was very sad. She spoke a bit about her experience during the war, and she spoke about her school life.” (Amelia Madrid)

“What I liked about the retirement home was that the residents were amiable and the elderly woman Kay was talkative. I enjoyed answering her questions and listening to what she had to say about her life.” (Oscar Cremen)

We as a school community, look forward to working with Carrington Aged Care in the future in an effort to maintain and build relationships, to do our part for the community and comfort those who at times, have no one.

.

Mel is the perfect example of a quiet achiever. She consistently and diligently goes about her work without seeking recognition or attention. Mel is not the loudest voice or the most outspoken but her impact on students and colleagues is profound. Quiet achievers do not receive the recognition they deserve, but their influence on their students and the school community is invaluable.

Our next teacher brings a wealth of life experience to his role as a teacher. His approach can be characterised by effort, resilience and a growth mindset. He strives to make the most of life by seizing the moment.

Year 7 have continued to prepare for Assessment Task 1 by working on their writing and analysis skills. They have learnt about The Frames (a literary device that supports their analysis of artworks). Students have improved from writing using dot points and single sentence phrases to beginning to make conclusions and draw meaning between ideas.

Students have also begun their Monochrome painting, making sure to work delicately with photoshop and therefore beginning their understanding of colour theory, tints and shades and realistic forms.

Year 9 have started to add the finishing touches to their charcoal landscape artworks of the school grounds. Every member of our class has created a wonderful artwork, well done! Next we are going to recreate the same landscape but this time, in the style of Mulga!

Year 10 have begun their second assessment task for Year 10. For this assessment, students will create a portrait of a person who is significant to them using the same style as Anh Do. Not only is Anh Do a comedian, but he is also an amazing portrait artist so he is our inspiration for this term.

Artwork updates will be in the next newsletter.

.

The 2024 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge is in full swing. However, it’s not too late to join in the challenge. If you have read any books since September last year, you can add them to your record. The challenge is to read 20 books before 23 August 2024 but don’t worry, we can still register you and you can still participate. If you are an avid reader, the Library encourages you to enter the challenge and can support you to select a variety of books to explore. At the completion of the challenge, the Library is providing a participation prize for all challengers. Here are some quick facts and for any further information, please just ask the Library staff.

LearnPath Guides are continually expanding providing our students with a ‘one stop shop’ of resources including web links, videos, and information especially curated for curriculum based topics. Sign into Oliver and explore the variety of resources available by clicking on the relevant LearnPath tab located at the top of the Oliver Home Page (College Library Catalogue) or type in the LearnPath search bar for a particular topic.

Our guides are continually evolving, so regular checking is recommended.

Also located on the Oliver home page is information regarding new resources, online referencing and upcoming events and promotions.

Our Library has a dedicated area with HSC resources and has now introduced brand new whiteboard tables for general use and more specifically collaboration projects.

Happy reading and happy Mother’s Day!

The Library Team

Over the past two terms Andrew Oldfield has had the pleasure to show students the process of creating a Traditional Fish trap. By using moist tall grass, Andrew thinned out the stems and weaved them together to make them stronger and more durable. He continuously tied the strands together, making a large trap. Over time it dried and became a strong and sufficient fishing trap.

Look at the end result! We thank Andrew for all his hard work on this.

While both are important, they approach problems from different perspectives. Logic focuses on problems and how to solve them, while magic focuses on opportunities and how to create them.

Mathematics is built on the foundation of pure logic. Each theorem, proof, and equation are derived from a set of logical rules.

Logic is the study of how to critically think about propositions or statements that are either true or false. In mathematics, logic statements can involve just words, words and symbols together or just symbols.

Is the following magic or pure logic? Try it at home!

Let’s see what you get!

The answer is LOGIC! When you multiply a number between 1-10 by 9, you will always end up with two digits that add up to 9.

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

For the latest newsletter please click here.

.

Don't miss out on purchasing your child/s school photos. You have up until 19 May to purchase your photos without a late fee.

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 14 May 1pm-2.30pm

• Tuesday 21 May 1pm-2.30pm

• 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/

We have a number of lost property items that have no names on them. Please have a look at the below photos and if you see anything that is yours please come to the office to collect either before school, recess, lunch or after school.

If you see something that is your's please come to the office to collect.

To All Schools, Parents and Students:

We would like to notify you that from Monday 13 May 2024, 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.

Please ensure all students that catch Picton Buslines buses to and/or from school 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, 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.

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