St Benedict's Catholic College

Dear Parents, Carers, Students, and Staff,

On behalf of Mrs Piatek and the staff and students of St Benedict's I extend my heartfelt congratulations to our Year 12 graduates and their families. Thank you to the staff involved with the Farewell Assembly, Mass, Awards and the light lunch. Special thanks to the Year 12 Coordinator Mr Peter Morris for guiding our Year 12 students.

To the Graduating Class of 2024, St. Benedict gave us the wisdom that resonates today in his reminder to “Listen with the ear of your heart.” In a world that often moves too fast and is filled with distractions, learning to listen deeply is a skill that will guide you through life. Listening with your heart means paying attention to what truly matters—your values, your purpose, and the well-being of others. It means being open to learning from those around you, to understanding perspectives different from your own, and to making decisions that are grounded in kindness and empathy.

We also celebrated the induction of our new College Leaders for the Class of 2025. As leaders, you will not only represent St Benedict's but also embody the value we stand for: a love of God, Neighbour and Learning.

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all our families and students a safe and happy break and look forward to welcoming students back on Monday 14 October..

Kind regards,
Michael Turner

As we move into Term 4, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all their support of the College during some important and interesting Term 3 events. The school only functions when all moving parts work together, and for that we are truly grateful.

There are some reminders of important dates and items for Term 4 below:

From Day 1 of Term 4, all students should be in full Summer uniform. Can families ensure that uniforms are tailored to fit appropriately and within acceptable lengths in accordance with College Policy. This includes skirts/dresses being on the knee as well as pants being long enough to cover socks.

Further, a reminder of the acceptable haircuts at the College. No undercuts, mullets or extreme hairstyles are acceptable and students may be removed from classes for inappropriate uniform.

Please refer to the College Uniform Guidelines found HERE for clarification.

The Higher School Certificate Examinations begin on Tuesday 15 October and end on Friday 8 November. In this time, there will be roped off sections of the College as well as different access to learning spaces. Further, the Hall gate of the College on Hollows Drive will not be used for leaving in the afternoon. All students need to leave from the Rear Gate of the College near the labyrinth.

We have an increasing number of students attending the College each year and with this, an increasing number of students who require transport to and from school.

With this in mind, students and parents are reminded that it is a condition of the use of a School Opal card that students must tap on at the beginning of a trip and tap off at the end of a trip at an Opal Card Reader, when they travel to and from school. Please refer to the Transport for NSW website for further details: https://transportnsw.info/school-pass-terms

Opal data gathered by tapping on and off is used to determine demand for bus services. If students fail to tap on and tap off, services for the school may be reduced or even cancelled due to the lack of recorded patronage.

• October 14 - Term 4 Starts
• October 15 - HSC Starts
• October 16-18 - Year 9 Camp
• October 24 - Vaccination Catch Up Day
• October 29 - Year 11 Parent/Teacher Meetings
• November 5 - P&F Meeting (6pm)
• November 6-8 - Year 11 Retreat
• November 12 - Year 12 Formal
• November 15 - Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day)
• November 18 - Year 9 Reflection Day
• November 20 - Year 7 2025 Orientation Evening
• November 22 - Year 7 2025 Orientation Day
• December 6 - Year 8 Science Excursion
• December 17 - Student Activity Day

Please note that more information will be sent to families regarding end of year celebrations throughout Term 4.

Kind regards,

John Wheeler

We received late last week our brand new print of ST BENEDICT. This beautiful print was created by Stephan B. Whately and was framed on Monday just in time to be used for our celebrations this week.. Thank You to Mr Marc Ghignone for recommending this artist and print for the College.

This week we celebrated the graduation of our Year 12 students and we opened the door to send them forth into the rest of their lives. We pray that they will venture beyond their horizons, dare to live their dreams and overcome their obstacles. May they always remember the faith, hope and love that they have experienced at St Benedict’s Catholic College Oran Park.

Congratulations and Blessings to the graduating class of 2024. What a week it has been - House Farewells, Year 12 Farewell Assembly and Guard of Honour all culminating with the Year 12 Graduation Mass of Thanksgiving and Awards. I have been at the College since 2019 - when this group began Year 7 and it is really something special to witness this group through all six years at the College. A cohort that I will remember with great fondness too.

Year 12 Farewell Assembly included a beautiful ceremony of light involving four candles lit representing Light of Learning, Light of Love, Light of Memory and Light of Faith. Thank You to Mrs Fiona Place (mother of Owen in Year 12) and Eve Cremen (sister of Oscar in Year 12) who joined Mr Turner and I with this part of the ceremony - many smiles and tears were shed.

The Year 12 Graduation Mass, celebrated on 25 September 2024 by Fr. Sean Cullen, marked a profound moment of transition, reflection, and hope. Anchored in the Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit, the Mass invited Year 12 to seek the guidance and presence of the Holy Spirit as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. The singers and musicians from Year 12 were exceptional. Thank You to the wonderful work Mr Brandon O’Donnell and Mrs Jenny Koryzma have done with our students in preparation for the Mass.

The first reading from Isaiah reminded Year 12 of their call to live with a spirit of joy, justice, and service. Just as the Spirit of the Lord anointed Isaiah to bring good news to the oppressed and bind up the brokenhearted, so too Year 12 are invited to use their gifts to uplift others and be 'oaks of righteousness' in their communities.

The second reading from Corinthians, a familiar reading for those who did Studies of Religion, St. Paul emphasised the unity and diversity of the body of Christ. This was a powerful reminder for the students that, despite their individual talents and paths, they remain connected in their shared faith and purpose. The Holy Spirit, who gives various gifts, unites all in one body, encouraging them to value both their own gifts and those of others as they move forward.

The passage from the Gospel of John (Jn 20:19-23) held a poignant message of peace and mission. Just as Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit onto His disciples, sending them out to continue His work, so too the Year 12 students were sent forth from the Mass, empowered to share Christ's peace and forgiveness with the world.

Thank You to Fr Sean Cullen, Parish Priest of Corpus Christi Bowral who celebrated our Year 12 Graduation Mass. Fr Sean spoke in his homily about the importance of trust, surrender and the abandoning of oneself to faith. You will always fall not into darkness but to LIGHT. He also shared with Year 12 a beautiful quote from Ruth Burrows, an English Carmelite.

“Surrender and abandonment are like a deep, inviting, frightening ocean into which we are drawn. We make excursions into it to test it, to see whether it’s safe, to enjoy the sensation of it. But, for all kinds of reasons, we always go back to dry land, to solid ground, to where we are safe. But the ocean beckons us out anew and we risk again being afloat in something bigger than ourselves. And we keep doing that, wading in and then going back to safety, until one day, when we are ready, we just let the waters carry us away.”

As the Mass concluded, the message was clear: Year 12 are not merely leaving their school years behind but are being commissioned, filled with the Holy Spirit, to continue their journey of growth, faith, and service. This celebration was not only a moment of gratitude but a call to step boldly into the future with hearts open to the Spirit’s guidance, confident in their identity as beloved and gifted members of the body of Christ.

The College will be receiving a NATIONAL AWARD next week from Together for Humanity for our involvement and work in the Interfaith Encounter during the past 12 months.

Kind regards,

Kimberley Logue

Term 4

• Monday 14 October - Term 4 starts (Students and Staff)
• Tuesday 15 October - HSC Commences
• Wednesday 16 - Friday 18 October - Year 9 Camp
• Thursday 17 October - Year 8 History Incursion at school

IMPORTANT DATES

• Last day of Term 4 for students - Tuesday 17 December

On Friday 13 September, Year 10P students attended the Year 6 St Justin’s Spirituality Day under the direction and guidance of Ms Seychell. Students were presented with a range of activities (created by the Year 12 Studies in Catholic Thought class) to facilitate the Year 6 students in an effort to help prepare them for their upcoming sacrament of Confirmation.

From “Dramatisation” games to a “Seven Corners” game - students were encouraged to use their character strengths of team work, leadership skills, creativity, bravery, humour, judgement, kindness, perseverance and spirituality - all of which each and every student demonstrated during the day.

Year 12 students from Studies in Catholic Thought are to be commended for their contribution to this day through supplying these activities to the Year 10 students and developing other students' capabilities of leading. All students were engaged, helpful and demonstrated leadership skills throughout the process of this project.

Preparing for Confirmation is a process of becoming a fully committed member of the Christian community, sensitive to how the Spirit is moving in one's life. The Spirit moves us to make wise and fair decisions, moves us to pray, and to connect with others and build community. Through the activities set by the students, the primary students were able to link this sacrament to the reality of living in everyday life situations. From building courage in the playground to standing up to bullies, to appreciation of each individual regardless of differences - the students demonstrated what it is to be a strong leading Catholic and living the Catholic life.

We would like to thank Mrs Melissa Fenato (REC at St Justin’s Primary School) as well as the Leadership team at St Benedict’s Catholic College for allowing us to attend and participate. And lastly - the BBQ team - thank you for feeding us and ensuring the food was cooked thoroughly!

The last session for 2024 - On Wednesday 18 September 2024, students of Studies in Catholic Thought in Year 12 attended Carrington Aged Care to present to the residents the book they had been working on (Carrington Comfort) and have afternoon tea with the resident they have been working with for the last Term and a half.

A thank you to all the students for being courageous enough to enter into an unknown world - your enthusiasm, communication skills and positivity was welcomed by the staff and residents of Carrington Aged Care.

The purpose of our visits was to tie in with our class unit - The Common Good. Whilst exploring the understanding of the demands of Christian living, and developing an understanding of the moral life as a part of the life of Catholics, we wanted students to engage in understanding the issues facing the human person, human society and the environment in a secular world - which is where Carrington Aged Care came in. We wanted students to value and appreciate the contribution of the individual person to the lives of the wider society. By visiting on a regular basis, students were able to meet you - and get to know the human person and your contributions past and present to the Carrington community.

To live a good life is a phrase in common use and to some may mean a life of luxury and comfort with few troubles and worries. For others it is a life that brings happiness and contentment. We have learnt that from you. The simple things in life can bring you joy - from family members, to achievements, to being surrounded by people who care for you.

If you are ever in the office foyer - take a look at their creation!

Kind regards,

Suzanne Seychell

Last week the Year 10 Food Technology class completed a practical lesson as part of their assessment task. This task required them to plan, prepare and serve 24 canapes of their choosing. The students did an excellent job over two lessons executing their recipes and they were able to produce some wonderful and delicious tasting dishes. This unit of work looks at the service of food for others and they were able to demonstrate that by coming together at the end of the cook time to share their food and discuss their dishes. Well done Year 10.

Kind regards,

Lynette Reavell

Kind regards,

Julieanne Simich

Woronora Dam and Stanwell Park Beach Reserve

Wednesday 11 September 2024

Visiting Woronora Dam and Stanwell Park was a great experience for me and all students. We were given the opportunity to learn about the dam, and see it for ourselves! Us students were taught about how it used to be, and how it is now. We were given a booklet to write information in throughout the day to learn more. Afterwards, we got to see views over the water and woods! Once we were done with Woronora Dam, we headed over to Stanwell Park where we did more activities. These activities being, testing the water, and capturing live creatures in the water with nets! Overall, this excursion was a great time and we learnt a lot from it.

• By Joshua S (Year 7 student)

Year 7 went down to the Woronora dam and I assure you all year 7s could say the same thing I'm about to say, the view was incredible! I would definitely go again to have another good experience of my life.

• By Joel T (Year 7 student)

The College wishes safe travels to staff and students who are heading to the USA for the 2024 High Tech Trek this school holidays. Have a wonderful adventure and for the latest news please check out this blog: https://sbcchightechtrek2024.blogspot.com/

Who wrote it first?

Calling all Swifties, Tupac, Twenty-One Pilots, Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish and more fans. Register for our upcoming Trivia competition which will run every Friday at lunch in Term 4 from Week 3 until Week 6. That’s 3 Fridays where you have to decide whether famous artists originally wrote the lines of your favourite song, or whether it was already a poem and they have copied it!!

BOOKFLIX is a collection of books that have been adapted for television and currently screened on Netflix. Come and see what’s trending in the Library!

Coming to the Library near you ….. HORRORWEEN

Showcasing our Horror genre of books in the Library.

Frightfully good books, killer thrillers and spooky stories - come and check it out.

Happy Reading!

The Library Team

Students who will not be returning to St Benedict's Catholic College in 2025 (excluding Year 12 students) are requested to send an email to our Enrolment Officer advising us of this change. Please email enrolments_sbcc@dow.catholic.edu.au

Step 1 - Register

Open your Flexischools app or use their website:

App Store - https://apps.apple.com/au/app/flexischools/id1420774608

Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?gl=US&hl=en_AU&id=com.flexischools
Website - https://user.flexischools.com.au/register

1. Submit your email to create an account

2. In your inbox, open the registration email

3. Click the link within and follow registration prompts in app

Step 2 - Setting up your child's details

Once your account is set up, log into your Flexischools app.

1. Select 'Profile' icon on the bottom right hand side of the screen

2. Under 'Students' click 'Add new'

3. Enter your child's name, school, year level, class & student card number*
* This card number is on the back of your child's Compass Card (10 digits)

Step 3 - Order and pay with ease!
Here's how to order food on Flexischools

1. Click 'Order food' top of app home screen

2. Select the student you'd like to order for

3. Choose a service (break 1 - recess) or (break 2 - lunch) and order date

4. Select any items you'd like to order

5. Once finished, click 'view order'

6. Select 'Checkout & pay' to place the order

When using the Compass App:

1. At the bottom of the screen, select the 'more' option

2. Select the 'Open in Browser' option

3. On the top right hand of the screen click the 'clog symbol'

4. A drop down menu appears and select 'CompassIdentity Card'

5. Click 'Order New Card'

5. Under 'Payment' click the 'Order Now' button

6. An $11.50 (including GST) fee applies and once paid it will take up to 7 school business days to arrive at school

7. The office will send an email to the student when it arrived and the student will need to collect from the Student Foyer.

Remember when the new Compass Card arrives, to update your 10 digit code on the back of the card with Flexischools.

This is a friendly reminder that students are not to carry medication with them on site, with the exemption of an EpiPen and/or Ventolin. If your child is required to take any medication during school hours this must be provided to the office by a parent/carer accompanied by the completed Request to Administer Medication Form attached below.

On Monday 16 September we had five students represent the Wollongong Diocese at the NSWCCC Athletics Championships at Homebush. All of our students were highly competitive in each of the events they entered on the day. The highlight of the day being Luca Mileto who finished 2nd in both the 200m and Long Jump as well as 3rd place in the 100m and 400m events.

Congratulations to Luca Mileto, Georgia Betar, Dominic Agostino, Molly Small and Bree Vitalone who represented the Wollongong Diocese at this event.

As we move into Term 4 and the warmer months of the year a reminder that students should be wearing their college hats and water bottles should be taken with them to Sport each Tuesday. It is very important that students remain sun smart and well hydrated as we head into the final months of spring and then summer.

Kind regards,
Simon Zahra
Sports Convenor

Studio5 has relocated to a new site in Campbelltown and is now open for students from Years 11 and 12 to study Monday - Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm and during school holidays.

To book, send an email to studio5@dow.catholic.edu.au with your name/school and the date/time you plan to attend. Cancel at any time via email.

Printing and binding facilities available.

Address: Suite 3.01, Building B, Lvl 3, 4 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown NSW 2560

Website: https://www.atstudio5.com/

Email: studio5@dow.catholic.edu.au

Contact: Natasha Hamilton 0429 193 168

For all things related to the College BYODD Program, please visit the College BYODD Site. Here you will find all information relating to the BYODD Program including device requirements, Apple Care + and how to configure your device for use at the College.

For questions relating to BYODD, please contact the College or email:

https://sites.google.com/dow.catholic.edu.au/byoddsbcc/it-support

For the latest newsletter on Career Tools please click the below PDF file.

Mrs Tracee Brown

Transition & Pathways (TaP's) Coordinator/ TAS Teacher

NSW Police have seen an increase in young people becoming victims of image-based abuse and sextortion. Please ensure you read the below factsheets. Check out this reel from Camden Police Area Command - https://www.facebook.com/share/r/D74g42UqokJKpWfm/

Our College's Clothing Pool is running low on uniforms, and we need your help! If you have any uniforms you no longer use, please consider donating them.

You can drop off your donations at the office Monday to Friday, from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Your generosity will make a big impact!

Thank you for your support!

Please find attached the school bus timetable for 2024 or you can click on the link below to see our school timetable that has been uploaded onto the transit systems website.
https://nsw.transitsystems.com.au/

P & F Uniform Pool order form - click here

The P & F preloved Uniform Pool has reopened, please complete the order form and send to the P & F by email at: uniforms@sbccdow.catholic.edu.au

Our wonderful P&F volunteer Tracey will contact you.

Items can be paid for in cash ONLY and collected from the SBCC College Office.

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

The Ranier Schoolwear uniform shop in Narellan will be open throughout the September/ October school holidays. It will be closed on public holiday Monday, 7th October.

ORGANISE UNIFORMS FOR SUMMER NOW

If you know the uniform sizes required, you can purchase the uniforms in-store or place an online order via the webstore at shop.ranier.com.au. For any exchange, item must be in original condition (unworn, unwashed, unaltered, tags attached) with original packaging. Some exclusions may apply. Note that online orders are only processed during shop operating hours. Orders placed during school/public holiday period will be picked and packed when the shop re-opens.

Ranier Schoolwear end-of-year closure and re-opening dates:

2024 last day of trading: Thursday 19th December

2025 first day of trading: Wednesday 8th January

New girls short now available in-store or online.

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