St Benedict's Catholic College

During Week 9 of this term all students from Years 7 - 10 will participate in Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT) in Mathematics, Reading Comprehension and Science. PAT tests are designed to assess each student’s current capability against the appropriate standard for their age.

The tests are online, multiple-choice and each test will take 40 - 45 minutes.

Why do we use PAT?

At St Benedict’s, PAT helps in measuring a student’s knowledge, skills and understanding in a subject, which in turn helps pinpoint where they are in their learning journey – and what they need to progress.

Staff use a multitude of data including PAT and NAPLAN to help determine how to best differentiate the learning within their classrooms. It is essential, therefore, that students approach these tests seriously, allowing them to be a genuine reflection of their ability.

At St Benedict’s, staff use a powerful and intuitive data package called Literatu, which sorts and presents data on each student in each class. Literatu highlights to teaching staff what specific skill areas need development, allowing them to cater the learning to the different learners in the class.

Test durations:

• Reading - 45 minutes
• Maths - 40 minutes
• Science - 40 minutes

• For the Maths test, calculators may be used by students. They will need their physical calculator with them.

• Students are encouraged to use a pencil and paper to assist with working out in all tests.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via ghignonem01@dow.catholic.edu.au

Marc Ghignone

Leader of Pedagogy, Innovation and High Performance

• Monday 7 to Friday 11 August - Week 2 of HSC Trials
• Friday 18 August - Staff Development Day - Pupil Free Day
• Monday 18 September - Year 12 Mini Carnival Day & Pastoral Day Lunch
• Tuesday 19 September - Year 12 Farewell Assembly & 2024 Captain Commissioning
• Wednesday 20 September - Year 12 Graduation Mass and Awards, Year 12 Reports released on Compass
• Friday 22 September - Last day of Term 3




TERM 4




• Monday 9 October - Staff Development Day - Pupil Free Day
  
• Tuesday 10 October - Students commence Term 4
  
• Friday 15 December - Last day of Term 4
  

During the Trial HSC Examinations:

• All classes will be suspended.

• Only attend school on the day of an exam

• Arrive at least 20 minutes before exams (exams will not be delayed for students who arrive late)

• You may leave school if you do not have another examination.

• Do not come to school if you are experiencing COVID or flu-like symptoms. Please see your doctor on or before the day of the exam and get a medical certificate. Follow the Illness/Misadventure process.

Attendance during exams

Please follow these instructions for exam attendance:

• Examinations will be conducted in the Hall and D Block.

• Congregate in the Senior Area 15 minutes before the exam and follow the instructions of the supervisors.

• You will not need to sign in if you are arriving for a morning session.

• If you are leaving after a morning session, sign out at the front office.

• If you are arriving for an afternoon session, sign in at the front office.

• You will not need to sign out if you are leaving after an afternoon session.

• Students must stay at school if you have an exam in both morning and afternoon sessions. Students are not permitted to leave after their morning exam and then come back for their afternoon session.

• The library will be available if you wish to remain at school and study. If you are remaining at school, you will need to stay in the library except for recess and lunchtime.

Absence from an exam

If you are absent from an exam:

• Contact the school (ph. 4631 5300) on the morning of the exam to leave a message for your Year Coordinator.

• Complete an Assessment Illness/Misadventure Appeal form The form can be obtained from the College website/Compass and must be completed as soon as the absence is known. Please make sure that the independent evidence section of the form is completed, such as a medical certificate.

• If you become ill during an examination, please ensure that you notify the supervisor during the exam. You will also need to complete an Illness/Misadventure Appeal form if you believe that illness has affected your performance during the examination.

Examination Instructions

During all examinations, you will need to follow these instructions:

• Examination materials – pens (black) and a calculator (if necessary) are to be placed in a clear plastic sleeve which will be inspected on entry into the exam room. You may bring in a clear drink bottle without labels. No pencil cases and no other material will be allowed into the room.

• Digital equipment – the only digital equipment that will be permitted into the examination room is your calculator. Leave your mobile phone, smartwatch, laptop, and any other equipment in your locker at the beginning of the exam session.

• Silence – you will need to be silent during all examinations. If you need assistance, raise your hand, and wait for the supervisor to help you. Do not attempt to communicate with any other students during the examination, even when papers are being collected. You will not be permitted to leave any exam early.

• Toilet breaks – to keep disruptions to a minimum, NESA rules are that students are not permitted to go to the toilet in the first 30 minutes or the last 30 minutes of any examination.

• Non-attempts - make your best attempt on all sections of your paper. Non-serious attempts and non-attempts may be considered for an N-Determination Warning Letter.

• You will not be permitted to leave an examination early, even if you have finished, and you will not be permitted to sit for an exam if you are more than 30 minutes late.

On Friday 28 July, a selection of students visited Campbelltown Athletics Stadium to represent St Benedict’s at the Wollongong Diocese Athletics Carnival. Throughout the day, students from all year groups were able to show their athletic ability and talents across a range of track and field events.

A special congratulations to Mikaylah Robinson who was named Joint Age Champion for the 16 year girls and Joseph Christl who was second in the Open Boys Age Champion category.

The following students have progressed in the following event/s and will now compete at the NSWCCC event later this term:

• Georgia Betar (800m)
• Joseph Christl (Shot Put, Discus and Javelin)
• Lincoln Judge (1500m)
• Mikaylah Robinson (High Jump and Javelin)

All students in attendance should be proud of their efforts and their wonderful representation of the College.

Special thanks to Brent Rushwoth (Team Manager), Tamara Mora (Official) and Gareth Reavell (Official) who accompanied the students on the day.

Congratulations to Ethan Clugston (Year 10) who recently travelled to the USA as part of the Legacy All Stars tour, under ex Australian Major League Baseball player Trent Oeltjen. He played against high school teams in San Diego and then travelled to Anaheim to play in the Firecracker Tournament. The Aussies were competitive, played well and had close games. At the end of the tournament Ethan was awarded the Golden Glove Hustle award. Presented to the player who showed consistent effort on and off the field, always willing to learn and improve.

In the winter season Ethan plays with Sydney University and in the summer season Ethan plays for Macarthur Orioles. Ethan was recently awarded the batting award for Macarthur Colts Senior League team at the recent state championship tournament.

Ethan always showed good hand eye coordination so started t-ball as a 6 year old for Chipping Norton.

Interesting fact is that Ethan was one of the smallest players but one of the quickest. Currently runs a 4.2 sec sprint to first base and the average major league baseball player runs a 4.3.

Catholic Earthcare (CARITAS) are running an ARTWORK COMPETITION for Season of Creation 2023. Further information can be found at this link: https://catholicearthcare.org.au/2023-arts-competition/ Entries close 9am, 14 August 2023.

If you have any questions please speak to Mrs Logue or send an email loguek01@dow.catholic.edu.au

With Flexischools, you can start ordering your child’s school lunch online. It is easy to use and takes just a few minutes to sign up!

1. Download the app - Flexischools

• 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&pli=1

2. Register

• Open the Flexischools App and click ‘Register'.

• Submit your email address to create an account.

• Go to your inbox and open the registration email from Flexischools. Click on the link and follow the registration process.

How to order food on our app

1. Click ‘Order food’ at the top of the app home screen

2. Select which student you would like to place an order for

3. Choose which service you would like to order (e.g. lunch)

4. Choose which date to order

5. Select any items you want to order

6. When you have finished adding items, click ‘confirm order’

7. Complete payment to place your order

P & F Uniform Pool order form - click here

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

Items can be paid for and collected from the SBCC College Office. We do not return, exchange or refund on 2nd hand clothing as these are donated by families.

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