St Benedict's Catholic College

The theme from the readings at last Sunday’s mass was about forgiveness. In both the first reading and the Gospel, we heard that it is important to forgive those around us for what they have done “not seven but seventy seven times". The Gospel explained that the servant who requested forgiveness was truly sorry for what he had done and begged for his master to be patient and he would repay his debt. In this sense, the theme of forgiveness incorporates the expectation that we will be sorry for what we have done that may be offensive to others. We should strive to be better people not only by forgiving those around us but also by being sorry for what we have done and this necessitates a conscious decision to try not to offend again. Taking both parts of this message is important in helping us follow a Christ like path.

Over the last two weeks we have celebrated the induction of our 2018 College leaders and prefects and the farewell of our Year 12 class of 2017. Both of these ceremonies were an important part of St Benedict’s College history and helped to reinforce the idea of community that is integral within the Benedictine tradition. I brought together as a part of the message from these events the theme that I had been speaking to the students about over the past five months at College assemblies. As with the readings from Sunday’s mass, each message had two complimentary ideas. This theme was around what it means to be a grown up. For individuals within our community to strive for growth, there were 14 words I asked them to consider incorporating within their own lives. I have used some of these over a number of recent newsletters and list them here for your consideration:

Gratitude and Generosity

Respect and Resilience

Opportunity and Ownership

Work and Wisdom

Nurturing and Nourishment

Understanding and Uniqueness

Perseverance and Patience.

Whilst these are not the only values that are important in our movement to adulthood, I have asked the students to consider how they might build toward making these an important part of their day-to-day decision-making.

A huge thank you to Miss Chalmers, and all the teachers and support staff who have contributed to the growth of the fine young women and men who graduated from our College this week. The support and work that has gone into assisting them can never be repaid and I acknowledge the work that has been done for them and with them. A very big thank you also to Mr Bombardiere who works tirelessly to ensure an appropriate and innovative pattern of teaching occurs and is celebrated through awards and recognition of students. This is an integral part of what we do and takes enormous effort and coordination.

At the start of next term, Mr Hanratty will return to St Benedict’s to be involved in the planning for 2018. He will also be continuing to assist at John Therry in a capacity as Acting Principal. At the end of my message in this newsletter, I have included a message in regards to this process from Carolyn Hadley, Head of Human Resource Services at Catholic Education, Diocese of Wollongong.

I congratulate the students and staff for all the learning that has occurred over the past 10 weeks and wish them a well-deserved and relaxing break. In looking forward to Term 4, I remind all students that you will return in summer uniforms and ask that you check these prior to day 1 to ensure upon your return, you are in correct uniform with appropriate hair cuts.

Steve Lo Cascio

Acting Principal

Dear members of the St Benedicts Catholic College Community.

Throughout Term 2 and 3 Mr Stephen Lo Cascio has been Acting Principal at St Benedicts Catholic College. I express the gratitude of the Catholic Education Office for his support of the St Benedict’s Community during that time. I wish to advise that Mr Lo Cascio will primarily continue as Acting Principal of St Benedicts during Term 4. As you are aware, Mr Michael Hanratty has been Acting Principal at John Therry Catholic High School during this time and will continue in a shared Principalship role there during the upcoming term.

During Term 4 Mr Hanratty will spend the majority of his time at John Therry but will also be involved at St Benedict’s planning and preparing for 2018. This process will involve the current leadership team and Mr Hanratty. The measures put in place will ensure an appropriate beginning, for the community of St Benedict’s, in 2018.

I take this opportunity to thank the staff and community of St Benedict’s for their ongoing support to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Wollongong and wish everyone well in their roles for term 4.

Warm regards

Carolyn Hadley

Head of Human Resources Services

As the term comes to an end and students and families prepare for the holidays, we are reminded of the busyness of Term 3 and all that has taken place recently.

This week has seen the Year 12 students depart the College and Thursday’s Graduation Mass and Ceremony was a beautiful way to see them finish their time with us. The students were very appreciative of this beautiful celebration and the significant meaning that it has in their lives. As I sat there and events unfolded in front of me, I was reminded of the many wonderful contributions that our Year 12 students have made to the Catholic life of the College. In terms of their prayer life, they have contributed in many ways such as organising and volunteering to be involved in College liturgies, to the Young and Free prayer group, and the support of Friday reflections before we were fortunate enough to be able to offer students an opportunity for Friday mass.

They have enthusiastically been involved in Social Action initiatives and fundraisers over the years as well as taking on important roles in our early Youth Ministry initiatives. Particularly, I would like to thank both Maddison Evans and Chaltu Etana who have played significant roles over the years in the Catholic life of the school, but particularly this year through their roles as Prefect for Catholic Life and Mission – congratulations ladies on a wonderful job.

Mr Hayden and some of our Year 9 Social Action leaders had the opportunity to go to the Catholic Mission Launch this week. This is always a wonderful opportunity to get an idea of the Catholic mission campaign for this year and the area that will be supported. As always it was a great launch.

Today the College is hosting a gathering of ‘Vinnies’ chapters from all around the diocese. This is a great opportunity for our school to not only showcase the wonderful social action initiatives at our College, but also to share in the collective wisdom from around the Diocese and look at how we can further our actions. I am confident that this will be a very rewarding and productive day.

The Wollongong Youth Festival was held last week and is a forerunner to the Australian Catholic Youth festival in December. Students had a very long day down at Wollongong but from all reports a very productive one. A big thank you to Mr Hayden and Ms Wojcik for working with the students on this important day.

Last Sunday’s Gospel reading was Matthew 18:21-35. The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant is a reading about forgiving all people from the heart. This important reading, reminds us of the importance that forgiveness plays in our lives. I was reminded of a quote from Pope Francis on this topic:

"God's forgiveness is what we all need, and it is the greatest sign of His mercy. A gift that every forgiven sinner is called upon to share with every brother and sister he or she meets. It is beautiful to be forgiven, but you too, if you wish to be forgiven, forgive in turn. Forgive!”

- General audience, March 30, 2016

Finally, I would like to wish you all an enjoyable holiday break.

Mr David Costin

Acting Assistant Principal / Director of Mission and Vision.

On Wednesday, the Year 12 Class of 2017 completed their final day of secondary schooling after a long six years of hard work. They were treated to a breakfast hosted at the Gledswood Hills Golf Club. Here, they enjoyed good food and good company as they celebrated with peer awards and staff gifts.

The students then journeyed back to school for their final ever assembly where the Year 12 students, presenters and musicians were impeccable during this very emotional event. The students then received a guard of honour as they made their way out of the College.

The day ended with the students relaxing and enjoying each others company with a picnic at Cataract Dam. It was a whirlwind of a day for which the Year 12's will never forget!

Year 11 Exploring Early Childhood studies had the opportunity to interact with preschooler's during their excursion to Macarthur Early Learning Centre in Elderslie on Tuesday 5 September.

The current unit focuses on promoting positive behaviour in young children through a variety of strategies and analysing the differences between expectation and reality. Our students recently designed games for preschool aged children to assist in the development of communication, respect and motor skills and to allow for differentiation and modification depending on age and ability.

The centre generously allowed our students to implement and facilitate their games in three separate rooms across varying ages. The preschool children responded enthusiastically to the educational games and successfully completed alphabet boards, colour matching, animals memory and puppet role-play activities.

It was fantastic to see how our students took on the roles of responsibility and genuinely wanted the young children to succeed and learn. It was a great opportunity to create connections and partnerships with the community around us.

As part of literacy and numeracy week celebrations, on Friday 8 September, Years 9 and 10 students participated in the ‘Mad about Money’ incursion at the College. Members of the National Theatre for Children provided an informative and entertaining review of financial literacy issues that concern all young people. The students are to be commended for their excellent behaviour and participation on the day.

Mr. Dempsey

“Mad about money was a very informative show. The show was very funny but at the same time it taught us how to be smart with our money. This benefited our future lives because we will now have an idea on how to save money and prioritise our needs and wants. It is taught us the difference between our needs and our wants and gave us information we can store away for later when we become adults and need to save for things like houses, cars and other financial things in our lives.” By Ella, Rachael & Eryn.

The Book Club meets at lunch time and has been a valuable initiative for those students (and staff) who just love reading.

“Book club has been a major turning point for my reading. While all I used to read was fantasy, Book Club has opened my eyes to more genres of books. Some that I would have never picked up in my life have become some of my favourite books. It's really fun and intriguing to see what other's opinions are on the books. Book Club is an incredible opportunity to meet fellow bookworms, widen your vocabulary and make your imagination soar.” Sophia Laurantus Yr 7.

“I love being in Bennies Book Club because it is a great way to meet up with other people who love to read books like me. It is also a really good way to discover many new amazing books to read. I really think more people should join Bennies Book Club if you love to read… you'll definitely enjoy it.” Erin Small Yr 7.

“Book club is interesting, engaging and a great social interaction with others and it’s a great way to read books you normally wouldn't pick. It's a great opportunity to meet students with similar interests and hobbies. Quote: "The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you'll go" - Dr. Seuss. Tristan Scaglione Yr 8.

“The St Benedict's book club is an enjoyable extra-curricular for all involved. It allows for a deeper understanding of books through exchanging interpretations and analysis with peers. It gives members opportunities to form friendships with others who have similar interests and learn from them. I look forward to every meeting!” Rhiannon Essex Yr 7

"Books club is very interesting as it shows more books to read. It shows what other genres of books have to offer, and it is a place where a few people who read books can meet and talk about them." Wayden Ongsitco Yr 8

"It is always interesting to hear different reviews of the same book. It opens your thinking to other viewpoints. Also, the biscuits are pretty good!" Mrs Hempenstall

If you are interested in joining Bennies Book Club, please email Mr Gallagher.

All are welcome

Congratulations to the following students who were nominated as MVPs for Week 10:

AFL:

Gwendolyn Ucar

Taeknowdo/NRL:

Jack Borg

NRL/Taeknowdo:

Ethan Moubarak

Martial Arts:

Damien Eagles

Netball:

Althea-Faith Dela Cruz, Jackson Rootes

Barefoot Bowls:

Mitchell Groot and William Meredith

Bowling A:

Brendan Murr

Bowling B:

Joel Shipley

Golf:

Jordan Flood

Pilates/Yoga:

Alicia Xerri

Spin Class:

Victoria Gray

Tennis:

Ethan Billet

MISA Sport

Our MISA teams had their finals.

Year 7-9 Girls Soccer Draw

Year 10-12 Girls Soccer Forfeit

Year 10-12 Boys Basketball Forfeit

Year 10-12 Girls Basketball Forfeit

Year 7 Girls Netball Loss

MVP: Torens Haroon

Year 8 Girls Netball Loss

MVP: Amy Evans

Year 7-9 Boys 12’s AFL Win

Year 9-10 Boys Rugby League Drew

Yours in Sport

Miss Liska

For the past three terms, students have been attending Camden Bowling Club during sport on a Tuesday and competing with each other playing barefoot bowls. Each week three gentlemen who are part of the bowls association assist the students in having the correct technique required for lawn bowls and allow the students to verse each other in a competitive but friendly environment.

As Term 3 drew to a close, the students had a ‘bowl off’ in groups whereby William Meredith and Mitchell Groot (Year 9), won the competitions and were presented with a prize from the club. The boys were ecstatic!!!

Alongside this, the College was presented with a $150 cheque thanking us for allowing the students to be part of their great association. On behave of the College, I would like to publicly thank Camden Bowling Club for presenting the College with such a kind donation where the proceeds will go towards the Library. This kind gesture is greatly appreciated and will be sure to go to good use.

Thank you once again for your time and support over the past year, and we look forward to going back there next term.

Miss Liska

Sports Coordinator

Friday 15th September our school made history once again. Jared Madsen, Nakeisha Brimble and Charlotte Manny made their way to Homebush to compete at the NSWCCC Athletics Carnival. This is a major event at our College as it is the first time we have had three individuals representing the College and the Wollongong Dioceses at such a high level.

All three students did an amazing job in their selected events. Jared came third in the 1500m event where he smashed his PB with a 4.28min run. Nakeisha represented the College in two events, high jump and long jump, proving once again how competitive and fierce she is coming first and second respectively in her events. This saw her on the podium twice in one day. Lastly, Charlotte Manny represented the College in long jump whereby she placed 6th overall.

As a whole we are extremely proud of all three competitors who represented the College with pride and sportsmanship. They have done themselves and the College proud.

Thank you to the families who constantly provide support to their children in their endeavours.

Miss Liska

Sports Coordinator

As a smaller group, we were excited but nervous for what the day would hold. As Mr Hayden and Ms Wojick went through the day’s activities before we left, our enthusiasm for the day certainly grew. We arrived in Wollongong where we were greeted with eagerness and an extremely large circus tent.

As we entered the hot, dark and slightly intimidating tent, straight away the energy within made us feel more comfortable. There was music and dancing right from the start, definitely adding to the festival vibes. I can honestly say I entered this day feeling as though I was going to be lectured about my faith and told about how I should live my life but instantly, this fear was gone when I entered that tent, and chose to follow the second door, opening my heart. As Joel took us through the introduction, the nervous chatter decreased into loud cheers and singing.

To start off the day, we were given the opportunity to choose two of four sessions available to take us through the first few hours of the day. Personally, I chose to do the creative session and international session. Each session went for around 45-50 minutes and explored how our faith can be shown in our everyday lives, and through the way we embrace our gifts and talents. Within each, it was quickly established that there was no judgement and we were free to be ourselves, surrounded by likeminded people in a relaxed setting.

One of the most important parts of the day, obviously, was the food (I’m kidding). Throughout the day there was an abundance of pizza, sausages, bacon and good old Lebanese food; but a certain Chico’s might have been in the mix for Bennies as well (Thanks sir!). Food was joined by play, and the 2%er’s demolished Mr Hayden’s team in bubble soccer (sorry sir).

After this we were all invited to join the Bishop and local community in Mass. This was a very beautiful and rewarding experience for all those involved and brought many of us together in shared prayer.

Later in the afternoon everybody gathered for what we’d all been waiting for, the true festival experience of music and dancing for an hour. This was a truly amazing experience and there are no words for the vibes of the people in the room, everyone was relaxed and everybody got involved, just adding to the experience of it all.

There was also a range of guest speakers throughout the day ranging from celebrity directors to young men and women such as ourselves. Each speaker explored how their life experiences shaped the way they interact with their faith and each held significant meaning in their own individual way. Forgiveness became a prominent theme throughout the day, forgiveness of ourselves, forgiveness of others (like we forgave each other for attacking each other in bubble soccer) which became integrated into the last session of the day through confession and prayer groups.

Both were a beautiful representation of the love and forgiveness that God shows, and the unity brought through faith, as we were joined together, strangers now friends. As we headed home at the end of a long day, the feelings between all, were more relaxed and everyone had either reunited with, made or met new friends. This truly was a rewarding experience and I would gladly do it again.

Lyllie Conwell 10.3

Oran Park Town have been working with South West Sydney Institute of TAFE to explore the possibility of TAFE providing training opportunities in Oran Park.

To help determine community interest in a TAFE facility being offered from the Oran Park Smart Work Hub, South West Institute together with Oran Park Town have created a short survey.

You are invited to provide your feedback by completing the survey. Your input is valuable and will help shape future training which may be offered at an Oran Park TAFE facility.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SWSITAFEOranPark

Survey closes Thursday 21 September 2017.

For enquiries, please contact the Oran Park Town Sales & Information Centre on

9043 7500