Dear Parents and Caregivers

In the last newsletter I wrote about what we are seeing as “trends in parenting”. In continuing my reflection, the next three trends will come as no surprise to most families.

The normalisation of anxiety

Amazingly, when Australia conducted the first Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing in 1998 anxiety wasn’t listed in the list of disorders that impacted kids. It wasn’t on the radar in the same way that major depressive disorders and ADHD were. With one in seven Australian kids in the 4-18 age group experiencing a mental health disorder, it’s fair to say anxiety is on the radar now.

The last few years have seen the rise in the normalisation of anxiousness across all strands of the community. People from all walks of life are talking about it and there’s more knowledge about its management.

Wellbeing as a way of life, not merely a fad

Possibly as a response to anxiousness, the wellness industry has been thriving for years now and it’s beginning to make its mark on families. ‘Find a balance’, ‘Don’t over-do your studies’, ‘Make sure you choose at least one subject you enjoy.’ The language kids hear is beginning to reflect the move toward mental health practices as a normal part of life, for happiness and wellbeing, and not just for optimal school success.

Parents will continue this year to look for the latest research, information and strategies to support the mental health and wellbeing of their families. Schools, as a trusted source of information, have a significant role to play in educating parents about this trend. At St Benedict’s we will be building on our existing parent education programmes with a series of high profile guest speakers in 2019 and 2020, beginning with Professor Lea Waters in Term 3.

Balancing extra-curricular activities

Has the student extra-curricular activity trend reached its heights? Has kids’ busy-ness peaked? For many years the benefits of kids being involved in extra-curricular activities has been spruiked, and rightly so, but now the extent to which this is so, ignores the cost in terms of overworked kids, frantic parents and stretched family time.

In the near future, we are more likely to hear the word ‘balance’ (a very Benedictine focus!) replace the terms ‘benefits’ when extra-curricular activities are considered. The potential stresses that student overload can cause on family-life and parent wellbeing is now a common concern. In this increasingly competitive educational climate parents are yearning for more balance themselves. Can you recognise your family in any of these scenarios?

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The newsletter contains information elsewhere regarding our Mother’s Day Morning Tea. This is a great partnership between the College and the Parents & Friends Association and promises to be a wonderful event. As this is a catered and seated event, it is absolutely vital that Mums or Grandmums or Aunties register for the event using the Eventbrite link to avoid any embarrassment. You must have a ticket to gain admission. Please check the closing date carefully as catering arrangements will be made on the basis of numbers attending. I look forward to seeing you there.

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There are a number of changes in staffing for Term 2. Congratulations go to Mr Craig Davidson who has taken up a significant appointment with the Parramatta CEO in their “Captivate!” arts programme that is delivered for students across K-12. Craig has been an integral part of the College since our Mt Carmel days in 2013 and is responsible for building our wonderful CAPA faculty from scratch. We wish him well in this exciting new endeavour. Craig is replaced by the highly experienced Mr Brandon O’Donnell. In Mathematics Mr Dempsey’s replacement will be Mr Adam Rowles. We also wish Mrs Fama well as she takes maternity leave and her replacement for the remainder of 2019 will be Miss Michala Georges. Mr Jolly will be away in Term 2 whilst he recovers from significant shoulder surgery and his Mathematics classes will be taken by Mrs Helen O'Connell who joins us from Marist Sisters Woolwich.

We have reached the end of a fairly long term and even the “holidays” seem a busy period with the Easter Triduum and Anzac Day celebrations meaning many parents will also be at home with their children and there will be lots of family gatherings. I trust each family will take the opportunity to attend their local Parish and celebrate together not only the Triduum but also that joy of Easter Sunday, the Resurrection of Our Lord, the moment which sits at the heart of our faith.

From all of us here at Bennies, have a safe, happy and particularly holy Easter break.

Warm regards

Michael Hanratty

Principal

As the term draws to an end and we all get ready for a well earned break, it is important to look at the last few weeks and some of the events happening in our community.

NAPLAN Practice Tests

Last week, some of our students were engaged in the NAPLAN Practice Tests. This is an important step in getting our systems ready for the online testing system, as well as giving our students some great practice at completing the NAPLAN exams and being in exam conditions.

Year 12 Assessment Block

Year 12 completed their assessment block last week as well. This time of the year signifies the half way mark for our Year 12 students and on average, students will have completed 2 of 4 of their assessments for each course. Term 2 will bring its own challenges for Year 12. It is likely that students will have an assessment task for each subject. Students will also be very busy preparing their study notes and practising their skills (such as essay writing) for each of their courses. The reality for Year 12 is that in twelve school weeks they will begin their trial HSC examinations. Good luck to Year 12 in this busy time.

Transition Reports

This week saw Year 7 receive their Transition Report. This report is an important indication of the students initial transition into high school. This transition can be a difficult one for students and I would encourage families to contact their child’s Academic Care Tutor if they feel that their child is having difficulties.

Easter Liturgy

Today, as a community, we celebrated our Easter Liturgy. The Easter liturgy is an important event that helps students understand the importance of the sacrifice of the cross. Mrs Logue, Mr Hayden and Mrs Koryzma did a wonderful job in putting together a moving liturgy. Congratulations to all who were involved.

Term 2 events

A reminder to families that on the 2nd of May (first Thursday back) school photos are being held. The first week is a pretty busy one with the Boys and Girls Diocesan Soccer also being held as well as the year 7 Zoo excursion. A reminder that students return in Term 2 in full winter uniform.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter.

Mr David Costin

Assistant Principal

Monday 29 April - First day of Term 2 (Week B) - Winter Uniform

Tuesday 30 April - ANZAC Day Ceremony

Thursday 2 May - School Photo Day

Thursday 2 May - DIO Boys Soccer

Friday 3 May - DIO Girls Soccer

Friday 3 May - Year 12 Hospitality Excursion

Friday 3 May - Year 7 Zoo Excursion for Science

Friday 3 May - Last day to RSVP for Mother's Day Morning Tea

Monday 13 May - Mother's Day Morning Tea

As we make the journey with Jesus next week, the readings call us to a revolution of the heart, to take seriously our vocation as disciples of Jesus and as Isaiah reminds us to be faithful to this call and "listen like a disciple."

As we commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus, we are also keenly aware of the humility of his life, and his refusal to remain silent in the face of the traditional attitudes and culture of rejection and exclusion experienced by the poor and marginalised - an unpopular practice then and now! Jesus' life epitomizes the cost of discipleship. Next week more than any other, rams home the call and cost of discipleship. Like Isaiah we can say "The Lord has given us, a disciple's tongue. So that I may know how to reply to the wearied, he provides me with speech. Each morning he wakes me to hear, to listen like a disciple." Are we open to hearing the voice of our God who calls us to speak and listen like a disciple?

Project Compassion comes to a conclusion this week. A huge Thank You to all staff and students for their efforts and contributions to Project Compassion. There have been a range of initiatives raffles, guessing competitions, bake sales, Zooper Dooper Tuesday sales, lolly bags, soft drinks sales and today - Staff versus Student Volleyball match at Lunch Time. There have also been significant individual donations by students. A student in Year 10 donated $40.00. As a College to date we have raised over $4,600 dollars. A fabulous achievement.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS LITURGY - Friday 12th April 2019

As a College Community we gathered for our Easter Liturgy with the presentation of the Stations of the Cross. A beautiful liturgy with the drama prepared by Mr Alex Hayden and music by Mrs Jenny Koryzma. We so lucky to have such wonderful talent on Staff but also amongst our students.

This year our Easter Liturgy brings to life the Stations of the Cross with direct links to Laudato Si: On the Care for our Common Home.

In 2015 Pope Francis wrote the Encyclical letter, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. He wrote that he wanted not only to clarify Catholic Social Teaching on the environment but advance it. Looking to reality, he linked the suffering of marginalised people with the disruption of the life-support systems of Earth: the twin cry of poor people and Earth itself.

The Stations of the Cross is a traditional Catholic devotion – the Way of the Cross accompanying Jesus. It shows us the self-giving of God’s own self in love. The Stations move us to join with the mental trauma and physical suffering of Jesus on his way to Calvary, and to encounter Jesus in our lives and times. By his Cross and Resurrection Jesus made a New Creation.

As the Christ, Jesus transformed people in mind and heart, and gave them the power to be in solidarity with each other, to forgive and make things right. Jesus re-united humanity with the natural world claiming it as the common home of all people and all natural species. Peoples unite in finding God present in the cosmos and Earth as the first revelation of a spiritual world, and rejoice. This Way of the Cross leads us to conversion. It is a medium of involvement. We are reconciled not only with our sisters and brothers but with Earth and all it holds. It helps us live with hope in our hearts.

With Holy Week occuring during the School Holidays this year - I have included a beautiful reflection about Holy Thursday.

‘Before we eat, we wash feet’

There's no real story of the Last Supper in the Gospel of John as we find it in the other Gospels. There is no passing of the bread or passing of the cup. Instead we come upon the story of Jesus on his knees washing the Apostles' feet. Really quite amazing, and even more amazing that we never made the foot washing into a Sacrament! It is much more explicit in the Scriptures than many other actions we made into sacraments. Perhaps John realized that after seventy years the other Gospels had been read. He wanted to give a theology of the Eucharist that revealed the meaning behind the breaking of the bread. He made it into an active ritual of servant-hood and solidarity, instead of the priestly cult that it has largely become.

Peter symbolizes all of us as he protests, "You will never wash my feet!" (John 13:8). But Jesus answers, "If I do not wash you, you can have nothing in common with me." That is strong! We all find it hard to receive undeserved love from another. For some reason it can be very humiliating to the ego. We all want to think we have earned any love that we get by our worthiness or attractiveness. So Jesus has to insist on being the servant lover.Thank God, Peter surrenders, but it probably takes him and us the rest of our lives to understand.

How would we feel washing the feet of loved ones, work colleagues, people we know and having them wash your feet?

‘So our Lent ends in the shadow of an empty cross and in the sunrise of an empty tomb. There are great things to be done by us and each of them takes great effort, requires great struggle, will face great resistance. But the way to the empty tomb goes through the mount of the cross.

Lent is our time to prepare to carry the crosses of the world ourselves. We must “set our faces like flint,” let nothing deter the Jesus life in us, continue the journey from Galilee to Jerusalem, knowing that however our efforts end, the resurrection is surely on its way.

Lent puts options before us. We can choose to be open or hardhearted, attuned to God or closed to everything but the self, a spiritual person or a religious person, full of faith or drowned in despair, stagnant or full of life. Lent is a choice of directions.’ Joan Chittister

'He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet’ (John 13:5)

A wealthy western woman visited Mother Teresa in Calcutta and offered to write a cheque to support the work of the Sisters of Charity. Mother declined: “I won’t take your money.” The woman insisted, reminding this human roadblock that she had great resources to donate. But Mother still said, “No money.” Exasperated, the woman stammered, “Well, what can I do?” Mother said, “Come and see.” She led the woman by the hand down into a dreadful slum, found a desperately dirty, hungry child, and asked the woman to take care of him. Her purse being of no avail, the woman took a cloth and water basin and bathed the child. Then she spooned cereal into the child’s mouth. The woman reported later that her life was changed. Servant-hood is humble, human, personal, and at times touchy and feely! God help us! It’s about vulnerability!

Mother Teresa also said that if at the end of the day you want to examine your conscience, just look at your hands.

What have my hands done today?

Whom have I served?

Whom have I avoided serving?

Has the imprint of Christ’s image been left on anything my hands have touched?

On Holy Thursday, let’s take a good hard look at our hands, our feet, our hearts, and our faces, and what we think of others?

UNITE FESTIVAL - 29TH MARCH 2019

Elijah Rewa has written a beautiful reflection about Unite Festival. Please have a read. Also on the night I led a beautiful liturgy with our Students in the Library. In the line with the theme of UNITE - “BE THE LIGHT”. The basis of the liturgy was Matthew’s Gospel passage on “You are the Light of the World”. Have a look at this beautiful video clip used - https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=8fUme1GA8BM

I have included an excerpt from my reflection on the night. I hope and pray that you take comfort from this:

Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world. The light within us is His light, the indwelling Christ, the Holy Spirit. What a special gift we possess! The above verses instruct us not to hide our light, but to let our light shine before others. One of the best ways to shine our light forward is through our good works. I am a firm believer that actions speak louder than words. We need to lead lives as people who know the Redeemer, and have been redeemed!

When we live our lives in this manner people are more inclined to believe we have an amazing Savior. We can tell them, but we must also show them.

His light shines through our attitudes, our words, and our actions. We allow His light to shine through us when our actions reflect the nature of Christ. He is love, so we must love all others. He is compassion, so we must be compassionate. He is forgiveness, so we must possess hearts of forgiveness. He is patience, so we must be patient. He is our hope, so we must be hopeful. Our lives should radiate our passion and fervency for living out The Word of God. Our openness, courage, and diligence to exemplify the Gospel allows our light to shine forward. Our sincerity, faithfulness, and diligence for living a life of obedience to God, allows our light to shine out. We should show others that we honor God’s truth, and that we have integrity for our Christian values.

PRAYER for UNITE Night

Dear God,

I pray your LIGHT shines over and through my life.

Let me never forget I am the light of the world.

It is my desire to shine brightly before others,

allowing my attitude, words, and actions

to reflect the values of Jesus.

I want my life to be a testimony to Your goodness.

I pray that You would use me

to spread light to those in need,

and that all my good deeds will glorify You.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

Kind regards

Mrs Kimberley Logue

Director of Mission and Vision

Disability provisions for the Higher School Certificate are designed to assist students who couldn't otherwise make a fair attempt to show what they know in an exam room.

A formal application has to be made to apply for provisions, which will be determined by NESA. Provisions are granted solely by how the students exam performance is affected.

Students who think they may be eligible are encouraged to click on the link below for more information. Students will also need to contact Mrs Keedle as soon as possible, as formal applications need to be submitted by the end of Term 1.

https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/disability-provisions

This term we farewell our colleague, teacher and friend Mr Craig Davidson. Craig began at St Benedict’s Catholic College in 2012. Over the years his roles at College are endless. From teaching Music, Visual Arts, Religious Education and Geography. The roles he plays outside of the classroom include school-based performances, choirs, Bennies Got Talent, audio for assemblies, Anzac Day Ceremonies in both at the College and in Camden, various Christmas Concerts, CAPA evenings and the list goes on.

We wish Mr Davidson all the best on his new journey and he will be dearly missed by staff and students.

On Wednesday 3 of April, Years 9 & 10 went to watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney. It was a day full of excitement as we were lucky enough to watch a live performance of a world-famous musical. The music performed by the orchestra was extraordinary and diverse to really emphasise the emotions that were acted out in the play.

Whilst the experience was amazing it was quite sad as this was the last excursion with Mr Davidson as our inspiring and humorous music teacher. On behalf of all the music students we thank him for everything he’s done for us, wishing him the best and farewell.

Report written by Bianca Chinchilla (Year 10)

Mrs Castelli and Ms Andonpoulos noticed at the start of the term that students seemed very interested in Bob Ross! So with this in mind, we started the Bob Ross Appreciation Club every Thursday at lunch in the new art rooms!

Bob Ross is projected onto the whiteboard and we paint along with the legend himself. What fun time we have had, many laughs have been shared as we scramble to keep up...lucky we have a pause button!

Thank you for the wonderful end to an otherwise very busy term. Don't forget to have to meet us next term in the same place, at the same time!

Mrs Castelli and Ms Andonpoulos.

Mixed Sports:

Abigail D’Souza, Webster Nyakudya

Swimming:

Mario Borg, Isabella McTiernan

Soccer:

Alessandra Gerace, Sophie Lee, Luke Heyburgh, Apeer Ring

Netball:

Ryan Wood

Kickboxing:

Alex Tedesco

Bowling A:

Harrison Hinton

Dance:

Jack S.

Bowling B:

Courtney Groot

Gym:

Emily Weskin, Callum Elder

Skating:

Shavahn Hartley, Clayton Erwin

Beach Sports:

Jacob Wilson, Peterson Caccamo

Laser Tag:

Michael Bautovich, Manuel H.

This year our College Cross Country Carnival was scheduled to run on Friday 15 March, but unfortunately the skies opened up and a massive downpour of rain hit the area the night before, causing the initial date to be cancelled.

The rain however did not stop us from running a back-up day on Tuesday 26 March, around the College grounds during sport. The course was mapped out and the students were super excited to participate in the newly mowed grass and mapped out course. There were over 50 students who participated on the day, and my goodness, we have some great runners within the College.

The afternoon would not have been successful without the assistance of a few staff members. I would like to thank those teachers who gave up their free periods on Tuesday to be stationed at various checkpoints to assist in the running of the afternoon. Their thoughtfulness and kindness to help me with the carnival was truly appreciated. Also thank you to Mr Topham who carefully mowed the grass for the students in a zigzag manner.

Congratulations to the Polding house for placing first in this year’s Cross Country Carnival. A number of students were selected to go on and represent the College at the Diocesan Secondary Cross Country Carnival which was held in Nowra.

Congratulations to the following Age Champions and Runners Up for 2019:

This week saw the end of our MISA teams for the Term, and it was a great term for our students who represented the College!

This year our Year 7-9 Girls Hockey team were able to take out the championship and be named MISA Premiers for the Girls Hockey. The team was skillfully coached by Mrs Brown with the assistance of Ashlee Stevens and Hannah Fielding. The girls played seven games all season and were able to win every game, scoring the most goals in the season and the least amount of goals conceded.

Along with this great achievement, our Year 7-9 Boys Softball team, coached by Mrs McCorry and assisted by Alyssa Chambers and Charlize Brennan, were able to win all their games in the East zone, which then saw them competing against the winners of the other zones in the inaugural Interzone MISA Softball Finals. The boys played exceptionally well all season and did not fall short of their outstanding performance on Tuesday 2 April during the all day Interzone finals.

We are very proud of all out MISA teams who gave it their best shot every week.

Miss Julia Liska

Sports Coordinator

UAC Video - Applying for Uni as a Year 12 Student with UAC

Our quick video guide for Year 12 students applying for undergraduate courses through UAC. Visit https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applica... to get started. Video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hZapVNXwDw

The University of Sydney - Engineering and Information Technologies Year 11 & 12 Information Evening

Wednesday 5 June

Learn everything you need to know about studying engineering, advanced computing, technology or project management with us. Staff, students and industry contacts will be on-hand to answer your questions about the unparalleled choice and flexibility of our degrees. Places are limited, please RSVP:

https://bit.ly/2CICNfV

University of Sydney - Study Engineering and Computer Science with us! Join one of our Webinars

Advanced Computing, Chemical and Biomolecular, Electrical, Software,

15, 16 17 April. 6pm to 7pm

Years 9 to 12 students and parents.

Hear from leading academics and current students about what you can achieve in one of our degrees. Learn about scholarships, industry placement opportunities, Flexible First Year and the Dalyell program. There will also be the opportunity for you to submit your own questions to our Q&A panel. Join us for our live webinar series and meet leading academics and current students from the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technologies. Find out about our professionally accredited undergraduate degrees, majors, scholarships, industry placement opportunities and what studying at the University of Sydney is like. E: engineering.outreach@sydney.edu.au Register for your webinar of choice at:

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/engineering-and-computer-science-at-sydney-undergraduate-webinars-tickets-58217009643

Actuarial Studies Co-op Program Macquarie University

Closes 27 September

Our Bachelor of Actuarial Studies with Professional Practice (Honours) offers students the opportunity to participate in Macquarie’s cooperative education program (Co-op). This highly competitive course will see students alternate between classroom studies and workplace experience in the form of three work placements of three to six months each throughout their course.

https://www.mq.edu.au/connect/employers/support-high-achievers/overview/actuarial-co-op-program-selection-process

Co-op Program Macquarie University Bachelor of Professional Accounting and Bachelor of Professional Practice

Closes 27 September

Our Bachelor of Professional Accounting and Bachelor of Professional Practice offers students the opportunity to participate in Macquarie’s cooperative education program (Co-op). This highly competitive course will see students alternate between classroom studies and workplace experience in the form of three work placements of three to six months each throughout their course.

https://www.mq.edu.au/connect/employers/support-high-achievers/accounting-co-op-program

ACU Mid Year Open Evenings

North Sydney Campus 20 May. 4:00pm - 6:00pm followed by Parent Evening from 6pm

Strathfield - 27 May. 4:00pm - 6:00pm followed by Parent Evening from 6pm

Hear from staff and students, learn about courses and entry pathways, tour the campus and discover how we can support you to be your best.

Our friendly staff and students will be available all night to answer questions. Don’t miss this opportunity to kick start your university journey.

Join us after the expo for a special parent information session. Learn about support and services available at ACU and how to transition into uni. The session starts at 6pm.

North Sydney: https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/news-and-events/events/2019/may/midyear-open-evening-north-sydney

Strathfield: https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/news-and-events/events/2019/may/midyear-open-evening-strathfield

UCAT Medical Interview Preparation Workshops

24 August – UNSW Kensington

6 October - UNSW Kensington

12 October - Canberra. Red Hill

The unique NIE workshop program aims for students to gain an in-depth understanding and required knowledge of the medical interview processes for specific universities, including Multi-station Mini Interview (MMI), Structured, and Semi-structured panel interviews. The workshop is structured and based on the models that are taught during our proven one-on-one personalised medical interview sessions. The workshop will allow each and every attendee to learn the required skills and practical understanding for the uni from which they received an interview offer.

https://www.nie.edu.au/medical/umat-interviews/medical-interviews-workshop

UOW Campus Tours - Wollongong or Liverpool

This free, hour-long tour of the campus allows you to see our facilities and meet people doing what they do best. It's your chance to check out UOW and ask as many questions as you like. Tours run every Friday morning and afternoon (excluding public holidays) throughout the year. Please select your preferred time and date and register your details.

Wollongong Campus: https://studentcrm.uow.edu.au/Ellucian.ERecruiting.Web.External/Pages/EventLists.aspx?ID=1

Liverpool: https://studentcrm.uow.edu.au/Ellucian.ERecruiting.Web.External/Pages/EventLists.aspx?ID=2

Why study the Pathways Enabling Course at UNE?

The Pathways Enabling Course is a program of study for students without the educational background for admission to an undergraduate course at UNE. It is available for students who have not successfully completed any part of a university course, and who believe that completion of this enabling course will make them better qualified to successfully undertake an undergraduate course with an ATAR requirement of 77.10 or lower. Completion of the Pathways Enabling Course provides the basis for admission to most undergraduate courses at UNE.

https://my.une.edu.au/courses/courses/ENABLE

Osteopathy at Southern Cross University

Southern Cross University offers the only pathway in NSW and QLD to become an accredited Osteopath. Osteopaths are Allied Health professionals specialising in the treatment of the musculoskeletal system. Students complete a Bachelor of Clinical Sciences (Osteopathic Studies) and Master of Osteopathic Medicine in 4 years of full-time study at our Lismore or Gold Coast campuses. See

https://www.scu.edu.au./

MedView UCAT Winter Crash Course

The number of medical school places has doubled in Australia and New Zealand over the past 15 years, but as supply has increased, so has demand. As more students become aware of the exciting career prospects of a medical practitioner, medical school competitiveness becomes stronger and stronger.

To obtain the ever-elusive medical school place, students must be well-informed of their personal, philosophical and professional reasons for pursuing medicine.

Get into Med: first steps to becoming a doctor will deep-dive into the world of medical school admissions. Presented by current medical students, the 2 hour program entails: Book here:

https://www.facebook.com/pg/MedView/events/

TAFE

AAFP Margaret Fulton Future Foodservice Professional Scholarship

Closes September

Paid work experience in a number of leading kitchens, such as, The Merivale Group, Pendolino, Parliament House, Four Seasons Hotel. Recipients will be provided uniforms, a knife kit and $1,000 cash to put towards future training needs. Upon completion of the scholarship, HTN would offer the participant a full culinary apprenticeship within HTN’s network of 170 host businesses.

http://htn.com.au/aafp-margaret-fulton-future-foodservice-professional-scholarship-2/

Fee-Free Apprenticeships are a great way for students to launch their careers

With more than 120 apprenticeship courses on offer, there are bound to be courses that are right for your students. And there’s never been a better time to become an apprentice—training is fee-free, there are great employment outcomes, and they will earn while they learn. Help your students to find their apprenticeship course and to understand how they can become an apprentice at

http://bit.ly/2U8Hevl

My Gain Videos – Nearly Every Apprenticeship Video is Here

Nearly every possible apprenticeship or traineeship career is here to watch. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/user/AAPathways/videos

International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS) Campus Tour Manly

Management, Business, Hospitality, Event, Fashion Management, Sport Management, Accounting

Campus Tours – any time by appointment. An ICMS campus tour is a great way for you to explore our beautiful campus, ask questions and learn about our courses and facilities.

https://www.icms.edu.au/book-campus-tour

Whitehouse Institute of Design Exhibition and Runway

7 December

2 Short Street, Surry Hills

Celebrating design thinking, creativity and innovation, showcasing the work of graduating students from across Creative Direction & Styling, Fashion Design and Interior Design disciplines.

https://whitehouse-design.edu.au/whitehouse-events/

Torrens University Open Day - Design, Creative Technology, Business, Hospitality, Health and Education

11 May

46-52 Mountain Street, Ultimo, NSW

Learn about our courses in Design, Creative Technology, Business, Hospitality, Health and Education

Visit our expo to speak to our Lecturers and Faculty staff and learn about study abroad, scholarships and student life. Hear from current students about what it’s like to study at Torrens University.

https://www.torrens.edu.au/about/events-and-workshops/design-technology-open-day-sydney

A Day in the Life Creative – Billy Blue

13 April. 9.30am to 1.30pm

46-52 Mountain Street, Ultimo

Billy Blue is a dynamic hub of creative activity all year round and we want you to experience it first-hand! Dip your toe in, or immerse yourself completely by coming along to one of our exciting events designed to show you what life at a Billy Blue campus is all about. Or find a new opportunity that might help open up that door to the next chapter in your life! Bring your curiosity and your questions!

https://www.billyblue.edu.au/news-events/upcoming-events/sydney

William Blue Hospitality A Day in the Life - Sydney

Wednesday 10th July - 9:30am to 1:30pm

1 Hickson Road, The Rocks

Ever dreamt of a career in hotels, restaurants, travel and tourism that can take you around the world? Or becoming a head chef at a top international restaurant?

• Tour one of Sydney's most exclusive hotels. Get a behind-the-scenes tour of the guest suites, restaurants and kitchen
• Tour one of Sydney's most renowned and innovative fine dining restaurant. Meet the chefs behind the menu and learn how they forged their career as chefs.
• Enjoy a 5-star lunch at our award-winning student training restaurant, William Blue Dining

https://www.williamblue.edu.au/about/events-and-workshops/a-day-in-the-life-hospitality-sydney-july2019

Sydney Flight College - New Ambassador

SFC students now benefit from an ambassadorship with Matt Hall - a third generation pilot, former RAAF Fighter Combat (Top Gun) Instructor, international unlimited aerobatic competitor and the only Australian pilot in the Red Bull Air Race. Matt will work with SFC to promote careers as a pilot, share his knowledge of aviation risk management, and attend events such as the SFC Open Day. For more information, visit:

http://www.sfcaero.com.au/news/matt-hall-becomes-the-sfc-brand-ambassador

This fully accredited 8-unit Diploma allows you to be more competitive in the rapidly changing Digital industry. No ATAR needed. On successful completion students have the opportunity to use this course as a pathway into our Bachelor of Digital Media or Bachelor of Business programs. Visit

http://bit.ly/2YwEJS8

Australian College of Applied Psychology Information Session

Wednesday 1 May, 6.00pm

Sydney CBD campus. ACAP offers courses in Psychology, Counselling, Criminology and Social Work. The free information session covers courses, entry criteria and career options. Meet lecturers, alumni and current students. Register at:

https://www.acap.edu.au/home/info-sessions/

The Hotel School Info Evening – Sydney

22 May. 5.15pm to 7.00pm

60 Philip Street Sydney

If your interest is hospitality, tourism or business management and you want to explore a global career path then join us at our information session. The session is designed to provide you with information on the courses offered at The Hotel School, you can speak with the academic team and experience the campus. Come and discover how to make a start in the hospitality and tourism industry.

https://hotelschool.scu.edu.au/events/sydney-information-session/

Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School Info Afternoons

7 July

Over 200 managers from 28 luxury hotel chains said they prefer hiring staff from Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School. Meet students and alumni. Meet current students and alumni who are achieving success in the booming hospitality industry. Take a look behind the scenes tour of a large-scale hotel and see what goes into running a successful property. Learn about degrees in hotel and event management. Ask questions, hear about our industry focused degrees, and how you will study in a real hotel.

https://info.bluemountains.edu.au/infosessions/

4 May

38 High St Randwick

Find out more about future career possibilities from our industry leaders, get first-hand advice from our current students, tour the campus and get your questions answered. More info: enquiries@kenvale.edu.au / 02 9314 6213

Correction Academy of Interactive Entertainment's 'Online Experience Day

Saturday 25th May. 12pm.

If you have ever wanted to study 3D animation, game design or VFX for film online with AIE then our Online Experience Day is an ideal opportunity to find out more! Course overview sessions will be running on the range of online courses in 3D animation, game art, game programming and game design offered by AIE. You will get to participate in workshops, guest speaker talks and much more. Register now for this free event by contacting Mark on mark.mackay@aie.edu.au

Defence Forces – Army, Navy and Airforce Latest Events Nearest to You

15 April – Sydney – Health Careers in Defence Forces

15 April – Wollongong – Women in Defence

18 April – Sydney – Engineering Careers

https://www.facebook.com/pg/DefenceJobsAustralia/events/

My Health Career Videos

Watch a variety of specialists who give their candid insight on why they enjoy their careers.

Pharmacy:

https://www.myhealthcareer.com.au/pharmacy/

Physiotherapy:

https://www.myhealthcareer.com.au/physiotherapy

Podiatry:

https://www.myhealthcareer.com.au/podiatry/

Psychology:

https://www.myhealthcareer.com.au/psychology/

All:

https://www.myhealthcareer.com.au/videos

Astronomy – Tours of Sydney Observatory

1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point

Did you know that you can explore space during the day? Look through our safe solar telescope before exploring the Universe in our Planetarium*. On a clear day, you can see the Sun, bright stars and maybe the Moon or Venus! Day tours are available on weekends and school holidays and run for 30 minutes.

Tour Times: 10.15am, 11.15am, 12.15pm, 1.15pm, 2.15pm, 3.15pm

https://maas.museum/event/sydney-observatory-day-tours/

Job Outlook

A great site updated with future growth and job openings estimates to 2022. Job Outlook makes information about Australian careers, labour market trends and employment projections accessible to all Australians.

http://joboutlook.gov.au/

Careers with STEM Science Out Now – Read all about it

Science, Data, Cyber-security, Engineering, IT, Maths, Health, Code and more!

The latest edition of Careers with STEM magazine - Science - has been dispatched to secondary schools across NSW. This magazine looks at the myriad of careers that start with a foundation of Science. It has tips on how to turn study into start-ups, the top 9 industries for science graduates and you can also meet one of the Superstars of STEM. Go to this site for an e-edition.

http://careerswithstem.com.au/read-it-here/

HSC Preparation Courses with the Centre for Continuing Education

Join our program of HSC prep courses. All course content is tailored to the new syllabus. • A shorter, more accessible format – all workshops are one and two days. We have new, highly qualified tutors – each member of our newly expanded team is a knowledgeable former HSC marker. Find out more:

https://cce.sydney.edu.au/courses/hsc-preparation

What an Actuary Does

Melinda Howes graduated from Macquarie in 1989. Today, she is the CEO of the Institute of Actuaries of Australia. She has more than 20 years experience in the financial services industry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f9RdpA8le0

How to become a Chartered Accountant

Becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) could set you up to thrive in business in different parts of the world. It's a highly regarded professional qualification with international recognition. CAs can work in a wide range of exciting and challenging careers. If you'd like to join their ranks, here are the steps:

https://www.youunlimitedanz.com/about-ca/how-to-become-a-ca

Study in USA Fair

6 May. 5.30-7.30pm

Redlands School

All students and parents welcome. RSVP essential. The fair will feature presentations, including from the College Board who are visiting for the first time. 25 universities will be there including NYU, University of Pennsylvania, UC Berkeley, Amherst & more.

https://www.trybooking.com/BBOVC

ATEL Gap Year Traineeships - Is a Gap Year Traineeships Right for You?

Not sure if you want to continue on with your studies or feel like having a bit of a break before throwing yourself back into studying full-time? Or perhaps you are looking to get straight into your career? Gap Year Traineeships are a great way to test drive your chosen career to see if it’s right for you. Enjoy a bit of a breather from the daily demands of school, all while earning money.

https://www.atel.com.au/individual/choosing-a-gap-year-traineeship

Main 5 Questions to Expect in Your Next Job Interview

Job interviews are one of the more nerve-wracking experiences going around, particularly for university graduates. Polishing your resume, drafting cover letters and building a portfolio can be taxing, and that’s before you even get to the interview stage. To give you a heads up, we’ve compiled a list of questions that tend to be asked in almost every interview, and provided some tips on how best to respond.

https://australiancareersservice.com.au/industry-news/five-questions-expect-next-job-interview

Mark Mustapic

Careers Coordinator

On Friday 29 March, St Benedict’s held its annual UNITE festival. This year the focus of the evening was being the light. Students explored what it means to be the light for other people and discovering who and what the light is in their own lives. The evening included appearances from special guest stars including; West Tigers Josh Aloiai, Sister Jan Barnett and 2018 Australian Spartan Philip Nwosu. Students were able to hear our guests inspiring stories as well as engage in various activities to raise money for Project Compassion. The evening raised over $1,000.

Below is Elijah Rewa’s report on the night.

On Friday the 29 of March, the exciting Unite Festival, with the theme of light, organised by both students and staff was held here at our College. Students were able to explore the concepts of resilience and faith and were able to have an understanding and care for ourselves, our neighbour and our environment. We were very privileged and blessed to have Sister Jan Barnett, Joshua Aloiai and Philip Nwosu as our guest speakers.

During the night there were various stalls selling different items and all the money raised was donated to Caritas, this turned out to be a huge success. West Tigers player Joshua Aloiai talked to us about how his life was positively turned around through the Bible when he moved from New Zealand to Australia in order to pursue his dream of playing NRL. He also shared how his faith got him through his injuries and recovery. Phillip Nwosu had lost his leg in a terrible car accident. He talked to us about how this tragic event changed his life forever but with his faith, he was motivated to be stronger and spread a message of inspiration by sharing the word and his remarkable journey. Sister Jan Barnett truly moved us through her incredible words. She talked to us about how she was arrested for having a prayer protest over children in immigration detention centres, how she inspired a multitude of people to make a positive change within her community and others.

Towards the end of the evening, the talented music students showcased their talents, blowing away the audience with their skills and beautiful music. Ending the night with the creative Drama students, showcasing a hilarious but meaningful scene based on the theme of the night “the theme of light.” Overall the night was a huge success and full of laughter, fun, reflection, resilience, memories and faith. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening with us all taking home a different message and cherished memories.

A huge Thank You to all the Staff and Students who helped with the evening, especially Miss Brown and all the students who participated or donated to the event. I would urge all our students to come along next time and share the amazing experience.

UNITE is open to all students and I would strongly recommend that all students attend in the future. I would personally like to thank the following staff for their assistance on the night: Mr Bulfon, Mr Davidson, Mr Reyes, Mr Agoo, Mr Hayden, Mr Costin, Mr Hanratty, Miss Ferguson, Miss Joyce, Miss Wojcik, Ms Grego, Mrs Smith, Mrs Hatton, Mrs Pereira, Mrs Koryzma, Mrs Holland, Mrs McCorry and Mrs Logue.

Miss Tabitha Brown

Teacher in Charge

St Benedict Year 9 student Olivia Fenech, her younger brother Lucas Fenech from St. Paul’s and family raised around $2,000 for the School for Life Foundation. Providing education for kids in Uganda.

We all did a climb up Mt. Kosciusko on Sunday just past. So incredibly proud of Olivia and her achievement. In total the climb raised $46,000 which helps to have two teachers and several students attend school for an entire year.

Christine Fenech

Parent

"It's that time of year again".

We have received wonderful equipment for the school in years gone by.

So from May 1 until June 25 collect those little Woolworths stickers and send them into the school office, or place them in the St Benedict's boxes, which will be placed in the entrance of Woolworths stores at Oran Park and Narellan Town Centre.

Happy collecting!!!!!

Lunch Order – Any lunch order completed through Flexischools, lunch collection for hot food is in the oven labelled “Lunch Orders” any Cold Food is in the Milk Fridge.

All orders including drinks are labelled with Students name and order. If students cannot find their lunch order, please can you ask the CAFÉ staff for assistance.

We ask that parents and students understand that whilst mobile phones are an important safety tool for children, there is an expectation that they are turned off AT ALL TIMES whilst they are at school. All mobile phones should be kept secured and out of sight. The College can take no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged phones.

If a staff member sees a student with a mobile phone or a class is interrupted by a mobile phone it will be confiscated. On the first occasion, this will be returned to the student at the end of the day and the incident will be recorded in the student’s diary. On the second and subsequent occasions during a term, the phone will be retained at the School Administration office until collected by a parent. If there is an urgent need to contact your child during the day, we ask that you make contact through our front office so that we can ensure your child may get any support that they may need.

Parents are asked to email teachers between 7:40am and 6:00pm if requesting appointments or needing information; please allow teachers 48 hours to reply. The school office is open from 7:30am until 3:30pm. If calling for a teacher please allow them 24 hours to return your call.

Parents are asked to remember that teachers are in class during the day and have meetings after school hours.

Parents are asked to call the office before 2.00pm if needing to send messages to students. This allows our office helper time to deliver the message before end of school.

On Tuesdays, you are asked to contact the office before 12pm with any messages as most students go off site for sport.

Parents are reminded that students should go to the office if feeling unwell. The office will call parents if student needs to go home. Students should not text or email parents first.

The clothing pool is run by appointment only. You can contact Mel on 0410 486 083. Please try and keep calls, texts and messages between the hours of 9-5 Monday to Friday. Cash sales only.

If you make an appointment please be on time and, if unable to keep an appointment, please let Mel know.

We would also welcome any donations of uniforms, school bags, lap top bags etc. as stocks are running low.