St Benedict's Catholic College

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we look back on the busy and vibrant weeks behind us, I am filled with an immense sense of pride in our college community. We often talk about striving for excellence, but recently, our students and staff haven’t just strived for it—they have truly lived it.

Firstly, Year 12 students were privileged to spend time with Bishop Brian, who shared words of wisdom, offered prayers, and engaged in a thoughtful Q&A session. The opportunity to hear from Bishop Brian and ask questions about faith, life, and leadership was both inspiring and encouraging as our students continue their Year 12 journey.

We also greatly appreciated the members of the CEO staff who joined us for the occasion and for their ongoing support of our students and school community.

Thank you, Bishop Brian and the CEO team, for your time, guidance, and encouragement.

Secondly, I want to extend a massive congratulations to our Year 10 Debating Team for their phenomenal recent success. Watching our students articulate complex arguments with such poise, intellect, and razor-sharp wit is always a highlight, and their latest victories are thoroughly deserved.

Our winning streak doesn't stop at the podium. On the sporting fields, our MISA Basketball and Hockey teams have secured spectacular victories. The dedication, teamwork, and grit displayed by these athletes have been nothing short of inspiring.

These triumphs are not isolated incidents; rather, they continue a wonderful trend we are witnessing across the college. Whether it is in academics, the arts, or on the sporting field, we are seeing success in all aspects of school life. Our students are stepping up, backing themselves, and reaping the rewards of their hard work.

Beyond the trophies and medals, the true heart of our college lies in our community spirit. We have recently held several fantastic events that brought our campus to life with colour, energy, and friendly rivalry:

• State of Origin Night: A huge thank you to the staff and students who organised and supported this event. The atmosphere was electric, and it was wonderful to see everyone coming together (even if we couldn't all agree on who to cheer for!).

• Green and Gold Socceroos Day: Our school was a sea of national pride. Thank you to everyone involved in making this day such a vibrant success and for showing such fantastic school and team spirit.

Finally, I want to express my deepest gratitude to every single staff member and student who contributed to Winterfest and our recent initiatives supporting the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Winter can be an incredibly challenging time for many in our wider community. The generosity, empathy, and hands-on involvement shown by our college family during Winterfest ensures that we are providing real, practical support to those who need it most. Thank you for putting our values into action and being a beacon of hope for others.

"Success is not just about what we achieve individually, but how we lift others up along the way."

Thank you all for your ongoing support, dedication, and enthusiasm. Together, we continue to make our college a place of achievement, belonging, and deep compassion.

Kind regards,
Michael Turner

As we rapidly approach the end of another busy term, our students in Years 7-10 will soon receive their Semester One reports. These reports reflect student achievement, as well as effort & application in each course.

Whilst we look to these reports as a valuable source of reflection on the semester that has passed, reports are also significantly valuable when they are used as a reference point for future growth.

When reviewing reports, students are encouraged to consider:

• Where am I now?

• Where do I want to be?

• How am I going to get there?

Our Parent/Teacher/Student interviews held in Week 11, provide a great opportunity for students to identify areas of potential growth for Semester Two, ensuring they engage collaboratively with teachers to set goals that enable them to reach their unique potential.

Similarly, as students in Years 11 and 12 move into Term 3, Year 12 prepare for their Trials HSC exams and Year 11, their final term before commencing Year 12.

The coming weeks provide a powerful opportunity for our students to reflect, plan and refine their learning goals for the new Term ahead.

Over the past two weeks, we have been able to celebrate significant success of many St Benedict’s teams:

• Our MISA Debating team, defeated St Patrick’s Catholic College in the Grand Final

• Our 7-9 MISA Basketball team beat Mount Carmel in the Grand Final

• Our MISA Hockey team this week won the Grand FInal to claim the premiership

Spending time with the students and coaches of these winning teams this week has been a highlight for me. Some, participating in these extra-curricular activities for the first time, embraced the opportunities presented to them.

Well done to our staff and students on these fine efforts!

A reminder that with Parent/Teacher/Student interviews on Friday July 3, this is a Pupil Free day for all students in Years 7-12.

As such, Thursday July 2 will be our last school day for Term 2.

Kind regards,
Jennifer Lowe

On Friday 19 June, Chris Doyle from Karis Ministries presented and performed to our Year 9 students on faith, community, being courageous and being grateful. Year 9 were full of energy on the day and participated wholeheartedly in all the activities that Chris presented. It was fantastic to see this cohort come together in this way and be so willing to share who they are in so many different ways.

On June 22, St Benedict’s hosted an interfaith workshop with Unity Grammar College supported by Catholic Mission and Western Sydney University. This workshop continued to foster relationships made at former events between the two schools. Bennie’s students have been able to delve deeper into their Christian faith traditions as well as learn about the Muslim faith tradition in a spirit of respect and tolerance. The day had a particular focus on cultural perspectives to gain more insight into the society we live in today. Students were questioned, challenged and encouraged to share their opinions and stories about culture and faith. Thank you to all students involved across Years 11 and 12. Thank you to Mr Marc Ghignone and Mrs Emma Williams for the organisation of the day.

Kind regards,

Melissa Ghignone

Elevate Education delivers high-impact workshops to our students that help to develop their study skills, motivation, and exam preparation. Over the next term, you're invited to join their parent webinar series, where you can help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills they're learning at school.

Parents who attended our last webinar on this topic loved it and shared with us why they found it so useful:

‘Very informative. Excellent ideas on how to study effectively leading up to exams and new ideas I can share with my Year 12 Child. Great structured approach.’

‘Great tips to help our child who is navigating through the daunting time of prepping for exam times. Great Q&A session.’

Register today at: https://go.elevateeducation.com/auschoolwebinars

How to Help Your Child Alleviate Stress

1st July 6:30pm (AEST)

Kind regards,

Wendy Fawbert

Looking for a fun, creative and screen-free activity these school holidays? The team at the Alan Baker Art Gallery at Macaria has a fantastic range of art workshops and creative programs designed to inspire young artists of all ages.

Located in the historic Macaria building in Camden, the gallery offers engaging, hands-on experiences where children can explore different artistic techniques, experiment with new materials and unleash their creativity in a supportive environment. The gallery is well known for its family-friendly programs and workshops led by experienced artists and educators.

Whether your child is already passionate about art or simply looking to try something new, these holiday activities provide a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills, make friends and have fun.

🖌️ Places are often limited, so families are encouraged to book early.

For program details and bookings, visit:

Alan Baker Art Gallery School Holiday Programs

Happy creating!

Looking for a unique activity these school holidays? Budding designers, makers and creative minds can step into the world of digital design and fabrication at Campbelltown City Library's Laser Cutting Jewellery Workshop.

Participants will learn how to create their own custom jewellery designs before bringing them to life using laser-cutting technology. From earrings and pendants to personalised accessories, students will have the opportunity to combine creativity, technology and design thinking to produce something truly unique.

This hands-on workshop is a fantastic way to introduce young people to the exciting world of STEM, digital design and creative technologies while having plenty of fun along the way. No previous experience is required—just bring your imagination!

💎 Perfect for creative students who love art, design, technology or making things with their hands.

Places are limited, so early bookings are recommended. Ages 13-18 years.

For more information and bookings, visit the Campbelltown City Council page.

Does your child have a vivid imagination, a love of storytelling, or dreams of becoming the next bestselling author? The Campbelltown City Libraries Youth Creative Writing Workshop could be the perfect opportunity to spark their creativity these school holidays!

Led by a published Australian author, this free workshop will help young writers build confidence, develop their storytelling skills, and explore exciting techniques for creating engaging characters, organising ideas, and bringing stories to life. Participants will also have the chance to connect with other aspiring writers in a fun and supportive environment.

The workshop is linked to the 2026 Fisher's Ghost Writing Prize theme, "Years in the Making," encouraging young people to share their unique voices and creative ideas. Whether your child is already passionate about writing or simply enjoys telling stories, this workshop offers a wonderful opportunity to learn, create, and be inspired.

Workshop Details

Places are limited, so bookings are essential. Encourage your young storyteller to pick up a pen, unleash their imagination, and discover the power of words!

Does your child love technology, coding, robotics, or figuring out how things work? The upcoming Arduino Master Class at Campbelltown Library is an exciting opportunity for young innovators to take their STEM skills to the next level!

Participants will explore the world of electronics and coding using Arduino technology—the same platform used by engineers, inventors, and designers around the world. Through hands-on activities, students will learn how to program devices, create interactive projects, and develop valuable problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in a fun and engaging environment.

Whether your child is already interested in coding or simply curious about technology, this workshop provides a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, boost creativity, and discover the exciting possibilities of STEM. Arduino workshops help students understand the fundamentals of programming, electronics, and automation while encouraging innovation and collaboration.

Why attend?

Looking for an exciting school holiday activity that combines creativity, technology and hands-on learning? Campbelltown Library's Drop-In Robotics sessions offer young people the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of robotics in a fun, relaxed environment.

Participants can experiment with a range of robotic technologies, learn how robots work, and discover the principles of engineering, coding and problem-solving through interactive activities. Whether your child is a budding engineer, a future programmer, or simply curious about technology, these drop-in sessions provide a fantastic opportunity to learn through play.

There is no prior experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to have a go! Students can work independently or collaborate with others while developing valuable STEM skills that are increasingly important in our rapidly changing world.

Why attend?

Robotics activities are a great way for young people to discover how technology shapes the world around them while encouraging creativity, teamwork and innovation.

Spaces are available on a drop-in basis, making this a flexible and engaging activity for families looking for something educational and entertaining during the school holidays. Ages 8-15 years old only.

Kids Helpline (Ages 5–25)

Free, confidential counselling – available 24/7

Whether you're feeling stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, lonely, or just need someone to talk to, Kids Helpline is here to help.

• 📞 1800 55 1800

• 💻 Phone, WebChat and Email counselling

• 👥 For young people aged 5–25

Lifeline Australia

24/7 Crisis Support and Suicide Prevention

If you're experiencing a crisis or need immediate emotional support, Lifeline is available any time, day or night.

• 📞 13 11 14

• 💬 Phone, text and online chat available

Headspace (Ages 12–25)

Mental health support for young people.

Headspace provides support for mental health, physical health, alcohol and other drugs, relationships, work and study. You can visit a local centre or access support online through Headspace.

• 📞 1800 650 890

• 👥 For young people aged 12–25

Beyond Blue

Support for anxiety, depression and wellbeing.

Beyond Blue offers free information, counselling and online support if you're feeling anxious, depressed or simply not yourself.

• 📞 1300 22 4636

• 💬 24/7 phone and online support

ReachOut

Online support made for young people.

ReachOut isn't a crisis service but offers trusted articles, self-help tools, peer support forums and practical advice for managing everyday challenges.

• 🌐 Online information, resources and peer support

• 👥 Designed for young people aged 12–25

NSW Mental Health Line

24/7 NSW Health Mental Health Support

If you or someone you know needs urgent mental health assistance, trained mental health professionals can provide advice and connect you with local services.

• 📞 1800 011 511

• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

13YARN

Crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

A national crisis support service offering culturally safe support from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander counsellors.

• 📞 13 92 76

• Available 24/7

In an Emergency

If you or someone else is in immediate danger or at risk of serious harm:

• 📞 Call Triple Zero (000) immediately.

• Or go to your nearest Emergency Department.

Kind regards,

Madeleine Marks

Information in this calendar list is correct at the time of publication but is subject to change without notice.

Term 2 2026

• Monday 29 June - Years 7 - 10 Semester 1 Reports (released 3pm)
• Thursday 2 July - Parent/Teacher/Student Meetings via Zoom (3.30pm-8pm) Last day for students
• Friday 3 July - Staff Development Day - No students onsite - However Face to Face Parent/Teacher/Student interviews for Years 7 - 10 (we expect students to attend with their parents/carers in full school winter uniform - All interviews in the College Hall)

School Holidays Term 2

• Monday 6 July to Sunday 19 July 2026

Term 3 2026

• Monday 20 July - All students return for Term 3

On Tuesday, the following students were fortunate to participate in the Liturgical Ministries Training Day, which helped them broaden their skills in ministry and service.

• Maddison Lacey

• Sienna Lescano

• Brendan Fernandes

• Shimeka Hewawesam

• Rebecca Sako

• Carmenssa Ghobrial

The day started with a summary of the Mass by Father James Arblaster, who led discussion and learning around why we celebrate the mass in the way we do.This was a great opportunity to recognise the deep theology and importance of the Eucharist.

In the middle session, students broke into smaller groups and learned their specific roles in Eucharistic Ministry, Music Ministry and Reader Ministries. It was great to spend time with students from other schools, explore the Cathedral and enjoy learning new skills.

The end of the day culminated in a beautiful Mass, led by our students in all their new roles. We are very fortunate to have such wonderful leadership in our community and a great chance to show how we can be lights for those around us.

Kind regards,

Mrs Williams

Congratulations to our outstanding Year 10 Debating Team-Sienna Hatter, Eliana Short, Elizabeth Robertson, Carmenssa Ghobrial and Indiannah Hansen- on their victory in the MISA Debating Competition Grand Final.

Facing a highly capable team from St Patrick's College Campbelltown, our students argued the negative side of the topic, "That university education is less valuable in today's job market." The debate was both intellectually challenging and engaging, with both teams presenting well-researched arguments and responding thoughtfully to opposing viewpoints.

The grand final showcased the critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork skills that our students have developed throughout the competition. The debate was closely contested, with the three adjudicators ultimately split in their decision regarding which team had more effectively persuaded the audience and defended its position. After careful deliberation, our team was awarded the win, a testament to their preparation, confidence, and ability to think critically under pressure.

This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of the students throughout the season, as well as their willingness to engage deeply with complex contemporary issues. We commend them for representing St. Benedict’s College with distinction and for demonstrating the highest standards of respectful and insightful debate.

We also extend our congratulations to St Patrick's College Campbelltown for their excellent contribution to what was a truly enlightening and memorable grand final.

Well done to our Year 10 debaters on an exceptional achievement and a well-deserved MISA Championship victory.

Kind regards,
Ms Faro

Our recent State of Origin Night was a fantastic success, with more than 100 students coming together to enjoy an evening of community, food, and rugby league.

Students gathered in the library to watch the highly anticipated clash between QLD Maroons and NSW Blues while sharing a sausage sizzle and spending time together. The atmosphere throughout the night was filled with excitement and plenty of school spirit.

While the final result was disappointing for many of our supporters, with the Blues going down to Maroons, the outcome didn't completely dampen the enthusiasm of those in attendance. The evening provided a wonderful opportunity for students across year groups to connect, have fun, and be part of a positive school community event.

A special thank you goes to the staff (Mr Turner, Mr Ripepi, Mr Agoo, Mr Murray, Miss Todd, Mr Arcuri and Mrs Settineri) who helped organise and run the evening. The outstanding turnout and positive energy displayed by everyone involved highlighted the strong sense of community that exists within our school.

We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future and thank all students who attended and made the night such a memorable success.

Last Friday evening, students and staff came together for Winterfest, an event designed to build community while raising awareness about the realities of homelessness and the importance of supporting those in need.

The evening began with a series of fun team-building activities, giving students the opportunity to connect with one another and enjoy some friendly competition. From there, students participated in two engaging workshops that encouraged them to reflect on the labels we place on ourselves and others, and to gain a deeper understanding of homelessness through an informative presentation delivered by St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies).

To conclude the evening, everyone gathered to share a simple soup kitchen-style dinner. This experience provided an opportunity for students to reflect on the evening's messages, while recognising the challenges faced by many members of our community who experience homelessness or food insecurity.

A sincere thank you to all the staff who generously gave up their Friday evening to support the event. Your enthusiasm and willingness to serve our students made the night possible. I also extend my gratitude to the students who attended with open minds and positive attitudes. Your engagement throughout the evening helped make Winterfest a meaningful and memorable experience.

Together, we not only enjoyed a wonderful evening of fellowship but also gained a greater appreciation of the importance of compassion, empathy, and standing in solidarity with those most in need.

Kind regards,

Mr Sapienza

This week, our Year 12 Numeracy students stepped into the shoes of data analysts and detectives. They have been mastering the core statistical tools used to summarise data every day in the real world: Mean, Median, Mode, and Range.

Instead of just doing textbook formulas, the class put their skills to the test by solving "Ages of Children" logic puzzles. They were given raw data alongside a set of cryptic clues and had to use their mathematical toolkit to deduce the exact ages of a group of siblings. It required a mix of algebraic thinking, logical deduction, and serious perseverance!

What We Are Mastering

To help support your student at home, here is a quick refresher of the "Big Four" concepts we worked on this week:

• Mean (The Average): Adding up all the numbers and dividing by how many numbers there are. Real-world use: Calculating average weekly expenses.

• Median (The Middle): Lining the numbers up from smallest to largest and finding the exact middle point. Real-world use: Analysing housing market prices to avoid extremes.

• Mode (The Most Frequent): The number that appears most often in a dataset. Real-world use: Businesses finding their best-selling shoe size.

• Range (The Spread): The difference between the highest and lowest numbers. Real-world use: Checking temperature fluctuations or stock market volatility.

Kind regards,

Ms Seychell

Year 12 Music - Our year 12 students have just submitted their original compositions and performed for their 3rd Elective. Students should be carefully preparing for the following important dates:

• Trial HSC Performances - Friday 24th July (Week 1)
• Trial HSC Theory - see Trial exam timetable
• HSC week - Term 3, week 8

Huge congratulations to Maddison who took part in the Dance and Dazzle Eisteddfod at Ambervale High School. Maddison took out 1st place in musical theatre and 3rd place in the Jazz/Blues category. Madison is part of the St Benedict's music tuition program, working with vocal coach Mel Noble-Murray. Well done Maddison!

Also a huge congratulations to Sienna L

On Saturday Sienna competed in the Sing it out loud competition in the Campbelltown theatre. It began with the title sections where she competed and won the titles Ultimate Country Singer of Campbelltown and Ultimate Singing Champion of Campbelltown. After the title sections she competed in 5 other sections and won first in three of those sections and second in the others. Overall, she won the Ultimate Country Singer of Campbelltown, Ultimate Singing Champion of Campbelltown, Highest Point award, and the Adjudicators choice award. Sienna is also part of our music tuition program under the vocal coach Mel Noble-Murry.

Our Year 8 Music students were fortunate to experience an outstanding live performance by the dynamic Hot Potato Band. Through an engaging and high-energy showcase, the ensemble demonstrated the expressive potential and versatility of instruments from the Brass, Woodwind, and Percussion families.

Their performance featured an eclectic fusion of musical genres including pop, jazz, reggae, and swing, seamlessly integrated with choreographed movement, resulting in a visually and sonically captivating experience. The repertoire, comprising familiar and well-loved songs, resonated strongly with the audience and created an atmosphere of enthusiasm and inspiration.

We trust that this enriching musical encounter will inspire students to explore and pursue the study of Brass and Woodwind instruments as they continue their musical journey into the elective years.

Year 12 Visual Arts - Students are busily working preparing their Body of Works. They are using class time and afterschool hours to complete this great commitment to their learning.

Important Dates:

• Body of Work (Major work) Due: 31st August
• Trial HSC Theory - see Trial exam timetable
• HSC week - Term 4

Congratulations to our Misa Dance team, led by Mrs Clement who performed at the annual Macarthur Independent Sports Association (MISA) Dance Festival at the Campbelltown Catholic Club on Tuesday 23rd June. We are so proud of the girls.

For all CAPA information please contact Mrs Koryzma on koryzmaj01@dow.catholic.edu.au

Kind regards,

Mrs Koryzma

Are you someone who is looking to help out in the St Benedict’s Community - but don’t know how? Then this may be the opportunity for you!

We are seeking people to help our students achieve their best! We are currently looking for volunteers to act as Exam Writers for assessment periods within the school. A writer assists students by transcribing their verbal answers, ensuring that every student has a fair opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge.

Who can be a Writer?

We are looking for reliable individuals with flexible schedules from across our community, including:

• Former Students: A wonderful way to give back to your community.

• Parents & Community Members: Suitable adults looking to support local youth who have the ability to write verbatim.

• Retired Teachers: Your expertise is invaluable in an exam environment.

• Must have a WWCC: The WWCC is a mandatory legal requirement for anyone in "child-related work." It provides a high level of security by screening an individual’s criminal record and workplace records, ensuring our school remains a safe environment for every student.

Why Volunteer?

By giving just a few hours of your time, you remove barriers for students with disability or injury, allowing their hard work to shine through.

How to Apply:

Please contact Suzanne Seychell on seychells01@dow.catholic.edu.au to register your interest or learn more about the briefing process.

HOW TO ORDER

AFTER YOU HAVE ACCESSED OLIVER VIA COMPASS THEN LOG IN AND THEN CLICK THE UBER BOOKS ICON

* SELECT YOUR FLAVOUR (GENRE) FROM THE WEEKLY SPECIALS OR FROM THE MENU

* CHOOSE YOUR DISH (BOOK)

* CLICK ON THE 'DISH' (BOOK) TO SELECT IT

* YOU CAN ALWAYS GO BACK BY SELECTING 'PREVIOUS PAGE'

* HIT RESERVE - IF YOU SEE A RED CROSS OR RED BASKET ICON THIS MEANS SOMEONE ELSE HAS RESERVED IT - MAYBE CHOOSE SOMETHING ELSE TO AVOID A LONG WAIT

* SIT BACK AND WAIT FOR DELIVERY

Registration for this event can take place anytime - all you need to do is come to the Library to sign up and remember any books read since last September can be included in your reading log for 2026.

For more information, contact the Library staff.

Coralie threw the life jackets one by one, as hard as she could, and watched them catch on the wind and blow into the sea.

Pip Smith’s The Pull of the Moon explores what happens when the urge to help collides with the unfathomable uncertainty of loss.



Happy reading
The Library Team

The ICSC is a global educational program that empowers students to challenge their logical thinking, deepen their computer science knowledge, jumpstarting their journey into the world of technology. This is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in computer science, or wishing to put their coding skills in python, java or C ++ to the test!

The International Computer Science Competition offers prizes worth upwards of 1500 USD, including cash awards and certificates. Every participant receives a certificate, while finalists can achieve Bronze, Silver, or Gold Honours. Top students are awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Prizes, and national awards recognize outstanding participants from each country.

Qualification round is free - there is a fee if this is passed, to participate in the final rounds.

To enter the competition, or to see the questions visit - https://icscompetition.org/en/#qualification

For more information, and to see practice questions please see Miss Pepper.

Start Your Journey with WorldSkills Australia at competitions held in one of 34 Australian regions. The WorldSkills Competitions are a one-day event, designed to test your VET skills and knowledge against other apprentices, trainees and students!

Competitors have the opportunity to win gold, silver or bronze medals and gain the chance to go on to compete at a national and international level, all participants will receive a certificate of participation to add to their resume!

The 2026 WorldSkills Regional competition round will run across the country from Feb – Oct 2026.

Visit: https://www.worldskills.org.au/get-involved/compete/ to get involved!

Interested in coding/IT? Fill in this form.

The Year 7-9 Hockey Team capped off a fantastic season by winning the MISA Championship, finishing the entire competition without conceding a single goal. In the final, Bennies defeated Broughton Anglican College 2–0, with Jack Kent delivering a Man of the Match performance and scoring both goals. The achievement was made even more impressive by the fact that many players had never played hockey before this season. The future of hockey at Bennies looks very bright, with younger players Jaxson Engel, Will Dickson, and Jaimee Loon showing strong leadership and maturity throughout the comp.

Coach,
Mr Seitaridis

Term 2 MISA Sport proved to be another highly successful and competitive season for the College. Our students showcased exceptional teamwork and skill as they secured some hard-fought victories. The highlights of the term being our Year 7 - 9 Boys Basketball and Year 7 - 9 Boys Hockey teams winning their respective Division 1 competitions. Congratulations to all our students on a highly rewarding term that required them at times to be resilient and a positive attitude to overcome some high pressure moments. Thank you to our dedicated staff whose commitment to their teams at both training and game-day competition allowed for our students to develop their skill across the many sports this term.

Kind regards,

Mr Zahra

Please note that collecting students during Tuesday sports sessions can be challenging, as many activities take place off-site.

We kindly ask parents and carers to avoid arranging pick-ups during this time. School sport is a compulsory part of the curriculum, and all students are expected to attend.

For extended absences (of more than 5 school days) due to travel, parents must submit the Notification of Extended Absence form along with relevant travel documentation. This documentation should include: Dates, locations of travel, purpose and reasons for travel outside school holidays.

The new online Notification of Extended Absence form is user-friendly and simplifies the process for parents, eliminating the need for printing or downloading documents. Now, parents can conveniently complete the application entirely online.

Extended Absence Online Notification Link

Eligible cards are automatically updated for the new school year, so you'll only need to apply if you're:
Applications are open for students who are:

- applying for a school travel pass for the first time

- changing name, school and/or address or

- requesting an extra pass as a result of a new shared parental responsibility situation

We encourage all students to check the new timetables for their school on our website: https://nsw.transitsystems.com.au/schools to confirm any changes to their journey.

Students can also check timetables at https://transportnsw.info/routes/bus or use the Trip Planner at https://transportnsw.info/trip#/trip to check the times of the bus(es) they catch. Be sure to change the date in the options (to 1 December or later), and if using the Trip Planner, click “refine” and add “school bus” to ensure dedicated school services appear as a travel option.

We hope this information assists.

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 $11.80 (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 exception 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.

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

Please click the below for the latest newsletter:

Our Year 12 students recently had the valuable opportunity to participate in one-on-one sessions with representatives from the University of Wollongong and Western Sydney University. These personalised meetings provided students with guidance and support as they completed their Early Entry and scholarship applications.

The sessions gave students the chance to ask questions, gain expert advice, and strengthen their applications, helping them feel more confident as they prepare for the next stage of their educational journey.

We sincerely thank both universities for sharing their time, knowledge, and expertise with our students. Their support is greatly appreciated and will undoubtedly make a positive impact on our students' future pathways.

Our students have been participating in an engaging Career Development Program designed to equip them with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to make informed decisions about their future pathways.

Throughout the program, students explored a range of important career-focused topics. They developed strategies to stand out in a competitive job market by identifying their personal strengths, transferable skills and interests, while learning how to create a professional resume tailored to their goals.

Using the MyFuture platform, students investigated how their current subjects and interests connect to a variety of career industries and pathways beyond school. This helped them gain a greater understanding of the many opportunities available after graduation.

As part of the program, students also participated in an interactive incursion that encouraged them to challenge gender stereotypes and broaden their thinking about future career possibilities. By recognising and overcoming these barriers, students were inspired to consider a wider range of career options.

Looking ahead, students explored the importance of developing a positive digital presence and were introduced to the growing trend of video resumes. These valuable skills will help prepare them for the evolving world of work and give them greater confidence as they begin planning their future careers.

The program has provided our students with practical tools and valuable insights, empowering them to take the next steps towards their future with confidence.

In New South Wales (NSW), all students are required to complete Year 10. Click on the below fact sheet to see what options you have for completing Year 10 or options after completing Year 10.

Mrs Brown

Transition & Pathways (TaP's) Adviser

As we move through the winter respiratory illness season, NSW Health is encouraging families to take simple steps to protect themselves and others from influenza (flu).

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can spread quickly in schools and other settings where people are in close contact. While many people recover at home, influenza can cause serious illness and complications, particularly in young children. Vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness and hospitalisation.

NSW Health is offering a free nasal spray influenza vaccine for children and young people aged 2 to 17 years for a limited time. The vaccine is:

• Needle-free and painless.

• Given as a quick spray into each nostril.

• Approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

• Available through participating GPs, pharmacies and Aboriginal Medical Services while supplies last.

The nasal spray vaccine provides families with an alternative option for children who may be anxious about needles and aims to increase protection against influenza across the community.

Children can become seriously ill from influenza and can also spread the virus to family members and others in the community. Schools are environments where respiratory illnesses can spread easily, making vaccination an important step in reducing illness and absenteeism during winter.

Parents and carers can access information and resources from NSW Health:

• NSW Health – Influenza Information

• NSW Health – Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine Information

• NSW Health – Influenza Information for Families with Young Children

We encourage all families to consider vaccination and speak with their GP, pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service about the most appropriate option for their child.

Please click on the PDF below to view the College bus timetables.

Please click the below link for Picton Buses:

Picton Bus Timetable

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

Senior Girls Summer and Winter Skirt $10 sale

Our wonderful P&F volunteers will then be in contact with you.

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

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

No returns, refunds or exchanges on uniform items as these are donations with cash payments only.

We are offering 30% off and Buy 3 Get 4th Free on the winter items, just in time for the cooler weather.

CONTACT:

Ranier Schoolwear Shop: 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.

Trading hours:
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

Saturday 9am - 1pm

For more immediate assistance, Head Office details are

Online: ranier.com.au/contact

Email: custservice@ranier.com.au