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In this Issue

From the Principal
    From the Deputy Principal
    • Welcome Back to 2026 - Our Year of Peace
    From the Dean of Mission
      From the Dean of Learning Science and Innovation
        From the Dean of Wellbeing
          From the Dean of Cocurricular
            College News
            • Parent Handbook
            • Transport
            • Bennies Cherrybrook Metro Shuttle: Timetable Update
            • Transport to and from School
            • MSB Parent Portal
            • New Canteen Provider from Term One, 2025
            Upcoming Events
              Information For Year 7

                From the Principal

                Welcome back to the 2026 academic year as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Mount St Benedict College. Whether you were able to get away for a holiday, or had a staycation, I hope all our families had a safe, happy and holy Christmas period and that your daughters return to school rested and refreshed. I want to add a special welcome to our many new Year 7 families and also to the families whose daughters have joined us in other years throughout the College.

                There was much to celebrate just before Christmas with the release of very pleasing HSC results, confirming our place once again in the Top 100 schools in NSW and amongst the best of the girls' schools. Our records would indicate that the 2025 cohort is our most successful in achieving Band 6 results since our first HSC class in 1972, with over 22% of results as a Band 6 or E4. Congratulations again to the class of 2025. Click here to see the results.

                I am very excited to welcome our new staff, and they are introduced in Mrs Keogh’s message below. We have again recruited highly qualified and experienced staff for some key leadership positions as well as general teaching and support staff. Although there is a genuine teacher shortage in NSW, we have been able to engage outstanding professionals to support the enrolment growth of the College.

                We look forward this year to new facilities for our gym in the MSB Centre and the commencement of works mid-year on a covered way linking the central hub to the MSB Centre, as well as associated new, undercover areas for PDHPE, all atop the Hildegard Centre roof. We have a full calendar of functions for parents in 2026, and I look forward to seeing you as the year unfolds.

                Welcome Back!

                Michael Hanratty
                College Principal

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                From the Deputy Principal

                Welcome Back to 2026 - Our Year of Peace

                Welcome Back to 2026 - Our Year of Peace

                A very happy New Year and a warm welcome to both our returning and new families at the College for 2026. I trust that each of you, along with your extended families, enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating holiday period. To all the new families joining us this year, I am sure it won’t take long for you to feel embraced as part of the wonderful Bennies community. I have really enjoyed a restful summer and I am excited to be back at school and for another year in my role at our College.

                Schools are dynamic places, and I am pleased to advise that we start the year with a full complement of staff. We have some new positions this year, a reflection of the growth in the College and some new program leaders. We have been fortunate to employ outstanding educators for roles across the College, and we are excited to welcome the following new staff as they commence their roles this year.

                First Name Surname Position Former School
                Marianne Asmonti College Registrar Loreto Kirribilli
                Lindsay Baxter Science Lab Assistant Australian Scientific Enterprise
                Livinia Coombes Teacher, Science Loreto Normanhurst
                Jo Craven Head of Department, TAS St Ives High School
                Shannon Graham Teacher, English Central Coast Grammar
                Madeleine Gray Head of Department, English Oakhill College
                Daniel Guy Teacher, PDHPE Westfields Sports High School
                Fiona Hooper Teacher, Science Brigidine College
                Mark Kelly Teacher, TAS Knox Grammar School
                Erica Lee Teacher, Maths Brigidine College
                Joy Lee Teacher, RE Brigidine College
                Jim Mackintosh Teacher, Science Willoughby Girls School
                Elena Maiuc Teacher, English Intensive Language School
                Carolyn O'Shea Teacher, English St Aloysius' College
                Prem Pandurangam Teacher, Maths Marsden High School
                Aimy Papoulias Teacher, Maths St Patrick's Marist College Dundas
                Catherine Reynolds Director of People and Culture HR Consultant and Contractor
                Jessica Safar Teacher, Science Marian Catholic College
                Leone Smyth Sentral Project Officer Brigidine College
                Candice Stewart Teacher, English Knox Grammar School
                Florence Uy Uniform Shop Assistant St Agatha’s Catholic School
                Nick Walker Deputy Dean of Cocurricular SCEGGS Redlands
                Edwina West Teacher, English Oakhill College
                Kym Wheeler Teacher, Diverse Learning Marion Catholic College

                Additionally, there are some changes for other staff to commence the year:

                Staff Role
                Mrs Andrea Harney Head of Diverse Learning
                Mrs Christina He Dean of Cocurricular
                Mr Greg Hume Assistant Head of HSIE (returning from leave)
                Ms Nicola McKinley Music Academy Convenor
                Ms Sarah Smith Acting Head of House - New Norcia

                Should you have any concerns as the year progresses, please do not hesitate to make contact with the College staff. We seek to partner with you in your daughter’s education. I encourage you to contact your daughter’s Homeroom Mentor as the first point of contact for any wellbeing matter or the class teacher for a subject-related matter by telephone or email.

                If there is any way that I can be of assistance to you throughout the year, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email.

                Karen Keogh
                Deputy Principal

                From the Dean of Mission

                As we begin another exciting school year, I would particularly like to extend a warm welcome to all students, staff, and families joining our community. There are so many wonderful opportunities to be involved in the College community, to make a difference in others lives, and in the process, develop your own sense of self. I would also like to welcome Mrs Carly Beacroft to the Mission Team in the role of Ministry Resource Teacher. Her understanding of Mission, energy and passion will greatly add to the work we do.

                We will celebrate our Opening School Mass on 13 February. This year is particularly significant for the College, marking the 60th anniversary of the College’s Opening. We are blessed to have Bishop Anthony Randazzo celebrating this for us. It is a wonderful opportunity to come together to celebrate our achievements over that time and who we are now. We will also ask for God’s blessings for our new students and staff. As is customary at Bennies, each new member of our community will be presented with a Benedictine Medal as a sign of welcome and belonging.

                Each year, one of our three values – Pax, Hospitality and Stewardship – is the focus for the year. This year, “Pax” will guide us in fostering closer relationships with one another and with God, challenging us to work towards peace in our world. The quote on our College Candle this year will be “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to Peace.” Romans 14:19

                Throughout Term One, there will be many opportunities for students to engage in prayer, service and reflection. As we move towards Lent and Easter, we will be partnering with Caritas to explore Catholic Social Teaching, the challenges faced by people around the world and how Caritas supports communities in need. One key event, early this term, will be the Caritas Trek. The Trek raises awareness about the plight of young girls around the world who need to travel great distances before school to collect water for their families. This event has been extended to two days in recent years to accommodate the large number of students eager to participate. Students are encouraged to read the Student Update to ensure they register for these meaningful opportunities.

                I look forward to an exciting new year and to sharing all the wonderful things happening in our community. I encourage you to follow Bennies on our social media channels. Our Advancement Team does an excellent job of capturing and sharing photos and stories of students engaging in the many Mission activities. It’s always heartwarming to see our students and staff involved and enjoying these experiences!

                Kerry Bailey
                Dean Of Mission

                From the Dean of Learning Science and Innovation

                Welcome to the 2026 school year at Mount St Benedict College. As we begin another year together, I extend a warm welcome to all members of our community, especially our families joining Bennies for the first time.

                We commence 2026 with much to celebrate. The outstanding results achieved by the Class of 2025 are a testament to sustained effort, purposeful learning, and the strength of the partnership between students, staff, and families. These results reflect not only academic capability, but also the habits that underpin Learner Excellence — grit, discipline, reflection, perseverance, and commitment. We are incredibly proud of our graduates and the way they embodied our College values in their approach to learning.

                Our new strategic plan has a specific whole-school focus on Learning Excellence. At Mount St Benedict College, excellence is not defined by results alone, but by growth — growth in knowledge, skills, self-awareness, and responsibility. Central to Learning Excellence is our learner taking ownership of her journey, supported by honest conversations, realistic information, and a shared commitment to improvement.

                As students begin the year, we encourage them to consider what goals they might set for themselves in 2026. These goals may look different for each student, but often fall within a few key areas:

                Grit and Hard Work

                Learning excellence is built through consistent effort over time. A goal for 2026 might be to persevere when learning becomes challenging, to develop strong study routines, to seek feedback, and to respond to setbacks with resilience rather than discouragement. Growth comes from showing up, practising, reflecting, and trying again.

                Habits matter. The routines students establish, how they manage their time, engage in class, ask questions, seek feedback, and balance their wellbeing, shape their learning over the year. Excellence is built through small, intentional actions repeated consistently, and through the development of self-discipline and independence.

                Making New Friends

                A strong sense of belonging supports both wellbeing and learning. Students may set goals around building new friendships, strengthening existing relationships, or stepping beyond their comfort zone to connect with others. Learning to listen, show empathy, and engage respectfully with peers is an important part of formation at Bennies.

                Engaging in the Life of the College

                Learning extends well beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to involve themselves in the wider life of the College, through cocurricular activities, service opportunities, leadership, liturgies, sporting teams, creative pursuits, or community events. Engagement fosters purpose, connection, and a deeper sense of belonging.

                Throughout 2026, our Learning and Wellbeing programs, Learning Conversations, and Wellbeing structures will continue to support students to set meaningful goals, track their progress, and understand the specific steps they can take to grow. In partnership with families, we remain committed to fostering purposeful, directed learning grounded in our Benedictine values of humility, discipline, listening, and ongoing formation.

                Class Placements

                Considerable thought and effort are invested in the construction of class placements, starting mid-way through the previous year. We carefully consider each student's individual challenges, diverse learning needs, and academic achievements. Our objective is to create balanced environments that foster both academic excellence and social development for all students. We recognise that adjusting to a new class can be challenging initially, and while changing classes is discouraged, we are dedicated to ensuring that every student settles in comfortably. If your child is experiencing difficulties or concerns with their current class placement, we encourage the student to speak directly with their Head of House or Homeroom Mentor. This approach not only helps build a meaningful relationship with the Head of House but also empowers your child to actively use their voice in expressing their needs and concerns. The Head of House is ready to listen to students' concerns and provide support to facilitate a smoother transition, which may include strategies to expand and strengthen their social networks. This dialogue is essential for ensuring that your child feels supported and understood within our College community. We value your understanding and cooperation as we work to provide the most supportive learning environment for all our students.

                Corinna Bailey
                Dean of Learning Science and Innovation

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                From the Dean of Wellbeing

                On behalf of the College Wellbeing Team, I extend a warm welcome to all students and families as we begin the 2026 school year. I hope the holiday break offered time to rest, recharge, and reconnect.

                As we start the year, I would like to familiarise our new families—and remind our returning families—of the support structures available. If you have any concerns regarding your daughter’s wellbeing or her transition into the new school year, her Head of House remains your primary point of contact. Heads of Houses can be reached via email or by calling 9980 0444. Should you feel that your daughter may benefit from meeting with one of our College Counsellors, please contact her Head of House, who will be able to facilitate a referral.

                Our team this year is as follows:

                House Head of House Email
                Arcadia Ms Rebecca Knox rknox@msb.nsw.edu.au
                Jamberoo Ms Kristy Walsh kwalsh@msb.nsw.edu.au
                Maredsous Mrs Patricia Gallacher pgallacher@msb.nsw.edu.au
                Monte Cassino Ms Gabrielle Fonteyne gfonteyne@msb.nsw.edu.au
                Montserrat Mr Colin O’Donnell codonnell@msb.nsw.edu.au
                New Norcia Ms Sarah Smith ssmith@msb.nsw.edu.au
                Scholastica Mr Joshua Allen jallen@msb.nsw.edu.au
                Stanbrook Mrs Corinne Maclou cmaclou@msb.nsw.edu.au
                Subiaco Ms Katherine Stewart kstewart@msb.nsw.edu.au
                Terracina Mr David Greenwell dgreenwell@msb.nsw.edu.au

                Ms Nicola Murray has ended her tenure at Bennies and we look forward to arranging a New Norcia farewell for her to honour her time at the College and the special role she played in the shaping of the New Norcia community. Ms Sarah Smith will be taking over as Head of House in an acting capacity this year and we welcome Ms Smith back to New Norcia and are recruiting for her replacement as Assistant Head of Terracina. Our Assistant Heads of House work to support our girls and their families in addition to providing assistance to the Heads of House. They are:

                House Assistant Head of House Email
                Arcadia Ms Carly Beacroft cbeacroft@msb.nsw.edu.au
                Jamberoo Ms Colleen Burke cburke@msb.nsw.edu.au
                Maredsous Ms Roweena Flowers rflowers@msb.nsw.edu.au
                Monte Cassino Ms Zoe Hislop zhislop@msb.nsw.edu.au
                Montserrat Dr Miriam Gillett mgillett@msb.nsw.edu.au
                New Norcia Ms Jodi Halmarick jhalmarick@msb.nsw.edu.au
                Scholastica Mrs Kristy Pawson kpawson@msb.nsw.edu.au
                Stanbrook Mrs Danielle O'Neill doneill@msb.nsw.edu.au
                Subiaco Ms Rebecca Ursino rursino@msb.nsw.edu.au
                Terracina TBC ​

                Wellbeing at Bennies

                At Mount St Benedict College, the Wellbeing and Learning Model is founded on the belief that every student is capable of growth, excellence, and purposeful engagement in her learning and relationships. High expectations play a central role in enabling these outcomes. They function as both a driver of strong learning culture and a protective factor for student wellbeing.

                1.High Expectations Promote a Culture of Respect and Belonging.
                High expectations signal to students that they are valued, capable, and worthy of investment. Within a Benedictine context, where dignity, stewardship, and community are core values, holding students to high standards:

                Communicates belief in each student’s potential.
                Creates consistency across classrooms and relationships.
                Builds psychological safety through predictable boundaries.
                Reinforces the College ethos that each student is called to grow into her fullest self.

                This alignment strengthens students’ sense of belonging, a key determinant of wellbeing.

                2.They Enhance Student Agency and Motivation
                When expectations are clear and high, but achievable, students are more likely to:

                Take ownership of their learning.
                Set meaningful goals.
                View challenges as opportunities rather than threats.
                Persist through difficulty.

                This reflects evidence from educational psychology: high expectations paired with strong support create the optimal conditions for intrinsic motivation and resilience.

                MSB’s wellbeing approach emphasises empowering young women to become thoughtful, confident learners. High expectations reinforce exactly that.

                3.High Expectations Contribute to Positive Mental Health

                Although sometimes misunderstood, high expectations, when framed positively, are actually a protective factor against anxiety, disengagement, and helplessness. They help students develop:

                Structure
                Purpose
                Achievement pathways.
                A growth mindset.

                Students thrive when they know:

                “I am trusted to do hard things, and support is available when I need it.”

                This aligns with MSB’s strengths-based wellbeing lens and restorative practices, which focus on capability, responsibility, and learning from experience.

                4.They Strengthen Teacher–Student Relationships
                High expectations require:

                Clear communication.
                Fair and consistent practice.
                Constructive feedback.
                Warm, respectful guidance.

                These are the hallmarks of strong professional relationships in schools. Students read high expectations as an indication that teachers care deeply about their success. This reinforces MSB’s relational model of learning and wellbeing, built on compassion, patience, and mutual respect.

                5.They Improve Learning Outcomes Across the College
                High expectations have a direct impact on academic achievement:

                Students set higher goals.
                Teachers design more rigorous learning experiences.
                Classrooms foster engagement, not compliance.
                Learners receive messages that effort leads to mastery.

                This reflects the core of MSB’s learning vision: purposeful, engaged, challenging learning underpinned by wellbeing. High expectations therefore act as the link between wellbeing and academic excellence—the two are not separate but mutually reinforcing. Three key areas of high expectations relate to attendance, device management and uniform expectations.

                Supporting School Attendance

                Regular school attendance is essential for every student’s learning, growth and sense of belonging at Mount St Benedict College. Our Benedictine tradition emphasises stability, community, and commitment, values that are strengthened when students participate consistently in the daily life of the College. Attendance is not simply a requirement; it is a foundational component of academic progress, strong relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

                If students are going to be absent, parents should inform the College via the Sentral parent portal by 8am so we know if a student does not attend her first lesson, that she is safe and cared for.

                All leave, including extended leave, sick leave, etc, should be applied for via the College's Parent Portal (BenniesLink) and then accessed through Sentral. Year 7 parents received an email from the College on 15 January regarding how to log in to the MSB Parent Portal.

                Please note that there is no “Family Holiday” option. Parents can select “Other” and add a comment.

                • Log in to the BenniesLink Parent Portal https://bennieslink.msb.nsw.edu.au/ and click on the Sentral tile, or log in to Sentral directly.
                  https://www.msb.nsw.edu.au/about/parent-portal/
                • Within Sentral, select the Absences button from the main menu on the left-hand side.
                • Select Submit a Future Absence Request (green box).
                • Complete the relevant fields and submit the request.

                If unsure of process, please contact the relevant Head of House.

                Supporting Device Management and Uniform Expectations: Why It Matters for Learning

                At Mount St Benedict College, our commitment to excellence in education extends beyond the classroom. Two key pillars that support productive learning are responsible device management and adherence to uniform expectations. These are not just rules, they are strategies that help our girls thrive as learners and future leaders. As we start the new academic year, we mean to start it well with higher standards for our girls across the spaces of device use and uniform.

                Why Device Management Matters

                Digital tools are powerful for learning, but without boundaries, they can become distractions. Research consistently shows that focused attention is critical for deep learning. Studies from the American Psychological Association and UNESCO highlight that multitasking with devices reduces comprehension and retention.

                By supporting the College’s device management policies, which encompasses mobile phones as well as laptops, we help students:

                Stay present and engaged in lessons.

                Develop self-regulation skills, essential for academic success and life beyond school.

                Build healthy digital habits that prepare them for responsible citizenship.

                Why Uniform Expectations Matter

                Uniforms are more than attire, they symbolise belonging, equality, and readiness to learn. Research from the Journal of Educational Research suggests that consistent dress codes:

                Reduce social pressures, allowing students to focus on learning.

                Promote a sense of community and identity.

                Encourage professionalism, linking school life to future workplace expectations.

                When students wear their uniform with pride, they signal respect for themselves, their peers, and their learning environment.

                Connecting to Their Job as Learners

                Our girls’ primary role at Mount St Benedict College is to be active, responsible learners. Device management and uniform expectations are not arbitrary, they are tools that:

                Create structure for success.

                Minimise distractions, enabling deeper engagement.

                Foster habits of discipline and respect, which underpin our Graduate Attributes:

                • Critical and ethical thinking.
                • Effective communication.
                • Integrity and compassion.

                How Families Can Help

                Model digital boundaries at home: Encourage tech-free times for study and family connection.

                Model digital boundaries at school: do not engage with or respond to communications during the school day including requests to be collected if unwell or to bring in items left at home. If a student is unwell they can present to the Clinic to be assessed by our nurse.

                Celebrate uniform pride: Reinforce that wearing the uniform well reflects character and commitment.

                Talk about the “why”: Help girls see these expectations as stepping stones to independence and leadership.

                Support College processes: if students have incidences where they cannot manage their phone or laptop use effectively, the College will follow its processes and issue a detention. If the issues persist, we will have a meeting with the family as part of our restorative learning process. We need families to partner with us in supporting these processes as they are for the overall benefit of the girls and while they may be with us for a finite period of six years, we, along with parents, want to be proud of the adults they will one day become.

                Together, we can ensure that these practices make learning productive and empower our students to become the best versions of themselves. And if the dialogue at home is that we only care about uniform and phones, that is not the case. We care about them, and we want what is best for them, and that is exactly why you as parents chose us as the school for your child.

                As part of our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of our girls, we were delighted to welcome Dr Judith Locke, clinical psychologist, researcher and former teacher, to Mount St Benedict College. Dr Locke is widely recognised for her expertise in child and adolescent wellbeing, and for her practical, research informed approaches that help young people develop confidence, resilience and healthy independence.

                As the author of the bestselling books The Bonsai Child and The Bonsai Student, Dr Locke has become a trusted voice for schools and families across Australia. Her work focuses on equipping parents and educators with strategies that foster capable, balanced and motivated learners. She is also a regular contributor to national media, providing insights into contemporary parenting and student wellbeing.

                We thank Dr Locke for the valuable perspectives she presented to our College community as we continue to strengthen our shared commitment to holistic student wellbeing. Thankyou to the parents who joined us on Wednesday evening.

                Best wishes,

                Sheri Upasiri
                Dean of Wellbeing

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                From the Dean of Cocurricular

                Welcome to 2026! We are delighted to welcome our students back to Bennies and I extend a particularly warm welcome to our new students and families joining our community this year.

                The Cocurricular Program is a significant part of the holistic learning experience at Bennies. We continued to see high levels of participation across the program last year, and we anticipate this momentum will carry into 2026 as we continue to expand our offerings to meet a wide range of student interest areas.

                This year will be a new chapter for the Cocurricular Program as we make some changes that will allow for sustainable growth into the future. I’d like to warmly welcome Mr Nick Walker, Deputy Dean of Cocurricular who comes to the College with extensive experience in coordinating cocurricular programs. As an experienced educator, he will bring value in ensuring our programs are of a high standard and addresses the learning needs of our students. I would also like to welcome Ms Nicola McKinley who is a current teacher at the College but will be stepping into the role of Culture and Arts Academy Convenor – Music for 2026.

                Providing a wide range of opportunities for our students across all levels, abilities and interests continues to be at the forefront of what we do. We have invested resources to ensure the program supports our students to thrive at the College and we are excited to see our students enjoy and immerse themselves in new and different activities this year. We are excited to launch our new Study Hub, an afternoon academic mentoring service for Year 7 and 8 students, the new and refurbished Bennies Fitness Centre, BenniesLive FM radio and broadcasting project, more lunchtime clubs, additional public speaking activities, just to name a few. Also, a highly anticipated event of this year will be our Biennial College Musical, The Wizard of Oz!

                A considerable change to the program this year is the implementation of Clipboard, a cocurricular management system. Communication was sent to all families on 12 January regarding this, but as a reminder, the Cocurricular Team will be utilising this platform as a main source of communication with our students and families, particularly with attendance tracking, scheduling and fixtures, registrations and so forth. We ran a pilot group at the end of last year and so far, the response has been positive as it has streamlined a lot of our processes for our students and parents. We welcome any feedback during this transition process and I thank you all in advance for your support and patience.

                Please see below the updated cocurricular program brochure, summary of offerings and the Term One outline to assist with your planning. Registrations are currently open for a range of activities so please make sure you login to Clipboard to see what is on offer.

                COCURRICULAR PROGRAM BROCHURE

                SUMMARY OF OFFERINGS BROCHURE

                TERM ONE OUTLINE

                Risk Warning Non-Sporting Activities 2026

                Risk Warning Sporting Activities 2026

                Should you have any questions or queries about the program, please contact the relevant Academy Convenors or Coordinators as listed below.

                Mr Darren Nosti, Sport Academy Coordinator dnosti@msb.nsw.edu.au

                Miss Bronte Finegan, Sport Academy Convenor – Interschool Sport bfinegan@msb.nsw.edu.au

                Miss Stephanie Kelleway, Sport Academy Convenor – Social Sport and Physical Activity skelleway@msb.nsw.edu.au

                Ms Elizabeth Kerr, Culture and Arts Academy Coordinator ekerr@msb.nsw.edu.au

                Ms Nicola McKinley, Culture and Arts Academy Convenor - Music nmckinley@msb.nsw.edu.au

                Ms Elizabeth Kerr, Acting Culture & Arts Academy Convenor - Dance ekerr@msb.nsw.edu.au

                Miss Chelsea McGregor, Culture and Arts Academy Convenor - Drama cmcgregor@msb.nsw.edu.au

                Ms Jodi Halmarick, Duke of Edinburgh Award Convenor jhalmarick@msb.nsw.edu.au

                Miss Lauren Martin, PA to the Dean of Cocurricular lmartin@msb.nsw.edu.au

                On behalf of the Cocurricular Team, I wish all our students and families a great year ahead. I look forward to seeing our girls get involved and experience the joy of learning beyond the classroom.

                Christina He
                Dean of Cocurricular

                College News

                Parent Handbook

                Parent Handbook

                Click here to view the 2026 Parent Handbook which contains important information about the College.

                Transport

                Transport

                GENERAL TRANSPORT INFORMATION: TO AND FROM MOUNT ST BENEDICT COLLEGE

                Public Transport: TransportNSW

                Please find a link to the TransportNSW website where you can work out travel via public transport for your child to and from Mount St Benedict College: https://transportnsw.info/ . A reminder to click on the ‘Refine’ button and select the School Bus option.

                We remind students that they must have a valid Opal card to travel on all public transport and must tap on and off each morning and afternoon . To apply for an Opal Card please do so at the following link: https://transportnsw.info/tickets-fares/eligibility-concessions/school-student-travel/apply-for-school-travel-pass-or-school . Please note there are often spot checks by Transport Officials on Government Buses.

                Click here for the current timetable for the CDCNSW Govt Bus Timetable (ie local buses in the Hills District area) .

                The timetable for the free Bennies Shuttle Buses which travels to and from the Cherrybrook Metro station can be found here: https://www.msb.nsw.edu.au/enrolments/location-and-transport/. It is a good idea to aim for one of the free shuttle buses departing before 8am, as the buses between 8am and 8.15am are often very full.

                Private Transport – BB1 Ermington/Ryde, BB2 North West, BB3 North Shore

                The Private Buses, are a paid for service and the cost is $420 per term incl. GST. Please find a link to the information, which is on the College website: https://www.msb.nsw.edu.au/enrolments/location-and-transport/private-bus-services/ . The BB1 Ermington/Ryde and BB2 North West Private Buses are both currently fully subscribed. To go on the waitlist for these two services please email: transport@msb.nsw.edu.au . There are still a few seats currently available on the BB3 North Shore Route, and you can register on the College website for this service.

                Bennies Cherrybrook Metro Shuttle: Timetable Update

                Bennies Cherrybrook Metro Shuttle: Timetable Update

                We are pleased to share two updates about our free Bennies Bus Cherrybrook Metro service:

                1.    Additional Time on the Daily Shuttle Service (afternoon)
                Starting from the beginning of the 2026 school year, the Bennies Metro Shuttle will add an additional afternoon pick up from the College to Cherrybrook Metro at 5.45pm, to accomodate students concluding cocurricular activities.

                Morning Timetable – Departing Cherrybrook Metro:

                • Shuttles run from 7:05 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. with departures at: 7:05, 7:15, 7:25, 7:35, 7:45, 7:55, 8:05, and 8:15 a.m.
                • It is a good idea to aim for one of the free shuttle buses departing before 8am, as the buses between 8am and 8.15am are often very full.

                Afternoon Timetable – Departing Mount St Benedict College (Gate D):

                • Two Bennies Metro Shuttles (55 seats each) will depart from Gate D starting at 3:20 p.m. (Departing once the buses are full).
                • Additional afternoon shuttles are available at 3:40, 4:00, 4:45, 5:15pm and 5:45 p.m. to accommodate students finishing cocurricular activities.

                • Week B Bennies Time - (Monday afternoons only from Week Three): An additional afternoon shuttle departs at 2.15pm. Normal after school timetable begins at 3.20pm.

                Important Notes:

                GENERAL TRANSPORT INFORMATION: TO AND FROM MOUNT ST BENEDICT COLLEGE

                Public Transport: TransportNSW

                Please find a link to the TransportNSW website where you can work out travel via public transport for your child to and from Mount St Benedict College: https://transportnsw.info/ . A reminder to click on the ‘Refine’ button and select the School Bus option.

                We remind students that they must have a valid Opal card to travel on all public transport and must tap on and off each morning and afternoon . To apply for an Opal Card please do so at the following link: https://transportnsw.info/tickets-fares/eligibility-concessions/school-student-travel/apply-for-school-travel-pass-or-school . Please note there are often spot checks by Transport Officials on Government Buses.

                Click here for the current timetable for the CDCNSW Govt Bus Timetable (ie local buses in the Hills District area) .

                The timetable for the free Bennies Shuttle Buses which travels to and from the Cherrybrook Metro station can be found here: https://www.msb.nsw.edu.au/enrolments/location-and-transport/. It is a good idea to aim for one of the free shuttle buses departing before 8am, as the buses between 8am and 8.15am are often very full.

                Private Transport – BB1 Ermington/Ryde, BB2 North West, BB3 North Shore

                The Private Buses, are a paid for service and the cost is $420 per term incl. GST. Please find a link to the information, which is on the College website: https://www.msb.nsw.edu.au/enrolments/location-and-transport/private-bus-services/ . The BB1 Ermington/Ryde and BB2 North West Private Buses are both currently fully subscribed. To go on the waitlist for these two services please email: transport@msb.nsw.edu.au . There are still a few seats currently available on the BB3 North Shore Route, and you can register on the College website for this service.

                • This free service for Mount St Benedict College students is subject to seat availability.

                • Year 7 students: To support their transition to high school, Year 7 students will be released earlier from class during the first two weeks of school. The Bennies Metro Shuttle may depart before 3:20 p.m if buses reach full capacity, but will return to the College again between 3.30pm-3.40pm.

                • Morning Alternative Travel Option: If a Bennies Metro Shuttle is full, students can wait for the next scheduled Bennies Metro service (see timetable above). Remember it is a good idea to aim for one of the free shuttle buses departing before 8am, as the buses between 8am and 8.15am are often very full.

                • Alternatively, students may use the public CDC bus service (Route 632) which stops at Mount St Benedict College. Please note that a valid Student Opal Card is required for this service.

                • Afternoon Alternative Travel Option: If the Bennies Metro Shuttle is full, students may use the public CDC bus service (Route 632) to Cherrybrook Metro (also departs from Gate D). Please note that a valid Student Opal Card is required for this service.

                Transport to and from School

                Transport to and from School

                Mount St Benedict College is well serviced by buses which drop and pick up students in Beecroft Road before the start and at the end of the College day. Parents should make their own enquiries to TRANSPORT INFOLINE if train or bus travel is required.

                Students must have a valid Opal Card to travel on school buses and they are required to tap on and off both morning and afternoon. The School OPAL card gives eligible students free or discounted travel between home and school, using the train, bus and ferry services you nominate in your application. For further information go to transportnsw.info/school-students

                It is very important that students use their Opal card to tap on and off the Government bus services provided. If students do not have an Opal card for the Government bus, parents are asked to order a replacement card online.

                https://transportnsw.info/tickets-opal/ticket-elig...

                Tapping on and off with your Opal card is vital as College Bus services are provided by Transport NSW in response to the needs of the community. The need is determined by the data collected from students using their Opal card to tap on and off the bus. If students do not have an Opal card or do not use their Opal card to tap on and off, this leads to inaccurate data being collected, and the need is not addressed or known by Transport NSW. This leads to full buses and transport needs are not met as a result.

                MSB Parent Portal

                MSB Parent Portal

                The College portal, BenniesLink is available for parents to access. BenniesLink is a centralised platform to help you efficiently manage your daughter’s education at the College. The portal is also used by staff and students at the College. This portal gives you easy access to College learning platforms, Cocurricular platforms (Clipboard),  parent information, newsletters, student timetables, absences (Sentral), permissions and the College calendar.


                The BenniesLink portal is available through your desktop browser and the mobile app.


                Year 7 Parents and New 2026 Families
                An email was sent with instructions for logging into BenniesLink for the first time.

                BenniesLink Parent Portal User Guide: CLICK HERE
                This comprehensive guide will help you navigate and utilise the features of the portal.

                Year 8 -12 Parents
                If you have yet to log into BenniesLink, please refer to the user guide linked above.

                Link to log in for the first time:

                https://bennieslink.msb.nsw.edu.au/

                Access this link to log in for the first time and click the Forgot Password link.

                Subsequent log-in link: https://bennieslink.msb.nsw.edu.au/

                Mrs Kylie Gray
                Director of Marketing

                Open Day

                Save the Date - Bennies is holding our annual Open Day on Sunday 1 March from 10.00am - 2.00pm.

                Tell your friends with daughters currently in Year 5 that enrolments for Year 7 2028 are now open. Prospective families can register to attend: https://enquiry.msb.nsw.edu.au/events , and lodge an online Expression of Interest to reserve your daughter's position on our database.

                Have you moved or changed your phone number?

                Please update your change of contact details within BenniesLink (Parent Portal) .

                Supporting School Attendance

                Regular school attendance is essential for every student’s learning, growth and sense of belonging at Mount St Benedict College. Our Benedictine tradition emphasises stability, community, and commitment, values that are strengthened when students participate consistently in the daily life of the College. Attendance is not simply a requirement; it is a foundational component of academic progress, strong relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

                If students are going to be absent, parents should inform the College via Sentral in the College's Parent Portal by 8am, so we know if a student does not attend her first lesson that  she is safe and cared for.

                All leave, including extended leave, sick leave etc should be applied for via the College's Parent Portal in Sentral. https://bennieslink.msb.nsw.edu.au/

                • Login to the BenniesLink https://bennieslink.msb.nsw.edu.au/ Parent Portal and click on the Sentral tile or Sentral Parent Portal https://www.msb.nsw.edu.au/about/parent-portal/
                • Within Sentral select the Absences button from the main menu on the left-hand side.
                • Select Submit a Future Absence Request (green box).
                • Complete the relevant fields, and submit the request.

                College Communication

                To keep up to date with what's happening at the College, please like our Facebook page here , follow our Instagram page here and read the College Newsletter and Bennies Updates, which are delivered via email each Friday afternoon.

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                College Term Dates

                Term One Years 7,11,12 Monday 2 February - Wednesday 1 April.
                Years 8, 9,10 Tuesday 3 February - Wednesday 1 April.
                Pupil Free Day - Monday 2 March

                Term Two Monday 20 April - Friday 26 June.
                Monday 8 June - King's Birthday Public Holiday.
                Tuesday 9 June - Pupil Free Day (Staff Spirituality Day)

                Term Three Tuesday 21 July - Friday 25 September.

                Term Four Tuesday 12 October - Thursday 3 December.

                From the Fees Desk

                Annual Fees Statements for 2026 have been emailed to all families. Term One fees are due Friday 6 February.

                If the College holds a Direct Debit Authority to deduct payments automatically from your bank account or credit card, payment processing for the year will commence as follows:

                Friday 6 February for weekly, fortnight B and term payments.

                Friday 13 February for fortnight A payments.

                Tuesday 17 February for monthly payments (17th of the month, or next business day).

                Term Two payments are due 24 April 2026.

                Term Three payments are due 24 July 2026 .

                Term Four payments are due 16 October 2026 .

                Direct Debit Authorities remain in force until the College receives notification in writing. New authorities can be downloaded from the College website. Please click here . Please email completed form to fees@msb.nsw.edu.au

                If you wish to confirm your payment arrangements or require a copy of your 2026 statement, please contact our Finance Team on 9980 0445 or fees@msb.nsw.edu.au

                Extended Fee Payment Option – Edstart

                Families in need of an extended payment plan beyond the current school year may consider contacting Edstart on https://edstart.com.au/msb

                Disclaimer :Mount St Benedict College does not provide any recommendations, brokering, or advice services. We do not receive referral fees, commissions, or other remuneration from this company.

                College Uniform Shop

                The College Shop is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during Term Time between 8.00am-12.00pm and 1.00pm-4.00pm, and is located near the Hall Courtyard.
                Click here to see the 2025 College Shop price list

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                New Canteen Provider from Term One, 2025

                New Canteen Provider from Term One, 2025


                Introduction from Vanilla Blue

                Vanilla Blue are the canteen provider at Mount St Benedict College. As finalists in 2024 and 2025 for “Education Site Caterer of the Year”, we focus on wholesome lunches and snacks that will be freshly prepared on-site each day by our dedicated and friendly canteen team.

                If you have any questions or would like to speak to our team, please call 1300 556 086 or msbcanteen@vanillablue.com.au .


                Menu

                Please view our 2026 menu here.

                The Canteen will be open Monday 2 February.

                Students are not permitted to order hot drinks including coffee, except for Year 11 and 12 students, who are permitted to order hot chocolates before school or during study periods.

                Payment information
                Orders can be placed up to 8am on the day via the Flexischools app, or over the counter by Student ID card (linked to the Flexischools account) or physical bank/ATM cards.

                Vanilla Blue supports the College’s policy on mobile phone usage, so we are unable to accept payment by mobile tap-and-go.

                Your student Flexischools account should already be linked to the new canteen menu.

                Sign up to Flexischools here.

                Upcoming Events

                Upcoming Events ​
                P&F Meeting Monday 9 February 6.30pm, MSB Centre
                Year 7 2026 Makeup Allwell Exam Tuesday 10 February
                Elevate Parent Webinar Wednesday 11 February 6.30pm - 7.30pm
                Opening College Eucharist Friday 13 February
                Year 7 Spirit Afternoon Monday 16 February 3.15pm - 4.30pm
                MSBESA Meeting Monday 16 February 6.30pm via zoom
                Shrove Tuesday Tuesday 17 February
                Year 10 Residential Experience - Parent information Webinar Tuesday 17 February 6.30pm-7.00pm
                Ash Wednesday Wednesday 18 February
                Year 7 Residential Experience Wednesday 18 February to Friday 20 February
                Year 7 2026 Winter Outfitting Tuesday 24 February - Wednesday 25 February
                Year 12 Learning Conversations via zoom Tuesday 24 February 3.45pm - 8.15pm
                Swimming Carnival Thursday 26 February
                Open Day Sunday 1 March
                Student Free Day Monday 2 March

                To Access the schedule of events for 2026 log in to BenniesLink (Parent Portal) Calendar.

                *College Assemblies For Parents

                College Assemblies are livestreamed for the MSB parent community at 9:40-10:45am on the dates specified in the schedule above. The live stream link is here.

                Information For Year 7

                Students should arrive at the Hildegard Centre Roof between 8.00am and 8:15am on Monday 2 February. Parents are welcome to join their daughters on the Hildegard Centre Roof before school and watch the Guard of Honour at 8.30am.

                At the end of the school day at 3:15pm, please have a plan in place for your daughter to travel home safely. In particular, if you are meeting at a College gate, please agree this in advance - either the Beecroft Road or Hull Road gates.

                Parking: There is no parking available on College grounds [7.30am - 4.00pm]. Parking suggestions include the top of Beecroft Road adjacent to Observatory Park, or Loftus Road and Wilson Road on the opposite side of Pennant Hills Road, where the College can be accessed via the overhead pedestrian bridge. A College map is available for your convenience, as well as parking options (shown in pink).

                Bennies Private Buses will resume from Monday 2 February.

                Your daughter might like to catch the free Bennies Shuttle Service to Cherrybrook Metro in the afternoon - and be collected from there. This bus leaves from Gate D and staff can direct students where to go to access this service.

                Arrangements for the first two days of school

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                Mount St Benedict College

                Mount St Benedict College

                449D Pennant Hills Rd, Pennant Hills NSW 2120

                Get Directions
                www.msb.nsw.edu.au

                449D Pennant Hills Rd
                Pennant Hills NSW 2120
                AUSTRALIA

                College Office

                02 9980 0444

                admin@msb.nsw.edu.au

                Copyright © 2024.
                All rights reserved

                Mount St Benedict College acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we learn and gather, the Dharug people. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, sky, and community. Walk softly on Country.
                Artwork: 'Marri Djirang Nura - Big Tree Country' by Leanne Watson