From the Principal
Welcome back to the 2024 academic year. 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 new Year 7 families and those 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. We congratulate the Class of 2023 once again. 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 recruited highly qualified and experienced staff for some key leadership positions. Although there is a genuine teacher shortage in NSW, we have been able to engage outstanding additional teaching and Support staff to support the enrolment growth of the College.
The conversion of the Mount St Benedict Centre to administration and classroom spaces has concluded, and we will commence using the classroom facilities and some of the administration spaces from Week One. We look forward to using this historic convent building and the adjoining land, which includes new much-needed car parking spaces. College Reception will move to the MSB Centre, which means our new “formal entrance” will be via Hull Rd. Student Services will remain in its current location (Administration Building – entry via Pennant Hills Road). Later this year extensive renovations to the building will provide us with additional TAS classrooms and updated wellbeing spaces.
We have a full calendar of functions for parents in 2024 and I look forward to seeing you throughout the year.
Michael Hanratty
College Principal
From the Deputy Principal
A very happy New Year and a warm welcome to both our returning and new families for 2024. 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.
Congratulations to our outgoing Year 12 HSC class for their achievements after the disrupted last couple of years of schooling. Their success is a testament to their resilience and determination. We look forward to hearing about their future pathways as they move into their lives beyond the red brick wall.
Schools are dynamic places, and our staffing has been very stable over many years. At the end of 2023, we had a small number of staff retire or accept promotions in other schools. We are also in a period of growth and, as a result, have been able to recruit additional staff for 2024. 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 with us at the start of the year.
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
A warm welcome back to everyone and to those joining our community! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. I hope the break allowed you to enjoy some time with family and friends and some time to relax too.
We are looking forward to creating a welcome space for all the members of our community, especially our new students and staff, as they bring new gifts to enrich our community.
During 2024, our College community will focus on the Benedictine value of Stewardship, one of the three core values guiding community in our Catholic, Benedictine tradition. The other two values are Hospitality and Pax. Stewardship holds all things – the earth and all its goods – as sacred and not to be neglected (RB 31.10). It directs us to a way of life emphasising wholeness and connectedness. It is essentially about caring for people, creation and resources. It is about finding the Holy in the ordinary. Catholic social teaching, which recognises the innate dignity of each person and the common good, underpins Stewardship. We look forward to exploring the value of Stewardship this year.
Our Opening College Eucharist will be celebrated on Friday 9 February at 9am in the College Hall. We look forward to welcoming Fr. Raphael Kimaro, AJ as Presider, and we warmly invite parents to join us if they are able to do so. This liturgy will include a welcome and blessing for all our new students and staff, who will each be presented with a medal of St Benedict as they begin their time with us.
On 14 February, we will mark the solemnity of Ash Wednesday as we begin the Season of Lent. On Ash Wednesday, our students will share in a liturgical commemoration. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer Eucharist on this day and we encourage families to take the opportunity to share Eucharist in their local parish communities.
During the Season of Lent, we will be running a number of activities to support the Project Compassion Appeal of Caritas Australia. We look forward to the generosity of our students and their families in supporting disadvantaged communities around the world through this appeal. One of those activities will be the Caritas Trek, which we have run for the past 20 years. This is an excellent opportunity for students and staff to come together to stand in solidarity with women and girls around the world who collect water each morning, often before going to school. Due to the popularity of this event we will be running two Treks again this year. They will be held before school on 27 February and 1 March. Information on how to sign up will appear in the Student Update and College Newsletter.
Each edition of the College newsletter will contain information about upcoming Mission events and initiatives that we hope will provide challenging and enriching experiences for all members of our community.
Kerry Bailey
Dean of Mission
From the Dean of Learning Science and Innovation
I trust this message finds you well and that you had a refreshing and joyous break, filled with memorable moments spent with family and friends. As we embark on the 2024 school year, we are thrilled to welcome you back to our educational community. We are enthusiastic about achieving even greater things together!
To enhance our commitment to effective learning, we are excited to introduce elements of cognitive science into our curriculum. Understanding how the brain works and embracing desirable difficulties can empower students to take charge of their learning. By equipping students with insights into their cognitive processes, we aim to foster a love for learning and build resilience in the face of challenges.
Our unwavering commitment to literacy across the curriculum remains a focal point for the upcoming academic year. Literacy skills are the cornerstone of success in all disciplines and play a crucial role in shaping a student's life beyond school. From reading and comprehending written text to expressing oneself through writing, strong literacy skills empower students to analyse complex ideas, evaluate arguments and evidence, and navigate decision-making processes with discernment. In an increasingly digital world, literacy also extends to digital literacy – the ability to find, evaluate, and use information from digital sources. Our focus extends beyond traditional literacy to include fostering a deepened understanding of AI among our students. Through comprehensive training, we aim to equip them with the skills to harness the power of AI effectively. This includes recognising the significance of AI in today's world and instilling the ability to navigate and leverage AI tools intelligently. By integrating AI education into our curriculum, we are preparing students for academic success and a future where proficiency in AI is an invaluable asset. Please be sure to read through our Academic Policy and Procedures Handbook for your daughter’s academic year.
Your presence is a vital part of our community, and we are genuinely excited to work collaboratively to provide your child with a successful and rewarding educational experience. Recognising that you are your child's first and most important teacher, we value the partnership we share in their learning journey. We encourage you to stay actively involved, communicate with us regularly, and become an integral part of the vibrant College community. Please feel free to email your child's classroom teacher for any academic concerns, they are here to ensure a smooth and productive learning experience for your child.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. We look forward to a year of growth, discovery, and achievement.
Corinna Bailey
Dean of Learning Science and Innovation
From the Dean of Students
On behalf of the College Wellbeing Team, I warmly welcome all students and families to the 2024 school year. I hope you have had a refreshing break and are ready for the challenging and enriching year ahead. We extend a special welcome to all our new students! We look forward to getting to know you and helping you settle into your new school.
If you have any concerns about your daughter’s wellbeing or adjustment to the new school year, please don’t hesitate to contact her Head of House by telephoning 9980 0444 or emailing. If you would like to discuss the possibility of your daughter seeing one of our College Counsellors, please speak with her Head of House about a referral.
Changes to the Wellbeing Team in Term One
- We welcome Mr David Greenwell to the role of Head of Terracina.
- Ms Nicola Murray, Head of New Norcia, will be on leave for Term One.
- Ms Rebecca Knox will continue as Acting Head of New Norcia in Term One.
- Ms Kath Mason will be the Acting Assistant of New Norcia in Term One.
In 2024, our Assistant Heads of House will continue to provide additional support to the Heads of House and the students and families in each House.
Focus on Wellbeing at School
The Mount St Benedict College Wellbeing and Learning Model was launched in 2023, and this year, we will be embedding it in various ways across the College. Students will continue with fortnightly Wellbeing Workshops (formerly known as PC) to support their wellbeing literacy and social-emotional skills. We know that this strengthens their ability to manage relationships and enhances successful learning.
As part of our commitment to the mental health of each Bennies student, we have subscribed to 'Flourishing at School'. Students will take part in an online survey that assesses the degree to which they have developed the 'pillars' of good mental health.
You can find out more information about the platform (including data privacy and security information) on the Flourishing at School website: https://www.flourishingatschool.com/info-parents
We anticipate that all students will take part in the online survey. If, for any reason, you wish your daughter to be excluded from participation, please email her Head of House prior to the commencement of term.
Jen Jarrett
Assistant Principal, Dean of Students
From the Leader of Cocurricular
Welcome to 2024! We are very excited to welcome back our students and in particular, I would like to warmly welcome our new students and families to the MSB community.
The Cocurricular Program plays a significant part in the overall learning experience here at Bennies. The participation rates across the program have continued to grow and we expect that 2024 will be no different. We remain committed to offering a program that caters for a wide range of interest areas, ensuring that it is accessible for students of all different abilities and experiences.
This year, we are excited to launch our participation in IGSA Sport and expand our social sport and physical activity program offerings. We are also looking to add to our offerings in the Creative and Performing Arts programs to provide additional opportunities for more students to explore and develop their craft. Furthermore, 2024 will see our Biennial College Musical take place – Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. Preparations with the Lead Roles, Dancers and Musical Orchestra began in 2023, and we look forward to welcoming our Chorus Members and Support Crew very shortly. It is shaping up to be a fantastic show, and we can’t wait to share it with the community in June this year.
When students return, the Cocurricular Team will begin opening registrations for many of our programs. As such, students are reminded to keep an eye out for emails with registration details that will be required to be completed by students and their parents/caregivers. You will find more information about the Cocurricular Program below, including an overview of the program, a summary of offerings for 2024 and a Term One outline to help students and their families make informed decisions about what they would like to participate in. Please note this information is correct at the time of publishing, but activities and schedules can occasionally change due to teaching staff availability and student participation rates.
Click here to see the Cocurricular Program Brochure
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 Lauren Martin (Sport Academy Convenor – Interschool Sport) lmartin@msb.nsw.edu.au
Miss Stephanie Kelleway (Sport Academy Convenor – Social Sport & Physical Activity) skelleway@msb.nsw.edu.au
Ms Elizabeth Kerr (Cocurricular CAPA Coordinator) ekerr@msb.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Sandy Huang (Music Academy Convenor) shuang@msb.nsw.edu.au
Mr Jesse Kean (Dance Academy Convenor) jkean@msb.nsw.edu.au
Mr Will Torney (Drama Academy Convenor) wtorney@msb.nsw.edu.au
Mr Steven Rosenstrauss (Debating & Public Speaking Academy Convenor)
srosenstrauss@msb.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Jodi Halmarick (Outdoor Education Academy Convenor)
jhalmarick@msb.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Jane Bourke (Cocurricular Administration Officer) jbourke@msb.nsw.edu.au
I look forward to seeing our students get involved in something that they love, that will challenge them, will develop relationships and build their confidence and appreciation of their skills and talents. In the Year of Stewardship, may we nurture and care for the gifts and talents that God has given us to do good in the world and bring joy to others.
Christina He
Leader of Cocurricular
Important Cocurricular Information - 2024 IGSA Activities
Mount St Benedict College is delighted to launch our participation in IGSA (Independent Girls' Schools Association) sport and inter-school activities as part of the College’s Cocurricular Program in 2024.
Parents and caregivers are asked to read the following IGSA Risk Advice documents below:
College News
Parent Handbook
Click here to view the Parent Handbook which contains important information about the College.
Bennies Café and Online Ordering
It is recommended to place orders through
Flexischools
(families must set up a
Flexischools account
).
Click here to see the 2024 Bennies Cafe Menu Operated by Made Fresh
Open Day
Save the Date - Bennies is holding our annual Open Day on Sunday 3 March from 10.00am - 2.00pm.
Tell your friends with daughters currently in Year 5 that enrolments for Year 7 2026 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.
Transport
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 your transport needs are not met as a result.
Bennies Private Bus Services
All Bennies Private Bus Services will be operating from Wednesday 31 January.Please note:
Students must tap on and off the private bus services with their College-issued ID card. Year 7 and new students to the College are exempt until they are issued with cards.
Please see link for timetable and bus stop locations:
https://www.msb.nsw.edu.au/enrolments/location-and-transport/private-bus-services/
Bennies Ryde Region Service (BB1) (No Seats available)
Paid Private Bus Service
Operating from Wednesday 31 January.
Bus stops: Ermington, West Ryde, Putney, Ryde, North Ryde, Marsfield and Epping.
Link to bus route
(after opening the Google map, double click on the bus stop to see photos of the bus stop location)
Bennies North West Service (BB2) (Limited seats available)
Paid Private Bus Service
Operating from Wednesday 31 January.
Bus stops: Rouse Hill, Beaumont Hills, North Kellyville, Kellyville and Castle Hill
Link to bus route
(after opening the Google map, double click on the bus stop to see photos of the bus stop location)
Bennies North Shore Service (BB3) (Limited seats available)
Paid Private Bus Service
Operating from Wednesday 31 January.
Bus stops: South Turramurra, West Pymble, Pymble, Turramurra, Warrawee, Wahroonga, Hornsby and Thornleigh
Link to bus route
(after opening the Google map, double click on the bus stop to see photos of the bus stop location)
Bennies Metro Service
Free Private Bus Service to Cherrybrook Metro
No need to register for this service
All MSB students are welcome to use this service
Currently operating
Bus stops: Shuttle between College and Cherrybrook Metro Station each school day. 7.15am, 7.45am and 8.15am (the last shuttle departs from Cherrybrook Metro at 8.15am). 3.20pm, 4.00pm, 4.45pm and 5.15pm (the last two shuttles depart from the College to time with Cocurricular activities).
On Thursday mornings (Week B) Bennies Time 7:15am, 7:45am, 8:15am, 8:45am and 9:15am (the last shuttle on this day departs from Cherrybrook Metro at 9:15am).
Please email transport@msb.nsw.edu.au should you have any queries relating to the MSB Private Bus Services.
To reserve a seat on a Bennies Private Bus Service,
complete the online form.
If you require a bus to Cherrybrook Metro in the afternoon, please note there are several buses you can catch.
The College now has six afternoon buses travelling to Cherrybrook Metro from 3.15pm - 3.35pm.
Students should review the list of buses below for a second option to the Cherrybrook Metro in case their earlier bus is full.
Departing from Gate D (Convent Chapel side of the College):
The Bennies Bus Shuttle departs at 3.20pm, 4pm, 4.45pm and 5.15pm (Express to Cherrybrook Metro, ie the only stop is Cherrybrook Metro). Tap on with College ID card for this private Bennies bus.
Please note: If the 3:20pm Bennies Metro Shuttle service is full, there are two Hillsbus services (bus number 632) at this bus stop which also stop at Cherrybrook Metro (students will need to use their Opal card for the Hillsbus service).
Departing from Beecroft Road/Undercroft Area:
The 3535 departs at 3.20pm (all stops to Oakhill College, including stopping at Cherrybrook Metro).
The 3539 departs at 3.27pm (Express to Cherrybrook Metro, i.e. the only stop is Cherrybrook Metro).
The 3572 departs at 3.30pm (all stops along the way to Cherrybrook Metro).
The CDC NSW Government Bus Timetable is linked below for your reference. The first two pages list the morning buses and the last two pages list the afternoon buses.
Click here to download the latest bus timetable.
Have you moved or changed your phone number?
Please update your change of contact details here . If you have moved and your daughter catches public transport, click here for transport and Opal Card information.
Absentee Procedure
If a student is absent and will not be attending school on that day, a text message needs to be sent to 0407 461 087 notifying the College of this with a reason.
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.
College Term Dates
Term One
Years 7,11,12 Wednesday 31 January - Friday 12 April.
Years 8, 9,10 Thursday 1 February - Friday 12 April.
Term Two
Tuesday 30 April - Friday 28 June.
Monday 10 June - King's Birthday Public Holiday.
Term Three Wednesday 24 July - Friday 27 September.
Term Four Tuesday 15 October - Wednesday 4 December.
From the Fees Desk
Annual Fees Statements for 2024 have been emailed to all families. Term One fees are due Friday 9 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 9 February for weekly, fortnight B and term payments.
Friday 16 February for fortnight A payments.
Monday 19 February for monthly payments (17th of the month, or next business day).
Term Two payments are due 3 May 2024 .
Term Three payments are due 26 July 2024 .
Term Four payments are due 18 October 2024 .
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 2024 statement, please contact Monica Seto 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 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 2024 College Shop price list
Upcoming Events
Information For Year 7
Students should arrive at the Hildegard Centre Roof between 8.00am and 8:15am on Wednesday 31 January. 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 Wednesday 31 January.
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.
