From the Principal
The reading for the fourth Sunday of Lent was the Parable of the Prodigal Son. I always look to see if I can read any new insights into these well-remembered Parables. The temptation to switch off (I've heard this one before!) is there because it can feel like we have heard all the possible interpretations of this three-person soap opera before.
A wise person once said to me that one of the great challenges of parenting in the 12-18 years, is learning to make yourself redundant. Slowly letting go can be a challenge. Letting your daughter make a greater number of decisions for herself, changing expectations and boundaries, but still remaining the loving, guiding parent requires an increasing level of skill in the 21st century. Proving that this is a timeless issue, the very same level of navigating parenthood was required of the father in the Parable.
We’ve always called it the Parable of the Prodigal Son but perhaps that falls short of the mark. That title overlooks the complexity of a family whose father was a bit too forgiving for some peoples’ tastes, and as for the two sons, each was deeply flawed.
It is easy to conclude that the father stood naively above the fray, but he did not. Unlike his young son, wealth for him was a useful tool and a gift, but it was not the be-all and end-all of life. Envy and self-pity were corrosive for the other son and it is true that these traits produce nothing of value. The father knew that both of his sons had chosen paths that led nowhere but love inspired him. He was prepared to let them grow, to make mistakes and to learn from them. That was the best gift he had for his sons should they ever want it.
The Parable leaves us to examine our own path in life. Do we wander down dead ends, or will we come to our senses, as did the prodigal son? In the Parable the father let each son make his own choices, and we believe that God does exactly the same with us as we also do with our own children as they navigate the adolescent years.
From the Dean of Mission
Lent is a time for reflection, prayer, and acts of charity. As we journey through this Lenten season, we’ve had many opportunities to gather as a community to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. During Lent, we are reminded of the Catholic Social Teachings of Option for the Poor and Solidarity. Following Christ’s example, we have a responsibility to help those who are most vulnerable, especially those suffering from poverty, injustice, and inequality. Our support for Caritas Australia's Project Compassion has been a significant part of our work during Term One.
The Caritas Coin Trail was a lively and engaging way for us to live out this Lenten call to charity. Students brought in coins to see which House could create the longest and most valuable line of coins. The resulting Coin Trails stretched across the Hall floor. We had clever thinking students changing money at the canteen and diving into the bottom of bags for lost coins. In the end, it came down to less than a centimetre between the lines! Maredsous claimed the credit for the longest line, measuring 9.52 metres—yes, it was that precise—while Terracina took home the prize for the most valuable. This was the first Coin Trail we have held in a while and as students left they were already devising tactics for next year!
From the Dean of Wellbeing
Pixar’s Inside Out provided both teens and parents a great understanding into recognising and harnessing emotions. The film, which I am sure many of us have viewed, captures the many facets of the human personality in a way that is accessible, heartfelt and appealing. One of the collaborators in the creation of Inside Out and Inside Out 2 is Dr Lisa Damour. In addition to her work for Pixar and UNICEF, Damour, a former Yale Scholar, is a Senior Advisor to the Schubert Center for Child Studies at Case Western Reserve University. Her three books, which have all been New York Times best sellers, provide some great insights into supporting the adolescent journey of girls. In her text, Untangled, Damour looks into the seven stages of development in adolescent girls with some great strategies and provocations for parents and educators alike.
Wellbeing
2025 Banner Launch
2025 Banner Launch
Each year the College student leaders work together to create a motto for the year which reflects the focus value for the year, and the legacy of the Year 12 graduating class.
College Executive Captains Simran, Mia and Maya launched the banner and motto at Assembly this week. 2025 is a Year of Hospitality and the Year 12 student leaders aim to foster a spirit of inclusivity with the motto ’10 Houses, 1 Home’.
‘Our motto reminds us that we are all one Bennies community that uplifts and celebrates one another,’ College Captain, Simran explained. ‘The iconic hashtag this year is #inspire2include, reminding us of our central focus on the Parable of the Good Samaritan and our Good Samaritan values, where we are reminded to treat our neighbours as ourselves, with kindness, compassion and, of course, Hospitality.’
The banner features ten homes, each representing a House, with a larger home in the centre of the banner representing the Bennies community as a whole, just as families create a neighbourhood. The path represents the journey of learning each student undertakes both at the College and in their lives beyond the Red Brick Wall. ‘In line with the Jubilee Year of Hope, this path also represents our ‘pilgrimage of hope’ to inclusivity and celebration of every single student,’ Simran said. ‘As well as the solidarity we walk in to promote Hospitality and inclusivity outside our school - such as our involvement with our Good Samaritan Foundation House Partners.’
The banner will hang in the Hall as a vibrant reminder throughout the year to be people of Hospitality.
Learning
Year 11 Hospitality – Cooking for a Cause
Year 11 Hospitality – Cooking for a Cause
It is such a lovely experience to watch our students put their strengths and talents into action for the greater good of meeting the needs of others within our community. Throughout the term Bennies social justice initiatives have been at work through Year 11 Hospitality students.
Over the course of two practical lessons, students have been honing their precision cutting skills. To meet the requirements of the Hospitality course they have been sharpening knives and cutting an assortment of fruits and vegetables to very specific sizes. These efforts generate a significant amount of produce which might ordinarily be wasted. In a learning environment that fosters sustainable practices and care for people in need, the students addressed this issue in a practical way.
All vegetable off-cuts produced over these practical sessions were made into delicious, nourishing vegetable soup. In fact, over 75 portions have been made. Students also made a box of soft yoghurt-based flat breads as an accompaniment. As always, the Hospitality class worked together as a positive and collaborative team. They displayed care and thoughtfulness for the quality of the meals they were making for people who do not always get to eat such beautiful and nutritious food.
Deputy Dean of Mission, Mrs Wells has kindly volunteered to take these care packages to St Vincent de Paul at Hornsby. The soups and flat breads will be given to people in need around the Hornsby district via the Vinnies Van program.
Ms Kath Mason
Hospitality Teacher
College News
Mother's Day Community Breakfast
Mother's Day Community Breakfast
The 2025 Mother's Day Community Breakfast will be held on Tuesday 6 May from 7:30am in the College Hall.
Library Newsletter Week 10
Library Newsletter Week 10
The latest issue of the Library Newsletter is now available! Check it out to see the newest books to arrive in the library, learn about our featured author and get reading inspiration from the Genre of the Week. Holiday borrowing has begun, stock up on books for reading during the term break!
Ami Seymour
College Librarian
Photo Day
Photo Day
Photo Day will be held on Wednesday 21 May.
To place your orders for individual student portraits and siblings photos please visit www.advancedlife.com.au
Access code: MFY 5A1 4FR
If you would like to pay using cash, please collect Advanced Life Cash Payment Envelopes from Student Services in Term Two and give directly to the portrait photographers on photo day.
Michelle Blackman
Marketing Team
Upcoming Events
Cocurricular Sport
Join the MSB IGSA Football (Soccer) Team – Players Wanted
Join the MSB IGSA Football (Soccer) Team – Players Wanted
Are you passionate about soccer and looking for a team to join? Our College soccer teams are still recruiting players for the upcoming Term Two season! Whether you're an experienced player or just keen to give it a go, we’d love to have you on board.
Don’t miss out on the chance to develop your skills, make new friends, and represent MSB on the field. If you're interested, reach out to Miss Finegan (bfinegan@msb.nsw.edu.au)
Bronte Finnegan
Sport Academy Convenor
Representative Sport
CGSSSA Swimming Championships
CGSSSA Swimming Championships
Last month the MSB Representative Swim Team attended our first CGSSSA Swimming Championships. It was a new experience for our students, coming up against schools such as Monte St Angelo, Loreto Kirribilli and other Independent Girls' Catholic Schools.
It was a successful day with MSB finishing 4th overall. Congratulations to everyone involved, with special mention to:
- Hannah C 15yrs (50m Freestyle, Butterfly, Breaststroke, 100m Freestyle)
- Allisa H 14yrs (50m and 100m Butterfly)
- Alannah S 14yrs (50m Breaststroke)
- Evelyn S 14yrs (100m Freestyle, 200m Individual Medley)
- Michela I 17yrs+ (100m Butterfly)
- Junior 4x50m Medley Relay (Alyssa H, Allisa H, Evelyn S, Alannah S) who all finished in first place.
Hannah C also finished the meet as the 15yrs Age Champion. A wonderful achievement.
Congratulations to the following students who qualified to swim at the NSWCCC Swimming Championships this week: Sophia B, Emma C, Hannah C, Olivia G, Alyssa H, Lyla H, Allisa H, Michela I, Lily S, Evelyn S, Alannah S, Lily S, Kaylie W.
Darren Nosti
Sport Academy Coordinator
CGSSSA Touch Football Selections
CGSSSA Touch Football Selections
Last week a total of eight students attended the CGSSSA Touch Football train on squad trial.
Congratulations to the following students who were selected to represent CGSSSA at the NSWCCC Championships early next term.
Under 15s: Claudia M, Mia S, Millie K and Zoe L.
Opens: Tianna B
Darren Nosti
Sport Academy Coordinator
Bronze at the Surf Life Saving Australian Titles
Bronze at the Surf Life Saving Australian Titles
Congratulations to Sophia (MC6) who competed at the Surf Life Saving Australian Titles on the Gold Coast last week. Sophia won a bronze medal in the Patrol Competition. She was Patrol Captain of her team. They competed in a surf race, performed CPR, completed a written exam and undertook patrol/rescue scenarios.
What an outstanding effort from a remarkable young woman. Her composure under pressure, her leadership and communication skills set her apart from her peers.
We are so proud of you Sophia.
Melina Moyes
MC6 Homeroom Mentor
Ex-Students
Class of 1995 - 30 Year Reunion
Class of 1995 - 30 Year Reunion
Ex-students from the Class of 1995 are invited to the 30 Year reunion.
When: Saturday 1 November
Where: The Governor Hotel, Macquarie Park
See invitation for details and RSVP here
Join the 1995 Year group Facebook page here
Michelle Blackman
Marketing Team
Careers
Career Strengths Workshop
Career Strengths Workshop
23-24 April 2025. Secure your spot today.
Register HERE - https://impactify.au/community-events/
How AI is Changing Jobs of the Future
How AI is Changing Jobs of the Future
AI is everywhere—And It’s just getting started
Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t coming—it’s already here, and it’s transforming the way we work, learn and live. From AI-generated images and deepfake videos to self-driving cars and automated medical diagnostics, AI is advancing at an incredible pace.
Beyond convenience, AI is fundamentally reshaping industries and the jobs within them. According to the National AI Strategy, AI is expected to contribute up to $315 billion to the Australian economy by 2030, driving demand for new skills and career paths.
Careers Discover Night
Careers Discover Night
Mirvac Highfirest Careers Discover Night.
Students in Years 10 - 12 are invited to a Careers Information evening at the Highforest by Mirvac Discovery Centre on Wednesday 9 April. Gain a firsthand look at what it's like to work in a range of roles including: development, construction, sustainability and environment, design and architecture, sales and marketing, HR, Culture and Capability, and Legal.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/mirvac-careers-discovery-night-tickets-1254032558139
Lucy Elgood
Pathways and Partnerships Teacher
College Shop
Winter Uniform Reminder
Winter Uniform Reminder
Students will be returning to school at the beginning of Term Two in full winter uniform.
Please check your daughters winter uniform before the end of Term One and purchase any additional items you may require though the Flexischools website. We ask that all orders are collected by students. The College Shop will send an email to your daughter letting her know when the order is ready for collection.
The last day of trading for Term One will be Thursday 10 April.
If you are new to the College in Years 8 to 12 and require a fitting for the Winter Uniform, please pop into the shop before the end of term.
It is compulsory for all Year 10 students to purchase the senior blouse for winter.
The winter blouses are the same fit (apart from the sleeve) as the summer blouse so please order the same size as your summer blouse, or go up or down a size as required.
When you receive your order, please try it on at home and return to the College Shop with the tags and packaging if an exchange is required. Please note we cannot refund or exchange tights that have been taken out of the packaging.
Nikki Horbach
College Shop Manager
Second Hand Uniforms
Second Hand Uniforms
We have partnered with the Uniform Exchange in Pymble. They have many families looking to purchase 2nd hand uniforms but are very low on stock. If you have any uniforms that you no longer need and would like to sell them please visit the Uniform Exchange website for more information.
Community Notices
Teaching Your Learner Driver Workshop
Teaching Your Learner Driver Workshop
The next Hornsby Shire Council T eaching Your Learner Driver workshop will be held on 30 April 2025 .
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Location: Online via Microsoft TEAMS
Log-in details : Log-in access details to the TEAMS presentation workshop will be emailed to those who register
Cost: FREE
Parents can now book online by visiting: https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/learnerdrivers .
Northern Beaches Art and Design Prize
Northern Beaches Art and Design Prize
Entries are now open for the 2025 Northern Beaches Environmental Art & Design Prize.
Now in its fifth year, the prize has become one of the leading competitions for both art and design with an environmental focus.
Artists and designers from across Australia,
including young people aged 7 to 18 years
, are invited to submit work on the theme of the environment.
This is your chance to be part of the conversation around climate issues and inspire a sustainable future.
Finalists will be featured in an exhibition across our three galleries: Manly Art Gallery & Museum, Curl Curl Creative Space and Mona Vale Creative Space Gallery.
This year’s judges
have vast experience in the art and design fields.
Ramesh Mario Nithiyendran is a contemporary visual artist with his work appearing in galleries across the globe.
Keinton Butler is Senior Curator at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum and the Creative Director of Sydney Design Week.
Arts Hub recently interviewed 2024 Design Prize winner Elliot Bastianon on how the prize has impacted his practice – check out the article here .
$46,000 in prizes
$20,000: Art
$20,000: Design
$3,000: Young
$3,000: People’s Choice
Key dates
Submission deadline: Sun 19 May, 5pm
Finalist notification: Thu 29 May, by 5pm
Exhibition: Fri 1 Aug – Sun 14 Sep
School Holiday Dance classes for dancers aged 12-15 years old
School Holiday Dance classes for dancers aged 12-15 years old
A two day Dance workshop will be held at the College for dancers aged 12-15 years old from 10.00am - 4.00pm.
Level 3 – must be 12-15 years old with 2-3 years' experience.
This two-day workshop will extend dancers in a range of dance styles. Explore the abstract forms of contemporary dance, the performative theatrics of theatre jazz, express yourself in lyrical choreography and find your groove in hip hop.
Fee: $215.00
To book tickets
click here
Bennies students can receive a discount using the code 'MSB10'
