From the Principal
Welcome to Term Two, I hope all members of the College Community enjoyed Easter and the Autumn Term Break and are ready for a busy Term Two. As you know, I am Acting Principal for the term while Mr Hanratty is on long service leave. I am sure you join with me in wishing him a restful and rejuvenating time of travel.
The Passing of Pope Francis
The term commences with the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. As a Catholic community we share sadness and gratitude for the Pope’s unwavering commitment to education as a path to peace, justice and human dignity. Pope Francis was man of compassion, courage, and profound humility who touched hearts across the world, transcending borders and beliefs. He listened to everyone, with sensitivity, care and true concern for justice as his compass. His was a unique combination of strength and humility. This Jesuit from Argentina, ‘the ends of the Earth’ as he called it, insisted that we should all be awake to the cries of the poor and the natural world. He pursued his agenda with authority, courage and determination. With gentle strength, he showed us a style of leadership that walked with the wounded, listened to the forgotten, embraced the stranger and encouraged everyone to respect those on the margins.
His reform instincts ran deep; he held to them with conviction, but he was no crude enforcer. He respected people who opposed him, rising above the fray of polarities. He will be remembered for embedding synodality as a core process within the Church. His unwavering commitment to reform has changed it forever. Laudato si’, Evangelii gaudium, Fratelli tutti and other major statements encyclicals will continue to inspire people everywhere well beyond. Francis’ dream lives on in us. We are grateful for having known this great Pope who will be remembered for generations. We give thanks for his life, his witness, and his unrelenting hope. Let us now work to bring his dream to fulfilment.
From the Deputy Principal
Week 1: Power in Purpose, Strength in Routines
This week, we came together in a moment of reflection to acknowledge the passing of Pope Francis — a global voice for compassion, justice, and peace. His unwavering commitment to human dignity and reconciliation offers a timely call to each of us: to be people of peace in our own communities and relationships.
This message of peace was powerfully echoed in our Anzac Day Assembly, where we honoured those who gave their lives in the pursuit of peace and freedom. The solemn tribute reminded us that peace is not passive — it is a daily practice of courage, sacrifice, and hope. As a College, we are called to carry forward these legacies by fostering empathy, understanding, and a deep commitment to the common good.
This sense of purpose was also present during the Year 12 Retreat, held at the beginning of the term. Designed as a time for reflection, connection, and personal growth, the retreat offers our graduating students the space to pause, consider who they are becoming, and strengthen the bonds that will carry them through their final year. We are deeply grateful to the staff who accompanied them and supported this important milestone in their journey.
From the Dean of Mission
As we draw near to the close of the Easter season, we are invited into a deeper contemplation of the profound joy and enduring hope that the resurrection of Jesus brings. This sacred time urges us to reflect not only on the transformative message of Christ’s love, compassion, and service, but also on the renewal that emerges from his triumph over death. In the Gospel of John (14:1–2), Jesus speaks tenderly to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” These words, spoken in a moment of uncertainty, offered reassurance and strength, calling the disciples to a mindset rooted in faith. For us today, these words remain a source of comfort and encouragement, especially as we reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis.
From the Dean of Wellbeing
As part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding our girls and helping them realise what we aspire for them as part of our graduate attributes, the College is currently undertaking a review of key policies and processes. These reviews, focusing on Student Code of Conduct, device use and behaviour expectations, will be launched in the coming months and we thank our families in advance for their support as we work in partnership to help our girls thrive.
Sheri Upasiri
Dean of Wellbeing
Wellbeing
School Vaccination Program
School Vaccination Program
NSW School Vaccination Program,
NSW Health will offer vaccinations to all Year 10 students on Monday 19 May 2025
Year 10 – Meningococcal ACWY
Also Year 11 – Meningococcal ACWY (if not already vaccinated in Year 10)
Year 8 – HPV and dTpa (those who missed it in Year 7)
Vaccination will only be provided at school if consent has been received. Please complete this consent prior to the school clinic.
The consent portal will be inaccessible (closed) from Thursday evening 1 May to Sunday 4 May.
How to provide consent:
Curriculum News
Year 11 Drama 'Picnic at Hanging Rock'
Year 11 Drama 'Picnic at Hanging Rock'
Over the last term, the Year 11 Drama class have worked relentlessly to rehearse the play Picnic at Hanging Rock by Laura Annwyn Shamas, which is based on the classic novel by Joan Lindsay which was also made into the iconic Australian film directed by Peter Weir.
This play is packed with mystery, drama, and suspense and follows the story of three girls and a teacher who go missing on a school picnic at Hanging Rock in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria, leaving no trace of them behind.
Picnic At Hanging Rock will be performed Thursday 8 and Friday 9 of May in the Hildegard Theatre at 6pm. Tickets are only $15 and are selling fast, so make sure you grab yours as soon as possible!
Come along, bring your friends and family, and support the incredible Year 11 Drama class who have poured everything into making this production very special.
We are so excited to finally share this with you.
Sasha
Year 11 Drama Faculty Captain
Year 11 and 12 Drama Excursion
Year 11 and 12 Drama Excursion
On Tuesday 8 April, Year 11 and 12 Drama elective students embarked on an excursion to the Sydney Theatre Company. What followed was an immersive, entertaining and educational experience, learning about the process of how a production goes from a script to the stage.
We took part in a backstage tour where we viewed racks and shelves filled with fabulous materials and costumes and spoke to Ron, the Deputy Head of Scenic Art. He gave us a talk on scenic design, specifically on the in-progress set for the upcoming show ‘Happy Days’ and showed us how he would paint plywood to look like marble using toothbrushes and his fingers. We ended the tour by standing on the stage of the Wharf 1 theatre which was completely bare, as the next show was about to be bumped in.
Bunsen Burner Season in Year 7 Science
Bunsen Burner Season in Year 7 Science
It’s that time of the year again . . Year 7 lighting Bunsen burners in Science classes.
Once everyone had learned how to light a match, the process becomes much easier to accomplish!
Teachers have been working with their classes to explain how a Bunsen burner works, the types of flames and the important safety features needed to be demonstrated when lighting this important scientific tool. Once competent and safe in the details about using a Busen burner, the students will be presented with their own MSB Bunsen burner licence!
Kath Mason
Science Faculty
Trends in the Hospitality Industry in Action
Trends in the Hospitality Industry in Action
A current Tik Tok trend for a Melbourne café, Meeya, is for customers to decorate their own slice of cake. Customers are given a piece of vanilla cake and a pallet of coloured icings with some miniature tools to assist them. Over a matcha latte, customers decorate their own designs which they can eat in the café or take home.
Year 11 Hospitality students modelled the Meeya process while creating their own delicious treats.
https://www.instagram.com/biancainmelbourne/reel/C_ST1T2yJEE/?hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/meeya_cafe/reel/C7Dr1y3vRjV/?hl=en
Kath Mason
TAS Faculty
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.
Parking
With a large attendance expected, parking opportunities will be limited to the College's external streets
(see map, marked in pink)
.
There is no parking available onsite at the College.
We advise you to allow extra time to walk from your parking spot to the College and consider carpooling with other families if possible.
Bennies Merchandise
A range of Bennies merchandise will be on sale throughout the event (including umbrellas). Be sure to check out the College Shop near the Hall Courtyard.
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
School Student Travel
School Student Travel
School Travel Passes
Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to
apply
or
update
their details as soon as possible.
In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their
local bus operator
to discuss their travel needs.
Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home.
Note
: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.
Terms of Use
Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off
in line with the
Opal terms of use
.
This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.
All students are required to comply with the
Student code of conduct
. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.
Updates to Transport NSW Train timetables
Updates to Transport NSW Train timetables
Commencing Saturday 19 April 2025, Transport NSW have made changes to some train services on the T1 North Shore, T5 Cumberland, Hunter and Central Coast and Newcastle Lines.
These changes are being introduced as part of a regular review of train services to improve services for passengers.
Some T1 North Shore services have been extended from Hornsby to Berowra, improving connectivity for school students travelling home on the T1 North Shore Line in both directions.
As a result, minor adjustments have also been made to the departure times of some weekday afternoon services for all stations on the T1 North Shore Line from Hornsby to Roseville.
On the T5 Cumberland Line, adjustments have been made to the departure times of eight weekday off-peak services, improving connections for passengers interchanging to T1 Western Line services at Seven Hills travelling towards the Sydney CBD.
On the Central Coast and Newcastle Line there has been an adjustment to the departure platform of one service.
All adjustments are minor but may mean some services arrive a little earlier, or depart later, or there are additional services available which weren’t an option previously.
The adjustments are part of a regular review of services by Sydney Trains and are now visible on transportnsw.info and travel apps.
From the Fees Desk
From the Fees Desk
Term Two fees are now due. Automatic deductions for payments were processed Friday 2 May.
Statements have been emailed to all families this week.
If you have any queries regarding your fees account, please contact Fiona Barnett or Monica Seto on 9980 0445 or fees@msb.nsw.edu.au
Term Three fees are due 25 July 2025
Term Four fees are due 17 October 2025.
Upcoming Events
Cocurricular News
Honk! Jnr. - Junior Production
Honk! Jnr. - Junior Production
Exciting news, tickets for the Junior Production Honk will be available to purchase from Tuesday next week!
Our talented Year 7 to 9 students and staff have been working hard to make this a performance you don't want to miss! The musical follows Ugly, a duckling who feels different, and his journey of self-discovery as he meets a variety of characters and learns that being different is not a bad thing.
This event is a great opportunity to show off our College and amazing students to your family and friends, so please bring them along. The students love to see their teachers there to support, and we will be offering staff a discounted ticket price of $10, using the code 'Staff' at checkout.
Tickets will be available from 8am on Tuesday 13 May. Don't miss out!
Science Enrichment
Science Enrichment
Learning looks different each day and how we challenge ourselves in our learning also looks different each time we engage with the learning process. So goes the story of the Year 8 Science Enrichment students in their adventures in 2025. Only halfway through their program, the opportunities and learning have been diverse and rich. Every student has enthusiastically embraced opportunities to learn beyond the classroom confines and experience situations in which they are called on to stretch their thinking. It has been a joy to be involved and witness.
Cocurricular Sport
Social Sport and Physical Activity
Term Two social sport and physical activity begin next week. If you'd still like to join either our Social Netball competition, and or our Bootcamp classes, please email Miss Kelleway - skelleway@msb.nsw.edu.au
Carnivals
Cross Country - Our College Cross Country Carnival will be held in Week Three on the College grounds. This is a competitive only race with students nominating themselves to compete. Those students have been contacted, and more information will be shared very soon.
Athletics - Our College Athletics Carnival will be held in Week Six at the Sydney International Athletics Centre, Homebush. This is a whole College event with all students attending. More information will be shared with students in the coming weeks. The Triple Jump and 1500m events will be run early before our regular events take place. Students will be required to pre-register for these events and will take the early bus to the carnival. Students, please keep an eye out in your College emails for nominations for these events in the coming weeks.
Interschool Sport
Representative Sport
MSB Representative Update
It is yet another busy term for Representative Sport at MSB. Next Monday, our Football (Soccer) teams will compete in the CGSSSA Football Championships at Macquarie University with our AFL teams competing the following week in Curl Curl.
Later this term, we will compete in the CGSSSA Cross Country and Futsal Championships. The Cross-Country team will be selected from our MSB Cross Country Carnival, while our representative Futsal team will be selected via trials. Students, please keep an eye out in your emails later this term for an expression of interest form to trial.
CGSSSA Update
P & F News
P&F Meeting
P&F Meeting
Date: Monday 5 May
Start time: 6.30pm
Location: MSB Centre – Principal’s Boardroom
Council of Catholic School Parents Online Event for Families
Council of Catholic School Parents Online Event for Families
The Council of Catholic School Parents is pleased to offer a special event on Tuesday 27 May at 7pm to celebrate the Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents and the Elderly.
Bishop Brian Mascord, Bishop of the Diocese of Wollongong, will read The Parable of the Lost Sheep online – a book reading designed to promote reading at home.
The first 100 registrations will receive a copy of the book, a tipsheet about home reading and a fridge magnet with reading at home tips for parents and carers.
REGISTER HERE: Click to register
A link will be sent to your registered email address on the day of the webinar.
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
MSBESA AGM/Meeting
MSBESA AGM/Meeting
MSBESA will be holding their AGM / Meeting on Monday 12 May, at the Mount St Benedict Centre.
Please click here to be taken to the event for additional details.
Careers
The Quantum Experience at Macquarie University
The Quantum Experience at Macquarie University
Macquarie University hosting a FREE EVENT on Tuesday 6 May 2025.
The Quantum Experience is a unique opportunity to find out what "quantum" is all about and why it seems to be everywhere these days in science and technology. Dr Lachlan Rogers will lead an immersive journey into the captivating world of quantum science, and there will be opportunities for Q&As with quantum physicists, hands-on activities, intriguing demos, and more!
Date: Tuesday 6 May 2025
Time: 5.30pm-8pm
Venue: Australian Hearing Hub, Level 1
Registration: Click here to register
Since 2011, the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS) has been engineering the quantum future by building quantum machines that harness the quantum world for practical applications. As EQUS concludes in 2025, we are celebrating our achievements and the exciting new initiatives that will continue to accelerate Australia’s quantum ecosystem.
Parish News
Mass Times
OLHC Church Epping
31 Oxford St (parking in Cambridge St)
5pm Saturday vigil
8.30am Sunday Children's & Family Mass
10.15am, 7pm Sunday Mass
St Gerard's Church Carlingford
543 North Rocks Rd
6pm Saturday vigil
7.45am Sunday Mass
9.30am Children's & family Mass
5pm Youth & family Mass
St Agatha's Parish
Mass Times
Mon - Fri 6:30am, 9:30am Saturday: 8am, 6pm (Vigil) Sunday: 7:30am, 9am, 10:30am, 6pm
Social Justice Ministry VOLUNTEER POSITION VACANT We are looking for motivated young adults (18-35) who are ready to get involved in the Social Justice Ministry of St. Agatha’s. Call the Parish Office on 9484 1427 to enquire.
Visitation Ministry Do you know of any parishioners or neighbours who would like to have a visit from someone who can engage in conversation, provide occasional companionship and learn from their wealth of knowledge and experience? If you would like to get involved contact the St. Agatha's Parish Office.
