In this Issue
From the Principal
It’s been another busy fortnight with lots of activity for the students. A recent highlight was the magnificent day we experienced at our recent Athletics Carnival held at the prestigious Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre! With record attendance, our girls participated with energy and enthusiasm; the feeling of the day was electric from the moment we arrived. We were truly blessed with glorious weather that perfectly complemented the spirit of the day. The sunshine seemed to energise our students even further as they embraced the carnivals 80s theme with remarkable creativity and enthusiasm. The spectacular 80s fashions on display were nothing short of extraordinary – from neon leg warmers and oversized scrunchies to retro tracksuits and headbands that would have made any 1980s aerobics instructor proud. Our students and staff alike threw themselves wholeheartedly into the theme, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration that permeated the entire venue. The athletic performances throughout the day were outstanding. Watching our girls compete with such determination, sportsmanship, and school pride was truly inspiring. Whether they were sprinting down the track, soaring over the high jump, or cheering enthusiastically for their House teams, every single student contributed to making this carnival a remarkable success.
What struck me most profoundly was the incredible sense of community and support that our girls demonstrated. Students cheered just as loudly for their friends crossing the finish line last as they did for those breaking records. This embodiment of our College values – encouragement, resilience, and celebrating each other's achievements – made my heart swell with pride.

The organisation and execution of the day ran seamlessly, thanks to our dedicated Cocurricular Sports Academy, so capably Led by Mr Darren Nosti and the countless staff members who worked so hard throughout the day. The House spirit was phenomenal, with each house displaying creativity not only in their costumes but also in their chants, banners, and unwavering support for their teammates.
As I watched our girls throughout the day, I was reminded of why events like these are so crucial to our College community. Beyond the medals and ribbons, our Athletics Carnival provides opportunities for leadership, teamwork, personal achievement, and pure joy. Students who may not typically shine in traditional academic settings had their moment to excel, while others discovered new talents and pushed personal boundaries.
The memories created on days like this will undoubtedly last a lifetime for our students. From the nervous excitement at the starting line to the triumphant celebrations at the finish, from the elaborate house costumes to the infectious laughter echoing across the venue, these are the moments that define the richness of our College experience.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all participants, winners, and house teams. Every single one of our students should feel immensely proud of their contribution to such a successful and memorable day. To our staff, parent spectators, and everyone who helped make this carnival possible, thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm.
As we move toward the end of the term, I encourage our students to carry the same spirit of determination, support, and joy they displayed at the carnival into all aspects of their school life. The Athletics Carnival reminds us all that when we come together as a community, embrace challenges with positivity, and support one another, we can achieve remarkable things. MSB Day and the annual House Dance competition are now only a couple of weeks away, I look forward to seeing more of the same community spirit as we wrap up the term. Click here to see a video of the Day.
The Lasting Impact of Catholic Education
I'm pleased to share some compelling research that reinforces what many of us have long observed: Catholic education provides lifelong benefits that extend far beyond academic achievements. Recent analysis of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey data https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/hilda reveals that individuals who attended Catholic schools are more likely to experience lasting advantages in employment status, income levels, general health, and life satisfaction. The research shows Catholic school graduates are more likely to be employed, earn higher wages, and work in sectors that directly benefit the public. Perhaps most importantly, they demonstrate a stronger commitment to charitable giving through their attention to social justice initiatives in their community and understanding of Catholic Social teaching. This aligns with findings from the Cardus Education Survey https://carduseducationsurvey.com.au/ conducted across Canada, the United States, and Australia, which consistently show that Catholic school graduates achieve higher educational outcomes and demonstrate greater civic and charitable engagement compared to graduates from other school systems. Educational researcher Anthony Bryk's seminal work highlighted how Catholic schools serve as models of effective education. His research emphasised that school culture, shared values, and a strong sense of community - hallmarks of Catholic education - are key drivers of both academic and personal success. Political scientist Robert Putnam, known for his work on social capital, has also noted the significant role Catholic schools play in fostering connections that benefit the common good. We now have some hard evidence to support what we believed, that Catholic education is not only beneficial for individual students but also for society as a whole.
At MSB, we see these principles in action every day as we prepare young women to make meaningful contributions to their communities with compassion, ethical leadership, and a commitment to service. We strive to create an environment where each young woman can discover who God has called her to be, developing her unique gifts and talents in service to others. We are blessed to partner with you, the primary educators of your daughters. Thank you for entrusting us with their formation during these formative high school years. Please reach out to your daughter’s Homeroom Mentor, Head of House or class teachers if we can support your daughter in her learning as we work together in her learning and development.
Karen Keogh
Acting College Principal
From the Deputy Principal
Celebrating Excellence: Principal’s Assembly and Academic Honours
Celebrating Excellence: Principal’s Assembly and Academic Honours
At the end of this term, we look forward to gathering as a College community for the Term 2 Principal’s Assembly, which will be held on Tuesday 24 June. This special event marks an opportunity to recognise and celebrate student achievement, and to acknowledge the consistent effort and commitment that lies behind academic success.
A key feature of the assembly is the presentation of the Academic Honour Awards. These awards celebrate students who have demonstrated excellence across all of their subjects throughout the semester. Awards are presented for each year group and much like the All-Rounder Awards presented on Presentation Day, Academic Honours recognise not just subject-specific achievement, but a broad commitment to learning across the curriculum.
The assembly will be live-streamed via the usual College channels, ensuring families can join us in acknowledging the hard work and success of our learners.
Congratulations in advance to all students receiving Academic Honours this semester. Your achievements reflect discipline, curiosity, and resilience — values that define excellence at Bennies. We hope you can join us online.
Corinna Bailey
Acting Deputy Principal

From the Dean of Mission
Refugee Week 2025: Embracing Diversity, Living the Good Samaritan Way
Refugee Week 2025: Embracing Diversity, Living the Good Samaritan Way
From June 15 to 21, 2025, our school will join communities across Australia in celebrating Refugee Week, with the theme Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community. This theme highlights the vital role that inclusive communities play in helping refugees rebuild their lives, emphasising that community is where people find strength and hope for navigating the challenges of resettling in Australia. As a Benedictine school, we are committed to ensuring our students put their faith into action through the values of Hospitality and Pax, by acting in solidarity with those in need.

As a result, for the remainder of the term, we will be supporting House of Welcome, a NSW ecumenical organisation, dedicated to providing support for refugees and people seeking asylum. Their services include housing, casework, employment assistance, and advocacy.
To support their mission, we are asking students to donate both an essential item for the pantry and an essential personal care item on MSB Day. These donations will provide much-needed support to individuals and families facing food insecurity and the rising cost of living, as we enter the cooler months of winter.
Please see the list of items that your daughter is encouraged to donate.
By supporting Refugee Week and the House of Welcome, our College community is acknowledges that every act of kindness contributes to building a more inclusive, hopeful and supportive community, as required in this Jubilee Year of Hope.
In other Mission news, last week Mr Muscat’s Year 10 Ministry Class participated in the St Edmund’s AIM immersion, which is a social justice excursion to build awareness, understanding and connections between our students and the students at St Edmund’s College. Sophia P and Zoe M commented, “o ne of our favourite parts of the Eddies excursion was joining in on fun games with the other students during morning tea and lunch. Whether it was our group trying to hide our food from the fat kookaburra, joining in conversations with the Eddie’s students, or playing a bad game of soccer together, it has given us this genuine feeling of connection with the Eddie’s students. It reminded our class that at the core, we are all people who strive for friendship, inclusion, and joy in engaging with others. This was a moment of true immersion, where we all stepped out of our comfort zones to be fully present with the St Edmund’s community”
Consequently, we look forward to continuing to work in partnership with Eddie’s in the week ahead, as 12 of our senior students will be volunteering at Eddie’s Big Night Out on Saturday 14 June. This is a fundraising event organised by St Edmund's College to raise funds and awareness for their school's programs and resources. Our students will be volunteering and upholding the values of Hospitality and Justice in their support of this annual event.
MSB Day: Celebrating Our Patron Saint – St Benedict
Feast days occupy a significant place in the Catholic tradition. Far more than dates on a liturgical calendar, they are spiritual celebrations that honour the lives of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, the saints, and the defining moments in the life of the Church. These occasions invite our community to pause, reflect, and draw inspiration from the faith, courage, and virtues of those who have gone before us, offering our community a model for living out our Catholic identity.
MSB Day is a special moment in our school year, set aside to honour our patron saint, St Benedict, whose feast day is celebrated on 11 July. It provides a meaningful opportunity for our community to reflect on the rich Benedictine heritage that continues to shape our values, our traditions, and our shared mission as a Catholic school in the Good Samaritan tradition.
Students will explore the life and legacy of St Benedict of Nursia, widely regarded as the father of Western monasticism and the founder of the Benedictine Order. Through his Rule of St Benedict , we are invited to embrace a way of life rooted in balance, humility, prayer, and community. This Rule is essential as it underpins the values that guide our College: Hospitality, Stewardship, and Pax.
On MSB Day, students will engage in a variety of liturgical, educational, and wellbeing activities that allow them to embody St Benedict’s enduring motto, Ora et Labora (“Pray and Work”). These experiences provide an opportunity to cultivate a meaningful balance between faith, study, service, and self-care.
More than a celebration of our patron saint, MSB Day is also a time to honour the legacy of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, whose mission continues to inspire us to extend compassion, justice, and service to all. Through MSB Day, we commit ourselves anew to living out these values in our school and in the wider world.
Jacinta Wells
Acting Dean of Mission
From the Dean of Wellbeing
In educational settings, the structure of homerooms can play a pivotal role in shaping the social and emotional development of students. Unlike traditional horizontal systems, where students are grouped by grade level, Mount St Benedict College has vertical homerooms as a way of building connectedness and supporting our house structure. This system offers a range of benefits, especially for adolescent girls navigating a complex phase of identity formation, social development, and academic growth and, as highlighted by Lodge and Frydenberg (2005) ‘ Vertical pastoral systems can foster a stronger sense of belonging, improve peer relationships across age groups, and provide more consistent emotional support—factors shown to be especially beneficial for girls navigating the complexities of adolescence’.
So, what do vertical pastoral systems offer and why are they part of the Bennies way?

1.Enhanced Peer Mentoring and Leadership Opportunities
A vertical homeroom structure naturally fosters a mentoring dynamic, with older students guiding and supporting their younger peers. For adolescent girls, who often benefit from strong interpersonal connections, this kind of mentorship is particularly valuable. Senior students develop leadership skills and a sense of responsibility, while younger students gain role models they can look up to. This peer mentorship can ease transitions into high school, reduce anxiety, and promote a culture of collaboration over competition. On a micro level, it also means an extra set of eyes to help the younger girls settle in. I emailed Year 12 just the other day to ask them to help the Year 7s with tying their kilts, as they told me they kept untying them. It is these little gestures of sisterhood that mean so much.
2.Stronger Sense of Community
In our homerooms, our girls remain part of the same group over several years, allowing for long-term relationships across age levels. This continuity contributes to a stronger sense of belonging and connectedness. For girls, who tend to place a high value on social relationships, this system provides a safe, consistent space to build friendships, discuss challenges, and share successes. It also breaks down grade-based social barriers and cliques, creating a more inclusive school environment. I recently surveyed the girls, and 78% of the respondents reported that being able to interact with girls in other year levels was their favourite aspect of their homeroom.
3.Improved Social-Emotional Development
Adolescence is a critical time for developing emotional intelligence and social skills. Vertical homerooms encourage empathy, patience, and respect as students interact with peers at different developmental stages. Older students learn to model maturity and compassion, while younger ones are exposed to positive behaviours and attitudes. These interactions promote emotional literacy and resilience, skills that are crucial for both personal growth and academic success.
4.Academic Support and Motivation
Having access to peers who have already navigated the academic and cocurricular challenges of older grades can be incredibly motivating for younger students. Older students often share study tips, subject choices, and exam preparation strategies, demystifying the academic journey. In turn, this support can boost academic confidence and performance among younger girls. The collaborative environment nurtures a shared commitment to learning.
5.Leadership Development in a Nurturing Environment
Vertical homerooms provide natural platforms for leadership that are relational rather than positional. Older students don’t just lead—they support, listen, and advocate for their peers. This environment allows adolescent girls to develop a quiet confidence and the kind of leadership that values empathy and cooperation. These are traits often undervalued in traditional leadership paradigms, but are crucial in the modern world and align well with the College’s Graduate Attributes and Flourishing Strengths.
6.Reduced Age-Based Stereotyping
Traditional homerooms sometimes reinforce rigid age-based expectations or hierarchies. In a vertical system, students regularly engage with peers at different maturity levels, challenging stereotypes and encouraging mutual respect. This diverse interaction broadens perspectives and reduces age-related stigma, fostering a school culture where every student’s voice is valued and promotes a welcoming space which underpins our values at the College.
7.Increased Opportunities for Staff Insight and Support
With a diverse group of students in each homeroom, staff members gain a broader view of student development across age groups. This can enhance their ability to identify issues early, such as social isolation, academic struggles, or emotional distress. It also enables more effective pastoral care, as educators can tailor support to meet observed group dynamics and individual needs.
For adolescent girls, whose developmental journey is marked by a deepening of self-awareness, social complexity, and academic pressure, a vertical homeroom system can offer meaningful support. It nurtures relationships, empowers leadership, and fosters a positive and inclusive school culture. While it requires thoughtful implementation, the long-term benefits—both emotional and educational—make it a compelling model for us as a College as we seek to foster strong, connected, and confident young women. We hope this is the case for your daughters, and we will continue to use student voice to shape our processes.
Sheri Upasiri
Dean of Wellbeing
Curriculum News
Year 11 Visual Arts Architecture Walking Tour. 🏙️
Year 11 Visual Arts Architecture Walking Tour. 🏙️
Our Year 11 Visual Arts students recently explored Sydney’s urban landscape on an inspiring architecture walking tour! 🏛️✨
Starting in Chippendale and making their way through UTS, students examined how buildings are thoughtfully designed in response to their context, the materials chosen, and the concepts shaping Sydney's evolving identity. From heritage facades to contemporary forms, the tour brought architectural intention to life.
This experience deepens their understanding of the relationship between art, design, and environment, directly supporting Stage 6 Visual Arts outcomes including:
🎯 H7: understanding how the visual arts are shaped by different values and beliefs.
🎯 H9: the role of the artist, artwork, world and audience.
🎯 H10: the student’s own artmaking informed by critical and historical studies.
A fantastic day of inspiration and real-world learning! 💡📸
#VisualArts #ArchitectureTour #CreativeEducation #Stage6VisualArts #SydneyExplorers #AuthenticLearning
Nicola Murray
CAPA Faculty

Year 7 MYBennies Indigenous Cultural Incursion
Year 7 MYBennies Indigenous Cultural Incursion
In MYBennies this term we are learning about the culture of Indigenous Australians and their deep, ever-lasting connection to Country, with a focus on Dharug culture. Two weeks ago, all Year 7 MYBennies classes enjoyed an incursion that showcased cultural dance and performances by Indigenous Australians. The performances were very captivating and enjoyable to watch. We even got to learn some traditional Aboriginal dances and songs that were very fun to participate in. In the beginning, we were welcomed to Country which consisted of a smoking ceremony. We were purified by the smell and smoke of eucalyptus ignited by embers and the welcome was calming and peaceful. Overall, this incursion was an enjoyable and wonderful experience that we hope to participate in again.
Shreya M
Year 7 Student
Our additional thanks go to Stuart McMinn and the team from Gawura Cultural Immersions who led our Year 7 students in this energising, engaging, and informative experience.
View the video from the MyBennies Incursion here.
Miriam Gillett
Assistant Head of Department - HSIE

MYBennies explores the College Indigneous Garden
MYBennies explores the College Indigneous Garden
This term in MYBennies, Year 7 have learnt about the First Nations peoples, with a focus on Dharug culture, and the importance of reconciliation within our school and in wider society. We have explored the diverse ways of life in various Indigenous communities and how historical injustices in Australia have affected their lives and wellbeing. Our unit of learning has focused on how we can actively contribute to reconciliation and how to involve and recognise Indigenous communities to build a better future for all Australians. To deepen our understanding, we have participated in different experiences such as an immersive incursion and have also been inspired by the themes and symbols of ‘Marri Djiirang Nura’, Leanne Watson's artwork in the Library. Alongside this, we have investigated the College's dedication to reconciliation, where we encountered the Indigenous Garden, which is a living tribute to the traditional owners of the land. Here, we worked together to identify different indigenous plants and will research the diverse ways in which they were used by Aboriginal Australians. These experiences have not only enriched our learning, but helped us to recognise the heritage of the land we live and learn on.
Olivia B
Year 7 Student
Miriam Gillett
Assistant Head of Department - HSIE

College News
Reminder About Parking Near the College
Reminder About Parking Near the College
The College has received complaints from local residents located near the Hull Road driveway. It has been disappointing to hear of cars regularly parked over resident driveways and instances of double-parking, particularly around 3 pm on weekdays during the school term.
All members of our community should be respectful of our neighbours when parking and picking up their daughters. Just as importantly, we remind you that student and pedestrian safety is a priority for us all. Unsafe or illegal parking can pose serious risks to students and others navigating busy streets during peak times.
Please note that it is illegal to park across a driveway, even partially and that offenders can face fines exceeding $320. Parking rangers from Hornsby Council will be regularly patrolling the area.
Please:
- Allow clear access to all driveways.
- Avoid parking on curbs or nature strips.
- Park only on one side of narrow streets.
- Do not use the College driveway to turn around, as this creates serious hazards for students, pedestrians, and other drivers.
- Consider an alternative pick-up point if the area is too congested.
We also remind families that there is to be no student drop-off or pick-up via the College's Hull Road entry at any time.
In addition, we encourage the use of public transport options available from the College, including the free Bennies shuttle bus service to and from the Cherrybrook Metro.
Thank you for your continued cooperation in supporting both our students’ safety and our positive relationship with the local community.
From the Fees Desk
From the Fees Desk
All donations to the College’s Building Fund for the 2024-2025 financial year will be finalised on 30 June 2025. If you wish to make a tax-deductible contribution, please contact the Fees Office.
Tax receipts will be issued in July.
Term Three fees are due Friday 25 July 2025.
Term Four fees are due 17 October 2025.
Statements will be emailed to all families in the first week of term.
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

Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events | |
---|---|
Cocurricular Junior Production: HONK! JR. | Tuesday 17 June 7pm, Thursday 19 June 7pm, Saturday 21 June 3pm. Book here |
College Assembly - Wellbeing, Learning and Mission * | Tuesday 24 June |
MSB Day Liturgy, MSB Day, House Dance Festival, Last Day of Term | Friday 27 June Liturgy 9.15-10.30, Activities and House Dance Competition 11am - 3.15pm |
Term Three Commences | Wednesday 23 July |
P&F Meeting | Monday 28 July 6.30pm - 8.30pm |
Special College Assembly: Executive Captain Speeches | Tuesday 29 July 8.35am - 9.40am |
Year 7 Grandparents' Day | Wednesday 30 July 10.45am - 12.30pm |
Curriculum Dance Showcase | Wednesday 30 July 6.30pm - 8.30pm |
MSB Ex-Students Meeting | Monday 4 August 6.30pm (zoom) |
College Tours | Tuesday 12 August 11.00am - 12.30pm Book Here |
To access the College calendar log in to BenniesLink (Parent Portal) Calendar.
Click here
* 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 livestream link is here.
Cocurricular News
Honk! Jnr. - Junior Production
Honk! Jnr. - Junior Production

Exciting news, tickets for the Junior Production Honk are now on sale!
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.
Cocurricular Sport
Social Sport and Physical Activity
Social Sport and Physical Activity
Term Three Registrations
We are still needing a few more registrations for the following activities for Term Three. Please click the links below to register or contact Miss Bronte Finegan for IGSA Netball enquiries and Miss Stephanie Kelleway for Social Basketball or Pilates enquiries.
IGSA Netball Senior Team (Y10-12 Students)
Social Basketball Y8 & 9 Students
Darren Nosti
Sport Academy Coordinator

Representative Sport
All Schools Swimming and Diving:
Congratulations to the following students who represented CGSSSA at the NSW All Schools Swimming and Diving Championships. It is a great achievement to make this level.
Swimming: Mia B, Hannah C, Allisa H, Olivia G, Alannah S, Evelyn S, Alyssa H,
Diving: Ava H
CGSSSA Cross Country:
30 students attended the CGSSSA Cross Country Championships earlier in this term. Congratulations to Sophie P who finished 1st in the 15 years competition, Alice L 3rd in the 16 years division and Sophie V (12 years) and Emilie C (17 years) who both finished 6th. These four students are off to the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships, we wish them the best of luck.
NSWCCC Cross Country Carnival:

Earlier this week, four students represented CGSSSA at the NSWCCC Cross Country Championships. Congratulations to the following students on their wonderful achievements.
Sophie V who finished 37th of 61 and was part of the 12 years team who finished with the team gold medal.
Sophie P who won individual gold finishing 1st of 59 in the 15 years division, and winning gold medal as a member of the winning team category.
Alice L finished 15th of 54 in the 16 years division, winning a bronze medal in the team category.
Emilie C who finished 26th of 47 in the 17 years division.
NSWCCC Netball Trials:
Congratulations to the following students who were chosen to represent the CGSSSA and the Barbarians teams at the NSWCCC selection trials.
Under 15s: Amelia B, Claudia M, Sienna C, Zoe L.
Opens: CGSSSA: Annabelle C, Eliza B, Sarah H, Marley D, Sophia B. Barbarians: Eliza OH.
Congratulations to Marley D and Sarah H who gained selection into the Opens NSWCCC team to compete at the All-Schools Netball Tournament.
NSWCCC Football:
Earlier this term, Jasmin S and Sienna T were selected in the CGSSSA Opens Football team to compete at the NSWCCC Championships.
Congratulations Jasmin S who gained further selected in the NSWCCC Opens team to compete at the NSW All Schools Championships.
Darren Nosti
Sport Academy Coordinator




P & F News
Parenting Teens Webinar
Parenting Teens Webinar
As a parent, navigating a healthy relationship with your teenager can be challenging if you don’t have the proper tools to communicate. This presentation will offer parenting insights into the developing brain which will guide a discussion about effective communication, setting healthy boundaries, managing emotionally charged moments and championing strengths. Together we will explore:
- The stages of development that all teenagers experience
- The role of the peer group and how to set realistic expectations
- Ways to maintain connection with teen who isn’t communicating
- Establishing fair, healthy boundaries and tips for saying no
- Managing mood swings and overwhelming emotions
- The role of purpose, passions, and opportunity
- What to do when they mess up
- Mental health, and when to access support

Parents of high school kids 12+
Presented by Michelle Mitchell
Wednesday 25 June
7pm - 8pm
Parish News
HEALING MASS —SUN 22 JUNE at the Sacred Heart Church, Pymble
Reconciliation 5:30pm, Mass 6pm followed by Adoration and Prayer Ministry
TRI-DIOCESAN SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENING Wednesday, 25 June 2025, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, St Monica’s Parish Hall, 8 Daking St, North Parramatta. If interested in attending, please contact the Parish Office on 9484 1427.
Anointing Mass—Wednesday 25 June
The Sacrament of Anointing will be offered during 11am Mass on Wednesday 25 June at St Agatha’s Catholic Church, Pennant Hills.
Pope Leo’s Prayer Intention for June
“That the world might grow in Compassion”
Let us prayer that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his heart, learn to have compassion in the world.