As we reflect on this week’s Year 7 Grandparents Day, our Benedictine school community gives thanks for the immeasurable gift that grandparents bring to our lives and our faith journey. This special day, reminds us of the sacred role that grandparents play in passing down both family traditions and Catholic values to the next generation, embodying the Benedictine values of hospitality, wisdom, and reverence for all stages of life.

In the spirit of Saint Benedict's emphasis on listening with the "ear of the heart," our students are blessed to have grandparents who not only support their academic endeavours but also nurture their spiritual growth through patient guidance and loving presence.

At the end of last term, I was fortunate to take some leave and travel with my family, a true blessing now that our children are adults. The gift was not only in the places we visited but in the precious time we shared, navigating both the wonders and challenges of our journey together. Among the many incredible things we saw and did, three moments stand out: walking through the Jubilee Door at St Peter’s Basilica, attending Mass as a family at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where Pope Francis is buried, and being welcomed into the tiny chapel of Agios Nikolaos in Megalochori, Santorini. St Nicholas is a small chapel built into the side of a cliff. There’s little written about it—just a few Instagram posts from visitors who climbed onto the roof for a photo with its beautiful bells and the magical Caldera view, likely unaware of the quiet treasure beneath their feet. Though vastly different in scale and grandeur, each of these experiences was deeply moving, reminding us on one hand of the majesty of God and on the other the intimacy of our relationship with him.

Of course, being able to take time away is only possible when others are willing to step in. I sincerely thank Mrs Jacinta Wells, who so capably led Mission during my absence, overseeing major events and ensuring a smooth start to this term. I’m also grateful to Mrs Alicia Doueihi for her leadership as Acting Deputy Dean of Mission during what is always a busy time of year. It has been a joy to look over the photos and stories from the final weeks of Term Two— so much energy, heart, and community spirit on display.

A community-led, interfaith, cross-cultural initiative that brings people together in a spirit of unity, reflection, and hope.

At its heart, Sydney’s Picnic for Peace is a public, interfaith, cross-cultural, and intergenerational event. But it’s more than a gathering in a park. It is a movement. It’s a gentle but powerful reclaiming of community.

A call to come together not in anger, but in unity and resolve. Through shared food, live music, storytelling, spiritual reflection, and open dialogue, we are building something lasting. We are rediscovering what it means to belong.

We are remembering the legacy of peace marches, justice campaigns, and local heroes who believed that Sydney could be a city of compassion. And we are reminding ourselves that we have the power to shape the future together. Find out more!

Kerry Bailey
Dean of Mission

Our upcoming Learning Conversations provide a valuable opportunity to reflect on your daughter’s learning journey so far — not just where she’s been, but where she’s heading next.

At Mount St Benedict College, we understand that thriving academically requires more than subject mastery — it’s about nurturing the whole learner. Our Wellbeing and Learning model recognises the brain connection between emotional wellbeing, discipline, and academic growth. When humans feel safe, supported, and purposeful, they are more able to take risks in their learning and rise to challenges.

In REAL and MYBennies classes, students are spending time unpacking their Semester One achievements and setting personal goals for growth. This process encourages self-awareness — a core part of our model — and helps students develop a mindset of curiosity and courage. Rather than focusing solely on marks, students are encouraged to ask: What did I learn about myself as a learner? Where do I want to grow next?

As we begin Term Three, I’ve been reflecting on the climate we create around learning — not just in classrooms, but across the wider community of students, parents, and staff. At our recent teacher professional development days, one of the key ideas that stayed with me was that the tone we set matters.

Michael McGirr, one of our keynote speakers, spoke powerfully about how we enter a room — what we carry with us, and what that presence brings matters. He spoke of the tension, frustration, and pressure that can build in busy lives. And he offered The Prayer — a moment of pause, to see the person in front of us with compassion and dignity. It was a beautiful reminder that how we relate to one another shapes the space for learning.

One of the other speakers, Stuart McMinn, unpacked indigenous art symbolism,  concentric circles, encouraging us to create space for others by adding an extra circle around the people we encounter. A literal and metaphorical space of welcome, belonging, and patience.

At Mount St Benedict College, our staff are more than teachers—they are mentors, role models, and compassionate guides walking beside our students through some of the most formative years of their lives. Last semester, as part of our wellbeing focus, staff were invited to share the advice they would give to their younger selves. The aim? To share wisdom and insights that might help positively shape the school journey of our girls.

From simple reflections to deeply personal stories, the words shared reveal a common theme: that growth, kindness, courage and self-belief matter far more than perfection.

The Power of Positive Influence

Following term break, there are some cases of head lice in the College community.

Please find some further information on identifying and treating head lice.

https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/pediculosis-head-lice

Book your tickets now for the HSC Drama Showcase Night. An evening of monologue and group performances with design projects on display.

Wednesday 20 August

6pm in the Hildegard Theatre

Click here to book

Last week, our Year 10 students were treated to a live abridged performance of Macbeth by The Players from Bell Shakespeare. The troupe brought key scenes, soliloquies and themes to life with energy and clarity, followed by a Q&A where students asked insightful questions about the play’s language, themes and ideas.

Students were highly engaged throughout the session, captivated by the fast-paced, live storytelling. Some of our braver students even volunteered to step into the spotlight; two students took on the roles of witches, striking some wonderfully wicked poses, while another brought eerie intensity as Banquo’s ghost, haunting Macbeth in one of the play’s most iconic scenes. Adding to the theatrics, one of our enthusiastic classroom teachers was cast as King Duncan and met his end in a most dramatic (and entertaining) fashion, much to the delight of the students.

The incursion not only enriched our students’ understanding of Macbeth, but also gave them a memorable, hands-on experience to take back into the classroom. We are grateful to Bell Shakespeare for making this learning opportunity so engaging and accessible.

Kaan Ozserim
English Faculty

Medieval Day Reflection

On Thursday 19 June, our Year 8 cohort were privileged to experience Medieval Day – a day where we learnt about medieval times as well as the interesting events that took place during it. Not only did the day provide insight into the lives of people living in the Middle Ages, but also educated us in a unique and interactive way.

The first part of the day was an introductory presentation that involved audience participation, listening to stories, and understanding how people of lower society (peasants) were treated. After hearing some interesting and sorrowful stories (such as the story of the princess that was skinned alive), we split into groups for a range of fun activities.

The main part of the day was participating in activities that were regarded as leisure in Medieval times. This included sword fighting, archery, a game called Knattleikr, Medieval dance, and tug of war. Sword fighting was exciting and exhilarating, as we all tried to defend ourselves with shields to avoid getting hit. Archery required focus and good aim, with everyone trying their best to get the right momentum to hit the bullseye. The game known as Knattleikr involved hitting a ball into a goal with a wooden paddle and included teamwork and communication. Medieval dance was simple, yet required a good sense of rhythm and had us all trying our hardest. Tug of war was an exciting end to the day and was a great way to end the wonderful time we had.

All in all, Medieval Day was a wonderful opportunity for us to learn more, have fun, and delve into the Medieval world. A special thank you on behalf of Year 8 to all the staff who made the day possible.

Arya M

The newest edition of the Library Newsletter is out! Explore the latest book arrivals, discover our featured author, and get inspired by the Genre of the Week. Don't forget to return your holiday borrowing.

In order to facilitate the Learning Conversations model simultaneously across four year groups, the College will utilise distance learning and working from home for students. In the past students have used their time working from home productively, completing class and assessment work, collaborating for group work, and working on projects and individual study. A separate communication will go out to parents of Year 11 and 12 students.

We are providing both online and onsite interview opportunities to enable all parents to engage in honest, collaborative conversations with their daughter and their teacher, prioritising our continuing partnership in student learning. Our aim is for students to accept ownership and shared responsibility for their growth as a learner based on the Benedictine Values of Humility, Discipline, Obedience and Conversation.

The 2025 Semester One Student Reports, available in Term Two, Week Nine, are a valuable resource for these interviews, providing guidance for student reflection on completed work, their application to learning and how to improve. Parents will also have the opportunity to book an interview with their daughter’s Homeroom Mentor to further discuss their Student Action Plans (wellbeing, learning and growth goals) as well as their overall progress and achievement. All interview slots will be six minutes.

Please refer to an email sent to all parents from the College on 26 June 2025 or the links below with further information and learning arrangements on these days.

Years 7-10 letter

Years 11-12 letter

There will be supervision available at school for students who are unable to stay at home. If your daughter is attending on any of the listed days, please notify the College by Friday 8 August via email admin@msb.nsw.edu.au so that we can ensure there is adequate student supervision.

Bennies Buses

Please note the following arrangements for the Bennies Buses on the Learning Conversation Days.

- BB1, BB2 and BB3 will not be running in the morning or afternoon.
- The Bennies Metro Shuttles will operate for the morning and afternoon schedules, to and from Cherrybrook Metro, to accommodate Year 12 students travelling to and from school for their Trial Examinations.

Thank you for your time and ongoing support as we work in partnership to empower your daughter to achieve personal success.

Corinna Bailey
Dean of Learning Science and Innovation

Vanilla Blue have a new Menu

Please view our menu here.

View the daily specials here.

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.

Term Three fees are now due.  Automatic deductions for payments were processed on Friday 25 July.

Statements were emailed to all families last week. Building Fund Tax Receipts have also been emailed.

Term Four fees are due 17 October 2025.

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

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.

NSW All Schools Cross Country

Sophie P of Year 10 recently competed in the NSW All School Cross Country Championships. In a personal best result, she finished 2nd in the Under 15s age division. Congratulations Sophie, and good luck at the National Schools Championships later in Term Three.

NSW All Schools Golf

In the final week of Term Three, Gina C and Ariel C from Year 7 competed in the NSW All Schools Open Golf Championships. Both students performed exceptionally well in a competition that included students from Years 7-12, making it through to the third of four rounds. Congratulations to these students, we look forward to following your progress throughout the next few years.

CGSSSA Basketball Championships

On Wednesday, our Junior (Year 7 and 8) and Intermediate (Year 9 and 10) Representative Basketball competed in the CGSSSA Basketball Championships. Our junior team finished the day with three wins and two losses finishing in third place overall, while our intermediate team finished with three wins, a draw and a loss, finishing second overall.

Both teams improved as the tournament progressed and we congratulate them not only on their success on the court, but the behaviour, sportsmanship and spirit they demonstrated throughout the day.

Darren Nosti
Sport Academy Coordinator

Click here to register for this Pathways and Possibilities in Operations

Wednesday 6 August

5:00PM - 7:00PM

PHIVE, 5 Parramatta Square, Parramatta NSW 2150

Price Free

The College Shop would appreciate assistance from our current Bennies mothers and grandmothers at the upcoming Year 7 2026 Uniform Fittings.

We are pleased to be able to offer face-to-face uniform fittings to our incoming Year 7 families.

In addition to assisting families with uniform fittings, volunteers will be an important part of welcoming our new families and strengthening our wonderful Bennies community.

Uniform Fitting Dates

Monday 25 August - Friday 12 September 2025

8am-1.30pm

You might volunteer for one day or multiple days over the three weeks.

Would any of our Bennies grandmothers be interested in this opportunity?

This is also a great opportunity to meet and work alongside other parents/grandparents at the College.

If you are interested, please register by clicking this link

https://www.trybooking.com/DBJFL and selecting your preferred dates.

All volunteers must complete a Volunteer Working with Children Check (if you have not done so already); free to apply. Apply here.

Training will be given on the day and any help given will be gratefully received.

Nikki Horbach
College Shop Manager

Broken Bay Diocese News

PrayerFest for Seniors - Friday 1 August

Mission Broken Bay is holding a Praise and Worship evening on Friday 1 August in Our Lady of Dolours Parish Chatswood Great music, sacraments and inspiring talks!

Come together as a community to celebrate our faith through music, prayer, and fellowship. Whether you’re a regular or new to PraiseFest, this is a beautiful opportunity to connect with God and each other in a joyful and inspiring atmosphere. https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1389980

St Agatha's Pennant Hills

Movie Night – The Boy from Milan

We’re delighted to share that The Boy from Milan will be screened on Saturday 23rd August, immediately after the Vigil Mass. The Youth Group will be serving a sausage sizzle, before the movie starts. This meaningful event invites our community to join in celebrating the Jubilee Year of Hope, in anticipation of the official canonisation of the first millennial saints, Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, on 7 September. All are welcome.

Mass Times

Mon - Fri 6:30am, 9:30am Saturday: 8am, 6pm (Vigil)

Sunday: 7:30am, 9am, 10:30am, 6pm

OLHC Church Epping

Mass Times

5pm Saturday vigil

8.30am Sunday (OLHC School year group & family Mass on select Sundays during school term)

10.15am Children's and family Mass (Kidz Word during school term)

7pm Sunday Mass

St Gerard's Church Carlingford

Mass Times

6pm Saturday vigil

7.45am Sunday Mass

9.30am Children's & family Mass (Kidz Word every week during school term and Children's Mass once a month during school term instead of Kidz Word)

5pm Youth and family Mass

St Bernadette's Castle Hill

JUNIOR YOUTH (Years 5-8)

Friday 25th July 7-8:30pm

SENIOR YOUTH (years 9-12)

Friday 1st August 7-8:30pm  in the St Joseph’s Room  Lectio Divina

Mass Times

Saturday Vigil  5:00pm

Sunday  7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am,6:00pm

The Catholic Parishes of Epping and Carlingford

What’s Next for Social Justice? For the past three years our Parish Social Justice Team has led us in projects of awareness, action and prayer in the areasof supporting refugees, women and children at risk, and ecology. Now we want to engage in a conversation with the wider parish to identify focus areas for thecoming years, which could include these existing projects, and new areas of need. These will become our ongoing projects for action, prayer and awareness, and also the beneficiaries of charitable distributions from the future Our LadyHelp of Christians Trust. Join us on Sunday August 10 in OLHC hall after the10.15am Mass, 11.30 – 12.45pm.