Following the recent Learning Conversations for Year 7-10 students, many families might be thinking, "What now?" The true value of the information shared at this event lies in what students do next; that's where the opportunity lies. Drawing from our Benedictine charism, parents can approach conversations with their daughters about their learning as opportunities. Just as St Benedict valued deep listening, you too can create consistent times for meaningful dialogue; in the car, on a walk, doing the shopping or quiet moments at home.

Parents, I suggest that you try to ask your daughter to share one insight from the Learning Conversations that surprised her, and establish a regular "wondering time" where family members can voice things they're curious about. Going forward, model intellectual humility by admitting when you don't know something. Encourage questions over quick answers."That's interesting, what do you think?" becomes your default response. Connect her interests to broader family values and traditions.

Students, I encourage you to practice the "pause" before responding to challenging situations, initiate one meaningful conversation with someone new, share something you're struggling with and ask for perspective, or reflect on how your thinking has changed.

Together, families can consider practices that honour both relationships and our Benedictine values. Try monthly family learning conversations where each person shares something they're learning about themselves, the world, or their faith. Remember that learning is about becoming more thoughtful, compassionate, and wise. Continue creating spaces where honest dialogue can flourish.

Our reflection from the four days is that the insights your daughters shared revealed young women of remarkable depth. By continuing these conversations at home, you're nurturing their growth into the thoughtful, faithful leaders our world needs.

"Let all be received as Christ" (Rule of St Benedict). In our ongoing conversations, may we continue to see the sacred in each other's questions and insights.

Karen Keogh
Deputy Principal

It has been a very busy couple of weeks across the College with many things happening in Mission, Wellbeing and Learning. Our Wellbeing and Learning model, grounded in the College's Mission has been clearly visible.

A great example of the model in action was Vinnies Busking, where students from Years 7 to 11 showcased their musical talents through group and solo performances to raise funds for St Vincent de Paul while busking in Parramatta Square, raising $2432. This event beautifully reflected our Catholic Social Teaching of solidarity with those in need and our belief in the inherent dignity of all people. As Tessa K from Year 7 shared, “It was valuable to know our efforts supported people in need and made a positive difference in the community.”

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

Last Friday, Year 11 Biology students visited Long Reef rock platform to extend our knowledge on our current topic ‘Biological Diversity’. The staff at AUSECO guided us through a range of activities including testing the temperature, pH levels and salinity of the rock pool and sea water to determine its effect on biodiversity. We experimented with quadrants, and worked in teams to measure the abundance of organisms in each tidal zone.

The day began with some theory work, which we completed in booklets, then we made our way to the rock platform. Despite the heavy rain, cold weather, and wind, our spirits were high, and we all had lots of fun. The practical work allowed us to put our theory into practice, and see how our learning plays out in the natural world. A highlight was the final activity, where we could explore the rock platforms and look for and catch different animals - we found hermit crabs, sea snails, and more! This excursion gave us an opportunity to gain insight into the real-life application of our learning in the classroom, strengthening our understanding and engagement with the unit, and provided us with quality time with our friends, classmates and teachers, connecting our cohort together with the shared interest in biology.

Carys and Jess, Year 11 Biology students

Congratulations to Year 7 Visual Arts student Annabelle Prentice, who was recently named a finalist and awarded second place in the 2025 World Teachers’ Day Student Art Competition hosted by AISNSW.

The theme, “Teachers: Empowering Every Student to Shine,” invited students from independent schools across NSW to create artworks celebrating their teachers. Annabelle’s thoughtful portrait of Miss Kim was recognised for its creativity and expression.

At the awards ceremony last Friday 22 August, Annabelle had the special opportunity to meet acclaimed First Nations artist Bronwyn Bancroft, making the experience even more memorable. We are incredibly proud of Annabelle’s outstanding achievement and the way she represented our College community.

Nicola Murray
CAPA Faculty

Here at Bennies, we believe that every young woman deserves to grow with confidence, courage, and a strong sense of self-worth. Self-esteem—the way we perceive and value ourselves—is a cornerstone of emotional wellbeing and personal development. For adolescent girls, whose identities are still forming, fostering healthy self-esteem is not just important; it’s essential.

But why does self-esteem matter?

Girls with strong self-esteem are more likely to:

The College proudly celebrated the annual CBCA Children's Book Week, themed "Book an Adventure" for 2025. On Wednesday, 27 August, the Library hosted the annual Book Week morning tea, where we had the pleasure of welcoming special guest Mr Hanratty, members of the Leadership Team and staff. Mr Hanratty presented awards to students, including:

Premier’s Reading Challenge Gold, Platinum awards and Medals (completed in 2024)

Principal’s Reading Challenge awards.

Best Borrowers of 2025 awards for each year group 7-10.

Book Week competition prize recipients.

The Library’s ‘Best Borrowers’ of 2025-
Year 7- Evy T
Year 8 - Elyse G-B
Year 9- Maisie B
Year 10- Becky L

Congratulations to the students who completed the following challenges:

2024 Premier’s Reading Challenge-Medal
Annabelle F, Lucy V-H, Alvina L, Becky L, Elizabeth S, Eve S and Lily Z.

2024 Premier’s Reading Challenge Platinum Award
Piper J

2024 Premier’s Reading Challenge Gold
Laura D-S
Celine C

2025 Principal’s Reading Challenge
Emma B, Zoe B, Ellie B, Ariel C, Saanvi C, Karen D, Aliana E, Jemima G, Danielle H, Jiyapreet K, Maddison K, Evelyn L, Becky L, Katriel M, Frances M, Hannah M, Devanshi M, Mia P, Tashia P, Jenna P, Liya S, Kimia S, Aditi S, Daphne S, Preanna S and Bella T.

Book Week Competition Winners:
‘Blurbed Vision’- Daphne S
‘Block Party’- Isabel M
‘Flip the Script’- Eliza M
‘Book Bombed’ - Dhwani S
‘Lit Flick Pics’- Niamh W
‘Scavenger Hunt’- Emily D

A special thank you to the Library team- Mrs Seymour, Mrs Watson, and Mrs Ellis for their dedication and hard work in organising the fantastic Book Week celebrations this year.

Rebecca Shiels
Library Head of Department

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.

Fathers and father figures are invited to join us for our Father's Day Community Breakfast on
Tuesday 2 September at 7.30am.

Enjoy a light breakfast with your daughter and meet with members of our Bennies community.

Click here to book

The following photos were taken on 2 June 2025:

- Mission Captains

- Faculty Captains

- House Captains

- College Captain and Vice Captains

Portfolios - Sport, Learning, SRC, Culture and Arts, Stewardship, Hospitality and Social Justice.

Please note that whilst you are not able to preview images in the ordering portal, all purchases are fully refundable for a period of 21 days. The 20% discount will be automatically applied at checkout.

Order your group photos here [use the code to login MFY 5A1 4FR]

Important

If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience, please contact us at www.advancedlife.com.au/contact

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.

The P&F warmly welcomes all parents and caregivers of
Mount St Benedict College to our upcoming Parent Forum.

P&F Parent Forum: Parenting and Leading Gen Z and Gen Alpha

Today’s parents are navigating a vastly different world from the one they grew up in. Raising Gen Z and Gen Alpha means guiding children and teens shaped by hyper-connectivity and rapid technological change in the era of the Great Screenage. This session will explore the unique challenges of parenting Gen Z – the first true digital natives – as they transform into adulthood, and raising Gen Alpha, a generation growing up in an even more digitally immersive environment.

The forum will explore data-driven insights on the distinct differences between Gen Z and Gen Alpha, examining the formative experiences that shape their unique perspectives, behaviours, and needs. This session will also discuss how parents can effectively support and empower these generations, from managing screen time and digital discipline to fostering real-world connections and resilience.

Presenter: Ashley Fell Social researcher, TEDx speaker and Director of Advisory at McCrindle.

Date: Wednesday, 17 September
Time: Arrive at 6.30pm for a 7.00pm start.
Venue: Mount St Benedict College, Hildegard Theatre.
Cost: $10 per person (includes a light supper on arrival and lucky door prizes).
RSVP: Friday 12 September. Numbers are limited. Click here to register.
Parking: Limited parking is available within the College grounds.  Parking is recommended in the surrounding streets to the College.

Please note: this is a parent-only event.

We hope you can join us on this evening.

Juliet Mearns
President, Mount St Benedict College P&F Association

The College Shop is now located on the ground floor of the College’s heritage building, Regenbah.  Regenbah is located next door to the MSB Centre and the Convent Chapel. See map location 2 on the College Map. View College Map here .

Student entry: via the back door of Regenbah, between the Convent Chapel and College Reception.

Parent entry: via the front door of Regenbah from the gravel driveway. Please note: There is no parking available on-site.

The College Shop will open on its usual days – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Students will change to summer uniform on the first day of Term Four, Tuesday 14 October.

Please check your daughter's summer uniform and purchase any additional items you may require or order them though the Flexischools website.

For all those students who have purchased the College Winter Pants, you are allowed to wear these in the summer terms until the new College Summer Pants are introduced. If you wish to wear the pants, seniors can wear them with their senior summer blouse and juniors with the junior summer blouse.

Any new students to the College in Terms Two and Three, please visit either at lunchtime or after school if you would like a uniform fitting.

A reminder that the College Shop opening days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and is now located in Regenbah - near the Convent Chapel and MSB Centre.

On Friday 12 September, the Memorial of The Most Holy Name of Mary, Bishop Anthony Randazzo will ordain Shayne D’Cunha, Tan Nguyen and Huy Tran as transitional Deacons for the Diocese of Broken Bay.

Join us at 7:00pm at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara for the Ordination Mass.

Please RSVP here:

Please keep Shayne, Tan and Huy in your prayers.