In this Issue
From the Principal
I spent some time this week visiting each of the Year 11 Retreat venues and taking a small amount of time with the students and staff in true ‘Benedictine style’ by observing and participating in Prayer, Work and Leisure - attending morning and evening prayer, assisting in the creative spirituality workshops and mingling with the staff and students during their ‘down time”. As the students shared their own stories about their unique identities, we heard about hobbies and interests, connection to family and friends and their journey of faith. 156 unique individuals operating in a community.
St Benedict remained silent on the issue of the ethnic origins of his monks, and so there is nothing in his Rule about it. All the same, he did find a way to differentiate one monk from another, and he used it to structure the social order of the monastery. That distinction was seniority, and seniority started on the day when a monk knocked at the monastery door to begin his search for God. Beyond that, whether a monk came from wealth or poverty or nobility or the peasantry simply did not matter. For Benedict, as for St Paul, all his monks were one in Christ. They were a community.
By the same token, it’s highly unlikely that we will ever dispense with at least some of the accidents of birth that can make our lives so interesting. But all the same, in the spirit of St Paul, Benedict urges his monks to see one another as Christ would have us see them. Year 11 spent time on Retreat celebrating their friendships, their connectedness and the gifts and talents of their classmates. Whatever may distinguish us one from another, we are each created in the image of God. It is why Benedict commands his monks to treat all guests as if they were Christ, and to see in each monk the presence of Christ. That was the message Year 11 were given over the three days they spent together.
This week we had the induction ceremony for the 2025 College Student Leadership Team. In front of their parents and the College community the girls pledged their leadership oath and received their badges. As well as the Executive Captains, SRC and House Captains, the occasion was auspicious in that the inaugural House Captains for Jamberoo and Scholastica were presented with their badges. We wish Ava B and Ashleigh D (Jamberoo) and Mia J and Jessica L (Scholastica) well as the Foundation Captains. Click here to see a video of the Induction ceremony and Click here to see our photo gallery. Their leadership term begins in Week Four when our two newest Houses will commence with students in their new Homerooms.
At the first HSC exam a week ago, we prayed a blessing over the Year 12 students as they began this month-long period of examinations. I share it with you.
Lord
We ask that our students feel your closeness during the HSC exam period. Give them calm hearts and quiet confidence in the knowledge that you hold them in the palm of your hand. Bless them with keen understanding and retentive memory. Give them the ability to grasp things correctly, be exact in their explanations and an ability to express themselves clearly. Point out clearly the beginning, direct their progress and help them in the completion of each of their responses. Holy Spirit send them your gifts of wisdom and knowledge.
We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Michael Hanratty
Principal
From the Dean of Mission
As we embark on Term Four, it’s hard to believe how swiftly the year has flown by and that we are well on our way to the season of Advent and Christmas. Before we get there, however, there are many wonderful opportunities for our Community.
In Week One, our Year 11 students participated in their first Retreat at the College. We offered three unique Retreat experiences, each centred around one of our core values: Hospitality, Pax, and Stewardship with the theme from The Parable ‘the one who showed mercy’. There was time to gather, celebrate and strengthen relationships with each other as they stepped into their roles as senior students in the College. I would like to thank the staff who so willing gave of themselves and their time to make the Retreats such a positive experience. Click here to see our photo Gallery.
Following World Mission Sunday, our College Captain Simran Pandaram, Mikalya Muscat, Mia Jacobs and Principal Mr Michael Hanratty joined other students and teachers from the Diocese of Broken Bay in attending the Catholic Mission Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara. The liturgy was an opportunity to stand in solidarity with those who do not have basic needs and highlighted the critical work of Catholic Mission in Mongolia and around the world. They were called to reflect Pope Francis’ call to embrace inclusivity and “Go and invite everyone to the banquet” (Matthew 22:09).
Also, this week, some of our students participated in a Virtual Immersion with Good Samaritan Education (GSE). They were transported from Pennant Hills to Kiribati, engaging with students from other GSE schools to learn about the history of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan and the communities they serve through their ministries. They also discussed the significant impacts of climate change on the region. This immersive experience was both enlightening and inspiring, fostering valuable connections between our students and the organisations we partner with. Our House Captains gained a wealth of knowledge to share within their Houses and many ideas for Mission Week.
This term is a busy one with the celebration of Mass, our House of Welcome Hamper Drive and Mission Week. I look forward to sharing these with you in future newsletters and sharing the photos on our College Socials.
Curriculum News
Elevate Parent Webinar: How can you help your child manage their time
Elevate Parent Webinar: How can you help your child manage their time
Elevate Parent Webinar: How can you help your child manage their time.
Wednesday 30 October 6:30 - 7:30pm
This webinar is free for MSB parents and carers.
November InspirationED Kickstart Seminars
November InspirationED Kickstart Seminars
To help both students and parents navigate the upcoming HSC journey, we invite Year 10 and 11 (new Year 12) students and their parents to our free November kickstart seminars, with our partners Macquarie University, UTS and the University of Newcastle.
• Dates & Venues: Sunday 3 November (Macquarie University) or Sunday 10 November (UTS) OR Saturday 16 November (UON)
• Time: 9:30 am – 12:15 pm
• Cost: Free
• Registration: Apply here
Spaces are limited, so we encourage you to register early to secure your spot.
Wellbeing
An Exciting Moment in Bennies History: Expanding to 10 Houses
An Exciting Moment in Bennies History: Expanding to 10 Houses
At the core of our student support system, the House and vertical Homeroom structure has become a hallmark of the Bennies experience over the decades. The College has grown substantially, and the time has come to increase the number of Houses and Homerooms. This will ensure that each student has a small core group that provides a “home base” over their time at the College, under the guidance of a supportive Homeroom Mentor.
Following extensive planning and consultation, we launched our two additional Houses in Term Three: Jamberoo and Scholastica.
In Week Four of Term Four, the new Homerooms and Houses will commence!
Some students have elected to transfer to one of the new Houses while others have been selected to be the foundational members. We appreciate that this might be a little challenging to begin with, but we are confident that we will all make a positive adjustment. We ask that everyone who has been selected to move to a new House approaches this as an opportunity to contribute their strengths and ideas so the new Houses will develop their unique culture and sprit, just like our existing eight Houses!
What are the next steps?
Week 4:
Monday 4 November - New Houses and Homerooms commence.
Friday 8 November – House Spirit Day! This will be an exciting community day where we celebrate our 10 Houses with a focus on Hospitality, Wellbeing and House Spirit!
Who are the staff leading our Houses?
| | |
---|---|---|
House | Head of House | Assistant Head of House |
Arcadia | Mrs Rebecca Stooke | Mrs Carly Beacroft |
Jamberoo | Ms Kristy Walsh | Ms Colleen Burke |
Maredsous | Mrs Patricia Gallacher | Miss Emma Lupis |
Monte Cassino | Ms Gabrielle Fonteyne | Mrs Melina Moyes |
Montserrat | Mr Colin O’Donnell | Dr Miriam Gillett |
New Norcia | Ms Nicola Murray | Ms Rebecca Knox |
Scholastica | Mr Joshua Allen | Mrs Kirsty Pawson |
Stanbrook | Ms Corinne Maclou | Mr Lawrence Ku |
Subiaco | Mrs Katherine Stewart | Mrs Tayla Gianotti |
Terracina | Mr David Greenwell | Mrs Maddie Weatherburn |
Mount St Benedict College has always taken seriously its responsibility to develop the whole person. We are committed to knowing our students, how they learn, and providing them with extensive opportunities to develop their strengths. Informed by our Catholic ethos and current research into wellbeing science and best practice teaching, the Bennies Wellbeing and Learning Model represents how we support our students to thrive, learn and serve. The model was launched in 2023 and complements the Bennies Learning Experience (“Learning Tree”). Our move to 10 Houses is one way in which we are bringing the Wellbeing and Learning Model to life.
We look forward to further enriching our College spirit and connections through our 10 Houses!
Mrs Jen Jarrett
Dean of Students
Information about House Spirit Day
Information about House Spirit Day
House Spirit Day will be an exciting community day where we celebrate our 10 Houses with a focus on Hospitality, Wellbeing and House Spirit! Students will meet with their House, spend time in their Homerooms and participate in a wide variety of activities.
This special day is a compulsory day for all students.
What will students wear?
It’s a Mufti Day!
Clothing guidelines:
Make sure students wear something that includes their House colour.
Closed in shoes must be worn.
No short skirts, short shorts or torn shorts. If students wear leggings, they should wear a long top over the top of them.
No midriff tops, spaghetti straps or low necklines.
No tops or jumpers containing rude or offensive slogans, images or language.
Students may wear their sports uniform with PE tracksuit if they wish.
Students may bring their sports bag or another bag.
Students should bring a hat and wear sunscreen.
Items to bring on House Spirit Day
Recess and lunch
A gold coin for their House Partner
A contribution to Host a Homeroom (this will be organised through Homerooms)
A white t-shirt
A plastic bag
A great attitude!
What is the Colour Run?
This is a celebratory event in the afternoon where students will walk/run through a section of the College grounds and will be sprinkled with multicoloured chalk.
Students should bring a white t shirt on the day to wear over their clothes during the colour run.
Students will change their white t shirt before going home.
Congratulations to our Student Leaders for 2024/2025
Congratulations to our Student Leaders for 2024/2025
Health Update
Health Update
NSW Health has advised that there has been a significant rise in gastroenteritis cases across the state. Please find a link to a NSW Health Factsheet for Gastroenteritis: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/viral-gastroenteritis.aspx
To avoid infecting others, NSW Health recommends remaining in isolation at home for 48 hours after symptoms cease.
ADHD Workshop
ADHD Workshop
This workshop is a practical, informative one hour online session for parents of students with ADHD.
Click here to download more information.
When: Wednesday 13 November 6 -7 pm AEST
Please use the Try Booking link to book. (This is an online event)
https://www.trybooking.com/CWEVC
College News
From the Fees Desk
From the Fees Desk
A current statement for end of Term Three was issued on 27 September. The balance of 2024 school fees are now due.
If paying automatic deductions by the term, the payment for the balance of your fees was processed on Friday 18 October. Monthly, fortnightly and weekly deductions will continue until mid-November, including Year 12.
Year 12 Enrolment Deposits will be refunded to the fees account after Exit Day – 11 November. A final statement will then be issued.
If you have any queries regarding your fees account or require an updated statement, please contact the Finance Office on 9980 0445 or fees@msb.nsw.edu.au
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events | |
---|---|
HSC Examinations | Tuesday 15 October - Friday 8 November |
Year 9 Assessment Week | Monday 28 October - Friday 1 November |
Year 10 Exams | Monday 28 October - Tuesday 5 November |
MSBESA Meeting | Monday 28 October 6.30pm |
College Tour | Wednesday 6 November Click here to book |
Music Academy Showcase Evening | Wednesday 6 November 6pm - 7.30pm Click here to Book |
House Spirit Day | Friday 8 November |
Year 12 Exit Day | Monday 11 November |
Year 10 Commerce Market Day | Monday 11 November |
P & F AGM | Monday 11 November |
Mission Week | Tuesday 12 November - Friday 15 November |
College Assembly * | Tuesday 12 November |
Year 7 2025 Parent Information Evening | Tuesday 12 November |
Year 8 Residential Experience Parent Webinar | Wednesday 13 November 6.30pm |
Year 7 Student-Led Conferences | Thursday 14 November |
Stage 5 Music and Visual Arts Showcase | Thursday 14 November |
Year 7 2025 Orientation Day | Friday 15 November |
P&F Gingerbread House Decorating Afternoon | Saturday 16 November SOLD OUT |
Year 12 2025 Assessment Weeks | Monday 18 November - Friday 29 November |
Year 10 Commerce Market Day | Monday 18 November |
Year 7 2025 Cocurricular Webinar | Tuesday 19 November 6.30pm |
Year 8 Camp | Wednesday 20 November - Friday 22 November |
College Assembly * | Tuesday 26 November |
Drama Ensemble Performance | Wednesday 27 November 7pm - 9pm |
Stage 5 Dance and Drama Showcase | Thursday 28 November |
End of Year Mass and Presentation Day | Wednesday 4 December Concludes at 12.30pm |
Last Day of Term | Wednesday 4 December |
Class of 2024 HSC High Tea | Wednesday 18 December 11am - 12.00 noon |
*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 live stream link is here.
Cocurricular News
European History Learning Tour
European History Learning Tour
Our recent European Learning Tour was a memorable and enriching experience for the 24 students who attended. The trip began in Berlin, where students explored the city's rich history, followed by visits to Nuremberg and Munich. A poignant stop at Dachau concentration camp offered the students an opportunity to reflect on important historical lessons.
After immersing ourselves in Germany’s complex history, we flew to the warmer climate of Naples, where students were captivated by the ruins of Pompeii. A leisure day in Sorrento, including a visit to the stunning Isle of Capri, provided a much-needed break and a chance to enjoy Italy’s breathtaking natural beauty.
One of the tour highlights was our visit to Monte Cassino, where St Benedict lived. This location holds significant importance for our College and our values. Phoebe, from Monte Cassino led the school prayer in the chapel. The panoramic views from Monte Cassino were simply spectacular, adding to the awe of the moment.
Our journey concluded in Rome, where students explored the city's iconic landmarks, including the Vatican and St Peter’s Basilica. Throughout the trip, the students demonstrated exemplary behaviour, fully embracing the educational opportunities and cultural experiences offered. They represented the school with respect, were kind to their teachers and their engagement was commendable.
Overall, the tour was a great success, providing students with invaluable historical, cultural, and spiritual insights.
Greg Hume
Acting Deputy Dean of Mission
Music Academy Showcase Evening
Music Academy Showcase Evening
Click here to purchase tickets to the Music Academy Showcase Evening.
Cocurricular Sport
Representative Sport - Term Four
Representative Sport - Term Four
This term, we have the following representative sports trials taking place. All students have received an expressions of interest email earlier this week from Mr Darren Nosti. If you wish to be considered for selection/trials for one of these teams, please ensure that you fill out the EOI form ASAP.
• Under 13s Touch Football (Broken Bay Championships)
• Opens Volleyball (Broken Bay Championships)
• Tennis (Broken Bay Championships)
An EOI will be sent out in the coming weeks for Surf Life Saving.