From the Principal
We were absolutely delighted to host students from our sister school, Seiwa Junior Girls School, Sasebo, Japan, in Week Six. The visit was a truly enriching experience for everyone involved, deepening the cross-cultural friendship between our two schools. A heartfelt thank you to the families who so generously opened their homes to our Japanese visitors, your warmth and hospitality made this exchange unforgettable, and a special thanks to our Languages staff for the considerable preparation and thought in making the few days memorable for the students from both schools.
Congratulations to Sophie and Jess on making the final of the CSDA Public Speaking competition held at St Patricks College, Strathfield last Friday night - a wonderful achievement! A very special commendation goes to Jess, who came third overall in the Year 9 Division. We are incredibly proud of both young women. The Debating season awaits!
In other events, last Friday night, it was a genuine pleasure to meet over 100 Year 7 parents at the annual P&F Welcome Event for Year 7 parents. A huge thank you to the Parents and Friends Executive Committee for hosting in such outstanding style, a truly wonderful example of the welcome and hospitality that characterises the College.
NAPLAN has concluded for another year - congratulations to our girls in Years 7 and 9 for their focus and maturity. A very special thank you to Mrs Matthews and the teachers who provided supervision, for the enormous amount of organisation and reorganisation after the technical difficulties on the first day. Their efforts are greatly appreciated. Year 12 began their examination period this week, and we wish them well as that continues into Week Nine.
I was delighted to be interviewed recently on Live FM as part of a wonderful new cocurricular initiative for our girls interested in a media career. The students were trained as radio journalists and were thoroughly professional. They certainly posed some genuinely difficult questions to both the Principal and other members of staff! I have no doubt we will be seeing them on the 7.30 Report and Four Corners in years to come - they have a very long and bright career ahead of them.
Congratulations must go to Year 10 on a successful, “Race Around Sydney” as part of their annual Residential this week, despite the damp weather. Each group of girls dressed in their theme outfits took on many challenges and were even joined remotely by their parents for some of them! These activities rely heavily on teaching staff participation, so a big thank you to Mrs Hickey for all the organisation and the many teaching staff who accompanied the girls in completing their challenges across Sydney!
Finally, Harmony Day was held last Monday - a true expression of the multicultural nature of our College and a strong example of how many students of varying backgrounds can celebrate their differences. A lesson many adults in the world could learn from at this point in time!
Michael Hanratty
Principal
From the Dean of Mission
In the last newsletter, I mentioned Pope Leo’s Apostolic Letter, Drawing New Maps , commemorating the 60th anniversary of the conciliar declaration Gravissimum Educationis . This document sets down the enduring importance and relevance of education in human life. Gravissimum Educationis emphasised education of the “whole” person, a theme Pope Leo reinforces in his letter.
The phrase “education of the whole person” is commonly heard in Catholic schools. Yet, like many familiar phrases, it can risk becoming a catchphrase rather than a reality lived out daily.
In his letter, Pope Leo says,
Christian education resembles a choreography. My late Predecessor Pope Francis said: "work to bring about a new 'choreography', one that respects the 'dance' of life by putting the human person at the centre". To form the "whole" person means avoiding compartmentalisation.
The pope explains that putting the person in the centre means,
educating them to see with the far-sightednes s of Abraham (Gen 15:5): helping them discover the meaning of life, their inalienable dignity, and their responsibility towards others. Education is not only the transmission of content, but also the learning of virtues. It forms citizens capable of serving and believers capable of witnessing, men and women who are freer, no longer alone.
In short, education is not merely about creating a “skills profile.”
From the Dean of Wellbeing
At Bennies, we work with Flourishing, a platform that provides each girl with an insight into the key factors that help her thrive. The Wellbeing Team, as part of our standard practice, has been unpacking the data and have found that, sadly, our girls, much like the national trend, have low scores in the nutrition category. While they are leaning into the importance of sleep, exercise and positive relationships, they are struggling to make positive food choices, meaning their overall wellbeing and brain function are impacted. Nutrition is a key part of the Wellbeing and PDHPE curriculum. It is a significant part of the mandatory curriculum in the primary years, so while our girls, like all adolescents, have the knowledge, they are not always making the right choices. Hence, it is up to us, as the trusted adults in their lives, to steer them in the right direction.
Why Nutrition Matters for Adolescent Girls
Adolescence is a remarkable period of growth, learning and identity formation. For girls, it is also a time of significant physical, cognitive and emotional change. At Mount St Benedict College, where we value the development of the whole person, nutrition plays a vital - and often underestimated - role in supporting students’ wellbeing, learning and long-term health.
Why Nutrition Is Especially Important in Adolescence
During the adolescent years, girls experience rapid growth in bone mass, muscle development and brain maturation. In fact, up to 40% of adult bone mass is built during adolescence. At the same time, hormonal changes increase nutritional requirements, particularly for iron, calcium, protein and healthy fats.
Adequate nutrition during this stage supports:
Wellbeing News
Goal Setting at Bennies - Student Action Plans
Goal Setting at Bennies - Student Action Plans
At the beginning of each school year, every member of our community – teachers, students and staff set goals.
As a College we believe the process of goal setting is highly valuable to our wellbeing, academic achievement and personal growth in a range of areas.
Goal setting can be really difficult. To set an effective goal, it takes time and consideration. We are asked to think deeply about the big picture and what we want to achieve.
Each year, we ask students to complete a Student Action Plan, these are designed to step each person through the goal setting process, to break it up into manageable steps and gently get them thinking about the year ahead in an energetic and positive way.
Students are encouraged to speak to their Homeroom Mentor, Wellbeing teacher, Classroom teachers and Head of House and parents if they have any questions or need a bit of support along the way. Getting the support of others in the pursuit of a goal is essential and we will encourgae you to have a conversation with your daughter about her goals for this year.
Spectacular things happen when you set a goal and focus your efforts on achieving it.
Student Action Plans will be uploaded to BenniesNet by the end of this term and will be revised at the end of each semester.
Briohny Hickey
Deputy Dean of Wellbeing
From the Dean of Cocurricular
Participating in the cocurricular life of the College builds many skills to ensure our students are future-ready. Providing opportunities for our students to show commitment and perseverance in pursuit of personal excellence is a key component across a range of cocurricular activities. Commitment is expressed in many ways and I have witnessed this during my regular visits across a range of activities this term: early-morning Badminton training, Sunday rehearsals for the College Musical and weekly sessions for the Year 7 Debating Club. I also saw it in the determination to keep improving for our Public Speakers and our students who embraced the unknown and developed confidence over two days of training for our new Bennies LiveFM radio project. These moments, often unseen, are where growth actually happens. In fact, the highlight for me over the last two weeks is speaking with a student who was finally selected as a College representative for the Rostrum Voice of Youth Public Speaking Competition. She auditioned multiple times in her younger years at the College but never made it. She finally made it in Year 10. This is a great story of perseverance and resilience, and I commend her tenacity in not giving up.
Commitment also builds character. It teaches accountability about being reliable to a team, ensemble, or group. It has been heartwarming to see many of our students show support for each other through words and actions of encouragement. The Bennies spirit is something special, and we need to continue building this and sharing it with others. On occasion, there have been circumstances in which students have perhaps chosen convenience or prioritised their own needs over others, which is neither in the spirit of participation nor helpful for their learning. Committing to a team sport, ensemble, or group activity requires our students to be present, engaged, and supportive of each other throughout each session and the entire program. This means being present at your sports match, regardless of whether you are on the court playing or supporting from the sidelines. It means turning up to rehearsals, so the whole ensemble is show-ready. Every absence, late arrival, or early leave has implications not only for staff members but, most importantly, for the overall learning experience of other students. We understand that unexpected circumstances can arise from time to time, but I ask our students, with the support of their parents, to be mindful of this moving forward. Commitment requires conscious effort, but we know that it is such an essential skill for our young people as they learn to become more independent and confident young women.
As we near the end of term and finalise our registrations for Term Two, please check Clipboard to see what is on offer. We have some exciting new initiatives in store next term as we continue to grow our offerings. A reminder that some activities require registrations on a term-by-term basis, e.g. Bennies Fitness Centre, Study Hub etc. Please make sure you register for Term Two if you are interested in continuing in these activities.
Christina He
Dean of Cocurricular
Cocurricular News
College Musical Support Crew - Registrations Open!
College Musical Support Crew - Registrations Open!
We are now calling for any students that would like to be involved in the Support Crews and Teams for the upcoming College Musical, Wizard of Oz. It is a great way to be involved in such a unique and treasured College community event.
Applications and registrations are via Clipboard and parents will be required to provide permission. There are some eligibility requirements for each role available as outlined below.
| Role | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Props Crew (coordinating props for the performances) | Year 8, 9, 10, 12 |
| Stage Crew (assistance with moving sets on stage during the performance) | Year 9, 10, 11, 12 |
| Musical Tech Crew (AV Tech support) | Students have already been selected from the MSB Tech Crew |
| Make-Up Crew (assistance with make-up for the cast) | Year 10, 11, 12 |
| Set Support Team (assist with set decorating and construction) | Year 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 |
| Costume Support Team (assistance with making, embellishing of costumes) | Year 9, 10, 11, 12 |
| Show Night Volunteers (assistance with Show Night logistics e.g. tickets, refreshments, ushering etc) | Year 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 |
We hope to see many of our students get involved!
Christina He
Dean of Cocurricular
Study Hub Term Two Registrations Open
Study Hub Term Two Registrations Open
Registrations for Study Hub in Term Two are now open on Clipboard. After a very successful Term One, we are hoping to see even more students get involved with this great new initiative.
What is Study Hub?
Study Hub offers academic mentoring for Year 7 and 8 students from the unique perspective of former students who know the Bennies Learning Experience first-hand. The program helps students build confidence, strengthen essential skills, and develop positive study habits in a supportive environment.
Students can complete homework, work on revision tasks, or make progress on assessments. For those with afternoon cocurricular activities, Study Hub will provide a practical way to use time productively while waiting for programs to begin.
It takes place from 3:30 - 5:30pm with options to leave at 4:30, 5:00 or 5:30pm. It is held in the D100 classrooms from Monday - Thursday afternoons.
Christina He
Dean of Cocurricular
Representative Sport
Representative Sport
NSW All Schools Triathlon and Aquathon
Earlier this term, four students took part in the NSWAS Triathlon and Aquathon at the National Regatta Centre in Penrith. We extend a special congratulations to Sophie V of Year 8, who achieved an impressive 4th place among NSWCCC competitors and 6th overall across CIS, CHS and CCC schools. Her outstanding performance has earned her a place at the School Sport Australia National Triathlon next week. Well done to the following students who also attended: Sophie P, Erin P, and Robyn O.
CGSSSA Netball Championships
U13s - The junior team had a great day of netball. They played in very hot conditions and we were grateful for rolling subs. While they didn’t win a medal this time, the team really gelled and developed some great skills which will serve them well for the future. A special thanks to Maddison B who was assistant coach, she provided excellent training points and warm up drills. Congratulations to the squad: Leane B, Gabriella D, Imogen F, Sharita G, Charlotte G, Holly M, Molly P, Selene S, Olivia T, and Janice T. Coach: Mrs Moyes.
U15s - A massive congratulations to our Intermediate team for an impressive performance at CGSSSA Netball! The team secured 2nd place overall, finishing the day with an impressive five wins and just one narrow loss. Bennies dominated the courts all day, securing fantastic victories against St Scholastica's (22-3), Stella Maris (26-5), Loreto (13-7), Santa Sabina (21-0), and Brigidine (18-15). Their only stumble was a tightly contested 9-10 loss against the undefeated Monte team. To come within a single point of the eventual tournament winners is a true testament to the determination and talent of the squad. Congratulations to the squad: Amelia B, Liv B, Lilian B, Sophia E, Olivia G, Georgia H, Marni H, Zoe L, Claudia M, and Evie O. Coach: Miss Finegan.
U18s - The Under 18s Representative Netball team delivered an outstanding performance at the CGSSSSA Netball Championships, finishing the day as undefeated champions. After moving confidently through their early matches, the team faced two tough opponents in Brigidine and Monte. Both games were tightly contested, but our players showed exceptional composure, teamwork, and determination to secure hard fought wins. Their efforts earned them the gold medal and a well deserved place at the top of the competition. A special thank you to Marley D for her invaluable support in coaching and managing the team throughout the tournament. Congratulations to: Ruby P, Eliza O, Prianka J, Sienna C, Siena P, Sophia B, Sarah H, Cate G, and Nehara D. Coach: Miss Kelleway.
I would like to extend a big thank you to our student umpires for the day. Without them, days like this wouldn't be possible. Thank you again to, Olivia B, Hannah H and Erika W.
Darren Nosti
Sport Academy Coordinator
College News
CDC NSW Hills District School Bus Changes Commencing Mon 23 March 2026
CDC NSW Hills District School Bus Changes Commencing Mon 23 March 2026
CDCNSW have advised of the following changes to Government School Bus Services for Mount St Benedict College that will commence from Monday 23 March 2026:
Morning Routes:
Route 2041 starts four minutes earlier (Seven Hills Station to Oakhill College via Kings Langley).
Route 2131 starts four minutes later and will have a larger bus allocated (Castle Hill Station to Mount St Benedict College via Cherrybrook Station).
Route 2132 withdrawn, (Castle Hill Station to Mount St Benedict College via Cherrybrook Station). Students to catch earlier 2131, 632, 633 services to school.
Please click here to see the updated school bus advice. The first two pages are the morning services and the last three to five pages are the afternoon services.
We remind students they must have a valid Opal card to travel on all public transport, and must tap on and off morning and afternoon.
Upcoming Events
Ex-Students
Class of 1986 40 Year Reunion
Class of 1986 40 Year Reunion
College Shop
Winter Uniform
Winter Uniform
Students will change to winter uniform from the beginning of Term Two, Monday 20 April 2026.
Please check your daughter's winter uniform before the end of Term One and purchase any additional items you may require though the Flexischools website. We ask that all orders are collected by the girls, we will send an email to your daughter letting her know when the order is ready for collection.
Our last day of trading for Term One will be Wednesday 1 April 2026.
If you are new to the College in Years 8-12 and require a fitting for the Winter Uniform, visit the Uniform Shop before the end of Week 7.
