From the Principal
We step back into College life in the very heart of the Easter Season. The Resurrection is not simply an event we marked and moved on from - it is the season we are living in right now. There is a particular joy and lightness that belongs to this time, and I hope we carry that spirit with us through the weeks ahead. May we reflect the hope that Easter brings in our community life, in our learning, and in the way we treat one another.
Year 12 students began the term with a three-day Retreat last week. Time and again, when our alumnae reflect on their years at the College, the Year 12 Retreat is the moment they return to describing it as the peak experience of their time here. The program brings the Good Samaritan Benedictine charism to the forefront of their minds as they reflect on the real essence of their Bennies education and what it means for their life beyond the Red Brick Wall.
Our Anzac Day Assembly last week was a moving and deeply respectful occasion. The reflections, readings, silence and atmosphere spoke to the seriousness with which our community holds the memory of those who served and sacrificed.In her address, Mrs Keogh spoke about the women on the Home Front who broke new ground in taking up the running of the country. I am also particularly proud that our College Captains represented the College at the Dawn Service at Beecroft on Anzac Day morning. To be out in the early morning darkness, alongside the broader community, is no small act - it is a genuine expression of gratitude and solidarity. To our Captains: thank you. Your presence there meant a great deal. You represented the College with dignity. A sincere thank you also to the staff members who attended the service. Your support of our students, and your own commitment to remembrance, does not go unnoticed.
On a very practical and exciting note, development work is moving ahead swiftly on one of our most anticipated projects: the new covered way linking the top of the Hildegard Building to the MSB Centre. This will facilitate ease of access to the MSB Centre classrooms and Administration areas for staff and students during wet weather. The project includes a substantial COLA (Covered Outdoor Learning Area) that will transform the way we deliver PDHPE and will also make it possible to host outdoor functions across the College in all weather. I look forward to sharing progress updates with the community in the weeks ahead. Looking even further ahead, planning is also well advanced for a new classroom block that includes changeroom and bathroom facilities for the Netball courts which will be rebuilt to code and have a roof. This will allow us to host games and provide additional wet weather spaces for PDHPE classes.
Mr Michael Hanratty
Principal
From the Dean of Wellbeing
When Your Daughter Says: “Everyone Else’s Parents Let Them…”
It’s a phrase almost every parent hears at some point:
“Everyone else’s parents let them…”
This statement can trigger a mix of emotions - frustration, doubt, or even guilt. But it’s important to remember that this is a common developmental stage where adolescents test boundaries and seek autonomy. Here’s how you can respond effectively while supporting your daughter’s wellbeing and growth.
Why Does She Say This?
Research in adolescent psychology shows that peer comparison is a powerful influence during teenage years. According to studies on social norms and identity formation, young people often use these comparisons to negotiate independence and belonging. It’s rarely about the actual rules other parents set- it’s about testing yours.
Strategies for Parents:
Cocurricular News
Wizard of Oz Tickets on Sale Friday 8 May
Wizard of Oz Tickets on Sale Friday 8 May
Set a calendar reminder! Tickets for the 2026 College Musical, the Wizard of Oz will go on sale on Friday 8 May. We invite you to join us as our students bring this much-loved story to life on stage.
Thursday 18 June 7pm
Friday 19 June 7pm
Saturday 20 June 1pm and 7pm
Check out the delicious dinner options, prepared by our Hospitality and Food Technology students, when you book your tickets.
College News
The Year 11 Play - Tickets Now Available
The Year 11 Play - Tickets Now Available
Year 11 Drama are excited to present their production of The Playhouse by Kristen Doherty on Friday 1 May at 6pm in the Hildegard Theatre.
On a school excursion to the Globe Theatre, five wayward students slip away from their teacher and find themselves backstage. Unable to resist the lure of the costume rack, they try some on, but are spotted and chased into the tiring house, where a portrait of Shakespeare proudly dominates the space. The Globe’s motto is emblazoned on the frame:
'Totus Mundus Agit Histrionem' - The Whole World is a Playhouse.
The teens recite the iconic words and are suddenly thrust back in time to Shakespeare’s original Globe Theatre in 1599, where they are mistaken for actors, costume mistresses, nobility and groundlings (stinkards). The befuddled students are engulfed in the very first production of ‘As You Like It’ and thrust out on the streets of Ye Olde London Town. The group need to find their way back to each other and Shakespeare’s portrait if they are ever to return to their own time.
Ms Gabrielle Fonteyne
Teacher, CAPA Faculty
Looking to enrol your daughter for Year 7? Join us for a College Tour
Looking to enrol your daughter for Year 7? Join us for a College Tour
Prospective families are warmly invited to attend our next College Tour on Wednesday 13 May, 11.00am–12.30pm .
Enjoy a student-led tour of the College, hear from our Principal, and gain insight into the Bennies educational experience.
If you have friends or family with daughters currently in Year 5, please share this opportunity. Enrolments for Year 7 2028 are now open .
Bookings are essential:
https://www.msb.nsw.edu.au/enrolments/open-day-and-tours/
Mrs Marianne Asmonti
College Registrar
Mother's Day Community Breakfast
Mother's Day Community Breakfast
The 2026 Mother's Day Community Breakfast will be held on Wednesday 6 May, from 7:30am in the College Hall.
Parking
There is no parking available on-site at the College.
We advise you to allow extra time to walk from your parking spot to the College and consider carpooling with other families if possible.
Kylie Gray
Director of Advancement
Year 7 Parent and Student Dance Class Invitation
Year 7 Parent and Student Dance Class Invitation
Year 7 students, accompanied by their parent/s, are invited to a special evening of fun, laughter, and dance at the College.
This is a fantastic opportunity to meet other Year 7 families and become part of the Bennies community while learning some classic dance moves - including the Cha Cha, Waltz, Line Dancing, the Bus Stop, and the Nutbush.
We are incredibly fortunate to have Mark Wilson, renowned dancer, dance teacher, and judge from Channel Seven's Dancing with the Stars, leading us for the evening.
No prior dance experience is necessary - just a willingness to have a great time!
Date: Wednesday 13 May 2026
Time: Light refreshments 5.30pm-6.15pm
Daughter/Parent Dance Lesson 6.30pm-8.00pm
Venue: College Hall
Cost: $25 per person
Dress: Students should wear their school sports uniform, including sports shoes.
RSVP: Click here to RSVP by 9am, Monday 11 May.
Please note:
This event is exclusively for Year 7 students and and their parent/s.
There is limited parking at the College; parking on side streets near the College is encouraged.
Ms Sheri Upasiri
Dean of Wellbeing
Student Leadership Experience
Student Leadership Experience
On Monday 20 April, Year 10 and 11 students attended the Women in Leadership Academy Inaugural Conference at Abbotsleigh Senior School as part of a student leadership opportunity.
The day featured presentations from accomplished female leaders who shared their experiences and offered valuable advice to young women from all-girls schools.
The event was highly inspiring for those who attended, and we are grateful to Abbotsleigh Senior School for providing this opportunity.
The Year 11 Students Ava, Zoe, Diva, and Rebecca, shared a recount of their day.
Photo Day
Photo Day
A reminder that school photographs are scheduled to be taken by Advanced Life on Wednesday 20 May.
Online Order link: Click here for all photo orders, including sibling photos.
If you are unable to pay online, please use the envelopes distributed during Homeroom or collect an envelope for Portrait or Siblings Photos from Student Services. This envelope should be brought to school on Photo Day and given directly to the photographers.
Mount St Benedict College School Photography
Date: Wednesday 20 May 2026
ONLINE ORDER CODE: MFY 5A1 4FR
Online Order link:
Click here for all photo orders.
Orders for packages and sibling photographs can be placed securely online at Advanced Life using our school’s unique 9 digit advanced order code [MFY 5A1 4FR]. Portrait and sibling package orders are due by Tuesday 19 May COB. Orders placed after this date will be charged a late fee by Advanced Life.
Should you wish to purchase a sibling photograph online, the order must be placed no later than the day before Photo Day (Tuesday 20 May). Sibling photographs will only be taken if an order has been placed.
Please note: this is a regular school day and students are required to pack according to their timetable. Students will be advised of the scheduled time for their House group for individual and homeroom photos and must be wearing full winter uniform including blazer. Jumpers are not to be worn in photos.
Important Information:
A late fee will be applied by Advanced Life to each package purchased after Photo Day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately.
Photos from previous years including student leadership groups, are available to order under the “previous years or group photo” tabs on your school’s site when you click on the “Order School Photos Here” button. You can also order past packages, portrait images and gifts from your child’s unique, individual and secure advanced you image archive site using the unique nine digit image code found on packages you have ordered in the past.
Photos will be returned to the College for distribution via Homerooms approximately six weeks after photos are taken.
Advanced Life offer a 100% money back guarantee on their products to ensure peace of mind.
Queries:
Should you have any queries concerning school photographs or online ordering, please contact www.advancedlife.com.au/contact.
Queries relating to the schedule of Photo Day can be directed to Michelle Blackman in the College Advancement Team mblackman@msb.nsw.edu.au
Mrs Michelle Blackman
Advancement Team
Reviewing How We Celebrate Our Students
Reviewing How We Celebrate Our Students
Recognising student achievement is central to life at Mount St Benedict College. We celebrate effort, growth, and contribution across every area of college life, and we want to make sure our awards and recognition processes genuinely reflect those values.
We are currently reviewing our awards programme across Years 7 to 12. Our College has grown significantly over the past ten years, and it is timely to revisit this important aspect of the student experience. Our existing awards have not been reviewed in many years, and in some areas, they lack the breadth, consistency, clarity, and transparency that our students and families expect and value. Criteria for some awards are not clearly defined or transparent, and we believe there is an opportunity to strengthen the rigour and fairness of the process.
Our review is anchored in three core values that guide all recognition at the College: excellence, personal best, and participation. Every award, existing or new, will be assessed against these principles to ensure it is meaningful, fair, and truly worthy of the students who receive it.
As part of this work, we are proposing a new holistic recognition framework designed to celebrate student growth across the full breadth of college life. Aligned with our Learning Framework and shaped by our Graduate Attributes, it will encompass academic, cocurricular activities, school service, and commitment to our Catholic mission. We want every student to feel that their unique contributions are seen and valued.
Parents and carers play a vital role in shaping our school culture, and we would love to hear from you. What do you value most in a school awards program? Are there achievements or qualities you feel are currently overlooked? Your input will help us build a recognition system that truly serves our whole community.
Please share your thoughts by clicking on the link . I look forward to hearing from you and will keep you updated as the review progresses.
Mrs Karen Keogh
Deputy Principal
NSW School Vaccination Program
NSW School Vaccination Program
NSW Health will offer vaccinations to all Year 10 students on Monday 4 May 2026
Year 10 – Meningococcal ACWY
Year 11 – Meningococcal ACWY (if not already vaccinated in Year 10)
Year 8 – HPV and dTpa (those who missed it in Year 7)
To have your child vaccinated at school, you need to give your permission (consent).
To do list:
1. To give consent online visit
https://engage.health.nsw.gov.au/engage
or scan the QR code below.
2. If your child had their Year 7 vaccine(s) at school, you need to tick ““Provide another consent” to give consent for the Year 10 vaccine. (Link below for detailed instructions.)
3. Read the school vaccination program information. Translations are available. Please refer to the NSW Health webpage.
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/school_vaccination_language.aspx
4. When the online consent is completed, you receive an SMS and email acknowledgment.
5. Talk to your child about getting vaccinated. Information for students.
6. Follow this link for a two minute video of a young man who had Meningococcal disease;
Seb’s Story.
You will need:
• Medicare card details for you and your child.
• Your Service NSW login details (this is the same account you might use to renew your driver’s licence)
• If you don’t have a Service NSW account, you can create one by visiting
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/services/myservicensw-account/how-to-create-an-account
No Medicare?
You need to use a paper consent which you get from your child’s school. Return the completed form to school.
More Information
For detailed steps on how to provide consent, please watch the How to Provide Consent Video or refer to the NSW Health webpage https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/online-consent-school-vaccination.aspx
If your child is absent from school and misses the clinic we can vaccinate them at school later in the year.
Year 7 students will be offered free vaccines for diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis (dTpa) and human papillomavirus (HPV) at school later in the year.
On vaccination day children should eat a good breakfast and wear short-sleeved shirts like their sports uniform. After getting the vaccine children can play sport, shower, and do after-school activities as normal.
If you have difficulty completing the online vaccination consent form, please contact our School Vaccination Team. Email nslhd-phuschoolvaccinationprogram@health.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 9485 6971 for assistance.
Mrs Briana Smith
Student Wellbeing Officer
Upcoming Events
P & F News
P&F Meeting - Term Two
P&F Meeting - Term Two
Updated P&F Meeting date: Monday 4 May 2026
Time: 6:30pm
Meeting location: zoom please email P&F secretary for zoom link secretarybenniespnf@gmail.com
Ex-Students
Class of 1996 - 30 Year Reunion SAVE THE DATE
Class of 1996 - 30 Year Reunion SAVE THE DATE
Class of 2016 - 10 Year Reunion
Class of 2016 - 10 Year Reunion
College Shop
MSB Uniform Donations
MSB Uniform Donations
We are pleased to announce that the College Shop will now be taking donations of unwanted MSB uniforms.
Any items that are in a sellable condition will be taken to the Uniform Exchange Shop in Pymble, these will then be sold on behalf of the College. Funds from these sales will then be used to fund a fabric recycling services for those items that aren’t fit for a second life.
Items that can no longer be worn will be sent off to Textile Recycle Australia (ww.texrecaus.com) where they will be turned into recycled yarn.
Any items donated will need to be freshly laundered.
Please note this service is only available for MSB uniforms and is a donation only service we won’t be buying or selling second-hand uniforms.
Mrs Cheng
College Uniform Shop
