From the Principal
The liturgical calendar is silent on the Pentecost season, tradition has it that it lasts until Advent. Reflecting on that time in the lives of the disciples, I’m not so sure I would have handled Pentecost all that well. Had I been a disciple who had walked with Jesus for a year or two or three, it might have gone differently. But the gift of the Spirit in retrospect seems a little too transformative for my tastes. In the case of the disciples, it was disruptive in the extreme. They began as passive listeners to Jesus. In short order, however, the Spirit swept them up and carried them way beyond what they could have imagined. Could I let that happen to me?
Consider the change in some of the disciples. A few hoped they would sit at the right and left of Jesus when he came into his kingdom. Only in time did they realise that was not to be in the cards. So what kept them hanging on to the words of Jesus? As the Spirit began to nudge them out of their comfort zone, what caused them to take the leap of faith that in turn took them to the ends of the earth?
We all go through moments of self-doubt in life. As often as not they involve a fear of where life will take us. As for me, a person who is passionately risk averse, it’s a question I consider nearly every day. Is it better to stick with the tried and true, or should I tiptoe into the risky zones of life? There is a whole industry in schools now of risk management and risk advisers who provide advice on everything from school excursions to minute changes in school uniforms and branding!
On the feast of Pentecost, it’s helpful to recall those parables of Jesus that encourage us to take the plunge and gamble at least something of ourselves. Is it better to bury the coins we’ve been given, or should we stretch ourselves and invest them in hopes of a decent return? Is it better to channel all of our energy into the one talent we know we have and leave all the other talents on the table, unused?
We encounter these sorts of puzzles more often than we might like to admit. But the gift of the Spirit at Pentecost is an invitation to climb down from our metaphorical seats on the fence and risk a little more than we might have planned.
To the students who put themselves forward for Student Leadership, to those who have been participating in Public Speaking, CSDA Debating and now Archdale, to those who take up a new sport or activity to “have a go” with a new group of friends they didn’t previously know, to our all Year 10s who are launching in to subject selections and choosing subjects they may have “only heard about” but seem like their thing, all take that risk inspired by the Holy Spirit whether they know it or not. In the little things each day, our girls take risks and step outside their comfort zones.
On Pentecost, Jesus invites us all to do the same. And what will be our reward? We’ll never know until we give the Lord a good hearing and welcome the Spirit into our hearts.
Mr Michael Hanratty
Principal
From the Dean of Mission
Last newsletter I mentioned that 30 members of our More2Life Youth Group would attend the Shine Conference hosted by the Broken Bay Diocese in Tuggerah. The conference proved to be a wonderful experience for our students, providing an opportunity to deepen their faith while connecting with young people from across the Diocese.
A highlight of the conference was hearing from Fr Rob Galea, whose inspiring presentations encouraged students to reflect on their relationship with God and their role as young Catholics in today's world. Students enthusiastically participated in worship through music, singing and dancing, and attended a range of workshops exploring different expressions of prayer and spirituality. For many, the most powerful moment was the Adoration led by Fr Rob, which provided a profound experience of prayer, reflection and encounter with Christ. The conference was also a wonderful opportunity for our students to celebrate their faith alongside peers from schools throughout the Diocese and to experience the strength of the wider Catholic community.
Mission News
Vinnies Winter Appeal
Vinnies Winter Appeal
Mount St Benedict College is a school inspired and shaped by the Benedictine tradition, which calls us to promote the dignity of every person, serve others, and show care to those who are vulnerable and marginalised. As a community, we believe that every individual is deserving of dignity, respect, and compassion, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Therefore, this winter, we bring the Benedictine tradition to life by asking all students to contribute to the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal, by contributing one small item to help create toiletry or snack packs for those supported by the Vinnies Vans.
Each Homeroom is asked to fill just one green shopping bag with any of the items listed below.
Toiletry Pack Options
Travel-sized body wash, travel-sized shampoo, travel-sized conditioner, travel-sized toothpaste, soap, pads, toothbrush, dental floss, deodorant (unisex), exfoliating mitt.
Snack Pack Options
Packets of small chips, juice Poppers, muesli bars, tuna cans (small), Cup of Soup packs, Le Snack cheese dips, fruit cups.
Please reach out to the Mission Team if you have any questions.
Mrs Wells
Deputy Dean of Mission
From the Dean of Wellbeing
Ex Students as Change Makers
Ex Students as Change Makers
Culture and Expectations: Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders at Mount St Benedict College
At Mount St Benedict College, our culture is more than a set of traditions, it is the heartbeat of our community. It defines how we learn, lead, and grow together. Over the years, the expectations we uphold, academic excellence, respect, and a commitment to service, have created an environment where students thrive not only as learners but as future leaders.
What’s remarkable is witnessing the long-term impact of this culture. Today, some of the students we once taught have returned as colleagues, stepping into roles that influence and inspire the next generation. Their journey reflects a powerful truth: when expectations are clear and values are lived daily, they shape character and leadership in profound ways.
The Research Behind the Impact
Wellbeing News
Merits
Merits
Congratulations to the students who received merits as of 28 May 2026. Click here to download.
Cocurricular News
The Wizard of Oz - Tickets On Sale Now!
The Wizard of Oz - Tickets On Sale Now!
There is only one week until our College Musical, The Wizard of Oz begins!
Our talented cast and crew have been working incredibly hard to bring this much-loved classic to life, and it promises to be a truly magical production. We encourage you to bring along family and friends to enjoy the performance and celebrate the incredible efforts of our students.
Tickets are $38 per person.
Access tickets here.
Don’t miss your chance to follow the yellow brick road with us - we can’t wait to see you there!
Sydney Dance Company Dance Workshops 13 and 14 July 2026
Sydney Dance Company Dance Workshops 13 and 14 July 2026
Sydney Dance Company will be holding dance workshops at Mount St Benedict College 9.30am - 4.30pm on Monday 13 July and Tuesday 14 July.
We have generously been supplied a discount code for MSB community to use for 10% off the cost of this two day workshop, MSB10.
Please direct any queries to Sydney Dance Company.
Representative Sport
Congratulations to Mariella D from Year 11 on selection in the NSWCCC Under 18s Basketball team to compete at the NSW All School Championships Selection Trials to be held next Thursday. Good luck Mariella!
College News
Year 12 College Rings
Year 12 College Rings
Ordering for Year 12 rings is now open. Before placing your order, please ensure you have confirmed your ring size.
A ring sizer is available on the table near the entrance of Student Services for your convenience.
Once you have your size, please note it down and click the link below to place your order.
The ordering link will officially close on Thursday 25 June at 9:00am.
CDCNSW Hills District Bus Changes Commencing 21 June
CDCNSW Hills District Bus Changes Commencing 21 June
CDCNSW have advised of the following changes to public route services that will commence from Sunday 21 June 2026, and may affect students at Mount St Benedict College;
New times apply for the following routes, please check;
549, 553, 604, 605, 608, 613X, 615X, 617, 620X, 622, 625, 626, 632, 633 , 635, 642X, 643, 651, 700, 715
Please click here for updated school bus advice.
P & F News
P & F Parent Webinar
P & F Parent Webinar
FREE WEBINAR FOR PARENTS: How AI is influencing new online risks for children and young people.
You're invited to join the Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP), Term Two, not-to-be-missed, 45-minute cybersafety webinar for parents, presented by the eSafety Commissioner Team and designed to help protect your child online.
AI (generative artificial intelligence) is built into many of the apps, games and services we use that can bring new risks, especially for children and young people.
Find out what these risks look like, how to reduce them, and what to do if something goes wrong, as well as:
• The types of AI-related risks your child may come across in their everyday online activities.
• How these technologies can affect your child’s safety, privacy, development and wellbeing.
• Practical, easy-to-use ways to help you guide and support your child, including what to do if something goes wrong and where to seek help.
Wednesday 24 June 2026
7.00pm – 7.45pm
Community Notices
Free Workshop for Parents/Carers of Learner Drivers
Free Workshop for Parents/Carers of Learner Drivers
Before they can drive unsupervised, it’s important that a learner driver and their supervising parent/carer is prepared for the road ahead and know how they can achieve 120 supervised driving hours. Supervisors play a key role in guiding and promoting safe driving habits, which can then influence future unsupervised driving once a Learner gets their Provisional 1 Licence.
Hornsby Council holds FREE virtual presentations via Teams several times a year, offering practical advice and information to parents, carers, and supervising drivers on how to help learner drivers become safer drivers.
The presentation includes information about:
- Understanding the Graduated Licensing Scheme and the current laws of L and P licence holders.
- Completing the Learner driver logbook and App.
- Understanding the benefits of supervised on-road driving experience.
- Supervising learner drivers.
- Young Driver Issues.
- The Safer Drivers Course.
- And lots of tips to help make learning to drive a safe and positive experience!
Bookings : Bookings can be made online by visiting: www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/learnerdrivers or they can scan the QR code.
Date: 17 June 2026
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Location: Via Microsoft TEAMS
Log-in details : Log-in access details to the TEAMS presentation / workshop will be emailed to those that register.
Cost: FREE
Parents can now book online by visiting: https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/learnerdrivers .
