From the Principal
Fans of Peter Sellers will easily recall the scene in which he meets a man with a cute dog. Wanting to pat the dog, Sellers asked if it bites. The stranger offered a quick "no," and Sellers reached down to pat the dog on the head. It bit him. "I thought you said your dog did not bite."The reply was simple: "I did. But that's not my dog."
Listening carefully is an acquired skill, but it is key to the resolution of differences that Jesus outlines in the Gospel of Matthew. There he sets out a step-by-step process in which people need to listen carefully to one another if they are to reconcile. A failure to listen at any point can doom the encounter.
"Listen" is the first word in the Rule of Saint Benedict. It matters that the brothers listen to one another, just as it does for spouses, friends and co-workers. It's why Benedict draws on this passage from Matthew as he lays out his own advice on reconciliation among the monks. But he doesn't stop there. Once the monks have come to terms with one another, the listening has only just begun - God is part of the conversation too.
I share that story because this past week has been, in its own way, a week of listening, of a whole community pausing to hear one another before letting go.
Year 12 Graduation was held this week, as we farewelled our largest ever cohort of over 200 students. The girls reminisced at the Connect Night, enjoyed fun and frivolity at their Farewell Assembly, shed tears and embraced at their House Farewells, and graduated in front of their proud families on Wednesday. Last night it was time to let their hair down (or put it up!) at the Valedictory Dinner, where we farewelled not only the girls but their parents, some after a relationship with the College spanning decades. Every one of those moments, from the laughter to the tears, was really a form of listening: to old stories retold, to gratitude finally spoken, to the quiet significance of an ending.
I'm grateful to all the staff, teaching and professional services, who listened to what this week needed and ensured the girls had a seamless and dignified farewell. On to the HSC!
That spirit of listening extends beyond Graduation Week. The College has also been listening carefully to our community's feedback on all aspects of College life, and I want to thank the families who took the time to respond to the MMG Survey. Nearly half of all families responded, providing us with valuable feedback to help inform our future planning. A thank-you letter and some high-level results will be sent to families, early next week - please check your email for the details.
We wish all the students a restful break and look forward to the girls returning refreshed for Term Four.
Michael Hanratty
Principal
From the Dean of Mission
Week 10, Term Three is always a time of mixed emotions as we farewell our Year 12 students. These students have been such an important part of the College, which is never more evident than in the wonderful House Liturgies. It is always a privilege to attend these and hear the wonderful testimonies offered by each of the Homerooms for “their Year 12s”.
Graduation Week starts with Connect Evening. This tradition is a meaningful mini-retreat that marks the milestone of finishing school and celebrates this significant period of transition. It is a chance for Year 12 to come together and just Be before the hectic and emotional few days of Graduation. The theme for the evening was Peaceful Hearts, Courageous Mission.
Curriculum News
SBAT Achievement for Year 12 Students
SBAT Achievement for Year 12 Students
This year two of our Year 12 students have been studying a School-Based Apprenticeship/Traineeship (SBAT) as part of their HSC. This vocational education and training (VET) program allows students to commence an apprenticeship or complete a traineeship while at school, setting up for a chosen career.
SBATs provide opportunities for students to gain:
• valuable work skills and practical experience through paid employment.
• an industry-recognised national qualification.
• credit towards the HSC.
One leading Australian Apprentice Connect Australia Provider reports that more than 19 000 Australian students undertake an SBAT each year, and a National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) national survey found that 86% of VET graduates readily secure employment or undertake further study and training.
Year 9 Geography Excursion - Chowder Bay
Year 9 Geography Excursion - Chowder Bay
On Monday 14 September and Thursday 17 September, Year 9 Geography students participated in fieldwork at Chowder Bay as part of their Environmental Change and Management unit, investigating the impacts of human activity on the Sydney Harbour marine environment.
Students took part in a range of practical investigations, including citizen science surveys to measure microplastic pollution, water quality testing to assess stormwater entering the bay, and topographic map analysis to explore how people and landforms influence water flow and pollution.
The excursion provided students with the opportunity to collect valuable primary data and apply geographical inquiry skills to real-world environmental issues. Through these hands-on experiences, students developed a deeper understanding of sustainable environmental management and the importance of protecting Sydney Harbour's unique ecosystems.
The Year 9 students are to be congratulated on their enthusiasm, teamwork, and thoughtful participation throughout both fieldwork days. Their investigations will form the basis of their upcoming geographical inquiry, allowing them to draw evidence-based conclusions about environmental change and management in our local waterways.
Colleen Burke
HSIE Faculty
Cocurricular News
Term Four Experiential Learning Registrations Now Open
Term Four Experiential Learning Registrations Now Open
We are pleased to share that registrations are now open for our Term Four Experiential Learning programs at Mount St Benedict College.
This term, students have the opportunity to participate in a range of programs designed to build confidence, communication, academic skills and connection beyond the classroom.
The following opportunities are now open for registration:
MSB Social Debating Competition | Years 7–10
MSB Social Debating is a fun and supportive school-based program for students who would like to develop their debating, communication and teamwork skills.
No previous debating experience is required. Students will participate in team debates across three Tuesday afternoons/evenings in Weeks 1, 3 and 5, with the program culminating in a Staff vs Students Debate.
The focus is on participation, building confidence and developing debating skills in an enjoyable and social environment.
2027 Public Speaking Auditions | Current Years 7–11
Students interested in representing the College in Public Speaking competitions in 2027 are invited to register for our Public Speaking Auditions.
Students will prepare and deliver a two-minute speech, providing an opportunity to demonstrate their communication skills, confidence, audience engagement and potential for further development through coaching.
Students may be considered for opportunities including CSDA Public Speaking, Rostrum Voice of Youth, IGSA Festival of Speech and the Dame Enid Lyons Oratory Competition.
Auditions will be held at lunchtime on Wednesday 21 October and Wednesday 28 October.
Students do not need extensive previous Public Speaking experience to audition, and we encourage students who are interested in developing their confidence to put themselves forward.
Study Hub | Years 7–8
Study Hub provides a supportive after-school environment where students can work on homework, strengthen their study habits and develop greater independence in managing their learning.
Sessions are facilitated by former MSB students who have excelled in their studies and are able to provide mentoring, encouragement and practical support.
Study Hub operates Monday to Thursday from 3:30 pm–5:30 pm, with families able to nominate an appropriate departure time as part of registration.
Please note that Study Hub is an academic mentoring and study skills program rather than a tutoring service.
Registrations
Families are encouraged to review the full activity information and registration requirements on Clipboard.
Places may be limited for some activities, so we encourage interested students and families to register as soon as possible.
We look forward to another exciting term of Experiential Learning and to seeing our students challenge themselves, develop new skills and make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Nick Walker
Deputy Dean of Cocurricular
Upcoming Events
College News
Student Attendance Procedure - Sentral Parent Portal
Student Attendance Procedure - Sentral Parent Portal
If students are going to be absent from school, parents should inform the College via Sentral, in the College's Parent Portal by 8am, so we know if a student does not attend her first lesson that she is safe and cared for.
The former SMS number is being phased out and should no longer be used.
All leave, including sick leave, should be applied for via the College's Parent Portal in Sentral:
Login to BenniesLink and click on the Sentral tile, or, go directly to the Sentral Parent Portal.
Within Sentral select the Absences button from the main menu on the left-hand side.
• Select Submit a Future Absence Request (green box).
• Complete the relevant fields and submit the request. Medical Certificates can also be uploaded here.
If your daughter will be arriving late or leaving early, then select the whole day absence but note the partial absence in the comments section, noting that appointments should be made out of school hours, where possible, to ensure continuity of learning.
Thank you for your assistance in our management of accurate student attendance records.
Wellbeing Team
College Shop
Year 10 2027 Senior Summer Uniform Fittings
Year 10 2027 Senior Summer Uniform Fittings
The College Shop invites students in Year 9 to come in for the senior uniform fitting on allocated days per House group.
Days are:
Arcadia: Tuesday 13 October
Jamberoo: Wednesday 14 October
Maredsous: Thursday 15 October
Monte Cassino: Tuesday 20 October
Montserrat: Wednesday 21 October
New Norcia: Thursday 22 October
Scholastica: Tuesday 3 November
Stanbrook: Wednesday 4 November
Subiaco: Thursday 5 November
Terracina: Friday 6 November
Gina Cheng
Acting College Shop Manager
Summer Uniform Changeover
Summer Uniform Changeover
This is a reminder that the College will change into the summer uniform in Term Four.
Please check that the sizing is correct, especially that your daughter’s senior skirt or junior dress reaches below the knee.
College hats must be worn to and from school and while seated outside during recess and lunchtime.
Orders can be placed using Flexischools or directly in the College Shop.
Opening hours are Tuesday-Thursday from 8am to 4pm.
Gina Cheng
Acting College Shop Manager
