From the Principal
Our thoughts have been with our Year 12 students throughout this fortnight as the Trial HSC examinations have taken place. This is the busiest time of the year for Years 11 and 12, and much of the energy around the school has been focused on the many and varied activities associated with Stage 6 learning.
Last week, Year 11 were away for three days on their Retreat program. The Residential Experience moves away from a thematic, activity-based camp to a more reflective, spiritual Benedictine time away, where the girls begin reflecting on their faith journey, their last years at the College, and the community of girls that they are travelling with to Graduation.
The season of showcases has also arrived. The HSC Dance Showcase (together with dancers in the junior classes) was held a week ago. TAS projects will be on display on Monday 17 August during the on-site Learning Conversations, including the Year 12 Textiles and Multimedia Major Works. The HSC Drama Showcases will be held on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 August, and the HSC Music and Visual Art Showcase is scheduled for Wednesday 26 August. Parents and students from all year groups across the College community are encouraged to attend and celebrate the high-quality work our students produce.
Our VET students are on their work placements over the next few weeks, and we also wish them well as they immerse themselves in their chosen industry.
This week we start our annual Learning Conversation series with parents. We are committed to partnering with our families in support of student learning and growth.
A Learning Conversation is a scheduled meeting between a student, their parents, and a teacher, built around one question: what is happening in this student's learning, and what should happen next? The student leads, or co-leads, the conversation. They bring examples of their work, talk through what they've understood and where they're stuck, and set goals with the adults in the room rather than having goals set for them.
Why not the standard model?
Most schools our size run parent-teacher interviews in a "speed dating" format: a few minutes per subject, back-to-back, at night in the school hall. It's efficient to schedule, but it isn't designed for depth. A few minutes is enough to hear a grade explained. It's rarely enough to have a real conversation about how a student learns, how they can grow as a learner, or how parents can support them at home. Holding these sessions only in the evening can also be challenging for families.
What we do instead
We schedule Learning Conversations across several days, offering morning, afternoon and early evening sessions to accommodate the needs of our families. This allows time for parents, students and staff to have a meaningful conversation. Learning Conversations are held both on-campus and online, an initiative that began during COVID and which we continue to offer. Parents tell us that they appreciate the flexibility of being able to join by video, on a lunch break or between meetings, or even simply from home before dinner.
The trade-off
To run the Learning Conversations in this format requires significant planning and time. During Learning Conversation Days, students complete work programmed by their teachers while the usual face-to-face classes are paused to allow time for individual conversations between families and teachers. This is a valuable investment of time and attention, and we are grateful to families for their support. Parent feedback since we moved to this format has been consistently positive, and we continue to refine our processes each year.
On the topic of feedback, the College Leadership Team and the College Board are grateful to those who took the time to complete the recent survey. We look forward to reviewing the feedback.
Michael Hanratty
Principal
From the Dean of Mission
Last week, the Class of 2027 stepped away from the pace of everyday school life to reflect, reconnect and grow during their Year 11 Retreat.
The Retreat is an important part of the College’s Residential Experience Program. Each year, students are invited to reflect on a different line from the Parable of the Good Samaritan. For Year 11, the focus is “the one who shows mercy.”
Inspired by the words of Pope Francis, the Retreat encouraged students to consider the transformative power of mercy:
“Mercy warms the heart and makes it sensitive to the needs of our brothers with sharing and participation… [it] commits everyone to being instruments of justice, reconciliation and peace.” Pope Francis, Regina Cæli Address, Divine Mercy Sunday, 23 April 2017, St Peter’s Square.
Students were invited to deepen their understanding and lived experience of Mercy, Justice, Hospitality and Pax through reflection, conversation, prayer and shared experiences. The Retreat provided an opportunity for the girls to consider how these Good Samaritan Benedictine values can shape the way they respond to others and the world around them.
Students and staff were blessed with beautiful weather across our Retreats at Winbourne, Mount Carmel and the Benedict Centre. The girls were exceptional across all three venues, engaging thoughtfully and wholeheartedly in the Retreat experience. We extend our sincere gratitude to the staff who journeyed alongside the Class of 2027.
From the Dean of Wellbeing
Helping Daughters Navigate Big Feelings
If you have ever asked your teenage daughter, “What’s wrong?” and received the response “Nothing” despite sensing something very different, you are certainly not alone.
The image, based on Robert Plutchik’s work on emotions, provides an important reminder that emotions are rarely simple. What appears to be sadness may also contain disappointment. What looks like anger may actually be fear mixed with frustration. Excitement can sit alongside anxiety. Many of the emotions listed emerge when different feelings combine, creating the emotional complexity that is so often experienced during adolescence.
For parents of teenage girls, understanding this complexity can be one of the most powerful ways to support wellbeing and strengthen relationships.
Looking Beyond the Surface
Adolescence is a period of enormous neurological, social and emotional development. During these years, young women are not only learning who they are, but also learning how to interpret and manage increasingly complex emotional experiences.
When a daughter appears irritable after school, it may not simply be anger. She may be experiencing disappointment about a friendship issue combined with anxiety about an upcoming assessment. A student who seems withdrawn may not just be feeling sad; she may be experiencing a blend of uncertainty, overwhelm, and self-doubt.
Rather than focusing immediately on behaviour, it can be helpful to become curious about the emotion underneath.
Curriculum News
TAS Showcase
TAS Showcase
HSC Drama Showcase Evenings - Book Your Tickets Now
HSC Drama Showcase Evenings - Book Your Tickets Now
You are warmly invited to attend the HSC Drama Showcase Evenings on Thursday 20 August and Friday 21 August at 6pm in the Hildegard Theatre.
The Class of 2026 are delighted to present their monologues, video drama and group performances to you. This will be their final rehearsal before their HSC Practical Exam on Monday 24 August.
Tickets are free and can be booked through this link here.
Don't miss your chance to support these talented students!
Looking forward to seeing you there.
Ms Gabrielle Fonteyne
CAPA Faculty
Music and Visual Arts HSC Soiree
Music and Visual Arts HSC Soiree
Thinking about choosing Music as an elective? Come along to our HSC Music Showcase and see our Year 12 Music 1 and Music 2 Students perform pieces they are preparing for their HSC. It's a great opportunity to hear a range of solo and ensemble performances and get a feel for what senior Music is all about.
The evening also features the HSC Visual Arts Showcase, so you can enjoy both exhibitions on the one night.
Wednesday 26 August 5.00 pm
Hildegard Theatre
Free admission
Book Here
Willson Duong
CAPA Faulty
Year 11 Geography Excursion - Bushfires
Year 11 Geography Excursion - Bushfires
On Friday 7 August, our Year 11 Geography students enjoyed a hands-on fieldwork excursion to St Ives, investgating bushfires as a contemporary natural hazard.
The excursion provided valuable practice using topographic maps and geographical skills and tools. Students explored how factors such as slope, aspect and proximity to bushland influenced bushfire risk. Students learnt how to assess the recovery of ecological health following controlled burning activities in 2025 and calculated fuel loads to investigate factors contributing to bushfire risk.
We observed a wide variety of birds and invertebrates, including a red mite, Golden Whistler, kookaburras, ravens and a curious brush turkey! Hunting for and classifying bugs was a particular favourite. We were also lucky to observe a unit of the NSW Rural Fire Service undertake helicopter winching recertification. The training demonstrated how firefighters can be rapidly deployed into remote areas during bushfires and the importance of ongoing, high-level training.
Students were able experience how geographical knowledge and skills can be applied to real-world challenges, including bushfire risk, land-use planning and the protection and recovery of natural environments.The excursion highlighted the relevance of Geography to important future career opportunities in town planning, environmental protection, conservation, emergency services and sustainable development.
Thank you to our Year 11 Geography students for their enthusiasm, curiosity and participation throughout the day!
Ms Colleen Burke
HSIE Faculty
Grandparents' Day at Bennies
Grandparents' Day at Bennies
Some reflections on Grandparents' Day and MYBennies (MYB) classes from Tara S, Lexi A, and Millie M:
On Friday, 31 July, we held Grandparents' Day for Year 7 at Bennies. We escorted grandparents from the gate to the morning tea on Hildegard Deck, where they enjoyed sandwiches, cakes and biscuits (Year 7 got cupcakes!!!!). After a speech from Mr Hanratty, grandparents moved off to MYB classrooms. There, students got the chance to ask grandparents a range of questions, and we got to learn about their lives. We got to enjoy an hour with the grandparents, learning more about what life was like when they were young.
We talked lots about schooling, like how they had to drink milk at every break. We did a brief overview of global issues and we skimmed over the Vietnam War and how that impacted childhoods. They also talked about the change from pence, pennies and pounds to cents and dollars. All prices were changed and people felt they were getting ripped off, because they were getting less value for more money. They talked about getting the cane when people were naughty and being afraid of teachers. Some of the grandparents also said that they never really had cocurricular activities to attend, they had school, church and home.
My grandma did come, but had to skedaddle after morning tea. She enjoyed getting to see a little bit of the school, paintings we did in Visual Arts, and the welcoming energy of the girls at the gate and my friends she met.
Tara
I introduced my grandparents to my friends and teachers. We worked together during the activities, talked about what we do in MYB and spent time getting to know each other better.
I learnt more about my grandparents' experiences growing up and how much school has changed over the years. I also learnt that spending time with family and listening to their stories can teach us valuable life lessons.
My grandparents really enjoyed the event. They said it was lovely to see what I do at school, meet my friends and teachers, and be part of the MSB community. They were grateful to be included and had a great time.
Lexi
In MYB class we interviewed our grandparents about their childhood and their time at school. I introduced my grandparents to some of my friends. It was a great activity to learn about their past and what school was like for them.
The things I learned from the interview was what world problems they were worried about back in their time, and what they would say to a Year 7 student. I also learned how girls were treated unlike boys. I also learned they used to communicate with a thing called a ‘landline’; a phone that was connected to the wall.
My grandparents loved everything about the day. They loved looking at my painting from Visual Arts and getting interviewed by their favourite grandchild and getting to enjoy the wide range of delicious, yummy treats and desserts, and sandwiches. They were so grateful for the great, amazing experience for Grandparents' Day.
Millie
Dr Miriam Gillett
HSIE Assistant Head of Department (MYBennies Coordinator)
Cocurricular News
Culture and Arts Dance Showcase
Culture and Arts Dance Showcase
Tickets are now on sale for the Culture and Arts Dance Showcase.
- Monday 24 August
- 6.30pm - 8.00pm
- College Hall
- Tickets $10 per person
- Book here
2027 College Learning Tours
2027 College Learning Tours
Please note, an email was sent to current Year 8 to 10 students and parents/caregivers on Monday 10 August outlining the information below:
As part of the Mount St Benedict College Global Enrichment Program, we are delighted to share an overview of the Learning Tours planned for 2027. These carefully curated experiences are designed to extend student learning beyond the classroom, providing authentic opportunities to apply knowledge in real-world contexts.
Each tour has been selected to complement the College curriculum and provide students with memorable educational experiences. Whether participating in a sporting tour, engaging with First Nations communities, or exploring the ancient world, students will return with new perspectives, lifelong memories and a deeper appreciation of the world around them.
To read more about our approach in designing Learning Tours, please download the brochure.
Please see below an overview of each of the proposed 2027 Learning Tours:
Please note, that further information for Cape York First Nations Immersion and Hellas History Tour will become available later in the year when more details and flight prices are confirmed. Prices listed are indicative and are subject to change.
Netball Tour of New Zealand, 2027
Netball Tour of New Zealand, 2027
Please find further information about the upcoming Netball Tour to New Zealand during the April 2027 school holidays.
Students of all abilities are encouraged to apply, however, it is recommended that students have some previous Netball experience if they wish to get the most out of the tour.
The New Zealand Netball Tour offers students an exciting opportunity to combine sport, culture and personal growth through an immersive experience across Auckland, Hamilton and Rotorua. Students will participate in high-performance coaching and testing, compete against New Zealand opposition, and experience the country’s unique sporting culture, all while developing their Netball skills in a challenging and supportive environment.
Beyond the court, students will take part in authentic cultural experiences that provide a deeper appreciation of New Zealand’s history, traditions and people. These experiences will encourage students to broaden their global perspective while developing an understanding of the connection between sport, culture and community.
The tour will also provide valuable opportunities for students to develop self-confidence, independence and resilience while building new friendships and strengthening existing ones. Through shared experiences and teamwork, students will develop their communication, cooperation and leadership skills, returning with lasting memories and valuable life experiences.
More detailed information including costs and itineraries, was emailed to families earlier this week. Please read through the information carefully. If you are interested in the NZ Netball Tour, please click the link below to complete the Expression of Interest form.
Mr Darren Nosti
Sport Academy Coordinator
Music Semester Two
Music Semester Two
Ensembles
Ensembles are open for a Semester Two start. If you have been curious about joining, this is your chance to come along, trial an ensemble and see if it is the right fit.
We currently offer Guitar Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, String Ensemble, Concert Band, College Choir and Flute Ensemble. Students can join from Week Four and continue with their ensemble through to the end of the year.
To register and pay, please log in to Clipboard and select the ensemble under Activity Selection, where you will also find rehearsal times.
Individual Lessons
Semester Two individual lessons are also available with our experienced music tutors. Whether your daughter is just starting out or wanting to build on existing skills, our tutors offer lessons across a range of instruments.
To register and pay for lessons, please log in to Clipboard.
If you have any questions, please speak with a member of the Music staff.
Miss Nicola McKinley
Music Academy Convenor
Term Four Social Sports and Physical Activity Registrations are OPEN!
Term Four Social Sports and Physical Activity Registrations are OPEN!
Term Four Social Sport and Physical Activity Registrations are now OPEN on Clipboard!
Next term, the Academy of Sport will have the following programs on offer:
Social Sport:
🏓 Racquet Sports (Friday Afternoons) - social games of racquet sports including Badminton, Table Tennis and Pickleball at school on a Friday afternoon, one sport will be played each week. No previous experience or skill level is required to participate.
Physical Activity:
🥊 Self Defence (Wednesday afternoons) - learn Self Defence strategies at school on a Wednesday afternoon, no previous experience or skill level is required to participate.
🏋️♀️ Bennies Fitness Centre (Monday, Wednesday, Friday AM/PM) - Now also open to Year 9 students: Improve or maintain your fitness under the supervision of our certified Strength and Conditioning Coach. Available for Years 9,10 and 11 students.
Detailed information is available on Clipboard, which is also where your parents/guardians can complete your registration. If you are interested in participating, please speak with them and ask them to register you.
For enquiries regarding Social Sport or Physical Activity programs, please contact Mrs Trofa.
Registrations close Friday 4 September.
Term Four Interschool Sport Registrations Now Open
Term Four Interschool Sport Registrations Now Open
Term Four Sport Registrations are now OPEN on Clipboard!
Next term, the Academy of Sport will have the following programs on offer:
Interschool:
IGSA Touch Football (one mid-week training and one Saturday morning game).
Santa Sabina Volleyball (one mid-week training and one Saturday morning game).
Barker Rugby 7s (one mid-week training and one Monday afternoon/evening game) *Please note: to enrol in this you must have completed our rugby skills course and/or be playing contact sport (rugby union/league) outside of school. Rugby skills is running this term and registrations are still open. Please email if you are interested in joining so you can compete in the Rugby 7s competition next term.
Detailed information is available on Clipboard, which is also where parents/guardians can complete registration.
Registrations close Sunday, 16 August.
For questions regarding interschool programs, please contact Miss Finegan .
Representative Sport
Representative Sport
Upcoming Trials in Term Three and Four
Although we are heading into the second half of the school year, there are still plenty of opportunities for students to participate in our Representative Sport programs.
Over the next few weeks, we have Netball teams competing at the NSWCCC Championships, our Year 9/10 Touch Football team contesting the NSW All Schools Finals, students competing at the CGSSSA Athletics Championships, and our Senior Football (Soccer) team travelling to Wagga Wagga next week for their NSWCCC Knock-out quarter-final. A win there will see them progress to the semi-final/final stage in early September.
We are currently taking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for students wishing to trial for our Representative Volleyball teams, which will compete at the CGSSSA Championships. Later this term, we will also begin taking EOIs for our Representative Tennis, Touch Football (CGSSSA), Cricket and Aquathon teams.
Students, please keep an eye on your emails for upcoming opportunities. Parents, please keep an eye on Clipboard as Expressions of Interest open for registration. These can be found under the Representative Sport tile, within MSB Team Trials.
Darren Nosti
Sport Academy Coordinator
Upcoming Events
College News
Father's Day Community Breakfast
Father's Day Community Breakfast
Fathers and father figures are invited to join us for our Father's Day Community Breakfast on Thursday 27 August at 7.30am.
Enjoy a light breakfast with your daughter and meet with members of our Bennies community.
Click here to book .
Please note: The College community is celebrating Father's Day a week earlier than usual due to the scheduling of the Year 11 Examinations and Year 9 Residential Experience in the following week.
Advanced Life Group photos are Now Available to Order
Advanced Life Group photos are Now Available to Order
The following group photos were taken this year.
- Mission Captains
- Faculty Captains
- House Captains
- College Captain and Vice Captains
- Portfolios - Sport, Learning, SRC, Culture and Arts, Stewardship, Hospitality and Social Justice.
- Year 12 Group and Fun photo
- Homeroom photos
Please note that whilst you are not able to preview images in the ordering portal, all purchases are fully refundable for a period of 21 days.
Order your group photos here [use the code to login MFY 5A1 4FR]
Important
Group photos can only be purchased online. PLEASE DO NOT return payment to your school.
Photos will be returned to your school for distribution approximately six weeks after the discounted early order period has closed.
Past years' photographs, including sports, cocurricular and representative groups are also available at your school's advanced order and your child's advanced you photo sites.
If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience, please contact us at www.advancedlife.com.au/contact
Library Newsletter
Library Newsletter
The latest issue of the Library Newsletter is now available! Check it out to learn about the theft of Mrs Shiels’ treasured copy of Anne of Green Gables and how you can help crack the case! You’ll also find out about the newest books to arrive in the Library, meet our Featured Author, and discover your next great read with our Genre of the Week!
School Attendance via the Parent Portal
School Attendance via the 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 should no longer be used. All leave, including sick leave, should be applied for via the College's Parent Portal in Sentral.
- Login to the BenniesLink https://bennieslink.msb.nsw.edu.au/ and click on the Sentral tile. Or, go direct to the Sentral Parent Portal https://www.msb.nsw.edu.au/about/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.
College Shop
Tote bags
Tote bags
The College shop now has College tote bags available for purchase for $6.
They can be purchased directy at the College Shop or via Flexischools.
The tote bags will also be available for sale in Week 4 only, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at recess and lunch at Student Services. Payment can only be made by EFTPOS.
Woollen Jumpers Sale
Woollen Jumpers Sale
The College woollen jumpers are now available at the discounted price of $50 (previously $78) as we are no longer stocking the woollen fabrication.
Limited sizes are available, so please visit the College Shop to try on a jumper or check Flexischools for available sizes.
Please note that all discounted jumpers are final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged, please try on before purchasing.
Mrs Cheng
Uniform Shop Manager
Volunteers for Year 7 2027 Uniform Fittings (current Bennies mothers and grandmothers)
Volunteers for Year 7 2027 Uniform Fittings (current Bennies mothers and grandmothers)
The College Shop would appreciate assistance from our current Bennies mothers and grandmothers at the upcoming Year 7 2027 Uniform Fittings.
We are pleased to offer face-to-face uniform fittings to our incoming Year 7 families.
In addition to assisting families with uniform fittings, volunteers will play an important role in welcoming our new families and strengthening our wonderful Bennies community.
Uniform Fitting Dates
Monday 24 August - Friday 11 September 2026
8am - 1.30pm
You might volunteer for one day or multiple days over the three weeks.
Would any of our Bennies grandmothers be interested in this opportunity?
This is also a great opportunity to meet and work alongside other parents/grandparents at the College.
If you are interested, please register using this link and select your preferred dates.
All volunteers must complete a Volunteer Working with Children Check (if you have not done so already); free to apply. Apply here .
Training will be given on the day, and any help given will be gratefully received.
Gina Cheng
Acting College Shop Manager
