Last week, Mr Hannratty, Mrs Wells and I had the opportunity to share lunch with Eva, Ruby, Aagna, Tanisha and Robyn and hear about their experiences and learning from the conference. It was wonderful to hear the students speak with such insight and maturity about these significant issues, and to hear their thoughtful suggestions for how we might move forward in these areas. Their willingness to engage deeply with complex questions and to advocate for positive change is a wonderful example of the voice and leadership that Prophetic Voices and the College seeks to nurture.

This week, we have had the privilege of welcoming the Catholic Schools NSW Message Stick to our College. In 2027, Catholic Schools Broken Bay will host the Catholic Schools NSW Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Conference. This is a significant honour for our Diocese and an important opportunity to deepen our shared commitment to, reconciliation and learning. In preparation for the conference, the CSNSW Message Stick will journey throughout our Diocese, visiting our schools and communities along the way. Crafted from Red Gum in 2013 by Trevor Clark and painted by Mutthi Mutthi artist Vicki Clark, the Message Stick reflects the rich cultural traditions of Aboriginal peoples. Traditionally, Message Sticks were used to carry invitations, stories and important information between clans and language groups. When a Message Stick is entrusted to you, you become the messenger, carrying its story forward and ensuring that the message continues its journey.

This week, students and Mrs Miller from Loreto Normanhurst visited us to formally hand the Message Stick on to our College. We were delighted to welcome our friends from Loreto and share a wonderful morning together as we received this important symbol and the responsibility that comes with it. On Tuesday, members of the Leadership Team joined five Religion classes in the Chapel for a special Prayer Service, providing an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the Message Stick and our ongoing commitment to reconciliation. On Monday, Mr Hanratty, Mrs Wells and a group of our students will travel to St Agatha’s for their morning Assembly, where we will formally hand the Message Stick on to the next school in its journey through our Diocese. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this journey and to play our part in carrying the message forward. I invite you to read Chloe and Tara’s reflection on their learning in MYBennies and the Message Stick below.

In our MYB classes we have been exploring Aboriginal cultures, with a focus on the Dharug people whose Country we share. This learning feels especially meaningful as our College prepares to receive the Catholic Schools NSW Message Stick. Crafted from Red Gum and painted by Mutthi Mutthi artist Vicki Clark, the Message Stick carries a tradition of sharing stories and knowledge. When it is handed to you, you become the messenger.

The first part of our MYB unit was understanding the importance of the Acknowledgement of Country. It is more than a requirement: it is an act of respect and acknowledgment that recognises the deep connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the land. Learning to respect and treat the land with sincerity can bring us closer to the concept of reconciliation.

We also studied Dharug daily life before colonisation. The Dharug lived as skilled hunter-gatherers with profound knowledge of the land, rivers, plants and animals. They moved with the seasons, reading the flowering of plants as signs for fishing or gathering. Men hunted larger game while women collected plant foods, shellfish and smaller animals. Their lives were guided by the Dreaming, rich in ceremony, song, kinship and careful care for Country.

The arrival of the First Fleet in 1788 brought devastating change. Disease, dispossession of land, violence and later policies of forced assimilation and the Stolen Generations caused immense loss. Yet the Dharug people have shown great resilience in keeping their culture and connection to Country alive. This history shows why reconciliation must be an ongoing process. It requires honest truth-telling, respect, and a continued commitment to justice and partnership. Our recent incursion brought these ideas to life, allowing us to listen directly to Aboriginal voices and experience culture as living and present.

We were lucky enough to experience a smoking ceremony and partake in traditional dances, thanks to the Gawura Cultural Immersions. Stewart and his family were kind enough to educate us on the different aspects of Aboriginal culture, such as spirituality and daily life. In the beginning, we walked through a smoke ceremony, with eucalyptus leaves making the smoke. We were also able to ask questions and engage with the stories and ways of life that were told to us. They taught us multiple traditional dances and we all thoroughly enjoyed being able to indulge in a little bit of their culture. 

We look forward to exploring the library artwork Marri Djirang Nura and resources on smoking ceremonies, which will deepen our understanding of Aboriginal culture further.

As the Message Stick approaches, we recognise that we too are being invited to carry stories of respect, truth and hope. Our MYB learning is one step on that shared path.

This term, we have been fundraising to support House of Welcome, one of our valued Community Partners. This year, House of Welcome has transitioned away from accepting physical food donations. As the organisation has grown and the people they support have increasingly moved further afield, distributing physical groceries has become more difficult. Importantly, providing individuals and families with food vouchers gives them greater choice and personal freedom over what they purchase, upholding the dignity of the human person.

Donations can be made through Homerooms or via Flexischools.

As part of our fundraising this year, Homerooms have also created cards for the families supported by House of Welcome, which will accompany our donation. This small gesture provides an opportunity for our students to share a message of welcome, care and solidarity with families in our wider community. House of Welcome does incredible work supporting people seeking safety and a new beginning, and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner with them. We know they deeply appreciate the generosity and support of our College community.

Tonight, we will come together for our Vinnies Stay Out, an evening of community, connection and solidarity. Mrs Wells has put together an inspiring program for the evening, including Baking for Vinnies and the opportunity to hear from guest speakers from Vinnies about the work they do in supporting people experiencing hardship and disadvantage. We are especially grateful to the staff who are giving their time to support tonight’s event. Their generosity and commitment make opportunities like this possible for our students and are a wonderful example of service in action. I look forward to sharing some of the stories, reflections and photos from the evening with you in our next Newsletter!

Kerry Bailey
Dean of Mission

Debating is also a powerful exercise in teamwork. While an audience may hear three individual speeches, behind every successful debate is a team working collaboratively. Students divide research tasks, share ideas, test arguments, anticipate opposition responses, and support one another through preparation and performance. They learn that success is rarely the result of individual talent alone; rather, it is built on trust, cooperation, and a shared commitment to a common goal.

Perhaps one of the most valuable lessons debating teaches is the importance of grace. Debaters quickly discover that intelligent people can hold differing views on important issues. They learn to argue passionately while remaining respectful. They learn to listen before responding and to challenge ideas rather than individuals. In an age where public discourse can often become polarised, the ability to disagree with courtesy and integrity is a life skill of immense value.

These lessons are closely aligned with the values of our Benedictine tradition. Debating encourages students to listen deeply, seek understanding, and engage respectfully with others. It calls them to use their voices thoughtfully and responsibly while remaining open to learning from those around them. In doing so, they develop not only as speakers but as compassionate and reflective members of the community.

As we celebrate our students' participation in the Archdale Competition and other debating opportunities, we recognise that debating is about far more than trophies, points, or victories. It is about developing articulate young women who can think critically, collaborate effectively, and contribute positively to the conversations that shape our world.

At Mount St Benedict College, we are proud of the many students who step forward to embrace this challenge. Through debating they discover that their voice matters, that respectful dialogue can build understanding, and that true leadership begins with the courage to speak, listen, and learn. So, if your daughter has not stepped into the world of debating, perhaps this is the sign? It will develop her in ways she may not have even imagined.

Sheri Upasiri
Dean of Wellbeing

Grand Final vs Domremy College, Five Dock 

The final against Domremy College proved to be a highly physical showdown with high stakes. Both sides pushed hard early, but our girls broke the deadlock just before halftime with a well-earned goal from Sienna B. 

With only 30 minutes left in a long, gruelling tournament, the team used the half-time break to regroup and refocus. They came out firing in the second half. Chloe H doubled the lead with a blistering sprint through the defence, coolly placing an easy finish into the back of the net. The crowning moment came shortly after through a spectacular solo effort from Sienna M, who drove past the defence and floated a brilliant shot up and over the goalkeeper to make it 3-0 at full time. 

With the final whistle, the team was officially crowned the 2026 NSWCCC Open Girls Champions. This state-level success caps off an extraordinary campaign, beginning with a win at the CGSSSA Championship earlier this year, followed by four undefeated round games across the state, including a major trip to Wagga Wagga. 

Special Acknowledgments 

A massive thank you to our coaches, Mr Colin O'Donnell and Miss Bronte Finegan, for their expert guidance, and to Mr Darren Nosti for managing and coordinating the squad across all round games. We also extend our gratitude to Mrs Christina He and the College Leadership Team for their constant support and for cheering the team on from the sidelines at the final. 

2026 NSWCCC Open Girls Football Team Members: Annika F, Charli J, Chloe H, Eleanor H, Emilie C, Emily D, Emily G, Isabella D, Lucy VH, Olivia R, Scarlett R, Sienna B, Sienna M, Tahlia M, Yvette F, Zara A. 

NSW Touch, All Schools State Finals

Last Wednesday, our Year 9/10 Representative Touch Football team competed at the NSW Touch All Schools Finals. The competition brought together the best 15 school teams from across the state, including Independent, Catholic and public schools, with teams qualifying through their respective regional championships. 

The team started the day with two gritty wins, including a 2–0 victory over Hunter Sports High. After a strong start, we came up against a well drilled St Peter’s team from Tuggerah and lost 4–2. In the final game of the pool rounds, the girls needed a win to guarantee a place in the quarterfinals, but unfortunately fell just short, losing 2–1. Thankfully, we were one of the best placed third teams and secured a spot in the quarter-finals. 

This is where things began to turn, and we looked like a completely different team. We came up against a strong Kildare team from the Wagga region who topped their pool and produced our best performance of the tournament, winning by one touchdown to advance to the semi-final. 

In the semi-final, we faced Tomaree from Port Stephens, another team who topped their pool. It was a tightly contested game with plenty of momentum swings, with neither team getting more than one touchdown ahead. Tied at 4–4 in the final moments, Tomaree scored with no time left on the clock for us to tap off. Tomaree went on to win the final 6–1. 

Congratulations to all the girls involved. It was a huge effort to regroup after a difficult pool stage and then produce their best touch football when it mattered most. For some of our girls, this was only their second tournament playing Touch Football. 

Well done to the following students, who competed in the NSW All Schools State Finals, finished as semi-finalists and were recognised as third in the state: Abigail W, Amelia B, Annabel C, Cate G, Claudia M, Elise W, Mia S, Millie K, Poppy L, Ruby P, Samaira S and Zoe L. 

Term Four Representative Sport Registrations 

As Term Four approaches, we will begin opening registrations for students wishing to trial for the following sports. 

As soon as registrations open on Clipboard, students will receive an email. Parents will need to complete the registration on Clipboard. Trial information will be outlined on the Clipboard registration page. 

Triathlon and Aquathlon 

Individual Triathlon and Aquathlon – Junior (12–14 years), Intermediate (15–16 years) and Senior (17 years and over) NSW All Schools Individual Triathlon and Individual Aquathon. These events provide a pathway to next year’s School Sport Australia National Championships. 

NSW All Schools Triathlon Team Relay – Junior (12–14 years), Intermediate (15–16 years) and Senior (17 years and over). Teams consist of one swimmer, one cyclist and one runner. 

Team Relay Triathlon: Miss Finegan has already shared information with students via their school email. Students must complete the EOI (Microsoft Form) to enter. Teams must be created before completing the EOI, with each team consisting of one swimmer, one cyclist and one runner. 

Individual Triathlon and Aquathon: These are high-level events. Students wishing to express an interest in the Individual Triathlon must have previous Triathlon experience. For the Aquathon, students must have competed in the competitive Athletics and Swimming Carnivals. 

Please note that expressing an interest does not guarantee entry. The Sports Team will verify students’ times and experience before selections are confirmed. Students will be notified of the outcome of their application. 

Tennis 

Junior (Year 7/8), Intermediate (Year 10 and below) and Senior (Year 12 and below) to compete at the CGSSSA Tennis Championships on 6 November. Winners will progress to the NSWCCC Championships. 

Touch Football 

U15s and Opens teams to compete at the CGSSSA Touch Football Championships. These trials will also be used to select the 2027 CGSSSA Representative Teams. 

What should families do?
Mathspace has advised that a password reset is not required as a result of this incident because passwords and authentication credentials were not exposed. However, the information involved could potentially be used to make fraudulent emails or other communications appear more convincing. We therefore encourage families and students to:

We recognise the trust families place in the College to safeguard student information and take the privacy and security of our students seriously. We are continuing to review the information provided by Mathspace and will advise families if there are material developments or if any further action is required.

Further information about the incident, including updates from Mathspace, is available on the Mathspace website: Mathspace Data Breach Statement

If you have questions regarding the College's response to this incident, please contact helpdesk@msb.nsw.edu.au. The College has also communicated with students. If students have any concerns, please encourage them to discuss this with their teachers or ICT staff. 

College ICT Team