From the Principal
Recognising the Gifts God has Given Us
Recognising the Gifts God has Given Us
This shorter term of school can feel like such a rush for the teaching and professional staff to conclude the teaching and learning cycle of the year. Summative assessments being conducted, the anticipation, planning for and executing the significant end-of-year events and indeed, preparing for the joy of the Christmas season and the year to come. There is a lot of “taking stock” and evaluating how the year has gone and planning for the following year, some of which the Leadership Team began as far back as the beginning of Term Three! Even so, in the busyness at the beginning of the term with things to do for staff and students, we never lose sight of the fact that gratitude is a key feature of who we are as a school community. From our Christmas pack deliveries to the House of Welcome this term to our Vinnies work and our online immersions this week, this term reminds us more than any of the importance of recognising our privilege and the gifts God has given us.
Each day at the Liturgy of the Hours, Benedictine monks and their guests pray the Magnificat. This prayer was Mary’s response to the angel when she accepted the role of mother of Jesus the Christ. It has since become a daily prayer for tens of millions of Christians around the world. In that prayer, there is one phrase in particular that has come to mean so much to so many, and it sums up the way of life that Jesus recommends in the gospel. In her prayer, Mary confesses what she is slowly coming to terms with. “Behold,” she says, “the Lord has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” That, it seems to me, is a prayer that each of us could say about ourselves.
As our Year 12 students begin their HSC and reach the end of twelve years of Education, let us pray at this time for the faith that does not try to put God in our debt, but which instead acknowledges our debt to God. The staff speak often about 'Strengths' with the girls, both identifying and using them - these are God-given.
So, at this time, if there are qualities or talents that are still hidden deep within us, dormant, then let us pray that we can awaken them and put them in service to one another and to God. And let’s also pray for the faith to admit that the good we do, and that all our students do each week, each semester, each year, is evidence that the Lord has chosen us for some even more important work. It’s why the Lord uses our hands to be his hands. It’s why the Lord uses our voices to be his voice. And let us conclude our prayer in the confidence that the Lord will continue the good work that he has already begun in us — calling forth what is best within us.
If faith can move mountains, or move a mulberry tree, as Jesus notes in the gospel, we have to wonder what seeds faith might cause to sprout within us. In the short term, let us be grateful for the gifts we make use of for the good of others every day, but also consider carefully what might lie awaiting discovery as we head towards Advent and Christmas.
Michael Hanratty
Principal
From the Dean of Mission
Celebrating our Community of Prayer, Reflection and Service
Celebrating our Community of Prayer, Reflection and Service
It’s hard to believe we’ve only been back for two weeks, and yet there is already so much to share. This reflects the enthusiasm and commitment of our College community to live out our Mission each day. Prayer, reflection, and service lie at the heart of who we are, and it’s inspiring to see both students and staff embracing every opportunity to put these values into action.
During the holidays, two Year 11 students, Amelie and Grace, accompanied by Mrs Landers, took part in the Good Samaritan Education Immersion to the Philippines, joining participants from nine other Good Samaritan schools. They spent time in the Bacolod community, where they listened, learned, and participated in a range of special programs. Some of their time was spent at the Good Samaritan Kinder School and the Outreach Centre, where they helped beautify the school grounds and assisted in serving meals to those in need. They also contributed to Project Abay, which aims to replant 2,500 mangrove seedlings along the coastline. At the conclusion of their immersion, they were fortunate to visit St Scholastica’s College in Manila and joined the Tutzing Sisters for Vespers. The Immersion experience was truly life-changing, offering deep insight into the spirit of service and community that lies at the heart of our Benedictine values. The girls will be sharing more about their experience on our social media channels and I encourage you to look out for their posts.
Curriculum News
Meeting an Engineer
Meeting an Engineer
Year 11 Engineering were fortunate to speak to Ms Kara Stariha from SMEC Holdings Pty Ltd. Kara has been working for SMEC for 15 years as a Senior Associate Geotechnical Engineer. Recently, she has been seconded to work in Cooma as part of the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project. This is an expansion of the existing Snowy Hydro Scheme, originally built in the 1950s. It was designed to capture and move water to create electricity. Snowy 2.0 involves many tunnels and we got to see "Florence" the TBM - tunnel boring machine, do her work of creating a 17km tunnel.
Kara talked about her varied projects and how exciting an engineering career can be. Year 11 were certainly amazed at the scale of the projects she worked on and just where an engineering degree can take you.
If you are an engineer in our community and would like to share your experience or a project with our engineering students, we would love to hear from you - please contact Melina Moyes mmoyes@msb.nsw.edu.au.
If you are interested in reading more Snowy 2.0 https://www.snowyhydro.com.au/snowy-20/about/
Melina Moyes
TAS Faculty
From the Dean of Wellbeing
Let Them Carry Their Own Bag: A Small Act with Big Impact
Let Them Carry Their Own Bag: A Small Act with Big Impact
On Tuesday night as Ms Fonteyne and I hosted the Year 8 Residential Experience webinar and I heard her remind parents to encourage their daughters to pack lightly because "they carry their own bags". This sparked the idea for this Newsletter article and the importance of us, as the adults in their lives, to let our girls carry their own physical, and sometimes emotional, bags.
In the bustle of school mornings, it’s tempting to lighten a child’s load—literally. But what if letting children carry their own school bags was more than just a practical decision? What if it was a powerful metaphor for fostering independence, resilience, and self-worth—especially for girls?
More Than Just a Backpack
Upcoming Events
Cocurricular News
Academy of Music Showcase
Academy of Music Showcase
Click here to book tickets to the Academy of Music Showcase evening.
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
ADVENTUROUS JOURNEYS
During the recent school holidays, a significant number of Duke of Edinburgh students successfully completed their Adventurous Journey component, which forms a crucial part of their respective level Awards. Due to scheduling conflicts or other constraints, these students were unable to participate in their Adventurous Journey organised by the College. Consequently, they arranged to complete this requirement independently with their chosen external provider, Somerset. This alternative arrangement ensured that the students fulfilled the necessary criteria of their Awards while benefiting from tailored guidance and support offered by Somerset throughout their journeys.
Congratulations to the following students on their successful completion:
BRONZE Qualifying AJ Year 9 students: Eleanor, Aditi, Lucia and Annabelle
SILVER combo AJ Year 10 students: Mariella, Taylor, Isabelle, Clair, Amelia and Thea
SILVER Practice only Year 10 students: Sohaaya and Alyssandra
SILVER Qualifying only Year 10 students: Isabella and Rebecca
GOLD combo Year 11 student: Sarah
Cocurricular Sport
Australian Youth Volleyball Championships
Australian Youth Volleyball Championships
The Mahindra Australian Youth Volleyball Championships (AYVC) was held in Perth from September 21–26, where Aleisha C in Year 8 represented NSW Phoenix U14 Girls.
NSW played total of 10 games. They made it to the Semi Finals after defeating South Australia in the Quarter Finals. They then faced top-ranked Victoria (Blue) in the semis and moved on to the Bronze Medal Match against QLD (White). NSW won the first set, but QLD came back to take the match in four sets, with NSW Phoenix finishing 4th overall.
Aleisha played Opposite Hitter in the first few games and later stepped in as Libero for the last three games, including the Bronze Medal Match, after their Libero fell ill and the team needed extra defensive support. It was an incredible experience for Aleisha and the whole team, and we’re so proud of their effort and growth throughout the tournament.
Pilates
Last term, we introduced Pilates as part of our Fit4Life, Physical Activity program, and it was a great success, with 35 students participating in weekly sessions.
The program focused on mindful, controlled movements designed to build strength, improve balance and flexibility, and enhance body awareness. A big thank you to Denise, our instructor, whose dual qualifications as a physiotherapist and Pilates instructor added significant value to the sessions. Her expertise allowed students to not only participate but also learn about the mechanics and benefits of each movement.
To keep the sessions engaging, Denise incorporated a variety of exercises using resistance bands and Pilates balls, offering both challenge and fun. Given the positive response, we look forward to offering Pilates again in the future.
Social Basketball
Last term, we ran Social Basketball as part of our Friday afternoon Social Sports program, with 55 students taking part in the weekly 3v3 competition.
Over the course of the seven weeks, students developed their basketball skills while engaging in fun, fast-paced games. It was fantastic to see close, competitive matches, many decided by only a few points and strong teamwork on display throughout the competition.
Congratulations to MSB1, winners of the Year 7 division, and MSB2, who took out the Year 8/9 division. A big thank you to our coaches, Mia, Maddie, and Grace for their support in facilitating, coaching, and officiating each week.
Representative Sport
Upcoming trials:
We have several representative trials coming up in Term 4 for various CGSSSA championships.
Our volleyball teams have already been selected and will compete next week. Coming up soon are the CGSSSA Aquathon, Cricket (Super 8 format), Tennis, and Touch Football Championships.
Students are encouraged to keep an eye on their emails for information on how to register their interest to trial.
ATHLETICS:
The NSW All Schools Athletics Championships were held during the past school holidays. Special mention goes out to Sophie P (Year 10), who won the 5000m walk, and finished in 3rd place in the 3000m run, in the 16 years girls' division. Well done to all the following students who competed. Nehara D, Hannah S, Emma B, Joycelyn O, Mikayla M, and Sophie P.
P & F News
P&F Gingerbread House Afternoon - Saturday 22 November
P&F Gingerbread House Afternoon - Saturday 22 November
The Bennies P&F is organising a Gingerbread House Making Afternoon, for parents and daughters, bookings are now open.
This is a wonderful opportunity to meet Bennies families, particularly to welcome our Year 7 2026 families to our Bennies community. So, get a table together with Bennies friends and family and decorate gingerbread houses, or we can place you on a table.
When: Saturday 22 November
Where: College Hall
Time: 2pm - 4pm
RSVP: Tuesday 4 November
Gingerbread houses cost $37 (to take your decorated house home) or $22 to donate the decorated gingerbread house to the College community partner, the House of Welcome
(the P&F are subsidising the remaining $15). A packet of lollies will be supplied by the P&F to each gingerbread house booking to make a suggested design. Families are welcome to bring additional lollies to add to their house decoration. Gluten free gingerbread houses are also available.
Price includes afternoon tea.
Please book here: https://www.trybooking.com/DGFPC
Year 7 2026 students and their families are also welcome.
Bookings are limited.
We hope you can join us on this fun afternoon.
Mount St Benedict College P&F Association
Ex-Students
Class of 2005 - 20 Year Reunion
Class of 2005 - 20 Year Reunion
REMINDER - Your reunion is fast approaching.
When: 8 November 2025
Where: The Vicar, 271 New Line Road DURAL NSW 2158
Additional details can be found on your peer groups facebook page "Bennies Class of 2005"
Class of 1985 - 40 Year Reunion
Class of 1985 - 40 Year Reunion
REMINDER: Register for your Reunion
When: 29 November 2005 at 6pm
Where: The Treehouse Hotel, 60 Miller Street NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2060
RSVP:
Click this link
Class of 1975 - 50 Year Reunion
Class of 1975 - 50 Year Reunion
REMINDER: Register for your attendance
When:
8 November 2025 at 1:00pm
Where: Keg & Brew Hotel, Rooftop Terrace, 26 Foveaux Street SURRY HILLS NSW
RSVP:
Maureen
or
Jenny
or go to your peer group Facebook page "
Bennies Class of 1975
"
College Shop
Year 10 2026 Senior Uniform Outfitting
Year 10 2026 Senior Uniform Outfitting
As we welcome our current Year 9 students into Year 10 as senior students in 2026, it's time for their senior summer uniform fittings.
Each House group has been assigned a fitting day. On their allocated day, students can be fitted before school, recess, and lunch.
House Senior Summer Uniform Fitting Schedule
Arcadia:
Tuesday 21 October
Jamberoo:
Thursday 23 October
Maredsous:
Tuesday 11 November
Monte Cassino:
Wednesday 12 November
Montserrat:
Thursday 13 November
New Norcia:
Friday 14 November
Scolastica:
Tuesday 18 November
Stanbrook:
Wednesday 19 November
Subiaco:
Thursday 20 November
Terracina:
Friday 21 November
Students have been asked to order the Senior School Summer Uniform by Tuesday 25 November.