Last week, we celebrated the Opening and Blessing of the renovated MSB Building, TAS classrooms and Wellbeing facilities. The MSB Building, in particular, is an important space for the entire Good Samaritan community. It was once the novitiate for the Sisters and remains a significant part of our heritage, as well as that of other Good Samaritan schools.

We were grateful to have Most Rev. Anthony Randazzo, Bishop of Broken Bay, preside over the Liturgy and Blessing, with Rev. Robert Borg and Rev. Raphael Kimaro AJ (Parish Priest, St Agatha’s) assisting. Titus Grenyer brought the pipe organ to life once again, and accompanied by our Staff and Student Choir, the music was beautiful. A true highlight of the day was welcoming so many of the Sisters back to the College. It was a joy to show them the renovations and to celebrate with a High Tea. Our students who conducted tours did a wonderful job and thoroughly enjoyed hearing the Sisters’ stories as they guided groups through the buildings.

This year the Maths faculty has offered two external competitions to students, The Australian Maths Competition and the Maths Olympiad.

The Australian Maths Competition is an engaging 30-problem competition with questions that progressively get more difficult. The competition is open to students internationally. Students from Year 7 to 11 were selected to complete by demonstrating their deep understanding on solving challenging problems.

Congratulations to all students with the following achievements:

Two of our talented Year 11 Visual Arts students, Grace C and Sandumi P, have been accepted into the prestigious National Art School HSC Intensive Studio Program. Throughout the school holidays this year, both students dedicated countless hours to developing ambitious paintings that required them to appropriate and reinterpret an artwork from art history. Their exceptional commitment, creativity, and skill have been evident in every stage of their work. We congratulate Grace and Sandumi on this outstanding achievement and look forward to seeing their continued artistic growth.

Nicola Murray
CAPA Faulty

In the busy rhythm of teenage life, especially for adolescent girls, the most powerful support isn’t always found in words. Sometimes, it’s in silence. In presence. In a hug.

Recent research into the emotional wellbeing of adolescent girls reveals a growing need for connection, empathy, and non-verbal support. A co-produced study published in BMC Women's Health found that girls often perceive their emotional struggles—such as anxiety and low mood—as “normal,” shaped by societal pressures, academic stress, and social media comparisons. These challenges are complex and deeply personal, and while advice can be helpful, it’s not always what they’re seeking.

According to the Monitor on Psychology, only 58.5% of teens report receiving the emotional support they need, despite 93.1% of parents believing otherwise. This disconnect highlights a crucial truth: teens may not always ask for help, but they feel its absence profoundly. And sometimes, what they need most is not a solution—but a safe space to feel seen and held.

Physical affection, such as a hug, has been shown to release oxytocin—the “bonding hormone”—which reduces stress and fosters emotional security. In a world where girls are navigating identity, relationships, and societal expectations, a simple gesture of warmth can be grounding and healing.

At Mount St Benedict College, our values of Pax (peace), Hospitality, and Stewardship call us to be present to one another in meaningful ways. Hospitality, in particular, invites us to create spaces of welcome and compassion—not just in our classrooms, but in our relationships. Stewardship reminds us to care for each other as we care for our environment—with gentleness, attentiveness, and respect.

As educators, parents, and peers, we are challenged to listen deeply and respond with empathy. A hug may seem small, but it can be a profound act of solidarity. It says, “You’re not alone.” It says, “You’re loved.” And sometimes, that’s all a teen needs to begin healing.

Let us continue to nurture a culture at Bennies where emotional wellbeing is not just spoken about, but felt—in the quiet moments, the shared smiles, and yes, the hugs.

Sheri Upasiri
Dean of Wellbeing

The College is hosting our Annual Year 7 Student Learning Conferences until 10.40am on Thursday 27 November.

As this event involves all teachers (as Homeroom Mentors), all students from Years 8 to 11 will have a later start on Thursday, 27 November. School will commence on this day for Years 8-11 at 10.45am with Homeroom.

There will be supervision available for any student (Years 8-11) onsite at the College from 8.30am – 10.45am in the Library. Students will be able to continue with student-directed learning.

The Bennies Metro Shuttle (this is a free service) will operate additional services on this morning from Cherrybrook Metro Station to the College:

7.05am, 7.15am, 7.25am, 7.35am, 7.45am, 7.55am, 8.05am, 8.15am, 8.25am, 8.35am, 8.45am, 8.55am, 9.05am, 9.15am, 9.25am, 9.35am, 9.45am, 9.55am, 10.05am, 10.15am.

10.25am – Final Service.

The Bennies Private Buses - BB1, BB2 and BB3 will run as per their normal morning schedule.

Year 7 students must arrive at school for an 8:35 am start and will conclude their Student Learning Conferences by 10:40 am, after which they will also join their Homeroom.

We appreciate your understanding as we celebrate the completion of the first year at the College for our youngest members of the Bennies Community and their parents.

Ms Melissa Bowering
Acting Dean of Learning Science

TransportNSW have informed us of changes to public bus routes commencing Sunday 30 November 2025, including routes; Click here to see schedule.

590, 605, 607X, 610X, 611, 612X, 613X, 614X, 615X, 616X, 620X, 622, 642X, 643, 652X, 660, 662, 665 and new route 634.

Parents and students using these buses can now plan their travel and see the new timetables on https://transportnsw.info/

The following changes apply to the school advice for Mount St Benedict College.

Morning Buses:

590 - times updated (8am bus due to arrive at Pennant Hills Station at 8.26am instead of 8.19am).

660 - times updated (6.42am bus route added departing initially from Winston Hills).

660 - in Castlewood replaced by route 634.

Afternoon Bus:

662 - times updated (departs Castle Hill Stand A, 6 minutes earlier).

We remind students they must have a valid Opal card to travel on all public transport, and must tap on and off morning and afternoon.

To access the College calendar log in to BenniesLink (Parent Portal) Calendar.
Click here

* College Assemblies For Parents

College Assemblies are livestreamed for the MSB parent community at 9:40-10:45am on the dates specified in the schedule above. The livestream link is here.

Term One 2026 Social Sport and Physical Activity Registrations are now open.

The following Social Sport and Physical Activity programs will be offered in Term One, 2026:

🏉 Social Touch Football

🧘‍♀️ Yoga

🏃‍♀️ Run Club

Please follow the links above to access the Activity Fact Sheets for each program, which contain further information and registration details.

🏋️‍♀️ Registration information for the Bennies Fitness Centre has been sent to parents via an email from Mrs Christina He. Please note this activity is only open to students in Years 10-12, 2026.

Registrations for Social Touch Football close on Sunday 30 November 2025 . Registrations for Physical Activity Programs including Yoga and Run Club close on Sunday, 1 February 2026.

CGSSSA Tennis

Last Friday, four of our students travelled to the Parramatta City Tennis Centre to compete in the CGSSSA Tennis Championships. In what proved to be a highly competitive day, the girls displayed determination and resilience in every match.

The team faced two strong opponents in Monte and Loreto Kirribilli, putting in solid efforts despite losses in both  fixtures. They bounced back impressively, securing a well-deserved win in their final match against Stella Maris.

With a young team on the court, the championships provided invaluable experience, and pleasingly, three of the four players will be eligible to return and compete again next year.

Congratulations to Fiona S, Karina L, Sanya S, and Sofia F on their efforts and the spirit they showed throughout the day. Well done, girls!

CGSSSA Cricket -

Earlier this week, a squad of nine students from across all year groups represented MSB at the CGSSSA Open Cricket Championships held at Nolan’s Reserve, Manly. This was our first time entering the competition, and the team embraced the Super 8s format with enthusiasm and determination.

MSB started strongly in Game One against Stella Maris. After posting an impressive total with the bat, the girls backed it up with excellent bowling and fielding to secure a 20-run victory.

In Game Two, we faced a formidable OLMC Parramatta team. A brilliant opening bowling partnership from OLMC had us under pressure early, with four wickets falling quickly. However, some gritty middle order batting helped set a competitive target. Despite a strong effort with the ball, OLMC’s batting depth proved too much, and we were defeated in a hard fought match.

The third round fixture was a do-or-die clash against Monte, who had earlier defeated OLMC. MSB struck early with a crucial wicket, and disciplined bowling and fielding restricted Monte to 86 runs from their 10 overs. A dominant opening stand saw our girls reach 0/50 at the halfway mark, and the runs continued to flow steadily. Heading into the final over, MSB needed nine runs to win.

With the first four balls returning two, dot, two, and two, the equation narrowed to three runs required from the last two deliveries. Two more runs were scored on the fifth ball, levelling the match. On the final ball, needing just a single, a well bowled delivery beat the bat, and a sharp piece of keeping resulted in a run out. The match finished dramatically as a tie, both teams finishing on 86 with the same number of wickets lost.

The girls rebounded strongly in the 5th-place playoff against Brigidine, securing a convincing win to close out the day. With Monte and OLMC progressing to the final, it highlighted the strength of our pool and just how impressive MSB’s performances were throughout the tournament.

With three Year 7s, two Year 8s, one Year 10, and three Year 11 students, this young team represented the College with skill, composure, and pride. The future of MSB cricket is certainly bright.

Thank you to Mr Napper for coaching the team.

Congratulations to, Kashish R, Heeya S, Shanaya S, Eve B, Trisha S, Khushi D, Sarah H, Izna K, and Holly M.

Darren Nosti
Sport Academy Coordinator

The Council of Catholic School Parents NSW/ACT asked Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, one of Australia's leading psychologists, author and broadcaster, to help educators and parents and carers with children under 16 prepare for the upcoming changes to social media platforms.

In this 30-minute video , Dr Carr-Gregg explains what social media is, how the age restrictions will work, why it's happening and how it will affect families and schools.

We invite parents to watch this video so that they understand and are equipped to handle the impact of the changes on their families and students.

Bennies P&F Executive

Please note that the Uniform Shop will be closed for its biyearly stock take on 2 December.

Any orders placed for collection over this time can be collected on 3 December.

Nikki Horbach
College Shop Manager

This Advent, we invite you to join us in prayer and reflection through a series of weekly videos. Across December, we’ll light a candle and share a weekly prayer to shine a light on four key themes of Advent.

Week 1: 30 November – Justice | Week 2: 7 December - Repentance

Week 3: 14 December – Joy | Week 4: 21 December – Love

You can view each video on the dates above at: https://goodsamsfoundation.org.au/advent/

With a small gift of $5 , your family can “light a candle” and help provide education, food and care to those that need it the most.

Donate today: goodsamsfoundation.org.au/donate