Mount St Benedict College

LEARNING | Forty students from Years 7 to 11 represented the College at the Da Vinci Decathlon at Knox Grammar School earlier this term. This annual inter-school academic competition is designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of school students with an emphasis on higher order thinking skills, problem solving and creativity. It is an exciting and challenging competition with students competing in teams of eight. Teams work together to complete ten challenges encompassing a wide range of learning areas including Mathematics, English, Science as well as Engineering, Code-breaking, Cartography, Art and Drama.
‘Every Bennies team placed in the top fifteen for at least one challenge, which is a significant accomplishment, especially with up to eighty-two teams per year,’ said Ms Emma Hopkins, Gifted and Talented resource teacher. Speaking about the Year 11 team she said, ‘they deserve a special mention as they came fifteenth overall and placed in seven of the ten challenges, which is extraordinary. This a testament to their motivation, abilities, and hard work, but also the result of up to five years involvement in the competition.’
The College teams thoroughly enjoyed the day and the energy of intellectual inquiry and joy of learning that filled the room. Year 9 student, Chaarvi, summed up the experience saying, ’the diverse range of challenges in the Da Vinci Decathlon encouraged me to explore critical, creative, and collaborative ways of thinking, all of which are not typically seen in the classroom. The competition made me feel more comfortable “thinking outside the box”, which stayed with me when I returned to the classroom.’ Congratulations to everyone who participated and a special note of thanks to Ms Hopkins, who helped students prepare for the event.

LEARNING | The Trials examination period has commenced for the Class of 2026 with performance assessments taking place across CAPA subjects. There was a special Bennies connection in the Drama studio on Monday afternoon as Year 12 students presented their Trial examination performances before a panel of experienced HSC markers, all with ties to the College.
Ex-students Ms Amy Austin, Ms Emma Scarlis and Ms Georgia Togher were joined by current staff member and ex-student Ms Chelsea McGregor to assess the group and individual performances devised by the Class of 2026.
Reflecting on this special moment, Drama teacher, Ms Gabrielle Fonteyne said, ‘it is so nice to know that we have put so many wonderful Drama teachers out into the world.’
It was a wonderful reminder that a Bennies education extends well beyond graduation, with former students returning to support and inspire the next generation of performers. The College is proud to be a place that cultivates a community that continues to give back.

LEARNING | Congratulations to Year 10 Engineering students, Annabelle and Michelle, who were awarded second place at the Macquarie University Incubator Innovative Ideas Program.
This program provides aa opportunity for emerging innovators and entrepreneurs to develop an early-stage business idea into a clear, well-defined practical concept. Annabelle and Michelle developed Autobin, an AI-powered waste sorting system that uses machine learning and image recognition to identify and separate general waste, recycling and organic materials.
Participating in the program was incredibly rewarding the girls explained, ‘through three assessment-type workshops, mentoring, and pitch preparation, our team learnt to research and conduct primary evidence for a solution, understand target markets, test the design through prototyping, and refine a proposition to communicate a problem and solution clearly. We gained a better understanding of how innovative ideas can be shaped into real business opportunities.’
Their hard work culminated in Pitch Night, where they were selected as one of just ten finalists from more than thirty-five teams. The ten finalists presented to a panel of judges and Annabelle and Michelle were honoured to be awarded second place.
Congratulations to Annabelle and Michelle on this outstanding achievement. Both have their sights set on careers in innovation, and opportunities such as the Macquarie University Incubator Program encourage students to discover where their gifts can take them. By applying their learning in authentic contexts, students gain the confidence to tackle complex challenges and imagine the difference they can make.

COMMUNITY | Some Bennies traditions never lose their magic.
It was a delight to welcome five ex-students back to the College for Opening Night of the 2026 College Musical, Wizard of Oz. Marissa, Erin, Monique, Sarah and Josie were cast members in the 2005 production of The Wiz, and twenty-one years later returned to celebrate the next generation of Bennies performers.
The evening provided a special opportunity for past and present cast members to meet, share memories and reflect on the friendships and sense of community that grow through events like the College Musical. For current students, it was a wonderful reminder that the experiences they are creating today can become lifelong memories and enduring connections.
The reunion was coordinated by Dean of Cocurricular, Mrs Christina He (Class of 2005), whose vision made for a memorable evening.
Seeing our ex-students back behind the Red Brick Wall is a joyful reminder that the friendships, community and sense of belonging they create can last a lifetime. Once a Bennies girl, always a Bennies girl.

LEARNING | Year 7 Geography students put their classroom learning into practice during a recent fieldwork excursion to Meadowbank, exploring the concept of Liveability of Places through hands-on investigation.
Working as geographers, students observed the built and natural environment, completed field work sketches of Shepherds Bay Village, tested water quality in the Parramatta River and conducted liveability surveys to examine how environmental, social and environmental factors influence the places where people live.
Learning in authentic settings encourages students to ask questions, gather evidence and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways, developing the observation, inquiry and analytical skills that are central to the study of Geography.
Mrs Danielle O’Neill praised students for the enthusiasm and curiosity they brought to the experience, as well as the exemplary behaviour they demonstrated throughout the day.

COCURRICULAR | Collaboration, strategic thinking and digital wellbeing were at the heart of the Bennies eSports team's first appearance at the Girl Gamers FUSE Cup, held at Abbotsleigh School for Girls.
Seventeen students represented the College in the competition, which provides a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for girls to develop teamwork, positive gaming behaviours and responsible participation in online communities. Competing in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, students demonstrated resilience, communication and sportsmanship while challenging themselves against teams in this interschool competition.
In addition to gaming, students developed their understanding of online safety, the benefits of gaming, the risks associated with social media, and mental health awareness through workshops and presentations from event sponsors, including the eSafety Commissioner, Movember, and Kids Helpline.
Congratulations to Hannah (Year 7), Cora (Year 7), Caitlyn (Year 9) and Jemima (Year 9) on reaching the semi-finals. A special congratulations to Hannah, who progressed to the Grand Final and finished an outstanding fourth overall. In the College's inaugural appearance at the event, the Bennies team also placed second overall.
Reflecting on the experience, students shared, ‘After weeks of dedication and training during our Monday morning Esports sessions, everything came down to this moment. The atmosphere was electric, with loud cheers, encouragement from teammates and spectators on the edge of their seats.’
Congratulations to all students who represented the College with enthusiasm, resilience and respect, and thanks to Mr Dave Le Grand for facilitating the program with Mr Nick Walker, Deputy Dean of Cocurricular.
eSports was added to the Cocurricular Program in 2026, to find out more about the cocurricular opportunities available to students please visit https://www.msb.nsw.edu.au/student-life/co-curricular-activities/

MISSION | World Refugee Day reminds us that faith is expressed through action. Year 8 Religious Education students prepared Community Prayer this morning with a focus on World Refugee Day. This day has been celebrated globally for twenty-six years recognising the courage, resilience, and bravery of people who are forced to flee their homes.
Year 8 invited us to think deeply about a passage from the Holy Gospel, 'I was a stranger and you welcomed me', saying 'as we reflect on these words, we are invited to ask ourselves: How do I welcome those who feel excluded or alone? How can I show Christ's love to people seeking refuge and a new beginning? World Refugee Day reminds us that faith is expressed through action, and that every act of compassion brings God's kingdom closer to our world.'
As a Benedictine, Good Samaritan school, these words invite us to reflect on what it truly means to 'be neighbour'. They remind us that Hospitality is a commitment to recognising the dignity of every person and responding with compassion, justice and hope. Through our learning, prayer and service, we strive to put our faith into action and encourage our students to become thoughtful, courageous advocates for those who are most vulnerable.
Good Samaritan Education

COCURRICULAR | Congratulations to Amelia (Year 11), who represented the College in the Grand Final of the prestigious Dame Enid Lyons Oratory Competition at NSW Parliament House.
Hosted by IGSA, the competition brings together talented young speakers from girls' schools across the state, with just ten students selected to compete in the Grand Final. Participants are challenged to deliver an impromptu speech with minimal preparation, demonstrating confidence, critical thinking and the ability to communicate ideas with clarity and conviction.
Amelia's selection as a Grand Finalist is a wonderful achievement and reflects her dedication to developing her public speaking skills and finding her voice with confidence.
As the College's first representative in the competition, Amelia has set a wonderful benchmark for future participants. We thank Ms Hopkins and Ms Morison for their guidance and encouragement in supporting our public speaking program and congratulate Amelia on this outstanding achievement.

LEARNING | Light became the medium as Photographic & Digital Media (PDM) students explored the creative possibilities of light painting during a recent workshop with renowned photographer Peter Solness.
Combining creativity, patience and imagination with technical skills in DSLR photography, students experimented with long-exposure techniques to create these striking and evocative images using light wands, torches and other simple tools.
An award-winning photographer, artist, educator and writer, Peter specialises in painting with light. A photographic technique that transforms light into an artistic tool, producing images that challenge traditional approaches to photography and encourage creative experimentation.
The College is grateful to Peter for sharing his expertise and passion with our students, inspiring them to think creatively, refine their technical skills and discover new ways of expressing their artistic vision.