Mount St Benedict College

GLOBAL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM | A lasting expression of connection, culture and learning was presented to the College at Assembly today by students who travelled to Cape York as part of the Red Earth Immersion during the July school holidays.
The artwork was created on Country during the students’ time at Gumbir, under the guidance of First Nations artist and Traditional Owner Shane Gibson with every member of the immersion group contributing to the painting.
For Year 11 students Rhiannon, Youra and Em, who presented the artwork to Mr Hanratty on behalf of the immersion group, the painting holds memories of the friendships that developed during their time on Country. They reflected that each day brought opportunities to listen, learn and consider how their experiences were deepening their understanding and perspective.
Now part of the College, the artwork provides an enduring connection to the Cape York community who generously shared their Country, culture and stories with our students.

LEARNING | Vocational Education and Training (VET) gives students the opportunity to develop industry-recognised skills and qualifications as part of their senior studies, connecting classroom learning with authentic experience in the workplace.
Last week, many of our Year 11 VET students in Business Services and Hospitality undertook a week of mandatory work placement, the ‘learning by doing’ component of their course. The girls entered the experience with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and work in a real industry setting. During the week, students were visited by teachers Ms Craven, Mr Hume or Mrs Weihen, who were pleased to see them participating positively and building their skills.
Business Services students were busy at a range of workplaces, including Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate at Baulkham Hills, Mono Constructions at Rydalmere and St Edmund’s College at Wahroonga. They gained experience in administrative activities including marketing support, banking and financial tasks, meetings, customer service, email and phone communication, internet research and event management. Two students have also been completing an internal placement, providing valuable support to the College Uniform Shop, Mission Team and Drama staff over the past two terms to achieve their required 35 hours.
Hospitality students put their skills and knowledge into practice across a range of local venues. Abbey (Year 11), pictured during her placement at Pennant Hills Heritage Café, was among the students gaining first-hand experience of the pace and expectations of a professional hospitality environment. Other students completed placements at Asquith Golf Club, Bella Vista Hotel, Castle Hill RSL, Enzo’s Cucina at Dural, The Burrow at Cherrybrook, Thornleigh Golf Centre, Hotel Pennant Hills, Pastry Perfection and The Blue Gum Hotel at Waitara. Working varied shifts across front-of-house and back-of-house roles, students experienced the operations of commercial kitchens and hospitality venues. One student made such a strong impression through her skills and work ethic that she was offered a part-time job at the end of her placement.
The remainder of our VET students will complete their first work placement over the coming weeks, extending their learning beyond the classroom as they develop practical skills, confidence and a deeper understanding of the industries they are studying.
We are grateful to all the employers who provide these opportunities for our students, and especially to The Skill Engineer staff who carefully source venues and match students with employers to facilitate positive work placements.

LEARNING | Bennies girls continue to confidently step into opportunities beyond the Red Brick Wall. Twenty students from Years 10 -12 attended the UNSW Girls in Business Camp during the school holidays, the largest number of students from any participating school.
Over four days, students worked alongside 175 young women from across Australia and overseas, learning from academics, industry professionals and current university students. Through workshops, industry visits and a live business challenge, they explored how to solve real-world problems and learned more about career pathways available to women in the field.
Reflecting on the experience, Amelia (Year 11) said, ‘it was a privilege to meet so many talented and motivated young people, each bringing different perspectives, experiences and aspirations. Working alongside leading organisations and tackling a live business challenge showed us how leadership, innovation and collaboration can create meaningful impact.’
Congratulations to Amelia (Year 11) who was awarded one of two Ambassador’s Choice Awards in recognition of her engagement throughout the program. Congratulations also to Rebecca (Year 11), whose team developed the winning solution to the live business challenge. Their proposal will now be implemented by Chartered Accountants ANZ.
Experiences like these encourage students to extend their learning and explore future pathways with confidence.

LEARNING | Today we are celebrating the partnership between home and school that empowers students to reflect on their learning, recognise their strengths and identify strategies for continued growth. Students from Years 7 to 10 have reflected on their learning and are sharing these insights with their teachers and families in Learning Conversations sessions.
Happening over four days, both on campus and online, these meetings have been authentic, meaningful and data-driven making each conversation a valuable investment in our students.
Thank you to our staff and parents for dedicating this time to support students as agents in their own learning, ensuring that they can continue to grow with confidence.

COCURRICULAR | Congratulations to the College Flute Ensemble on their excellent performance at the recent Ryde Eisteddfod.
Competing in the High School Small Ensemble section, the ensemble received an outstanding score of 84/100, performing My Neighbour Totoro by Joe Hisaishi and Maurice Ravel's Pavane from Mother Goose Suite. They thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to perform alongside young musicians from across Sydney, and to celebrate their shared love of music.
We congratulate the ensemble on this wonderful achievement and thank them for representing the College with skill and enthusiasm.

LEARNING | Learning extends beyond the classroom at Bennies. Year 11 Geography students recently travelled to St Ives for a fieldwork excursion investigating bushfires as a contemporary natural hazard.
Applying the geographical knowledge and skills developed in the classroom, students used topographic maps and fieldwork techniques to examine how factors such as slope, aspect and proximity to bushland influence bushfire risk. They also assessed ecological recovery following recent controlled burns and investigated the role of fuel loads in shaping fire behaviour.
The day offered plenty of memorable moments, from identifying native birds and invertebrates to witnessing a New South Wales Rural Fire Service helicopter winching training exercise. Seeing specialist crews prepare for deployment into remote bushfire zones provided students with a valuable insight into the expertise and planning required to protect communities and natural environments.
Reflecting on the experience, Geography teacher Ms Colleen Burke said, ‘Fieldwork enables students to 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. It also highlights the relevance of Geography to future careers in environmental management, conservation, emergency services and sustainable development.’
Authentic learning experiences such as these encourage students to think critically, connect classroom learning with the world around them, and recognise the important role Geography plays in understanding and responding to contemporary environmental challenges.

STAFF | The Aspiring Leaders Program is one of the way the College invests in our staff. The 2026 program brought together teaching and professional staff to explore what leadership looks like in practice. Through workshops led by College leaders and respected guest presenters, participants examined topics including adaptive leadership, mentoring, strategic thinking, wellbeing and servant leadership, building the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead with purpose.
Leadership at Bennies is nurtured through collaboration, professional growth and a shared commitment to excellence in girls' education.
By investing in our people, we continue to strengthen the learning experiences of every student at the College giving them every opportunity to achieve their best.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT | Congratulations to Sophie (Year 11) who proudly represented Australia at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, USA. Sophie competed in the Women’s 5000m Race Walk, achieving an outstanding result finishing 32nd in the world with a time of 24:26:15. Her selection to the Australian team is a remarkable achievement and reflects to dedication, diligence and discipline she brings to her sport.
While excelling as an elite athlete, Sophie is also an active and valued member of the Bennies community and was recently inducted as 2026/2027 Subiaco House Captain. Sophie also participates in Music, Mission activities and College life with the same quiet humility that is a hallmark of her athletic career.
We are incredibly proud of Sophie’s achievement and congratulate her on representing both Australia and the College on the world stage.
Photo: Australian Athletics

MISSION | During Homelessness Week, Vinnies Service Medallion students once again put faith into action, baking berry muffins to be shared through local St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) Support Centres.
This simple act of service reflects the College's ongoing partnership with Vinnies and our commitment to supporting members of the community experiencing hardship with dignity, compassion and care.
Thank you to Mrs Johnston, Mrs McGrath, Mrs Wells and Ms Swinfield for supporting our students as they continue to make a meaningful difference through service.

MISSION | During NAIDOC Week, students came together to reflect on this year's theme, '50 Years of Deadly', celebrating five decades of recognising, honouring and amplifying the voices, cultures, achievements and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Through activities including a Yarning Circle and collaborative art, students were invited to listen deeply, share stories and celebrate the richness of the world's oldest continuing cultures. As well as mindful colouring sessions at lunchtime using the 2026 NAIDOC Week art – Paralpi by Zaachariah Fielding.
As a Benedictine community, we are called to live the values of Hospitality, community and respect for the dignity of every person. Opportunities such as these encourage students to continue listening, learning and walking together in the spirit of reconciliation.