College Update

There has been much happening around the College over the summer: the College has been extensively repainted and is looking fresh; the Canteen has been relocated and significantly enlarged to cater for our student population; we have a number of lovely new classrooms, including a specialist STEM classroom and four new learning spaces in the MSB Centre; a number of existing classrooms have been refurbished; the College gym is in the process of being relocated into the old Dance studio; the Mission and Religion teams have relocated to the MSB Centre; and the Audio Visual technology has been refreshed in many of our older classrooms.

Staffing Update

Schools are dynamic places and our staffing has been very stable over many years. At the end of 2020 we had a number of staff retire or accept promotion in other schools.

We have a new member of the College Leadership Team replacing Mr Muskovits:
Dean of Learning Science and Innovation - Mrs Corinna Bailey 

We also have three new Deputy Deans:
Deputy Dean of Students - Mrs Briohny Hickey
Deputy Dean of Learning Science - Mrs Sandra Matthews
Deputy Dean of Mission - Mrs Kerry Bailey.

I am delighted to advise that we have been very fortunate to recruit an outstanding ensemble of new staff for 2021. Please see below the names of the new staff for 2021. I know our Bennies community will welcome these professionals.

Should you have any concerns as the year progresses, please do not hesitate to make contact with the College staff. We seek to partner with you in your daughter’s education. I encourage you to contact your daughter’s Homeroom Mentor as the first point of contact for any pastoral matter or the class teacher for a subject related matter either by telephone or email. 

If there is any way that I can be of assistance to you throughout the year, please do not hesitate to contact me by phone or email.

Kind regards

Karen Keogh
Deputy Principal

On Friday, 12 February, we will hold our liturgical commencement of the College year where we will pray for God’s blessing on our work in the year ahead. This liturgy will include a welcome and blessing for all our new students and staff who will each be presented with a medal of St Benedict collected for us during Benedictine pilgrimages of recent years. Unfortunately, we are not able to have guests on site as we normally would on such an occasion.

The following Wednesday, 17 February, is Ash Wednesday which marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. On Ash Wednesday, our students will share in a liturgical commemoration, however, we are not able to offer Eucharist on this day and accordingly, we encourage families to take the opportunity of sharing Eucharist in their local parish communities.

During the Season of Lent, we will be running a number of activities to support the Project Compassion appeal of Caritas Australia, and we look forward to the generosity of our students and their families in supporting disadvantaged communities around the world through this appeal.

Each edition of the College newsletter will contain information about upcoming events and initiatives which we trust will provide both challenging and enriching experiences for all members of our community.

Paul Lentern 
Dean of Mission

This year our focus is to ensure everyone knows the when, where and how within the academic portfolio. Stay tuned for some updates and reading materials to help you navigate the 2021 landscape.

The 2020 Year 12 Student Leadership motto was “Defy the impossibilities”, I’m sure 2021 will bring even more opportunities as we adjust our sails in this new normal. I am reminded of Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Him who gives me strength. As the future will be transformed by our Bennies girls, so our Bennies girls will be transformed through the challenge of learning, the service of mission and building of self-awareness through the pastoral program. The journey won’t always be easy, but the destination will be worthwhile!

Let the fun begin!

Corinna Bailey
Dean of Learning and Science Innovation

MASKS

All students are currently required by Public Health Order to wear masks on public transport as they travel to and from school.

We are planning to reintroduce some House events this year, in accordance with COVID guidelines. Although students are not required to wear masks in their ordinary school classes, as an additional safety measure we will be asking students to wear their masks in any gathering that has multiple year or stage groups in attendance. As such, students should have a mask with them each day. Reusable masks are available to purchase at the College Shop for $5.

STUDENT FLOURISHING SURVEY

As part of our commitment to the mental health of each Bennies student, we have subscribed to “Flourishing at School”. Homeroom Mentors and students will take part in an online survey that assesses the degree to which they have developed the “pillars” of good mental health.

The software platform gives each student access to easy to understand survey results, resources to improve their wellbeing literacy, activities to optimise quality of life, and a goal setting feature to assist students in translating improved self-awareness to action. Importantly, the survey does not assess for symptoms of mental illness or provide self-help advice for dealing with poor mental health – the focus is mental wellbeing.

The eight pillars of wellbeing measured by the survey are related to the most current understanding of “positive psychology” and include: positive emotions, engagement (Flow), positive relationships, meaningfulness, accomplishment, nutrition, exercise and sleep.

You can find out more information about the platform (including data privacy and security information) on the Flourishing at School website: https://www.flourishingatschool.com/info-parents

We anticipate that all students will take part in the online survey. If, for any reason, you wish your daughter to be excluded from participation, please email her Head of House prior to the commencement of term.

With best wishes for the year ahead,

Jen Jarrett
Dean of Students

As you can see from the above, the model comprises three different categories of cocurricular activities – ‘Explore, Elevate, Excel’. In brief, each category has different learning intentions and ranges in commitment levels and experience required. Our aim is to ensure all our students have “something to strive for and nothing to run from” as so wisely said by St Benedict himself. In theory, this means that there is something for everyone and I encourage our students to consider trying something new this year or pushing yourselves a little further in your chosen endeavours. More information regarding this model will be made available throughout the year.

When students return next week, the Cocurricular Team will begin opening registrations for many of our programs including, Dance, Music, Drama and Sport. As such, students are reminded to keep an eye out for emails that will include registration details that will be required to be completed by students and their parents/caregivers.

A final note regarding our Global Enrichment Program which includes our International and Domestic Learning Tours. Due to current NSW COVID-19 restrictions regarding international travel, all our international trips remain on hold until further notice. The College is continuing to plan for some domestic experiences that adhere to regulations and restrictions but are currently impacted on by domestic border closures. At this stage, the scheduled Sports Tour in April is CANCELLED. We will continue to monitor the evolving situation and will provide you with updates throughout the year.

We aim to provide as many quality cocurricular experiences for our girls as possible this year and will remain innovative and adaptable as we navigate through 2021. Looking forward to great year ahead!

Stationery

There are no stationery lists for Years 8-12. Teachers will advise students of their requirements during classes in the first few weeks.

Bring your own recess and lunch in Week One 

There has been a minor delay in the construction of the new Bennies Café. As such, service will not commence until Week Two. All students will need to bring their own food in the first week of term. Thank you for your understanding.

College Shop 

The College Shop is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during Term Time between 8.00am and 4.00pm. Due to the current health situation we are unable to fit for uniforms, or accept cash at the College Shop. Accepted payment methods: Visa, MasterCard AMEX and EFPOS. Online ordering available through Flexischools. Visit  www.flexischools.com.au to register. 

Uniform update: 
Please note, if you have already purchased the new College Socks, these will be distributed as per the following schedule:

Year 8
Date: Thursday 28 January 2021
Time: 1:30-1:50pm (Lunch One)
Location: inside the Hall

Year 9
Date: Friday 29 January 2021
Time: 1:30-1:50pm (Lunch One)
Location: inside the Hall

Year 10
Date: Friday 29 January 2021
Time: 1:50-2:10pm (Lunch Two)
Location: inside the Hall

All other Year groups should have ordered and received their socks last year.

From the Fees Desk 

Annual Fees Statements for 2021 have been emailed to all families. Term One fees are due Friday 5 February.

If the College holds a Direct Debit Authority to deduct payments automatically from your bank account or credit card, payments will be processed Friday 5 February for weekly, fortnight A and term payments. Fortnight B payments will commence Friday 12 February. Monthly payments will commence Wednesday 17 February.

Term Two payments are due 23 April 2021
Term Three payments are due 16 July 2021
Term Four payments are due 8 October 2021.

Direct Debit Authorities remain in force until the College receives notification in writing. New authorities can be downloaded from the College website. Please click here.

If you wish to confirm your payment arrangements or require a copy of your 2021 statement, please contact Fiona Barnett on 9980 0445 or fees@msb.nsw.edu.au

Open Day

Save the date - Bennies is holding our annual Open Day on Sunday 7 March from 10.00am - 2.00pm. 

Tell your friends with daughters currently in Year 5 that enrolments for Year 7 2023 are now opening and there are limited places available for Year 7 2022.  Prospective families can register to attend: https://enquiry.msb.nsw.edu.au/events, and lodge an online Expression of Interest to reserve your daughter's position on our database.

Transport 

Mount St Benedict College is well serviced by buses which drop and pick up students in Beecroft Road before the start and at the end of the College day. Parents should make their own enquiries to TRANSPORT INFOLINE if train or bus travel is required.

Students must have a valid Opal Card to travel on school buses and they are required to tap on and off both morning and afternoon. The School OPAL card gives eligible students free or discounted travel between home and school, using the train, bus and ferry services you nominate in your application. For further information go to transportnsw.info/school-students

Bennies Private Bus Services
All Bennies Private Bus Services will be operating from Wednesday 27 January.
Please note:

• All families who have registered for the bus have been emailed an invoice for Term One.  Payment is required before using the service.  On Friday all registered families will also receive an email with instructions on signing up to the Bus Minder app (to track the bus location).
• As per NSW Health directives, students must wear a mask while on public transport and private bus services.
• Students must tap on and off the private bus services with their College-issued ID card.  Year 7 and new students to the College are exempt until they are issued with cards.
• Please see link for timetable and bus stop locations: https://www.msb.nsw.edu.au/enrolments/location-and-transport/private-bus-services/

Bennies North Shore Service (BB3)
Paid Private Bus Service
Commencing Wednesday 27 January
Bus stops: South Turramurra, West Pymble, Pymble, Turramurra, Warrawee, Wahroonga, Hornsby and Thornleigh
Link to bus route (after opening the Google map, double click on the bus stop to see photos of the bus stop location)

Bennies North West Service (BB2)
Paid Private Bus Service
Commencing Wednesday 27 January
Bus stops: Rouse Hill, Beaumont Hills, North Kellyville, Kellyville and Castle Hill
Link to bus route (after opening the Google map, double click on the bus stop to see photos of the bus stop location)

Bennies Ryde Region Service (BB1)
Paid Private Bus Service
Currently operating
Bus stops: Ermington, West Ryde, Putney, Ryde, North Ryde, Marsfield and Epping
Link to bus route (after opening the Google map, double click on the bus stop to see photos of the bus stop location)

Bennies Metro Service
Free Private Bus Service
No need to register for this service
All MSB students are welcome to use this service
Currently operating
Bus stops: Continuous loop between College and Cherrybrook Metro Station each school day between 7.15am - 8.00am and 3.20pm - 4.40pm

Please email transport@msb.nsw.edu.au should you have any queries relating to the MSB Private Bus Services.

To reserve a seat on a Bennies Private Bus Service, complete the online form.

P&F Parent Year Coordinator/s 

We would like to ask for parent volunteers to help organise a couple of events for each year group, when restrictions allow. This is not a time consuming job, and we welcome a couple of parents per year group to share the load. If you are interested please email: pandf@msb.nsw.edu.au

Have you moved or changed your phone number? 

Please update your change of contact details here. If you have moved and your daughter catches public transport, click here for transport and Opal Card information.

Absentee Procedure 

If a student is absent from the school and will not be attending school on that day, a text message needs to be sent to 0407 461 087 notifying the school of this with a reason.

College Communication 

To keep up to date with what's happening at the College, please like our Facebook page here, follow Twitter here and read the College Newsletter and Bennies Updates, which are delivered via email each Friday afternoon.

IMPORTANT: Change of plans for commencement events 

Unfortunately, in light of current restrictions, we are unable to have parents onsite for large-scale gatherings. Although the COVID advice allows parents to take their children onto a school site on the first day of Year 7, it is not possible for us to have a large group of Year 7 parents gather for a welcome. We are all disappointed by this and we thank you for your understanding and support as we ensure all our practices are COVID-safe.

As such:

• as per the Orientation events held in November and December 2020, parents will drop off their Year 7 daughters at either the Beecroft Road (Gate A) or Hull Road (Gate E) entrance between 8.00am and 8:15am on Wednesday 27 January. See map. Staff will meet students at the gate and escort them into the College. There is no parking available onsite and it will not be possible for parents to come onsite.
• The P & F Welcome BBQ on the evening of Friday 12 February is unable to proceed given the current COVID guidelines. This is a disappointment and we hope to hold this event when possible.
• The Year 7 Spirit Afternoon will still go ahead on Friday 12 February from 3:30pm – 5:30pm.  This is a memorable afternoon where the College Captains and House Captains facilitate games and activities for the Year 7 students. It is a wonderful opportunity to get to know others in the House and promote House spirit. We will provide the students with afternoon tea and they will be picked up either from Beecroft Road (Gate A) or Hull road (Gate E) at 5:30pm. Further details will be sent closer to the time.

Bring your own recess and lunch in Week One 

There has been a minor delay in the construction of the new Bennies Café. As such, service will not commence until Week Two. All students will need to bring their own food in the first week of term. Thank you for your understanding.
 

Visual Art Student Resource Kits 

A mandatory requirement for the Visual Art course is the purchase of a Student Resource Kit from the College’s preferred supplier. The Student Resource Kit is exclusive to Mount St Benedict College and contains a selection of essential quality materials that are needed for the practical component of the course. The price of the Student Resource Kit for Year 7 is  $62.95 inclusive of GST.

If you have not already placed an order for your daughter, please proceed to the website of Eckersley’s Art & Craft (the College’s preferred provider) via this link:

https://www.eckersleys.com.au/mount-st-benedict-college-kits

Please ensure that you complete all of the requested fields. When selecting the kit, please select Year 7 Kit.
At checkout, when completing the name details, please use your daughter’s first name and surname. As the parent, please enter your mobile number in case we need to contact you about the order.

Mrs Kristy Scott
Head of Creative and Performing Arts

YEAR 7 CAMP: Wednesday 3 March - Friday 5 March

Our Year 7 students will be heading to Stanwell Tops for their Residential Experience. Further details will be provided soon. 

Bring your own recess and lunch in Week One 

There has been a minor delay in the construction of the new Bennies Café. As such, service will not commence until Week Two. All students will need to bring their own food in the first week of term. Thank you for your understanding.
 

YEAR 8 CAMP: Wednesday 17 March - Friday 19 March

Our Year 8 students will be heading to GSU Lake Macquarie for their residential experience in Term One. Further details will be provided soon.

Bring your own recess and lunch in Week One 

There has been a minor delay in the construction of the new Bennies Café. As such, service will not commence until Week Two. All students will need to bring their own food in the first week of term. Thank you for your understanding.
 

Bring your own recess and lunch in Week One 

There has been a minor delay in the construction of the new Bennies Café. As such, service will not commence until Week Two. All students will need to bring their own food in the first week of term. Thank you for your understanding.

Bring your own recess and lunch in Week One 

There has been a minor delay in the construction of the new Bennies Café. As such, service will not commence until Week Two. All students will need to bring their own food in the first week of term. Thank you for your understanding.

Parent Teacher Interviews  

Year 11 Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on Monday 29 March, 4:00pm - 8:30pm. Further details will follow to book your time slot.

Bring your own recess and lunch in Week One 

There has been a minor delay in the construction of the new Bennies Café. As such, service will not commence until Week Two. All students will need to bring their own food in the first week of term. Thank you for your understanding.
 

Parent Teacher Interviews 

Year 12 Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on Tuesday 23 February, 4:00pm-8:30pm. Further details will follow to book your time slot.