Contents
- From the Principal
- From the Deputy Principal
- From the Dean of Teaching and Learning
- From the Dean of Students
- From the Dean of Mission
- From the Dean of Innovation
- From the Dean of Innovation
- Information for all Year Groups
- Head of Stage 4
- Information for Year 7
- Information for Year 8
- Head of Stage 5
- Information for Year 9
- Information for Year 10
- Head of Stage 6
- Information for Year 11
- Information for Year 12
From the Principal
Welcome back to the 2019 school year. I want to add a special welcome to all our new
students, in Year 7 as well as other year groups, and also to parents
who are new to the College community. I hope that the holiday break has been relaxing and you
have been able to enjoy time with family and friends.
This year I had all my children, their partners and my grandchildren together for the break
and I have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them.
I am looking forward to another great year, my fifteenth as Principal at Mount St Benedict
College.
At the beginning of each year, we welcome a number of new staff. A full list of new staff will be included in the first newsletter for the year. I particularly want to introduce to you the new Deputy Principal, Dean of Staff, Mrs Karen Keogh. Karen joins us from St Paul’s Grammar School where she has been Head of the Secondary School. Karen comes with extensive qualifications and experience in leadership roles and in the areas of Human Relations and policy development. Karen has a vision for the education of girls which focuses on high expectations and is inclusive of the needs of all. I look forward to working with Karen and having the opportunity to introduce her personally to the College community.
We also welcome Mrs Jen Jarrett into the role of Dean of Students. Jen has held this role at Hills Grammar School and brings her experience to her work at MSB. She has a deep understanding of the needs of young women and the ability to engage with students and their families. I know that the community will welcome Jen into her new role.
Executive Leadership Team: | |
---|---|
Principal | Mrs Maria Pearson |
Deputy Principal, Dean of Staff | Mrs Karen Keogh |
Dean of Teaching and Learning | Mr John Muskovits |
Dean of Students | Mrs Jen Jarrett |
Dean of Mission | Mr Paul Lentern |
Dean of Staff Development & Professional Learning | Mrs Sharon McGowan |
Dean of Innovation | Mr Kevin Jones |
Director of Finance | Mr Guy Fitzsimmons |
Director of ICT and College Operations | Mr Stewart Duncan |
This year as you know we have introduced some minor changes to our timetable structure, with the school day now beginning at 8.35am. The most significant change is the introduction of Bennies Time in Period 1, on Wednesday of Week A. There will be a range of events and activities scheduled at this time – students will be informed in advance if they are required to be in attendance at this time. If they are not required to be at school students may come later, (arriving in time for Period 2 on that day), or they can come to school and make use of facilities for study. This may also provide an opportunity for the scheduling of appointments, such as medical and dental, which will alleviate the need for students to miss classes at other times.
Years 7, 11 and 12 students return on Tuesday 29 January and Years 8, 9 and 10 students on Wednesday 30 January. The College Photo Day is Wednesday 30 January and all girls are expected to be in correct uniform and no make-up is to be worn.
In addition, the 2018 College Year Book and 2019 Student Planner will be available in the first weeks of school.
Once again I look forward to opportunity to meet many of you at events and meetings throughout the year. I encourage you to engage with the College and get involved with the Parents and Friends Association. I hope that the year is a really positive and exciting one for all our students, staff and families.
Maria Pearson
Principal
From the Deputy Principal
I write to extend a warm welcome to you and your family for the new academic year. I am very excited to be joining the staff of Mount St Benedict College this year in my role as the Deputy Principal, Dean of Staff. I look forward to meeting each of you at various events over the year. I have already been so impressed by the warm welcome I have received from the Leadership Team and the staff members I have met so far.
As we get to know each other, I thought it might be helpful to know a little about me. I grew up in rural NSW and married my childhood sweetheart 26 years ago. We have two children, a son who completed Year 12 last year and a daughter who has just finished primary school and we have a black and white cocker spaniel named Bella. I spent the first nine years of my teaching career in Catholic schools in the Parramatta Diocese and have spent the past seventeen years at St Paul’s Grammar School in a number of positions; from Head of TAS Faculty to most recently the Head of The Secondary School. I have loved my years at St Paul’s, but I am excited to be starting at Bennies this year. I am a life long learner and in 2016, I completed a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership at the University of NSW.
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step"Confucius.
As I start my journey at Mount St Benedict College, I reflect that many of our students will
too be starting an exciting new chapter of their educational
journey at the same time. My own children are commencing new chapters this year, my daughter
is starting Year 7 and my son commences his university
studies, so I appreciate the nerves and excitement that comes with a big change, both as a mum
and as a ‘new girl’ myself. Just as Confucius says in
the quote, as we take our first steps into the 2019 school year,
As I embark on this new professional endeavour after many years in my previous school, I am
reminded how challenging it is to start something new. My thoughts
are with our new students, new staff and new families who, like me, will be learning and
adapting to a new school. While being out of your comfort
zone isn’t easy, it is a wonderful
I look forward to meeting each of you this year and working closely with you and your daughter to ensure your daughters and our learning community continue to thrive in 2019.
Karen Keogh
Deputy Principal, Dean of Staff
From the Dean of Teaching and Learning
Welcome to 2019.
Last year we had very strong HSC results again and congratulations go to the students and
teachers for their hard work and endeavour. Please follow the
links: 2018 HSC Results Summary and 2018 HSC Results Detail.
We are thrilled with how our student, staff and parent community has taken to the new Hildegard Centre, our Creative and Performing Arts Centre with state of the art facilities in the areas of Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts.
This year we continue to work strategically and collaboratively in formative assessment practices that have at their heart deep and rich learning.
We will also continue to develop a Holistic College Framework that will embrace, embed and integrate Teaching for Understanding, a Harvard based model into our Curriculum Design and practice, Positive Education and our College Values.
I welcome you again along the journey of your daughter's exciting adventure into the world of learning!
John Muskovits
Dean of Teaching and Learning
From the Dean of Students
I hope you have had a restful holiday and are feeling optimistic about the possibilities for our girls’ learning and growth in the year ahead. It has been a delight to join the Bennies community at the beginning of 2019 and I can already attest to the warmth, professionalism and good humour of the staff. I am greatly looking forward to working with all members of Mount St Benedict College in my role of Dean of Students. Above all, I am looking forward to getting to know our students! I am keen to learn from them and to being part of their journey through school as they develop into young women transforming the future.
We know that the challenges faced by young people today are vastly different to those of previous generations and it is vital that the College and our families work in harmony as we encourage confidence, creativity and compassion in our girls. As the parent of three daughters who have now left school, I am mindful of how each girl’s journey towards independence is unique. Although it can feel daunting, parents and educators must provide our girls with increasing levels of autonomy in their learning and decision-making as they move through school. Without such opportunities to take risks and persevere, our girls won’t know the joy of overcoming challenges on their own.
I’d especially like to welcome new girls and their families to the
College and I hope the year starts positively. Our Year 7 students will be participating
in a range of activities designed to smooth the transition to their new school. I warmly
encourage you to be involved in the numerous opportunities
to support your daughter’s experience at Bennies. The first of these events will be the P &
F Welcome to Year 7 BBQ on Friday 1 February. At the
Year 7 Parent Evening on Tuesday 26 February, guest presenters Prue Salter and Lisa Maltman
will share valuable information and strategies to
support your daughter’s study habits and healthy sleep patterns. We know that periods of
transition can be nerve-wracking and challenging, but they
are also opportunities to try new things and to learn about ourselves. Our teachers and the
Pastoral Team are committed to getting to know your daughter
and to help her to identify and develop her strengths and passions over time. If you have any
concerns about how she is travelling during the year,
please do not hesitate to let us know so that we can work together to “nip things in the bud”.
I am thrilled to be part of Mount St Benedict College and look forward to getting to know you and your daughter.
With best wishes to you and your family for a wonderful 2019.
Jen Jarrett
Dean of Students
From the Dean of Mission
Throughout the coming year, our College community will reflect on and respond to the value of Pax (peace) which is one of the three core values which guide us in the Catholic, Benedictine tradition. This focus will enable us to reflect seriously on what it means to be peacemakers in a world which is often characterised by conflict and division.
As we begin 2019, we look forward in anticipation to a number of significant events at the College. On Friday 1 February our community will gather for Eucharist at 9.00am in the College Hall – parents and family members are very welcome to join us for this occasion. The first term will also involve our commemoration of Ash Wednesday and our journey through the Season of Lent which will include our work with Caritas Australia through their Project Compassion Appeal.
In the next few weeks, students in Year 10 will receive information about their residential Retreat which takes place from Wednesday 20 - Friday 22 March. We will also be inviting students across all year groups to take part in a range of reflection and outreach programs which are offered to meet the needs of students at different year levels.
The Season of Lent will continue for much of Term One with Holy Week occurring at the end of March and the Feast of Easter on Sunday 31 March. Throughout the six weeks of Lent, students will have a range of opportunities to reflect and to respond to the call of the Gospel. Our work with Caritas Australia and the Project Compassion appeal will be a significant part of this response.
Our Year 7 students will soon receive information about their Reflection Day which takes place on Tuesday 20 February. At around the same time students in Year 8 and 9 will be invited to consider joining one of our “Sisterhood” or “Step Up” groups which draw on the See, Judge, Act methodology to reflect on life issues in the light of faith. Students in Year 10 will be preparing for their residential Retreat which takes place in March as well as beginning their program of Community Outreach. Year 11 students will move into the second phase of the Community Outreach program while Year 11 and Year 12 students will be invited to join our lunchtime “Connect” groups.
Each week 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
From the Dean of Innovation
At MSB, we are continually looking at new ways to improve the quality of learning for our
students. We want to ensure our girls learn at their best, have
strong connections, feel valued, respected and known, and their learning is interesting and
relevant to the life that awaits them after they graduate.
Building on our values and mission, we have developed a range of programs (MYBennies, STEM, Inspire Week and R.E.A.L.) that provide opportunities to develop skills in critical and creative thinking, communication and collaboration, which will build resilience and cultivate curiosity for the world beyond Bennies. In this way, we believe we will be educating young women who can take their place in a future world, with confidence to inspire and the ability to transform themselves and the world.
Please take the time to watch our Inspire and R.E.A.L. videos:
Click here for
Inspire video
Click here for R.E.A.L Program video.
MYBennies - Year 7 Integrated Course
All Year 7 take part in a course called 'MYBennies' integrating the subjects Religious Education, Drama, PDHPE, TAS and Geography. This course is designed like no other course in school as it puts the focus on the student to take responsibility for their learning fostering the development of 21st century skills such as creativity, teamwork and independence.
STEM - Year 8 Integrated Experiences
Year 8 students will be introduced to the notion of STEM, where they will investigate real life problems using the knowledge and skills they have learned in Science, Technology and Maths. This will include whole year group experiences such as STEM Challenge Days.
Year 9 INSPIRE and TRANSFORM
During Term Four, all Year 9 students will participate in a week of learning outside the classroom. Taking their learning into the real world, the girls will be looking for inspiration to take forward an action to help transform the lives of others. This will be done by challenging them to see things differently, experience new things, meet experts in various fields and spend time reflecting on their personal and shared values. The girls will follow themes such as; 'Empowering Women', 'Past, Present and Future', 'A Sustainable World' and 'Multi-cultural Australia'.
REAL Program - Year 10
Year 10 students will begin a course designed to further build their independence in learning and experience of everyday life issues. This will include areas such as 'how to budget', 'career pathways', 'life wellbeing', 'current affairs', 'how to change a tyre' and further practical advice as they move through to adulthood.
Kevin Jones
Dean of Innovation
Information for all Year Groups
Please take the time to read the following information and complete any relevant forms.
College Return Dates
We welcome back students in Years 7, 11 and 12 on Tuesday 29 January and students in Years 8, 9 and 10 on Wednesday 30 January. As mentioned in the newsletter last year, the school day will start at 8.35am.
Opening Eucharist
On Friday 1 February our Opening Eucharist will be celebrated in the College Hall to mark the beginning of the new school year. This will take place at 9.00am with all students and staff in attendance. Family members are very welcome to join us for this occasion. Morning tea will be served for guests at the conclusion of the liturgy at approximately 10:30am.
Stationery
There are no stationery lists for Years 8-12. Teachers will advise students of their requirements during classes in the first few weeks.
Flexi Schools
The College has moved to Flexi Schools to order and pre-order items from the Canteen. Signing up is easy. Click here for further information on this system and visit www.flexischools.com.au to register. Follow the online prompts and enter in your daughter’s College ID to link her student ID card (the ID can be found on her card).
Canteen
Click here to volunteer for the Canteen for 2019 by Monday 4 February.
Paracetamol Form
For new parents, please click here to complete the 2019 permission form for Paracetamol. This permission will last until the end of Year 12. If you wish to withdraw this permission please contact the College in writing at: admin@msb.nsw.edu.au.
Accessing the College Portal
For students new to the College, you will receive an email with your log in details next week.
For current families, click here to access information on the College
parent
and student portal.
Fees
Each family will receive an itemised fee statement by post this week. Please fill in the green
form which accompanies the fees updating any contact details
and return it to the College asap.
Click here for a Direct Debit Request
form.
Photo Day
The College Photo Day is Wednesday 30 January and all girls are expected to be in correct summer uniform and no make-up to be worn. Please note - a small cross on a chain may be worn. If ears are pierced, one plain sleeper or stud per earlobe is permitted. No rings may be worn. Jewellery for nose piercings is not permitted. No other jewellery is permitted. Jewellery will be confiscated if worn to school. Make-up, nail polish, false nails and fake tan are not permitted with the College uniform. Also, students are required to wear their hats to and from the College and when outside for Year 7-10.
Please click here for the packages on offer for 2019. All orders are required to be ordered and paid for online including sibling photos by Wednesday 30 January. There will be no envelopes supplied.
To access the Advanced Life website and place your order using Paypal, MasterCard or Visa, go to www.advancedlife.com.au, enter the code 'MFY 5A1 4FR' and follow the prompts.
Sibling Photos
Sibling photos will be taken on Wednesday 30 January at 1.30pm.
The Year 12 Group/Muck Up Photo
Year 12 Group photo will be taken on Wednesday 30 January at 1.30pm. Please bring your blazer and ensure all gold buttons are attached to it. The muck up photo must be appropriate attire, please organise your outfits for this photo in advance.
Uniform Shop
The Uniform Shop opening hours are:
Tuesday 8.00 - 11.30am and Thursday 11.00am - 2.00pm.
Have you Moved or Changed your Phone Number?
With your fee statement, you would have received a 2019 Student Contact Details sheet, please
check this form and return it to Student Services.
If you have moved and your daughter catches public transport, click here for transport and Opal Card information.
Absentee Requirements
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 weekly College newsletter which is delivered via email each Friday afternoon.
Open Day
Save the date - Bennies is holding our annual Open Day on Sunday 3 March from 10.00am - 2.00pm. All welcome.
P&F Parent Year Co-ordinator/s
We would like to ask for some parent volunteers to help organise a couple of events for each year group. This is not a time consuming job, it's just helping with these events 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.
Hillsbus Timetable Changes
Transport for NSW approved minor timing changes to a number of bus routes in response to our
new bell times for 2019, and bell time changes for surrounding
schools who share services with the College.
Please click here for an updated school bus advice sheet for Hillsbus services commencing Tuesday 29 January 2019. Routes 2132, 3106 and 3178 are affected.
We remind students they must have a valid Opal card to travel on school buses, and must tap on and off morning and afternoon, otherwise, the bus service risks being cancelled.
Other Dates to Note
Mother Daughter Breakfast is on Thursday 9 May.
Grandparents Day TBA
Father Daughter Breakfast is on Thursday 29 August
Head of Stage 4
At the beginning of another wonderful year of learning, it is with great excitement that I introduce myself to you in a new role at Bennies – Head of Stage. This year the College has three Heads of Stage and I have been given the responsibility for Stage 4, that is, Years 7 and 8. An evolving role within the wellbeing facet of the College landscape, I am a member of a team charged with the support of our girls as they navigate their way through their secondary school years.
As a teacher at the College for 10 years, I have been delighted to be a part of the development of the school as we strive to support our students in creative and innovative ways of learning. This year I will be teaching junior and senior Science classes, as well as Year 7 Religion, MYBennies and R.E.A.L (Year 10).
It has been a delight to be able to build and develop strong mentoring relationships with the girls that help to nurture our students as they learn individually and collaboratively in this remarkable environment that offers so much and guided by the values and foundations of Good Samaritan education.
Throughout my years at the
I look forward to many opportunities to meet and work with you and your daughters throughout their time at Mount St Benedict College. I hope it will be a great year for all of us within the Bennies community.
Katherine Mason
Head of Stage 4
Information for Year 7
Welcome to our Year 7 students. This is a very exciting and busy times for the girls as they settle in to the MSB community. We have some important information below that we need parents to read. Please complete the forms for Camp, the 'Getting to Know You' afternoon and Physical Education.
Year 7 Outdoor Education Camp – “I’ll be there for you” Information
Click
here for Letter to Parents from MSB
Click here for Letter to Parents from
Camp
Click
here for TOPS What Do I Bring list
Click here to print, download and return to Student
Services the TOPS Acknowledgement of Risk Form by Friday 15 February.
Getting to Know You Afternoon - After School on Friday 1 February
On Friday 1 February all Year 7 are invited to remain after school for a series of “Getting to Know You” games and House spirit building activities with the Year 12 Student Leadership body. It promises to be a fun afternoon and a great opportunity for the girls to mix with students in Year 7 as well as senior students.
Time:The afternoon will begin at 3.30pm after school and finish around 5.30pm, just prior to the P & F Welcome BBQ at 6.00pm and concludes approximately 7.30pm.
If a parent will not be attending the BBQ, arrangements must be made for your daughter to be picked up from the Hall Courtyard at 5.30pm.
What to bring:
Students are asked to bring their own afternoon tea and are
invited to change into casual clothing, incorporating their House
colour if possible, eg. House colour shirt or shorts etc. Please note that parking on site is
limited, but we do have parking in the surrounding streets.
Looking forward to seeing you all then,
Year 12 Captains
Click here for permission note for Getting to Know You Afternoon, please complete by Wednesday 30 January.
Year 7 Welcome BBQ
On Friday 1 February we are holding our Year 7 Welcome BBQ, commencing at 6.00pm. See you there!
Physical Education Program
Click here for information on the Physical Education Program and to complete the form. Please complete the form by Monday 4 February.
Prue Salter Studies Skills Evening
We are holding a studies skills evening on Tuesday 26 February at 6.30pm. This night is relevant and helpful to all students and we encourage everyone to attend.
Information for Year 8
Welcome to Year 8.
Once again this will be a busy year for your daughter. Please read the information below
and fill in the forms for Camp and the Physical Education
Program.
P&F Welcome BBQ Volunteers
We are holding our Welcome BBQ for new members to the College on Friday 1 February and each year we have parent volunteers from Year 8 to help run this event. Your time is appreciated, so if you could please let us know your availability on: Try Booking. You can volunteer for more than one timeslot.
Year 8 Outdoor Education Camp - Wednesday 20 - Friday 22 March
Click
here for Letter to Parents from MSB.
Click here for Letter to Parents from
OEG.
Click here for Clothing and Equipment List.
Physical Education Program
Click here for information on the Physical Education Program and to complete the form. Please complete the form by Monday 4 February.
Head of Stage 5
Welcome to 2019!
I trust that you and your family have had a wonderful Christmas and Summer break.
I am very excited to be joining the Mount St Benedict College community in 2019 as a Science Teacher and as the Head of Stage 5 (Years 9 and 10). Within the field of education, I have always encouraged change to students and colleagues as a pathway for growth. It allows one to reflect on values, goals and experiences. Now it is my turn to experience significant change; learning names, processes and the nuances of a new school and community culture all frighten me but, is a challenge I look forward to. I have already felt a strong sense of welcome to this loving community and this has made me confident in my transition to the College.
Education plays such an important role in the development of a child.
The partnership between parents, student and school is vital for a girl to achieve
her best. The holistic formation of your daughter will be my utmost priority in the role of Head
of Stage 5. I will ensure she has every opportunity
to connect to and develop in the academic, social, spiritual, and physical realms of her
education. As a reflection on my educational journey, the
people that made the most positive change are those who took the time and listened to me. It is
my goal to make each and every student to feel known,
heard and valued.
I look forward to developing a positive and strong relationship with you and your daughter in order to offer the most enriching experience we can as a team.
Alex Rigg
Head of Stage 5
Information for Year 9
Welcome to Year 9
Further to the success last year, MSB will again be running the 'Inspire Week' for Year 9. This will be held from Monday 21 - Friday 25 October. More details to follow closer to the time.
Please ensure that you fill in the P.E. permission below.
Physical Education form
Click here for information on the Physical Education Program and to complete the form. Please complete the form by Monday 4 February.
Information for Year 10
We welcome your daughter back to the College as a senior. The girls are excited about this
and we know will rise to the challenge.
Please ensure you complete the Physical Education form.
Community Outreach
Community Outreach is an experience for students to respond to the invitation to live out our College values of Pax, Hospitality and Stewardship. Students gain an insight into the lives of those in our community who face the daily challenge of disadvantage.
Community Outreach is compulsory in Year 10 and 11. For further information about Community Outreach please see Firefly (Resources/Mission/Outreach and Service Learning) alternatively you can contact Mrs Philippa Mercer. More information will be sent out closer to the time.
Retreat
The Year 10 Retreat Experience is an integral part of the Faith Development program and will be held from Wednesday 20 March - Friday 22 March. Students will be organised into four groups. Each group will go to a different venue; however, the same program will be used at each location. During this time the students will have an opportunity to reflect on their life story: friends, family, and the experience of faith and of God in their lives. There will be time for quiet reflection, liturgy, group work, recreation and relaxation.
Your daughter will be emailed the permission note for you to complete shortly.
Physical Education Program
Click here for information on the Physical Education Program and to complete form. Please complete the form by Monday 4 February.
Head of Stage 6
I am very excited to embark on my next chapter at Bennies in the new role of Head of Stage – Stage 6.
As a Drama teacher, I value highly the building of relationships and connections with students so that they can develop and grow in their learning, understanding and abilities. Students need to trust that you will guide, mentor and lead them with honesty and care so they can pursue excellence, share their gifts and talents and reach their full potential.
I have had some connection with all current Stage 6 students in my previous role of Studies
Coordinator preparing Pastoral Care Study skills sessions
and communicating with them about Examinations. Through the R.E.A.L. Program last year I had
interactions with many of the current Year 11 students
and know others through my role as
I look forward to opportunities to meet you as we navigate these final
memorable years of high school with your daughter.
Ms Gabrielle Fonteyne
(previously Mrs Keats)
Head of Stage 6
Information for Year 11
Welcome to Year 11.
We trust all the girls are prepared to start their last two years of schooling and
embrace all the opportunities that are offered to seniors at MSB.
Please read through the Seniors Booklet here.
Retreat
Year 11 Retreat will be held from Wednesday 16 - Friday 18 October at four different venues, more details to follow later in the year.
Parent Teacher Interviews
Parent Teacher evening will be held on Wednesday 3 April, 4.30pm - 8.30pm.
Community Outreach
Community Outreach is an experience for students to respond to the invitation to live out our College values of Pax, Hospitality and Stewardship. Students gain an insight into the lives of those in our community who face the daily challenge of disadvantage.
Community Outreach is compulsory in Year 10 and 11. For further information about Community Outreach please see Firefly (Resources/Mission/Outreach and Service Learning) alternatively you can contact Mrs Philippa Mercer. More information will be sent out closer to the time.
Information for Year 12
Welcome back to the last year for your daughter at the College.
This will be a busy and exciting year for the girls.
Please read the Senior Booklet here.
In Term One the Parent Teacher Evening will be held on Tuesday 12 March.
Year 12 Retreat will be on Wednesday 1 - Friday 3 May.