n FAREWELL TO COLLEGE PRINCIPAL, MRS MARIA PEARSON Honouring an extraordinary legacy · 2020. 8....

n FAREWELL TO COLLEGE PRINCIPAL, MRS MARIA PEARSON Honouring an extraordinary legacy of leadership and service

n EX-STUDENT NEWSKeep updated about reunions and alumni achievements

SUMMER 2019

Principal’s MessageAs I write this article, I am acutely aware that it is the last time I will write an Introduction to Bennies Buzz. The last fifteen years have been a privileged time for me, as I have led the Bennies community through a time of significant change. The most recent change has been the addition of the MSB Centre site to the College, bringing with it the beautiful College Chapel and the memories of early ex-students who had lessons in the basement before the original College buildings were completed.

This year the College student population is the highest it has ever been, with eight streams now enrolled in Year 7. This will continue in 2020 with another eight streams entering Year 7. MSBESA continues to grow in numbers, with many daughters and granddaughters of ex-students enrolling in the College.

Mount St Benedict continues to enjoy a reputation for excellent academic results, outstanding teaching practice, strong participation and performance in a wide range of sports, and a myriad of cocurricular possibilities for the girls. In addition the College is widely known for the quality of its social justice and outreach programs, reflected recently in the twentieth anniversary of the first Mount St Benedict Social Justice Forum. It was a pleasure to welcome back former staff and former students who had been actively involved in earlier forums, to celebrate this milestone with us.

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the ex-students of the College. They hold so much of the history, traditions and stories of the College, things which should never be lost. I have appreciated being able to attend some reunions and share stories of earlier times. Sadly I have attended the funerals of a number of former Principals, and I owe a debt of gratitude to those former Principals who have supported me during my time at Bennies. I have been so blessed to have been part of Good Samaritan Education and to have had the opportunity to be mentored and guided by the Sisters and staff. Not only have I benefited professionally from the expertise of these people but I have also had the opportunity for spiritual and personal growth through the formation programs they have offered.

Bennies will always hold a special place in my heart and I will continue to follow its growth and development with interest. I hope perhaps my name will be added to the mailing list for Bennies Buzz!

Maria Pearson Principal

2 | Bennies Buzz Summer 2019

From theMSBESA President

Mount St Benedict Ex-Students Association (MSBESA), our ex-student network, has had a busy 2019, supporting the College’s aims and objectives by uniting past and present students. MSBESA finds ways for ex-students to guide, lead and support the wellbeing of the wider College community. These aims have been reflected in the new MSBESA Constitution, which was passed in May 2019 and is the foundation step in incorporating the Association. Thank you to the MSBESA Committee members and College for their support during this process. We hope this will ensure the longevity of MSBESA and future-proof its place in College life. With the new Constitution now in place, the AGM will now be required to be held in May 2020.

MSBESA events and initiatives are an important collaboration with the College and rely heavily on the skill and commitment of College staff, especially Michelle Blackman, Archives & Development Assistant and Kylie Gray, Director of Marketing. MSBESA appreciates the College’s support in delivering its recent calendar of events, including the photo booth at MSB Day, its stall at Open Day and pre-show drinks for the Classes of 2014 – 2018 at the College’s musical performance of Beauty and the Beast.

There have been a number of MSBESA events over the past twelve months with a particular focus on drawing ex-students back to the College to share their experiences with current students. Thank you to our 15 Alumni who returned to the College to participate in the fifth year of the MYBennies program by sharing their Bennies experience with Year 7. We are also grateful to the 16 Alumni who spoke with Year 12 about Gap Years, attending university or TAFE and the numerous other career pathways that can be taken.

MSBESA greatly appreciated the Beyond Bennies speakers returning to the College to engage in a lively discussion about their post-Bennies lives - Jennifer Williemse (nee Smith) Class of 1993, Olivia Ignatiou (nee Sheppard) Class of 1997 and Chanelle Murray (nee Gabriel) Class of 2011.

Our Bennies Connect Program still needs volunteers to mentor our senior students – we would love to add more Alumni to this program. You can volunteer by going to: www.benniesconnect.com.au/community/connecting.

Each year the MSBESA supported, Sister Mary Hyacinth Roche Scholarship, is awarded to the daughter of an ex-student who displays a sense of community, discipline and commitment. MSBESA is pleased to announce this scholarship was granted to Year 7, 2020 student, Ella McKenzie (daughter of Elizabeth Mockler, Class of 1989).

Since the launch of the MSBESA subsidised College Ring in 2014, we have seen a steady uptake in purchases. It is a lovely memento for graduating Year 12 students. Rings can also be purchased by any Alumni via www.benniesconnect.com under Merchandise.

Lastly and of course most importantly, MSBESA would like to wish Mrs Maria Pearson the very best on her well-deserved retirement and extend a heartfelt thank you on behalf of all ex-students. Mrs Pearson’s 15-year tenor as principal has meant that she has been involved in the lives of almost a third of our Alumni. Her immense contribution to all aspects of College life has laid the College’s solid spiritual and educational foundation. Congratulations Mrs Pearson on your achievements.

Once again, I encourage you to join our online communities at www.benniesconnect.com, Facebook @MSBbenniesconnect and LinkedIn.

Mel Drayton Class of 1993 President

Thank you to the 2019 MSBESA Committee Members:

President: Mrs Melanie Drayton

Vice President: Ms Jessykah Flower

Secretary: Mrs Maryrose Portelli

Treasurer: Miss Michelle Nolan

Committee: Mrs Rebecca Lori, Mrs Annaleen Chacon, Mrs Vicki McClure, Mrs Karen Michie

The Classes of 2014-2018 enjoyed pre-show drinks at the College Musical, Beauty and the Beast.

Summer 2019 Bennies Buzz | 3

Farewell to

Principal of Mount St Benedict College

Mrs Maria Pearson

“If I have contributed in some small way to God’s work, then I am pleased to have had that opportunity. I hope that I have carried my role as steward of the College in a way which ensures it is available to young people for many generations to come. Mother Teresa of Kolkata, in her book No Greater Love says that ‘work is love made visible’. I have loved my work and my time here and I hope I have shared the message of love with the community.”

Maia Pearson

A series of farewell events honoured Mrs Pearson’s dedicated leadership and service to the Mount St Benedict College community. Staff, students, parents, ex-students, members of the College Board, Sisters of the Order of the Good Samaritan, members of Good Samaritan Education along with members of the wider College community joined together to honour the outstanding contribution she has made to girls’ education at Mount St Benedict College.


The parent and ex-student community gathered to celebrate and farewell Maria Pearson on the deck of the Hildegard Centre for Creative and Performing Arts. It was a significant venue, given Maria’s vision to build state-of-the-art performing and creative arts facilities during her principalship. The wonderful food at the event was catered in-house by MSB Hospitality students and generous staff members.

Parent and Ex-Student Farewell Cocktail Party18 November 2019

“Maria is a real-world leader having a deep understanding of our changing and developing society and how this impacts families and current issues. True qualities of a leader displayed by Maria include: honesty and integrity, confidence, inspires others, commitment and passion to Catholic education, good communicator, decision-making capabilities, accountability, delegation and empowerment, creativity and innovation and empathy.”

Mrs Louise Koelmeyer, President of the Mount St Benedict College P&F

“At the recent Year 12 Graduation Dinner, Mrs Pearson said a number of things that made me pause and give thought. She said that people of love, work at little things in relationships. And I think that sums up Mrs Pearson’s heart. Alongside her skills and expertise has been her heart. Well trusted, leading with love and considering the little things. The important things. Her parting words were ‘Go well Year 12 and know that our loving wishes go with you’. On behalf of twenty years of graduating classes, the extended alumni community and all the future Bennies’ girls that will reap the rewards of your hard work, go well Mrs Pearson and know that our loving wishes go with you.”

Mrs Melanie Drayton (Class of 1993), President of the Mount St Benedict College Ex-Students Association (MSBESA)


Current and former staff, together with the College Board, Sisters of the Order of Good Samaritan, Good Samaritan Education and members of the wider College community gathered over a formal dinner at The Epping Club to celebrate an inspiring College leader.

Staff Farewell Dinner28 November 2019

“Maria, after a 42-year career in Catholic education and the past 15 years as Principal of Mount St Benedict College, congratulations and thank you… The College Board acknowledges all of your achievements, those which the secular world says are the achievements worth celebrating. And that which is counter-cultural, the work of the ear of your heart and that indelible legacy which each student, family, and colleague will carry with them.”

Mrs Jacqui Van de Velde Gilbert, Board Chair, Mount St Benedict College

“I think it is appropriate to reflect on a few of Maria’s many achievements which will constitute her legacy. A legacy which will, without doubt, reverberate through the life of our community for decades to come. These achievements include the growth of the College community, the enhancement of facilities, the reimagining of our pastoral structures, our contribution to the work of the Good Samaritan Sisters, the local Church and our community partners, improvement in our academic results, the work of engagement with students in the middle years, our commitment to professional learning, our work in innovation, the Footsteps of Benedict pilgrimage and the stewardship of the natural environment to name but a few.”

Mr Paul Lentern, Assistant Principal, Dean of Mission, Mount St Benedict College


“In response to Mrs Pearson’s faithful work at Mount St Benedict College, we want to say thank you. We have each written a card to express our gratitude for not only the things Mrs Pearson has done to make this such a great school, but also who she is as a leader and role model. Please accept this box of gratitude cards from the students and staff of Bennies. We hope you enjoy reading them at your leisure in the future.”

Alicia John, 2019/2020 College Captain, Mount St Benedict College

The final farewell for Mrs Pearson was from the students of Mount St Benedict College. It was a day of surprises for the much-loved principal with a farewell picnic, an assembly, whole school flash mob choreographed dance by students and staff and concluded with a guard of honour.

In the Farewell Assembly, the girls celebrated the life of an inspirational woman through the themes of The Early Years, The Engineer, The Teacher, An Inspiring Leader, The Builder of Bennies, The Fashion Icon, A Good Samaritan, The Traveller, The Mother and Grandmother and Gratitude.

Student Farewell Day5 December 2019

The MSB Community pay tribute to Mrs Maria Pearson, Principal of Mount St Benedict College on her extraordinary service to the education of young women and the Bennies community for the past 15 years.


Launch of the Mount St Benedict College Learning FrameworkGuided by the Good Samaritan Benedictine charism, Mount St Benedict College is recognised for leadership in holistic education of girls, engaging and inspiring young women to use their gifts in transforming the future.This inspiring vision brought the Mount St Benedict College Leadership Team and Middle Leaders together in a year-long project to develop a unique and bespoke College Learning Framework for students and staff. The Learning Framework intends to address the faith and spirituality needs of students, their wellbeing priorities and their learning needs for the future.

College Deputy Principal, Mrs Karen Keogh was delighted to launch the Learning Framework to the College Community at the 2019 Presentation Day.

“Our new Learning Framework is the lens through which the whole College community will view and engage with learning into the future.

Our students face a future where many traditional industries will merge and blend, where processes will evolve beyond what we know and where knowledge is readily accessible if we understand where to look and how to use it.

Our intention for students at Mount St Benedict College is that they will be encouraged and empowered to tackle challenges. They will take risks, participate actively in their learning, and understand that mistakes are part of the learning journey.”


The TreeThe Mount St Benedict College Learning Framework Tree was inspired by a mighty Blue Gum tree from the grounds of the MSB Centre.

The drawing of the tree symbolises the Mount St Benedict learner; she is at the heart of the tree, its trunk. Just like a tree, the learner grows and changes in the years she is a student at the College. She is grounded in the soil of Catholic Tradition, the Benedictine, Good Samaritan heritage and Indigenous heritage; that of the Darug People.

The roots of the tree symbolise what the student is grounded by, what gives her life. These aspects are what she can count on. Even though she can’t always see them, she knows they are there. They represent the learner’s foundations; Teaching for Understanding; Positive Education; Hospitality, Stewardship and Pax; College Mission and Vision and the Teaching and Support Staff.

At the heart of the tree is the learner, as are the relationships she has with all in the College community. She is represented by its trunk and is central to the learning process. The branches of the tree are the ‘how’ of the learning process. The branches represent the learning itself; the lens through which the learning happens at Mount St Benedict College. Here the importance of relationships can be seen, unique College programs of mission, wellbeing and innovation. These are the rich learning experiences available both inside and outside the classroom, such as the College Residential Learning Program and cocurricular offerings, as well as leadership opportunities and the important application of technology.

Lastly, the leaves represent the outcomes of the learning, what is referred to as the Graduate Attributes - the skills, values and knowledge that the student develops over her years as a student of the College.

The Learning Framework Tree and What it Represents:

The Leaves:

The outcomes of the learning i.e. the College Graduate Attributes.

The Branches:

How learning happens at the College. These may change over time for the health and longevity of the learner e.g. formative assessment.

The Trunk:

The Learner.

The Roots:

The learner’s foundations, what gives her life.

The Ground:

What the student is grounded in. These do not change.


The Mount St Benedict College community was honoured to welcome incoming 2020 Principal, Mr Michael Hanratty for his first visit to the College in late 2019 to meet students and staff.

Mr Hanratty has worked in Catholic education for thirty-three years and is recognised as a respected, innovative educator and school leader. He was previously the Foundation Principal for ten years at St Benedict’s Catholic College, Oran Park, a large Benedictine school in the Wollongong Diocese.

Prior to his current appointment, Mr Hanratty’s career has included roles at St Mary’s Cathedral College - Sydney, Magdalene Catholic High School - Narellan, All Saints Catholic College - Casula, Freeman Catholic College - Bonnyrigg Heights and Marian College – Goulburn.

Mr Hanratty has served as a member of the Wollongong Diocesan School Council’s Planning and Infrastructure Committee since 2015.

Mr Hanratty has a deep commitment to the Benedictine tradition and is an active member of St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Parramatta.

He holds a Masters in Education (Leadership), Bachelor of Arts, Diplomas in Teaching and Religious Education and is a Member of the Australian College of Education and the Australian College of Educational Leaders. Additionally, he is an Accredited Coach (Growth Coaching International).

Mr Hanratty is looking forward to becoming the Principal of Mount St Benedict College in 2020.

“This school has a powerful reputation both in the local community and amongst girls schools around Sydney and NSW. It’s a school that prepares young women for the future. I think that’s what truly inspires me.

I look forward to leading a school with forward-thinking teaching staff and beautiful facilities for girls to learn. I am excited to embark on the next chapter of the school’s story together as a College community.”

Announcement of the 10th Principal of Mount St Benedict College Mr Michael Hanratty,

College Principal


Mount St Benedict College came alive to the sound of Beauty and the Beast, the College’s biennial musical production with five shows in all, delighting audiences with brilliant orchestra, singing, acting, dancing, magnificent sets and production. Hundreds of students took up the opportunity to showcase their talents through this significant cocurricular activity, with a talented all-girl cast and dedicated staff and backstage crew who worked for months to ensure the Mount St Benedict College community could be treated to a high-quality experience.

The cast were thrilled to perform an early performance at the College’s Grandparent’s Day and a dress rehearsal performance in front of a “live” and enthusiastic audience from St Agatha’s Catholic Primary School, Pennant Hills and St Edmund’s College, Wahroonga. The College has a long partnership with both schools and was pleased to meet some of the incoming Year 7 2020 Bennies girls from St Agatha’s. The cast was keen to share the benefits of being involved in the musical, telling the girls they had developed great confidence from being involved, made many new friends

from different grades, never dreaming when they were in primary school that one day they would perform to hundreds of people!

The production also provided valuable in-class learning opportunities, with the inaugural Year 11 Engineering class working hard to create the first fully functioning water fountain for an amateur production. Mount St Benedict College Engineering Teacher, Mr Ed Baker, said that he was impressed with the competency of the girls’ skills and their enthusiastic approach to the project.

“It was a wonderful hands-on experience with the students using drills, upskilling themselves and strengthening friendships through a shared purpose. Being an engineer means that you are commissioned to complete work for a particular project, and this is what creating this fountain has achieved for our students.”

Many Bennies girls and staff rate the College musical as the highlight of their time at school, two members of the cast reflected on their Beauty and the Beast Musical experience.

Tale As Old As TimeBeauty and the Beast Musical Showcases Bennies Talent

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“One of my favourite memories of directing Beauty and the Beast was rehearsals (even the big and most challenging ones). The cast was so committed and had so much energy which made rehearsals a lot of fun. Everyone was so kind and supportive that it was ok to try new things. And when we got it right, we so got it right. I’ll never forget the feeling of overwhelming joy and pride that came over me as I sat in the audience on the opening night. It was visually so beautiful. It was a blessing to work with so many kind, committed, and talented people and the final product was something that I am incredibly proud of.”

Mrs Kristie Tannock, Musical Director

College Musicals bring the Bennies community together. MSBESA hosted pre-show drinks for MSB ex-students from the Classes of 2014- 2018 including some past musical stars.

The CastBelle Ella Tavner

The Beast Alanna Bindschedler

Gaston Olivia Staal

Mrs Potts Anna Todhunter

Chip Ruby Hinden

Maurice Beth Harris

LeFou Georgia Togher

Lumiere Maryanna Coppini

Cogsworth Georgiana Dumapit

D’Argue Jada Susas

Babette Elia Chaiban

Wardrobe Ellise Gray


“Being LeFou, I had to be confident, as he has a dramatic and colourful persona. This meant that I could be dramatic, loud, and exuberant, which I like to believe is right up my alley! I enjoyed every aspect of my character, especially playing the sidekick to Liv Staal, who performed the lead role of Gaston. The highlight of my role was being a component of the comedic relief for the show. As laughter filled the room, so was I with delight, which further enthused me to do my best. I am blessed to have been chosen for LeFou.”

Georgia Togher, Year 11, lead role of LeFou

Grandparent’s Day Performance

Bennies girls from St Agatha’s Primary School enjoyed the dress rehearsal performance

Engineering students with Olivia Staal, Year 12, lead role of Gaston


‘Individually we are stars, together we are a constellation’ HSC results to be proud of at Mount St Benedict College

The Class of 2019 continued the record of outstanding HSC results at Mount St Benedict College. Guided by their motto ‘Individually we are stars, together we are a constellation”, Year 12 students distinguished themselves through their commitment to their studies, joy of learning and excellent relationships with dedicated and professional staff at the College.

The College was ranked as the 13th best performing of all Catholic schools in NSW, overall 74th best performing school in NSW* and the top performing girls’ school in the Hills District.

Four students were named on the All Rounders List, recognising the achievement of a Band 6 [or its equivalent] in ten HSC units [including English]. The girls were Andre Fisher, Sabina Mangat, Alexandra Soliman and Rebecca Wood.

Alexandra Soliman achieved the highest known ATAR at the College of 99.00.

College Principal, Maria Pearson congratulated students on excellent results.

“Our academic results continue to give us every reason to be so proud of our girls,” Mrs Pearson said.

“We have enjoyed the leadership of our Class of 2019 who have been excellent role models. These are young women who will be leaders of the future - articulate, confident and intelligent decision-makers.”

The College had 153 mentions on the Distinguished Achievers List.

An estimated 29% of the eligible cohort achieved an ATAR over 90.

*Source: Sydney Morning Herald, December 18, 2019

Antonia Saul, College Captain

FarewellClass of 2019

“It was an honour to serve such a diverse, empowered, talented, dedicated and truly inspiring community of young women.”Antonia Saul, Class of 2019 College Captain


Top Placements in the State• Natalie Winiarski 2nd Place Textiles and Design

• Caitlyn Hajje 5th Place in Entertainment Industry Examination

• Alexandra Soliman 6th Place in Business Studies

• Lily O’Brien 13th Place in Mathematics Standard 2

Nominations for Exemplary HSC Major Projects or Performances:• Callback (Dance – Major Study Performance)

Ashleigh James

• In Tech Shape 2019 (HSC Industrial Technology Multimedia Major Projects) Elise Allen, Claudia Geromboux, Caitlyn Hajje, Jordyn Harrison, Courtney Nader and Jessica White

• Shape and Texstyle Exhibitions Eliza Hayman (Design and Technology), Rebecca Wood (Design and Technology) and Natalie Winiarski (Textile and Design)


2019 saw the return of the popular Bennies Festival of Arts, Food & Design. Showcasing exceptional learning across the College, the twilight community event featured performances, exhibitions, workshops, light displays, multimedia screenings, catwalks and more.

The event was open to all students, their families, ex-students, prospective families and the wider College community, celebrating Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) and Technology and Applied Studies (TAS) learning across the curriculum and cocurricular program.

“I congratulate our talented students and their highly capable and supportive staff who have accompanied the girls on their learning journeys. Thank you to all the parents and friends who came along to support and encourage the girls, and to the students themselves who assisted on the night. It was a great celebration of community,” said College Principal, Maria Pearson.

Attendees could wander the festival at their leisure and enjoy the many activities on offer. The street festival atmosphere was enhanced with plenty of opportunities and places to relax and chat in the festival atmosphere. Guests enjoyed on-site food trucks and bespoke picnic boxes prepared by MSB Hospitality students.

Bennies Festival of Arts, Food & Design

449C Pennant Hills Rd, Pennant Hills

RSVP: www.msb.nsw.edu.au/forms/bennies-festival

Free Entry!

TTuueessddaayy 2266 NNoovveemmbbeerr6pm – 9pm


Bennies Bus to the Ryde RegionMount St Benedict College launched a private bus service to the Ryde region in mid-April 2019. The dedicated bus provides a more direct transport option for families living in this area of Sydney with stops at Ermington, West Ryde, Putney, Ryde, North Ryde, Marsfield and Epping.

The service offers:

• Pick up and drop off from the College gates with no roads to cross

• Fixed timetable and route with daily chartered bus services

• Fully air-conditioned modern bus equipped with seat belts

• Clearly branded Mount St Benedict College bus

• Fixed cost per term for return travel (to and from school)

For full details, cost, timetable, bus stop locations, terms and conditions and how to register, please go: https://www.msb.nsw.edu.au/enrolments/location-and-transport/ (and scroll down to Mount St Benedict College Private Bus Service).

Please share this news with any current or prospective family in the Ryde region who might find this of interest.

Stop LocationMorning Timetable

Afternoon Timetable

1 ERMINGTON, Victoria Road (at Spurway St) 7:18 4:40

2 WEST RYDE, Victoria Road (at Chatham Rd) 7:26 4:30

3 PUTNEY, Charles Street (at Morrison Rd) 7:38 4:18

4 RYDE, Cressy Rd (Holy Cross College) 7:43 4:13

5 NORTH RYDE, Coxs Rd (Holy Spirit Catholic Primary School) 7:49 4:07

6MARSFIELD, Agincourt Rd (St Anthony’s Catholic Primary School)

7:55 3:57

7 EPPING, Beecroft Rd (Epping Station, Stand H) 8:03 3:50

8MOUNT ST BENEDICT COLLEGE

8:15 3:25

Launching in 2021Private Bus Services North West Region - Rouse Hill, North Kellyville, Kellyville and Castle Hill. North Shore Region - South Turramurra, West Pymble, Pymble, Turramurra, Warawee, Wahroonga, Waitara, Normanhurst and Thornleigh.


Sporting News

2019 was a great year of representative sporting opportunities at MSB. In recognition of the changing nature of women’s sport in Australia, the College introduced three new sports – fielding our first MSB Representative Cricket, Australian Football and Rugby Sevens teams. The joint Representative/Cocurricular Rugby Sevens initiative saw over 40 students participate in six weeks of skills sessions supported by Eastwood Rugby Club. Students were then able to compete in a regular cocurricular competition after school, and our Year 7/8 team competed at the inaugural BBSSSA Championships at the end of the year.

Our students continued to excel as both individuals and in their MSB representative teams. In 2019 the following MSB representative teams were BBSSSA Champions:

• Swimming

• Year 7 Netball

• Intermediate Netball

• Junior Basketball

• Intermediate Basketball

• Senior Basketball

• Junior Tennis

• Under 15 Cross Country

Our Junior Netball Team won the NSWCCC Championships to again finish as the top Junior Catholic School Team in NSW.

Individually Isabella Hurst (Year 10) gained selection into the NSW All Schools Girls Cricket Team while Christina Kwon (Year 11) and Grace Michell (Year 10) represented NSW All Schools at the School Sport Australia Swimming Championships.

The College had numerous students gain individual selection into NSWCCC pathway teams across a wide range of sports - Swimming (13), Golf (1), Cross Country (1), Touch (1), Basketball (1) and Cricket (1).

Year 12 students Georgia Garment and Tammy Zaiter were the College’s first-ever 2019 Olympic Change Maker award recipients, in recognition of their contribution to sport for younger athletes both within the College and their local communities.

Rugby 7s

“The joint Representative/Cocurricular Rugby Sevens initiative saw over 40 students participate in six weeks of skills sessions.”

Rugby 7s


Cricket

Our first ever MSB Junior Representative Cricket Team finished as runners up at the North Shore Cricket Blast tournament and went on to compete in the Sydney Metro Blast School Cup Final.

Isabella Hurst (Year 10) gained selection into the Open NSWCCC Girls Cricket Team and was then selected into the NSW All Schools Under 16 girls touring side that competed in Queensland.

Jade Pond

TennisAt the BBSSSA Championships, the MSB Under 17 Team finished as semi-finalists and the Junior Team won gold in their division.

GolfOlivia Kerr (Year 12) gained selection into the NSWCCC Open Girls’ Golf Team that competed at the NSW All Schools Championships in Yamba.

Athletics

Touch

Congratulations to Isabella Fisher (Year 7 – Under 12) and Shayla Gleeson (Year 7 – Under 13) finishing as Age Champions at the BBSSSA Championships. Isabella went on to win gold in the Under 12 400m event at the NSW All Schools Athletics Championships and Amie Bowrey (Year 12) won the Under 18 Javelin event.

MSB had five students selected into BBSSSA Representative Teams - Stephanie Kelleway, Chloe Baker, Chloe Nolan all from Year 9 (Under 15 BBSSSA Team) and Alice Woodrow (Year 12) and Jade Pond (Year11) into the BBSSSA Open Team.

Jade was then selected into the Open NSWCCC Girls Team for the second consecutive year.

Amie Bowrey Isabella Fisher Shayla Gleeson

Chloe Nolan Alice Woodrow

Stephanie Kelleway

Chloe Baker


Swimming

Cross Country

Australian FootballBBSSSA Runners Up

MSB were named as BBSSSA overall champions for the fourth consecutive year.

Team highlights:

• Breaking three individual records (Georgia Platts Year 10 - Int 200 Free, Grace Michell Year 10 – Int 200IM and Anneke Van Zoggel Year 9 – Under 15 50 Fly).

• Winning six out of the seven relays contested.

• Two new records in the Open 4 x 50 Medley relay (Georgia Garment, Grace Michell, Georgia Platts and Christina Kwon) by six seconds and Intermediate 4 x 50 Freestyle relay (Georgia Platts, Grace Michell, Anneke Van Zoggel and Sophie Cook).

• MSB now holds every BBSSSA relay record!

• Georgia Garment (Year 12 – 17+) and Grace Michell (Year 10 – Under 16) were named as BBSSSA Age Champions.

Isabella Fisher (Year 7) was the Under 12 champion at the BBSSSA Championships and went on to represent NSWCCC at the NSW All Schools Championships.

MSB won the Under 15 girl team event at the BBSSSA teams’ event. Team members (all in Year 9): Anneke Van Voggel, Charlotte Hall and Felicity Arundell.

MSB entered its first-ever Year 7/8 Australian Football team into the inaugural BBSSSA Championships.

At the NSWCCC Swimming Championships:

• Six MSB students won gold medals: Grace Michell (5), Georgia Garment (3), Anneke Van Zoggell (3), Georgia Platts (2), Christina Kwon (1) and Harper Adams (1).

• The MSB Open 4 x 50 Medley team and Intermediate 4 x 50 Freestyle teams then went on to break the NSWCCC records.

• Stephanie Boxwell from Year 12 became the first MSB multiclass athlete to compete at the NSWCCC Swimming Championships.

Six MSB relay teams competed at the NSW All Schools Championships with the following results: Intermediate 4 x 50 Freestyle (Georgia Platts, Grace Michell, Sophie Cook, Anneke Van Zoggell) and Junior 4 x 50 Medley (Harper Adams, Isabella Johnson, Julia Kim and Teana Hodgers) teams winning bronze.

Christina Kwon and Grace Michell then travelled to Melbourne to compete at the School Sport Australia Championships.

Isabella Fisher

Representative Swimming Team

Under 15 Team

Junior Representative Australian Football Team


Soccer

SoftballNetball

Basketball

• The MSB Open and Junior Representative Soccer teams were silver medallists at the BBSSSA Championships.

• Jade Pond (Year 11) and Amy Harkin (Year 10) gained selection into the BBSSSA Open Team that competed at the NSWCCC Championships. This was the sixth consecutive year that the BBSSSA goalkeeper has been an MSB student.

Amy Tilley (Year 11) and Tiffani Bassett (Year 12) represented BBSSSA at the NSWCCC Softball Championships.

MSB continued strong Representative Netball success at the BBSSSA Championships winning the Year 7 and Intermediate divisions, and the MSB Junior team finishing as silver medallists.

The Representative Junior Netball team then went on to win the NSWCCC Championships, finishing as the best junior Catholic team in the state and consecutive junior titles for MSB! Our Intermediate team played some very close games to finish equal third.

2019 was a great year for MSB Representative Basketball with all three teams winning gold at the BBSSSA Championships.

• The MSB Representative Junior Team coached by Mrs Grant were undefeated at the NSWCCC Championships, finishing as the best Junior Catholic School Team in the state.

• The MSB Representative Intermediate Team coached by Mrs Forbes were BBSSSA Champions and went on to finish as Runners Up in the Plate Division Final at the NSWCCC Basketball Championships.

• Congratulations to Year 11 student Bronte Corke, who was selected into the Open NSWCCC Basketball Team to compete at the NSW All Schools Championships.

Jade Pond & Amy Harkin

Intermediate Representative Basketball Team

Senior Representative Basketball Team

Bronte Corke

Junior Representative Basketball Team

Junior NSWCCC Netball Champions

BBSSSA Open Team

BBSSSA Junior Team


Staff NewsBabies

Lisa Young and her husband welcomed Jayden Morgan Young on 3 December 2018.

Miriam Gillet and her husband had an early surprise with the arrival of their second beautiful son, William King, three and a half weeks early, on 18 August 2019. Emerson is very excited to be a big brother.

Andrew Ursino and his wife Susan welcomed baby Joseph into the world on 8 September 2019.

Chloe Abel and her husband, Johnathan welcomed baby Oliver on 26 November 2019.

Rebecca Wong and her husband welcomed a baby boy, Sebastiano on 6 September 2019.

21 June 1956 – 26 December 2019

Kathryn commenced her employment at Mount St Benedict College in 2004 in the role of Personal Assistant to the then Principal, Mrs Helen Sinclair.

When I arrived as Principal in 2005, Kathryn was a source of great knowledge about the College, and I grew to rely on her understanding of College processes. This continued throughout my fifteen years as Principal.

As the public face and voice of the Office of the Principal, Kathryn proved to be hospitable, gracious and welcoming, always providing a listening ear and a calm presence for members of the College community and visitors.

Kathryn brought her many skills to her role, including her business and financial acumen, organisational ability, and her creativity. In my early years at Mount St Benedict College, Kathryn could often be seen planning and implementing logistics for the Principals’ Dinner, the Year 12 Formal, College liturgies and other events. Kathryn was a gifted stitcher and quilter and was well known for her beautiful embroidered Christening gowns, for which she had won awards. Over the years she made a number of gowns as gifts for staff members on the arrival of children and grandchildren.

As a colleague, Kathryn was a trusted mentor to many, particularly to her much-loved friends in the College Administration team. Her wisdom and calm advice were often sought after, an approach she also brought into her relationships with parents. She was widely loved and respected by teaching staff also, for her kind and welcoming approach. Kathryn loved any contact she had with students and on numerous occasions used her love of textiles and needlework to assist students with major projects, including

Vale Kathryn SheehanHSC projects.

Kathryn was an accomplished woman who devoted her life to her family, especially her children Laura and Lachlan, and provided care for her ageing parents over many years. She was never one to seek acknowledgement, being very humble and always underestimating the extent of her contribution to the life of the College. For years she liaised closely with members of the Parents and Friends Association, who greatly valued her assistance.

Over the past few years, Kathryn faced a number of serious health challenges, but she always did so with a positive outlook and a focus on others. In her final days, she continued to think of others, always concerned that she not be a bother to anyone.

As Kathryn wished, her funeral Mass took place in the Mount St Benedict Centre Chapel. It was a fitting tribute to someone who had contributed so much, been such a loyal and devoted member of the community, and who was much loved by all who knew her. Vale Kathryn – we miss you, but your legacy remains in the memories of each of us who knew you, and in the lives of the many people you supported during your time at Bennies.

Maria Pearson Principal


Ex Student News

There were 32 members of the Class of 1978 gathered at Killara Golf Club for their 40-year reunion, many of whom had not seen each other since leaving school. Three members of the Class of 1978 travelled from Queensland, while others travelled from Orange, Canberra, Wollongong and the Hunter Valley.

There was a lovely vibe in the room, and everybody was eager to catch up. A photo slideshow was on display throughout the evening with images of their high school years. Poor quality images featuring fashions of the time, provided much laughter! Each attendee spoke for one minute about themselves, which proved interesting and entertaining. The attending Class of 1978 paused to remember those who have passed away and acknowledged those who were unable to attend.

Wow, what a fabulous day we had! I’m still on a high and feeling so privileged to have seen you all again, albeit, 40 years (a couple of you 42 and 43 years) ago. I sincerely want to express my deep gratitude to each of you for coming along today from far and wide (including New York - thank you Belinda).

A massive thank you for sharing your amazing life journeys since 1979 — so much achievement, gratitude and courage that stemmed from our school days at Bennies. We remembered our wonderful teachers, we celebrated our past and present friendships, and we all made the promise to see each other again.

- Patricia Iacono

The Class of 1989 30 year reunion took place on Saturday 14 September and was held at The Rose in Erskineville.

The Class of 1990 decided to have a ‘catch up’ in February 2019 in preparation for an upcoming 30-year reunion. There was a large turnout resembling a landmark celebration... although they all agreed that it only felt like ten years since they last saw each other!

As they arrived, facial recognitions were obvious, although the years had played tricks on our memories for names. With one prompt we were back outside the lockers on the senior wing with familiar faces, personalities and names, reminiscing about teachers, school life and past memories of school years.

Thanks to the wonders of Facebook and Instagram, they managed to get in touch with the majority of their classmates.

The 30 year celebration was earmarked for August 2020, however due to COVID-19, this event has been postponed until 2021. If anyone is interested in attending, including teachers and staff (that may remember the best Year 12 ever!), please email [email protected].

Class of 1978 - 40 Year Reunion

Class of 1979 – 40 Year Reunion

Reunions Class of 1989 – 30 Year Reunion

Class of 1990 – Reunion

Class of 1999 – 20 Year ReunionOn Saturday 27 July 2019, the Class of 1999 enjoyed their 20-year reunion at The Fiddler. While a small turnout, it was a fabulous night reconnecting with great food and company.


BabiesDr Krystle Keller - Class of 2002Krystle and her husband welcomed the arrival of Arielle Skye McLean who was born on 28 November 2018, weighing 2.835 kg and 49cm long.

Maree Khoury (nee Mouhayet) - Class of 2001Maree and Louie welcomed Archie Samuel Khoury into their family on 20 February 2019. They feel very blessed to have three healthy children; Ava, Mason and Archie. Ava is turning five and off to Kindergarten in 2020. Mason is three and thinks he is a superhero! They are living in Dural and are enjoying watching their babies grow!

Emily Honeysett (nee Gulyas) - Class of 2013Congratulations to Emily and her husband on the arrival of Boston Honeysett on 18 June 2019, weighing 5.08kg. He also has a very proud Aunty Katalin Gulyas (Class of 2008) to dote over him.

Ellen Payne (nee Millar) - Class of 2005Ellen and her husband Misha, welcomed their first child, Henry Andrew Payne into the world on 19 August 2019. He was 53 cm long and weighing 4.2kg. Everyone is happy and healthy.

Sarah O’Donnell (née Snelgrove) - Class of 2001Sarah and Steven welcomed the birth of their second daughter Chloe on 26 September 2019. Big sister Isabelle (2.5yrs) is smitten with Chloe and can’t wait to be able to kick a ball with her. Sarah has taken a year off from her career in communications to spend with both girls.

Rachelle Mason - Class of 2009

Vittoria Rampoldi - Class of 2009

Rachelle married Matthew Stevens on 20 October 2018. They were married at the Knox Grammar School Chapel, with the reception taking place at Avalon Beach House. Bridesmaids Jessica Jones and Carolyn Woods were also from the Class of 2009.

Vittoria married her high school sweetheart, Dominic Underwood on 15 June 2019 at St Mark’s, Drummoyne, with a stunning celebration at The Tea Rooms, Queen Victoria Building.

Her bridal party included former Bennies girls, Elise Psaltis (nee Rampoldi, Class of 2005) and Amanda Tomaschett (nee DiDio, Class of 2009).

Weddings


Donna Williams (nee Storey) - Class of 1989

Melinda Howard - Class of 2006

Lauren McCully - Class of 2012

Rebecca Barrett - Class of 2007

Dr Amanda Lizier (nee Glover) - Class of 1996

Donna is currently working as a high school teacher after many different career paths over the years. In July 2019, Donna and one of her children met up with friends from Ballarat, in Cambodia to build huts for a village with the Tabitha Foundation. “Our team was called team MATT (Mother’s And Their Teenagers). We had all fundraised for a couple of years for the materials for 12 huts. We travelled to a village to construct these simple but essential homes for families of up to nine people in each hut. It was a very overwhelming experience for us all.”

In September 2018, Melinda founded Kaleidoscope Architecture Studio which specialises in residential design, with some workplace design thrown in for good measure. Melinda has accumulated more than ten years of experience in the design and construction industry. She has endless enthusiasm for the value good design can bring to our lives and in 2017 became a registered architect in NSW. After working for several boutique architecture firms, a national award-winning firm and a bespoke builder, she decided to take the plunge. She credits Bennies for nurturing her interest in design and is an advocate for women in the industry.

I moved to Melbourne at the start of 2019 to work with the Executive Director of the Mushroom Group (Matt Gudinski) as his Executive Assistant.

I was previously working at Mushroom Promotions in the Sydney office as an intern. I’ve been with the company for two years now and love everything about it. I have been working in touring with acts including Paul McCartney, Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendes, and we are currently working with RNB Fridays Live, King Princess and Conrad Sewell.

I studied Entertainment Management at the Australian Institute of Music and as part of the degree needed to complete an internship which was at Mush Promotions. I don’t think I would have considered this type of career if it wasn’t for studying Entertainment at Bennies with Mr Peter Watters.

Rebecca is working in her dream job as a solicitor with the Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions. Rebecca has worked on some of Victoria’s most serious criminal prosecutions and recently appeared in the Supreme Court of Victoria to explain cutting edge technology to the judge in a murder trial. Rebecca was recently promoted to the Office of Public Prosecution’s Higher Court Appeals Team, a specialist team which works on matters in Victoria’s Court of Appeal and the High Court of Australia. Rebecca also recently became engaged to her partner James.

In May 2018, I was awarded my PhD in Education from the University of Technology, Sydney. After a lengthy career in corporate learning and development and human resources, I decided to move into research and embarked on a PhD in 2009 using complex adaptive systems theory to frame a study of experiences of work and learning in complex adaptive

organisations. I am currently a researcher and lecturer at UTS in the School of Education, where my expertise is in workplace and professional learning. I teach a number of subjects in the Master of Education (Learning and Leadership) degree and the Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation at UTS, as well as continuing to do consulting work with businesses to improve their workplace learning practices and processes.

Life since Bennies has been busy and rewarding. Apart from studying (seemingly non-stop!), I married Joseph Lizier (brother of Sally Lizier, Class of 1998) in 2002 and we have two beautiful daughters who are seven and five. My husband and I also spent nearly two years living in Germany, where our eldest daughter was born. My Bennies German teacher, Frau Györy, would no doubt be amused that someone as bad at German as I was in Year 7, ended up living in Germany and finally learning to speak the language!

Achievements


Morgan Crammond - Class of 2013

Sophie Cleveringa - Class of 2018

Since leaving Bennies in 2013, Morgan has been studying at university full time to become a teacher, as well as competing on the world stage in Irish Dance. In the last 12 months, she has become the North American National Champion, the Great Britain Champion, placed second at All Irelands Championships in Ireland, and was second at the World Championships for Irish Dance. She is also the NSW State Champion. Morgan competed at the Australian Championships held in Canberra in late 2019, and will be travelling to Dublin, Ireland for the 50th Anniversary for the World Championships in 2020. She is an incredibly hard worker and extremely passionate about her dancing!

Sophie Cleveringa, Class of 2018, recently received her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award from His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex at the National Gold Award Ceremony. The presentation was the largest Duke of Edinburgh Award ceremony held outside of the UK, which also marked 60 years of the Award in Australia. Congratulations Sophie on this momentous and well-earned achievement!

Krystle gave a keynote speech based on her postdoctoral research at Charles Darwin University at the Australian Society of Fish Biology (ASFB) Conference held in Melbourne. Her talk titled “Diel habitat use and movements of sooty grunter, Hephaestus fuliginosus, in a tropical Australian river, using radio and acoustic telemetry” focused on presenting results on day and night movement, habitat use and activity of this common freshwater species in the Daly River system of the Northern Territory. The study found that young sooty grunter prefer to live in shallow, fast-flowing areas of the river, and so may be affected by potential future changes to river flows. This information will be used to help inform water planning and allocation in the Daly River and other northern Australian rivers. The study is part of a larger Northern Australia Environmental Resources Hub Project that is investigating the environmental water needs for the Daly River.

During the conference, Krystle also chaired several presentations in the “fish movement, migration and connectivity” session and was a panel member for the threatened fishes workshop. Her attendance at the 2018 ASFB Conference was generously supported by an MSBESA Ex-Student Experience Grant.

Dr Krystle Keller - Class of 2002 MSBESA Ex-Student Grant Recipient


Attention all MSB ex-students, the Marketing and Archives Department will on occasion publish photos in the following areas:

• College website and social media pages

• Bennies Connect website, LinkedIn and Bennies Connect Facebook pages

• Bennies Buzz, newsletters, displays and historical publications

If you do not wish to have your photo published in any of the above formats, please advise the College at your earliest convenience. Please email Michelle Blackman in the Marketing Team on [email protected]

To stay in touch with Mount St Benedict College and your former classmates, don’t forget to update your details by logging onto www.benniesconnect.com “Your Account / Update your details”.

The Early Years Book MSB Bead Bennies Bear College Ring

Ex-Student InformationMount St Benedict College Memorabilia Merchandise

Collection Notice Under the Privacy Act

Update Your Contact Details

Looking for a memento from your time at Bennies?

Mount St Benedict College Ex-Students can purchase the following items on www.benniesconnect.com under the “Bennies Memorabilia“ tab.

MSBESA Ex-Student Experience GrantsMSBESA are keen to support College alumni with experiences reflecting the values of the College. This may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Unfunded project work;

• Study or research; and

• Volunteer experiences.

The value of each grant is up to $500 per recipient, up to a maximum of four grant recipients per year. The grants support travel, accommodation or other expenses associated with the experience.

Further information: www.benniesconnect.com “Community/MSBESA Ex-Student Experience Grant” for guidelines tab.

Connecting Program Connecting with our senior students involves sharing your career experiences with current students. We encourage you to consider joining the programme, no matter what path your employment career has taken. We would like to showcase a diverse selection of careers including teachers, lawyers, artists, entertainers, jewellers, farmers, horse breeders and cabinet makers (to name a few), to encourage students to consider a career they may not have otherwise thought of. This is your opportunity to help a current Bennies girl in a simple but meaningful way.

If you would like to join, please register on www.benniesconnect.com under “Community/Connecting” tab, or if you need more information, please email Michelle Blackman in the Marketing Team on [email protected]


449C Pennant Hills RdPennant Hills NSW 2120

Phone: 9980 0444Email: [email protected]

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