SPRING 2016
n CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF EDUCATING YOUNG WOMEN MSB Jubilee Celebrations n VALE SISTER MARY ROCHE SGS Second College Principal 1974-1979 n CHAMPION PROBLEM SOLVERS College wins two Future Problem Solving World Championships Principal’s Message Our 50th anniversary Jubilee Year this year, has coincided the night was the enduring nature of the friendships forged with the Jubilee Year of Mercy declared by Pope Francis. It over the years by MSB students and staff. It was delightful to be has been a time of reflection and renewal for us, as well as part of such a joy-filled celebration. a time for celebration. We have focussed on the theme of In Term Three the College hosted Engage and Innovate, a public Jubilee, reaffirming our commitment to our Good Samaritan forum for educators, sharing together stories of innovative Benedictine values. We have given thanks for the generosity practices in schools. With world-renowned keynote speakers, of all those who have helped to build our College into the Julie Temperley and Keren Caple, from the Innovation Unit dynamic community it is. sharing practice from various parts of the world, Mount St To celebrate Eucharist and hear the voices of two thousand Benedict teachers then shared some of our recent innovations, members of our extended community filling St Mary’s which have been aimed to enhance the engagement of Cathedral with song was the highlight of our year. We were students in their learning. Teachers from other schools were delighted to be joined by a number of former Principals and also able to present their practices on the theme of the forum. staff and a particular thrill was the presence of Sr Mary Roche Alongside all our special events, normal College life has (Sr Hyacinth) who made the journey from Brisbane to be with continued with many successes in sport, Future Problem us on the day. We were saddened to hear of her death just a Solving and other co-curricular activities. Within the pages few weeks later, but felt privileged to have been able to share of this edition of Bennies Buzz you will catch a glimpse of with her some of her stories from the early days of College life. the many and varied activities which make life at Mount St The Jubilee Ball in May was a sparkling evening of friendship, Benedict College so rich and rewarding for all of us. good food, music, storytelling and dancing as former staff, students and parents came together with current staff and parents. Our first College Captain, Cathy Ferndale (nee Woods), shared some insights into life in the early days. One of the Maria Pearson common themes which emerged in speaking with people on Principal
2 | Bennies Buzz Summer 2016 Former students pictured with former Principal Sr Lia van Haren SGS at the Jubilee Afternoon Tea
Jessica Micallef MSBESAFrom President the
This year has been an exciting one for the College and completed an internship with the United Nations Assistance MSBESA alike. Ex-students joined the College for a number to the Khmer Rouge Trials in Cambodia. We look forward of Jubilee events, including the Jubilee Afternoon Tea, Jubilee to supporting more ex-students in the future by officially Ball and the Jubilee Mass. Each event provided a unique launching this grant in 2017. occasion for ex-students to indulge in the nostalgia of being I have been very fortunate to take on the role of MSBESA a Bennies girl. Most importantly, these events have been President at such an exciting time. I would like to thank an opportunity for ex-students to reconnect with former the MSBESA Committee Members for 2015-2016 for their classmates, teachers and principals and connect with current contribution during the past year. Bennies students. On behalf of MSBESA and all ex-students, I would like to thank the College staff and students for their If you are an ex-student please consider joining Bennies hard work in organising these wonderful events, a fitting Connect to keep in contact with the College and your former tribute to this milestone. classmates at www.benniesconnect.com We were very fortunate to have three inspiring ex-students form the panel of this year’s ‘Beyond Bennies’ event on 6 April. Melanie Drayton (Class of 1993), Catherine Holliday (Class of 1994) and Julia Calixto (Class of 2005) shared their wisdom and journeys since Bennies and delighted students with stories of their time at Bennies. Jessica Micallef During 2016, MSBESA has provided funding for two ex- Class of 2007 students undertaking overseas volunteering pursuits. President Hannah Ryan (Class of 2010) volunteered in Zambia with International Citizens Services and Liz King (Class of 2010)
Summer 2016 Bennies Buzz | 3 CelebratesMount 50 years St of educating Benedict young women College
In 2016 Mount St Benedict College proudly marked the 50th Looking back over fifty years it is encouraging to find that anniversary as a school, its Jubilee year with a number the values that informed the early years of the College of celebrations. are still the same now – the emphasis on the Benedictine heritage and the Good Samaritan traditions that Coinciding with the Jubilee Year of Mercy in the were evident in those early years are still the Church, it has been a fitting time to reflect on driving force at the College. the identity and traditions of the College, to give thanks for all those who have been From the beginning Mount St Benedict part of the journey and to look forward College offered girls a broad with hope to the future. curriculum, a wide variety of co- curricular activities and many In the 1960s the Sisters of the Good different sporting opportunities. As Samaritan recognised the need for a the College has grown it has gone Catholic school for girls in the Hills from strength to strength in each of District of NSW. In 1966 Mount St these areas, consistently achieving Benedict College was opened, with excellent academic results, having the first classes taking place in the a reputation as a highly successful basement of the Mount St Benedict sporting school and making a name for Novitiate. Those first students and their itself in many competitions, particularly teachers probably could not have foreseen at a global level in Future Problem Solving. the population explosion that was to take place in this area of Sydney, which would see the Thanks to the foresight of the Sisters, the College College grow to its current size of over 1000 students. continues to enjoy a beautiful position overlooking an area of remnant Sydney Blue Gum High Forest which makes a beautiful backdrop to the modern facilities we now enjoy.
4 | Bennies Buzz November 2016 Jubilee Afternoon
SundayTea 6 &March College 2016 Tours Current students led former students on tours
Bennies uniforms over 50 years
The MSB Flute Ensemble performed
Coinciding with Open Day, the College was pleased to welcome back over 200 former students and staff for afternoon tea and tours of the College. Current students proudly led tours around the College. Whilst imparting information, the girls in turn received a ‘Bennies’ history lesson from those on their tours – a beautiful sharing of MSB heritage, past and present. There were many members of the first year group, Class of 1971 in attendance, as well as representatives from many subsequent year groups. There was great delight in former students reconnecting with former staff and two principals Sister Agnes Farrugia SGS (Sister Jean Marie) 1980-1981 and Sister Lia van Haren SGS 1987-1992.
Above: Current Principal, Maria Pearson welcomed former Principals Sr Agnes Ferrugia SGS and Sr Lia van Haren SGS
November 2016 Bennies Buzz | 5
The first College Captain gave the after dinner address Jubilee Ball MC for the evening- Saturday 28 May 2016 Julia Calixto, College Captain 2005
The MSB community gathered for 2005 was the MC for the evening and College known affectionately as a wonderful evening of celebration, Cathy Ferndale (nee Wood), from the ‘The Pioneers’. with over 350 people coming together Class of 1971 and first College Captain, Many of the ex-students and former for the Jubilee Ball at Curzon Hall. gave the after dinner address (see staff were delighted to reconnect with Many members of the broader MSB over the page for excerpts from her Mr Alan Moran and Mrs Helen Sinclair, community – former students as highly entertaining speech about the both former Principals of the College. well as current and former staff and beginnings of the College). parents were privileged to hear from Gathered guests certainly got into two of the College’s former school There to support Cathy on the night the spirit of celebration, with a captains. SBS journalist, Julia Calixto, were six of her fellow classmates who crowded dance floor evidence of a College Captain from the Class of were part of the first cohort of the successful night!
6 | Bennies Buzz Summer 2016 Jubilee
SundayEucharist 19 June 2016 St Mary’s Cathedral
It was a most uplifting time for the College as the MSB community gathered in St Mary’s Cathedral to share Eucharist in celebration of the College’s 50th anniversary. Adding to the sense of occasion many students and staff travelled to the Cathedral on a specially chartered ‘Bennies’ train. Despite the inclement weather the Cathedral was filled to capacity as The Most Reverend Peter Comensoli, Bishop of Broken Bay presided over the Eucharist, enhanced by MSB dancers, musicians, choristers and all those who assisted through their various ministries. It was fitting that the MSB community could share the occasion with many of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, who gave so much of their lives to Catholic education in the Benedictine tradition, including Sr Clare Condon SGS, Congregational Leader, four previous Principals, Sr Mary Roche Continued next page...
November 2016 Bennies Buzz | 7 8 | Bennies Buzz Summer 2016 ...Continued from page 7 (Hyacinth) SGS, Sr Lia van Haren SGS, Sr Agnes Farrugia SGS and Sr Elizabeth Delaney SGS. The College was also honoured with the presence of a number of leaders of Benedictine communities in Australia and New Zealand together with Ms Terry Creagh, Chair of Good Samaritan Education who graciously joined us for our celebration. Many members of the MSB community shared their gifts during the Eucharist. One of the significant elements was the music. The setting for the Mass was composed by a number of ex-students, including Casey McBride and Andrea Hajje, with assistance from current students, and elaborated by College music staff. Countless hours went into the process of orchestrating the pieces, rehearsing and preparing the band and choir. A large troupe of student dancers performed a beautiful liturgical movement. There was great joy in hearing the College song performed in the beautiful atmosphere of the Cathedral by close to 2000 people. In addressing the congregation, College Principal, Maria Pearson reflected about this historic time for the College, “This is a time to look back with gratitude for all those who have built this community through their hard work, generosity and commitment, and to orient ourselves to the future to ensure that our College continues to be a relevant and important part of the wider community, as we prepare our young women to be leaders in the future, within our Church, our local communities and more globally.”
November 2016 Bennies Buzz | 9 Reflections of a Bennies ‘Pioneer’ Cathy Ferndale (nee Woods), Class of 1971 and first College Captain, gave the after dinner address at the Jubilee Ball. Excerpts from her speech are included below, a highly entertaining speech about the beginnings of the College.
same material. The colour was called ‘Airforce Blue’. We all thought we looked just so grown up and lady like. The sports uniform was a pleated white skirt made using about 4 metres of material and hundreds of pleats and knee length. Those who did high jump wearing this uniform found it prevented them from soaring to great heights without knocking off the high jump bar! We also had a checked pinafore that we had to wear to protect the uniform. Class of 1971 Carmel Kelly, Lyndall Perriam, Marilyn Brittliff, Katie Tognetti, Cheryl There was no choice of subjects and no Travers, Tess McMahon and Cathy Woods ‘levels’ as they were called then. We did english, maths, science, social studies and home science (cooking and sewing) in one big class group. We had Sister Christopher and Sister Hyacinth (Sister Mary Roche) and the Home Science teacher was Sister Blandina and one of the mothers came in to help. Oh, we also had private music lessons with Sister Carmelita, not that any of us had much talent!
Seven members of ‘The Pioneers’ were present at the Jubilee Ball There was no canteen or sport and our (Cathy Ferndale 5th from left) playground was the tennis courts down at the back of the Novitiate and the I would like to start by saying that my place…. and where we were forbidden adjoining paddock which we shared with years at high school here at Mount to ever go up the stairs into the the cows. The Novices were allowed to St Benedict’s were some of the best building under any circumstance. What come down to visit us every so often and and most memorable years of my happened up those stairs and who were to sometimes play a game of tennis with life. I still cherish the friendships these veiled women?! us. We had no equipment to speak of just that I made, some of whom were text books, exercise books and a small On the first day we all turned up in classmates that I started kindergarten amount of sports equipment ... We had our primary school uniforms, some with (at St Agatha’s) and I am still to make our own fun, and fun we had. from St Bernadette’s, Dundas and goods friends with today over fifty some from St Agatha’s, Pennant Hills. Often we would walk across the years later…. I would like to share The school uniform had not yet been paddocks to see the progress of the some of our memories as ‘The decided on. So that was one of the first building of the new College as it slowly Pioneers’ as we were affectionately tasks for the ‘The Pioneers’, to design took shape. This was the school that referred to. the new uniform. In the end it was a you all would enjoy in years to come. Memories of that first year red bow tie, red gloves, a bowler hat, Memories of the first years after we When we started secondary school red head band that had to be worn no moved into the NEW school be clear about one thing there was no matter how short your hair was and a Finally the school building was finished school as you now know it. We started box pleated uniform. The uniform was and so in October 1966 we moved from secondary school in the basement of the combined colours of blue from St the basement to our new school. It the old Novitiate building and to us this Agatha’s and red from St Bernadette’s was quite sad to leave our basement was a very mysterious and intriguing and of course a school blazer of the classroom and our close friends in the Novitiate above us. At the same time it was a great thrill to be the first class to enter the brand new Catholic high school for girls.
10 | Bennies Buzz Summer 2016 Things we remember about that Other memories first term in the new building: The school could not afford a cleaner so it was ‘The Pioneers’ • We had a tuckshop that sold job to sweep floors and halls and meat pies, sausage rolls, lollies, paths, clean the toilets, clean chips and icy poles but only once Engage and the staff room and office, in fact a week on a Friday cleaning duties involved every part • We had a proper science lab and of the school. The only thing we a small library with BOOKS didn’t have to do was mow the ProfessionalInnovate Development – lawns. Maybe the cows did that! • We had classrooms and an admin showcasing innovation @ MSB wing with a proper staff room We were never allowed to use the front internal stairs and Sister Tuesday 23 August 2016 • We had proper toilets and a Hyacinth used to be in the small tennis court of our own uniform shop at the bottom of • We were divided into different the stairs and catch anyone being levels for academic subjects disobedient and breaking this rule. • We had more subject choices We had to change into jiffies in the because a few more teachers classrooms to protect the new floors. came on staff. We had a PE During all those early years there teacher, a History teacher, a were many hours of consultation French/German teacher, an between Sister Christopher and English teacher, a Science Sister Hyacinth and ‘The Pioneer’ teacher, and an Economics class because everything was teacher so new. We were always special Sport and gymnastics I think and when the next class Sport was the big thing at school joined us we were a bit sad as we in those days, after the academics loved being part of ‘The Pioneer’ It was important during the College’s of course. Swimming was at a 25m Class of 1966. Jubilee year to also look to the present pool in Oratava Ave, West Pennant and the future and showcase innovation By 1971, when about 28 of us were Hills. PE was held on the front at Mount St Benedict College (MSB). The in our final year of school, the lawn near Pennant Hills Road (in College hosted a gathering of teachers and school had grown so much. There those days there was a high wire other interested educators entitled ‘Engage were more new school buildings, fence with barbed wire on top and and Innovate’. many more students and teachers, no trees)….Gymnastics was finally we even had some male teachers It was an opportunity to share many of introduced so we then had to by then. the innovative and engaging techniques design a gym uniform but we could implemented by staff in the College’s only wear that for gym in the hall, On our last day, as the first class mission, pastoral and teaching programs. never to and from school. to graduate, after assembling at Pennant Hills Station, a group of Internationally renowned keynote speaker, We were the smallest and us walked up Pennant Hills Road Julie Temperley, along with Keren Caple, youngest school competing timing our entrance to coincide ensured the afternoon was off to an against other Good Samaritan with the morning assembly as inspiring start with stories of innovation Schools but every year we went we sang with gusto “Glory, Glory around the world, followed by inspiring to the swimming and athletics Mount St Benedict, ‘Bennies birds’ stories of the work of staff at MSB. carnivals and those that wanted go marching on” and ‘Bennies to could enter as many events as The final part of the afternoon, TeachMeet birds’ have continued to march on you wanted. By Form 6 (Year 12) included presentations from teachers now for 50 years. we had won the Good Samaritan from MSB and other schools sharing Schools Swimming Carnival… However we do, and always will their successful practices. Presentations which we all thought was a great recall very fond memories of our included: STEM, integrated learning, achievement. first years at Bennies but never student voice and choice, innovative use of fonder than being the first class technology, service learning, embedding For swimming training we used to go through Mount St Benedict social justice in school culture, creating a classmate’s back yard pool College as ‘The Pioneers’. We made a space for meaning making, innovative after school. It was about three lifelong friends and had instilled in approaches to particular subject areas, strokes long which made for lots us the special values and standards using Teaching for Understanding as of practice of turns. For athletic we still hold dear today. a Learning Framework and the role of training we had to walk down Hull formation in the development of student Rd for about 20 mins to the oval to Cathy Ferndale (nee Woods) engagement. practice for 20 mins and then walk First College Captain of Mount St back (we had no bus). Benedict College
November 2016 Bennies Buzz | 11 The MSB Jubilee Identity Artist Statement – Jubilee Logo Inspirations
It is a privilege to be a part of the carrying the branch has traditionally of the flame also evokes the image Bennies community and to have been associated with the story of Noah, of the phoenix, a mythical bird that been invited to design the logo in as well as God’s promise of hope and symbolises death and rebirth. celebration of its Jubilee celebrations. salvation for responsible stewards of These imageries give voice to the Bennies is not just a school to many the earth. College’s 50 years history of nurturing of us; it is a place where we first met This Jubilee logo draws on the rich and educating young women. When our treasured friends, were inspired by history of these symbols to highlight you take it all together, it is not hard mentors and discovered the visions we the Benedictine values and vision of the to see what a special place Bennies is have for our futures. This Jubilee logo College. The dove symbolises peace. and will continue to be in the hearts of attempts to incorporate these ideas The flickering flame symbolises the the young women it nurtured – past, to what make Bennies such a special Holy Spirit that calls us to be generous present and future. place for its students, alumni and staff to those in need. The springy branch – past and present. Irene Mok, Class of 2009 of gum nuts symbolises the College’s The triangular composition of the commitment to conservation of the Jubilee logo harks back to the symbol rare blue gum forest and serves as of the Father, the Son and the Holy a key reminder to the principles of Spirit of the Catholic faith. The dove stewardship. The dove emerging out
LEFT: This design recognises our indigenous heritage through the use of the image of the rainbow Jubilee serpent. This image is overlayed with motifs which capture aspects of our environment such as the leaves and gum nuts of our Blue Gum High Forest and the Artwork droplets of water representing our During the Jubilee year it has been fitting Courtyard of Peace. These images to reflect on the identity and traditions of transition throughout the design to the College. An important legacy of the introduce the traditional Christian celebrations has been the development symbols of the fish, the cross, the dove and the flame. of Jubilee banners which were on display in St Mary’s Cathedral for the first time CENTRE: This design echoes the during the Jubilee Eucharist. stained glass window effect from our College Chapel and blends this The banners were designed using with themes from our Blue Gum original artwork from a group of students High Forest and our Courtyard of Peace. As these images rise who undertook a Jubilee artwork project through the banner they are under the guidance of then MSB Visual gradually transformed into images Arts Teacher, Ms Therese O’Kane. of the Holy Spirit culminating in the symbol of Eucharist layered The designs draw on distinctive across the image of the globe features of our College campus such as in elevated hands cupped in the the Blue Gum forest, the Courtyard of shape of a bowl. Peace and the stained glass windows RIGHT: This banner design draws of our Chapel. These features are then strongly on motifs of our natural blended with the characteristic symbols environment with the gum nuts of our Christian faith such as the dove and leaves of our Blue Gum High Forest. The gum nut images and flame symbols for the Holy Spirit transition with an increasingly together with the cross and symbols of distinctive Sign of the Cross which Eucharist. moves to face outwards to convey the symbol of Eucharist layered across the image of the globe.
12 | Bennies Buzz Summer 2016 Sister Mary Roche SGS and current Mount St Benedict College students Kelly-Ann D’Sylva and Sarah-Jane Eades Vale Sister Mary Roche Deputy Principal, Mount St Benedict College 1966-1973 Principal, Mount St Benedict College 1974-1979
Sister Mary (Hyacinth) Roche, second Mass. A number of ‘Bennies’ ex-students from Principal of Mount St Benedict College those early years also travelled to Brisbane to passed away on Friday 8 July 2016 in her 90th attend the funeral. year of age and 69th year of Religious Life. “It was a very moving occasion and one on Sister Mary (known as Sister Hyacinth in her which we could give thanks for the wonderful years at Mount St Benedict) holds a special life of Sister Mary, who made the huge effort place in College history as the original deputy to be present at our Jubilee Mass in Sydney in principal when the College first began. Her June,” said College Principal, Maria Pearson. memories of the first years of the College “It was clear from the many stories told have formed an important part of the of her that she was a strong leader with a College’s first history book ‘The Early Years’ compassionate heart, and that she left a launched in 2016, its Jubilee year. lasting impression on the students she taught. The College community was fortunate to Many have spoken of her outstanding skills welcome Sister Mary to its Jubilee Eucharist Sister Mary pictured with as a Maths teacher and the ways in which she at St Mary’s Cathedral on 19 June 2016. current College Principal, inspired them into their careers.” Maria Pearson at the College’s Many former and current students and staff Jubilee Eucharist. “Some of the sisters who lived with Sister able were able to reconnect or meet with one Mary told me of her great affection for of our ‘pioneer’ principals for the first time. Mount St Benedict and how much she had concentrated her Current College Principal, Maria Pearson accompanied by energies and efforts on being able to attend the Jubilee Mass. College Captains and Vice-Captains, Jessica Pereira, Jessica When her doctor said “Go for it” she was delighted and then Corcoran and Ashleigh McDonald represented the College at successfully travelled to and from Sydney. I told her on the Sister Mary’s funeral in Brisbane. Our students joined with day of the Jubilee Mass, when she congratulated me on the students from fellow Good Samaritan Education school, Lourdes way the College has developed, that the College was built Hill College to escort the coffin into the church and likewise to on the efforts of the pioneers such as herself. We are indeed accompany the coffin from the church at the end of the Requiem privileged to enjoy the legacy of her fine work.”
Summer 2016 Bennies Buzz | 13 Graduation Dinner
Class of 2016 College Guard of Honour
Mrs Maria Pearson, College Principal noted in her Graduation Assembly. As well as a range of academic prizes for individual Dinner Address, “As you look back over those years there subjects, the major award winners were: are memories of so many things shared – lessons, camps, • The Mount St Benedict Award - Academic Excellence – reflection days, sporting teams, prayer and liturgies, retreats, Isabella Croker and Nicole Zeaiter social justice events and many more. In your final week we have had the opportunity to hear some of your recollections • Best All Rounder – Jessica Pereira and it has been inspiring to hear you express your gratitude • Young Christian Leader – Jessica Corcoran for many of the opportunities you have enjoyed.” • Pierre de Coubertin Sports Award – Kirsten Simpson Academic Assembly Over two hundred parents and family members joined Year • All Round Excellence – Michaela Ashurst, Bethany Carr, 12 and the College community for the Year 12 Academic Isabella Croker, Gillian Diekman, Erin Frost, Samantha Hardman, Binh An Ly, Amy Maher, Teyah Miller, Brianna Taylor, Nicole Zeaiter • Principal’s Award Winners – Emily Boffa, Isabella Croker, Gillian Diekman, Sarah-Jane Eades, Kiarah Fisher, Jessica Griffith, Caitlin Harris, Brittany Haskins, Sarah Hogan, Madison Nicholson, Emma Smith, Kate Smith, Rachel Takchi, Brianna Taylor, Olivia Taylor, Natalie Thomas, Jessica Pereira Georgina van Yzendoorn Jessica Corcoran
Nicole Zeaiter and Isabella Croker
14 | Bennies Buzz Summer 2016 Favourite Memories Connect Night of Leaving School Parents of the Class of 2016
“The air of excitement – excited to be leaving school, starting on new paths, but also the overwhelming feeling of change.” “Smiles for the anticipation and excitement of what was ahead for me but I do strongly remember the tears as well. Tears of sadness as I did not want to say House and Homeroom goodbye to my friends – my friends that meant the world to me who shared all my highs and lows as well as the teachers with whom we had become close Farewells to. They had been our lifeline during the HSC years and without us knowing, helped prepare us for the big world we were about to enter.” “…also grateful that we have kept the friendships. They are the dearest and longest friends I have for the last 35 years. It is a wonderful blessing to have each other and I know you will also have your friends for life!”
Graduation Mass Legacy Project
The Class of 2016 made a valuable Kinder School in Bacolod, Philippines, contribution to Mission in the College’s runs a Scholarship Program whereby Jubilee Year, enriching the College as a fifty Australian dollars can fully fund community of faith. This commitment one child to complete elementary and to service continued to the very end secondary schooling. with a parting gesture of a legacy fund This small figure covers tuition set up by the Class of 2016 to support and school supplies, and will the further education of students of greatly assist children in breaking the Good Samaritan Bacolod Kinder the cycle of poverty which is rife School in the Philippines. in such developing countries. It is 2016 College Captain, Jessica Pereira with great pleasure that I announce Graduation Dinner announced the Year 12 initiative in that the Class of 2016 has currently her Captain’s Address at the Year 12 contributed $2000 to the Bacolod Academic Assembly. scholarship program equating to approximately 40 students’ uniform “This year, the graduating class has and school supplies for a year. This chosen to support an initiative which sort of service is how I will remember aligns with our Good Samaritan the Class of 2016, as girls who are heritage and the parable’s teaching, full of kindness and are always “Go and Do Likewise”. One of our thinking of their neighbour. “ partner schools, The Good Samaritan
Summer 2016 Bennies Buzz | 15 One to Make a Difference, Together Make a Change Young Australians of the Year inspire at MSB Social Justice Forum
2016 Young Australians of the Year, Nicholas Marchesi and Lucas Patchett from Orange Sky Laundry inspired attendees at the College’s Social Justice Forum in June. The College held its 17th annual Social Justice Forum as part of their ‘One World Week’ celebrations as a joint initiative between the Social Justice and Environment student portfolios. The theme: ‘One to Make a Difference, Together Make a Change’ was aimed at raising awareness and educating MSB students, staff and the wider community about the many social justice issues our world is facing and encouraging collective action in addressing them. This social justice event attracted 500 Community organisations shared their work with student attendees students from over 20 schools across NSW as well as over 20 community organisations who shared their work on a range of issues. These included organisations working in disability care, refugee and asylum seekers, women’s shelters, fair trade and ethical fashion, environmental sustainability, homelessness, poverty and gender inequality. A highlight of the evening was the ‘Action Think Tank’ that provided an opportunity for students from different schools to share social justice initiatives Young Australians of the Year Lucas MSB was pleased to welcome fellow Good that are working well in their schools. Patchett and Nic Marchesi (pictured top Samaritan schools including Stella Maris, The College was blessed to have right) with MSB teachers David Greenwell, Manly who have worked closely together Christina He and 2016 Social Justice on outreach with the Good Sam Kinder Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett Captains Brianna Taylor, Raelene Corpuz School in the Philippines from Orange Sky Laundry, 2016 and Environment Captain – Madison Young Australians of the Year, as Nicholson keynote presenters for the evening. so much passion to create change Their stories of humble beginnings emphasised that human connection across so many areas of social justice,” and a desire to make a difference in and relationships with one another are said College Chaplain, Christina He. the world inspired all that were in important in addressing some of attendance. Although their primary world’s problems. “Despite living in a world that seems service is to offer free mobile laundry to be faced by constant conflict, Staff and students left the event feeling to the homeless, they spoke of intolerance and uncertainty, it is inspired and passionate to achieve the significance and value of the promising to know that our students more equality in the world. six orange chairs they set up as a of this generation are determined to means of connecting the homeless “There was a lot of positivity and make a difference and work together to with the community. Nic and Lucas enthusiasm in the room and it is create a change!” exciting to know that young people have
16 | Bennies Buzz Summer 2016 StressLESS MSB are Future Problem Solving World Champions
The College is thrilled to announce that their Year 10 Community Problem Solvers and Senior Scenario Performer are World Champions!
Three thousand high school students middle division, health concerns and personalise. On Open Day, we presented representing thirteen countries human services. to current students and visitors to competed at the International Future promote resources and coping strategies. StressLESS members Emily and Anna Problem Solving Competition held at Our outreach into the wider community reflected on their team’s achievements, Michigan State University in the USA. became a major part of the project, as “Our project started in 2015 and In what is fast becoming a College we created displays for Hornsby and developed to have a focus on educating tradition, the girls achieved a third and Pennant Hills Community Libraries.” and empowering the school community fourth world title, made all the more to independently manage healthy “A StressLESS afternoon was held to special in the College’s Jubilee year. levels of stress. We ran activities for enjoy games, pizza and Pixar’s ‘Inside Arabella Young carried the Australian our school-wide Mental Health Week, Out’ as a relaxing end to the school flag at the opening ceremony, an with yoga, mindfulness colouring and week. Leading up to Internationals we honour bestowed on MSB. Her stress ball making. We visited Samuel were invited to discuss our project on a futuristic scenario performance on Gilbert Primary School in Castle Hill to local radio programme ‘Stay in the Loop futures energy ranked first in the focus on the myths surrounding stress with Lucy.’ We will also be the focus of senior division. in high school and ways to prepare for another article to be published in the transitioning from primary to secondary. young adult magazine ‘Spine Out’”. The Year 10 Community Problem We distributed our own resources Solving team (Natalya Denaro, Many thanks go to Mrs Gail Davey including infographic posters, wallet Annabel Fisher, Caitlin Kelly, Jessica and Mrs Elizabeth Dirckze for their cards, brochures, bookmarks, our own Kotzander, Alex Maher, Emily James, outstanding coaching and to Dr Miriam website and our social media accounts Gillet for also accompanying the Anna Macoustra, Nicole Sandow, including Instagram and Spotify. students on the international tour. Eshaa Sood and Coach Mrs Gail Davey) with their project StressLESS were “Our study tips and two week planner is Fifty students and their dedicated hot favourites having won the national now a part of the College Assessment coaches are currently preparing for the competition in 2015. The girls were Notification. These were also added national competition that will be held in announced as World Champions of to the Bennies App for students to Victoria in late 2016.
Future Problem Solving (FPS) is a program designed for gifted and talented students to encourage creative higher order thinking, reasoning and problem solving. The FPS program was established at MSB in 2006 and has grown steadily each year. Since then the College has successfully achieved in the top 10%, to be invited to participate at The girls proudly display their first place each national competition and has now trophies at Michigan State University secured four world championship titles. nd this is w 7 a hat ar I l Ye ik n e i to d m o a . . Martial Arts I Netball .
Horse Riding Church Languages
NRL Acrobatics Swimming
Drama Girl Guides
Music Sewing Ice Skating Choir
Dance
Tennis
18 | Bennies Buzz Summer 2016 and this is wh 7 at I @ MSB ear l STEM Y ik Year 8 engage and innovate in our STEM Challenge Days n e i to Year 8 students have energetically and Day 1 (Term One) – from a sheet of d enthusiastically involved themselves cardboard, build a chair that can bear m in a variety of collaborative learning the weight of a person. No glue or a o experiences through the College’s tape, loads of creative and innovative . STEM Challenge Days. Designed design ideas. . for our students to be able to work I . Day 2 (Term Two) – design and build and learn in an integrated manner, a robotic arm that simulates remote these days have brought together operations being performed across concepts integral to the teaching and the globe by robotic surgeons. learning of Science, Technology and Mathematics through the prism of a Day 3 (Term Three) – three different series of engineering challenges aimed to elicit high-order challenges about the scientific understanding of energy and thinking and genuine collaboration. forces with the mathematical analysis of speed. The overall response from students and others involved has Day 4 (Term Four) – All details under wraps at the stage. But been extremely positive. as always in STEM, nothing is ever the same!
Year 8 engage with STEM through STEM Club
It has been a year of discovery, creativity the College’s classrooms. STEM Club and fun in STEM Club. Interest in this ventured for a night tour of the Sydney co-curricular activity was overwhelming Observatory to investigate astronomical – 38 students participated after school concepts and get a closer look at Mars every fortnight through Terms Two and other celestial bodies. The girls also and Three. With an appreciation for conducted a series of video conferences not only the design process but the with the Powerhouse Museum learning integrated nature of being able to solve how to program, navigate and drive Mars engineering problems successfully, the Rovers on a virtual Martian surface. girls were generous with their time and Some of the STEM Club members also open to the possibility of new ways of participated in the national programs of approaching problems. the ‘Day of STEM’ and the ‘Computational Teams designed and built prototypes Thinking Challenge’. There were also of laptop shelves being considered times for reflection and evaluation which to replace those currently in use in are critical for good learning experiences.
Year 8 engage with STEM and the broader Bennies community
An integral part of STEM@Bennies is the importance of involving our wider community in the learning experiences of our students and the genuine links we make to life in the real-world. We thank the many MSB teachers from across the faculties of Science, TAS and Mathematics, as well as Parent Mentors currently involved in STEM-related fields, visiting teachers from schools within and outside the Sydney area, ex-students and student teachers. Sharing ideas with people outside the classroom who share a common passion for integrated learning and the value of STEM skills is vital for the upcoming generations of students who will become our future innovators and leaders.
Summer 2016 Bennies Buzz | 19 Students Lead MSB App Development A group of Year 9 girls from Mount St Benedict College have led the development of a College mobile app. With features including bus arrival notifications, canteen specials, daily notices and the College newsletter, the girls’ ambitious project has been an important foundation in building their leadership skills. The inspiration for the app came while the girls were participating in the College’s inaugural Year 9 program ‘Leadership without a Badge’ in 2015. During the Year 9 Camp and then over subsequent Pastoral Care sessions, students were challenged to make a difference within the College community, identifying a need and how they could initiate and develop a change. The ‘Year 9 App Group’ focused on the well-being of new Year 7 students and any issues or concerns about starting at the College. Whilst brainstorming ideas that might make them feel more supported in their new environment, they identified missing a school bus as a stressful situation and focused on how they could alleviate this. Using the program frameworks, the girls embarked on an extensive consultation process including presenting to their house group and their year group. At each stage the girls had to refine their brief based on the feedback received including additions for the app. The girls were also encouraged to seek advice, support and approval from professionals within the College. The College’s Head of ICT was a key mentor for the girls, involving them in briefing the developers as well as the pilot and subsequent launch of the app. The girls ran the app development as a mini project, all taking specific roles and following a basic project methodology. For most, it was the first time they had worked in this way. Being introduced to terminology such as ‘business requirements’ and ‘change management’ were new concepts for the girls, but seeing the project through to the end demonstrated to them the power and importance of good planning and teamwork. further stages planned with personalised content e.g. When asked about their key learning points on the project, individual student timetables. two of the student leaders on the ‘Year 9 App Group’ said they One of the most popular functions of the app has been the were grateful to have built up their teamwork and project ability for bus departure notifications. Students have the planning skills and could see the importance of having a ability to select which bus they wish to be notified about. reliable team in place. When that bus arrives at the College at the end of the school The girls are pleased that their work on the app has been day, the app will notify the girls that it is ready to board. of benefit to the College community and are excited about To date there has been a positive response to the app with over 500 students and staff downloading the app since the start of the school year.
20 | Bennies Buzz Summer 2016 From left: Diana Kazakov, Annabel Anderson and Olivia Kobal Student Leadership 2017 College Captains 2016 and 2017 College Leaders pictured with embarking on the next 50 years College Principal, Maria Pearson
College Captain, Annabel Anderson; Vice-Captain Portfolios, the whole school community steps forward together into Olivia Kobal and Vice-Captain Spirit, Diana Kazakov are the years beyond Jubilee, we are able to make history”, said looking forward to kick-starting the College’s next chapter in College Captain, Annabel. history after a successful Jubilee year in 2016. All three College leaders admired the collaboration and To set the tone moving into their final year, the 2017 student creativity of the 2016 Leadership Team, in particular the leaders gathered for a two day Captain’s Retreat, working way that they encouraged the community to reflect on and together to look at the big picture and reflecting on the place celebrate the College’s diverse history. of Benedictine values as the basis of authentic leadership. In their year of leadership, The Class of 2017 aim to The Retreat culminated in finalising their theme for the strengthen the sense of community at Bennies and College to work towards in 2017 – ‘One small step for me, one encourage their fellow students to develop friendships giant leap for MSB’. across year groups and have greater involvement in co- curricular activities. “The main message of our theme is the idea of unity. When we take individual action we can make change, however when
Summer 2016 Bennies Buzz | 21 FourCurrent young women transformingStudent the future News
2016 College Captain, Jessica Pereira, runner up in Zonta Young Women in Public Affairs Award
Congratulations to Jessica Pereira (2016 College Captain), runner up in the 25th Zonta Young Women in Public Affairs Award. Jessica was nominated for her leadership in the College and involvement in community projects and was one of fourteen finalists who attended the awards dinner in June. Jessica presented a speech on the and that one in two mothers have mentorship, it is evident that these women evening addressing advancing the experienced workplace discrimination can be empowered and self-sufficient, thus status of women, an excerpt of her – just a few examples of how the status advancing the status of women through speech is below: of women is compromised in a variety of personal development. Additionally, as social settings. The status of women in a national and a leader of my College community; I aim global context, is one which is lagging I believe it is extremely important to to advocate for the rights and potential of when compared to our male counterparts. develop the confidence and esteem of women, through my service and the slogan However, this is not due to a lack of ability all females; particularly those in the “Make the woman, Make the world”. This or ambition; but rather by a society which community who need support the most. phrase embodies the idea that by nurturing accepts inequality as a traditional norm. My work with Josephite Community Aid the strengths of individuals, women can Appalling 2015 ABS statistics show that supports this notion through the tutoring of follow their passions and transform the full time gender pay gap is 17.3%, newly established refugees; teaching young future of our society with confidence and that on average one woman is killed every children, predominantly girls, practical assertiveness; thus advancing the status of week from a domestic violence incident, skills such as reading and writing. Through women as a whole.
Healthy balance between study and play
2016 College Vice-Captain, Jessica It is so important to maintain a healthy Corcoran achieved a childhood goal this balance between study and co-curricular year while managing her HSC studies. activities, high school becomes so much She shares her achievement and an more enjoyable when you have a passion important message about balance. to pursue in your life separate from study. For me that is sport and to finally see my Getting involved with representative dream turn into a reality this year, made sport has been one of many highlights me realise just how important it is to over my time at Bennies. Not only do never give up and to just keep trying and you get to know girls in other grades getting involved. who share similar sporting passions, but representative sport also allows you to This year I conducted a study for set and achieve goals. Community and Family Studies on whether physical activity improves the Ever since I was eight it has always mental health of students, and results been a dream of mine to represent CCC have proved that girls who are involved in at State level for cross country and sport tend to perform better academically since I am in Year 12 and this year was as sport reduces stress. my last chance, I wasn’t going to let my school work stop me from achieving Bennies has so many wonderful this goal. sporting opportunities and I encourage everyone to give something a go, it doesn’t have to be competitive, it is just great to have fun with your friends and clear your mind.
22 | Bennies Buzz Summer 2016 Elizabeth receives highly commended at the Dame Marie Bashir Peace Awards
Sylvia with College
Bear ‘Francesca’
Sylvia pictured with St Agatha’s Parish Priest, Father Paul Durkin
Sylvia’s World Youth Elizabeth pictured with Dame Marie Bashir and Jackie Duncan, MSB Assistant Day Pilgrimage to Principal-Dean of Students Kraków, Poland It was a proud moment for Mount Elizabeth confidently addressed Year 11 student, Sylvia Burgess-Tate St Benedict College when Year the awards ceremony on the United travelled as part of the Broken Bay 11 student Elizabeth Khoury was Nations International Day of Peace. Diocese pilgrimage to World Youth Day presented with a highly commended An excerpt of her speech is below: (WYD) in Kraków, Poland. The pilgrimage award at the Dame Marie Bashir Social justice is, as I see it, a deeply began in Italy and Sylvia was thrilled to Peace Awards. The Awards are open personal issue that connects every visit the Benedictine Basilica of St Paul, to girls in NSW (Years 10-12) who have individual to a communal conscience. reporting that hidden at the back of the made a significant contribution and ….My personal social justice adventure church was a large statue of St Benedict, displayed leadership in the areas of began with becoming a member of and another one in a small chapel. harmony or social justice. There were the AGSA Student Network Alliance, only twelve recipients in the state. Along for the ride with Sylvia was a group which encourages young the College’s Jubilee bear who was Elizabeth was nominated by the women to challenge a woman’s place renamed for the trip ‘Francesca’ in College as a worthy candidate because in the world and explore our passions honour of Pope Francis! of her great energy and commitment concerning the rights of women. in social justice and promoting Bringing the work of the Alliance back 230 pilgrims from the Diocese of Broken harmony within the community. A to the College was something I was so Bay gathered together in Krakow for strong advocate for women’s rights, proud of; I was bringing back deeply the official WYD events including daily Elizabeth was key in producing a video entrenched issues that could affect the catechesis and the Opening Mass. Sylvia about domestic violence to educate future of the amazing young women reported that her group decided to leave others on this issue. She has educated around me and I wanted them to be the Papal Welcome early to avoid the both the College community through educated and proactive. crowds, and to their surprise, the Pope facilitating smaller groups within the drove past, only about 5m away! After establishing a College based College as well as addressing the team of girls who have discovered The group’s travel to the WYD vigil site whole community at assemblies. their own interest we began to take was a pilgrimage in itself, a 17 km walk Elizabeth is also passionate and on bigger projects reaching further in the scorching heat with 1.7 million involved in other social justice issues. into the community. From our viral ‘1 fellow pilgrims. Sylvia described the She has been involved in working Minute’ domestic violence video to radio sea of a million candles glowing and with refugee families through a interviews, our work has spread further stretching out as far as the eye could variety of programs as well as taking and further. My deepest passions lie see, as one of her favourite moments of opportunities to be involved in Vinnies with the advocacy of women’s rights the whole pilgrimage. Van. A strong and confident voice and promoting equality. Some of my “I have made lifelong friends, visited within the College community she is greatest experiences at school have places that I will never forget and known for her strength of character come from my work within this area experienced God in an amazing way,” and passion for promoting harmony and has allowed me to grow personally said Sylvia. and justice for all. and professionally.
Summer 2016 Bennies Buzz | 23 Footsteps of Benedict
A Pilgrimage to Remember
The concept of pilgrimage is very important within the Catholic faith. Mount St Benedict College is proud to offer a pilgrimage opportunity to interested students and staff every three years titled ‘The Footsteps of Benedict Tour’.
Over the Christmas break a group of 34 students and staff Many of the girls cite this pilgrimage as the highlight of their commenced the College’s Jubilee year with a Benedictine tour time at the College, here are some of their reflections: in the Footsteps of Benedict. Prior to the trip the group had met Munich, Germany a number of times to learn about a pilgrimage, about Benedict, Sister Katerina gave us a tour of the Benedictine monastery at the Benedictine way and about each other. They visited a Tutzing and showed us the history of the place and in particluar, number of monasteries after which the College Houses are the New Norcia girls on the trip were able to see the connection named, and many places where St Benedict spent his early life of our House and House partner, Bacolod, to the bigger and began his monastic way of life and writing of The Rule. This Benedictine story. Sr Katerina shared her personal experience was a wonderful opportunity for both students and staff to gain of becoming a nun and we were privileged enough to be able to a deeper knowledge of the traditions which underpin all that we share the evening Vesper prayer and Eucharist with the Sisters do at Mount St Benedict College. where we were invited to sing our College song as the offertory hymn. …We then spent an enjoyable night at the Hofbrahaus for dinner where we were able to share stories and have a mini reunion with the students on the MSB German Exchange Trip. Domnique (Year 11)
Rome, Italy Today we visited Norcia, the town where Benedict and his sister Scholastica were born. We went inside the church and the site where Benedict was born. It was very special to visit a place that has an important and meaningful connection to our school. Alana (Year 9) Happy travel companions We participated in midday prayer with the ‘Juba’ Jubilee Bear was monks of Norcia and enjoyed the hospitality of well taken care of! the Benedictine nuns for lunch. Very spoilt! Christina He, MSB Chaplain
24 | Bennies Buzz Summer 2016 We were able to see the Jubilee doors of St Peter’s in Vatican City. Barcelona, Spain The symbol of the door is a strong one in the Church celebration Montserrat has significant importance to us, as it is a of Jubilee - the door provides a threshold, a place of transition Benedictine Monastery which the school has a very close from one place to the next, a way of moving in to new arenas. connection with. During our visit here, we were given a Maria Pearson, College Principal tour of the monastery and the school which is an all-boys choir school run by Fr Sergi, a Benedictine Monk who is the Off to the Papal mass without tickets. Armed with a letter principal of the school….Montserrat is one of our eight school from the Bishop, an email for the Australian Ambassador Houses and we all agree that Montserrat has been one of the and his advice not to take no for an answer, I walked to the highlights of our trip so far. Bronze Door of the Vatican. I approached the Swiss Guard Rachelle (Year 9) and confidently asked for our tickets, only to be told there were no tickets for MSB. After some pleading and presenting Bath, England my correspondence, a policeman escorted me to the barrier We travelled out into the countryside to visit the Abbey of to collect our group and allow us entrance to St Peter’s! Downside, the monastery of Bede Polding the founder of the Guy Fitzsimmons, College Business Manager and Tour Leader Sisters of the Good Samaritan. Their archives had prepared for us a small exhibition of memorabilia connected with Bede During our travels to Monte Cassino, we visited Benedict’s Polding and the Sisters. cell where he wrote ‘The Rule of Benedict’ and where he died. We learnt about the history of Monte Cassino and how it had We were also honoured to visit the sisters of Stanbrook been destroyed three times and rebuilt and miraculously, Abbey where the vibe of sustainability within the Rule is lived the remains of Benedict and his sister Scholastica were to the full. The Sisters’ new abbey has won multiple awards unharmed throughout the wars. Once we arrived at Subiaco, for its design. we were greeted with an overwhelming view of the stunning Tim Tams were given as gifts to all our hosts along the way – countryside and surrounding mountains. This section of we were very popular! the trip was very significant as we were able to go into the Guy Fitzsimmons, College Business Manager and monastery and reflect on Benedict’s life. Tour Leader Abbey and Ashleigh (Year 11)
Summer 2016 Bennies Buzz | 25 Language Exchange More than just an international adventure
Girls studying languages at Mount St Benedict College have access to rich learning opportunities. The Australian / German exchange between Mount St Benedict College and partner school, Elly-Heuss-Knapp Gymnasium is now in its tenth year.
It was an exciting finish to the school year of 2015, as twenty staying with their Australian partners. The MSB Languages Mount St Benedict College students from Years 9 to 11 spent Faculty had organised an educational program to enable a month at partner school – Elly-Heuss-Knapp Gymnasium the girls to learn more about Australian culture and history. in Stuttgart, Germany. The girls were hosted by German They particularly enjoyed an excursion to the Muru Mittagar students and their families and were able to immerse Cultural Centre, where they learned about Aboriginal culture themselves in the German culture and way of life. As part and tried boomerang throwing. Other highlights included a of this experience the MSB girls attended lessons with their tour of the Opera House and visits to Taronga partners and helped in Years 5 and 6 English Zoo and Watson’s Bay. The boys from the classes. The partner school had also organised German school were hosted by Shore School, an informative and entertaining program of and there were some combined excursions such events and excursions with highlights including as a bowling evening. a performance by the Stuttgart Ballet, a While at school, the German girls chocolate making workshop at the Ritter Sport accompanied their partners to a variety of chocolate factory, as well as a tour to the lessons, and helped younger MSB students medieval town of Rothenburg. practise their conversations skills in German. The German families were very welcoming and They were also involved in workshops on the girls settled in quickly. Being an exchange intercultural communication, discussing a student allowed the girls to improve their range of themes with Year 11 Society German speaking and listening skills. In addition and Culture. to this they were able to experience many The German exchange has now been running customs and traditions first-hand – such as for ten years, and the ties between Mount St traditional regional dishes and celebrations Benedict College and the partner school, Elly- leading up to Christmas, including the Heuss-Knapp Gymnasium have become strong. Christmas markets. Many girls were Both schools greatly value the partnership and fortunate to travel with their host families the wonderful opportunities it offers students to other areas of Germany, Switzerland or to experience a different way of life and to Austria, and some were even able to try skiing. work on their language skills. Many strong In return, the German girls, accompanied by friendships and links between families have their teachers – spent the month of Term Three been forged during these visits.
26 | Bennies Buzz Summer 2016 Bringing Language Studies to Life MSB Japanese Study Tour
During the September / October term break a group of twenty 1 four students studying Japanese (Years 9-11) and three staff departed on a languages study tour of Japan. As well as the cultural and language immersion aspects, this tour formed a significant part of Mount St Benedict’s (MSB) Jubilee year and provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the College’s longstanding relationships in Japan. After World War II, a small group of Good Samaritan Sisters travelled to Japan to assist in areas which had been devastated by the atomic bombs and there have been Sisters there ever since. The College also has a long-standing relationship with the 2 1. Calligraphy Seiwa School in Sasebo, who visit MSB each year. at Seiwa The MSB Japanese Study Tour were honoured to visit the Good 2. Cherry Blossom Samaritan Sisters in Nara, the Cherry Blossom Kindergarten, as Kindergaten visit well as Seiwa, in addition to many of the important cultural and in Sasebo historical sites of Japan. 3. Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) Two of the students reflected on their time in Japan: 4. Japanese Tea The 2016 Japanese Study Tour was a fantastic experience for Ceremony at Seiwa all of the students and teachers who attended. Throughout the jam-packed two weeks of travelling, we had the opportunity to 3 4 visit multiple sacred sites and tourist attractions, such as the Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Deer Park in Nara, spend time with the Sisters at the Good Samaritan Convent, as well as the children at the Kinder School in Sasebo. We experienced Japanese culture first-hand through our homestay with our host sisters from Seiwa Girls High School. The homestays allowed all girls to not only practice Japanese with their host families, but to also make friendships with girls that will last a lifetime. At the homestay, girls were taken to shopping along Harajuku, and visited the Tokyo Edo Museum where classic sights in Sasebo including the aquarium, a German- it was an eye-opening experience to see what Japan used to be like. theme park: Huis Ten Bosche, a ferry ride, and even a visit into the neighbouring city of Nagasaki. Overall, the trip was an absolute blast and the memories made throughout the trip will always be remembered. To top the trip off, the girls spent an entire day at Tokyo Disneyland. The last day, everyone got a chance to do some last minute Sara-Jane Arns and Hannah Chadwick (Year 11)
Summer 2016 Bennies Buzz | 27 Hildegard Centre for Creative and Performing Arts The next stage of the College Master Plan has been approved and building of a state-of-the-art creative and performing arts centre is now underway and will be opened in early 2018.
With a modern design aesthetic, students will have access to high quality learning and performing spaces with industry standard technology. The environmentally sustainable building design allows for ample natural light, with large banks of windows and an outdoor courtyard facing out onto the College’s blue gum forest. Students will have stunning nature views as they access the building roof to paint in the outdoors. “This development promises to be an exciting and long-awaited addition to College facilities, engaging our students in developing the skills they need to make their way into the future,” said College The Hildegard Centre for Creative and Performing Arts will feature: Principal, Maria Pearson. • a performing arts space with • 6 peripatetic rooms “Over the past two years, members of the full stage production facilities College Board, the Finance Committee • a drama studio and retractable seating for and the Building Committee have been 220 people • a dance studio working with our builders Paynter Dixon in developing plans for the Hildegard Centre • 2 music classrooms • 3 art studios for Creative and Performing Arts and I thank them for their efforts.” The College community has chosen to name this new facility after the Benedictine Abbess Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179) who lived in the region of Bavaria. She was an extraordinarily creative, visionary and passionate woman of faith who is now recognised as one of the giants of Christian history. She is recognised for her spiritual visions, her poetry, her art (illuminations), her hymns and meditations, alongside her significant scientific prowess and political activism. Her capacity to integrate the fields of art, science and religion are beyond compare in her era and her environmental concern shows an understanding of the fragile ecology which was far ahead of her times. Monsignor John Boyle, together with College Principal, Maria Pearson; College Captain, Jessica Pereira; Peter Watters, Head of Creative and Performing Arts and Matthew Greene, Architect, Paynter Dixon took part in a ritual of turning the soil on MSB Day to mark the beginning of the new Hildegard Centre for Creative and Performing Arts.
28 | Bennies Buzz Summer 2016 Jasmine presents Sister Leonie with the laptop. Pictured also are Year 11 students Vanessa, Amelia and Eva who attended the Good Samaritan Education immersion trip to the Philippines in September.
Jasmine’s “very big heart for the poor” Thanks to the efforts of a Year 8 student So Jasmine got to work to find out from Mount St Benedict College in how a laptop (and others later) could Sydney, the Good Samaritan Kinder be sourced from within the Mount St School, which supports children from one Benedict College community. of the poorest areas of the Philippines, Earlier in the year while Leonie was in now has a new computer – and it’s very Australia, Jasmine had the opportunity to likely that a few more may follow. present a new laptop to her personally. Thirteen-year-old Jasmine Rheinberger “It was a lovely surprise,” said Leonie. first heard about the Good Samaritan Kinder School in Bacolod City during a “I’m just so happy that we received this school assembly last year, when senior laptop, an additional one that we can students were sharing their experience use at the Kinder School.” of helping out at the school as part of an Jasmine presents her Leonie is very grateful to Jasmine and immersion program in the Philippines. 'MyBennies' project to her class Mount St Benedict College for this Afterwards, Jasmine “started researching new school resource. [the Kinder School] out of interest, and “It means so much for us… It’s a very big thing for us”, she said. I realised how much help they needed because they’re obviously from the poorest areas in the Philippines.” The gift of the laptop highlights for Leonie the importance of the relationships that have been established between the Then later in the year, Jasmine decided she would focus on Kinder School and individuals like Jasmine, and communities the Good Samaritan Kinder School as part of an integrated like Mount St Benedict College. learning program at Mount St Benedict College, known as “MYBennies”, where students are encouraged to explore a “They are really partners with us because we cannot do this topic they are passionate about. on our own here in the Philippines,” she said. After much research, she discovered, among other things, that Leonie is also struck by the fact that Jasmine, now in Year 8, the Kinder School provides about 130 children from very low- was in Year 7 when she first began her project to support the income families in Bacolod with pre-school learning experiences, Kinder School. as well as access to a health clinic and nutrition program. “I really feel that there is so much future for this young girl With the aim of raising awareness about the needs of the who is so passionate in doing something for the poor. I just children and the work of the school, Jasmine created a hope and pray for a good future for her… I feel she has a very website, “Children of the Philippines”. She hoped to mobilise big heart for the poor in choosing this project,” said Leonie. others to show their support. But Jasmine wanted to do more. For Jasmine, engaging with the Kinder School has not been “So I asked my ‘MYBennies’ teacher and she suggested a one-off project. She is keen to continue her efforts to raise donating something [to the school],” she said. awareness and organise other donations for the Kinder School. She’s also planning to visit the school in Year 11 as Wanting to ensure that any donations were what the Kinder part of her school’s immersion program in the Philippines. In School most needed, Jasmine contacted Good Samaritan fact, she’d like to visit before then. Sister Leonie Duenas, Principal of the Kinder School. “I’d go any day if I could!” she laughed. “We started emailing back and forth, and after a while, we got to the conclusion that they needed a laptop because they’ve Reprinted with permission. Originally published had theirs since 2009,” she explained. in The Good Oil, May 17, 2016.
Summer 2016 Bennies Buzz | 29 Sporting News
Swimming Broken Bay Champions
Our MSB swimming team were overall champions at the BBSSSA Swimming Championship with Georgia Platts from Year 7 named as the Under 13 BBSSSA Champion. Caitlin Walsh from Year 9 established a new NSW All Schools record in the Under 15 50m Breaststroke and gained selection into the NSW All Schools team to compete at the School Sport Australian Championships. MSB swimming coach Nathan Doyle once again prepared our girls well resulting in a MSB swim team of 14 students and more relay teams at the MSB relay teams with NSW All Schools Championships than any other school in NSW! Nathan then went onto the Rio coach Nathan Doyle Paralympics as an Australian swimming coach.
Cricket NSW CCC Representative – Kate Barry
This is the second consecutive year that Kate Barry has gained selection into the NSW CCC Open Girls Cricket team, an impressive achievement for this Year 10 student.
Capri Jessica Vidler Corcoran
Touch Our Year 9/10 Representative team qualified for the Australian Championships to be held on the Sunshine Coast over four days. The team qualified after winning the Parramatta NSW All Schools Regional tournament undefeated and finishing in the top three schools at the NSW All Schools Championships. Cross Country Individually we had two Year 10 students selected into NSW CCC Congratulations to Capri Vidler, BBSSSA Cross Country teams - Shannyn Bissett (Opens) and Julia Zubak (Under 15). Under 16 Champion and Jessica Corcoran, Under 17 BBSSSA Runner Up who progressed through to the NSW All Schools Championships. MSB won the Under 18, Under 17, Under 16 and Under 15 team events at the BBSSSA Championships.
30 | Bennies Buzz Summer 2016 Junior and Intermediate teams with their medals Netball The MSB Intermediate team were undefeated NSW CCC Champions. The core of this team have only lost two games Soccer across four years at these championships. The MSB Junior MSB had five students in the Open BBSSSA team with Alex team were NSW CCC Runners Up. Black (Year 11) then selected as the NSW CCC goal keeper.
Basketball Softball All three teams brought home medals from their BBSSSA Six MSB students represented BBSSSA at the NSW CCC championships. MSB Seniors and Intermediates won silver Championships at Milperra. It was very exciting that MSB and our Junior team finished as champions! students comprised half this team!
Athletics MSB were overall BBSSSA Champions after winning both the Intermediate and Senior Divisions. Year 9 student Amie Bowrey had a great day winning five events and breaking the Under 15 Javelin record. Fourteen MSB students qualified for the NSW CCC Championships. Elly Gallagher and Amie gained selection into the NSW All Schools Team.
Summer 2016 Bennies Buzz | 31 Lunchtime Learning for Teaching Staff In honour of the College’s Jubilee year, teaching staff at Mount St Benedict College engaged in a series of meaningful conversations around learning.
Teachers new to the profession and MSB community, as I studied teaching and haven’t looked back since and enjoy well as experienced staff gathered in important learning every minute of it.” conversations at three lunchtime events. Challenges in learning The questions over the course of the lunches provided a “We need to show we are not perfect and we need to model it” framework for deep sharing from experienced teachers on “It is one of the things we talk about in design in STEM… their lived practice of high quality teaching and learning, and we talk about there always has to be a problem. We are an opportunity for new teachers to reflect on their insights looking for design thinking, what works, what doesn’t. In and learning within and outside the classroom. a sense we are not looking for specific answers but the Below is a sample of the responses which made for engaging ability to solve problems.” and thoughtful conversation. Advice for those thinking of entering the profession Why did you become a teacher? Was there a catalyst or an “Do it because you love it!” experience(s) that brought this decision into sharper focus for you? “…have a passion and a general interest in young people… “…I knew I wanted to be around people. I love children, that’s because at the end of the day you are working with them and why I started teaching.” having an impact on who they are going to become.” “I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was 8 years old. I had “Go for it, as it is a wonderful rewarding career with huge a great aunt who was also a teacher and I used to holiday at opportunities for growth and development.” her place from time to time. I admired this woman a lot.” These occasions were well received by teachers who attended, “… I started out doing a sports science degree and I realised as is evidenced by comments such as: “It was such a great I needed less chemistry and more interaction with people so chance to sit, talk, learn and wonder about the possibilities.”
32 | Bennies Buzz Summer 2016 Beyond Bennies MSB Welcomes Back Inspiring Past Students Staff News Congratulations to:
Left to right: Molly Dover (2016 Communications Captain), Julia Calixto (Class of 2005), Stewart Duncan and his wife Emma Melanie Drayton (Class of 1993), Catherine Holliday (Class of 1994), Jessica Micallef welcomed their second child, daughter (MSBESA President) and Kate Smith (2016 Communications Captain). Morgan on 21 September 2015 weighing 3.4kgs. It was an inspiring morning as the College welcomed back three ex-students to share their career journeys at the annual Beyond Bennies Assembly. Each had a story to tell about how Mount St Benedict College influenced their career. Former College Captain, Julia Calixto (Class of 2005), Melanie Drayton (nee Simpson, Class of 1993) and Catherine Holliday (Class of 1994) entertained the MSB community with their stories, experiences and guidance from their varied careers. With a common passion for human rights and caring for others, each of the speakers are modelling Benedictine values to this very day. Melanie Drayton shared stories about her start in the legal field, working in the not-for-profit sector in roles relating to imprisoned parents and juvenile justice. She found her time working at The Yasmar Juvenile Detention Centre particularly challenging but she found that the values instilled in her, particularly from her time at Bennies, helped her care for those through the legal system who had little or no support. A nursing career led Catherine Holliday to some valuable overseas opportunities including ten years working in Switzerland with the United Nations (UN), Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, UNICEF and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation. Catherine’s work at the UN was made possible due to her German language studies at MSB! Catherine’s great passion for research blossomed with her “enquiring mind” wanting to know more about her patient’s care with cancer. Four years ago she took a leap of faith and Marion Zammit and her husband established a charity, The Centre for Community Driven Research, ensuring that welcomed a baby boy, Sebastian James feedback from patients is valued and heard in health research and development. Bodilly, born on 26 November 2015, weighing in at 4.2kg, 54 cm long! Mum, Julia Calixto, currently a journalist at SBS advised that “you need to keep your Dad and bub doing well. eyes open for opportunities, be prepared to do anything for your dream job in media”. She wasn’t discouraged by her first knock back, as persistence, patience and flexibility opened doors to her ideal role. With practical tips for Amy Scott – Bell and her husband girls keen for a start in the media industry, Julia recommended they “start welcomed into the world Lily Ann now, write a blog, write stories, do photography and this way you will know if Olsen, born 22 August 2016 weighing this is something you know you want to do.” 7.4 pounds, 50 cm long. Amy adores Each speaker drove home the message to be conscientious, listen, engage her little girl and Lily is just beautiful! and interact with others. They also emphasised that the HSC is not the end of the road, to do your best and that there are always other avenues to getting to your end goal.
Summer 2016 Bennies Buzz | 33 Ex-Student News Reflections from the Class of 1975 - 40 Year Reunion
“Thank you for organising such a lovely night... It was “I loved my time at Bennies...so much so I sent my three wonderful seeing so many happy, smiling faces still laughing daughters there! Your hard work coordinating everything is about the same things we always did. It’s hard to believe it greatly appreciated.” has been 40 years!” “I am grateful we were educated by nuns like Sister Hyacinth and Sister Christopher and teachers like Mrs Carey and Mrs McDonald, who all gave me my love of books, an appreciation for quality writing and an enjoyment of modern history.” “I thought of all the things the girls in that room have faced since some of us met at either St Agatha’s or at Bennies... we have all had our ups and downs but through it all we have had life-long friendships. We are truly blessed to have all met and are happy to continue to meet so many years on. We are a very resilient lot!”
Class of 1985 - 30 Year Reunion
With the sun setting, and the splendid Harbour Bridge as a backdrop, 24 October 2015, was an evening of excitement, emotion and renewed camaraderie for the Class of 1985. With over seventy of the cohort previously connected via a group Facebook page, more than forty were fortunate to be able to gather in person at The Deck Sydney to reconnect friendships made as teenagers or earlier. Thirty years post-graduation, we reminisced about the school, the parties, the relationships, and the music played. We chatted about the different choices we’ve made For now, many of us will keep connected via the tools of and their consequences, the good times and the bad. We technology, however we also fondly look forward to seeing ate, drank and mostly laughed through a nostalgic visit one another again face to face in the future. back to a time and place that formed a significant part of our lives. Nicole Wheeler (nee Pincini)
Class of 2005 - 10 Year Reunion
Ex-students from the Class of 2005 got together for a casual 10 year reunion at Bar 100 in the Rocks, earlier this year. Some had not seen each other since high school, while others had remained close friends since their time at school. The event was organised by Julia Calixto and Ashleigh Campbell. 30 girls were able to pop into the casual event.
34 | Bennies Buzz Summer 2016 Elizabeth King - Class of 2010
With some incredible help from my friends, family, Mount St Benedict College Ex-Students Association and other networks, I was able to undertake an internship working with the Office of the Co-Prosecutors at the United Lucy Vukovic (nee Kaan) Nations Assistance to the Khmer Rouge Class of 2007 Trials in Cambodia. My internship (March-June 2016) was a truly life- In November 2015 Lucy married changing experience. Daniel in a wedding ceremony held at Oakhill Chapel. Lucy The Khmer Rouge killed around 1.7 shared her special day with her million people in a genocidal regime close group of girlfriends from of terror in the 1970s. Interning in Bennies! Since leaving Bennies, the Prosecution team gave me some Lucy has studied Speech invaluable insight into international Thanks to the generous donations, Pathology at Sydney University and law and human rights and how we I was able to find a safe and secure a Masters of Special Education. can hold accountable those who have apartment in Phnom Penh that met UN She currently works as a speech committed unforgivable crimes. It was security standards, and I was able to therapist at an autism specific challenging and confronting work, but Skype with Ms Lentern’s Year 9 RE class school in Sydney. also immensely rewarding and it was and engage in some fascinating and wonderful to work with and learn from reflective discussions, which helped me dedicated, selfless and wholehearted stay motivated and keep perspective. people fighting for justice in a difficult Working for the UN was a dream come environment. true, and so much more than I had hoped Living and working in Cambodia it would be. I am looking forward to was as fun and interesting as it was whatever life brings next, and am forever challenging, and I was so fortunate to grateful for having such a wonderful have the ongoing support of Bennies. community to share my journey with. Nerida Shipley (nee Wood) Class of 1992 Hannah Ryan - Class of 2010 Nerida and her husband welcomed their second child, Emily Clare on Three months volunteering in rural Zambia 5 November 2015 weighing 3.64kgs and 55cms. Their eldest child, My experience teaching financial literacy James is 3 1/2. and sexual health in Zambia has begun a snowball of change in my life. Not only has it made me appreciate how profoundly lucky I am to have had a high standard of education from Mount St Benedict Collage but also the privileges I have in Australia and the UK as an independent, outspoken woman. The programme was not an easy three months. Hard work and determination for a better world, even if I was only Hayley Tanna (nee Elias) Hannah and her host sister, Costa starting in a small community, pushed Class of 2007 me through the difficult times. I will the community. My advice to every young Hayley married Nathan in April 2016, never forget my 10-year-old host sister, woman in Bennies would be to embrace at St Joseph’s, Croydon. Many of her Costa, upset one afternoon and giving change and force yourself out of your Bennies friends were in attendance. her a hug of comfort. Every day after comfort zone – you will never know what Since leaving Bennies, Hayley this she would run up to me with the you are capable of until you try. has graduated with a Bachelor of biggest smile – arms ready to jump Business with Distinction from the into my arms. I was later told that, ICS (International Citizen’s Service) University of Technology, Sydney, culturally, hugs are not common. The is an overseas volunteering completed a CPA qualification from emotional connection I made with Costa programme for 18-25 year olds, Deakin University and currently will never leave me, even though we funded by the UK Government’s works as Corporate Accounting never spoke in the same language. I Department for International Manager at Caltex Australia Limited. hope I have inspired her to continue her Development and is currently available education and be an outspoken voice in for EU passport holders.
Summer 2016 Bennies Buzz | 35 Dates for your calendar 2016 Term Dates Term 4 2016 • Presentation Day Thursday 1 December • Term 4 ends Friday 2 December
2017 Term Dates Term 1 2017 • Years 7, 11 and 12 return Tuesday 31 January • Years 8, 9 and 10 return Wednesday 1 February • College Photo Day Wednesday 1 February • Opening College Mass Friday 3 February www.frescocreative.com.au • Open Day Sunday 5 March • Parent Information Meeting for Year 7 2019 Thursday 9 March
• Term 1 ends Friday 7 April Designed by
Term 2 2017 • Term 2 commences Wednesday 26 April • College Tour Tuesday 16 May • Beyond Bennies Wednesday 17 May • Co-curricular Photos Monday 29 May • College Musical Wednesday 14,15,16 June • MSB Day & end of Term 2 Friday 23 June
Term 3 2017 • Term 3 commences Tuesday 18 July • College Tour Thursday 17 August • Term 3 ends Friday 22 September
Term 4 2017 • Term 4 commences Monday 9 October • College Tour Thursday 19 October • Presentation Day Thursday 30 November • Term 4 ends Friday 1 December is printed under ISO 14001 EMS accreditation as manufactured by Hankuk Paper. Paper is FSC Certified, Elemental Chlorine Free and Acid Free. Free. and Acid Free Chlorine Certified, Elemental is FSC Paper by Hankuk Paper. as manufactured under ISO 14001 EMS accreditation is printed
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