Bennie`s Buzz - May 2013 - Mount St Benedict College

MAY 2013
■Going Solar
MSB to install largest
self-funded school
system in Australia
■Best Ever
HSC Results
College ranks
57th in NSW
■ MSB in
the Middle
New Approaches
to Middle Years
Principal’s Message
We have much to celebrate as our community continues to grow.
The College has continued to expand in size this year as
we now have seven streams of students in Years 7 to 9.
This will continue next year and as the additional students in
Years 7 to 10 flow through into Years 11 and 12, the College
will grow to about 1050 students. To accommodate these
increasing numbers we are in the process of extending our
Hall to enable the whole community to come together for
Assemblies, Liturgies and other events. It is very important
to us that we can all gather together to share our common
heritage, to ensure that every member of the community,
from the youngest student in Year 7 to our senior students,
our staff, parents, grandparents, ex-students and friends
of the College, feel welcome and connected.
In this edition of Bennies Buzz you will find a couple of
special articles which examine our vision for learning at
Mount St Benedict. The development of learning spaces over
the years, and our work investigating the engagement of
students in the early years of high school, both form
part of the bigger picture of ensuring our young women
2 | Bennies Buzz May 2013
develop the competencies, knowledge and skills they will
need to contribute to the world of the 21st century and to
have fulfilling lives. Our HSC results at the end of 2012
certainly indicated that our girls are succeeding in their
academic studies across the board. Just as important are
the other achievements of students in areas such as sport,
community outreach and service, spiritual development
and involvement in the religious life of the College, and in
co-curricular programs such as debating, public speaking,
Future Problem Solving and many more.
We have much to celebrate and I hope you enjoy reading about
and sharing in the achievements of students and ex-students.
Maria Pearson
Principal
College to install largest self-funded solar system
in Australian school history
2013 is the Year of Stewardship at the College. There is a special
emphasis on how we can be good stewards of the environment and
protect the resources and surroundings we are so fortunate to enjoy.
A major initiative is our decision to install a solar photovoltaic
(PV) system to reduce the College’s power expenses. The contract
for the planned100 kilowatt (kW) solar system was signed in
February 2013, with construction now underway. Annually, the
system will generate an estimated 145,000 kilowatt-hours
(kWh) of power – 22% of the College’s total electricity usage
– and cut the College’s carbon footprint by approximately
155,000 tons of CO2-equivalent.
ABOVE: left to right Grant McDowell Mark Group, Mark Robson
Paynter Dixon, Maria Pearson MSB and Justine O’Neill Solar Choice.
INSET: Representatives from MSB, Mark Group, Paynter Dixon
and Solar Choice with College Captain and Vice-Captains
course of the system’s life. The system will be installed on
the roof of the College Hall and several other buildings.
The College has also maintained careful stewardship over our remnant
Sydney Blue Gum High Forest. With the assistance of funding from
the NSW government and the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment
Management Authority, the area is slowly being restored to health.
Our intentions to go solar were on the table from as far back as
2011, but a budget was not officially allocated until plans for the
project were revived in March 2012. Thanks to the rapidly falling
cost of installing a solar system and skyrocketing electricity prices,
the business case for the project has become even more compelling
since the time when the College first considered going solar.
When the program started, the area was choked with
a thick under-storey of privet and other noxious weeds.
No new blue gums had successfully germinated for a number
of years and, if left, the trees would have eventually died out.
Due to a combination of NSW government and College
funding, Abel Ecology were employed to restore the area.
The project is also significant as we will not receive any special
government funding (such as under the National Solar Schools
Program) to install the system; in fact, once completed Mount
St Benedict’s solar array will be the largest self-funded system
of any school in the country.
The area is responding with a number of new gum trees
germinating in recent years. Some of the saplings are now
over 5m tall. In time the re-generated area should see a
return of different bird life such as thornbills and pardelotes.
Solar Choice Commercial in conjunction with builders Paynter Dixon
Construction acted as tender manager for the 100kW system,
allowing us to ultimately choose a quality system at a reasonable
price, ensuring an optimum return on investment during the
The Blue Gum High Forest at MSB is part of a larger area of Blue
Gum High Forest stretching across Ludovic Blackwood Memorial
Sanctuary (next door) and Observatory Park (across Beecroft Road).
This combined area of Blue Gum High Forest is one of the largest
areas of Blue Gum High Forest within the Hornsby LGA.
May 2013 Bennies Buzz | 3
From the
MSBESA President
Our Committee met in early February and agreed
on some future ventures for MSBESA. We are looking
forward to the launch of the new College website and
hope to develop our connections and mentoring capacity
through a link called “Bennies Connect”. Once this
is launched we hope many ex-students will join us
in providing their details, so that current students may
be able to connect with people in different occupations.
It is hoped that we can create a friendly network for all
ex-students as they leave the college. For example,
if a student was thinking of studying at Charles Sturt
University in Bathurst, Bennies Connect could help her
find out if there are any ex-students studying there, who
might be able to lend some support, especially in the
first few weeks. Similarly, students interested in studying
law might email and chat with ex-students working or
studying in this area, for hints and guidance. The internet
has allowed our world to connect more easily and we
hope to tap into this for the benefit of our extended
family of ex-students.
We are continuing to encourage ex-students to join
MSBESA and enjoy the benefits of being part of the
“College Family”. Current members enjoy the interaction
with the College Executive and other members of staff.
At present, all ex-students can receive “Bennies Buzz”,
however, many are not MSBESA members. We encourage
you to check if you are a financial member or to think
about joining MSBESA as a way of staying connected
to the Bennies family. Our costs can be reduced if
you would like to receive “Bennies Buzz” via email,
please let the College know in writing by emailing
admin@msben.nsw.edu.au or sending a letter.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Mary
Jane Trujillo for her many years of service to the College
and her incredible commitment to MSBESA and all
ex-students. Mary Jane’s knowledge of the ex-students is
extensive and her passion for encouraging connectedness
inspiring. Mary Jane has helped the Committee organise
and present many wonderful “Beyond Bennies” events
and has always given so much of her time and herself to
each function. Her memory of students, their years at the
school and their activities since school are phenomenal.
Our Committee have been privileged to work with Mary
Jane and we wish her and her family all the very best.
Melissa Wo
olnough
Important dates for MSBESA in 2013
Meeting dates:
20 May, 5 August
and the AGM is 28 Oct
Our meetings are held in the College Boardroom,
from 5.45pm. New members are always welcome.
Beyond Bennies Breakfast:
Wednesday 19th June
This year we will be having a breakfast:
7.15 am for a 7.30 am start.
Ex-students, families and students are invited.
The aim of these events is to give our current
students a chance to hear the many different
stories of past students and their journeys
“Beyond Bennies”.
Our “Ex-student and daughters” photo will
follow Beyond Bennies at approximately 8.30 am.
We look forward to sharing these events with you.
The 2013 MSBESA Committee:
Melissa Woolnough
President
4 | Bennies Buzz May 2013
Melissa Woolnough Annaleen Chacon Melissa Arane Cathy Bray Sue-Ellen Adler
Angela Tan
Margie Drake
Debbie Eddington
Class of 2012
returns in triumph
Mount St Benedict College Class of 2012 received
a warm welcome when they returned to the College
in February. Teachers and fellow students welcomed
them back and celebrated their outstanding HSC results.
As a group the Class of 2012 glowed with pride when
they learned that Mount St Benedict was the top Catholic
school in the north-west, the eighth best performing
Catholic school in NSW and the 57th school overall.
Samantha Camilleri achieved the top ATAR of 99.50. She
also placed 5th in NSW for Food Technology and 6th for
Studies of Religion II. Samantha’s speech to current
students was warm and inspiring. She spoke of the
rewards of aiming high, not being deterred by failure
and not settling for average. Samantha said “My success
is 100% due to the College and my wonderful teachers.”
Samantha has chosen to study Optometry at University
of NSW. The University has also awarded her a scholarship
for Academic Achievement.
Other students who have been offered scholarships
include Holly Pitt who has been awarded a $20,000 Aspire
Leadership Scholarship to the University of Western
John Muskovits Dean of Curriculum says:
“These results are consistent with our students’
performance in previous years. As a College, we have
embraced the principles of 21st century learning. Our
staff are experts in educating girls and we love seeing
the fruits of this each year when our girls succeed.
A particular source of satisfaction was that so many
of our girls did so much better than they expected
and therefore have a broader range of options
available to them for further study.”
Samantha
Camilleri
Sydney and Olivia Doyle who was awarded a sports
scholarship, also to the University of Western Sydney.
Five students were on the NSW Board of Studies All
Rounders List - Francesca Alexander, Rochelle Amys,
Samantha Camilleri, Chloe Do Rosario and Melissa
Kelly. This year the College had 147 students on the
Distinguished Achievers List. This list acknowledged
students who achieved a Band 6 in a 2 unit course or
reached the highest Band (4) in an Extension Course.
Just over 37% of the Class of 2012 achieved an ATAR of
90 or more, with 67% achieving an ATAR of 80 or more and
87% achieving over 70 or more. With results like these, the
Class of 2012 were accepted into an impressive range of
tertiary courses. These included entry into Applied Finance
at Macquarie University, Medical Science at University of
Sydney and Engineering at University of NSW. 95% of the
Class of 2012 was offered a place at university.
Betty Martin 2012 College Captain says:
“I am so happy to say that the efforts of our HSC paid off! We all
truly lived out our college values and found peace, or better known
as PAX during what is said to be the most stressful time of your
schooling life, whilst still maintaining relationships, hospitality
and stewardship of yourselves and the school. As a cohesive
group we managed to all support one another which was one
of the main reasons for our success - meaning it’s all about the
team work ladies. To all those who are facing the “dreaded HSC”
don’t panic - If we of all people can not only do it, but do it
well - then you can too! Best wishes and keep up the good work!”
May 2013 Bennies Buzz | 5
New approaches to Learning
In recent decades there have been radical changes to the design, structure and nature of
workplaces. Learning spaces at MSB are also evolving to equip our girls for the 21st century
In 1966 when Mount St Benedict College was first
established, the prevailing model of school education was
what has now become known as the ‘industrial’ model. It
generally involved students sitting in neat rows of desks,
facing the front of the classroom where the teacher stood on
a raised platform and delivered all knowledge from there.
All authority in the classroom was vested in the teacher who
it was believed held all the knowledge and had to ‘pour’ the
knowledge into the eager ‘receptacles’ (the students).
in the classroom, except that between teacher and student,
was also considered a distraction or extraneous to the learning.
The teacher had a table and chair at the front of the room
and most of the teacher’s time was spent at the front of the
room instructing the class as a whole. Most of the buildings
constructed at Mount St Benedict until the 1990s largely
reflected the pedagogies of the time, and while they have been
well maintained and have had some refurbishment, the size
and shape of classrooms has remained much the same.
This model of education largely reflected the prevailing conditions
in workplaces of the time. People often worked in isolation,
having responsibility for specific tasks but rarely seeing the
whole picture of which they were a part. Most workplaces were
strongly hierarchical with authority vested in a few people.
Understanding of how students learn (and hence how
teachers should teach) has continued to develop over the
decades since the 60s and 70s. During the 1970s many
schools began to experiment with more student-centred
approaches to learning, but usually within the same model
of learning spaces that had existed previously. Primary
schools seemed to embed more enduring changes in the
type and arrangement of furniture in classrooms, colourful
primary school classrooms became more common and
the style of buildings in new schools began to reflect more
collaborative approaches to student learning. Secondary
school architecture seemed to be slower to change.
The architecture of schools built in this era reflects this type
of education. Classrooms were almost always rectangular
in shape, furnished with solid furniture which was rarely
if ever moved. Most classrooms were painted in neutral tones
so as not to cause distraction to students. Any conversation
Nevertheless teachers’ pedagogies began to include more
student-centred approaches, group work, differentiation and
the introduction of a range of different technologies. As new
materials became available, classroom furniture became
lighter and easier to move, enabling some additional flexibility.
Teachers have adopted new and different pedagogies and have
adapted the existing learning spaces in the best way possible,
but with significant limitations.
6 | Bennies Buzz May 2013
The construction of the Technology block (B Block) in the
1990s was an opportunity to consider learning spaces which
would better accommodate the curriculum and pedagogies
of the time. As a result, in this block we see spaces which are
generally larger, more open, allowing teachers to work with
different groups of students in different spaces, at the same
time maintaining visual contact with other rooms. Furniture
is more flexible to allow spaces to be rearranged to suit
particular activities. Teachers are able to work collaboratively,
to share skills and ideas, to learn from each other and design
different activities to suit different students.
A similar approach was adopted in the relocation and
refurbishment of the Science Laboratories since 2005. No
longer do we have fixed benches at which students sit with their
attention focussed on the demonstration bench at the front of
the laboratory. Laboratories now can be configured as large
open spaces, benches can be moved into different positions,
and while there are now electronic whiteboards at the front of
the space, it is just as likely to be the students who are ‘driving’
Teachers are able to
work collaboratively, to
share skills and ideas.
these whiteboards as the teacher. Likewise when other spaces
have been refurbished, such as ‘F’ Block, additional flexibility
has been built in through the use of operable walls, different
locations of whiteboards, installation of a sound system, etc.
While these changes have been taking place in schools, there
have been radical changes to the design, structure and nature
of workplaces also. Modern offices are far more open to
enable more collaborative approaches, better communication
and greater understanding of the big picture. Organisational
structures are less hierarchical with leadership and
responsibility shared within teams. Technologies enable people
to access information and communicate with each other
anywhere, anytime. The types of skills and fluencies needed for
success in these modern organisations are different than those
that were considered desirable in decades past. The emphasis
now is on the ability to work as part of a team, communication
skills, creativity, innovation, flexibility, critical thinking. Even
in industries where there are assembly lines, where in the past
it would have been common to see process workers doing
the same repetitive task day in and day out, these days people
form teams, move from one task to another, so that they share
responsibility for the whole product.
In 2009 the decision by the College Board to increase
enrolments necessitated the construction of additional
learning spaces. This was seen as an opportunity to rethink
the traditional classroom model and consider what type of
Mr Albert
Agius work
ing with Ye
ar 9 studen
ts
spaces would provide the best environment for learning
for our students. At the same time, the College was moving
to introduce a one-to-one laptop program for students
and was considering the pedagogical implications of this.
While the building site itself imposed some limitations, such
as the need for a rectangular footprint, it was decided that the
spaces within the building needed to have natural light, be
able to be opened to the outside, be colourful, appealing and
comfortable, be flexible to allow for different configurations
of furniture, groups of students and activities, allow for visual
connection between spaces and groups, and allow teachers to
work together collaboratively. Working with the architects and
project managers our new classroom block (currently known
simply as ‘D’ Block) was conceived and at the beginning of
2012 classes were able to occupy the new rooms.
Teachers have spent time adapting their pedagogies to the new
spaces, at the same time as they have been embedding the use
of student laptops into classes. Two floors of the building have one
large open space, with two operable walls enabling it to be divided
into three smaller spaces; the operable walls have glass panels in
the top halves and writeable surfaces below; the walls adjacent to
the courtyard are folding glass doors which can be opened up to
allow free movement between the courtyard and the room; there
is a mix of soft furniture of different types (lounges, banquettes,
stools) and desks and chairs which can be arranged to form
different groupings (small or large circles, extended curves, etc).
This inbuilt flexibility means that areas can be closed off and
used with a single class group to deliver information in lecture
style, small groups can work in a breakout space in full view of
the teacher nearby, larger groups can come together for input
to the whole group, teachers can work together on different
aspects of a teaching program, taking advantage of their
individual strengths.
As we view the school now, there are a range of different learning
environments in different parts of the school. As the Master
Plan is implemented over the next 5 to 10 years, more flexibility
will be built in as spaces are reconfigured and new facilities are
constructed. Teachers at Mount St Benedict engage in ongoing
professional learning to ensure that they are abreast of changes
in understandings of the learning needs of our students. In this
way they continue to be well placed to prepare our students to
take their places in the world as competent, confident, creative
and independent learners who are able to take advantage of the
rapid pace of technological innovations and respond to the vast
quantities of information available to them with the skills
of critical thinking and analysis.
May 2013 Bennies Buzz | 7
Mount St Benedict Students’
Passage to India
For many teenagers, the summer holidays
meant shopping, movies and going to the
beach. However, nine students and three staff
from Mount St Benedict College decided to
challenge themselves with visiting a number
of human rights organisations in India.
The girls, all aged 16 to 18, spent most of 2012 raising
$12,000 to give to the charities in India that they intended
to visit. The girls were profoundly changed by their
experiences. Sarah Easy found the attitudes towards
women very confronting “With our school, it’s all about being
empowered as a female, so it was shocking to see a culture
where the attitudes are so different” Sarah commented.
The girls were also very moved by the plight of domestic
workers they met at the India Social Institute in New Delhi.
Tess Corbett said “Many of these young women
were taken from their villages when they were our age
and sent to wealthy families in the city as servants, where
they suffered many forms of abuse. Many of these young
women are illiterate, and are now returning to school
in their mid-twenties to try to get an education.
Both Tess and Sarah were struck by the importance placed on
education among the people they met. “So many people take
the opportunities we have in Australia for granted, but for the
people we met in India, education is seen as such a privilege.”
tic workers from
es
om
d
h
it
w
Sarah Easy
Delhi
stitute in New
n
I
l
ia
oc
S
ia
d
the In
The girls were also humbled by the spirit of the people
they met. “These people have so little, yet they are so happy
and their sense of community is so strong, ”said Sarah.
“In Australia, so often we struggle even to eat dinner as
a family, let alone share the rich sense of community
of these people. It really inspired me to come home
and reach out more to my local community.”
Eleanor Jones described the group’s visit to Chetanalaya and
the School for Disabled Children where the school teaches the
children how to do everyday activities and tasks. “We were
welcomed by the entire village nearby to the school. We were
given flower necklaces and the entire crowd was touching our
faces and shaking our hands. The atmosphere was incredible
with loud drumming and cheering and truly was unlike
anything any of us had ever experienced. We were taken by
a tractor with cushioned seats through the town to the main
square where they held a ceremony to welcome us. We were
completely astounded at the people’s response to our arrival
and were given the great honour of being presented with the
beautiful materials rolled into a headdress by each of the
significant members of the village”.
The experience was also a transformative one for Ms
Erin O’Brien who was one of the staff accompanying the
girls. “I had previously worked in India with a human rights
organisation and for me to go back five years later was
significant. It compels you to reflect on life and opportunities
here, and how to use the privileges we enjoy to help others.”
8 | Bennies Buzz May 2013
With our school, it’s all about being empowered as a female, so it
was shocking to see a culture where the attitudes are so different.
During her previous time in India, Ms O’Brien worked with
human rights lawyer Ravi Nair. Another highlight of the tour
was meeting with Ravi and discussing the many social issues
that exist in India today ranging from legal issues to the still
patriarchal nature of Indian society. The group listened with
intent to this inspirational man who had been imprisoned
23 times for his work in exposing corruption. One of his most
well-known cases was increasing the profile of Irom Shamila
who has been on a hunger strike for many years after her
village came under open fire from the police.
The group travelled for three weeks through India, visiting
a number of human rights organisations and getting to meet
some of the poorest and most marginalised people in India.
So often, these people were young and female. The girls have
returned to a new school year inspired to continue to raise
funds for these organisations.
Many of the students who were part of the tour group will be
sitting the HSC later this year. Ms O’Brien commented “It is
stressful, but young women in India would give anything for
the opportunity of studying and achieving at that level. It gives
our girls a fresh look at education as an opportunity and a gift.
They now have the perspective that life is more than the HSC.”
Caitlin Kens
ett-Smith
with local c
hildren
May 2013 Bennies Buzz | 9
hat do you want to
W
be when you grow up?
There are few of us who can’t recall
being asked this at some point in our
lives. For most people, we might have
thought of being a teacher, or a doctor
or a graphic designer, but in many
cases we only had a hazy idea of what
this might actually mean. The road
to a meaningful career is often one
of twists and turns, with the advice
of well-meaning friends and relations.
Mrs Lucy Elgood, Careers Advisor at MSB explained some
of the challenges facing our girls.
“It’s always been tough to work out what is the right career
for you and how you can achieve your dream job,” said Lucy.
“Quite often, it is only when a young woman completes her
studies and commences work that the realities of a particular
kind of work hit home, and they decide that particular kind of
job is not for them. It’s important as well that girls realise that
there are many different pathways into careers, and that the
road to your dream job isn’t always as direct as you would like.”
Lucy explained “While some students will choose a uni course,
graduate, get a job and start to progress through an industry,
others take more indirect paths. For example,
one of our ex-students never wanted to do
anything but nursing. However, a year or
two into her degree she completed her first
practical day and knew instantly that this
career was not for her. She left her course
and took a retail job. To her surprise, she
loved it. She was selected for management
training and is now back at uni completing
a business degree”.
“Our girls have such busy lives, they don’t really
have the time to do a lot of research into what
a specific industry or job entails. For many roles,
the only information available is via website and
handbooks when it would be so much easier
to perhaps just have a quick chat to someone
working in the industry already.”
Lucy is hoping that Bennies Ex-students,
a group now over 6,500 strong can give back
to our current students through offering
a little advice and sharing their own journeys.
“Later this year we will have a new service
available to alumni called “Bennies Connect”.
This will be part of the College’s new website
and will provide an easy way for ex-students to
stay in touch with the College and each other.
“Bennies Connect” will also link to Facebook
10 | Bennies Buzz May 2013
and other social media, which will help us and ex-students stay
in touch. Most importantly however, ex-students will be able to
register their current role, the industry or industries in which they
have worked and any tertiary study they have done.
If a current student has an interest in becoming say, an
engineer, Lucy can search the database on the student’s behalf,
identify any ex-students who are working in this industry,
contact them and ask if they are happy for the student to make
contact. It’s up to the ex-student as to what kind of contact
they want to provide – it might be just a quick email, or phone
conversation, or others might want to meet up in person.
“It’s completely up to the ex-student how they want to play it”
said Lucy. “I’ll look at all the student requests and the initial
contact with an ex-student is only through me. The ex-student
keeps complete control over to whom they talk.”
“Imagine the difference you could make to a girl,” said Lucy
“Perhaps by spending a couple of minutes on the phone, you
could change that girl’s life by telling her about your career
journey and some of the things she should think about.”
Lucy has worked at the College for over thirty years in a
variety of roles. She joined the College as a PDHPE teacher,
took a career break to have children, moved to Queensland,
and started becoming involved in helping girls with careers
advice in the mid-nineties. She is continually inspired by
the life stories of our ex-students. “Our students are making
such a positive difference to the world. I love seeing how
our students are taking on all sorts of different challenges.
No one ever knows when they leave school exactly where
life will take them, and I love seeing how our girls meet
different challenges with humour and resilience.”
Above: Pictured with Mrs Lucy Elgood is Year 12 student
Courtney Cavaleri. Courtney is one of the College’s
Communication Portfolio Captains and hopes to study
teaching at the Australian Catholic University (ACU).
Bennies Connect
Bennies Connect will be an online network
of ex-students. This new service will enable
you to;
•search for and request to contact
any member registered within your
graduating year and catch up on news
• help find missing members
• promote your business to all Alumni
• promote jobs available in your business
• become part of the mentoring program
• view our calendar of events
• read the latest newsletter or Bennies Buzz
• become a MSBESA Financial Member
• promote your own reunions
• view the photo board
•view and leave messages on various
bulletin boards.
Details of how to connect will appear in the
next Bennies Buzz, and keep a look out for
our new website!
May 2013 Bennies Buzz | 11
Stuck in the Middle:
Engaging our Middle Year Students
In 2012 a group of staff at Mount St Benedict College investigated
ways of enhancing student engagement in the middle years.
The decision to embark on this project was the result of
anecdotal evidence from staff including the Leadership
Team, survey and interview data gathered from parents,
students and staff, and information regarding approaches
to the middle years in other schools, all of which suggested
that student engagement had a significant impact on
student success, both academic and in relation to overall
wellbeing. While the overwhelming majority of students at
Mount St Benedict College engage wholeheartedly with their
academic studies and pursuits beyond the classroom, and
are well connected through their Homeroom and House
networks, it was considered an appropriate time to review
our approaches to ensure that students from Years 7
to 9 in particular were presented with the most engaging
experience of school as possible.
The timing of the project coincided with a period of
significant change in the context of the College: the
establishment of Good Samaritan Education and the
publishing of the Good Samaritan Teaching and Learning
Framework, the Good Samaritan Formation for Mission
Framework , the release of the first stage of the NSW
implementation of the Australian Curriculum with its
12 | Bennies Buzz May 2013
General Capabilities and Cross Curricular Perspectives, and
increasing enrolments and the need for continued development
and redevelopment of College facilities. All these elements of
our changing context make it imperative that teaching programs
are rewritten during the next three years. This provides a perfect
opportunity for curriculum changes and organisational changes
to be implemented together to ensure an integrated approach
to the middle years of schooling.
Most of 2012 was spent gathering data: by examining the
literature on current research, by visiting schools using
innovative approaches to schooling in the middle years,
through surveys and interviews with students and staff, and
by shadowing students to obtain a snapshot view of a day in
the life of a student. The data was analysed and used to inform
a number of recommendations that the Project Team believe
will enhance the engagement of students and assist them in
developing the skills and fluencies needed to navigate their
way through the demands of the early secondary years and
will prepare them to face the senior years (and indeed the
world beyond school) with confidence.
Underpinning the recommendations is the belief that it is the
quality of relationships within the College community which
is most important in educating our young women for successful
lives. These relationships include those between teacher and
student, student and student, teacher and parent, student and
parent - in fact the three way relationships between parents,
students and teachers. When teachers and parents work
alongside students, cooperating in their learning, then the
best outcomes for students should be achieved.
The areas of school life which will be
impacted by the recommendations include:
• The design of curriculum, including the possibility of
a more integrated approach to curriculum delivery.
An implication of this will be deeper richer learning tasks
and an overall reduction in the number of assessments.
• Authentic, independent and collaborative learning projects
relevant to the real world, incorporating 21st century fluencies.
• The use of Teaching for Understanding (TFU) as a learning
framework in all aspects of College life – this framework
focuses specifically on the goal of increasing student
understanding of a topic rather than just developing
a set of skills.
• The use of a Positive Education approach in all
aspects of College life – a branch of psychology which
focuses on positive emotions and identifying and using
character strengths.
Implementing these changes will require a review
of some other aspects of College life including:
• Mentoring of students and individual student goal setting;
• Approaches to formation of parents, students and staff
in Benedictine values and the Good Samaritan tradition,
and ensuring a commitment to the College mission;
• Ongoing professional learning for staff;
• Transition processes from Year 6 to Year 7,
and from the middle years to senior years.
• L
eadership experiences and co-curricular
activities for students in the middle years;
• The development of appropriate infrastructure;
• Timetable and staffing structures, including daily routines.
• Communication with parents and students, including
reporting on student progress and achievement.
• Methods of assessment, with a plan to ensure
rich assessment tasks and rich and effective feedback.
The next phase of this project involves developing an
implementation plan with timelines and ensuring that all
stakeholders are involved in and informed about the decision
making regarding changes. This phase commences late in
Term 1 and should be completed by the end of 2013. It is
envisaged that any proposed changes would be implemented
in stages over a three year period. I look forward to sharing
more of this exciting project with all members of the College
community, as we work together to give our students the
excellent, all round education they deserve and that we
believe is so important to their growth and development.
team
oudib, with
in Chloe B
ta
ap
m
C
ol
s
H
n
atio
Madeline
Communic
oggett and
D
se
li
E
s
member
Middle School –
From the Student’s perspective
We began our second year of high school with the relief
that we were no longer the little Year 7’s anymore.
We had settled in, found ourselves a friendship group
and knew how the whole high school system worked.
In Year 7 we were eager to learn and become more
mature, however this soon diminished as we entered
middle school. During this time we were trying to
balance friendship groups, school work, social life
and the wonders of adolescence which all affected our
concentration and focus on school work. Though as time
progressed we began to realise how valuable our time at
school truly was and our appreciation for the teachers
support dramatically increased. It is then in senior years
that we are cherishing every moment and taking every
opportunity as it comes.
– Elise Doggett, Courtney Cavaleri,
Madeline Holm, Stephanie Kim, Chloe Boudib
May 2013 Bennies Buzz | 13
Caritas Week
Each year early in Lent the College
community focuses on the work of
Caritas and our responsibility to respond
to people in need. Our own tradition
of the Good Samaritan Sisters places
us right at the heart of the struggle to
achieve justice in our world and our
response to the work of Caritas each
year is an important aspect of this work.
Some of the highlights of the week included:
Over 100 students accompanied by a number of teachers
took part in an early morning trek to collect water in
containers to bring back to the College. This trek takes
place in solidarity with women all over the world who have
to walk long distances each day to collect a supply of water
for the daily needs of their family. The trek reminds us
of the stark reality that most people in the world do not
have ready access to a supply of safe and clean water.
College Assembly also included a presentation by Social
Justice Captains Kate Bravo and Rachael Gould on the
work of Caritas and our opportunities to be involved.
Jemma Hunter and Caitlin Kensett-Smith then shared
some experiences from the India Immersion Trip
Year 10 students (pictured above) provided some street
theatre for those gathered in the courtyard to help us reflect
on the issues related to water – an absolute necessity of life
yet such a scarce resource for so many and dangerously
contaminated in so many parts of the world.
Thursday lunch saw the traditional rice meal where we had
the opportunity to substitute our normal lunch for a simple
meal of plain rice with a few vegetables. This provides us
with another reminder of the struggle of many in our world
to find enough food for their families and a challenge
to each one of us who has so much in comparison.
Also on Thursday, students were invited to write messages
of encouragement to the Children’s Parliament which
is part of Chetanalaya’s work in New Delhi. Our group
of visitors to India found this to be one of the most inspiring
moments of the trip and we welcomed the opportunity
to send our messages letting these young children know
how impressed we were with their efforts to improve
their lives and those of their community.
serving the rice
Senior students
eek
ring Caritas W
u
d
ch
n
lu
le
ab
and veget
On Friday at lunch time our Fair Trade Shop was in action
reminding us that we can make a difference to the lives
of others by the choices we make when we purchase
many things including tea, coffee, chocolate, clothing,
and other manufactured goods.
Throughout Lent students continued to raise money
with a total of $2500 to purchase a range of goods
including chickens, seeds and tools.
14 | Bennies Buzz May 2013
Current
Student News
Chamber Choir Perform at Knox
Our newly formed Chamber Choir was invited
to perform at Knox Grammar School on Saturday
23 March for their Celtic Alive Concert.
Our Chamber Choir, directed by Ms Kate Beazley, consists
of talented students from a range of Year Groups, who are
already committed members of the College Choir. The aim
is to extend these students by exploring more challenging
sacred and secular a cappella music.
The current members of the choir are:
Year 9: Caitlin Harris, Grace Klauser
and Brianna Taylor
Year 10: Madeline Bannon, Julia Ramos
and Jeneane Susas
Year 11: Andrea Hajje
Year 12: Katherine Clark and
Cathlyn-Rose McKellar
They performed two Celtic-inspired pieces
at the concert - Amazing Grace (with a piper
from Knox Grammar) and In This Heart.
Mr Adam Shaw with
Eshaa Sood, Diana Kazakov
and Hannah Neylan.
Chamber
Choir
Community Problem Solving
The Year 10 Community Problem Solving DARUG team along
with Brooke Matthews, Year 12 D&T student, recently met with
the Hornsby Area Residents for Reconciliation group (HARR).
The group discussed the issue of reconciliation, what it means
to society and ways in which reconciliation can be implemented
and maintained. The group learned about fascinating aspects
of the Darug culture and way of life and how this can be
incorporated into our own lives and show respect for the heritage
that we share. It was an extremely interesting and worthwhile visit
and HARR helped the girls with their project immensely. We would
like to thank them, as well as Ms Selvaggi and Mrs Dirckze for
assisting the girls in organising this and for their continual support.
To find out more, please visit the team’s Facebook
page ‘DARUG’: http://www.facebook.com/community
problemsolvingdarug?ref=hl
Our students in the CDSA
Public Speaking Competition
Six students from Mount St Benedict College entered
the CSDA Public Speaking Competition this year: Hannah Neylan
(Year 7), Khristiana Dadula (Year 7), Tammy McGregor (Year 8),
Sarah Hogan (Year 9), Rebecca Koelmeyer (Year 10) and Emily
Bray (Year 10). Of these girls, five made it through to the Zone
Final, which is an impressive performance in a very competitive
field. One student, Hannah Neylan, made it through to the
Grand Final, which was held last Friday at Riverview College,
and came second – a remarkable achievement!
Hannah approached her topic, ‘Are We There Yet?’, from
a humanitarian perspective. She argued that our goals
as individuals can only become meaningful once we have
reached our goals as a society, having done all we can to
provide homes for the homeless, safety for refugees,
education for the disadvantaged and company for the lonely.
Public speaking is a challenge for many of us, but these
girls have risen to the occasion, speaking with eloquence and
passion, humour and sensitivity. We are very proud to have
been represented by such an impressive group of girls.
– Mr Adam Shaw
May 2013 Bennies Buzz | 15
Kiribati Immersion
Late in 2012 representatives from a number of Good Samaritan
schools visited Kiribati. The group was led by Good Sams Mission
Team Coordinator Monica Dutton and Good Sam Sister Meg Kahler.
Three staff from Mount St Benedict College were also part
of the group – Mr Guy Fitzsimmons, Mrs Margot Hadfield
and Mr David Campbell. These are their impressions of Kiribati,
its people and the Good Sam community that serves them.
Guy’s description of the local school provides a stark contrast
to the facilities of Australian schools. “We went into the
kindergarten room. The children had no desks - they sat on
the floor. Educational supplies were very limited. For example
the school had a photocopier, but no paper. The electricity
supply is only intermittent so it can only be used every now
and then,” he said.
He also commented on the very limited opportunities for
the children he met. “Lack of industry means unemployment
is at around 95%. For the children, what is the goal of
education if there are no jobs?” asked Guy.
As there is so little infrastructure, the amount of rubbish
was confronting for the group. David said “There is no garbage
collection so rubbish is just left everywhere. There is no
sewerage, so the lagoon and beaches serve as a latrine.
The greatly increased population is creating issues with
the amount of human waste.”
m
the Good Sa
Student at
e
hood Centr
Early Child
16 | Bennies Buzz May 2013
Margot adds “The complexity of the problems is
overwhelming. Sanitation is such an issue now the
population is larger. If you put in toilets, people may
not want to use them as that is not part of their culture.
If you put in septic tanks they may leak into the ground
water. Every solution can create more problems.”
The group reflected that Kiribati relies heavily on foreign
aid, but much of this is given in kind rather than cash.
For example, one government gave an electricity generator,
but there was no assistance given as to how to install it
or how to maintain it. The hot humid and salty air means
most machines break easily and there is no one to fix them.
The isolated conditions means it may take months before
an engineer can fly in and identify the problem, and more
months before parts are sourced and arrive by boat. More
time passes before the engineer can again fly in and actually
fix the machine. In another example, a gift of sixty computers
sit idle. They are unusable as the air is too humid for the
machines to function.
The group was constantly challenged by the immersion
experience. Each evening conversations resulted in more
MSB staff
David Cam
Guy Fitzsim
pbell,
mons and M
argot Hadf
ield
questions than answers; ‘How can a seemingly beautiful
environment be so damaged and polluted?’ ‘How can students
in Kiribati be educated in a way that values their culture,
but allows them to flourish in a world outside their own?’
‘What does the future hold?’’.
Guy commented “The complexity of Kiribati meant that
for each school we visited and for each person we spoke
to, the group came away with more questions and more
uncertainty about how to approach the current situation
in this country. Wonderfully, we realised that the immersion
wasn’t about finding the solutions but seeing enough
of Kiribati to ask the questions”.
For Margot, the biggest impression was made by meeting the
sisters and seeing the difference they made to other people’s
lives. She said “The selflessness of the Good Sam sisters and
others who go there is striking – they live very simply with few
amenities. Is there another generation of religious who will do
this? Who will replace them? It was humbling to see how simply
they live, and how calmly they faced the challenges of daily life.”
Guy said that the group would continue to assist in fund raising
for the sisters on Kiribati. An immediate goal is to provide the
sisters with a washing machine.
How can we help?
Support the Sisters – they are there on the ground and know
where help is most needed. They need both our moral and
financial support.
Be aware of the issues facing this community and try to make
other people aware. Due to climate change, it is possible that
many of the places these people live in will be uninhabitable
and they will need somewhere else to live in the next 25 years.
We need to advocate for these people.
Kiribati
• Located in the Pacific Ocean straddling the equator
and bordering the International Date Line to the east
• Consists of 33 coral islands
• “ Kiribati” is the local pronunciation of “Gilberts”,
derived from the main island chain, the Gilbert Islands
• P
opulation is estimated at 78,000 but there
are no official records to ensure this is accurate
• F
ew natural resources. Copra and fish now
represent the bulk of production and exports
• C
onsidered to be one of the least developed
countries in the world
• Life expectancy is 60, infant mortality is 54 per
1000 & villages celebrate when a baby survives
its first perilous year.
Good Sams
• Sisters have been ministering on Kiribati since 1991
• In 1991, Good Samaritan Sister, Veronica McCluskie,
was appointed to the staff of the Kiribati Pastoral
Institute. She was soon joined by Sister Veronica
Griffith. The ‘two Veronicas’ planted the Good Samaritan
way of life in the fragile coral soil. Soon a number
of I-Kiribati women asked to join them
• Sisters are engaged in a variety of ministries: primary
education, youth ministry, and working with people
with disabilities and mental illness.
For more information visit www.goodsams.org.au
May 2013 Bennies Buzz | 17
Staff News
Staff Farewells
Mrs Christine Hunter
Mrs Christine Hunter has been part of the MSB
Mrs Christine
community for the past 17 years. In that time
Mrs Hunter was TAS Head of Department,
created the ICT Department in 1999, and was heavily involved in the
planning of B Block. Mrs Hunter taught in a variety of subject areas
in TAS from Computing Studies, Design & Technology, Technology
Mandatory, Food Technology and VET Hospitality. Mrs Hunter
definitely has the love of learning and she is very passionate about
not only her subject area, but also knowing how her students learn.
With God’s Blessings and guidance, we wish her well and every
success in her future endeavours.
Hunter
rujillo
Mrs Mary Jane T
MSB Baby Boom
Rebecca
Cruickshank
Bec, John and
little Jack have
baby news! Cooper
John Cruickshank
was born on
3 November,
weighing 3kg and
measuring 49cm.
Cooper John Cruickshank
Karin Balmer
Karin and Jon
welcomed Hugo
Alexander Dole into
the world on Good
Friday morning
at 6:47am,
weighing 3.3kg
and 52 cm long.
Tania Gosden
Hugo Alexander Dole
18 | Bennies Buzz May 2013
Tania and Michael
are thrilled to
announce the
birth of Sophia
on 6 March 2013.
Mrs Kay Whowell
Mrs Mary Jane Trujillo
Mrs Mary Jane Trujillo, our Development Manager originally
joined the College as a talented and hard-working maths teacher,
and then took on the newly created role of Development.
Among her achievements she organised the leadlight window in the
stairwell, stained glass windows in the chapel, and the mosaics in
the Courtyard of Peace as well as many displays around the College.
She created and edited Bennies Buzz. She introduced Open Day
and supported the ex-students association MSBESA, including the
organisation of many reunions. She has also played an enormous
role in leading environmental stewardship within the College.
Mrs Trujillo leaves an important legacy. We wish her all the
best in whatever she chooses to do next in life.
Mrs Kay Whowell
The Mathematics Department bids Mrs Kay Whowell a fond
farewell. She began her time as a Maths/Science Teacher in 1979.
During her time at the College she has held the roles of Year 9
Coordinator, Year 11 Coordinator and Terracina House Coordinator.
In 2009 she became the College’s Numeracy Support teacher.
Mrs Whowell is characterised by her unmatchable professionalism
and her keen insight into the needs of the students in her care.
Her recent work in Numeracy has made her indispensable to both
student and teacher alike. Having spent most of her career guiding
young people in their learning, she now proceeds to a new chapter
by mentoring older people in healthier practices. Mrs Whowell
departs with our best wishes and heartfelt thanks.
Around the College
MSB Golden Jubilee 2016
We are currently updating our archival records with the
History Company in preparation for our Golden Jubilee
in 2016. As a result of this process we have discovered
some of our publications have been misplaced. If you
are an ex-student and you have kept publications such
as Bennies Buzz, Newsletters or School Diaries, including
photos of significant events etc. and you would be happy to
share a copy with us and/or donate it to the College please
contact Mrs Michelle Blackman on 02 9980 0401 or email
archives@msben.nsw.edu.au. We are also very keen to obtain old
uniforms and/or spare uniform fabric for our collection.
Beyond Bennies Breakfast
When: Wednesday 19 June 2013
Where: Mount St Benedict College - Ground Floor of D Block
Time: 7.30am
Guest Speakers:
Ali Craig (2001)
A practicing solicitor
specialising in Human
Rights in a community
legal centre that
promotes and
protects the rights
of people with
intellectual disability.
ABOVE: Presentation
Day – Mrs Maria
Pearson with her
Excellency the
Governor of NSW
Marie Bashir and
student prizewinners
Gabby Craig (2001)
er
ner Alex Mah
larship Win
ho
er
Sc
s
ah
M
nt
de
en
Ex-stu
and Kar
nts Stephen
ough
with her pare
elissa Wooln
M
nt
de
si
re
P
A
ES
SB
and M
The Principal Solicitor
at Hawksbury Nepean
Community Legal
Centre specialising in
women who are victims
of domestic violence
and abuse.
Christine Ernst (2004)
A former associate
to a High Court Judge
in Canberra, now
practicing in the
International Commercial
Law Firm - Allens.
All three ex-students took on law, though
they have each taken different directions.
Share these women’s journeys with us and
learn how Bennies helped shape their lives.
Visit msb.nsw.edu.au to reserve your seat.
May 2013 Bennies Buzz | 19
Sporting News
Swimming
The Annual MSB Swimming Carnival was held on 28
February and the entire school excelled with their
enthusiasm and support for their houses.
Congratulations to the following record breakers:
rooke Mindham (Year 9)
B
• Intermediate 50 Fly with a new time of 30.29
• Intermediate 50 Breast with a new time of 34.68
adeleine Emmett Diugnan (Year 7)
M
• 13yrs 50 Breast with a new time of 37.82
Inter-house 6 x 50m Freestyle Relay A
rcadia 3.23.87
The Overall Champion House is calculated using
all points for the events, participation and war cry.
The results for 2013 are:
1. ARCADIA
2. MONTSERRAT
3. MONTE CASSINO
4. SUBIACO
This Intermediate Medley relay team won by a massive seven seconds at Broken Bay!
BACK L to R: Jessica Marcer, Rachael Fraietta. FRONT: Emily Dennis, Brooke Mindham
Athletics
Congratulations to our U17 team
Kirsten Simpson (Year 9), Emily Michell (Year 11), Maddy Bergfield
(Year 12), Karina Takchi (Year 12), Mikaela Gardoni (Year 10),
Carla Takchi (Year 10) and Elly Gallagher (Year 8) who competed
at the AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLS KNOCKOUT CHAMPIONSHIPS
in Launceston, Tasmania in December. This is the second
consecutive year that our girls have progressed to compete
in the National Championships.
The House Participation Trophy is calculated using
participation points only, so is awarded to the House
who has the greatest participation across all events
regardless of results. The results for 2013 are:
1. MONTE CASSINO
2.ARCADIA
3. MAREDSOUS
4. TERRACINA
Overall School Champion:
1. Brooke Mindham
2. Chelsea Brackin
3. Emily Michell
MSB also had a very successful day at the Broken Bay
Swimming Championships, coming home as overall
Intermediate Divisional Champions. Brooke Mindham
finished as U15 Broken Bay Champion and MSB won
three relays and had eight students progress through
to the NSW CCC Championships.
Year 9 student Brooke
Mindham was again
named as Age Champion
at the Broken Bay
Championships.
Back L to R: Carla Takchi (Year 10), Maddy Bergfield (Year 12), Karina
Takchi (Year 12), Emily Michell (Year 11) Front: Mikaela Gardoni (Year
10), Elly Gallagher,(Year 8) Kirsten Simpson (Year 9). Australian Schools
Knockout Championships in Launceston, Tasmania in December.
20 | Bennies Buzz May 2013
Touch
Our Open team finally brought Mr Greenwell home a medal this year
winning silver at the Broken Bay Championships. Three team members
(Genevieve Cowie (Year 12), Lily Vidler (Year 12) and Ashleigh McKimm
(Year 11) then went on to gain selection into the Broken Bay Open Team.
Year 9 student Isabella Duncan was named in the U15 Broken Bay Team.
Back L to R: Mr David Greenwell (coach), Clare Krajancic, Natalie Tobin,
Jessica Smith, Ashleigh McKimm, Antonia Essey. Front: Stephanie
Haskins, Genevieve Cowie, Lily Vidler, Maddy Bergfield, Hayley Evans
Y12 student Sarah Crisafulli competed at the individual
NSW All Schools triathlon for the last time
Triathlon
We had 33 teams compete at the NSW All Schools
Triathlon in February at Penrith including seven
Year 7 teams who managed to organise themselves
into teams in their first two weeks at the College!
Our senior students performed extremely well with
many top ten individual leg placings.
Basketball
Our U15 and Open teams finished as silver medallists at the Broken
Bay Championships in Term 1.
This is the last year at MSB for most of our Senior Team who deserve
special recognition for bringing home a medal for six consecutive
years from these championships (losing only two games in six years what a phenomenal effort!!)
MSB U15 Representative
Basketball Team - Silver
medallists at the 2013 Broken
Bay Championships.
Soccer
Y11 student Natalie Tobin continues to achieve in the
world of soccer beginning 2013 as part of the Sydney
FC team that won the W League Grand
Final match 3-1 against Melbourne Victory.
Natalie is also a member of
the Young Matildas Squad
and has already had a busy year of camps and
training sessions.
Back L to R: Georgia Toohey,
Brianna Fitzalan, Kaitlyn
Noble, Alyson McGrath, Mrs
Karen Grant (Coach). Front:
Madeline Fernando, Isabelle
Bond, Julia Cormio, Alex Wade
Once again we are
thrilled to celebrate her
achievements and proud
to have her as a member
of our College
community.
Softball
Congratulations
Natalie!
Three MSB students Jessica Tong (Year 8), Erin Morley (Year 10) and
Elizabeth Liepa (Year 12 - umpire) represented Broken Bay at the
NSW CCC Softball championships. Erin and Liz went onto the NSW
All Schools Championships, with Liz then gaining selection for the
second consecutive year to officiate at the School Sport Australia
Championships in Perth a significant achievement,
especially as she balances
her final year studies.
LEFT TO RIGHT:
Jess, Liz and Erin.
May 2013 Bennies Buzz | 21
Ex-Student News
Kate Aubusson Class of 2004
Kate is a passionate refugee advocate, first working
with the UNHCR, then as an advocate for asylum seekers
in Australian mandatory detention centres.
While working as a journalist in West Africa, Kate
interviewed tribal leaders, foreign officials, crazy pop
stars, even the president of Ghana. But the interviews
that hit her hardest - the encounters that really got to
her - were the stories from the refugees displaced by
war across the region.
Kate decided to work in radio, and soon felt right at home
at 2serFM. She also reviews movies on ABC702 and tries
to convince Richard Glover that Quentin Tarantino really
isn’t such a bad guy.
Kate is also medical journalist with a special interest
in psychiatry. She has freelanced for Sydney Morning
Herald, ABC and The Daily Telegraph and radio in the UK.
Linda Gazzana nee Bongiorno Class of 1984
Next, Kate is planning a visit to Israel and Palestine
and visiting the IDF soldiers she met who spoke out
about atrocities in Gaza and the West Bank.
We loved Linda’s story and wanted to share it with you
“The first time I saw the film The Devil Wears Prada, I laughed
the entire way through, you see, I was the Executive Assistant
to the Publisher of Vogue Magazine, a role I totally relished. It
was at Vogue I met my husband and married a couple of years
later. When the Vogue publisher retired I joined Bloch’s CEO and
continued on my journey of global fashion and creativity. I fell
pregnant and noticed that by my 8th week I was quite large and
an ultrasound confirmed I was carrying triplets. That day was the
beginning of a new life for Tony and I. My gorgeous boys are now
eight and our home is filled with the joy of laughter, noise, neverending washing, shopping, cooking, cleaning and taxiing to after
school activities. And I wouldn’t change a minute of it ever!”
Kate Aubusson
Laura Murphy Class of 2006
For the past four years Laura has been
composing music for the children’s
television shows ‘William and Sparkles
Magical Tales’ and ‘Magical Tales: Suprises’
as well as playing the role of the cute
and cheeky ‘Sparkles the Fairy’ in both
the programs. In February of this year
she played the iconic role of ‘Dorothy’ in
Packemin Production’s ‘The Wizard of Oz’,
performing to sold out audiences at the
Riverside Theatre alongside Jimmy Giggle
from the children’s television show ‘Giggle
and Hoot’. This August Laura will perform
alongside Bert Newton and Rob Mills in
the role of ‘Jan’ in the multi-million dollar
production of ‘Grease’ the Musical.
22 | Bennies Buzz May 2013
Amy Sciarrelli nee Junkiewicz Class of 2002
Amy Junkiewicz married Jason Sciarrelli on Saturday
14 April 2012 at Cardinal Cerretti Memorial Chapel,
St Patrick’s Estate Manly.
Briony Starr
Class of 2003
Briony and her husband
Conrad are thrilled to
announce the birth of
their first child Nellie Mabel
on 12 December 2012.
Amy and Jaso
n’s wedding
Megan Tumminello Class of 2007
After leaving high school, Megan studied Exercise and Sport
Science at University of Sydney. She then completed Health
Science at University of Western Sydney. Megan is currently
taking a year off study before she starts a Masters Degree.
During this time, she works full time at Genesis Gym
Parramatta as the Customer Service Manager and Group
Fitness Co-ordinator, where she also teaches Body Pump
and CxWorx classes.
Maya Shallita Class of 2010
Maya and her sister Natasha (Class of 2007) recently
travelled to the Philippines to participate in various
volunteer activities. Maya’s decision was motivated by the
experiences she had as ex-student on the MSB Philippines
Immersion in 2012. They first visited Olongapo city and
contributed to an organisation called PREDA. Founded by
an Irish Columban priest in 1974, PREDA is a human rights
development organisation that seeks a just and fair world
by empowering impoverished and vulnerable people. The
organisation’s mission is fulfilled through rescuing children
in jails, assisting the abused and trafficked, and protecting
Indigenous people. Whilst there, Maya and Natasha were
allocated diverse volunteer projects including teaching
English and Maths, participating in preventative education
and working in the legal office.
The girls also volunteered at the Fatima Centre in Irgia
city, Naga. Run by Augustine nuns, the Fatima Centre is
an orphanage for over 200 children whose parents have
died or are unable to look after them. Maya and Natasha
brought lots of sheet music with them and endeavored
to teach singing to the younger grades. This was an
enriching and rewarding experience as they witnessed
the kids laughing, singing and dancing. Although it was
a challenging experience that tested the girl’s patience
and ability to endure underprivileged conditions, Maya
and Natasha learnt a great deal and are grateful for the
encounters they had in the Philippines.
Megan is also a free-lance health and fitness advisor with her
own website and she also runs physical fitness and nutrition
talks for diabetes groups, hospital run organisations etc.
She is also writing a book on people who have changed their
health and lifestyle for the better, as inspiration for others
who want to follow in this change of lifestyle. Her passion for
health and fitness is now her career.
Amanda Conly (nee Kish) Class of 2002
Amanda married Tim Conly on 24 August 2012 in Melbourne.
The wedding took place at Holy Trinity in Kew followed by
a reception at Butleigh Wootton, also in Kew. Suzanne
Kish (Class of 2007) was a bridesmaid. Amanda and Tim
are expecting their first baby in July. Amanda completed
a B.Comm degree and is current studying for a Graduate
Diploma in Education (Secondary) to teach Business Studies,
Commerce and Economics in high school.
May 2013 Bennies Buzz | 23
Dates for your calendar
2013 Term Dates
Term 2 2013
• Term 2 commences
Monday 29 April
• Mother/ daughter Breakfast
Tuesday 7 May
• MSBESA Ex-Students Meeting Monday 20 May 5.45 pm
• College Musical Wednesday 12 June – Friday 14 June
• MSB Day & end of Term 2
Friday 21 June
Term 3 2013
• Term 3 commences
Tuesday 16 July
• MSBESA Monday 5 August 5.45pm
• Grandparents Day Wednesday 7 August
• Father/ daughter Breakfast
Wednesday 28 August
• Year 12 Graduation
Thursday 19 September
• Term 3 ends
Friday 20 September
• Term 4 commences
Tuesday 8 October
• MSBESA AGM Monday 28 October 5.45 pm
• Term 4 ends
Friday 6 December
449C Pennant Hills Rd
Pennant Hills NSW 2120
Phone: 9980 0444
Email: admin@msben.nsw.edu.au
www.msb.nsw.edu.au
Designed by www.frescocreative.com.au
Term 4 2013