“Imagine a place where young women are inspired to transform the future.” That’s Mount St Benedict College. It stands as an independent Roman Catholic secondary day school for girls. Located in Pennant Hills it offers education in the Good Samaritan tradition.
Mount St Benedict College began its journey on February 1 1966. Sisters Christopher Burrows and Hyacinth Roche guided the initial 65 students. Today the college is an independent body operating with a board of directors.
The Sisters of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St Benedict established the college. It resides within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay. The school principal and board of directors oversee its operations.
The Catholic faith deeply influences Mount St Benedict College policies. Students receive religious education and participate in faith-based activities. These experiences broaden their understanding and commitment to the Church. The Church provides service to the broader community.
In 1987 Mount St Benedict College became a company with a board of directors. This aligned it with other Good Samaritan Schools. The first lay principal was appointed in 1994. Michael Hanratty is the current principal.
Mount St Benedict College enriches students’ experience through various activities. Students participate in Future Problem Solving and Da Vinci Decathlon. Tournament of Minds, Debating and Public Speaking are also popular. The College Choir, Dance Ensemble, Chamber Ensemble and Concert Band showcase talents.
Sports are taken seriously at Mount St Benedict College. Students participate at representative levels and in co-curricular teams. All students in Years 7 to 10 engage in a Physical Activity program every two weeks.
Mount St Benedict College fosters community through various avenues. These include the Parents’ and Friends’ association. There is also the Ex-students’ Association. The college partners with Good Samaritan causes. These causes include Mater Dei School in Narellan. They extend to Kiribati, Bacalod Kinder School in the Philippines. They also extend to Railaco High School in East Timor. Students engage in Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion during Lent. They also participate in the Vinnes CEO Winter Sleepout. Social Justice, Reconciliation Week and Refugee and Asylum Seekers Week are also supported. The “Make a Difference” group raises awareness and takes action on current issues.
Students have partnered with a high school in East Timor. This partnership promotes social justice. Students and teachers provided stationery, musical instruments and school supplies.
Mount St Benedict College uses a house system. Each house is named after Benedictine monasteries. Arcadia represents St Benedict’s Monastery in Arcadia, Sydney. Maredsous signifies Maredsous Abbey in Belgium. Stanbrook is for Stanbrook Abbey in Worcestershire, England. New Norcia represents a Benedictine town in Western Australia. Terracina is for a Benedictine Monastery in Italy founded by St Benedict. Subiaco marks the site of St Benedict’s monastery in Italy. Monte Cassino stands for St Benedict’s first monastery in Italy. Montserrat is for Montserrat Abbey in Spain.
Mount St Benedict College has produced notable alumnae. These include actress Jordana Beatty. There is also ice-skater Joanne Carter and netball player Catherine Cox. Model Laura Dundovic and author Jaclyn Moriarty attended the College. Athlete Jana Pittman and Masterchef winner Larissa Takchi are also alumnae.
Since its beginning Mount St Benedict College has followed Benedictine values. Pax, Hospitality and Stewardship permeate the education process. The college prepares students to be competent, confident and compassionate women. They are ready to transform the world. Mount St Benedict College has a beautiful position overlooking Sydney Blue Gum High Forest.