SPRING 2018 n HILDEGARD CENTRE FOR THE - Mount St Benedict College
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n HILDEGARD CENTRE FOR THE
CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS
Official Opening and Blessing
n THE GREATEST STORY IS THE
ONE WE WRITE TOGETHER
Farewell to the Class of 2018
SPRING 2018 n EX-STUDENT NEWS
Keep updated about reunions and
alumni achievements
Principal’s Message
2018 has been an exciting and challenging year. The Official owned by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan and housing
Opening of the Hildegard Centre in February was a wonderful the Mount St Benedict Centre. The property will become
celebration of the efforts of so many people in bringing the part of the College and will open up many opportunities. The
building to completion. From the thinking of students and buildings on the site have significant value for their historical
staff (particularly the Creative and Performing Arts staff), to place in the local community as well as being part of the
the architects and builders, the College Board, especially lives of most Sisters during their training and in more recent
the Finance Committee and most notably the Facilities years. There is a magnificent chapel which will be able to be
Committee, the College Leadership Team, the P&F, and many used by the College and preserved for the use of the Sisters.
others, all the efforts came together to give us a state-of-the-
As part of the process of expanding the College site, from the
art facility. The theatre space, teaching spaces, foyer area and
beginning of 2019 there will be an additional stream enrolled
the general outlook are magnificent. Throughout the year it
into Year 7. To accommodate the proposed growth the College
has been wonderful to see our students and staff enjoying the
Board has commenced a Master Planning process to ensure
new facilities and producing outstanding work.
the College campus develops in a planned and purposeful
At the beginning of the year the new role of Deputy Principal way. The next few years promise to be full of wonderful
Dean of Staff was filled by Ms Maura Manning. Maura has opportunities and more exciting challenges!
brought a great deal of experience in improving pedagogy, staff
As I write this article we have just farewelled the Class of
development and professional learning, and her ideas have
2018. I want to congratulate the girls on their outstanding
been a welcome addition to the deliberation of the Leadership
legacy of leadership, service and learning. We look forward to
Team and staff more broadly. Unfortunately due to illness, I was
our ongoing connections with them as members of MSBESA.
absent for a fair portion of Term One, and Maura was thrown
into the role of Acting Principal. I want to publicly thank her for
stepping in at very short notice, having just arrived into a new
role in a new school. The College will always be grateful for
Maura’s skill and generosity in managing such a difficult time.
In the latter half of 2019 the College will begin a process to Maria Pearson
assume responsibility for the adjoining property, currently Principal
2 | Bennies Buzz Spring 2018
The Class of 2017 returned
earlier this year to celebrate
their HSC achievements
From the
MSBESA President
Mount St Benedict Ex-Students practical assistance with
Association (MSBESA), our ex-student running MSBESA.
network, continues to be an active and
Thank you also to the current
integral part of College life, strengthening
the ties between our ex-students and the
Mel Drayton MSBESA Committee members:
Jessykah Flower (Vice
current College community.
President), Nicole Wheeler
This year MSBESA has supported traditions (Secretary), Ellie Wilbraham
for present and future students by engaging in many aspects (Treasurer), Annaleen Chacon, Debbie Eddington, Angela Tan
of College life, from providing catering at College events and Michelle Nolan.
such as the academic morning tea for the Class of 2017 and
To safeguard MSBESA’s longevity and success, the
sponsoring a photo booth for students to enjoy at MSB Day.
Committee has been reviewing the MSBESA organisational
As in past years MSBESA gladly participated in the College structure to ensure it is equipped to meet its goals. The
Open Day and the annual Beyond Bennies event. We awarded Committee has decided to incorporate the association and
the Sister Mary Hyacinth Roche Scholarship, the MSBESA will be overseeing this process during the coming months.
supported scholarship given to the daughter of an ex-
I encourage you to join our online communities at
student who displays a sense of community, discipline and
www.benniesconnect.com and Facebook @MSBbenniesconnect.
commitment in her endeavors. We also granted the MSBESA
Ex-Students Experience Grant to Krystle Keller, to support
her research into fish biology. For further information,
including eligibility and application details on the Scholarship
and Experience grants, please visit the College website.
Mel Drayton
Thank you to Mrs Pearson and Mrs Manning for their Class of 1993
continued support of MSBESA. In addition many, many President
thanks to Michelle Blackman, Archives & Development
Assistant and Kylie Gray, Marketing Manager for all their
Spring 2018 Bennies Buzz | 3
Mount St Benedict College
opens new centre for the
Creative and
Performing Arts
Mount St Benedict College celebrated the beginning of a
new school year with the official opening and blessing of
a dedicated state-of-the-art creative and performing arts
building. It was a joyous occasion as the College welcomed
new students and staff and marked the start of a new year in
community together.
The College welcomed Most Rev Peter Comensoli, Bishop of
Broken Bay to celebrate Eucharist and bless the new facilities
and Ms Moira Najdecki, Chair of Good Samaritan Education
to officially open the building. Fr David Orr OSB and Fr Shinto
Francis concelebrated Mass with the Bishop.
With a modern design aesthetic, students have access to
high-quality learning and performing spaces with industry
standard technology featuring a performing arts space with
full stage production facilities and retractable seating, music
classrooms, music tuition rooms, a drama studio, a dance
studio and art studios.
The environmentally sustainable building design allows for
ample natural light, with large banks of windows and outdoor
courtyards facing out onto the College’s blue gum forest.
“It has been a joy to see our staff and students able to take
full advantage of the wonderful new Hildegard Centre for
Creative and Performing Arts. We are grateful to parents
and the Board for their support in enabling this long-
awaited and much-needed facility to come to fruition. We all Ready for the MSB
look forward to enjoying this new addition and the wonderful community to enjoy
learning environment it provides,” said College Principal,
Maria Pearson.
ion
During construct
Soil turning prior to
construction
Before construction
4 | Bennies Buzz Spring 2018
Opening Eucharist
Blessing of the Hildegard Centre
Spring 2018 Bennies Buzz | 5
The new facilities are the result of the combined efforts
of members of the MSB community over the past few
years. The College Board has led the process, with the
input of the College Leadership Team and Creative and
Performing Arts staff; architects and builders, Paynter
Dixon; contributions from the Parents and Friends
Association and the advice of the College ICT team. Special
acknowledgement goes to the Chair of the Board, Mrs
Jacqui van de Velde Gilbert, Mr Matthew Zschech, Chair of
the Facilities Committee, and Mr Darren Day, Chair of the
Finance Committee, each of whom has been instrumental in
steering the project to completion.
The Hildegard Centre is named in recognition of the
Benedictine Abbess Hildegard of Bingen, a prominent writer,
musician, artist, composer, and philosopher of the 12th
century. The rich blending of Hildegard’s creative expressions,
her theological insights and her deep connection to the natural
world will serve to inspire our young artists, musicians,
dancers and actors as they work together in this new space.
6 | Bennies Buzz Spring 2018
Spring 2018 Bennies Buzz | 7
Fa r e w e l l
Class of 2018
In the final week of Term Three, the College farewelled the Class
of 2018 celebrating friendship, family and academic achievement.
2018 College Captain, Jaime Dunn We are the product of years of care,
reflected on their journey at the Year attention and nurturing, from pre-school
12 Academic Assembly. until today, and able to celebrate this Jaime Dunn, College Capta
milestone because of the time and love in
Have you ever separated yourself from
that has been poured into us by family,
school routine, and actually considered
peers, and teachers every step of the way. opportunities to champion those with no
why we do school? Wondered, what is it
really, that my learning can do for me? If you take a closer look at the Class of voice, flex our muscles for the powerless
After six years at Bennies and I’m finally 2018, you see this power so clearly. Look and imagine a more magical existence
able to offer an answer to this important at our Design and Technology class, for others.
question, and it is this: if we are asking who empathised with members of our Let’s not learn so that we can just pass
what our education can do for us, we’re community, using their many skills to a test. Applying what we have learned
asking the wrong question and completely create major works designed to aid and in action is the real test. Let’s learn so
missing the point. The real question is enhance life for those less privileged. Look that we might be able to empathise with
what can our education do for others? at the girls who travelled to the Philippines, others, to better serve them, to speak for
who shared their time and love of learning them. Learn so that we might be able to
We have status and influence within
with the Good Samaritan Kinder School love others.
our society. We are young women of
in Bacolod. Look at our Communications
the Western world, able to speak and You’ve heard me say many times that
Team, who have used their IT skills behind
act freely, influencing our family, peers, the greatest story is the one we write
the scenes to serve this College at every
friends, and community. And we are together. In truth the greatest story is
assembly and event over the past year.
privileged. The Class of 2018 have been the one we are about to write as we head
Look at…look at a myriad of acts, mostly
blessed with loving families, and we are in many different directions, but united
small, sometimes unacknowledged, never
grateful to them for their constant support, by the place which we depart from,
insignificant that make a big difference in
not only this year, but pretty much since Bennies. And bound by the foundation of
the lives of others.
the day we were born. We are privileged to character, opportunity and purpose that
have always had the support of this school, And this is only what we have already all in this room have laid for us.
and as we graduate today, we give thanks done…what is truly exciting is that we
for the opportunities and guidance that are on the cusp of a new stage, another On behalf of Year 12 2018, to all who
have always been available to us. beginning, countless possibilities and have brought us to this moment, I say
thank you.
8 | Bennies Buzz Spring 2018
Alexandra Maher Jaime Dunn
Judith-Grace Vella and Sophia Cle
veringa
Anne Younis
Academic Assembly
Parents and family members joined • All Round Excellence: Kathleen Notohamiprodjo,
Year 12 and the College community for the Amelia Farrell, Alexandra Maher, Nicole Sandow, Alana Sylvester,
Year 12 Academic Assembly. As well as Emily McKnight, Grace Nicholson, Claire Ward, Julia Zubak
a range of academic prizes for individual Kathleen Notohamiprodjo,
• Sportswoman of the Year:
subjects, the major award winners were: Cassandra Obeid, Emma Slee,
Sophia Cleveringa
Alana Sylvester, Daniela Taylor,
• The Mount St Benedict Award -
Tameela Vijay, Claire Ward, Julia Zubak • House Awards:
Academic Excellence:
Arcadia – Hanieh Ebrahimi
Alexandra Maher • Principal’s Award Winners:
Maredous – Saba Karimi
Sophia Cleveringa, Georgia Dean,
• Best All Rounder: Jaime Dunn Monte Cassino – Jemma Gallagher
Hanieh Ebrahimi, Jemma Gallagher,
Montserrat – Claudia McKenzie
• Christian Leadership: Kassidy Grant, Isabella Graczyk Van
New Norcia – Gabrielle George
Judith-Grace Vella, Anne Younis Herk, Abbey Harris, Saba Karimi,
Stanbrook – Elise Bond
Lucy Koelmeyer, Jessica Kotzander,
• Pierre de Coubertin Sports Award: Subiaco: Lucy Koelmeyer
Alicia Marcer, Naomi Massa,
Sophia Cleveringa Terracina – Anne Younis
Emily McKnight, Lauren McKnight,
House and Homeroom
Connect Night
Farewells
Graduation Eucharist
Graduation Dinner
Spring 2018 Bennies Buzz | 9
Bennies leading the way in
International Future Problem Solving
Future Problem Solving (FPS) is a Solving Program since 2006, delighting with our generous and supportive
global program designed for gifted in watching gifted and talented FPS families.”
and talented students to encourage Bennies girls thrive at a local, national
MSB was represented in three
creative higher order thinking, and international level in each
categories at the 2018 Future Problem
reasoning and problem solving. category offered.
Solving World Championships
Mount St Benedict College has
“FPS teaches our students to learn held at the University of Winconsin
consistently achieved in the top 10%,
how to think flexibly across disciplines, La-Crosse. The categories were:
to be invited to participate at each
how to apply research imaginatively Scenario Performance (fourth
national competition, five international
and is a proven program in developing place and finalist), Scenario Writing
competitions and has secured four
the attributes of leadership, social (finalist) and Community Problem
world championship titles.
responsibility and connection within Solving (third place).
The College’s Coordinator of Teaching young people.
Twenty one students and their dedicated
and Learning, Mrs Liz Dirckze has
It has been a pleasure to coach coaches are currently preparing for the
dedicated herself to the development
and mentor our talented coaches and national competition that will be held in
of the College’s Future Problem
students alike and to work Melbourne in late 2018.
Scenario Writing
Scenario Writing is an individual “The story I wrote, to modify him as
competition in which students develop ‘Perfect Genes’ is an embryo. When
short stories related to one of five FPS a scenario set in her parents decide
topics for the year. The story (1500 the 24th century, to experiment with
words or less) is set at least 20 years a time where technology to re-
in the future and is an imagined, but both genetically engineer his genes
logical, outcome of actions or events modified humans she is strongly
taking place in the world. and genetically Madeleine Sylvester (left) pictured against this.
engineered youth with Tara Le Large
Madeleine Sylvester (Year 9) Attending the
co-inhabit the globe.
5th place at International FPS international
However, for the protagonist’s
Championships 2017 championships was a truly amazing
family, things are very different. Her
experience. As part of my category I
Finalist at International FPS brother Jacob suffers from Trisomy
was challenged to write a new story
Championships 2018 21, a disease that would have been
in a team with three students from
avoided if only her parents had chosen
different countries including America
and Turkey. This was definitely
challenging due to language barriers,
but was also really rewarding.“
10 | Bennies Buzz Spring 2018Community Problem Solving
Community Problem Solving
bridges the gap between school
and the real world. Students
involved in Community Problem
Solving (CmPS) learn powerful
lessons about creating change,
about dealing with local authorities
and organisations, and about
making a positive impact.
Community Problem Solving
(Senior Division) Community
Environment Concerns
3rd place at International FPS
Championships with their project –
Wise Decisions parents, we engaged in a multitude of to not only raise awareness but
programs in order to address this need provide legal information to parents
Team members: Jessica Curran, within our community: organising parties
Dusana Barker, Natalia Bennett, Claire
Dean, Lily O’Brien, Tenee Arthur, Lara • When targeting the parents of the • While engaging with students we
Bryant, Jessica Tan local community we engaged in an were able to speak at local schools,
awareness campaign, we created assist the MSB PDHPE Faculty in
Written by Lily O’Brien (Year 11) ‘safe party’ kits that were delivered setting an assessment that tested
Over the course of eighteen months, the to local libraries and throughout the ability of Year 10 students to
‘Wise Decisions’ team diligently worked the College community and we also recognise the dangers of drinking
to address the rising social issue of presented to a College P&F Forum and parties and we engaged with
underage drinking in relation to parties. the ICT Department to assist Year
• We spoke on local radio to illustrate
7 students in understanding the
“Knowing that alcohol is primarily the importance of reducing teen
dangers of party peer pressure from
consumed at parties and supplied by alcohol consumption and engaged in
social media.
a number of social media platforms
Scenario
Performance
In Scenario Performance, individual
students choose the FPS annual
topic that interests them as they
project twenty years into the future
and create a futuristic story, and then
then perform it to a live audience and
judging panel.
Kishaya Lye (Year 10)
4th place at International FPS
Kishaya Lye
Championships Tara Le Large
“I’ve always loved problem solving prove whether you’re innocent or
and public speaking, so when the FPS guilty. I have definitely improved my
Program was promoted at Assembly, problem solving, writing and speaking at Bennies, I’m so glad I joined the
and I was informed about the Scenario skills, as well as getting to know FPS Program as I have improved my
Performance division, I was drawn people from all over the world and writing, performance and teamwork
to it immediately. Our given topic experiencing new cultures and places.” skills. My performance was about a
was criminal justice, so I wrote my person who finds out their boss is
Tara Le Large (Year 9)
piece about a futuristic courtroom in corrupting judges in the courts. They
Finalist at International FPS
which a girl is being tried for leaking feel they need to expose their boss, but
Championships
government papers. She is tried using they face many challenges because
a new invention called a wireread, “I wanted to explore the different their boss knows they are trying to
which scans your brain information to opportunities and programs on offer expose them.”
Spring 2018 Bennies Buzz | 11Design partnership with
Hornsby Shire Council
Mount St Benedict College is
committed to innovative projects that
promote authentic learning.
With this in mind, The College’s Head
of Technology Faculty, Dr Mary Southall
approached Hornsby Shire Council with a
proposal for students to engage in design
projects with ‘real life’ context. The
Council were receptive to the concept and
for the first time worked directly with a
Mayor Philip Ruddock presents Year 11
school on design briefs for their projects.
student, Eliza Hayman with a first place
As a result, Mount St Benedict College award for her Hornsby Shire entry design
Year 10 and 11 Design and Technology
students were challenged with two
The top four designs for Hornsby Shire
design industry standard briefs from Council suburb entry signs
Hornsby Shire Council, to redesign
the Shire entry signs, and to create a parameters were not as strict as they
new look for the Council’s waste truck would be for a school project. Knowing
graphics to encourage recycling. that our designs could be seen by the
Dr Mary Southall and Mr Kevin Jones, local community and Council staff
Design and Technology teachers at motivated us to make our designs as
the College, were extremely proud to articulate as possible.”
be able to showcase the work of their Emma Georgeson, a graphic designer Mayor Philip Ruddock presents Year 10
students to an external audience. with Hornsby Shire Council commented student, Lillie Ward with a first place
on the high quality of design thinking award for her Hornsby Shire waste truck
Year 11 student, Eliza Hayman chose
and design concepts, noting “the girls graphics design
to work on the Shire entry sign design
concept, commenting that it opened managed to design outcomes that
the Mayor of Hornsby Shire Council, Mr
her eyes to what design work is like were bang ‘on trend’ within the design
Philip Ruddock to present awards to the
outside of school. industry currently.”
students. The girls were excited to hear
In recognition of the girls’ outstanding that the Council is considering some of
“The Hornsby Council briefs drove us to
work, the College recently welcomed the designs for production and use.
be more flexible with our designs as the
College Leader of Innovation, Kevin Jones; Mayor Philip
Ruddock; College Principal, Maria Pearson, pictured with
the top four award winners for each design concept
12 | Bennies Buzz Spring 2018Bennies’ Boomerang Bags a big hit
Shoppers at Pennant Hills in Sydney’s north are being offered free reusable bags,
designed and sewn by Year 8 students from Mount St Benedict College, in an
initiative which aims to give the students practical skills as well as fulfil the College’s
commitment to caring for the environment.
The Boomerang Bags project was the
major goal of the Year 8 Technology
class at Mount St Benedict College and
has proved a big hit with shoppers, who
were delighted to receive the free bags,
which were handed out by the students
at the Pennant Hills Market Place.
The project grew from the students’
education on the harmful effects of
plastic on the environment, especially
on sea life.
“I was determined to take up this
project through the information we
had learnt about the impact of plastic
bags on the environment,” said student
Olivia Xiao.
“One of Mount St Benedict
College’s values is
stewardship, so our school
is all about caring for the
environment. This project
Above: Year 8 students pictured
is much about encouraging
with Mayor Philip Ruddock
people to stop using plastic
bags, to help save sea life and work that will encourage and
the natural world around us.” help a good cause.”
Student Seren Harries And Seren said the shoppers
said the students try to live receiving the bags were
out their College value of pleased to be a part of the
stewardship and make sure project too.
they do what they can to
“The public have loved being
make a positive impact on
able to receive a bag and
the environment.
to hand them out and interact with know that they are helping the
“The project was about stopping plastic environment,” she said.
shoppers, we learnt just how big the
bag use and with Woolworths and Coles
project could be.” The girls said they hoped the
banning single use plastic bags, we
Olivia agreed, saying that seeing people Boomerang Bags might continue on
think Boomerang Bags will encourage
put the bags to practical use gave the with a new group of Year 8 students
others to use reusable bags and help
project extra purpose. next year.
save the environment around us.”
“It’s so rewarding to see people “We hope to see more projects similar
The students said the project has been
using the bags we put so much work to this continue on throughout the
rewarding on a range of fronts.
and effort into, and to know that the years,” said Sophie.
“It has been a truly amazing
determination we put into this project is The students have now begun other
experience,” said Sophie Thompson.
being used for good in the community,” projects that help the environment,
“Seeing people’s faces light up upon she said. such as making sustainable lamps.
receiving a bag was truly inspiring. The
“It’s one thing to just do a project and Reprinted with permission. Originally
whole process of making the bags was
get a mark for it to go to your final published in The Good Oil, September 2018.
fun in itself, but when we were invited
grade, but a great thing to have
Spring 2018 Bennies Buzz | 13Innovation STEM Unit:
A place to call home
@ MSB Imagine a life lived on an island such as those of
our House Partners in Kiribati. Idyllic? Now imagine
the natural resources they have available and the
different resources the islanders might need to live a
Year 7 MYBennies
happy, healthy and safe life.
Year 7 girls were asked to place themselves in the
shoes of a Pacific island dweller and then imagine
MYBennies is a subject the challenges faced by people living in such
uniquely-designed locations in times of a flooding disaster - a real
for the students of possibility for the inhabitants of the Kiribati Islands.
Mount St Benedict Through a series of guided MYBennies lessons, student
College that integrates teams used the design process and the application of a
learning from across a range of scientific and mathematical skills to create a
range of subject areas series of scaled design sketches of a home suitable to
(KLAs). Students study survive in such a location. Then on a STEM Challenge
a range of interesting Day, all Year 7 gathered to construct and test their
topics with a teacher as a mentor that links outcomes final design. In a day that asked the girls to apply and
across subjects while also developing expertise in six key 21st enhance their 21st century skills within a real-world
century learning skills. With a combination of inquiry and context, the girls shone. We have a plethora of budding
problem-based learning experiences as well as a focus on engineers that might well consider studying STEM as
creative and collaborative team work, students work within an elective in Years 9/10 and then perhaps Engineering
and beyond their MYBennies class groups in spaces that allow Studies in Year 11 and 12 with a view to becoming
integrated learning amongst classes and expert teachers. engineers that can and will change the future.
Student Led Conference
The Student Led Conference (SLC)
is a unique opportunity for each
Year 7 student to lead a discussion
with their parents and MYBennies
teacher in which they share aspects
of the learning process they have
experienced this year. The reason for
an SLC is simple: who better to talk about their learning than
the students themselves!
• A SLC has the student as the leader of the discussion
• The girls design how and what they present to their
specific audience
Engineers without Borders
• Each girl chooses a range of work samples to showcase The College was privileged to have volunteers from Engineers
and then reflect upon including: Without Borders (EWB) deliver a two lesson unit on designing,
building and testing the structure of a “floating house”.
›› Strengths developed in their learning
Working in parallel with the other STEM unit in MYBennies,
›› Challenges faced and approaches they used to Year 7 students could apply learnings from across lessons to
overcome them different situations.
The EWB volunteers
›› Support structures and networks they may have
also came to the STEM
employed and their value to learning
Challenge Day and were
›› The range of 21st century learning skills developed complimentary of the
through the process involved in each experience students’ commitment
to their studies. It was
›› Specific goals for future learning into Year 8 and beyond
particularly rewarding
to have ex-MSB
student, Nivedita
volunteer to be a part
of the program.
14 | Bennies Buzz Spring 2018Innovation
@ MSB
Year 9 Inspire
Inspire Week is an original, integrated education program The themes for Inspire Week 2018 are:
designed and implemented by the staff and students of
Theme 1: Empowering Australian Women
Mount St Benedict College to foster independence and
learning in real-world contexts. Parents, staff and students Theme 2: Australia - Past, Present and Future
co-designed the program for delivery in late 2018 in a week-
Theme 3: A Sustainable Australia and its place in the world
long off site residential experience. Students have chosen
one theme and then individual itineraries within each theme. Theme 4: A unique and multicultural Australia
Year 10 REAL
A new initiative for Year 10 students called the
R.E.A.L Program (Reflective. Engaged. Authentic.
Lifelong) was launched in 2018. In response to
consultation with students, parents and staff,
there was an identified need for Bennies girls to
engage in learning that went beyond the traditional
confinements of the classroom. Girls expressed
interest in exploring content that would assist them in making environment to learn in a more practical, hands-on way.
informed choices after and outside of school including further From changing a car tyre, to writing a resume, we have
education options, careers etc. developed different skills which will help us throughout our life.
Zoe Fajemisin
Some activities that students have been participating in
throughout the year include completing learning profile REAL is different to our normal lessons and classes as it
assessments, financial literacy workshops, offsite further provides us with practical and relevant information that
education visits (TAFE, University, Private Colleges), exploring is guaranteed to be used in our life beyond Bennies. The
current affairs and DIY workshops. program is relaxed and engaging using our own opinions and
interests to influence the program.
This new initiative demonstrates the College’s ongoing
commitment to prepare the girls for life beyond Bennies, At the beginning of the R.E.A.L Program, all students
continuing to build on their understanding and application participated in an excursion to either Macquarie University
of 21st century skills that were first introduced to them in or Hornsby TAFE. This allowed us to think about tertiary
MYBennies when they were in Year 7. education options for when we graduate from Bennies.
I went to visit Macquarie University, where we toured the
Student perspectives: campus and our guide answered any questions we had on the
R.E.A.L has helped us to learn a variety of skills to tackle real facilities, courses and opportunities available for students at
life situations that affect us now and when we leave school. Macquarie University.
Unlike normal subjects, we are able to step out of the classroom Sarah O’Sullivan
Spring 2018 Bennies Buzz | 15Current Student News
‘One kind word can change someone’s day, so in
a world where you can be anything, be kind.’
New leaders, College Captain, Antonia Saul; Vice-Captain
Portfolios, Emma Bourne and Vice-Captain Spirit, Naomi
Sheather are looking forward to inspiring MSB students to live
boldly and with passion, to be the very best version of themselves.
The girls have been busy starting their leadership journey on
a positive note, placing a sticky note affirmation on the locker
of every Bennies girl.
The purpose of the initiative was to spread kindness throughout
the school and to uplift the spirits and perspectives of the girls
as they approached a new school week. Through demonstrating
how one small act of kindness such as a simple message on a
sticky note can make such an impact in the lives of others, the
Mount St Benedict College Captains hope to inspire and call
upon students to demonstrate acts of kindness toward others in
their everyday lives and through this spread kindness.
Principal for a Day
Year 9 student, Lucy Pratt was voted by her peers to fill
the role as ‘Principal for a Day’. Lucy spent the day with
College Principal, Mrs Maria Pearson, accompanying her to
meetings and classes, as well as writing a newsletter piece
and presenting to and the College Assembly. Here are Lucy’s
insights on what it means to be a leader in a school in the
Catholic, Benedictine tradition:
I received the amazing opportunity to observe what it took to run a
school and ultimately be a successful leader.
In each event that I was able to attend in the day, I noticed each one
of Mrs Pearson’s leadership qualities. I witnessed her confidence
and hospitality during the Father Daughter breakfast. I saw her
being a visionary, influential, punctual, innovative and open-minded
leader when I sat in on each of her meetings.
16 | Bennies Buzz Spring 2018Year 7 ‘Archibennies’
Year 7 Visual Art portraiture studies culminated in an
excursion to see the Archibald Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW.
After examining the range of styles and technique, students
chose a teacher to depict for Bennies’ own ‘Archibennies’
exhibition. Students chose a teacher that they felt an affinity
with; either through their relationship as a Homeroom mentor
or as their classroom teacher. Some students chose to depict
a teacher that they may not necessarily have been taught by
but the teacher’s appearance was compelling to them.
Similar to the Archibald Prize, there was a Teacher’s and
Student’s Choice. The standard of the student’s portraits was
high and the voting was close. Congratulations to Student’s
Choice winner, Abigail Kafkis with her depiction of Mrs
Vukovic; and to Teacher’s Choice winner, Georgia Hogan with
her interpretation of Mrs Gracie.
Year 9 and 10 production in the
new Hildegard Centre for the
Creative and Performing Arts
The MSB Stage 5 (Year 9 and 10) Elective Drama Students
presented their production of Alice in Wonderland based on
the classic by Lewis Carroll, adapted by William Glennon
in the new Hildegard Centre for the Creative Arts. A group
of performers seek out an ‘Alice’ in order to present a
production of Wonderland. An adventure unfolds, and they
play the many characters recognisable from the traditional
play and film. Congratulations to the girls on their fine
performances and to their teachers.
Spring 2018 Bennies Buzz | 17Current Student News
MSB students chosen for prestigious STEM Program
Two Year 10 MSB students were Now in the fifth year, GoIT Girls focuses
recently chosen to be part of on challenging gender stereotypes,
the global award winning work showcasing women in STEM as
experience program GoIT Girls role models, broadening student
developed by TATA Consultancy perspectives of IT, building technical
Services. Designed to inspire skills through coding and enhancing
young women into Science, confidence and employability skills.
Technology, Engineering and
During the program the girls worked
Mathematics, MSB students Georgina Chan
in small groups to find a solution to
- Taylor Kueh and Georgina Taylor Kueh
a technology problem and pitch it to
Chan had the opportunity to
senior IT professionals. Georgina was
meet and be mentored by senior
part of the winning team at GoIT Girls, as part of the prize
executives from the company and their clients who provided
she was invited by the Woolworths Group to shadow their
insight into the various STEM roles across the businesses.
Information Technology team for a day.
Augmented Reality Sand Pit Project
All it took was an email from a member of the
Information Technology Team who had seen online
a clever way to re-use the Kinetic Camera from her
old Xbox, and an innovative project was started.
During Term Break, the Information Technology
Team at Mount St Benedict College undertook to
build an Augmented Reality (AR) sand pit. Starting
with an old PC, projector and kinetic camera
from an old Xbox, the team carefully followed the
instructions published online by the University of
California to build our very own. onto the landscape created. Students can then create rainfall
by hovering their fingers above the desired location.
The sand pit is available for student use in the Information
Resource Centre (IRC). By moulding the sand to create the The system teaches geographic, geologic, and hydrologic
desired landscape, the kinetic camera then measures the concepts such as how to read a topography map, the meaning
height and depth of the sand to project a topographical map of contour lines, watersheds, catchment areas, levees, etc.
Vinnies Busking
Mount St Benedict College was pleased to support St Vincent
de Paul in their annual “Busking for Vinnies” event. Members
of MSB College music ensembles entertained the lunchtime
crowds in Centenary Square at Parramatta while collecting
donations for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. This
occasion was particularly significant as it marked the 10th
consecutive year of the College’s involvement in this event.
We are very grateful to have this opportunity of service in
partnership with Vinnies and we look forward to it continuing
and growing in the years to come.
18 | Bennies Buzz Spring 2018Share - Listen - Act
MSB Day
Each year, Mount St Benedict College celebrates the Feast a response with empathy and compassion in the College’s
Day of St Benedict at the conclusion of Term Two. The Year of Hospitality.
community day is eagerly anticipated each year by both
“I always look forward to MSB Day, and I am really grateful
students and staff at the College.
to be able to celebrate as a community with all of you.
The 2018 theme, Share – Listen – Act sought to draw attention There will be many opportunities to share in meaningful
to our strength as a College community and was reflected conversations and listen to one another, so make sure
in the day’s activities, beginning with Eucharist, followed you are seizing those opportunities to practise hospitality.
by a hospitality picnic with food trucks and fun student- Listen to one another, and approach all activities with a
led activities before finishing with a student talent quest. positive attitude. If you do, I can guarantee an incredible and
There was an emphasis from the student leaders on the memorable day.”
importance of engaging with the story of others and ensuring Jaime Dunn, 2018 College Captain
Spring 2018 Bennies Buzz | 19Bennies’ star party helps
break world record
It’s official: the world record for the most people stargazing across multiple venues at
the same time has been broken and Mount St Benedict College was a part of it.
The ABC’s Stargazing Live broadcast, in partnership with the The event was a wonderful leadership opportunity for the
Australian National University (ANU), claimed the Guinness Mount St Benedict College students, who showcased their
World Records title for an event that saw thousands of passion for astronomy. MC for the evening, Year 12 Physics
telescopes pointed at once at the night sky. student, Kaecee Evio enjoyed sharing her love of science.
More than 46,345 people simultaneously observed the moon “Everyone enjoyed the science aspect of the night with
through telescopes for 10 minutes, and the 74 girls who friends, family and other guests. The students really
participated at Mount St Benedict College were part of this enjoyed a more informal learning opportunity that was
record-breaking endeavour. separate to the classroom.”
Thanks to the interest and enthusiasm by Mr Edward Baker, Fellow Year 12 Physics classmate, Sarah Assaf led sky
a teacher in the College’s Science Department, the College talks with Mr Baker, calling on her years of experience as a
hosted one of the 285 stargazing parties registered across member of astronomy club, SPOT (Space Odyssey Team).
Australia on the clear crisp May evening.
“As well as viewing the moon for our world record attempt,
Jupiter was visible for the majority of the night and
constellations such as Orion and Scorpius were also visible.
The Southern Cross and some of the brightest stars in the
night sky were also out. The night was extremely clear so we
were blessed to be able to see all of this!”
20 | Bennies Buzz Spring 2018Stewardship on our doorstep
Mount St Benedict College is fortunate to have a remnant comprehensive picture of the hollow resources available for
Blue Gum High Forest on its grounds of great heritage value. native wildlife.
Listed under Australian legislation as a critically endangered
“Together with our students, we are getting to know this
ecological community, there is now less than 5% of Blue Gum
wonderful space. Through monitoring the many tree hollows
High Forest remaining in Australia.
we have onsite, we have already identified abundant wildlife
In addition, the College recently took on the lease of the including a colony of native bees and even a resident
neighbouring Ludovic Blackwood Memorial Sanctuary from echidna,” says College Social Ecologist, Natalie Edmonds.
The National Trust.
Bennies Bushcare Year 11 member, Olivia Staal is
Reflecting the College’s growing ecological responsibilities and embracing her role as an environmental ambassador for the
with the College value of Stewardship firmly in mind, it became College and the wider community, “Before my involvement,
apparent that professional expertise was needed to support I would look out the Blue Gum Forest each day and know
and protect the biodiversity of such a large area of forest. little about it. Now I have learnt about the native plants and
wildlife and understand the threats that this area faces. I
The College has employed social ecologist, Natalie Edmonds
am enjoying being part of the Hollows as Homes project
to development and implement a comprehensive plan to care
and now know how to record tree height and width without
for and learn about the bushland.
measuring instruments.”
The plan includes the Bennies Bushcare volunteer team
of eight students in Years 10 and 11, as well as a weekend
bushcare group with ex-students and external members of
the community meeting on a Saturday once a month. The aim Bennies Bushcare meets on the 4th Saturday of the
is to restore and maintain ecosystem health by helping the month, 9.00am - midday in the Ludovic Blackwood
natural regeneration of indigenous plants. Memorial Sanctuary. MSB students, parents and ex-
students are invited to become involved in caring for
The bushcare teams have recently become involved with an important piece of Bennies and national heritage.
an Australia-wide citizen science project run by The Royal No experience necessary.
Botanic Garden Sydney. The Hollows as Homes project aims
to conduct the first landscape-scale assessment of tree/ If you are interested contact Natalie Edmonds
nest box/cut-in hollow distribution, type and wildlife use. nedmonds@msb.nsw.edu.au who will provide
Using the College’s protected Blue Gum High Forest, Bennies more details.
Bushcare is monitoring selected tree hollows to help build a
Spring 2018 Bennies Buzz | 21Sporting News
MSB Sporting Culture and Netball
Tour to the USA and Canada
The MSB Sporting Culture and Netball tour travelled to two
countries and three cities in twelve days in late 2017.
The three netball teams played twenty seven games of
netball against Canadian opposition - winning twenty two,
losing three and drawing two games. The top team was
undefeated throughout the tour and won the Saturday
tournament in Vancouver, and the remaining two teams
finished in equal third position.
attending lessons in a Canadian High School) and even for
The girls also experienced North American professional Sunday Mass in the USA.
sporting culture at an Oakland A’s baseball game in San
While on the Sports Tour each girl was responsible for her
Francisco, a Vancouver Canucks ice hockey game in Canada
own hydration, recovery, nutrition, uniform laundry, injury
and an LA Lakers basketball game in Los Angeles.
prevention and treatment prior to and following every game.
In addition to sightseeing (highlights included riding cable This is in addition to the regular sleep, time management,
cars in San Francisco, riding bikes across the Golden budgeting, document and responsibility for personal items
Gate bridge, zip lining on Grouse Mountain and a trip to required for any College tour. At such a young age this is
Disneyland) the girls were welcomed enthusiastically by indeed a challenge and it was great to see the growth in
friendly Canadian school opponents (another highlight was experience and these challenges being met on a daily basis.
The girls came away with many great memories as well as
becoming more confident and aware of the self-responsibility
that comes with international travel.
22 | Bennies Buzz Spring 2018Diving
Montanna Ritchie
(Year 8) won both the
Under 14 Springboard
and Platform diving
events at the NSWCCC Cricket
Diving Championships.
Montana was named This is the fourth
in the NSW All Schools consecutive year that
team to compete at the Kate Barry (Year 12) has
School Sport Australia gained selection into the
Championships in Perth OPEN NSWCCC OPEN
in late 2018. Girls Cricket team.
Swimming Isabella Johnson Christina Kwon
Our MSB swimming team were named as BBSSSA
Champions for the second consecutive year.
Team highlights:
• Breaking two individual records - Grace Michell in the
200IM and Georgia Platts in the 200 Freestyle
• Grace Michell named as the Under 15 BBSSSA Champion
• Winning five out of the seven relays contested
Stephanie Boxwell
Grace Michell
• New record in the 6 x 50 Freestyle relay. Freestyle relay
members: Isabella Johnson, Harper Adams, Anneke Van
Zoggel, Grace Michell, Christina Kwon and Georgia Garment
The College had nine students compete at the NSW All
• MSB was represented for the first time in the multiclass Schools Championships with Isabella Johnson finishing as the
event by Stephanie Boxwell from Year 11 fastest female Under 12 Breaststroke swimmer in the state
and Christina Kwon being named in the NSW All Schools team.
At the NSWCCC Championships MSB students established
two new CCC individual records (Isabella Johnson Under 12 Christina then travelled to Tasmania for the School Sport
50m Breaststroke and Georgia Platts 400m Freestyle), whilst Australia Championships, winning an individual and
the Junior and Intermediate Medley relays won gold. relay bronze.
Spring 2018 Bennies Buzz | 23Bronte
Corke in
Basketball action
The MSB Junior Representative
Basketball team were BBSSSA
undefeated champions. MSB
Intermediate and Senior teams
were runners up. Bronte Corke
was selected as a member of the
NSWCCC Open Basketball team.
MSB Junior champions
Touch
• MSB Junior and Intermediate
teams were silver medallists at the
BBSSSA Championships
• Mia Jamer (Year 8) was selected into
the BBSSSA Under 15 touch team
• Jade Pond (Year 10), Alice Woodrow
(Year11), Julia Zubak and Georgia
Year 9 / 10 champions Dean (both from Year 12) were
selected into the Open team
• Jade Pond and Julia Zubak then
went onto gain selection into the
NSWCCC Open Touch team that
competed on the Sunshine Coast in
Term Three. MSB Year 7 and 8 girls
also competed at this tournament as
part of the Australian Schools Cup
• The MSB Year 9 and 10 team were
NSW All Schools Parramatta
regional champions.
Jade Pond
Julia Zubak
Softball
Amy Tilley (Year 10), Natalie Tong
(Year 11), Tiffani Bassett (Year 11) and
Hannah Breytenbach (Year 12) were
members of the BBSSSA Softball
team that competed at the NSWCCC
Championships. Ex MSB student
Natalie Tong was also involved with the
BBSSSA team.
24 | Bennies Buzz Spring 2018Cross Country
Alicia John (Year 10) was the 2018
BBSSSA Under 16 girls champion and
MSB won the Under 16 girl team event
(team members: Alicia John, Grace
Michie, Jasmine Rheinberger and
Bronte Corke).
Under 16 team
Alicia John
Athletics
Golf Congratulations to Clara Nourdine (Year 8), who broke the
NSW All Schools Under 13 Triple Jump and Long Jump
Olivia Kerr
records! Amie Bowrey (Year 12) was named as the BBSSSA
(Year 11) won
17+ Age Champion. MSB students contested 25 events at the
the BBSSSA Golf
NSW All Schools Athletics Championships.
Championships
and was selected
into the NSWCCC
Golf Team.
Amie Bowrey Clara Nourdine
MSB Junior Team – NSWCCC Champions (From left) Jasmine Rheinberger,
Kate Barry and Jade Pond
Netball Soccer
All four MSB representative teams progressed to the grand
The MSB Open team were BBSSSA silver medallists.
finals at the BBSSSA Championships with the Year 7 and
Jasmine Rheinberger and Jade Pond (both from Year
Junior teams finishing the day as undefeated champions.
10) and Kate Barry (Year 12) were named in the Open
The MSB Junior team then went on to win the NSWCCC
BBSSSA team.
Championships establishing themselves as the best junior
Catholic team in the state!
Spring 2018 Bennies Buzz | 25Staff News Babies
Angela Junkiewicz (Class of 1998
Congratulations to: and staff member) and Gavin are
the proud parents of Geneva Lily
Drayton born 28 November 2017,
weighing 2.5kg and 46.5cm long.
Weddings Todd Gardner and Tegan proudly
Brendan Hyam announce the arrival of their little
and Alessandra boy, Jasper John Gardner. Jasper
Murdica (Class of was born on 31 March 2018,
2011) were married weighing 3.71kg and 50cm long.
on 17 December
Christina He and Joe He are
2017 at St Patrick’s
proud parents of Lily Teresa He.
Catholic Church,
Born on 19 April 2018, weighing
followed by a
nearly 3.6kg and 52cm long.
reception at Oatlands House.
Alessandra is an ex-student of Mount St Benedict
College as well as her two bridesmaids Lauren
Amy Scott-Bell and her husband
Camilleri (Class of 2011) and Jennifer Calacoci
welcomed Lachlan William Olsen
(Class of 2009). Brendan is a teacher at Mount St
into the world, born 7 August
Benedict College and Alessandra now works as a
2018 weighing 3.47kg and 50cm
Clinical Nurse Specialist for the Northern Sydney
long. Mum and bub are doing
Local Health District.
well and Lily loves her new role
as a big sister.
Brooke Lovarini
and Daniel were Rebecca Enright and Brian
married on 12 welcomed a baby boy, Zayne
January 2018 in a Christopher Gabriel Gibson on 24
lovely ceremony August 2018. He weighed 3.35kg
held at Bendooley and 49cm long.
Estate in Berrima.
Staff Immersion
In 2018 the ICT Team have been actively seeking opportunities
to support MSB College causes. In support of College staff
members, David Weinberger (ICT Team) and Judell Johnston
(Science Faculty) who were selected to be a part of the
Good Samaritan Staff Kiribati Immersion trip, the ICT Team
organised fundraising activities to contribute to the Good
Samaritan Sisters’ important work in Kiribati.
The ICT Team held a silent auction, selling off a range of ICT
equipment that was no longer used. The Team raised $3,400
which David and Judell presented to the Good Samaritan
Sisters in Kiribati.
In Kiribati, the Sisters are involved in numerous ministries of
outreach and compassion – teacher education and pastoral
work among people with mental illness, or a disability or
in prison. The Sisters live close to the people and respond
simply as neighbour, as friend and as colleague.
These funds, along with David and Judell’s hard work whilst
they were there, will support this good work.
26 | Bennies Buzz Spring 2018Ex Student News
Beyond Bennies
Bennies ex-students are keen to share their skills and psychologist and a sporting events manager. It was terrific
talents with our current students. In June, we welcomed to hear about the diverse pathways these impressive young
three ex-students back to share their career stories and women took after Bennies. Thank you to Laurie Keller
adventures along the way at our Beyond Bennies Assembly. (Class of 2007), Ashley Campbell (Class of 2005) and Emma
This year our guests included a penguin trainer, a Pratt (Class of 2004) for sharing their wisdom.
Maria Cigolini - Class of 1978
I had always wanted to study
medicine, but with a late
introduction to English, I thought
it was beyond reach. I am now
fortunate to be the Clinical Head
of Palliative Medicine at Royal
Prince Alfred Hospital, the RPA
Community Sector and the regional outreach
service for the Western NSW Health District around Dubbo.
I am also a Clinical Lecturer at the University of Sydney.
Nicole Charles - Class of 2001
Nicole moved to
Hong Kong for work
reasons and is busy
raising her one
year old daughter.
She is enjoying
Stephanie Armstrong - motherhood and
Class of 1971 teaching piano for
flexibility, while
finishing her
I’m happy to be able to announce the birth of my first
Finance Masters.
grandchild - Harriet Armstrong. She was born on 3 February
2018 and is Canadian by birth. Her parents moved to Canada
from Brisbane in 2014 and have made a home in Canmore,
a village in the Rockies. I have a great excuse to make many
trips to a stunningly beautiful place!
Spring 2018 Bennies Buzz | 27Class of 1988 - 30 year reunion
On Saturday 1 September, about 20 ladies from Year 12
of 1988 and Year 10 of 1986 got together for a wonderful
afternoon of shared memories and catching up on what we
had all been doing in the 30 years since we left Bennies.
After some of our antics, we were surprised at the number
of teachers in our midst! From bushfire consultants to
Border Force officers, our occupations and experiences since
Bennies have been wide and varied.
We caught up at the old Bull and Bush Hotel in Baulkham
Hills, which surprisingly hasn’t changed a great deal over
the years and danced the night away to some fabulous 80s
tunes, thanks to one of our classmates whose fabulous band,
Soundproofed, was playing a gig there.
It was wonderful to reconnect with some of the school crew
and we are going to try not to leave it 10 years between drinks
before we next catch up.
Gemma Veling - Class of 2005
Gemma Veling married the love of her life, JP Hutchison, on
13 October 2017. The couple had a magical Scottish wedding,
and Gemma shared her special day with best friends from
Bennies, Lauren Moran (‘05) and Elise Psaltis (‘05), and sister
Therese Creed Karina Veling (‘08).
[nee Hanna] -
Class of 1994 Rachel Huxley - Class of 2006
We are battling drought Rachel married Scott Okell
on our Queensland cattle on 7 April 2017 at The
property where we live, and Little Church of the West,
so far we are managing. Las Vegas, Nevada. They
My third Novel ‘Brumby were surrounded by close
Country’ has just gone to friends at the ceremony and
Allen and Unwin, it should celebrated afterwards at ‘The
be released in 2019 in time Stratosphere’ - the best view
for Mother’s Day. in Las Vegas. They celebrated
with a “Happily Ever After
Party” with family and friends
on their return to Australia.
28 | Bennies Buzz Spring 2018Natalie Trajcevski (nee van
Huissteden) - Class of 1989
Natalie represented Australia in Dragon Boating for the
second time in October 2017. The 13th World Nations Dragon
Boat Championships were held in Kunming China and Natalie
was a member of the Senior A division (paddlers between
the ages of 40-49). On her debut in the 2015 Australian team
for the 12th World Nations Dragon Boat Championships in
Welland Canada, she came home with four silver medals.
A dragon boat has 20 paddlers, a sweep and a drummer when
racing, and normal distances raced are 200m, 500m, 1km and
2km. If you are interested in trying dragon boating as a sport,
go to www.accadbr.com Natalie Trajcevski, far right.
Emma Pratt - Class of 2004
Emma currently works as a Child and sector, and was a tutor in the Psychology
Adolescent Clinical Psychologist. Emma Department at Sydney University. She recently
grew up surrounded by family members who finished working at Cerebral Palsy Alliance
worked in education and mental health and where she volunteered while completing her
knew from the age of ten that she wanted Masters. She currently works on the Northern
to be a psychologist. Emma volunteered her Beaches of Sydney as a part-time school
services in Rural NSW where she provided psychologist and in private practice. Her
psychometric assessments to indigenous special interest is somatic psychology and
children in order to promote inclusivity trauma-informed practice and she hopes to
and increase funding. She has also worked one day own her own psychology clinic that
in a training role, providing professional provides holistic treatment for youth.
development to senior leaders in the university
Amanda Isley - Class of 2007
Amanda married Joshua Montoya on 19 May 2018 at
St Mary of The Presentation Church in Mudgee NSW.
Homeroom Monte Cassino 2
Reunion
Homeroom MC2 recently gathered for a reunion.
There were girls from the graduating year of 2011 up
to the graduating year of 2017. It was great to catch
up and see what everyone has been up to!
Spring 2018 Bennies Buzz | 29Soila Maasai Girls Rescue Centre in Suswa
Hannah Ryan - Class of 2010 MSBESA grant recipient
I’m thrilled to let Bennies know about the work I am doing in and most importantly, many hours of laughter with the kids
Nairobi, Kenya. I am currently working for a children’s charity and babies of KCH! This is an independent home which, at
called Kenya Children’s Home (KCH). I would not be in this any one time, houses up to 150 orphaned, abandoned and/
position without the generous donation Bennies made in 2016 or destitute babies and children. KCH have seven different
for my volunteer programme in Zambia, which propelled me houses or family units which act as their familiar place, a
into my current career in aid work. place they call ‘home.’ A house mum is delegated to care for
the children and assist with homework, chores and games
Here is my update: and to offer emotional and social support when needed.
Back in January 2016 I embarked upon a journey that would
change my life forever. I volunteered to take a three-month Working for this charity has opened my eyes to the
programme to rural Zambia where I was to teach financial inner resilience of children in these situations, but most
literacy and sexual health. Before taking the trip I had to importantly, from a personal perspective it has helped
raise funds through a fundraising project and this was partly me to discover my own inner abilities and strengths that I
sponsored by Bennies. I will be forever grateful to the College now use to help them on their journey. We are always on
for their support and encouragement. Fast forward and the lookout for volunteers to become part of our family, so
one year later, I am living in Nairobi, Kenya, working as the please contact me for more information if you are interested.
programme manager for a company called Kenya Children’s Volunteer opportunities, how to sponsor a child and any other
Home (KCH). My job includes volunteer co-ordination, information can be found at http://kenyachildrenshome.org.uk
managing education activity, house and camp organisation or by contacting me directly at hannah.ryan@kch.co.ke
Emily Crisafulli - Class of 2012 MSBESA grant recipient
PhD candidate in the Department of Biochemistry and My research focuses on drug resistance in malaria,
Molecular Biology at The University of Melbourne. more specifically on the mechanisms of resistance to
doxycycline (a prophylactic) and artemisinin (the first
I received the MSBESA experience grant last year, which
line therapy).
allowed me to present my PhD work at the scientific
meeting for the Australian Society for Biochemistry and This conference brought together many great scientists
Molecular Biology, held in Adelaide in October 2017. from across Australia, in addition to some notable
international speakers. The scientists who attended
the meeting work on a wide variety of topics, so I was
afforded the chance to engage with and develop new
networks. Interacting with researchers with differing
areas of expertise brought a breadth of different ideas on
my PhD project. There were many great suggestions, a
number of which I have already followed up on in the lab.
Presenting my PhD work at this conference was an
invaluable opportunity afforded to me by MSBESA, and
I’m incredibly grateful.
30 | Bennies Buzz Spring 2018You can also read
