Established by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan of the Order of St Benedict in 1966, the College is located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay and run under the auspices of the Sisters through its Board of Directors and the school Principal. The Catholic view of life and the mission of Christ underpins and influences all the policies and practices of the school community. The students receive formal religious education and are also encouraged to participate in a wide range of activities which seek to broaden their understanding of, and commitment to, the faith life of the Church and its service to the broader community. In 1987, in line with other Good Samaritan Schools, Mount St Benedict College was incorporated as a Company with a Board of Directors. The first lay Principal was appointed in 1994. The current Principal is Maria Pearson. Today, Mount St Benedict College is a community of over 1000 girls and 150 staff following in the Benedictine tradition of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan. Since its inception, the Benedictine values of Pax, Hospitality and Stewardship have permeated the education process, preparing our students to become women of competence, confidence and compassion.
Curriculum
Mount St Benedict College offers a rigorous academic programme and a comprehensive curriculum. The curriculum caters for a diverse range of needs of students and allows for the more able students to engage in fulfilling and rewarding courses of study while also catering to the needs of students with special learning needs. The co-curricular life of the College spans the academic, cultural and sporting interests of the girls and enriches the educational experience of the students by developing critical thinking and independent learning which assist them in their course work learning. Mount St Benedict is known in the local area for its strong focus on technology. The Mount St Benedict Laptop Program began in 2010, providing girls in Years 9 and 11 with their own laptop. This was extended to Years 9-12 in 2011 and further extended to the whole school in 2012.
Activities
Co-curricular activities
The College offers a comprehensive program of co-curricular activities, including:
Mount St Benedict College offers students the opportunity to participate in sport at a representative level as well as in co-curricular teams. In addition all students in Years 7-10 participate in a fortnightly Physical Activity program. Sport at Mount St Benedict is something that is taken very seriously and this shows in the results of all events girls participate in.
Community
Mount St Benedict College has many community avenues. Besides the Parents' and Friends', the Ex-students' Association and the partners with the Good Samaritan causes, students are involved in many community activities:
Caritas Australia through work with Project Compassion during Lent
Make a Difference - group of students who discuss current issues, raise awareness and take action
Students at Mount St Benedict College have established a partnership with a high school in East Timor as a way to learn about social justice in a meaningful way. Four students and two teachers took stationery, musical instruments and school supplies to help establish a high school in East Timor. This support has continued for three years.
House system
Mount St Benedict College has eight houses, each named after Benedictine monasteries:
