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On behalf of the Board of Anglican Schools Corporation and the School Council of Danebank, we are very pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Michele Benn to take up the position of Principal of Danebank from Monday 14 July 2025. Following a thorough selection process, Dr Benn was selected to lead Danebank into its next phase of growth and development. Both the School Council and the Board have affirmed their full confidence in Dr Benn’s leadership of Danebank into the future.

Dr Benn will succeed Dr Emma Burgess, who departs Danebank on 4 July 2025. Dr Burgess has led the school with true vision, great love, compassion and a beautiful Christian faith for over five years. She leaves our school well placed for a wonderful future. For this, the Board and the School Council thank her most sincerely. Dr Benn comes to Danebank as a brilliant thinker and an outstanding leader in girls education. In her career of more than 30 years in education, she has held numerous senior positions, including (currently) Head of Teaching and Learning (Meriden School), Head of Junior School (Meriden School) and Deputy Head of School (St Peter’s Anglican Grammar).

Dr Benn brings a deep commitment to empowering young women through a holistic education underpinned by an authentic Christian foundation. In fact, it is Dr Benn’s strong faith and recognition that Danebank’s strategies, programs and activities are shaped by the gospel, that lie at the heart of her desire to serve as the school’s Principal. Dr Benn believes in the transformative impact of education, saying: “Danebank offers a powerful environment where young women can build their confidence, resilience and leadership skills. The school’s approach to keeping Danebank’s girls at the heart of decisions strongly resonates with me.”

The past five years at Danebank have seen impressive strategic momentum and growth, from the development of the school’s physical environment to furthering the commitment to contemporary learning approaches that nurture academic achievement and personal character. Dr Benn admires the strategic vision and momentum Danebank has cultivated as a school that honours its traditions, while continuing to evolve, ensuring that students are equipped for the future.

“I intend to continue and build on this outstanding momentum through the next phase of Danebank’s journey,” Dr Benn says.

Dr Benn and her husband, Patrick, are well known in their community where they attend the local Anglican church. Together, they have six children. Please join with us in congratulating Dr Benn on her appointment as the 8th Principal of Danebank, and in welcoming her to the school. We look forward to this exciting new step in Danebank’s journey, under God’s guidance, as we continue to prepare girls for an outstanding future.

In our commitment to ensure our students are well-prepared for the future and in order to stay at the forefront of educational innovation, two significant curricular changes are being implemented for Danebank students in Years 9 and 10 (Stage 5).

The first is the addition of two extra courses (International Studies and iStem), and the second the opportunity for girls to choose up to four courses over the two years, doubling from the original two.

The result of comprehensive parent and student surveys and extensive discussions with our teachers, these changes are expected to have a significantly positive impact on the girls’ educational experience at our school.

The surveys also led to expanding our VET offerings for Years 11 and 12 (Stage 6).

Embracing Innovation

As innovators in education, Danebank understands the importance of preparing our students to become global citizens and critical thinkers. By introducing the elective International Studies and iStem courses, we aim to broaden their horizons and nurture their curiosity about the world:

• International Studies will expose our students to diverse cultures and perspectives, fostering cultural sensitivity and open-mindedness.
• iStem will equip girls with the skills required to navigate the technology-driven industries of tomorrow, ensuring they remain competitive in the ever-changing job market.

Fostering Flexibility

Recognising the uniqueness of each student, we are transitioning from two 200-hour courses to four 100-hour courses over Years 9 and 10.

This shift allows our girls to delve into more subjects that interest them, tailoring their learning experience to suit their individual strengths and passions.

In practice this means that students elect two 100-hour courses for study in Year 9 and then have the option to either choose the same subjects again for Year 10 (making this a 200-hour course) or select another two 100-hour elective courses.

Over the two years in Stage 5, students can now choose from Drama, Music, Photography and Digital Media, Visual Arts, Commerce, History Elective, International Studies, Physical Activity and Sport Studies, Design and Technology, Food Technology, Industrial Technology, Multimedia, iStem and Textiles Technology. The only exceptions are French and Japanese, the details of which are discussed with students when they choose a language.

This change will also allow students to be better equipped to make subject selections for Years 11 and 12.

Teach for the Future

These changes are rooted in Danebank’s commitment to teach for the future.

The curriculum review process has been comprehensive, ensuring that we maintain our school's strong educational foundation while embracing forward-thinking pedagogy. By providing our girls with the right tools and opportunities, we are empowering them to become adaptable, lifelong learners who can thrive in an ever-changing world.

Collaboration

We value the input of our entire school community, so these changes were made in collaboration with parents, students, and teachers.

The insights gained from surveys and discussions have been instrumental in shaping the decisions. We are grateful for the active involvement of our community, which reflects our shared commitment to providing the best possible education for our students.

In Pursuit of Educational Excellence

The journey to expand subject selections to include International Studies and iStem, along with the introduction of 100-hour courses for Years 9 and 10, marks a new chapter in Danebank’s pursuit of educational excellence.

These changes represent our dedication to fostering innovation, preparing students for the future, and providing them with the flexibility to thrive in their academic pursuits. Together, as a community of educators, parents and students, we are embracing the future and preparing our graduates to make a positive impact on the world.

Book a tour or contact our registrar [email protected] to find out more.

The Danebank Class of 2024’s HSC results and learning achievements have been outstanding. We congratulate each young woman and celebrate the culmination of her efforts and endeavours of her Danebank journey. The school's academic results continue to affirm our longstanding tradition and heritage of academic and learning excellence.

This year 101 of our Year 12 students undertook the HSC course, while five Year 11 accelerated students completed the HSC Mathematics Advanced and Extension courses. Of the 101 students, 94 completed the HSC, three Year 12 students completed the Life Skills Program and four students will complete the HSC in 2025 as they undertake the pathways program (a two-year course of study).

Congratulations to Danebank’s Dux, Abby Wong, who achieved an ATAR of 99.75.

More All Rounders

There has been an increase in Danebank All Rounders (students who achieved a result in the highest band, Band 6 or E4, in 10 or more units) this year, as well as in the percentage of HSC students at the 80+, 90+ and 95+ ATAR levels when compared to previous years.

Distinguished Achievers

A record of 68 percent of our students received a Band 6 or E4 (equivalent to Band 6 for extension subjects) result. The highest percentage for Danebank in the last 10 years, this achievement positioned the school as number 52 in the State, continuing our tradition of being the best performing independent school in Georges River and Sutherland Shire. In total, 64 Danebank students are included on the HSC Honour Roll for Distinguished Achievers, four of whom were Year 11 accelerated students.

ATARs

Our Class of 2024’s accomplishments are further highlighted by the percentage of students who secured ATARs of 80 and above:

• 15.9% achieved an ATAR above 95 (Top 5%)
• 42.5% achieved an ATAR above 90 (Top 10%)
• 75.5% achieved an ATAR of 80 or above (Top 20%)

The percentage of students who achieved an ATAR over 80 is the highest in Danebank’s academic history.

Putting these results in context, this year only 51 from a total of 57,194 students in NSW achieved an ATAR of 99.95.

Some Highlights

There were many examples of personal excellence this year.

• Two Danebank students scored an ATAR above 99, placing them in the top 1% nationally:
  • Abby Wong 99.75
  • Lara Lim 99.70
• Four students achieved All Rounders Awards, with a result in the highest band (Band 6 or Band E4) in 10 or more units of courses.
• Top non-selective school in the Georges River and the Sutherland Shire
• 64 students are Distinguished Achievers (Band 6 in at least one subject)

We acknowledge that the HSC results are one marker of our students’ learning success, and we are proud of the well-rounded, confident and capable young women they are becoming.

We are immensely proud not only of these HSC results but especially of who each young woman is becoming. We are confident that our young women will embrace this next exciting chapter of their life journey as they continue learning, and pursue their passions and interests, ultimately making a positive impact on the world.

Our young women leave our green gates equipped with the dispositions, knowledge and skills, character, faith and resilience to embrace the future with a sense of hope and optimism.

Read the full report here.

Our Open Day and Autumn Fair last Saturday offered the opportunity for our community to thank and farewell Principal Dr Emma Burgess as she prepares to leave Danebank Anglican School for Melbourne at the end of the term. Chairman of the Danebank Council, Mr Mark Daly, highlighted how Dr Burgess has served our school since January 2020 in deep personal faith, with gentleness and understanding while leading the community in strategic change. Mrs Mary Fitzpatrick, Danebank P&F President expressed the parents and her personal thanks for Dr Burgess’ leadership and approachability. President of the Old Girls Association, Associate Professor Noelene Weatherby-Fell, expressed deep gratitude for Dr Burgess' care, engagement with and support of Danebank’s alumnae. The Park Road Singers dedicated two songs to Dr Burgess after the ceremony..

In her tenure, Dr Burgess has envisioned and led the implementation of extensive and deep-reaching learning, wellbeing and facility developments for students and staff in one of the most transformational eras of our history. She has prayerfully and respectfully guided our school through educational change, including through the Covid pandemic and the resulting 2020-2021 lockdowns. Dr Burgess will continue guiding our school until the conclusion of Term 2.

While this was a sad part of the day, the tours and fair were enjoyed by all visitors to the campus, whether current parents and carers, prospective students and their families, and staff.

A sincere thank you to every one of Danebank’s community members for your endless enthusiasm, skill, passion and support in making our 2025 Autumn Fair and Open Day such a joyous time for our entire community.

It was a joy to celebrate the HSC results of the Class of 2024 at our High Achievers Assembly on Wednesday 12 February 2025. The Year 12 cohort included 60 Distinguished Achievers, and the assembly was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the hard work, dedication and passion of our students.

The guest speaker, Antonia Pesenti (Danebank graduate 1987), gave an inspiring address and offered her advice to the graduates as they began their study and careers outside Danebank.

The three student speakers, Mia Ingram, Freya Hill and Abby Wong, spoke of their strategies and tips for studying for the HSC, as well as acknowledging the challenges that inevitably come. They also reflected on the changing nature of their motivation and the permission they gave themselves to be flexible in their mindset.

With over 42% of the 2024 cohort achieving an ATAR above 90 (top 10% in the state), the vast majority have chosen to undertake university study.

The assembly is a noteworthy milestone for the students and families of the Senior School – it allows for an acknowledgment of exceptional student graduates but also offers the opportunity to appreciate the wonderful learning community we share.

As a Visible Wellbeing™ (VWB) partner school, we were honoured to have welcomed psychologist Professor Lea Waters, on campus in May 2022 as we continue to embed wellbeing into our community.

Professor Waters conducted a workshop with Danebank’s Junior and Senior School Leadership teams and presented on VWB to our families on navigating parenting in challenging times. We are excited to continue on our Visible Wellbeing journey together.

The key pathways to Visible Wellbeing are Strengths, Emotional Management, Attention and Awareness, Relationships, Coping, Habits and Goals: this is the SEARCH framework. Danebank’s teachers are using these pathways daily in their classrooms and interactions with students.

On Founder’s Day, Friday 7 March, our Years 5 to 12 students and staff attended the traditional Founder’s Day Chapel, followed by the Celebration Assembly where we recognised members of the Danebank community who live our School’s motto of Ut Prosim, That I May Serve.

The 2025 award recipients are:

• Edith Roseby Ball Award for Compassion: Eleni Mamasioulas (Year 10, 2025)
• Valerie Crakanthorp Award for Initiative and Philanthropy: Mrs Jocelyn Hartley (Staff)
• Old Girls Association Citizenship Award: Clara Birrell (Year 11, 2025)

It was an honour to continue this beautiful tradition as we welcomed our award recipients and their loved ones to our special event.

Our 91st annual Speech Night was held on 4 December in the Sydney Town Hall. This was, yet again, a highlight for our community and a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and give thanks for the many blessings we have shared throughout 2024. Congratulations to all our award recipients, and also to every one of our cherished students who have grown this year at Danebank in their learning, character, faith and social development.

Special thanks to the staff and teams who make this beautiful night such an outstanding event.

Click here to view our beautiful commemorative video of the evening. This link takes you to our year-in-review video, shown at Speech Night.

Through regular Open Mornings, families are invited to discover Danebank for their daughters. More information and to book, please click here.

Stage 2 Building Official Opening and Naming

Our Stage 2 Building, has been a wonderful addition to our school. Every detail of this multi-storey space has been carefully considered and is the result of much community consultation. These new spaces host:

• The new canteen (Ground Floor) and library (Level 1)
• The Junior School reception
• Learning spaces for students in Years 5 and 6 on levels 3 and 4, as well as the new Technology (Level 3) and Japanese (Level 4) classrooms.
• Specially designed and equipped Junior School Visual Arts and Music classrooms on the ground floor, near the new canteen.
• The new staff and community space on Level 2 featuring conference and meeting rooms, a lounge, large kitchen facilities and an outdoor area for our community to meet and socialise.

We were excited to host the Official Opening of Stage 2 and the Naming of Buildings on Friday 30 August 2024. It was a wonderful evening as we celebrated and honour three Christian women who have embodied our motto, Ut Prosim, in their life of service and, in doing so, transformed the lives of others.

These buildings were named in honour of three of our previous principals.

• Carole Tisdell Learning Centre (Mrs Carole Tisdell, Principal 1975 - 1987)
• Rosalyn Bird Arts and Design Building (Miss Rosalyn Bird, Principal 1988 - 2009)
• Maryanne Davis Junior School (Mrs Maryanne Davis, Principal 2010 - 2019)