16 May 2023

From the Principal

A Prayer in Gratitude for Our Mothers

Good and Gentle God,
we pray in gratitude for our mothers and for all the women of theory who have joined with you in the wonder of bringing forth new life.
You who became human through a woman,
grant to all mothers the courage they need to face the uncertain future that life with children always brings.
Give them the strength to live and to be loved in return, not perfectly, but humanly.
Give them the faithful support of husband, family and friends as they care for the physical and spiritual growth of their children.
Give them joy and delight in their children to sustain them through the trials of motherhood.
Most of all, give them the wisdom to turn to you for help when they need it most.
Amen

 

 

A Blessing for Our Mothers

Loving God,
as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children,
so you watch over your Church.
Bless these women,
that they may be strengthened as Christian mothers.
Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.
Grant that we, their sons and daughters,
may honour them always with a spirit of profound respect.
Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen

 

Mother’s Day Mass and Breakfast

On Wednesday 10 May it was wonderful to share the Eucharist and breakfast with some of our students’ mothers and grandmothers. This celebration is now in its fourth year and we had the largest gathering thus far. Fr Ben presided over the Mass and reminded us of the significance of motherhood.

As a memento, every mother and grandmother was given a small gift that included Rosary Beads and a Medal of Mary, which was blessed by Pope Francis while on my pilgrimage. Mary is recognised as Theotokas, the Mother of God. We are so fortunate that when she was at the foot of the cross, Jesus gave her to us as our mother too. Mary is the greatest role model of motherhood. We look to her for guidance.

 

Holy Land and Italy Pilgrimage

In recent weeks, I had the privilege to join a group of Catholic school leaders on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Italy. For me, the experience was a life-changing encounter with Jesus as we walked and prayed on the same land that He walked and prayed. We were very fortunate to have His Grace, Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP lead us and Fr Lewi Barakat assisted. The places we went to included the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, Shepherd’s Field and the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem, sacred sites connected to the public ministry of Jesus around and on the Sea of Galilee, the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of St Peter in Gallicantu in Jerusalem, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Via Dolorosa (Stations of the Cross) in the Old City of Jerusalem.

 

 

NSWCCC Football Championships

Congratulations to Lara Soares, in Year 11, on her selection in the Girls Football Team. Lara will compete at the NSWCCC Football Championships in Term 2.

 

Ice-Skating Championships

Congratulations to Lily-Rose Hong (Year 7) and Isabella Hong (Year 12) who recently represented Australia in the Ice Skating Championships in Boston, USA. It is great to see our students actively and successfully pursuing their interests on the world stage.

I encourage all parents to inform the College of your daughter’s successes.

 

 

Class Chefs

On 22 May, our Hospitality students are taking over Cucina 105. This has been organised by MMCC staff in partnership with South West Connect. Register through Eventbrite to enjoy an evening of good food prepared and served by MMCC Hospitality students. Details are contained in this newsletter.

 

Gilda Pussich
Principal

 

I acknowledge the Cabrogal of the Darug Nation as the original inhabitants of Fairfield City, who are the Traditional Custodians of this Land in which the College stands. I also pay respect to the Elders both past and present and future of the Darug Nation. I acknowledge their rich culture and unique role here in the Fairfield region. Their heritage and traditions are important to us all, and part and parcel of the great history of Australia.

From the Assistant Principal

Welcome back to Term 2. Students have returned looking rested and refreshed and all staff are looking forward to a term of learning.

Harding Hot Tips – Getting off to a Good Start

Having a positive attitude to learning, setting up practical procedures and being organised with your school work is one way to ensure that students have a good start to the term. Here are a few tips to assist students to make a good start to the term:
  1. Use the College Diary to record homework and assessments – parents please sign the diary each week
  2. Pack your school bag the night before to eliminate the rush in the morning
  3. Charge your laptop overnight
  4. Check emails regularly to keep up to date with information
  5. Set up a quiet study area at home for homework
  6. Place assessment calendars in a place that can be easily checked on a regular basis
  7. Make an early start on assessment tasks

Winter Uniform

I appreciate the efforts of parents and carers in ensuring that their daughters have returned wearing their uniform with pride. To ensure the year continues to be a successful one for both your daughter and the whole school community, below are reminders regarding our College uniform and grooming regulations.

  • The Winter Uniform includes the Blazer and Stockings as compulsory items
  • The jumper can be worn with this uniform as long as the Blazer is the outer garment when coming to school and leaving school.

In keeping with a focus on excellence and the way in which girls wear the uniform, it is important for all students to know that eyelash extensions are not a part of the uniform. Students wearing obviously extended eyelashes will be sent home and are required to remove these. Any unnatural addition: hair colour, eyelash extension, fake nails are not acceptable and not part of the College uniform.

The College uniform is something we are all proud of as a community. It reflects our values as a Catholic school and demonstrates our high expectations of all of our students at MMCC. We thank all parents for your support of our College uniform regulations and ask that you only provide a note excusing your daughter’s incorrect uniform in exceptional/rare circumstances.

 

Parent Compass Access and Email Address

Are you on Compass? Does the College have your correct email address? If you require any assistance with Compass, please contact Mrs Grace Labbozzetta at the College on 9725 4322.

 

Attendance

If your daughter is absent, an explanation needs to be added by the parent onto the Compass portal. Where possible, please include medical documentation.

If your daughter is sick:

  • It is imperative that any girl with any cold or flu-like symptoms: sniffle, scratchy throat, etc, stay at home, take a RAT or PCR test and remain at home until symptoms have gone.
  • Any student who is unwell at school will be isolated in the school sick bay until she can be collected by a parent or carer.

Thank you for your continued support. If you require any assistance please do not hesitate to contact the College.

Mrs Christine Harding

Coming Events

Monday 22 May
Irene McCormack Day
Class Chefs @ Cucina 105 from 5.30pm
Monday 29 May
Parent Forum – Safe on Socials @ PBCF Library from 6.00 – 7.00pm
Friday 2 June
College Athletics Carnival at Rosford Reserve
Monday 12 June
King’s Birthday Public Holiday
Friday 23 June
Years 10 – 12 Career’s Expo
Thursday 29 June
Last Day of Classes, school concludes at 12.20pm
Thursday 29 June
Year 10 Transition Interviews (2.00 – 7.45pm)
Years 7 – 10 Parent, Teacher Interviews (2.00 – 7.45pm)
Friday 30 June
Year 10 Transition Interviews (9.30 – 2.00pm)
Years 7 – 10 Parent, Teacher Interviews (9.30 – 2.00pm)

Around the Grounds

Purpose Camp 2023 | Registrations OPEN!

The brand *NEW* annual Archdiocesan Camp for Highschoolers in Yrs 9-12

We can’t even begin to tell you how excited we are to host Purpose Camp 2023! The Sydney Catholic Youth team and Youth Leaders from across the Sydney Archdiocese are working hard to make this year’s high school camp bigger and better!

So, if you are currently in years 9-12 then come have the time of your life these Winter holidays with tons of friends you haven’t met yet! There’ll be heaps of time for games, activities, talks, discussions, prayer and a chance to grow in your faith. This camp is so big we can only run it once a year so get on board now or miss out!

DETAILS

 

When: 9:30am, Monday 10th July – 1:00pm, Wednesday 12th July, 2023

Where: The Tops Conference Centre, 51 Bendena Gardens, Stanwell Tops, 2508

Transport: A chartered bus will depart from a Sydney location (to be announced soon). Please arrive at 8:00am so we can get away on time. The bus will return to the same location on Wednesday 12th July by 2:30pm.

What to bring: A list of required items will be sent out to participants a few weeks before the camp. The Archdiocese of Sydney will not be liable for any loss or damage to personal property during the camp. We would also expect participants to step away from their usual access to technology while on the camp (There will be opportunities for participants to check)

Program: An outline of the program will be shared with registrants a few weeks before the camp, however, some of the main elements of the camp that participants would expect include; games, activities, short talks, discussion groups, prayer, access to the sacraments (reconciliation/mass etc) and of couse, social time.

Child Protection and Safety The Archdiocese of Sydney believes that genuine concern for the safety of all participants at the camp is of utmost importance. All staff and volunteers have undergone child protection checks, careful screening and training.

CAMP TERMS

In order to participate in the Camp, each Child’s parent/guardian must agree to the Camp Terms, complete the form and return it to info@sydneycatholicyouth.org to complete registration.

Download the Camp Terms HERE

REGISTER HERE

Questions? Email info@sydneycatholicyouth.org or call Sydney Catholic Youth on 9307 8152.

Early Bird Rate: $230 (closes 31 May) | Full Rate: $250 (closes 26 June)

RE Events

Parents are welcome to attend

 

Chaplaincy Program:

  • Support from local parishes; mainly Fr Roberto and Fr Ben
  • RE Lesson Visits
  • School Liturgies – Morning Mass, Year Group Masses, College Liturgies

Evangelisation Initiatives:

  • MMCC Youth Group – Thursdays Lunchtime
  • Rosary –  Tuesday, 8.30am
  • Divine Mercy Chaplet – Day 4, 8.30am

Vietnam Veterans Incursion

As part of their study of the Vietnam War, our Year 10 students had the opportunity to 

to participate in the Vietnam Veterans Education Program. This involved our students participating in a three-hour workshop, led by former army veteran Vin Cosgrove OAM and his wife Nancy. This is the twelfth year the Cosgroves have visited our school and contributed to the education of MMCC students. As part of their presentation our students were able to listen to first-hand accounts of soldiers in the Vietnam war, listen to songs inspired by experiences of the war, ask questions regarding what war-time was like and engage with primary sources and dress-up. Additionally our students were able to reflect on the nature of modern-warfare and conflicts ongoing in the world today.  A truly invaluable experience for our year 10 students. A big thank you to Miss Katrina Vo, for her organisation and Mr and Mrs Cosgrove for putting together an enriching educational experience. 

 

Ms Pavisic
Leader of Learning HSIE

Youth Week 2023

The Month of May

On Thursday 27th April Elenia Saleem, Ashley Duong, Amanda Dawood & Mya Lapierre-Walkley attended the Human Rights forum for Youth Week, run by Fairfield City Council and the Whitlam Library at Cabramatta. The forum engaged students from schools in the Fairfield area in reviewing The Human Rights Game with regard to Human Rights, Ethics, Democracy and legal rights of marginalised people. Students evaluated the game and the importance of Human Rights, presenting their thoughts and ideas to the Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay, Brainary director Hugh Kingsley and the Hon. Sarah Mitchell, MLC, NSW Education Minister. 

Catholic Life @ MMCC

The Month of May

The Month of May is a time for Marian Devotion where Catholics dedicate this month to Mary and praying the Rosary. The modern practice of a month dedicated specifically to Mary can be traced back to the 17th century, with special devotions organised on each day in May following the tradition of Tricesimum, or “Thirty-Day Devotion to Mary,”.In this month, the benefits of God’s mercy come down to us from her throne in greater abundance” (Paul VI: Encyclical on the Month of May, no. 1). 

The most common way of honouring Mary is through praying the Rosary, either at home or in parishes. It is common for parishes to have a daily recitation of the Rosary during May, and many parishes erect a special ‘May altar’ with a statue or picture of Mary as a reminder of Mary’s month. It’s also traditional to crown a statue of Mary during May – a custom known as ‘May Crowning.’ Usually, the crown is made of flowers representing Mary’s beauty and virtue, a reminder how we should strive to imitate Mary’s virtue in our own lives.  

In addition to the Rosary, there are litanies and specific prayers such as the Angelus, the Regina Coeli, the Memorare, the Hail Holy Queen. 

Catholic devotion to Mary takes place as she is Jesus’ mother and hence Mother of God. At the foot of the Cross, Jesus gave Mary to St John to be our spiritual mother, to care for all the followers of Jesus day-in-and-day-out without fail, interceding before the throne of God on our behalf for all our needs. For that, Mary deserves an entire month in her honour.  

The Rosary: Explained – Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney

Prayer at MMCC
  • Rosary – Tuesday Morning at 8:30am in the Chapel
  • Mass – Wednesday Morning at 8:00am in the Chapel
  • Mass – Day 4, Thursday Morning at 8:00am in the Chapel
  • Divine Mercy Chaplet – Day 9, Thursday at 8:30am in the Chapel
  • Stations of the Cross – Friday at 8:15am in the Chapel

 

Weekly Faith Formation
  • MMCC Youth Group: The Book of Revelations –  Thursday Lunchtime with Mrs Flanagan & Fr Roberto 
Regina Coeli

During the Easter Season students at MMCC will be praying the Regina Coeli at midday, in place of the Angelus, each Day.

The Regina Coeli is a Marian prayer synonymous with the Easter Season. This prayer dates back to the sixth century, when Pope St Gregory was leading a procession through Rome, carrying an icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, reportedly created by St Luke. The procession, imploring relief from the Plague that was afflicting Europe, ended with Pope St Gregory seeing a vision of an Angel atop Castel Sant’Angelo, singing the first three lines of what is now the Regina Coeli Prayer. History tells us that Pope St Gregory replied with the fourth line, completing the prayer. This also signalled the end of the Justinian Plague.

 

 

 

 

 

MMCC Uniform Donations

To all past and present students and their families who have donated Uniform items they no longer require, I wish to thank you for your support. Your donations every day make a difference in our school, allowing us to provide for students and their families in need. We are very grateful. 

Families who wish to donate uniform items can leave these at the MMCC Office.

2023 Plant Sale Preparations

After the success of the 2022 Plant Sale, preparations have started for the 2023 plant sale. To assist we are looking for donations of Pots, Mugs, Glasses, Cane Baskets, Vases, Cups, etc to be used for potting plants and to prepare plants for the 2023 plant sale.If you have any of these items and wish to donate to the school, please ask you daughter to drop these off to Mrs Flanagan, via student services.

Traffic Safety in and Around the College

Year 9 Food Technology

Year 9 Food Technology completed their first practical assessment task this week. Students were required to cook a meal that was appropriate for the dietary disease they had been researching. They were assessed on their hygiene and safety as well as the suitability of their dish. Showcased are some of the delicious meals they created. Well Done Year 9!
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Mrs Davis and Mrs Lai
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Year 11 Design and Technology SHAPE Excursion

On Friday 28th April 2023, our Year 11 Design and Technology students attended an excursion to the Powerhouse Museum for the SHAPE Exhibition. During this time, students viewed the 2022 Design and Technology HSC projects and portfolios. The SHAPE Exhibition provided students with the opportunity to look at the creativity and skills utilised within the outstanding HSC 2022 projects and apply those skills to their own HSC projects in 2024. It was an exciting and insightful exhibition that showcased a range of exceptional projects. Overall, it was a great day spent together.

Mrs Lisa Andronaco
TAS / VET Teacher

Year 12 Hospitality Luncheon

Year 12 Hospitality were given the opportunity to showcase the skills they have learned, whilst completing their Methods of Cookery competency task.

Students were required to cook and serve an Asian Fusion or a Mexican/ South American themed three-course alternate menu for over 20 staff. They did an amazing job and the food was absolutely delicious. Congratulations Year 12.1 Hospitality on such a successful event.
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Mrs Davis, Mrs Donnelly and Mrs Andronaco
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Executive Director’s VET Awards

The 2022 Executive Director’s VET Awards ceremony was held on Thursday 30th March, 2023 at Town Hall, Sydney with SCS office and school staff, principals, including Ms Pussich, teachers, including Mrs Toohey, and parents in attendance.

The award criteria for nominations of this prestigious award included nominees being able to prove the following:

  • Achievement of all units of competency in their relevant VET subject
  • Demonstration of industry excellence
  • Excellent reports from work placement employers
  • Demonstration of a range of skills which support employability such as communication, teamwork and problem solving.

Nominations were reviewed and assessed by a panel convened by Sydney Catholic Schools. Only ONE award per VET subject was awarded.

 

MMCC is extremely proud of both Bushra Alsamani and Natalia Ayoub who were presented with the award on the night by the Executive Director, Tony Farley. Bushra received her Executive Director’s VET award for excellence in Business Services while Natalia received the Executive Director’s VET award for excellence in Retail Services. 

 

We wish both girls every success in their future endeavours.

Maria Fassoulas
Leader of Learning: VET, Pathways & Partnerships

MMCC Restaurant Take Over

Year 11 My Strengths Program

On Wednesday 3 May, our Year 11 cohort participated in the My Strengths Program. My Strengths is a program that allows students to find and develop their talents and what they excel at. In this program our Year 11 students:
  • Learnt to plan their future in light of their strengths
  • Discovered what motivates them
  • Set goals for critical areas of life and development
  • Received a take-home goal setting and resilience journal
Our girls participated wholeheartedly in the workshops and were appreciative of the opportunity to reflect on what they are good at and where their strengths may take them in the future.
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Mrs Christine Harding
Assistant Principal

Study Skills #5

Safe on Socials – Parent Forum

Patrician Brothers College, Fairfield kindly invites MMCC parents/carers to attend their upcoming Parent Forum on Monday, 29th May, from 6.00 – 7.00pm. The Parent Forum focuses on wellbeing topics associated with the online world and social media. PBCF have engaged Kirra Pendergast, the founder of Safe on Socials, to address the parent community on topics such as:
  • AI Text and Images Generators and cyber safety
  • The impact of social media on mental health and wellbeing
  • Online safety and privacy for children and teens

 

Human Rights Forum

On Thursday 27 April, Elenia Saleem, Ashley Duong, Amanda Dawood and Mya Lapierre-Walkley, accompanied by Mrs Flanagan attended the Human Rights Forum at Whitlam Library, Cabramatta.

Community and Police Expo 2023