From the Principal

Congratulations and Best Wishes to our 2024 Graduating Class !

Next week we celebrate and acknowledge our Year 12 students as the Graduating Class of 2024. Back in 2019, they began in earnest as young Year 7 girls and now they are graduating as young Marist women equipped with their Marist Compass to take them on the next stage of their life journey.

We acknowledge that their middle couple of years (COVID impacted) were certainly challenging ones for our girls. However in spite of this, they developed an admirable courage and resilience. Consequently, as they graduate next week, we are filled with much hope for what their future will bring. They have also nurtured a bank of kindness, gratitude and determination as well as the skills to ‘take life in both hands’ and be ‘Marist women of action’.

Celebration events begin next Tuesday, with the Year 12 Breakfast followed by our Farewell and Thank-you Ceremony. This is an opportunity for Year 12 to showcase their creativity and fun-sided nature as well as each year level acknowledging their special relationship with Year 12. Ceremonial House/Tutor Farewells will follow, allowing the Tutor and House to thank their Year 12 students, for their support and care, particularly as their ‘big sisters’. It is these ‘sisterly relationships’ that are a special feature of the family atmosphere here at MSCW. These farewells include our traditional Carnation Ceremony and Guard of Honour. Each of these events allow us to acknowledge and celebrate the many achievements of our 2024 Year 12 students and give thanks for their time at Marist Sisters’.

Wednesday will be our formal celebrations where family and friends gather with the College community at our Graduation and Awards Assembly. The Assembly includes academic and special awards and acknowledges every student as they graduate from the College.

As Year 12 conclude their time at MSCW, I would like to thank those who have encouraged and cared for the girls over the past six years: their parents and families, the Marist sisters, Fr Brian, Fr Aliki, Fr Greg Morgan, and other priests from our feeder parishes, the College Leadership Team, House Coordinators, Subject Coordinators, Tutor teachers, subject teachers and support staff.

Many thanks to the large team of staff who are currently finalizing the organization of the many events to recognize and farewell Year 12. Special thanks to our Year 11 Parent Engagement Group who will host the Year 12 Graduation Supper on Wednesday evening. It is this type of careful planning and enthusiastic support that allows our parents to come together socially, while also contributing to the College.

My wish for Year 12 is that they have calm minds and peaceful hearts over the coming weeks as they continue to prepare for their HSC. Many will continue to keep a good study routine and access the HSC workshops in the holidays. These will continue to provide a structured focus in preparation for their HSC. I remind our Year 12 students to also look after their wellbeing with plenty of sleep, good nutritious meals and regular exercise as part of their study program.

A special Year 12 Graduation newsletter will follow next week to highlight the Year 12 Graduation events.

Cape York Indigenous Immersion

Safe travels to our staff and students who will be travelling to Cape York in the holidays to support an Indigenous Community. This type of event allows those involved to see firsthand ways of giving back to communities in need and leaves lasting memories. I especially thank Ms Stephanie Dito for her oversight and planning of the Immersion, and Ms Jen Dove and Ms Brook Cleggett who will support the students on this adventure.

Mary’s House Walk

A reminder to support our social justice initiative of the Mary’s House Walk. Mary’s House provides services for women and children who have experienced domestic and family violence, enabling them to be safe, hopeful and empowered to rebuild their lives. 

       
Date: Sunday 27 October
Marist Service hours: Claim 4 hours

As we begin this holiday period, I wish the entire College community a safe and well-earned break.