From the Principal

2022 Year 12 HSC results released

Congratulations to our 2022 HSC class of graduates. Yesterday their HSC and ATAR results were released. It is immensely pleasing to see their persistent hard work and energetic commitment rewarded so richly, especially following the challenges of the past couple of years. Our 2022 Graduates have earned themselves an excellent reputation for rising to meet external challenges and community needs so capably and generously. While we already know that approximately 80% of our girls are heading to University and 15% are pursuing a Vocational career, we are delighted for the girls’ collective success. They should feel very satisfied and fulfilled by these outstanding HSC results. Congratulations!

The HSC highlights at this time are: 

Stage 4 & 5 Awards Assemblies

Congratulations to all the students who were acknowledged this week for their success in academic subjects and co-curricular through receiving Academic Excellence or Merit Certificates or special College awards.

As Principal, it is extremely satisfying to present these awards to students who apply themselves consistently to their studies and give that extra effort and time to others, thereby embodying the Marist spirit. A full list of award recipients is included in this newsletter.

The highlight of each of the Award Ceremonies is our Marian Award. The Marian Award is awarded to a student in each year group for their commitment to living in the “way of Mary”. This has been witnessed by many staff, each noting how the girls have been living each day with a joy and thankfulness for all that she has been given; who commits to prayerfulness; who shows steadfastness in faith; and who has committed to the service of God and others. 

Congratulations to the 2022 recipients:

GALA DAY – Our Marist Spirit in abundance!

On Wednesday, the College community celebrated GALA DAY with enormous enthusiasm. The excitement and House spirit was just so evident on the day as well as the lively competition between each of the Houses. I congratulate Year 11 who prepared the other Year levels, demonstrating both their leadership and their persuasive ability to set House goals in preparation for a successful GALA DAY. It was a grand community example of ‘Evolve, Endeavour & Exceed”. 

Congratulations to the following Houses: 

Gala Day Cup

1. Perroton House
2. Colin House
3. Marcellin House

House Cup

1. Perroton House
2. Marcellin House
3. Chanel House

Gratitude for the 2022 year

As College Principal, it is with much pride and gratitude that I acknowledge our student achievements and consistent application throughout this 2022 year. I especially thank all those who have contributed to our vibrant MSCW community. The college Staff and I share an uplifting pride in the way our girls have conducted themselves at the college and in public. To publish the many positive accolades received by members of the public throughout the year, would extend this newsletter considerably!!

Through another very demanding…sometimes challenging year, our Marist values of ‘Sisters, Courage, Gift and Empower’ were very evident in rising to meet the unanticipated challenges of 2022. I especially thank our very dedicated and gifted staff, both Teaching and Support, for their daily enthusiasm, commitment and passion for the education and wellbeing of our Marist girls. Each week I have seen them lift others to new levels …sometimes even carry others. Without them, the wonderful opportunities provided for our students would not be possible. I also acknowledge the following staff who are leaving MSCW and thank them for their contributions to the College: 

Teaching staff 

Religious Education Coordinator, Mary Kleist

Mary Kleist has been a valued member of the Leadership Team as Religious Education Coordinator (REC) for the past 7 years. During that time, Mary has been instrumental in leading and implementing the strategic directions of MSCW faith formation and religious education. As REC, Mary has been charged with the responsibility of developing our new college Faith Formation Framework. In addition, Mary has overseen and attended the various student Retreat programs, prepared meaningful Liturgies for Year groups and Patron Feast Days, and generously given her time to assist with our community Charities program.

Of course, we also recognize other colleagues who have given significant service to the College through their roles as permanent staff members: Fionna Andersen, Adelina Boray, Kate Gibson, Sera Pollari, Steve Saliba, and Anne Wallace.

Also, I extend my sincere gratitude to both teaching and support staff, who have been with us on a short-term contracts as well as staff who have completed casual blocks: Andres Basso, Lillian Fletcher, Jessica Magee, Galen Neubronner, Shannon Graham, Loretta Muratore, Angelique Ockert and Evelyn Proimos. 

I would also like to wish those staff who are taking 12 months leave in 2022, a time of relaxation and renewal: Deborah Kellert, Laura Peacock and Ellie Phillips.

At this close of academic and co-curricular school year, I especially want to acknowledge our thoughtful students who constantly give of themselves to build our College community. As confident young women they have helped develop their Marist Compass through their love of learning and contribution to the wider community through Marist service, social justice activities, sport, creative arts and more. This year, it has been uplifting to see our students resume more active involvement, showcasing their gifts and talents through learning and performance as COVID regulations have eased.

As the year closes, I thank Fr Brian Wilson sm, Fr Aliki Langi sm, Fr Greg Morgan and the Parish Priests of our feeder schools, for their support and care over the year and the time they commit to supporting the faith life of the students and staff. Their readiness to join our college community on special church feasts and events has been mush appreciated. 

To our parents, ‘Thank you’ for your consistent support and trust. I certainly enjoyed our weekly zoom meetings as an effective way to communicate, gather feedback and hear your thoughts on key issues while COVID regulations were in place. Two of the positives in this process was the higher participation by all parents and especially more Dads. It has been wonderful to see you back on-site for our showcase evenings, Parent Engagement meetings, Information Nights and Social Nights. I especially say thank you for your emails of support and gratitude as we navigated the year. 

To our wonderful staff, thank you for your proven flexibility to continue to navigate a changing educational environment. Returning to face-to-face learning this year was certainly one of the highlights of the year after having to balance remote learning. Through all of this, the teaching and support staff have been committed to our Marist girls and families to ensure their learning and wellbeing needs have been well supported. 

And finally, as we journey through the Advent season and prepare our homes for the coming of Jesus, I wish every student, staff member and family at Marist Sisters’ College the blessings of Christmas and look forward to a successful and rewarding 2023. May your family enjoy any planned gatherings and remain safe throughout the vacation period. I’m looking forward to doing the same with family, armed with a selection of good books in between.