From the Principal
Welcome to new staff
We warmly welcome the following staff who have recently joined the MSCW Community:
- Nicola Savvidis and Evelyn Proimos, teaching in HSIE as a job-share position covering Mrs Watson’s maternity leave. Mrs Watson returns in Term 3.
- Jenny Matheson, teaching in LOTE, while Mrs Furlong De Stahl is on leave.
These staff provide a brief introduction of themselves in the Newsletter.
High Achievers’ from the Class of 2022
Congratulations to our Class of 2022, who returned to the College last week, for HSC Achievement celebrations. It was wonderful to see almost 35 girls, who through their hard work, dedication and sustained commitment achieved so highly. Their success adds to past achievements of our HSC students and is one of the best results in the 115-year history of the College. We are so proud of the girls.
So, what was the secret to their success? They Set Goals. Each of the high achievers began their preparations by setting weekly and term goals. They acquired this habit in Year 7 and refined it into a successful strategy to guarantee optimum success in Year 12. They each set personal and academic goals. On some occasions they had to be agile and re-shape their goals. I really admired their personal resolve in difficult times. It was quite remarkable. Our current MSCW girls have just completed their My Marist Compass Goals conversations with their Tutors and parents. It is this process that sets them up for success in future years. Goal setting, small and large, enables real purpose, steady improvement, and a sense of achievement which supports positive wellbeing.
At our Assembly, we were very fortunate to have two of the Marist sisters, Sr Maureen Crick and Sr Mary Farrelly as well as ex-student Phoebe McDermott. Phoebe represented the Class of 2017, inspiring the girls by sharing her experiences since leaving MSCW. Phoebe spoke most eloquently of the importance of ‘giving back’ as well as her continued involvement in service opportunities. The skills she learnt in public speaking and debating have also enabled her to be a confident young woman which is assisting her career path in Law.
Katia Gavljak, College Dux, (ATAR 99.75) spoke of her own personal journey giving practical strategies that students could adopt. It was Katia’s persistence, hard work, positive rapport with her teachers, seeking clarity as needed, and strategies for continual improvement which contributed to her significant success.
Mr Justin Hodges, Leader of Learning and Curriculum provides a full report later in the Newsletter.
Year 7 Welcome and Social Night
Cerdon Plaza was buzzing as we welcomed our new Year 7 parents and students last Friday Night. The weather was perfect which provided the ideal environment for great conversation while enjoying the delicious pizza cooked onsite. Our Year 7 students were also treated to fun activities organised by their Year 10 Amica leaders. Thanks to all who were part of the planning and hospitality on the night, especially our Year 12 Parents, Tracey Turri, Anja Niewolik, Tess McDowell, Jen Turnbull, Michelle O’Brien, Jana Gibson, Vincenza Galluzzo, Kelly Easton, Mariella Testa, Michele Di Giacomo, Julie and Barry Broom; our Year 12 and 11 Hospitality students supported by their teacher Mrs Erin Healey; the Year 10 Amica Leaders supported by the Leader of Wellbeing, Ms Angela Bowland, Assistant Leader of Wellbeing, Ms Grace Spurr and House Coordinators and Mrs Melinda Alvarez and Mr Andrew Hallman who coordinated the event.
MSCW Excels again in Sport!
At the recent Sydney Catholic Schools Sports Conference Opening Ceremony, MSCW again stole the show! The College was awarded overall Conference Girls’ School champions as well as the Archdiocese Girls’ School champions. Thank you to Mr Dan Watts for his coordination and passion for all that is sport at MSCW. Congratulations to Mr Matthew Iskander who received the inaugural Sport Award for MSCW. Mr Watts provides a full report later in the Newsletter.
Ash Wednesday begins our Lenten Journey to Easter
On Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, the College community joined together in Houses to begin our Lenten journey to Easter. The symbol of placing a cross, with the ashes, on our forehead reminds us that Jesus died for us and our call through Lent is for renewal and to be faithful to the hopes outlined in the Gospel message. Through our Lenten journey, as a College community, we will be supporting the work of Caritas, through Project Compassion. This support is a very tangible way of reaching out to others, a responsibility that our Marist community is called to act on.
