From the Principal

Happy Feast Day!

On Wednesday, we celebrated our College Feast Day, the day we remember Jeanne–Marie Chavoin, French Foundress of the Marist Sisters. We began this significant day with Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral celebrated by Fr Aliki Langi of Holy Name of Mary Hunters Hill and Fr Greg Walsh of St Anthony’s Marsfield, where we acknowledged the presence and support of the Marist Sisters and celebrated the investiture of our new Student Leadership Team.

Back on the College site, we celebrated with a BBQ lunch and fun House-based activities. Abundant enthusiasm and community spirit reflected the desire of Jeanne-Marie for a Marist school to be a ‘united’ learning community. Jeanne-Marie Chavoin was a woman of formidable courage, humility and strength who proclaimed the Gospel message. As Marist women, we are inspired each day by her qualities.

The College was fortunate to have Mr Tony Farley, Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools attend our Feast Day Mass. He assisted in presenting badges to our new student leaders. Dr Kate O’Brien from SCS was also in attendance.

Congratulations to our new Student Leaders

Congratulations! 

We welcome our new Student Leadership Team 2022/23. I look forward to working with and supporting their initiatives.

These students began their visioning, formation and planning at their Leadership Camp last Sunday and Monday. They commence their roles from day one next term with the College Athletics Carnival as their first major event.

Semester 1 Awards 

Congratulations to all students who received Merit Awards and Academic Progress Awards on Tuesday. These awards recognise both achievement and success throughout Semester One. This was a very happy occasion punctuated by a selection of outstanding musical performances. The College Leadership Team will share more about this event in their articles.

MSCW girls shine!

Over the past two weeks our Marist girls have really shone in a number of activities. Congratulations to all involved.

SCS Eisteddfod: Third Place overall

1229 entries/performances from 116 Sydney Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools. In every student/ensemble that MSCW entered, the students placed. Well done to our Performing Arts students and thanks to the staff for their preparation and support of the students. Particularly over a number of weekends. A detailed report from the event can be read in this edition of our newsletter.

Sport

• Junior Netball A Team = Runners Up
• Intermediate Netball A = Champions
• Senior Netball Team = Champions
• Junior A Football Team = Champions
• Intermediate Football Team = Runners Up
• Senior Football Team = Champions 

Thanks to Mr Dan Watts for his coordination and support of the Teams. He has prepared a report on these wonderful achievements, which is available further on in this newsletter.

Debating

Our Year 11 Debating Team won the Elimination Round 3 last week and will progress to the Quarter Final next term. Well done to the team. Thanks to Mrs Rachael Colreavy for her coordination of Debating and to Mr Galen Neubronner for his participation as part of the adjudication team.

HSC

We will be keeping our Year 12 students in our prayers as they continue their HSC preparations over the holiday break. A series of Masterclasses and workshops have been scheduled for them by the College staff.

Best wishes for a restful holiday. I look forward to renewed energies among all for Term 3.

From the Assistant Principal

Stage 4 and Stage 5 Awards Assemblies

On Tuesday, we celebrated the academic achievements of our students in Years 7 to 10 at our Academic Awards Assemblies for Progress and Merit. It was with great pride that I was able to witness students on stage receiving their certificates for either the most consistent effort or improvement, academic progress (achieving in the top 10% of the course) and/or both of these. Not only was this a great opportunity to acknowledge the commitment these students made to their learning in Semester One, but it gave the other students inspiration in continuing to work hard for the remainder of the year.

I encourage all students to think about themselves as learners and to adopt a mindset of seeing learning as something to be enjoyed and also to be challenged by.

Foundress Day 2022

Dr Ireland has told you about our wonderful Foundress Day this year and I must add to that: What an amazing day we had on Wednesday!

Our celebration of Foundress Day this year was one that warmed the heart and warmed the community! As in keeping with tradition, we had the change-over of Student Leadership – acknowledging and thanking our Student Leadership Team 2020/2021 and welcoming and commissioning our Student Leadership Team 2022/2023. Dr Ireland shares the names of our new student leaders in her article.

Following our Mass celebration, students then went into House activities where our students demonstrated all facets of our Compass for Life. 

As per previous communication please see below for Week 1, Term 3

Monday 18 July 

• 7-10 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
• 7-12 Learning will be remote

Tuesday 19 July 

• College Athletics Carnival

I would like to thank the staff, both teaching and support staff, for their commitment to our students and their learning this semester.

I wish all students and staff a very restful break. May it be a time of rest and rejuvenation.

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #2, #6 & #8

From the Religious Education Coordinator

Celebrating Foundress Day Mass 

The anniversary of the death of Jeanne-Marie Chavoin, Foundress of the Marist Sisters is on 30 June. This year our Foundress Day Mass was celebrated at St Mary’s Cathedral. As Dr Ireland and Ms Alvarez mentioned in their articles, we thanked our Student Leaders 2021/2022 and blessed the Student Leaders 2022/2023. Please see Dr Ireland’s article for a list of our new student leaders. We were joined by representatives from the Marist Sisters and Sydney Catholic Schools. We remembered with gratitude Jeanne-Marie’s simple faith, her faith in God, her love of Mary and her compassionate outreach to those in need. 

Thank you to Mrs Caroline Marsh who, with the forty three voice strong College Choir, led the College in the singing. 

Thank you to the students who generously had a ministry in the Mass. Fr Jean-Claude Colin challenged those who joined the Marists to ‘Think as Mary, Judge as Mary, Feel and Act as Mary.’ That is still our challenge today at Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich in all that we do and undertake. 

Year 12 Mass 

Year 12 celebrated the Mass in Community Time on 22 June. Fr Brian Wilson, Parish Priest of Holy Name of Mary Hunters Hill, challenged the students to look ahead and to use their gifts.

Thank you to the students who enhanced the celebration through sharing their gifts – Annabel Femia who played the piano and Chelsea, Jacinta, Anne-Marie, Arianna, Vivica, Caitlin and Grace who took care to practice and then led the singing. Thank you Claudia, Ava and Natasha for serving on the altar and to Danielle, Cindy, Arianna, Ava and Emma for reading. It was a wonderful community celebration that ended with the joyous singing of the Presence of Mary.

St Therese Catholic Primary School Stage 2 Faith Retreat 

On Thursday 16 June 2022, we were gifted with the opportunity to attend the St Therese’s Catholic Primary School Denistone Stage 2 Faith Retreat, alongside two students from Marist College Eastwood. We travelled with the Stage 2 students to the Royal Botanical Gardens, Sydney, where we reflected on the theme ‘God’s Beauty in All Creation’ during the Creation tour. The faith retreat focused on identifying God in our surroundings, and the students were able to refine their skills in recognising the characteristics of being a ‘Steward of Creation’. As student leaders, we explained the meaning of the Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4: 26-29), as well as leading a small group in praying The Angelus. The St Therese students also reflected on the Sydney Catholic Schools theme, ‘Share the Good News of Joy.’ We had a fantastic time sharing our knowledge and faith with the children of St Therese, and we are extremely grateful for being provided with this experience.

Isabelle Mourani and Katelyn Lopes, Students

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #1, #2

From the Leader of Wellbeing

Community Time

School holidays

From time to time it is good to reset elements in our lives, especially those that are not positively contributing to our perception of self and also that may be holding us back from reaching our potential. I encourage you to support your daughter in relation to both her online activity and also the connections she has through social media apps and sites.

• Place timers on how long she can access an app or site before it closes down. This can be managed in settings on her device. 
• This article from ReachOut Australia has some recommendations on apps that may assist. Help your teen manage their social media usage – ReachOut Parents
• Social media and mental health

Plan something random from a list you co-create

Use this website to create a unique wheel of things to do.

Wheel of Names

Here are some additional suggestions:

• Walk the dog
• Prepare dinner for the family
• Go to the movies with a friend/s you have not connected with in a while
• Visit your Grandparent
• Do your CV so that when you do go looking for work you have one ready to go
• Plan Assessments Schedule for Term 3
• Go for a coastal walk
• Take mum/dad to the local cafe (phones down) and talk
• Meet friends at the park for a picnic lunch or morning tea – all bring a plate to share; pack a ball to play with afterwards. Phones away (unless you take a picture of one another or as a group to mindfully share. No selfies!)
• Arrange a swap meet with friends after we all clean out our wardrobes – the rest goes to St Vincent de Paul Society. Walk it there and speak with the volunteers about where they would like it placed – offer to put on clothes hangers if it helps.
• Social Media Cleanse – unfollow what does not add positively to your life
• Spend time with a sibling you want to strengthen your connection with
• CLEAN OUT YOUR ROOM – fresh start to Term 3
• Tidy up you ‘Favourites’ bar on computer so it is school focused and have one folder set for “Down Time”
• GOOGLE DRIVE – tidy it up by organising your docs and folders
• Email – clear it so that Semester Two is clear. Set a reminder on your laptop to check your emails by 8:45am and again at 6pm at night. Delete as required
• You create the items that are added to the wheel

Vaping

Keeping you up to date with the latest on Vaping in Australia.

• Vape Haze – 4Corners Vape Haze Mon 27 Jun 2022, 8:30pm
• Vaping causes harm and addiction in ‘new generation’ of users, major report warns – ABC News
• Teens and vaping: ‘We would have had a nicotine-free generation’ | Health | The Guardian

We encourage you to see your GP if you have any questions or concerns in relation to your daughter and vaping.

Uniform

The length of the College uniform is ‘When a student is standing upright, the hem of the summer dress or kilt is to finish below the knee’.

On Day 1, Term 3 the uniform is to be below the knee at all times. This means on arrival, on departure, when lined up for class, waiting on the canteen line and outside the College.

If you are unable to attend to the length of your daughter’s uniform – arrange for it to be let down, purchase a new one – please inform her Tutor teacher or House Coordinator. We are considering having classes at lunch where we will teach the students how to do this and allow a week or weekend for this to be actioned on their uniforms. If they require a new uniform and there are financial difficulties, please call and speak with their House Coordinator as the College has a uniform pool that they can access. 

I am reaching out to you as numerous students are making claims that there are issues/reasons why they do not have the correct uniform (this includes length) and once we have contacted the parents there is no reason why their daughter does not have the correct uniform other than she does not want to have it below the knee.

The College Uniform Policy did change, however the length of the uniform was not changed, rather the wording as to how the length is to be measured.

The revised College Uniform Policy was shared with you at the end of Term 1 through COMPASS. Please find a link to this letter here:

Letter to the Community – Uniform Policy.pdf

Cyber safety

LINK: eSafety Commissioner

LINK: eSafety Commissioner

2022/23 Student Leaders

The Student Leaders who were commissioned during the College celebration of the Feast of Jean Marie Chavoin gathered on Sunday 26 June and Monday 27 June to connect for the first time and establish themselves as a team.

I look forward to where these Marist Women of Action will lead the student body throughout 2022 and 2023. They are a diverse group of young women who have a shared vision for Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich, with a focus on the very important role that each student has in the community.

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #1, #2

From the Leader of Learning and Curriculum

As mentioned by Dr Ireland and Ms Alvarez, our learning community celebrated achievements at the Stage 4 & 5 Academic Progress Assemblies. Seeing so many students receive Merit Awards (for consistent and/or improved effort) and Academic Achievement was wonderful.

The following is an extract from my speech to conclude the assemblies:

Today we celebrate the academic success of students… such achievement is recognised by students who demonstrate excellence or perseverance, or both. We congratulate all these students as well as encourage all students to continue to apply themselves to achieve their personal goals in Semester Two.

As a learning community in the Marist tradition we are grounded in the example of Mary – a woman of courage, fortitude and perseverance despite her circumstances. Mary’s faithfulness and obedience are a beacon to how we can all strive to approach many facets of our lives. Our learning is no exception and we can gain much inspiration of such an example of not giving up when the journey ahead seems impossible and continuing to believe that we too are a part of God’s plan. Such an attitude will stand us in good stead to achieve our very best in our learning as well as contribute to the College community by always being respectful of others and never hindering others learning in our classes.

Each of you has the right to be proud of all you have learned and accomplished in Semester One. The feeling of satisfaction is also a part of our celebration today and every day.

Looking ahead to Semester Two: challenge yourself within the classroom, recommit to your My Marist Compass Goals, take the courage to demonstrate your gifts and empower yourself to always strive for excellence.”

MID YEAR PROGRESS AWARDS 2022

I wish everyone a restful and well-deserved break.

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #1, #2

New Staff Introductions

Get to Know the New Staff Members Who Have Joined Our College Community in 2022

News from the College Counsellors

Support group

Birchtree Centre of Excellence is running a support group for carers of people living with eating disorders. For more information and to register your interest, go to ED Carers Support Group.

Share the care with school

Changes in a young person’s physical or mental health can affect their schooling and relationships.  Support is available for MSCW students experiencing mental health or even physical health concerns.

Please let us know if your child has presented at or been admitted to hospital or an emergency service for any physical or mental health concern so that we can consider together if further supports are required to enhance learning and wellbeing. 

You or an advocate can speak with the Principal, Assistant Principal, House Coordinators, Leader of Wellbeing or School Counsellors to develop a plan together.

Ask us for help with:

• Keeping your child safe
• Returning to school following a physical or mental health incident
• Identifying school staff your child can talk to
• Developing an individual support plan to improve engagement and attendance 
• Accessing support from the school and external agencies

We know that looking after your child is your number one priority – and it’s ours, too. 

For counselling or to arrange support, contact the College Counsellors via the House Coordinators, Leader of Wellbeing or directly through;

• Carly Boaler – carly.boaler@syd.catholic.edu.au
• Louise Scuderi – louise.scuderi@syd.catholic.edu.au
• Phone (02) 9816 2041

Need further help?

Relationships Australia can help individuals and families improve their relationships and overall wellbeing. Contact Relationships Counselling on 1300 364 277.

Parent Line can provide confidential and non-judgmental advice and support for parents, carers or professionals living in NSW, seven days a week. Contact Parent Line counsellors on 1300 1300 52.

Wishing our students and the MSCW community a restful break.

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #2, #6 & #8

Gifted and Talented Report

Reports

Consistent with our commitment to promote excellence for all students, we acknowledge those students whose learning needs reflect particular gifts or talents and an ability to achieve beyond stage syllabus outcomes. As such, these students require differentiated learning activities and assessment which enables them to be challenged to achieve their potential. 

Therefore, students who are a part of the Newman classes 1and 2 complete extension assessment tasks for both formative and summative assessment.  

How does a student achieve ‘Above Level’ on their reports? 

Students who are working above the core achievement levels are provided with opportunities to demonstrate mastery of extension outcomes. An indication of achieved extension on outcomes is included on a student’s report as ‘Above Level’. This is available for students and is not part of the Overall Grade (A-E).

Students who achieve ‘Above Level’ have received an E1 or E2 for a task- an outstanding result. Essentially, an ‘Above Level’ result indicates a higher level of sophistication and application of knowledge that extends beyond an ‘A’ range. The results on the report demonstrate that the students have demonstrated a higher complexity of thinking and produced authentic ideas.

It is important for students to understand that their identity is not attached to a grade. The feedback is the focus and should guide students in allowing them to see where they are at and what they need to do in the future. Easier said than done!

You might recognise these behaviours:

• It’s ‘all or nothing’- if it’s not a perfect result then it’s a failure.
• Self-worth and identity are attached to a grade – ‘I am an A student’; not getting an ‘A’ means I’m not smart enough.
• A focus on what hasn’t been done and not savouring successes.

The link between giftedness and perfectionism is not unusual and I have written about this in previous reports. Perfectionism can be exhibited in different ways such as underachievement and emotional turmoil. A student will not submit a task because it is not deemed perfect and the emotional stress – anxiety, depression, feelings of unworthiness and imposter syndrome – are evident as students feel they can’t live up to their own high expectations.

Parents and teachers can help by:

• Working with students to understand that the grades in assessments reflect the evaluation of the work and the marking criteria – it is not an evaluation of their character.
• Guiding students to match the time invested in an assignment to the value. Spending an excessive amount of time for a task with minimal value does not make sense – put the time into the tasks that count the most. This is a way of preventing students from spending an unrealistic amount of time on tasks that do not require such attention.
• Set goals and focus on improvement – small achievable goals and improvements are to be celebrated.
• Study the lives of successful people and take inspiration in those who have overcome adversity to reach their goals.

Source: https://www.davidsongifted.org/gifted-blog/helping-gifted-students-cope-with-perfectionism/

If you believe perfectionism is becoming unhealthy, a psychologist who specialises in G & T students can be of value. We also have our College Counsellors here on site and House Coordinators can easily make referrals.

Debating

Congratulations to the 11A Team (Natalie Broom, Charlotte O’Brien and Zara Chand)  who continue to shine and have successfully won three Elimination Finals to get through to the Quarter Finals in Term 3, Week 1. Their last topic was a real challenge and yet they pulled it apart and built a very strong case, all the while demolishing the opposing team with rebuttal after rebuttal. How would you debate the following topic?

‘That factual bias’ and social divisions are an unfortunate result of access to the internet.’

Keep going! We are with you!

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #2, #6 & #8

Students visit James Milson Village

Congratulations to Year 11 and 12 students, Amelie Kirk, Ciara O’Brien, Catalina Maldonado, Isabella Van Wyk and Elizabeth Olde, who visited and interacted with some of the residents at James Milson Village, Woolwich last Friday.

As part of their Work and the Community HSC Course, they learnt about a career in aged care and experienced volunteer work while connecting with the local community. The students shared stories and photos of their own childhood, prompting the residents to do the same. It was a rewarding time for all.

Sydney Catholic Schools Eisteddfod Report

Congratulations to the over 100 Marist Sisters’ College Performing Arts students involved in the Sydney Catholic Schools’ Eisteddfod. We are so proud that every student that entered was placed or won an award. The student’s enthusiasm and dedication to rehearsals, their College pride and professionalism when competing and their generosity in sharing their creative gifts with the wider Catholic School community are to be commended. It was also wonderful to see so many parents, siblings and friends at the competition venues on the Saturdays supporting our students.

This year the Eisteddfod ran for six weeks over Fridays and Saturdays, involving students from 116 schools, competing in more than 53 solo and ensemble events in Instrumental, Drama, Dance and Choir. Special mention must go to Megan Lam (Year 8) and Leia Gonzales (Year 8) who competed in four and three Eisteddfod Sections respectively. What talented ‘Triple Threats’! Bravo, Megan and Leia!

I would like to thank the wonderful Performing Arts staff (Miss Christina O’Neill, Mrs Caroline Marsh, Mr Joel Richardson and Miss Monique Shippen) and fabulous Performing Arts tutors (Catherine Upex – Strings and former Marist Sisters’ students Tessa Coleman and Nicole Debs – Bel Canto) for their talent and time. Thank you also to the inspiring Mr Vincent Femia (Marist Sisters’ parent) for leading the Network Choral Ensemble for former St Charles Primary School, Ryde students. As part of the preparation process this Choir got to rehearse and then perform at a St Charles Assembly – our students loved visiting their old classrooms and former teachers.

Congratulations to the three Ensembles selected to perform in the Eisteddfod Showcase – Bel Canto (Large Choral Ensemble), the District Choir (Network Choral Ensemble) and our Year 10 Elective Dance class (Lyrical/Contemporary).

Year 12 Society and Culture

Year 12 Society and Culture students have been studying social inclusion and exclusion, with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This topic focuses on understanding how discrimination towards a group impacts their access to resources such as education, the justice system and healthcare, and in turn how that affects their life chances.

Students were privileged to have Shanaya Donovan, a Darug woman from Western Sydney, come speak to them about her experiences as an Aboriginal woman, and the challenges that Aboriginal members of the community face as a result of discrimination. Shanaya’s focus on truth telling and sharing her Darug culture was invaluable for students to understand systemic discrimination and the importance of meaningful and genuine reconciliation. 

Sports News – NSW CCC Football

NSW All Schools Football Championships 

NSW CCC Football provides opportunities for students in the Secondary Catholic School System in NSW to play for their schools in a state-wide round robin competition. It also provides opportunities for them to represent their educational areas against other Dioceses in the state, to gain selection in CCC teams and play against students from the Private and Public School Sector, and, ultimately, to gain selection in NSW and Australian Teams selected from Secondary Schools in the Catholic, Public and Private sectors.

The CCC team this year consisted of 16 students from a number of Catholic Schools across NSW and in that team we had one student from MSCW – Georgia Vassallo.

Georgia had a fantastic tournament, excelling as the team’s goalkeeper. She was always willing to listen to advice and showed great determination by marking some great saves throughout the Championship.

Awesome effort! 

Results

CCC v CHS2    0‐1

CCC v CIS       2‐4

CCC v CHS1   1‐9

Overall Placings  

 1st – CHS 2      

 2nd – CIS   

 3rd – CHS 1        

 4th – CCC

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #2, #6 & #8

Sports News – SCS Gymnastics

Sydney Catholic Schools Gymnastics

On Friday 24 June, four students from MSCW represented the College at the Sydney Catholic Schools Gymnastics Championships held at the Sydney Gymnastic and Aquatic Centre, Rooty Hill.

All the students tried their best on each apparatus and we had some excellent results.

Congratulations to the following students:

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #2, #6 & #8

Sports Results

MVP

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #2, #6 & #8

Performing Arts News

Talent Development Program – Extreme Dance Eisteddfod 

Congratulations to the TDP dancers who took to the stage on Sunday 19 June in their first Eisteddfod in two years. Students performed their high energy routines at the Extreme Dance Eisteddfod at Abbotsleigh School with focus and passion. 

7 Blue Company – Sparkling Diamonds/Material Girls – 7-9 Jazz Section 

8 White Company – Walk Right Now – 7-9 Jazz Section 

9 Company – Destination Unknown – 7-9 Jazz Section 

10 Company – Dance Wiv Me – Open Hip Hop Section 

A special mention to the 8 White Company who received 3rd Place in their section, a great achievement in a challenging competition. 

Thank you to the incredibly talented TDP Dance Tutors and MSCW alumni Esther Monk, Ashleigh McCurtayne and Oliva Enright for sharing their endless expertise and flair with our TDP Dance Troupes. Thank you to MSCW staff Leoni Hopkins and Melissa Carson for making the day possible with their supervision. Finally, thank you to parents and carers for their ongoing support of the MSCW dance students in their participation in the event. 

Stage 6 Dance Excursion – Terrain 

On Thursday evening the Year 11 and 12 Dance students had the rare opportunity to view Bangarra’s seminal work Terrain live at Sydney Opera House. The work is a prescribed Core Appreciation work for students studying HSC Dance.

Seeing the work live was an invaluable experience for senior students to witness the work’s depth and complexity in a live setting.

Many thanks to Caroline Marsh for attending with the Year 11 and 12 students. 

Conference 2 Dance Gala Day 

Congratulations to the following MSCW Dance Groups who represented the College at the first SCS Dance Gala Day. Students worked incredibly hard in the lead up to the competition and performed on the day with passion and excellence. Competition was tough and the MSCW dancers achieved excellent results taking out 2nd Place in three sections. 

• MSCW Tap Company – Open Tap Section – 2nd Place
• TDP 10 Company – Open Hip Hop Section – 4th Place
• 10 Elective Dance – Open Modern/Contemporary Section 
• Year 7 Blue Company – Junior Jazz Section – 2nd Place 
• Year 9 Elective Dance – Intermediate Jazz Section – 2nd Place

Thanks to Mr Daniel Watts for his event organisation and Ms Kate Sinclair for supervision and ongoing support of students on the day. 

Visual Arts News

Year 11 Visual Arts Task 1 Exhibition

We are proud of our Preliminary Visual Arts students who have been working hard to create their Task 1 Body of Works based on Portraiture. Simultaneously they have refined their creative problem solving skills while discovering their talents.

We can’t wait to support them on their HSC learning journey.

Stay posted to see what they produce! 

https://youtu.be/fQBSuYWwmQQ

Post-school Pathways

UAC key dates

A reminder to Year 12 students who wish to submit an application for entry to university in 2024. UAC’s Early Bird application fee of $73.00 only applies if your application is submitted by 30 September. Applications submitted after this date will attract a fee of $200.

Other important dates to remember are:

• 19 September: Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) applications close
• 3 November: Changes to preferences for SRS offers close
• 11 November: SRS first round offers (November Round 1) released
• 22 November: Educational Access Scheme deadline for consideration in December Round 2 (main UAC round)

Early entry programs

ACU Guarantee Early Entry program

Opens on 18 July. To register your interest please visit this link.

Macquarie University Early Entry program application dates

• Round 1: closes at 2pm on Friday 8 July with offers released on Thursday 4 August
• Round 2: closes at 2pm on Friday 5 August with offers released on Thursday 1 September
• Round 3: closes at 2pm on Wednesday 31 August with offers released on Thursday 6 October

A more comprehensive outline of the program can be found on Macquarie’s website.

University of Technology Early Entry program is now open

For further details go the UTS website.

Webinars, open days, courses and workshops

UTS | Admission Pathways Webinar

Monday 4 July 2022, 12.00 pm – 1.00 pm. Online

Curious about pathways into your dream course at UTS? Join them to learn about the Early Entry Program and other admission pathways into UTS.

Find out more: https://atarnoteslectures.com/nsw/july-2022/lectures/schedule/uts-admission-pathways

Experience Life through – UNSW: Holiday workshops for Year 10 and 11 students at the University of New South Wales

Improving Life Through Healthcare & Social Justice, Tuesday 5 July

At UNSW they’re improving life for all through social justice and healthcare. They invite Year 10 and 11 students to join them and explore how you can make a positive impact towards a better future as you tackle tomorrow’s big challenges and transform treatment to enhance quality of life across the world.

What can I expect on the day?

Get hands-on as you participate in two different workshops from across the Faculty of Medicine & Health and the Faculty of Law & Justice. You’ll engage with world-leading academics, be inspired by current students, and get all your questions answered as you discover exciting degrees and student life opportunities. Lunch will be provided.

For further information and registration details click here

Improving Life Through Law and Social Justice, Tuesday 5 July

Get hands-on experience in two different workshops run by the faculties of Medicine & Health and Law and Justice. For further information and registration, please click here.

Creative Thinking and Business Innovation, Wednesday 6 July

Two different workshops from the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture and UNSW Business School.

For further information and registration please click here.

Your Future in STEM, Thursday 7 July

Experience first-hand workshops across the faculties of Engineering and Science. A must for those who wish to know more about courses and potential career pathways in STEM.

Register here.

Year 10 & 11 Experience Day: Art & Design Paddington Campus Tour – Tuesday, 12 July

10 – 11.30 am

The UNSW Art & Design Campus in Paddington is the hub of creativity and an exciting precinct alive with cultural activity. Year 10 and 11s are invited to a tour of these high-quality facilities and get a feel for where they’ll study as a UNSW Art & Design student!

To register please visit this link.

AIT | Industry Speaker Series online

Tuesday 5 July 2022 – 6.00 pm

Wednesday 13 July 2022 – 6:00 pm

This July, AIT are teaming up with some of the biggest studios, production houses and agencies across Australia to bring you an exclusive free Virtual Industry Speaker series! This is a golden opportunity to go behind-the-scenes on their latest projects and gain industry insight into what it takes to land your dream role!

Find out more: https://info.ait.edu.au/industry_speaker_series_july

University of Sydney | Life of Medical Scientist

Wednesday 20 July 2022, 4.00 pm. Online

Have you wondered what a day in the life of a medical scientist is like? And what jobs are available in this growing sector? Join award-winning medical scientist, Professor Phillip Poronnik, to find out what an average day of work might be like in medical science. Learn about the range of different roles available in this field, from wearable technology solutions to prevent elbow injuries in tennis players, to developing infection prevention and control to support education with virtual reality.

Find out more: https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lz42qk_9QvezOrStaf_rEg

University of Sydney | Pathway to Studying Business

Wednesday 27 July 2022, 4.00 pm. Online

There is more than one pathway to the University of Sydney Business School – discover the range of admission pathways to study their Bachelor of Commerce degree. This session is the perfect opportunity to have your questions answered and to learn about their ‘Inspired by Business’ scholarship, and the range of industry focused, real-world opportunities available for Business School students. Find out how you can start your global business journey at Sydney.

Find out more: https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OKc4gOt0Tsy7Ay91aLKVGw

ACU | Open Days

Blacktown: Saturday 30 July 2022, 10.00 am – 2.00 pm
Strathfield: Saturday 6 August 2022, 10.00 am – 2.00 pm

North Sydney: Saturday 13 August 2022, 10.00 am – 2.00 pm
Online: Saturday 10 September 2022, 10.00 am – 2.00 pm

Deciding what to study is a pretty momentous decision. That’s why ACU run Open Day – it’s everything you need, in one place, to help make your choice. Join them on campus to explore and find out more about their courses. On the day you can:

• Chat with current students and staff
• Learn more about courses
• Discuss your study options with experts
• Go on a tour and watch demonstrations
• Join Q&As and discussions with alumni and current students
• Discover how ACU can help you achieve your goals.

Find out more: https://openday.acu.edu.au/

SCU | Open Days

Coffs Harbor: Friday 5 August 2022, 9.00 am – 2.00 pm
Lismore: Saturday 6 August 2022, 9.00 am – 2.00 pm

This year Open Day will be both on campus and online. From 8 July you can access dynamic online content about courses, campuses and the student experience at Southern Cross. Then from 5-7 August, come see for yourself!

Campus tour and subject encounters will be running on 5 August at Coffs Harbour, 6 August at Lismore and 7 August at Gold Coast.

Find out more: https://www.scu.edu.au/engage/whats-on/open-day-2022.php

WSU | Discover Western: Parents – Your Role and How You Can Help Guide Them to University

Thursday 18 August 2022, 6.00 pm

Online
Parents and Carers play a vital role in supporting students when it comes to University. Let us support you with relevant, important information that can help you guide your child in making those big decisions about their future.  Discover university entry options, careers and courses and pathways they can use should they not achieve their desired ATAR.

Find out more: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/student-life/events/western-webinars

TAFE NSW | Virtual Open Day 2022

Wednesday 24 August 2022, 10.00 am – Friday 26 August 2022, 5.00 pm. Online

Learn how TAFE NSW could change the course of your life by visiting TAFE NSW Virtual Open Day.

Join us from the comfort of your own space, and experience:

• On demand content including videos, podcasts and written materials
• Engaging information sessions and webinars with teachers
• Virtual expo where you can connect with our support services

You’ll also learn all about scholarships, degrees, pathway opportunities, flexible study options, enrolment support and so much more.

Find out more: https://www.tafenswevents.com.au/event/virtual-open-day-2022

The Hotel School | Industry Insights

Saturday 27 August 2022, 9.30 am – 2.30 pm

InterContinental Sydney

Join us for an exclusive behind the scenes look at life working in a luxurious 5-Star Hotel.  Experience InterContinental Sydney through the eyes of a hospitality professional. Find out what it is like to work in this dynamic environment by immersing yourself in the behind the scenes operations of a luxury hotel. You are invited to this unique, fully interactive experience where you will meet professionals of key hotel departments and have an opportunity to understand their roles. This event is perfect for those wanting a better understanding of the complexities and depth of hospitality careers. Find out more: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/industry-insights-sydney-tickets-371842800827

NIE | Simulated UCAT Day Workshop

Sunday 3 July 2022, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Online

If you are in Years 10, 11, 12, or older and considering sitting the UCAT in the future, then this program is for you. The Simulated UCAT Workshop program is ideal and often a necessary step towards effective and efficient preparation for the UCAT.  This event will be conducted by the National Institute of Education in partnership in partnership with UCAT Preparation Australia, and MICAS (Medical Interviews and Career Advice Services).

The workshop is primarily designed to cover fundamental techniques in navigating all five sections of the UCAT test and also for participants to gain a better understanding of their own level of preparedness for the test. Over the course of the years, the program has evolved into more comprehensive and holistic exercise, which not only achieves its primary goal, but it is also exposing students to a wealth of knowledge about all other aspects of the journey into a medical degree.

Find out more: https://www.nie.edu.au/products-listing/product/216-simulated-ucat-day-workshop

Scholarships

SCU Open Day Scholarship

Value: $15,000 AUD

Open/Closing Dates: June 1, 2022 – August 12, 2022

We are offering one lucky student the chance to win a scholarship worth $15,000. Find out more

2022 Edstart Achievement Awards Program

Value: $1,500 AUD

Open/Closing Dates: June 1, 2022 – July 15, 2022

Nominations are now open for students to win a $1,500 award grant to pursue their passions. Now in its second year, the award enables our future leaders, innovators and creators to reach their potential across six award categories. Find out more

Global Footprints Scholarship

Value: $8,000 AUD

Open/Closing Dates: June 6, 2022 – July 10, 2022

A Global Footprints Scholarship is a great opportunity to kickstart your career and drive your passion for sustainability. It gives young Australians like you the opportunity to travel the world, learn about sustainability and shape a better future for yourselves and the world. Find out more

Competitions

JMC Mixtapes Competition 2022

JMC Academy is super proud to announce our first ever remix competition. The aim of this competition is to encourage high school students who have a keen interest in audio and music production to further develop their skills and to push the boundaries on creativity. Students have the opportunity to remix, reinterpret, and rework the original upcoming single, ‘Hard Truth’ by JMC Academy alumni band, Patient Lounge.

Win 1 of 3 prize packages consisting of:

• $500 Manny’s and Store DJ Gift Voucher
• 12-month Digital subscription to Sound on Sound
• JMC Workshop for your school (12 students)

Submissions for the 2022 Mixtapes Remix Competition close on Monday 31 October 2022 11.59 pm AEST.

Find out more: https://www.jmcacademy.edu.au/mixtapes-comp/

JMC Song writing Competition 2022

JMC Academy is proud to announce our first ever song writing competition for students across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland in years 9-12. The aim of the competition is to highlight the talent of high-school songwriters from across the country and to showcase the creativity of young people.

The demo can simply be recorded on your phone (we just want to hear the song performed!) and only include the vocals however instrumental accompaniment is encouraged. You’re welcome to record the demo in other ways too if you have the means. So what do you need to submit?

• Demo of your original song in WAV or MP3 format (maximum 5 minutes in length)
• Lyrics sheet
• Completed application form

Applications must be submitted by Monday 31 August 2022 11.59 pm AEST.

Find out more: https://www.jmcacademy.edu.au/songwriting-comp/

Other workshops

Join the Academy for Enterprising Girls

The Academy for Enterprising Girls is a fun online eLearning campus designed to help students learn the innovation, design thinking and tech skills to think like a Girl Boss and start their own business one day. The Academy includes expert advice from some of Australia’s most inspiring business people, teaches resilience, the art of problem-solving and helps young women develop the confidence to bring their ideas to life.  You can also check out the fantastic video series and articles to learn from some of Australia’s most amazing enterprising women and get a taste for what’s in the course. Find out more and join here: https://academy.enterprisinggirls.com.au/

CSIRO’s Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy

The Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy will increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander females undertaking studies and careers in STEM. The Academy does this through targeted, long-term support to help overcome the barriers that discourage Indigenous women from pursuing STEM careers. The Academy will be working with cohorts of young Indigenous women from Year 8 through to University.

To be eligible to apply, you must be:

• Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.
• Female or female-identifying.
• Passing English, Maths and Science at school.

Find out more and apply here: https://www.csiro.au/en/education/Programs/Young-Indigenous-Womens-STEM-Academy/Join-the-Academy

Resources 

Mob Way R U OK?

In this podcast series, yarn with First Nations people and their experiences of life’s ups and downs, how we have conversations and how we open up and ask that simple question ‘Are you OK?’, in our way: Mob Way. Listen here: https://www.ruok.org.au/mobway

What to do if you find an Indigenous artefact or a fossil

What would you do if you ever found an Indigenous artefact or a fossil?  While this isn’t a question you’ve likely thought much about, it is one that is vital to ensure the protection of
Australia’s natural and cultural heritage. Founded by Macquarie University Masters student Sally Hurst, Found a Fossil provides clear instruction on what to do, whether you find a spear head made thousands of years ago, or a fish skeleton buried in the sea floor millions of years before that. Find out more: https://www.foundafossil.com/

Transition to high school for teenagers

Moving to high school is one of the key milestones of a teenager’s life. It’s an exciting phase that happens alongside other big changes, including puberty. It’s important for parents to stay informed about their teen’s transition to high school and to learn how to support them as they navigate these changes.

This guide from ReachOut can help you if:

• Your teen is about to start high school 
• You want to learn about the high-school-transition phase and what to look out for
• You’re seeking expert advice on this major life change and on how to support your teen.

Read the full article here: https://parents.au.reachout.com/common-concerns/everyday-issues/transition-to-high-school-for-teenagers

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #2, #6 & #8

Canteen News

Calling on volunteers

Clothing Pool News

The Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich Clothing Pool is seeking your unwanted school uniforms.

Now is a great time to clean out the wardrobe and unburden yourself of school uniforms that you no longer need.

It is also a great way to support your College community. All proceeds from the sale of Clothing Pool donations go back into projects across the College, which benefit the whole College community.

Donations can be handed into the General Administration Office any time during school hours.

Should you wish to place an order with the Clothing Pool, please visit: www.flexischools.com.au

Thank you for your support.

STEM School Holiday Workshops

Workshops for Years 5 – 8

Parent Information Evening

Catholic Education Foundation

A donation to the Catholic Education Foundation is tax deductible

DONATE NOW

The Catholic Education Foundation is the registered charity of Sydney Catholic Schools and holds a DGR1 status for tax deductible donations over $2