From the Principal
Welcome back to Term 4. I hope all students and families enjoyed a very restful holiday break and that students now back into good study habit routines and engaged in their learning.
New Chapel Furniture and Processional Cross
Thanks to a very generous bequest by an ex-student, we commissioned new Chapel Furniture which has recently arrived. As part of the design, each piece of the furniture has the Marist symbol “Ave Maria”, which is found on our College crest, embossed on all sides. This symbol signifies our love and devotion to our Holy Mother Mary. Added to this, we also purchased a new Processional Cross to be used for college liturgical events. These will be blessed this term and will assist in making the Chapel a very special place of liturgy and reflection.
Holiday works
Over the recent holiday break the College upgraded the following facilities:
- Belley classrooms. This has facilitated separate classroom spaces with added sound proofing and retractable glass partitioning, enabling a more effective use of the Belley classroom area.
- Staff kitchens
- Replenishing gardens and creating beautiful outdoor learning and gathering spaces
World Teachers’ Recognition Awards
Congratulations to Mrs Erin Healey, Ms Christina O’Neill, Ms Samantha Ison and Mrs Stephanie Kong who were recently awarded the 2024 World Teachers’ Recognition Award from the Teachers’ Guild of NSW. This significant award recognises their excellence, experience and commitment to teaching. We are very fortunate at MSCW to have such an excellent calibre of teachers, all of whom are committed to effective student learning. Each year, the College sets a high priority for professional learning among all staff. These four teachers bare testimony to our Professional Learning Program as well as their exemplary skills in their chosen area of teaching.
HSC Exams – 1 week to go!
Our Year 12 students complete their Higher School Certificate examinations next Friday, 8 November. Students are to be congratulated for the way they have approached these exams with a positive attitude and impressive determination. Thank you to the families and community members who have supported them in prayer and with regular encouragement during this time. Following these exams, I know our Year 12 girls will also be looking forward to their formal at Dolton House at Darling Wharf, as well as receiving their HSC results!! I look forward to celebrating with the girls and their parents at the formal, 22 November and welcoming our Year 12 students back for the HSC Results and Thank you Morning Tea on 18 December.
Grandparents’ visit
The College was buzzing recently as we welcomed the grandparents of our Year 7 students. This event is always very special as we see the very unique bond that the girls have with their grandparents. The caring and nurturing environment that grandparents and carers can create provide our girls with an extra listening ear, a teacher with life experience and a place to be ‘spoilt’. Following our special liturgy, and an uplifting sharing of students talents and stories, all grandparents enjoyed a delicious morning tea, prepared and served by our Year 11 Hospitality class and teacher.
Mary’s House Walk
Last Sunday, students, staff and parents participated in the Mary’s House Walk raising nearly $16,000.00 towards supporting women and children against domestic violence. A fantastic effort! Congratulations to all involved.
‘GALA DAY’ is in the air.
I can already feel the anticipation and excitement building towards our 2024 GALA Day – Friday 13 December, as each Thursday afternoon students gather for practice in their House. I congratulate our Year 11 students for the energetic and creative ways in which they are preparing our junior students for our traditional College GALA Day. Much of the preparation is completed behind closed doors and under a ‘cone of silence’ as the competition is always fierce. This significant event builds on our community spirit, strengthens a sense of belonging in each House and will bring the 2024 year to a close in a happy and fun-filled way. I wish all the Houses well in their preparation and look forward to seeing the talents of our girls shine on the day!
All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day
November begins with a double feast in remembrance of those who have died: All Saints’ Day, 1 November followed by All Souls’ Day, 2 November.
All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days give us consolation that as saints and sinners God welcomes all. On these Feast Days we especially recall the church as a community of saints who are sinners, and sinners who did saintly things. I was always drawn to the expression: “Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future”. An expression that always gives us much hope for the future.
My Marist Compass Goals
The setting of goals and the satisfaction of reaching your goals is significant in supporting student wellbeing. Therefore, this significant day on Monday allows the opportunity for student, parents and teachers to reflect on the journey and student achievements reached in 2024. It also benefits the continued building of student and family relationships with Tutors as they continue to “know their student and know their learner”.