From the Principal

Welcome back to the 2023 school year!

To commence our 2023 year, we extend a special welcome to our new Year 7 students and their families! The staff and I also extend a happy welcome to those students who are joining our Marist College community for the first time. By taking the many opportunities we provide here at MSCW, I am confident that you will thrive in many ways.

I would also like to offer a special welcome to two new members to the College Leadership Team:

Religious Education Coordinator: Mrs Caroline Morizzi

This role primarily focuses on leading the college faith life and religious curriculum as well as providing opportunities for reflection days, retreats, Marist service and Marist in Action programs. Mrs Morizzi also leads the Religious Education faculty.

Instructional Specialist: Ms Emma Pracey

This role primarily focuses on continually ‘raising the bar’ on highest quality instruction of teaching and learning, being a mentor and coach, as well as modelling effective classroom pedagogy to building the capacity of our staff. Ms Pracey also joins the Maths faculty.

We have been fortunate to recruit a quality group of new staff. As a community, we welcome the following new members of staff:

Teaching staff

Support Staff

Each of these staff members have introduced themselves later in this newsletter.

College Opening Mass

On Tuesday, we celebrated our College Opening Mass. As part of this celebration, we brought forth our Marist Heart. Our Marist Heart is a symbol of the great love of Christ.

As Marists, we follow Christ by “thinking, judging, feeling and acting” as Mary in all things. Her presence is kept alive by living her spirit of faithfulness and compassionate service, so that others feel God’s tender and merciful love. By adopting Mary’s approach, each of us can walk in the shoes of others with “delicacy and sensitivity”, holding them close to our hearts. This is why the symbolism of a heart is a significant symbol for us as Marist women.

Within our Marist Heart the names of every member of the College community (girls and staff) were printed on a scroll. This is a way of holding dear those in our community who need our love and support.

At this special celebration we also acknowledge three significant events:

Firstly, the induction and welcome of our Religious Education Coordinator, Mrs Caroline Morizzi. Mrs Morizzi was presented with a Marist candle, Marist cross and book written by Pope Francis to support her in her leadership here at Marist sisters; College.

The second significant event was the traditional badging of our Year 7 and Year 11 students. This formal badging ceremony welcomes Year 7 and acknowledges the beginning of their adventures at MSCW while for Year 11 the acceptance of the Senior badge formally confirms their responsibility, as a Marist girl, to search for further inspiration from Mary as their role model and, as seniors, to be a positive role model for all students. A special part of this ceremony is the pinning of the badges – Year 11 pinning badges on Year 7 and in reciprocation Year 7 pinning badges on Year 11.

Our third college event was the Welcome we afforded our new staff by presenting them with a College candle. In presenting them with a College candle, we pray that they experience the power of the Spirit and the presence of Mary as a member of Marist Sisters’ College.

Setting students up for success

Although we will evaluate the recent ‘O Week’ Program to ‘kick-start’ the year, it appeared to be very successful in preparing each year group for the year ahead. 

As part of ‘O Week’, students have also taken the opportunity to set their goals for the year and discuss these with their Tutor teacher and parents on My Marist Compass Goals’ Day. Mrs Bowland, Leader of Wellbeing, reflects on this significant event later in the Newsletter. If you were not able to connect with your daughter’s Tutor on Wednesday, would you please make contact to arrange another zoom. These meetings are very significant in supporting your daughter’s learning and wellbeing.

Upcoming College events

I warmly welcome parents to the following events. Please mark the dates in your calendar.

Year 7 Welcome Night: Friday 17 February

Each year the College welcomes our new Year 7 parents at our Year 7 Welcome night. This social event provides the opportunity to share a tasty finger-food meal while also allowing time for parents to meet College staff.  Year 7 students will have the opportunity to engage in fun games and activities led by our Senior students. This very happy event is a must on your calendar!

Date & Time: Friday 17 February, commencing at 6.30pm

Venue: Cerdon Plaza

House Mass and Supper: New and not to be missed!

This year, each College House welcomes parents and students of that House to celebrate the Eucharist followed by a Welcome Supper. This new initiative brings parents and daughters on-site to meet and chat with House Coordinators and Tutors in a much more personal and social way. Research tells us that this model of parent engagement builds stronger relationships and understandings between your daughter’s House, Tutor and family. Therefore, we expect to see every parent attend. 

Venue: College Hall and Cerdon Plaza.

Time 5.30pm – 8.00pm

High Achievers Assembly

Next Wednesday, we look forward to celebrating the wonderful HSC achievements of our Class of 2022 at the High Achievers Assembly.  

Thanks to the parents who joined me on the parent zoom on Thursday 2 February. I will continue to regularly zoom with parents throughout the term. Notification of these zooms will be made through COMPASS.

Welcome again to 2023 and I look forward to a productive and successful year ahead!

From the Assistant Principal

A very warm welcome to all members of the school community, especially those who have joined us this year. Over the last couple of weeks students have experienced ‘O’ week, the new Thursday Sport program, our Opening School Mass and finally they had the opportunity to lead their My Marist Compass Goal setting conference with the support of their parents/carers and Tutor teacher. It has definitely been an exciting introduction to the academic school year.

Thursday Sport Program

We have now completed two weeks of the College’s new Thursday Sports Program, and students have provided positive feedback on their experiences thus far. A few reminders regarding the program:

• All students in Years 7-10 are to wear the College sports uniform which includes the College sports cap.
• Students in Year 11 & 12 who are participating in the SCS competitive sports competition are able to wear the College sports uniform. All other students in Year 11 & 12 are to wear the College formal uniform.
• In addition to the College cap, students are to apply sunscreen if their sport venue is outside.

Dismissal on Thursdays

Dismissal from the College on Thursday’s is at 2.30pm, the bus timetable for this finish time can be found in the links below:

Link 1

Link 2

Link 3

New Uniform 2024

2024 will see our new uniform at Marist Sisters’ College! This is an exciting venture to update the uniform using materials that are durable and environmentally sustainable. NOONE will be our new provider and we are currently working with NOONE to finalise the design for both the formal College uniform and our sports uniform. 

As we progress through Term 1, we will continue to communicate with you on the design timeline. We will also provide an opportunity for  parents to view the new uniform at our Parent Engagement Meeting.

From 2024, Year 7 and Year 11 will be in the new College uniform and all other year groups will have a transition time  to the new uniform.

A reminder that the College has a second hand uniform shop that items can be viewed, ordered and paid for via Flexischools.

We are really looking forward to the uniform updates to ensure our College uniform remains at the highest standard. 

Finally I take this opportunity to remind parents/carers and students of the following expectations of the College

Personal Presentation

I would like to congratulate most students and their families on the way in which they have presented themselves on return to the College this week. The wearing of the College uniform reflects our College to the wider community and the expectation therefore, is that all students maintain a high standard of neatness while wearing our uniform. It is important that all students adhere to our expectations and in advance I wish to thank all of the parents and guardians for their support in this matter. 

Mobile Phones

I would like to remind students that there is to be no use of mobile devices from the time a student enters the College gates until the final bell at 3.15pm. Where a student needs to make contact with home/parents during the course of the school day, students should attend the General Administration Office to use the College phone or seek permission to use their mobile device in Pieta Place. Please be reminded that messaging or texting on a mobile device is inappropriate and will result in devices being confiscated.

Ms Melinda Alvarez, Assistant Principal

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

From the Religious Education Coordinator

In our Church ……

This week the Church celebrates the Feast of St Josephine Bakhita, the Patron Saint of Sudan and of Victims of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.  St Josephine Bakhita, also known as ‘Mother Moretta’ was kidnapped at the age of nine and sold into slavery. Such was the trauma experienced that she forgot her birth name and her kidnappers gave her the name Bakhita meaning ‘fortunate’. Flogging and maltreatment were part of her daily life. She experienced the moral and physical humiliations associated with slavery.

It was only in 1882 that her suffering was alleviated after she was bought for the Italian Consul. This event was to transform her life. In this family and, subsequently in a second Italian home, she received from her masters, kindness, respect, peace and joy. A change in her owner’s circumstances meant that she was entrusted to the Canossian Sisters and her next fifty years were spent witnessing God’s love through cooking, sewing, embroidery and attending to the door. She was a source of encouragement and her constant smile won people’s hearts, as did her humility and simplicity.

As she grew older she experienced long, painful years of sickness, but she continued to persevere in hope, constantly choosing the good. During her last days she relived the painful days of her slavery and more than once begged: ‘Please, loosen the chains… they are heavy!’.Surrounded by the sisters, she died on 8 February 1947. February 8 has been designated as a day of prayer, reflection and action to end the injustice of human trafficking.

Taken from https://www.sydneycatholic.org/solidarity-and-justice/anti-slavery/patron-saint-st-josephine-bakhita/

In our Community……

On Tuesday we gathered together as a Marist Sisters’ College community to celebrate our Opening Mass as St Mary’s Cathedral.  This was a wonderful opportunity to bring parents, staff, students and parishes together to celebrate the Eucharist and to mark the commencement of the 2023 academic year.

Our Year 7 students were blessed and presented with their Marist Sisters’ College badge to welcome them as our newest members of the College and Year 11 students were blessed and presented with their Senior Student badge to acknowledge their transition to the senior school. Candles were also blessed and presented to new staff members welcoming them into our Marist community. 

Our Marist Heart, a symbol of the great love of Christ was carried in the entrance procession expressing our Marist tradition. As Marists, we follow Christ by “thinking, judging, feeling and acting” as Mary in all things. Mary’s presence is kept alive by us living her spirit of faithfulness and compassionate service, so that others may feel God’s tender and merciful love. By adopting Mary’s approach, each of us can walk in the shoes of others with “delicacy and sensitivity”, holding them close to our hearts. This is why the symbolism of a heart is a significant symbol for us, as Marists.

The names of every member of the College community, printed on scrolls was enclosed in the Marist Heart within our Marist Heart, a symbolism of the importance of our community who we love and support.

Thank you to Father Alki Langi from Holy Name of Mary Parish Hunters Hill who celebrated the mass and to Father Steve Drum from Ryde-Gladesville Parish and Father Michael McLean from St Mark’s Drummoyne Parish who concelebrated the mass.

Thank you to the College Leaders, Readers, Altar Servers and Ushers who were involved in the Mass. A huge thank you to Mrs Caroline Marsh and the choir for their wonderful and beautiful singing throughout the Opening Mass. Thank you to Dr Anne Ireland, Mrs Melinda Alvarez, the Leadership Team and staff for all their support in the preparations leading up to the mass and on the day.

It was wonderful to see such a strong sense of community through a celebration of our faith and tradition at Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich.

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

From the Leader of Wellbeing

My Marist Compass Goals 2023

MMCG Conferences took place this week on Wednesday February 8 where our students led their Tutor Teacher and Parent in a conversation about their goals for 2023.

This year our students have really stepped up in relation to connecting their learning with home. They are able to clearly identify what they need to develop in 2023 and can articulate how this will benefit them in the future wherever that may take them.

We are a community of learners who are Capable, Committed and Compassionate.

Uniform

Students have returned to school.

Reminder about the Uniform Policy and the consequences for students who continually to not adhere.

Specifically the following:

The length of student uniform by hem or by the wearing (e.g rolling up at the top of waist, self pinning up hem, and numerous other methods) will result in consequences that will be issued each day until it has been address by the student. After 5 infringements a meeting will be held on site that will enable both parents and the College to support the student in addressing the issue.

If there are any financial issue related to securing a new uniform for you daughter please contact either her Tutor Teacher or her House Coordinator.

A Special Report: Starting Year 7 

When a child starts high school, they suddenly become one of the youngest and newest kids at school all over again – a small fish in a big pond! The transition between Year 6 and Year 7 is one of the biggest jumps in a child’s life and is a very important milestone. This can easily become a daunting time for students and parents alike.

Starting Year 7 poses many new challenges, but also exciting opportunities. It comes with a number of mixed feelings. Some students may be feeling a little anxious about their expectations of starting Year 7 and finding their place in the “big pond”. As your child grasps new skills and engages in new study practices, it is important for parents to be supportive, but also realistic in their expectations. Parents and students can easily become overwhelmed during this time of transition but, there are a number of strategies that can be implemented to start things off on the right foot!

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact her Tutor teacher, House Cordinator or the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Starting Year 7 edition of SchoolTV

Starting Year 7 | Marist Sisters’ College – Woolwich

House Mass and Supper 

Sun Safety 

From the Leader of Learning

With the return to school, and after two weeks of lessons, it is vital that students establish a homework and study routine for after school.

Has your daughter created a study timetable and placed it on the fridge?

Reflection Questions that Might Start a Conversation at Home:

How much learning should students be doing each night?

The general guidelines are that Junior students should be doing around one hour of self-learning most nights, Senior students between two to three hours most nights.

But what if my daughter says she has no homework?

In primary school, students are used to just doing the work their teacher specifically tells them to do. Many students do not realise that things should be different in secondary school; there are two types of learning students should be doing:

• The first is compulsory work such as homework, assignments and preparing for tests. 
• The second type of work is independent learning work. 

If students have no homework that night, they are expected to undertake independent learning in secondary school. This could be reviewing what they have learnt that week, making a mind map, reading ahead, researching an area of interest, making study notes or reviewing complex concepts.

Can you listen to music while studying?

The general rule is that if students are undertaking learning that is not difficult, it is OK to listen to music. It makes them feel relaxed and makes them feel like the time is going quicker. However, if they are doing work that requires intense concentration or memorisation, it is best to switch the music off (or else have slower music with no vocals such as classical musical). Otherwise, it will take them much longer to absorb and learn the information.

Is it OK for my daughter to do work with devices or in front of the TV?

Unless students are doing something mindless like sticking things on a poster or colouring in, it is best not to do work in front of any devices such as phones or TV. Instead, students should do their home learning in an environment that is as distraction-free as possible. It works well if students do their learning in distinct blocks of time and remove all distractions during those blocks. Some students find they have the self-discipline to manage technological distractions; others need a helping hand – such as their phone in a different room for the half-hour period where they are focusing on schoolwork.

How do I stop my daughter from getting distracted when working on the computer?

Have a discussion with students about doing schoolwork in focused blocks of time so that they can really enjoy their time away from the books (or computer). If students find it challenging to be disciplined, they can also look at self-blocking software such as Self Control (MAC). If students are still struggling, parental management programs such as Family Zone allow families to block particular sites at particular times.

Parents and students can learn more about studying efficiently and effectively by working through the ELES Study Skills Site units. You can find the site via:

COMPASS Portal (Open in Browser) > Star Icon > ELES Handbook

 

 

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

New Staff Introduction

News from the College Counsellors

Pathways to Change Group

The Family Recovery Team at Catholic Care Lewisham will be facilitating the Pathways to Change Group starting on Thursday 23^rd FEBRUARY 2023. 

Pathways to Change is a 6-week, evidence-based group designed to support young people aged 12 – 18 to explore issues with alcohol and other drug use.  

The group aims to provide a secure, effective environment for exploring alcohol, drug or mental health issues. Topics covered include: 

• Interaction between substance use and mental health 
• Harm minimisation strategies.
• How and why do people progress from experimental or recreation use to more problematic use?
• How to know if you need to cut down or stop? 
• Can I make the changes I want in life?

This is a unique opportunity for young people to share their experiences, develop skills for life, and learn from other group members about what they find helpful.  

To find out more information about the group please contact Costanza Ravanelli:   

p: 02 8723 2226  

e: costanza.ravanelli@catholiccare.org 

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

Gifted and Talented Report

Jesus’ statement in the  Gospel of John clearly sets the standard for Catholic Schools to nurture the potential and love of learning within a climate of Gospel values. It links directly to the rationale of gifted and talented education and the Newman program. A classroom that tailors learning to meet the needs of gifted and talented students ensures students are living this life to the full, ensuring they meet their potential.

Students identified as being gifted or talented are those who perform, or have the potential to perform, in one or more domains at a level significantly beyond children of the same age, culture or circumstances. Data is collected from a range of tests including HAST testing, Allwell testing, NAPLAN and Pat testing. Teachers will often refer to this data and link lessons to the strengths of students or to areas of improvement. Flexible grouping also allows teachers to put students in groups of similar ability who work towards a learning goal whilst addressing the varying learning needs. This allows for greater differentiation and the work presented may look different for each group.

Students in the Newman classes can expect deep and enriching experiences of learning in the classroom and this is reflected in the extension assessment tasks they are required to complete as part of the Newman programme. Please note also that classes are called Newman class 1 and Newman class 2. There are two Newman classes in each year group from Years 7-10.

An information night for Year 7 parents with students in 7.1 and 7.2 will be held next Wednesday 15 February at 6:00 pm in the hall. Please check your Compass notifications for more information.

TDP News

In 2023, students are welcomed to participate in style based companies, which focus on making dance accessible to all students whilst developing the physical, creative and intellectual development of each student. Companies: 

• Are open to all students who wish to be involved, students may participate in multiple styles/companies. 
• Work towards a high level routine. 
• Perform at weekend eisteddfods and a variety of College events. 
• A year long commitment.
• Capped at approximately 25 students due to spacing requirements.

An open lesson will run in Week 3 at the below times to stream students into the appropriate company groups in preparation for company commencement in Week 4. Students wishing to join an ensemble are invited to fill in the following form. 

If you require further information please contact christina.oneill@syd.catholic.edu.au

Sports News

Sport is back at MSCW! 

It will be again an extremely busy term of Sport with Years 7-10 Thursday sport and Years 7-12 representative competitions starting in Week 2.

The College is a part of Sydney Catholic Schools Sport (SCS) and provide students with the opportunity to compete against other schools in our conference on Thursday afternoon.

Sport news will be distributed to students via COMPASS, emails, the College’s Newsletter and announcements at Principal’s assemblies.  

Years 7-10 Internal Thursday Sports Program – Term 1

On Thursday sport days, all students must wear their full sports uniform to/from school and bring their MSCW sport cap.  Students should check their emails/COMPASS for details about sport groups.

Sports

Internal Sport – Sport offered by the College, may be onsite or offsite. Change of Internal Sport will take place twice a term.

YEAR 7                       

Year 8

Year 9

Years 7-10 External Representative Sport Program

Teams will be selected to represent the College for the Sydney Catholic Schools Sport competitions.  Students will be required to sign up for trials and attend trials as advised via expression of interest Google forms. Students are to wear their Sports uniform to the trials.  Trials for the following teams will be held during Weeks 1-2:

Sydney Catholic Schools Sport Term 1 (Students leave the College 12noon EVERY Thursday and return by 4pm)

Sydney Catholic Schools Sport Term 1 

Sydney Catholic Schools Sport Championship carnivals will be held throughout the year in various sports.  

Students will be required to sign up for trials and attend trials as advised via expression of interest Google forms.

Representative Pathway for Elite Sportswomen

Students may also trial for the Sydney Catholic Schools representative team to compete at the NSW CCC and NSW All Schools. These trials are extremely competitive and they are designed for elite athletes. Please see information on the CSNSW website. Students are to discuss with Mr Watts prior to registering.

Parents/carers must register via the CSNSW.sport portal. 

For instructions on how to register go to Guide For Parents – Sport Registrations >>

Term 1 Individual Nominations Sport Registrations are now open for:

For further information, please refer to the CSNSW Sport website Sport pages.

Sports Trials

Trials have commenced during week 1 and students must check emails/ask Mr Watts for further details. Teams were finalised by Tuesday 7 February of Week 2 and students received an email. Students are required to wear the Sports uniform for trials. 

These include the following;

• SCS Touch Football Years 7 – 12
• SCS Basketball Trials Years 7 – 12
• SCS Waterpolo Trials Years 7-12

MSCW Swimming Carnival 2023 – Monday 20 February

Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

Please see Compass notification for more information.

CONGRATULATIONS 

Georgia Vassallo

Congratulations to Georgia Vassallo (Year 12) on her recent trip to the UK on a Football
Tour with top players in the NPL1 League. She had the opportunity to verse amazing under
20 squads to the likes of Manchester United, Aston Villa, Birmingham, Nottingham Forest
and Mansfield. The team was highly successful providing top competition to the England
squads whilst gaining a lot of experience and knowledge.
Amazing achievement!

Bronte Hookey

Congratulations to Bronte Hookey (Year 11 Student) on her recent success being selected for
the 2023 Australian under 16’s Indigenous School Girls Team 2023. She is a credit to MSCW
and also her heritage. Good luck to Bronte at the up-and-coming Championship.

Awesome achievement!

Mr Daniel Watts, Sports Coordinator

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

Sports Results

Congratulations to the nine teams that competed in Round 1 of the SCS Sport competition for Term 1. MSCW are off to a solid start for the 2023 Sporting year! Keep up the great work Legends! 

Please see the results and MVP (Most Valuable Player) for each team.

Round 1

Mr Daniel Watts, Sports Coordinator

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

MSCW Term 1 Sydney Catholic Schools Sport Teams 2023

Thank you to all students who trialled for Term 1 Sports teams over the last 2 weeks. 

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to represent Marist Sisters’ College.

Junior Touch Football Team 2023

Intermediate Touch Football Team 2023

Senior Touch Football Team 2023

Junior Basketball Team 2023

Intermediate Basketball Team 2023

Senior Basketball Team 2023

Junior Waterpolo Team 2023

Intermediate Waterpolo Team 2023

Senior Waterpolo Team 2023

Mr Daniel Watts, Sports Coordinator

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

Collection Notice for Parents/Guardians

Campus Experience Evening – 8 March 2023

Wednesday Lunch Club

How to Help Get (& Keep!) Your Child Motivated ~ Upcoming webinar for parents 

Elevate Education will be hosting its first free webinar of the year for parents.

Elevate Education works with students, delivering high impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation.

By tuning into their webinar series you will learn how you can help better support your children at home by reinforcing the skills they learn at school:  

Webinar: How to Help Get (and Keep!) Your Child Motivated

Date: Wednesday 15th February

Time: 6:30 – 7:30pm (AEDT)

Cost: Free

Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night:

What impact do praise and reassurance have on your child’s motivation?

What are the best types of goals to be set with your child? 

 How can you help your child create meaningful and lasting motivation?

Woolwich Netball Club 2023

Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers

Canteen News

Flexischools

Calling on volunteers