From the Principal

Giving Back to the Community, 26 May, The Humpty Dumpty Balmoral Burn

At Marist Sisters’ College we are again invited to take up the challenge to support the Humpty Dumpty Foundation and run the Balmoral Burn on the 26 May. The Humpty Dumpty Foundation is a children’s charity that, for more than 30 years, has been purchasing essential and often life-saving medical equipment for sick and injured children in Pediatric Wards, Neonatal Units, Maternity and Emergency Departments in hospitals across Australia. It now donates vital equipment to over 500 metropolitan and rural hospitals. This physical challenge is an opportunity for our students and staff to be involved in the broader community.

Last year, as a school community, we were the highest fundraisers and we donated an Airvo Humidifier that supports babies and children suffering from respiratory problems. We have an opportunity this year to donate further equipment. So, let’s start using the holiday break as an opportunity to build up your training in pairs or groups.

Entry can be in the schools individual race Senior School “Just For Fun”, or enter as a team of 4 to compete in the Senior School ‘Head of the Hill” categories. No matter what event, your contribution goes towards a very worthy cause. This year, our third year as participants, we want to increase our number of teams compared to 2023.

I also encourage students and families to sponsor our MSCW students through our MSCW Fundraising page: https://bit.ly/3vHARTD

Date: Sunday, 26 May (Start time 8.00am)

Venue: Awaba Street, Balmoral

In recognition of student donation through the registration process, as well as the time commitment students will give on Sunday morning, 26 May, each will earn 4 hours of Marist Service for their involvement in this event. Students can register this Marist Service through their Student Cloudshare page.

So, think about making it a family affair and come along for a fun community day.

See you there on Sunday 26 May for the Balmoral Burn!

As we head towards the holidays, enjoy your holiday break and I look forward to welcoming our students and staff back for Term 2. Don’t forget to also take the opportunity to read one or two books!

Dr Anne Ireland, Principal

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #1, #2, #8

From the Assistant Principal

Yesterday, all students, staff and parents received communication via COMPASS regarding Term 2, please take the time to read this information to ensure a smooth transition for Term 2.

Term 2 Start Date

Students will commence Term 2 on Tuesday 30 April. Monday 29 April is a Staff Development Day where staff will be focussing on curriculum development.

Winter Uniform

The wearing of the College winter uniform will commence at the start of Term 2 on Tuesday 30 April.

The College winter uniform must be worn in accordance with the College Uniform Policy. All students are required to wear the College Blazer to and from the College. The length of the College skirt is that the hem finishes below the knee when the student is standing upright. The College Uniform Policy has been updated in line with the new College Uniform and all students are to wear the College Hat to and from school all year. Please review your daughter/s winter uniform items prior to the commencement of Term 2 to ensure that it adheres to the College Uniform Policy.

2024 Term 2 College Events

MSCW Parent Engagement

Our MSCW Parent Engagement Model strives to build quality relationships across the College community.

Aims:

A model of partnership with parent and families to increase parental engagement, belonging and communication;
An avenue for parents to be involved in the College community with parents of their daughter’s year group;
Helping out and working with other parents in a service or social event;
Providing a parental perspective to assist the Principal in decision making;
Organising and running events that support the values and strategic directions of the College;

2024 Events:

Year 9 Parent Engagement group will host the Mother’s Day Mass and supper on Wednesday 8 May.
Year 10 Parent Engagement group will host the Father’s Day Mass and Breakfast (Term 3)
Year 11 Parent Engagement group will host the Year 12 Graduation supper (Term 3)

Please email the College info@mscw.catholic.edu.au if you would like more information regarding involvement in your daughter/s parent engagement/s group.

MSCW Project – Wall Mural

The College is seeking support from our parent community in providing scaffolding to assist our Visual Arts students in engaging in the MSCW wall mural project.

If you are able to assist please advise the College via email info@mscw.catholic.edu.au .

Minister Visit

Earlier this week we hosted a press conference for The Hon Jason Clare MP, The Hon Mark Butler MP and Associate Professor Emily Stocking from the Matilda Centre as they discussed the success of a trial program aimed at reducing the number of students vaping and smoking across Australia.

You can see a transcript of the Press Conference here as well as a short video from Sky News.

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 ……

Pope Francis Prayer Intention

In this Prayer intention video, Pope Francis outlines how people are affected by other pandemics, such as “the pandemic of wars, hunger, and many others” . What can we do? How can we avoid falling into indifference?

The Pope shows us the way: compassion. It is the best help we can offer them, through our prayers and lives, bringing them to the Heart of Jesus so He can transform their lives.

Pope Francis states

“We can help them by accompanying them along an itinerary full of compassion which transforms people’s lives..”

He further adds

“It brings them closer to the Heart of Christ, which welcomes all of us into the revolution of tenderness.”

Let us pray that all those who suffer may find their way in life, allowing themselves to be touched by the Heart of Jesus.

Compassion for the world

Mrs Caroline Morizzi, Religious Education Coordinator

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

From the Leader of Learning

Maximising Your Study Efficiency: The 80-20 Rule

The 80-20 rule can help students work smarter and not harder.

The 80-20 rule, also known as the Pareto Principle, suggests that 80% of results come from just 20% of efforts. How can this principle be applied to studies? Let’s break it down.

Choose the Right Goal: Before diving into any task, it’s crucial to identify your goal. Ask yourself: What do I want to achieve with this assignment? Focus on the 20% of goals that will yield 80% of the desired results. For instance, if you want to write a persuasive essay, identify the key points or arguments that will make the most impact.
Choose the Right Task: Not all tasks are created equal. Some tasks contribute significantly more to your goals than others. Prioritise tasks based on their importance and relevance to your objectives. If research consumes too much time, consider focusing on the essential sources and information that directly support your main arguments.
Choose the Right Action or Strategy: Once you’ve established your goals and tasks, it’s time to determine the most effective actions or strategies. Break down your tasks into actionable steps and concentrate on the 20% of actions that will generate 80% of your desired outcomes. For example, if you’re studying for an exam, identify the key concepts or topics likely to appear and allocate more time to mastering them.

Remember, every task consists of three components: the destination (goal), the route (plan), and the action (steps). By focusing on the critical 20% of each component, you can optimise your study approach for maximum efficiency and results.

In your academic journey, prioritise activities that align with your goals and contribute the most to your success. By adopting the 80-20 mindset, you’ll save time and achieve better outcomes with less effort.

Mr Justin Hodges, Leader of Learning

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

Leader of Wellbeing News

Please click on the link here to access supporting websites MSCW-Term-1-Wellbeing-Supports

MAINTAINING ROUTINE

Term break is often seen as a time for students to develop a routine that in 2 weeks will be challenging for them to adjust. They may stay up later than usual, engage in social media a lot more, nourish themselves at varying times and move less.

We encourage our students to use this time to continue to develop connections with one another face-to-face. Put down their devices and screens and meet in real life. They may not be at school but with your support, they do have the ability to meet and engage in activities such as ice skating, rock climbing, movies, helping others, and perhaps even planning for Term 2 together.

How can you help your daughter maintain her routine, especially sleep hygiene?

Suggestions:

Wake at the same time each day; this does not mean waking up and starting the day, the simple act of waking and maintaining the routine of sleep and stopping the sleep cycle helps. This is strongly recommended for week 2 of the break and the time is the same or similar to what she would during the term.
Go to bed at a reasonable time as she would during the term
Maintain limits on devices
Years 11 and 12 continue a study routine similar to the structure of the school day
Work on assessment tasks or any outstanding work that may have been incomplete at the end of the term
Engage your daughter in a conversation about something she has wanted to do this term but has not found the time. For example: attend the GP, declutter her room, redesign her study space, or try new activities.

PREPARING FOR TERM 2

The key to success is to plan. Young people need to learn the skills of preparation and planning for success and growth.

They can do this during the term break by:

Look at their Assessment Calendar and complete the Term 2 Assessment Planner on page 33 of their Student Planner. They record the subject that they have an assessment task due in the first column and the details of the task in the 3 lines in the following column (see above). This can be actioned despite not knowing the exact date of the task as they will know the week.
Record their daily schedule for the first 2 weeks in the Student Planner. They complete this in the first column on pages 35 and 37
Ensuring that their Winter Uniform is in line with the Uniform Policy during the first week so that if any alterations or purchases are required can take place in the second week of school holidays.

Ms Angela Bowland, Leader of Wellbeing

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #1, #2, #8

In Our Community…

In our Community….

Year 7 Reflection Day

The Year 7 students had a wonderful day at their Year 11 Reflection Day on Monday. A Reflection Day is significantly different from an incursion or excursion. At Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich, Reflection Days are an integral part of our communities focus on faith formation. They are an integral part of the Religious Education program and allow students throughout their time at Marist Sisters to build on, extend and deepen the reflection on their emerging self in relationship to their family, their peers and God.

The purpose of the Reflection Day program is to assist students to recognise the importance of their holistic development, to give them further understanding of “fullness of life”. Activities are designed to open students to their spirit dimension as well as fostering a sense of community and a heightened awareness of their own faith and that of others.

The Year 7 students participated in a range of activities that focused on the theme of community. The students were asked the question: what do you see? This is from the scripture passage John 1: 35-42. Throughout the reflection day, we unpacked what community means to our Year 7 students, with a focus on our Marist Sisters’ Community.

I would like to thank the following teachers for being a wonderful support on the day and for leading their small groups: Dr Anne Ireland, Ms Samantha Ison, Ms Jennifer Dove, Ms Jenny Vu, Mr Lia Story, Ms Laura Marshall, Ms Marissa Watson, Ms Antonina Arcidiacono, Ms Carolyn Criss, Mr Christopher O’Shea, Ms Janene Stitt, Christine Ianello and Tanya Guiness.

Youth Afternoon

On Friday, 22 March students from Year 10, 11 and 12 attended a Youth Afternoon at Domremy College. Joined by students from Holy Cross and Domremy, students were able to explore faith-based topics with like-minded peers. After a quick icebreaker, students engaged in talks from multiple speakers from Sydney Catholic Youth . They spoke on the topics of the power of silence, the importance of trusting in God’s plan, and the lack of time young people dedicate to God. Many questions were answered, and students were challenged to think about how they can integrate and make time for God in their lives. The Youth Afternoon was an exciting opportunity, which allowed us to create connections with students from other schools, and learn about the power of silence, and the impact trusting in God’s plan can have.

Harriet O’Connor, Year 10 student

Mrs Caroline Morizzi, Religious Education Coordinator

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

In Our Curriculum…

In our Curriculum…..

From The Archdiocese

Click here for events.

WALK WITH CHRIST

June 2 @ 1:00 pm – 4:30pm

Martin Place

On the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, we invite all Catholics to unite and honour the real presence by attending the Walk With Christ Eucharistic Procession through the Sydney CBD.

This joyful public proclamation seeks to manifest the spiritual joy at the presence of the Saviour in the Eucharist (and His role as benevolent spiritual ruler). Like, for instance, the crowds who welcomed Christ into Jerusalem singing “Hosanna to the Son of David” and the wise virgins who accompanied the bridegroom at his arrival to the feast, so does the faithful of Sydney in their devotion accompany the Eucharistic Lord through its streets.

When: June 2 with a festival beginning at 1:00pm in Martin Place.

The procession begins at 2:30pm sharp from the corner of Martin Place and Pitt Street.

OUR LADY OF FATIMA PROCESSION

The Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney invites our families to join the Our Lady of Fatima Procession. This would be a great opportunity for staff, students and families to experience the power of prayer and honour Our Lady.

Date: Saturday 11 May 2024

Time: 6:00 p.m. Vigil Mass followed by a candle-lit Procession around the Cathedral Forecourt.

Location: St Mary’s Cathedral, St Marys Rd, Sydney NSW 2000

Arrival: Attendees are recommended to arrive by 5:30 p.m. and be seated by 5:45 p.m. As this is an Archdiocesan Mass seats will fill up quickly.

Mrs Caroline Morizzi, Religious Education Coordinator

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

Student Talent Quest

The Student Talent Quest was held during Community Time in Week 10. The College community enjoyed the event which included a variety of acts from vocal performances, to bands, to magic shows. The community also relished in encouraging and supporting their MSCW sisters to shine.

Performers went through an audition process and were chosen amongst many to perform at the Student Talent Quest. A huge thank you to all of our courageous performances (listed below) for sharing their gifts with our College community.

A big congratulations to our 2024 Student Talent Quest winners Ariya Patel and Lizzie Lazo who performed their magic show “Magnificent Magic”.

First Place

Ariya Patel and Lizzie Lazo – Year 7“Magnificent Magic” – magic show

Second Place

Natalia Papallo – Year 7 “Stars” – vocal performance

Third Place

Elissa Kawtal – Year 9 “Love On The Brain” – vocal performance

Courageous Performers

Angela Lakic, Kaila Cenidoza, Sarah Khoury, Hannah Khoury, Maria Chakkour, Freya Gabbett, Claire Beynon, Jacquelynn Fong, Amelia Van – Year 11 “Killing Me Softly” – band performance

Olivia Kiprovski – Year 7 “My Love, Mine All Mine” – vocal performance

Jadyn Fong – Year 12“Tightrope” from The Greatest Showman – piano and vocal performance

Gifted and Talented Report

Things that make you go hmmm?

Philosophy is an elective in Stage 5 and offers students an opportunity to explore their world. It allows students to sit, think and talk. We look at many philosophers in history and their arguments on different topics such as: What does it mean to be human? What is a good life? How should I live? The subject seems a natural fit for teenagers who are keen to explore the world and just wonder! That natural curiosity is embraced in philosophy. We explore difficult topics carefully and thoughtfully. No one has all the answers – and sometimes, reaching an answer isn’t as important as asking the questions.

Here are excerpts of some philosophical dialogues the girls wrote and performed- some are more serious than others but very, very creative!

Mrs Colreavy’s Conundrum

The donkey was given $30

The wasp was given $45

The swan was given $15

How much money was given to the spider?

Email: rachael.colreavy@syd.catholic.edu.au with your answer. Correct answers will win a prize.

Mrs Rachael Colreavy, Gifted & Talented Coordinator

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #1, #2, #8

Chanel News

Chanel Week will take place in Week 1 of Term 2. During this time, all students and staff will be invited to participate in fundraising and community-building activities run by the Chanel Co-Captains and Liturgy Captain, and other members of the Chanel House. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate the spirit of St Peter Chanel, and to reflect upon how we can live out his values in our own lives. All fundraising will go towards Caritas Australia. This charity has been chosen as they dedicate a lot of their aid to the Pacific region, which is where Peter Chanel carried out his missionary work.

Ms Stephanie Ditto, Chanel House Coordinator

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #1, #2, #8

Sports News

The NSW CCC Swimming Championships were held at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre on Thursday 4 April.

MSCW students representative Sydney Catholic Schools with pride and determination racing against the top swimmers in the Catholic system.

Congratulations to the following students:

Chloe Joh
Emma Whitty
Olivia Treadwell
Emma Ward
Maya Ostapenko
Evie Lange
Angela Lakic
Amy Linssen
Sienna Brown
Rebecca Linssen
Sophie Mitchell-Cook
Ziani Viola
Alicia Jordaan
Emma Websdale
Chloe Websdale

A special mention must go to Chloe Joh who received the 12 years age Champion!

What a phenomenal showing by MSCW at the Sydney Touch Football, Basketball, and Waterpolo Championships! Our students have truly dominated across all divisions, making the MSCW community burst with pride!

SCS Junior Basketball Champions 2024

Izabella Mansory
Marcella Dunn
Alysha Lee
Chloe Harutoonian
Amelia Khoury
Izabella Mouhtaris
Lara Haddad
Jasmine Goodridge
Alyka Agravante

Coach: Mr Travis Desborough

SCS Senior Touch Football Champions 2024

Ellie Barnett
Amelie Fehir
Brianna Kelly
Katie Kyneur
Miah O’Shea
Leah Russell
Georgia Southcombe
Maddison Tannous
Sienna Wheelhouse
Natalie Russo
Alessia Rizzuto

Coach: Ms Nicola Savvidis

SCS Junior Touch Football Runners Up 2024

Kendall Kilby
Emma Whitty
Saide Donkin
Sorcha Reid
Maya Bassett
Allegra Sciacchitano
Zoe Mara
Erin Krenmayr
Ivy Vella
Hannah Kucic
Mikayla Shad
Alexis Head

Coach: Joshua Allen

SCS Intermediate Touch Football Runners Up 2024

Ava Alam
Ellie Debsobz
Lola Donkin
Keona Galea
Alyssa Head
Niamh Krenmayr
Markella Krekacs
Montana McCormick
Ivy-Marie Provan
Caitlin Russell
Riley Caceres
Zara Carbone

Coach: Mr Liam Story

SCS Senior Waterpolo Runners Up 2024

Annabella Di Marco
Sienna Brown
Elsie Gray
Angela Lakic
Amy Linssen
Maddison Sherry
Ziani Viola
Bridget Butler
Leila O’Donnell
Natasha Payne

Coach: Ms Chanel Basha

Huge thanks to all the coaches, staff, and parents who supported the students!

Mr Daniel Watts, Sports Coordinator

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

Sports Results

Week 9

Touch Football

SEMI FINALS

Junior MSCW 18 vs St Charbel’s College 0

MVP: Allegra Sciacchitano

Intermediate MSCW 11 vs Trinity Catholic College 3

MVP: Montana McCormick

Senior MSCW 14 vs 1 Holy Spirit

MVP: Leah Russell

FINALS

Junior MSCW 9 vs Domremy 0

MVP: Kendall Kilby

Intermediate MSCW 8 vs Rosebank College 3

MVP: Keona Galea

Senior MSCW 18 vs 1 Rosebank College

MVP: Sienna Wheelhouse

Basketball

SEMI FINALS

Junior MSCW 49 vs Casimir Catholic College 9

MVP: Izabella Mansory

Senior MSCW 25 vs Trinity Catholic College 38

MVP: Claudia Janus

FINALS

Junior MSCW 53 vs St Charbel’s College 13

MVP: Izabella Mansory

Senior MSCW vs St Charbel’s College (Forfeit)

MVP: N/A

Waterpolo

FINALS

Junior MSCW 3 vs Domremy Catholic College 10

MVP: Jemima Cronan

Intermediate MSCW 1 vs Domremy Catholic College 6

MVP: Ellie Comerford

Senior MSCW vs Bye

MVP: N/A

MVP


Allegra Sciacchitano	Montana McCormick	Leah Russell

Kendall Kilby	Keona Galea	Sienna Wheelhouse

Izabella Mansory	Claudia Janus	Jemima Cronan

Ellie Comerford

Week 10

Touch Football

SYDNEY SEMI FINALS

Junior MSCW 5 vs Brigidine College 3

MVP: Allegra Sciacchitano

Intermediate MSCW 3 vs Brigidine College 4

MVP: Zara Carbone

Senior MSCW 10 vs Brigidine College 0

MVP: Katie Kyneur

SYDNEY FINALS

Junior MSCW 4 vs Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College 5

MVP: Kendall Kilby

Intermediate MSCW 10 vs Good Samaritan Catholic College 1

MVP: Caitlin Russell

Senior MSCW 11 vs Milperra – Mount St Joseph 1

MVP: Brianna Kelly

Basketball

SYDNEY SEMI FINALS

Junior MSCW 40 vs Brigidine College 21

MVP: Izabella Mansory

SYDNEY FINALS

Junior MSCW 44 vs St Patrick’s College 41

MVP: Izabella Mansory

Waterpolo

SYDNEY SEMI FINALS

Senior MSCW 6 vs Brigidine College 4

MVP: Amy Linssen

SYDNEY FINALS

Senior MSCW 0 vs St John Bosco College 12

MVP: Sienna Brown

MVP


Allegra Sciacchitano	Zara Carbone	Katie Kyneur

Kendall Kilby	Caitlin Russell	Brianna Kelly

Izabella Mansory	Amy Linssen	Sienna Brown

Mr Daniel Watts, Sports Coordinator

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

Canteen News

Change to Flexischools

Due to the increase of online orders, the cut off time will now be 8:00 am!

Please order as soon as you are able to.

Flexischools is the system for students to order lunch online and to purchase over the counter in the Canteen. If you are new to this system we would encourage you to set up a Flexischools account. (Link: flexischools.com.au). The Canteen is a very busy area at lunchtime, so ordering online is the best option to ensure your daughter’s order is ready at the start of lunch and avoids any delays in purchasing over the counter.

Please note Friday is always a busy with online orders, please order early on Fridays to hopefully minimise issues you may experience. If you do have a problem please contact the Flexischool parent helpline Monday – Friday 7.00 am – Midday on 1300 361 769.

Students please see canteen staff for any assistance.

Calling on volunteers

The MSCW Canteen would love to welcome new and existing parents to help out. Any day and time you can spare or offer would be greatly appreciated by all, especially at recess and lunchtime with the pickup of lunches and service. If you are able to assist, please contact the Canteen via SMS on 0457 593 920.

CONFIRMATION – St Ambrose Parish Concord West

Confirmation

St Ambrose Parish Concord West will celebrate its Sacrament of Confirmation on 24 May @ 7pm and 25 May @ 2 pm.

To register your child for their Sacrament:

Registration forms can be completed online by accessing the St Ambrose website (www.stambrose.org.au) and following the ‘Sacraments Registration’ link
Send an email to sacraments@stambrose.org.au and request a registration form;

It is requested that registrations are returned by Monday 29^rd April 2023 so that group sessions and liturgies can be organised based on numbers. Please do not hesitate to contact sacraments@stambrose.org.au if you have any questions.