From the Principal

Our Weekly Parent Zooms, on Tuesday mornings at 9.00am, are continuing this term. You will recall that they began during COVID times to assist communications and provide updates to parents. Due to the positive feedback I have received, the weekly Zoom check-in is proving to be a great way to communicate with parents or respond to questions in real-time. While parent numbers can be small in some weeks, many parents have mentioned that they appreciate being able to join in via zoom or watch the recording later. Please watch out for the COMPASS message alerting you to these weekly zooms. Thank you to those parents who have provided such positive feedback. It is always greatly appreciated.

Welcome

This term we welcome to the College:

• Shelly-Anne Sansone – HSIE job-share with Mrs Anthony.
• Loretta Muratore – TAS Assistant.

Each staff member has provided a brief introduction of themselves in a separate article in this newsletter.

Year 12 News

The Higher School Certificate (HSC) Trial Examinations conclude on Monday. I would like to commend our Year 12 students on the manner in which they prepared for these exams. It is this group of students who were unable to engage in previous exam blocks due to COVID restrictions, so their hard work and determination to achieve their best possible results has been more than evident. Following these examinations, the students will be completing their courses and revising further for the HSC. It is crucial that this time be used effectively as this can add significant value to their HSC outcome. On return in Term 4, the HSC begins on Wednesday 12 October. 

NOW is the time to make a PLAN and set a GOAL to maximise work and study over the next 10 weeks.

Please continue to keep the students in your prayers during this time.

We are currently in planning for our celebrations to farewell and commemorate the contribution of our Year 12 girls as they finish their 6-year journey at the College. More detail will be provided in coming days.

Year 11 Preliminary Examinations

Over the next couple of weeks, Year 11 are preparing to conclude their HSC Preliminary courses. They will begin exams on 6 September. Consistent effort now is the best investment for setting them up for success to begin their HSC courses in Term 4.

Co-Curricular Benefits

It is always good to see students re-engaging in the extra-curricular life of the College. The excitement and fun evident is a welcome change as we continue to navigate through COVID-affected times. It is easy to see the clear benefits that emerge for girls when they participate in a range of co-curricular activities. Consequently, I would encourage every student to take up a seasonal sport, or adopt and maintain interests or hobbies from music, the arts, community service or STEM fields. Also, it is handy to have on your resume.

From the Assistant Principal

RSVP for the 2022 Father Daughter Mass & Breakfast Invitation

It has been noticed that some students have not been wearing their correct uniform and have been wearing their sports uniform on days other than Thursday. Please know that detentions will be issued to those girls who continue to disregard the rules. 

COVID Update – Term 3

Guidelines for close/household contacts

Close contacts attending school will need to adhere to the following:

• Notify the school;
• Conduct a daily RAT and return a negative result each morning before attending school for 5 school days;
• Wear a mask indoors except when eating or exercising (mandatory staff and secondary students);
• Not permitted to participate in overnight excursions, including school camps;
• Not permitted to attend settings identified as high risk by NSW Health (healthcare, aged care, disability care or correctional facilities); and
• Any visitor (who is a close contact) is required to advise the school & the ‘visit’ will be conducted virtually.

Reducing risk of illness in winter

• Stay home if unwell.
• Keep up to date with vaccinations – including the flu vaccine, which is available from your local GP, pharmacy or Aboriginal Medical Service. Flu vaccines are free for all aged 6 months and older.
• Consider wearing a mask indoors except when eating or exercising (NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant has asked all residents across NSW to start wearing masks again in indoor spaces such as shops, public transport and aged care facilities).
• Have your booster vaccines as advised by NSW Health (including a fourth dose for those over 30 & for those who are medically vulnerable). NSW Health Vaccine FAQs link.
• Get tested immediately for COVID-19 if you become symptomatic and isolate until you receive a negative result.
• If you receive a positive result follow NSW Health isolation instructions.
• Practice good hand hygiene by washing regularly with soap and water.
• Take a RAT before visiting vulnerable loved ones or going to large gatherings and events.
• Practice physical distancing wherever possible.

Additional RATs are available from the College student Administration Office.

If your daughter is COVID-positive, they are not to return to school until they have completed their full seven days isolation. The medical clearance letter received from NSW Health when a case is reported via the Service NSW app or if the PCR test is positive indicates the isolation period dates. Students can return the day after the end date for the isolation period and no sooner as long as they are not presenting with symptoms.  

Please send through medical clearance letter received from NSW health to mscw-attendance@syd.catholic.edu.au.

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

From the Religious Education Coordinator

Pope Francis tweeted on the 8 August 2022 regarding the feast of St Mary MacKillop of the Cross: “Reviving a dialogue happens not with words, but with silence; not by insisting, but by patiently beginning anew to patiently listen to another person, hearing about their struggles and what they carry inside. The healing of the heart begins with listening.” 

It is through the silence and then the listening that we open ourselves to hear others. Often, we want to fill the silence with a response or a comment. Let us be open to hearing from others and being present for them in the everyday events of life.

Feast of the Assumption of Mary – Monday 15 August 2022

The Feast of the Assumption is one of the most important feast days of the year and is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics.

Mass will not be celebrated at the College. All students are encouraged to attend Mass in their own parishes.

According to Roman Catholic theology, Mary was “assumed body and soul into heavenly glory” several years after her son, Jesus, ascended into heaven.

Ignite Conference

Students are invited to the Ignite Conference from Thursday 29 September to Sunday 2 October 2022 (Term 3 school holidays).

Refer to the Ignite Conference website for more details.

As Year 12 students continue with their HSC Trial examinations, you are invited to continue to pray for them.

A Prayer for Year 12 students

God, we ask that our Year 12 Sisters feel your presence with them as they prepare for and complete their Remote Learning examinations.

Give them calm hearts and quiet confidence in the knowledge that you hold them in the palm of your hand.

Bless them with a keen understanding of what they have learnt.

Give them the ability to be exact in their explanations and an ability to express themselves clearly.

Holy Spirit send them your gifts of wisdom and knowledge.

We ask this through Christ our Lord,

Amen.

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

From the Leader of Wellbeing

Whose job is it to make our young people happy?

A large part of the school curriculum is “null”. By that I mean it is not mandated in the sense that we set a learning intention and go about teaching it in a creative and transformative way. 

How can we teach our young people about joy and happiness? 

I am sure that if we asked our students most would suggest that it is easy – just let us do what we want when we like, get rid of the uniform, if we come late it is okay, just let us use our phones whenever we like. Happiness is not about other people or the boundaries that are set to guide an individual into adulthood. Rather, it is about the individual. So as the teachers, adults, role-models and parents in their lives, what are we responsible for when it comes to the happiness of the emerging young individuals we are surrounded by?

Dr Justin Coulson from Happy Families outlines what parents are responsible for in relation to the happiness of their young people in the podcast linked below.

He suggests that parents are responsible for:

1. Teaching them to find their own happiness;
2. Happiness isn’t in the search for it;
3. How to understand their emotions;
4. Teach them how to have positive relationships;
5. Teach them how to do hard things; and
6. Teach them to be responsible for their own emotions.

PODCAST: #562 The Pursuit of Happiness

A recent petition, initiated by a former school-girl from Sydney, calls for young women to come forward if they have been subjected to sexual assault whilst still at school. It has since gone viral with thousands of young women signing the petition or sharing their stories which are often graphic, disturbing and upsetting.

The petition calls for sex education, in particular consent, to be taught at a younger age in schools. The observation being that consent is being taught too late, with many young people not understanding the boundaries of consent resulting in sexual assault or rape. This call for change has made many schools reassess their curriculum around sex and life education to help protect young people across the nation.

Parents also need to start having conversations around consent sooner rather than later, as some teens experience their first sexual encounter well before the subject matter is delivered. It is not enough for parents or carers to assume that your teenager knows or understands what consent means and the implications surrounding it. It is important for them to learn about boundaries to enable them to respect themselves and their partners.

This Special Report offers parents guidance around normalising the topic of consent to ensure your teenager experiences healthy and respectful relationships.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your daughter, please contact her Tutor or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:

A Conversation on Consent | Marist Sisters’ College – Woolwich

• Bad breath – Has your daughter become increasingly conscious of her breath? Chewing gum, needing mints, brushing her teeth more regularly?
• Dizziness – Is your daughter reporting that she is feeling dizzier than before? This may be a result of an increase in her heart rate.
• Headache – Have headaches become more frequent?
• Reduced appetite – Have you noticed that she has reduced the amount she is eating due to a loss in appetite that was once very healthy?
• Vomiting – Are episodes of vomiting becoming more frequent? Or perhaps visiting sick-bay at school more regularly?

Now is the time to have a conversation with your daughter about vaping.

You can access some advice on how to start and have the conversation from this site: Talking about vaping with young people – Alcohol and Drug Foundation

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

From the Leader of Learning and Curriculum

From little things, BIG things grow!

Our Key Learning Area Coordinators have been deep diving into a range of data about our Year 10 students and examining areas that require attention in preparing Year 10 students for senior studies. Interestingly, there appears to be a trend emerging that also matches some of the feedback from Year 12 teachers currently marking Trial HSC examinations. The area to develop is writing and attention to spelling, grammar and punctuation.

A term appearing in the top marking range on marking criteria is ‘cohesion’. The NSW Educational Standards Authority says that cohesion is “that quality in a text determined by its parts being related and contributing to its overall unity. Cohesion is achieved through shaping the form, creating a structure that the responder can recognise and use to navigate the text, and using features of language that link the various parts of the text into a complete whole”.

The starting point for cohesion is grammar, spelling and punctuation!

Grammar, spelling and punctuation are the most basic components of good writing. Grammatically correct texts are easier to read and transfer meaning to readers with clarity. A firm understanding of grammar and punctuation also makes the writing process flow.

Focusing on grammar is unpleasant for some writers because they prefer to focus on the creative side of writing or the ‘big idea’. But developing good self-editing habits, while painstaking, enriches the experience for everyone involved—from the writer to the reader—and is the jump-start to better academic performance.

How can parents and carers assist?

Reviewing your daughter’s homework and drafts of assessment tasks, and challenging basic errors and carelessness, is beneficial. Reinforcing that grammar, spelling and punctuation are important (and not just something for English) will add value.

As the adage goes, by focusing on the little things in writing, BIG things will grow!

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

SHELLEY-ANNE SANSONE, HSIE I have a Bachelor of Teaching majoring in Commerce & Business Studies, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Religious Education from Australian Catholic University.  I am looking forward to combining my teaching qualification with my Bachelor of Accounting to help students reach their full potential in not only the theoretical aspects of their learning, but also taking their understanding beyond to the analytical, practical and comprehensive application thereof. I am married & blessed with three precious children in my life whom I love watching explore all the world has to offer them. I enjoy books, art and coffee dates with friends.

LORETTA MURATORE, TAS I have worked in various Sydney Catholic Schools for more than 20 years. I have a Bachelor of Education from the University of Sydney and I look forward to working at Marist Sisters’ Woolwich, supporting teachers and students in the TAS Department. I am married with three children and enjoy watching them play sport on the weekend. In my spare time I enjoy reading, cooking and spending time outdoors with my family and friends.

News from the College Counsellors

Year 7 Support Circle

The Kidman Centre offers free workshops to equip parents, caregivers, and teens to navigate everyday challenges. These workshops provide practical, evidence-based psychological strategies and are offered online via Zoom and at The Kidman Centre, located at the Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick. All workshops are presented by an experienced clinical psychologist. To register for a workshop, email kidmancentre@uts.edu.au.

Cyberbullying – what is it? 

Cyberbullying is the use of technology to bully a person with the intent to hurt or intimidate them. Some examples include sending hurtful or abusive messages, creating fake accounts in someone’s name to trick or humiliate people, spreading nasty rumours or lies about someone, or sharing photos of someone to make fun or humiliate them. 

What can we do about cyberbullying?

• Resist the urge to respond to any hate directed at you online, as this can make it worse. 
• Take screenshot evidence before blocking or deleting as this may help when reporting to eSafety. However, if the bullying material involves nudes, be aware that possessing or sharing such images of people under 18 may be a crime. For information about relevant laws in Australia and advice on what to do if your nudes have been shared, visit Youth Law Australia. 
• Report cyberbullying to the online service or platform. You can find reporting links for social media, apps, games and websites in The eSafety Guide. 
• Report it to eSafety.gov.au. If you have trouble getting content removed and you are under 18, make a report to the cyberbullying team at eSafety. 
• Talk to someone. Cyberbullying can make you feel isolated and like everyone is out to get you but that is not the case. Make sure you talk to someone and get support from friends and adults you trust. 

Tune In Not Out is a one-stop shop for information on a wide range of topics for navigating life’s challenges, from mental health, relationships, exam stress to sexual health and more. There is a useful music section, which looks at our music habits and the way songs can have a positive impact on our mental health, as well as the science of sad music and why we crave it.

Carers support group

Please click here for more information.

If you have any concerns about your daughter that you would like to discuss, or 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

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

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Training

On 27 July, we were privileged to have been invited to attend De La Salle Catholic College, Bankstown for the Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion Training Day.

Facilitated by Dr. Pam Van Oploo, a lecturer from Notre Dame University, we engaged in a series of theological sessions and activities which focused on the structure of the Mass, specifically the Liturgy of the Eucharist. We were also able to practise giving out and receiving the sacrament of Holy Communion. This allowed us to gain insight into the ministry of an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

It was an insightful experience for us all. We can’t wait to serve our College and Parish communities.

Thank you to Ms. Jenny Vu who accompanied us at the training. 

Katelyn Lopes & Isabelle Mourani, Social Justice Co-Captains 2022-23

Daniella Agostino, Jaricot Liturgy Captain 2022-23

Vinnies Snack Packing

The whole College community participated in organising over 1,800 snack packs for St Vincent de Paul Society. Vinnies Night Patrol will distribute these packs to people experiencing or at-risk of homelessness within Sydney.

Creative Arts News

Highly Commended Award

WSU Recycling Initiative

The new WSU recycling initiative to make MSCW an environmentally friendly school has already seen over 200 recyclable 10c return containers collected in the first 10 days. The College community has responded well and has already helped reduce landfill, increase recycling, and make MSCW a cleaner and greener place.

Following this success, and requests from students, the WSU has placed more recycling crates around the College grounds. The initial 4 crates have now been increased to 10 crates located on The Flat, Cerdon Plaza, Colin Square, La Valla and Futuna.

Thanks for all the support!

Charlotte O’Brien and Clare Thomas, WSU Co-Captains

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – #2 & #5.

Sports News

MSCW Term 3 Sydney Catholic Schools Sport Teams 2022

Thank you to all students who trialled for Term 3 Sports teams over the last 2 weeks. 

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

Junior AFL Team 2022

• Emelia Dunn (Year 8)
• Caterina Otter  (Year 7)
• Alyssa Head  (Year 7)
• Ellie Comerford  (Year 7)
• Keona Galea  (Year 8)
• Kayla Mugridge  (Year 7)
• Chloe Cunningam  (Year 7)
• Shelby Morgan  (Year 7)
• Kiera Gaddes  (Year 7)
• Sofia Vella  (Year 8)
• Charlise Ibrahim  (Year 7)
• Olivia Haddad  (Year 8)  
• Ava Whitelock  (Year 7)
• Leila O’Donnell  (Year 7)
• Sienna Sciacca  (Year 7)
• Manon Boxoen  (Year 7)
• Marie Karkour (Year 7)
• Lily Carr (Year 7)

Intermediate AFL Team 2022

• Sienna Wheelhouse  (Year 10)
• Bronte Hookey  (Year 10)
• Gabriella Moar  (Year 9)
• Madalena Trunzo  (Year 9)
• Cate Davis  (Year 9)
• Natalie Russo  (Year 9)
• Isabel Chand  (Year 9)
• Annabella Di Marco  (Year 9)
• Alessia Rizzuto  (Year 9)
• Gabrielle Kuk  (Year 9)
• Elsie Gray  (Year 10)
• Miah O’Shea  (Year 9)
• Isabel Dooley  (Year 10)
• Maddison Tannous  (Year 9)
• Claudia Janus  (Year 10)
• Ella Rochester  (Year 10)
• Georgia Southcombe  (Year 10)
• Bonita Glassock (Year 10)

Senior AFL Team 2022

• Alexa Donoghue  (Year 11)
• Abbie Johnson  (Year 11)
• Bethany Zaborski  (Year 11)
• Remy Donoghue  (Year 11)
• Charlotte Sanders  (Year 11)
• Carla Christodoulakis  (Year 11)
• Brianna Kelly  (Year 10)
• Claudia Lacalandra  (Year 10)
• Mercedes Davis  (Year 10)
• Ellie Barnett  (Year 10)
• Scarlett Moliterno  (Year 10)
• Jamie Morelli  (Year 10)
• Ziani Viola  (Year 10)
• India Gilbert  (Year 10)
• Matilda Gilbert  (Year 10)
• Katie Kreyneur  (Year 10)
• Willow Stuart (Year 11)

Tennis Team 2022

• Isobelle Tinworth (Year 8)
• Natalie Bellia (Year 10)
• Sienna Chambers (Year 11)
• Sophie Marino (Year 10
• Isabella Cicciari (Year 10)
• Alex McKenzie (Year 10)
• Ginetta Richetti (Year 9)
• Lottie Amato (Year 9)
• Heidi Chaplin (Year 10)
• Stella Backstrom (Year 10)
• Jessica Elliott (Year 9)

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

Sports Results

MVP

MVP

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

Canteen News

Calling on volunteers

Events this month from the Alliance of Girls’ Schools (Australasia) Ltd (AGSA)

This is a free member event. 
REGISTER HERE 

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

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.

Black Dog Institute: Navigating your Teen’s Mental Health

Dear Parents & Carers,

The Black Dog Institute is holding an online presentation designed to assist parents to identify depression from normal mood swings on 16 August at 7pm. Please click on this link to register.

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

Help learner drivers become safer drivers!

Parent Information Evening

Free Online Parent Workshop

40 Year School Reunion

Year 10 (1980) and Year 12 (1982)

Location: Hunters Hill Hotel, Outdoor Garden Area

Date: 17 September 2022

Time: from 12:00 pm

Contact Details: Anne-Maree Ironside (nee McDermott)

M:  0409 442 160

E: iron@bigpond.net.au

Year 9 Camp 2022 – 14 September to 16 September

The Year 9 Camp to Stanwell Tops is happening from Wednesday 14 September until Friday 16 September (Term 3, Week 9).

Parents are encouraged to check their emails and COMPASS feeds for more information.