From the Principal

From the Acting Assistant Principal

I am the first to admit that ‘Life happens’, and there are days when I do not make the bed. On those days, things don’t seem quite right to me. Upon researching the psychological impact of bedmaking, I found that there is support for the ritual being beneficial. Today, I invite you to reflect on this seemingly mundane task and Admiral William H. McRaven’s eloquent graduation speech at the University of Texas, Austin. He spoke about his top 10 learnings as a Navy Seal (the video went viral in 2015). His #1 learning was: “Changing the world starts with making your bed”.

I consider Admiral McRaven’s message to transcend the simplicity of bed-making. He emphasizes that this small act sets a positive tone for the day ahead, fostering discipline and attention to detail. As he says:

If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task, and another, and another. And by the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed.

His point made me consider the parallels between making the bed and students meeting the College’s expectations. Just as the disciplined act of bed-making signals readiness for the day, adhering to the College’s requirements and expectations of students, such as completing learning tasks on time, attending classes punctually, and wearing the uniform correctly and with pride, reflects a student’s commitment to her personal best. This is why in O-Week, students workshopped our Expectations of Students. I invite you to read them.

Admiral McRaven proposes that when you embrace the habit of making your bed, you cultivate a mindset of responsibility and accountability. Parents and teachers play a pivotal role in nurturing these habits. Encouraging our girls to prioritize the basics, whether it’s making their beds, using their Student Planners, adhering to the uniform policy, or managing their time effectively, lays the foundation for success.

So, the next time you witness your daughter making her bed, take a moment to recognize the significance behind that seemingly small act. It’s not just about tidy sheets and pillows — it’s about fostering a mindset of excellence that will serve her well.

Mobile Phones

I want to remind students that there is to be no use of mobile devices from when a student enters the College gates until the final bell at 3.15 pm.

When students need to contact home/parents during the school day, they should attend the General Administration Office to use the College phone or seek permission to use their mobile device. 

Standard Collection Notice

Please note that from time to time, government authorities require information about students. The College, as a member of Sydney Catholic School, provides this information in accordance with its Standard Collection Notice and the Privacy Policy.

God bless,

From the Religious Education Coordinator

In our Church ……

SHROVE TUESDAY – 13 February

Shrove Tuesday is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent. The other name for this day, Pancake Day, comes from the old English custom of using up all the fattening ingredients in the house before Ash Wednesday, so that people were ready to fast during Lent. The fattening ingredients that most people had in their houses in those days were eggs and milk. It was a simple recipe to use up these ingredients, combined with some flour, to make pancakes!

Our Marists in Action team and staff volunteers assisted with Shrove Tuesday at recess to support Caritas’ Project Compassion. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who purchased pikelets and supported this initiative. 

Ms Jenny Vu

Youth Ministry Coordinator

ASH WEDNESDAY – 14 February

Ash Wednesday, preceded by Shrove Tuesday is the start of the Lenten period leading up to Easter. It is our holy day of prayer and fasting. This week our Marist Sisters’ Woolwich community gathered together in their House Groups to celebrate Ash Wednesday with a liturgy and distribution of Ashes.

Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head and symbolise the dust from which God made humanity.  Following tradition, our foreheads are marked with ashes to humble our hearts and reminds us that life passes away on Earth. We remember this when we are told “Remember, You are dust, and unto dust you shall return.”  The ashes also symbolise grief, in this case, grief that we have sinned and caused division from God.  Sin is human and to seek forgiveness and reconciliation is also human.  Therefore, this is a universal invitation, not just one for Catholics…it is a way to acknowledge that we all make mistakes, do things we regret, and need to be reconciled with one another and with the God who blesses us with the fullness of life.

 The ashes are made from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year. The ashes are christened with Holy Water and are scented. While the ashes reflect penance and contrition, they are also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those with repentant hearts. God’s Divine mercy is of utmost importance during the season of Lent, and the Church calls on us to seek that mercy during the entire Lenten season with reflection, prayer and penance. 

Adapted, with additions from:  https://www.catholic.org/lent/ashwed.php

In our Community……

LAUNCH OF PROJECT COMPASSION

Project Compassion was launched at the end of the Ash Wednesday Liturgy this week. Our House Captains spoke about Project Compassion being Caritas Australia’s main annual fundraising campaign, mobilising Australians to raise much-needed funds to help alleviate poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity in the most vulnerable and marginalised communities in the world.

The 2024 theme of Project Compassion is ‘For All Future Generations.’ It challenges us to venture into a new experience of compassion, and is taken from the invitation of St. Oscar Romero, to “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.” This message invites us to step up and step out for those who do not have the essential resources they need for their survival. Those whose needs at this time are far beyond ours. 

We are encouraged as a Marist Sisters’ community to have hope. Along with love and faith, hope is one of the three pillars of Christian virtue. It is a powerful force for good and helps to transform lives. Hope helps us to face life’s challenges and sustains us as we work alongside the most marginalised and vulnerable communities to achieve better lives. 

During this time of Lent we reflect on the challenges which face our world. Too many people live their lives in poverty. We have the power to change our world, to make it a world of justice and peace where people, and creation, are respected. 

Opening Mass……

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 2024 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 Greg Walsh from St Anthony’s Marsfield Parish, Father Tomasz Lepek CSMA from St Kevin’s Eastwood Parish for celebrating our Opening 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, Mr  Justin Hodges, 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.

Back to Parish…….

Each year, Marist Sisters’ College participates in a Collaborative Network initiative with St Therese Catholic Primary School, Denistone and Marist College, Eastwood to enhance their faith and deepen their relationship with God. To celebrate the beginning of Lent, ex-St. Therese’s students from the secondary schools attended and participated in  the Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Therese Catholic Church.. 

The Mass held a sense of community and solidarity, reinforcing the friendship and collaboration between our schools. It was an opportunity for our students to deepen their understanding of the Lenten season and its significance in the faith. Through scripture readings, prayers, and the distribution of ashes, we were reminded of the call to repentance and the importance of embracing humility and simplicity in our lives.

We extend our appreciation to our students who attended the Mass, to Anna Frodsham and Amelia Van who lead the congregation in the Readings, and to Mr. Justin Salar, Religious Education Coordinator at St. Therese’s Catholic Primary School for his leadership and organisation of the Mass.

Ms Samantha Ison

Assistant Religious Education Coordinator

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

From the Acting Leader of Learning

Study Skills

On Monday of Week 1, all students participated in study skills workshops run by Elevate. The presenters were all young university students who’d both recently and successfully conquered their high school studies. Students had the chance to receive the presenters’ advice and best research-backed recommendations on a range of study skills, including memory, time management, organisation and examination preparation and management. 

There was once again an overwhelmingly positive response from MSCW students, as can be seen in the graphic below with the high percentages of students who said they’d recommend their workshop to peers. In addition, 95-99% of all cohort groups expressed that they felt the seminar was time well spent. In the workshops and the time since, students have also shared connections to their My Marist Compass Goals for the year, showing the meaningfulness and interconnectedness of all their work during ‘O Week’.

It is important that students continue to refer back to these workshops and the relevant skills to make them transferable into the contexts of their subjects this year. 

All students will now have access to the Elevate Student Portal at au.elevateeducation.com, with resources such as practice questions, presenter tips and a copy of the study guide ‘The Science of Student Success’. The password to login is rondo and allows immediate access to premium resources. 

For parents and family members, we recommend that you consider asking students about applying skills from these workshops as they prepare for assessments this year.

In the follow up from these sessions, it is vital that students establish a homework and study routine for after school and apply the skills they learned in their Elevate workshops.

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 music). 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

Elevate is also offering a series of webinars to give parents and family the opportunity to help support children at home by reinforcing the skills they’re learning at school. You may find further information and register at:  https://go.elevateeducation.com/auschoolwebinars 

From the Leader of Wellbeing

My Marist Compass Goals is a significant component of journeying with our students as they develop their Marist compass for life. This year students engaged in 3 workshops with their Tutor Teacher and peers to develop their MMCG for 2024. These goals connect with the Marist Compass.

Students engaged in creating their own personal vision board for 2024 and then selected a process that would best support them in developing a plan around their goal using the following resources.

Students will continue to work towards their MMCG throughout the year with regular check ins with their Tutor Teacher and a final My Marist Compass Goals Conference in November with their parent/carer.

We Welcome Year 7 2024 to our community.

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

New Staff Introductions

	Chanel Basha – Assistant English Coordinator My name is Chanel Basha and I am thrilled to be working at Marist Sisters’ College as the Assistant English Coordinator. I have worked as an English teacher and in pastoral roles for the last 6 years, recently leaving Marcellin College, Randwick. I enjoy reading and I am a big Formula 1 fan.
	Chloe Finlayson – HSIE Teacher I have recently moved to Sydney from Orange to join MSCW. I have been teaching HSIE for the past 9 years, and have worked as Assistant HSIE Coordinator and HSIE Coordinator at my previous school. My favourite subject to teach is Geography but I also have a passion for Legal Studies and Society and Culture. I am very much looking forward to getting to know the wonderful staff and students.
	Henry Davey – PDHPE / Science Teacher Prior to MSCW, I was a secondary school teacher at Camborne Science and International Academy in the UK for two years. I taught a range of subjects including Physical Education, Science, Personal Development and Performing Arts. My subject areas at MSCW are PDHPE and Science.
	Laura Marshall – PDHPE Teacher Prior to MSCW, I taught PDHPE at Riverside Girls High School and had significant involvement in the Representative Volleyball Program. I am also qualified to teach Indigenous Studies and have a passion for Inclusive learning and Sports Coaching. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy playing AFL and cheering on the Sydney Swans.
	Aleksandra Bridge – English/HSIE Teacher I’m Aleksandra Bridge and I have recently joined the MSCW community as an English and HSIE teacher. I was previously teaching at St Scholastica’s College in Glebe. I enjoy reading novels and poetry outside of work.
	Eva Kritikos – Visual arts/TAS Teacher I am a passionate visual arts teacher, specializing in painting, sculpture and photography. I am committed to supporting student’s academic growth as well as creating a classroom environment that is stimulating and encourages creative expression.
	Luisa Navanteri – Jaricot House Coordinator I am thrilled to join Marist Sisters College after a decade of service at Somerset College on the Gold Coast, where I taught German, Italian, and Humanities. I also served in academic and pastoral care leadership roles, including being the Assistant Head of Department for Foreign Languages, Year 11 Coordinator, and Year 12 Coordinator. In addition to my teaching experience, I recently completed a Master of Educational Leadership from Monash University. I am enjoying exploring everything Sydney has to offer, including the amazing restaurants and cafes, the shopping, the beautiful beaches and coastal walks. I enjoy swimming, traveling and immersing myself in new experiences. I am eager to contribute to the rich educational environment at Marist Sisters College.
	Jack Newey – Mathematics Teacher I finished studying at The University of Notre Dame last year and am excited to start my first official year teaching here at Woolwich. I have had experience teaching at St Ignatius’ College Riverview teaching Religious Education and Monte Sant’ Angelo Mercy College teaching Mathematics.
	Nicola Savvidis – PDHPE Teacher I am thrilled to be returning back to Marist Sisters in 2024, joining the PDHPE department. Having completed my university studies in 2023 while working as a primary specialist PDHPE teacher, I am excited to apply these skills this year and work with the students to achieve great results.
	Kataryna Campbell – Inclusive Learning Teacher I am a History/English teacher who has been doing casual work at the College for the last few years.
	Mara Dusevic – Inclusive Learning Teacher I have taught English since 1992 in all girls, all boys, and co-ed schools in both Catholic and Independent systems. Last year I taught English part-time at Marists Sisters Woolwich as well as supporting the Inclusive Learning Department on a casual basis. Outside of school I love to read, go to the beach and cook.

Chanel House News

House Masses commenced this week with the celebration of the Chanel House Mass. Father Aliki led the celebration of the Eucharist, and many parents, carers and family members were able to join in this special College event. We reflected upon the significance of the values that St Peter Chanel lived through his actions. Father Aliki, originally from Tonga, spoke about learning of St Peter Chanel going to Tonga on his mission, and this was central to his decision to become a priest. 

Ms Stephanie Ditto, Chanel House Coordinator

 

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

Vaping Webinar

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From the College Counsellors

It’s a brand new year and we welcome our new Year 7 students and their families to our school community! 

Starting high school can be a daunting experience and may bring with it feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. This is very normal. 

It may be helpful to know that most feelings of anxiety last for only a short time. Anxiety comes from a strong, healthy brain that is a little overprotective. The amygdala – the part of the brain responsible for keeping us safe – will fire up at the first sign of a possible threat. Separation from a loved one, shame, embarrassment, humiliation, unfamiliarity, exclusion, missing out on something important – all count as a ‘possible threat’ to a protective brain. 

Anxiety can inadvertently increase by behaviours that support avoidance of uncomfortable places, people or experiences. Avoidance can take away the opportunity for the amygdala to learn that if we stay with the situation for long enough, the anxiety will ease on its own and we will begin to feel calm again. When we lift our children out of the way of anxiety by supporting their avoidance, we take away the opportunity for them to learn that anxiety is temporary, and will always ease on its own eventually. 

When our children move through fear, they learn that what feels scary, usually isn’t; that they can be anxious and brave at the same time; and that they can do hard things and survive. They can begin to realise they are capable of bigger, braver things. 

Let’s talk about phones  

While it might feel reassuring to you or your daughter to remain in contact throughout the day, this can lead to problems. Students are not permitted to use mobile phones during school hours. If they need to make contact with a parent during the day, they should attend the Student Administration Office to use the College phone or seek permission to use their phone. Parents may also get a message to their daughters via the Student Administration Office. 

Screens, screens and more screens 

When young people begin to have increased independence, it may seem reasonable to allow them to manage their own screen time. Many young people will need increased support with this as they form new friendships and navigate teen life. Adequate sleep will be especially important during high school so it is important to be across your daughter’s time using screens and how it may be affecting her. 

How will my daughter make friends?

Making new friends can feel very daunting and does not come naturally to everyone. It might be helpful to brainstorm together some ideas on how to make new friends and what qualities make a good friend. Remind your daughter of all their wonderful strengths and attributes and provide some gentle encouragement around connecting with like-minded people and those with similar interests. It is not uncommon for students to change their ‘friendship group’ in the first couple years of high school as they learn to build healthy relationships. There will be many occasions throughout the year that will give students the opportunity to form new friendships and make connections with their peers. 

We all have bad days 

The ability to face and adapt to new circumstances is a life skill and builds resilience. Acknowledging the uncomfortable and challenging moments in life can help to normalise having bad days and the ability to show up in the face of a challenge. Share with your daughter some difficult experiences you may have faced and how you overcame them. 

If your daughter needs more support at school or you have any concerns, please get in touch with the House Coordinators, Leader of Wellbeing or College Counsellors directly on 9816 2041. 

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

Exciting Changes to Mathematics Classing and Reporting

This year, the NSW Education Standards Authority has refreshed the Years 7 and 9 Mathematics syllabus content and curriculum structure, with Years 8 and 10 to follow next year. After extensive curriculum review and feedback, the new structures have been designed to create more flexibility and opportunity for students to forge pathways to higher levels of achievement in Mathematics.

As such, students and families of Year 9 classes may have noticed that our structures have changed for Mathematics this year. There are no longer the 5.3 / 5.2 / 5.1 levels that pigeonholed and segregated students into ability levels. Now, we are allowing all students to work from the same course scope and sequence of topics and encourage them to take up all opportunities to extend themselves as far as possible into the topics. We have reassured students not to be encouraged nor discouraged by their class number as there will be equity in offering to all students. 

In our College, similar changes have begun earlier in the timeline for Year 8 as well, where we would normally begin some ability groupings in Mathematics but have decided against doing so this year.

To accommodate these changes, we have also changed our textbook supplier for Mathematics in Years 7-9 this year. The new platform through EdRolo allows students to access all content from different years and levels with little to no restrictions. The platform not only has the digital textbook with interactive elements to give feedback to the teacher, but also online instructional videos and quizzes to consolidate classroom learning. This will also assist many students in revising earlier concepts or extending themselves into more advanced ones. 

We feel that these changes emphasised by the NSW Education Standards Authority are in line with the values held at Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich, and indeed, by the faculty of Mathematics teachers. It is our hope that more students feel success and a desire to participate in more mathematics. 

In addition, this will change the way our reporting for Years 7-9 will appear from here onwards. Previously, the common grade scale for achievement (A-E) and Mathematics performance descriptors were based around exposure to and mastery of particular content and knowledge. As such, students could only achieve an A if they have been shown and demonstrated proficiency with specific concepts in Mathematics.

Moving forward, the common grade scale for Mathematics and the performance descriptors have been updated to the new format introduced by the NSW Education Standards Authority, as below. This means students are no longer limited to having to have learned particular concepts but instead are rewarded for demonstrating their skills in ‘working mathematically’ — namely, communication, reasoning and problem-solving. At the highest levels of achievement, students will demonstrate adeptness with non-routine problem-solving, as an example.

We hope these changes bring forth some renewed aspirations and motivations to explore mathematics, as there is a greater chance for success for all students.

In addition, we remind students and families that our Maths Club has begun running again this year with peer and teacher support for any students wanting to consolidate or extend their Mathematics learning. Students who need extra assistance are encouraged to come along any time they wish. Maths Club runs twice a week in Jarnosse – after school on Tuesdays and lunchtimes on Wednesdays.

The Maths Club Google Classroom can be used for announcements, challenges and opportunities using the join code: m7qqyoe

We hope to see more students there each week!

You may read more about the new Mathematics syllabus on the NSW Education Standards Authority website here.

Sports News

Sport is back at MSCW! 

It will be again an extremely busy term of Sport with Years 7-11 internal Thursday sport and Years 7-12 external 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 7-11 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.

Years 7-12 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 0-1

Sydney Catholic Schools Sport Term 1 (Students leave the College 12noon EVERY Thursday and return by 4.00 pm)

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 

Junior Basketball Team 2024

Waterpolo Team 2024

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

Sports News

Congratulations two our amazing MSCW sailors, Etta Vowles and Isabella Lozevski, Year 10 students who travelled to South Australia to compete in the ILCA Oceania and Australian Open & Youth Championships.

Isabella competed in the ILCA 4 category and was chosen as one of only six Australian girls for the special 2024 ILCA Oceania Solidarity Program. Etta competed in the ILCA 6 category, where she was the youngest and only girl under 17 in a tough group of competitors.

More than 250 boats took part in the event, with top athletes like Matt Wearn, who won a gold medal in the Tokyo Olympics, competing. 

Amazing achievement!

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

Sports Results

Week 2

MVP

Kendal Kilby	Ivy-Marie Provan	Miah O’Shea
Izabella Mansory	Sophia Ramian	Erica Jago
Shelby Morgan	Elsie Gray

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.

Calling on volunteers

Enrol Now At Marist Sisters’ College – Year 7 2025 and (NEW) 2026!

MSP Photography – 2024 School Photos

Marist Sisters’ College Campus Experience Evening 2024

Alumni News

Adrienne CAHALAN, World Class Navigator

Ex-student, Adrienne CAHALAN and patron of MSCW Sailing Club since 1996 has recently navigated the yacht ‘Alive’ to overall victory in the 2023 Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. This is the third win overall for Adrienne having navigated ‘Wild Oats XI’ to two overall wins in 2005 and 2012 along with 6 x time line honours. Adrienne was a student at Woolwich from 1977-1982 and grew up sailing on the Lane Cove River. She started sailing in her teens and some days even sailed to school. 2023 was Adrienne’s 31st Sydney Hobart Race, the most of any woman. Adrienne loves being a part of a team and hopes that students at Woolwich including ex-students will take up sailing and enjoy sailing (cruising or racing) as much as she does!