From the Principal

Special Thanks

On Monday I returned to the College following five weeks Long Service Leave. I extend my sincere thanks to Mrs Melinda Alvarez and Mr Justin Hodges who have been in acting roles of Principal and Assistant Principal respectively during my absence. Their committed leadership, good communication and teamwork was welcomed by all staff while I was away. This week I have enjoyed catching up on all the news of the term so far. 

World Teachers’ Recognition Awards

Congratulations to Mrs Rachael Colreavy, Mr Andy d’Archy and Mrs Shedona Pamintuan who were recently awarded the 2023 World Teachers’ Recognition Award from the Teachers’ Guild of NSW. This significant award recognises their excellence, experience and commitment to teaching. We are very fortunate at MSCW to have such an excellent calibre of teachers, all of whom are committed to student learning. Each year, the College sets a high priority for professional learning among all staff. These three teachers bare testimony to our Professional Learning Program as well as their individual skill sets.

Woolwich shines again in Sports Awards! 

Congratulations to all the students involved in the various sports that contributed to Woolwich, for another year, winning the SCS Sports Awards in all categories: 

• 2023 Conference Girls’ Champions 
• 2023 Sydney Girls’ Champions 
• 2023 Sydney Community Girls’ Champions 

Special thanks to Mr Dan Watts, Sports Coordinator, and the many staff who coached and managed the teams to support our students involvement.

Congratulations Year 11: Preliminary Course completed….the HSC begins!

We formally acknowledged our Year 11 students for their academic achievements throughout the Preliminary courses as well as significant College Awards which recognised those students who have shown outstanding commitment to co-curricular participation this week. I congratulate those students who accomplished their goals to achieve their personal best. Achievement and disciplined commitment in Preliminary courses sets students up well to optimize their potential and succeed in their chosen HSC courses. I wish students well for their HSC journey.

‘GALA DAY’ is in the air.

On my return from leave this week and with only just over three weeks to go, I can already feel the anticipation and excitement building towards our 2023 GALA Day – set for Tuesday 12 December. I congratulate our Year 11 students for the energetic and creative ways in which they are preparing our junior students for our traditional College GALA Day. Much of the preparation is completed behind closed doors and under a ‘cone of silence’ as the competition is always fierce. This significant event builds on our community spirit, strengthens a sense of belonging in each House and will bring the 2023 year to a close in a happy and fun-filled way. 

I wish all the Houses well in their preparation and look forward to seeing the preparations and talents of our girls shine on the day!

Year 12 Formal tonight

As we ‘go to print’ our Year 12 students, parents and staff will be busily getting ready for the Formal tonight. The College Staff and I look forward to celebrating with the girls and their parents at this lovely social event. 

From the Assistant Principal

Year 11 Awards Assembly

On Monday evening we acknowledged and celebrated our Year 11 students’ achievements in completing the Preliminary Course. Congratulations to all the students for their hard work and commitment. Achieving personal bests and receiving recognition for outstanding commitment to co-curricular activities are significant accomplishments.

The foundation laid during the Preliminary courses will undoubtedly contribute to their success in the upcoming HSC courses. It’s a critical moment, and disciplined commitment is key to realizing their full potential. As they embark on this new phase, I wish the students all the best in their HSC journey. May they continue to excel, learn, and grow, turning their aspirations into achievements. The support of teachers, parents, and peers will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their continued success. Good luck to the Year 11 students as they take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the HSC!

College Second Hand Uniform Shop

Starting in 2024, as the College introduces its new uniform, the College second-hand uniform shop will close its doors at the end of 2023. Any remaining items by the year’s end will find a new home through donation to the Marist Sisters’ in Fiji.

Donate your old uniforms!

We are inviting our community to donate old uniforms for collection to be sent to our Marist Sisters in Fiji. The uniforms will then be distributed to local schools.

Donations can be sent through to the General Administration Office.

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

From the Leader of Learning

Assessment and Semester 2 Reporting in Stages 4 & 5

Each Semester, the College publishes an academic report to parents and carers about each student’s learning outcomes. Teachers are currently preparing Semester 2 reports.

The New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) requires all schools in NSW to report on grades and reportable outcomes as part of their ongoing commitment to improving student learning outcomes. To do this, teachers must use their professional judgement to assess their students’ work and provide an overall grade based on their assessment of the student’s performance. This means that a student’s grade needs to be determined using a range of evidence, not just one or two formal assessments.

Our teachers will use their professional judgement to make an overall assessment of a student’s typical performance based on all the evidence available for the year.

In our Assessment Handbooks, students will have their “Semester Two Grade reported based on learning activities, practicals and formal tasks for the year”.

Students were advised of this at the beginning of the year. Teachers will make a balanced and informed assessment of a student’s typical performance against the Common Grade Scale and the Course Performance Descriptors published in the Assessment Handbooks. By doing so, they can provide a comprehensive report that reflects a student’s academic progress at the end of the Year.

Stage 4 & 5 Awards

On Friday, 8 December, the College will hold the Stage 4 (9 to 10:30 am) and Stage 5 (11:30 am to 1:00 pm) End of Year Awards Assemblies. Several College special awards and Sporting Awards will be presented. In terms of Academic Awards, the following will be presented:

Academic Merit Awards

Awarded for consistent and/or improved effort by students. Awarded by each class teacher for each subject.

Academic Achievement Awards

Awarded to students that achieved an ‘A’ grade in 3 to 5 subjects in Semester 2.

Academic Excellence Awards

Awarded to students that achieved an ‘A’ grade in 6 or more subjects in Semester 2.

Changes to Stage Year 7 and 8 Music and Visual Arts in 2024

Next year, Year 7 students will participate in Sydney Catholic Schools Amadeus Music Education Program. The program provides students with high-quality music education to learn an instrument in group tuition and to perform in ensembles. The program will be delivered during timetabled Music lessons.

To facilitate this program, a timetable change will be made next year, where Stage 4 Music and Visual Arts will move from a semesterised program to a yearly program. This change will be made for students in Year 8 next year.

Year 8 students will study Music and Visual Arts for the full year in 2024.

From the Religious Education Coordinator

In our Church …… 

Gertrude, a Benedictine nun in Helfta, Saxony, was one of the great mystics of the 13th century. Together with her friend and teacher Saint Mechtild, she practiced a spirituality called “nuptial mysticism,” that is, she came to see herself as the bride of Christ. Her spiritual life was a deeply personal union with Jesus and his Sacred Heart, leading her into the very life of the Trinity.

But this was no individualistic piety. Gertrude lived the rhythm of the liturgy, where she found Christ. In the liturgy and in Scripture she found the themes and images to enrich and express her piety. There was no clash between her personal prayer life and the liturgy. The Liturgical Feast of Saint Gertrude the Great is November 16.

Reflection

Saint Gertrude’s life is another reminder that the heart of the Christian life is prayer: private and liturgical, ordinary or mystical, but always personal.

https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-gertrude-the-great

 In our Community…. 

Year 10 Reflection Day

Last Friday, we held our Year 10 Reflection Day centred on Jesus’ question; “Who do you say that I am?”. Our response focused the day on the value of FAITH and IDENTITY. Students focused on this question throughout the day, with a focus also on: Who am I? Who do people say I am? who do I say I am?

On Friday 10 November, Year 10 participated in a reflection day located at Holy Name of Mary. The day consisted of a range of activities all surrounding the theme of identity and was a great end to a week of examinations. Throughout the day we had opportunities to learn more about each other, ourselves and our goals for the final years of high school. We were also able to write letters to our future selves and complete some fun clay modelling. It was great to connect with teachers and students and we had lots of fun. Thank you to the teachers who organised this amazing experience for our grade. By Charlize Petracca and Angelina Sesar Pratelli

A huge thank you to the following teachers for making the Year 10 Reflection Day such a memorable experience for our students: Samantha Ison, Carolyn Criss, Angus Bray, Matthew Iskander, Joanne George, Adrianna Tesoriero, Karin Anthony, Liam Story, Kate Sinclair, Veronica Barbagallo and Melinda Alvarez. And a huge thank you to the Year 10 Students for having a go and being part of a special day which will benefit them especially moving along their journey to Year 11 and beyond.

Year 9 & 10 Youth Afternoon

Year 9 and 10 students participated in the Youth Afternoon held at Marist College Eastwood. The theme of the afternoon was “Are we there yet?” which focused on a call to meaning, vocation and purpose. Students had the opportunity to connect with other schools from the local area and listen to an inspiring guest speaker, Tomasz Juszczak, from Donum Ministries who facilitated reflection and prayer activities centred around the theme.

The next Youth Afternoon is in Term 1 2024 and will be targeted to Year 11 and 12 students from Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich, Holy Cross College Ryde, Domremy College Five Dock and Marist College Eastwood. 

For this year’s Christmas Appeal, the MSCW community is supporting two organisations including St Vincent de Paul and Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation. The focus of the Vinnies Appeal is the continuing impacts of the cost-of-living crisis in Australia, including rental and housing affordability. Baabayn is located in the Blacktown area that works with the Aboriginal community, providing many young people with support to services that help them heal from the past and nurture their sense of confidence and pride in the future. 

As an annual tradition at the College, MSCW has collected Christmas presents for the children of the Baabayn community and food, toiletries and sanitary items for St Vincent de Paul. The collection of these items will occur in Week 6 and 7. Students are to take their items to their Tutor Group in each morning.

Please refer to the doc for more information. Your support of the MSCW Christmas Appeal this year means we can help individuals and families who are struggling with living costs to experience a bit more joy, dignity and hope.

Ms Jenny Vu, Youth Ministry Coordinator

In our Curriculum 

Year 10 Curriculum

Throughout Term 3 and Term 4, every Year 10 student undertook their study of the Sacraments at the Service of Communion based on Micah 6: 8; “to love kindness”. In this topic, students learnt to appreciate the baptismal call to love and serve God and one another, understand the nature and importance of the Sacraments of Holy Orders and Matrimony in the lives of the faithful and the Church, and investigates the range of ways through which baptised persons can live out their vocation. In this topic, students completed a variety of activities such as a think, pair, share on Grace, and reflected on the quality of leadership by exploring the life of a priest, and the contributions of MSCW House Patrons. To apply their knowledge and skills, students completed their Assessment Task 2 In Class Exam consisting of multiple choice and short answer style questions.

Currently, every Year 10 class has begun their study of Ecumenism and Interfaith Dialogue based on Micah 6:8; “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?.” In this topic, students have learnt to appreciate both the challenges and opportunities associated with religious diversity, detail the core beliefs and practices of the major Christian denominations and some of the non-Christian faith Traditions and analyses aspects of commonality and difference between the Christian denominations, and also between the Abrahamic faiths. To demonstrate and apply their understanding, students will be creating Interfaith Dialogue event to promote social cohesion, and personal and social transformation.

Thank you Year 10 for your continued efforts in Religious Education this year! Thank you to the Year 10 Religious Education team for their ongoing commitment:

Ms Samantha Ison, Mr Federico Manica, Ms Carly La Rossa, Ms Ellie Bonus, Ms Irena Jajcevic, and Ms Veronica Barbagallo.

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 Leader of Wellbeing

Children are frequently exposed to distressing news through the 24-hour news cycle and social media. These experiences can provoke anxiety, especially in young minds still forming their worldviews. Parents and caregivers should be mindful of overexposure to such content as it can lead to symptoms similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. Children’s responses to trauma can vary, from being strong emotional reactions to being indifferent. It can leave an emotional imprint that can affect a child’s behaviour and perception of danger.

Children need reassurance about their safety as they navigate uncertain times. Tailor conversations to your child’s age and emotional maturity. Younger children benefit from simplified explanations focusing on peace, empathy, and cooperation, whilst older children can delve into historical events, root causes of conflict, and the complexities of international relations.

Before discussing these topics with your child, it is also important to assess your own emotions and comfort level. By staying calm and providing physical comfort will help your child regulate their own emotions. In challenging times, compassionate adults play a crucial role in helping children cope with anxiety and providing hope and understanding in our complex world.

This Special Report provides guidance on how to tackle this difficult topic and helping children understand there is still hope in our complex world.

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 daughter, please contact her Tutor Teacher or House Coordinator for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to this special on DISCUSSING WAR & CONFLICT edition of SchoolTV: LINK

 (link)

Each year many parents separate or divorce. Parents often worry about the impacts their separation will have on their children, but most young people adapt well with the support of their parent/s, family and community.

There are many ways parents can help their children adjust, cope with changes and keep thriving.

This resource is for parents who are currently navigating separation or have separated or divorced. It offers information about children’s experiences and reactions to parents’ separation and advice from other parents, health professionals and researchers about ways parents can lessen the impacts of separation on children.

• When parents separate or divorce it can be hard on everyone in the family.

• Most children cope well with the support of their parent/s, family and community.

• There are things you can do to lessen the impacts and help your child adjust to changes.

• Children make meaning of experiences and events around them. When parents tell children what’s going on and can be positive about changes related to separation, it helps children to understand and reduces their worries.

• While we know it can be challenging, how a parent handles separation greatly impacts how well their child manages it – so it’s important to look after yourself too.

• Children adjust better when they have a supportive relationship with their parent/s, and their parents are able to communicate and co-parent positively.

Understanding brain development | Emerging Minds Podcast

A thought provoking podcast on the importance of how we can help young people ‘Build’ their Brains.

What builds a young person’s brain?

• FOUNDATIONS:
  • communication
  • thinking about things
  • making positive decisions
  • responding appropriately to experiences
• SLEEP:
  • “wake is for teaching and sleep is for learning”
  • consolidates memory – orders and sets the learning of the day
  • positive sleep hygiene supports 
    • effective engagement in learning
    • Appropriate independent regulation of emotions
• POSITIVE AND CHALLENGING EXPERIENCES

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

1. What opportunities do you create, or allow, your daughter to experience that challenges her and develops her brain?

2. When have you obstructed her brain development in building resilience through challenges?

Social media offers a skewed view of the world – the view of one’s algorithm. What we are sent, what we search for, what we communicate, who we follow, the language we use, and what we like, is reflected like a mirror in the screen everytime we look at it. This becomes who we are.

I urge you to speak with your daughters, listen to them and find out what they think is funny, who they follow on social media, the amount of people in a chat they are connected to, like to listen to, enjoy doing, like feeling, how they talk about others, especially their friends. 

Individuals can be unkind. Encourage and support your daughters to speak respectfully to and about others by living the Christian values or respect and dignity of all.

To be trusted by another is to be valued and loved by another. Support your daughter in developing an awareness that knowledge about someone else is not ‘power’ it is not ‘gossip’. Teach them that: 

“Privacy is an inherent human right, 

and a requirement for maintaining the 

human condition with dignity and respect.”

Bruce Schneier

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

AMICA Leader Training

Our AMICA Leaders are essential in supporting their Year 7 ‘little sisters’ in the transition to high school. 

On Friday 3 November, our newly appointed Amica Leaders for 2024 took part in AMICA Leader Training to prepare for their important role in 2024. The training is underpinned by the Peer Support program and key leadership skills required. 

The 2024 AMICA Leaders worked together to build skills, identify their strengths and learn new ways to establish healthy relationships and connections with each other and their “little sisters” joining our community in 2024. 

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

Newman News

The Newman Symposium will be held at the College on 4 December from 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm. The Newman Symposium will also be combined with the Creative Arts, Performing Arts and TAS showcases. It is an exciting evening where current parents and carers are invited to the College for a showcase of Newman learning throughout the year. Future parents and students are also invited to attend, and this is an excellent opportunity for them to learn about the enrichment opportunities offered through the Newman program. In showcasing Newman students’ work, we are encouraging the acknowledgement of the gifts that these students possess across all areas within College life. 

Visual Arts News

Year 9 Visual Arts Elective Class

On 31 October 2023, the distinguished Australian Artist, George Raftopoulos, conducted a workshop on clay underglazing and painting for our Year 9 Visual Arts elective class. This term, the students have been engaged in the creation of culturally inspired vessels, focusing on surface decoration. Drawing from his rich Greek/Australian heritage, George provided valuable insights into the conceptualization of signs, symbols, and underglaze techniques. The students showcased their creativity, deriving substantial benefits from the session, and acquiring skills and techniques that will be applied to enhance the quality of their vessel creations.

Young In Art – Hunters Hill Art Competition

This week, students chosen for the Stage 4/5/6 Visual Arts cohort, were extended invitations to partake in the Young In Art – Hunters Hill Art Competition, an event recognising the artistic aptitude of schools within the local council. In the extensive array of exhibited works, Lydia Yan Hong Lok of Year 8 garnered the distinction of Runner-up in the overall Senior Category for her exceptional self-portrait. Additionally, Ella Rochester, a Year 11 student, received commendation for her artwork titled “Pieces of the Pilbara.”

Maths News

Celebrating Exceptional Achievements in the Australian Mathematics Competition

It is with immense pride and delight that we announce the stellar achievements of our students in the renowned Australian Mathematics Competition. Since its establishment in 1978, the Australian Mathematics Competition has provided a platform for students in Years 7 to 10 to demonstrate their exceptional mathematical abilities at a national level. Our students showcased their dedication to mathematical excellence, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving abilities and critical thinking among peers nationwide.

Congratulations to the following students for their remarkable achievements:

Year 7 Junior Division:

Best in School: Emily Barrett

High Distinction: Emily Barrett

Year 8 Junior Division:

Distinction: Annika Hollings

Year 9 Intermediate Division:

Distinction: Renee Kwon

Year 10 Intermediate Division:

Distinction: Gabrielle Kuk

Distinction: Mary Sayegh

Their achievements in this prestigious competition are a gift and a testament to their dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to excellence. We commend these students for their outstanding performance, which not only brings honour to themselves but also illuminates the achievements of our school community.

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

WSU 2 Weeks of Christmas Activities

The WSU Co-Captains Anika and Grace have been busily organising and preparing for the annual WSU 2 Weeks of Christmas activities that will take place around the College between Thursday 23 November and Friday 8 December. 

The WSU uses the funds raised from the 10c return tubs around the College to fund activities for all the students that generate goodwill and community. There will be homeroom candy cane bags, a Zooper Dooper Day, Christmas tree decoration and ornament making, a lunchtime film, a lunchtime debate, Santa photos, a roving Christmas photo booth, a Christmas accessory day, Christmas playground chalk drawings and Christmas card writing.

Students can find out more about these events by checking the WSU board in the Undercroft.

Red Earth Cape York 2024 Indigenous Immersion – open to current Year 8, 9 and 10 students

The College is working with Red Earth again to offer students the opportunity to go to Cape York on an Indigenous Immersion in the October holidays of 2024. Year 9 and 10 have already seen a presentation from Red Earth, and now the College is also inviting current Year 8 students to apply for this incredible opportunity. 

Sports News

Marist Sisters’ College Awarded the Number 1 Sports Program in the Archdiocese for the Second Year in a row!!

On Thursday 9 November, Mrs Alvarez, Mr Watts, Leah Russell, Ellie Barnett (Sports Captains) Izabella Mansory (Year 7 Student) and Renee Yuen (Year 8 Student) attended the Sydney Catholic Schools Secondary Sports Award Ceremony at Southern Cross Catholic College to recognise the outstanding efforts of SCS students and MSCW once again took centre stage, stealing the spotlight!

The College was awarded overall Conference 2 Girls’ School Champions as well as the Archdiocese Girls’ School Champions for the second year in a row and the Sydney Overall Community Champion Award.

An outstanding accomplishment by all the MSCW sports students, who should take immense pride in this remarkable achievement. 

Thank you to the dedicated staff members who provided coaching and support to our students in their sporting endeavours this year!

Congratulations to Izabella Mansory, Year 7 Student, and Renee Yuen, Year 8 Student, who received sporting excellence awards. Izabella for Basketball and Renee for Figure Skating.

I am one extremely proud Sports Coordinator!

Annual CGSSSA Aquathon Championships

The Annual CGSSSA Aquathon Championship was held on Tuesday 7 November at Merrylands Swimming Complex.

MSCW students excelled at the Aquathon, dominating both individual races and team events, outperforming their counterparts from Santa, St Scholastica’s, Domremy, Stella, Mount St Benedict, and SCEGGS. However, Monte was exceptional and dominated the competition, securing a resounding victory.

A special congratulations must be extended to the following students:

• Maya Ostapenko – 2nd place Junior Individual Event
• Olivia Treadwell – 3rd place Junior Individual Event
• Elsie Gray – 3rd place Senior Individual Event
• 3rd Overall Junior Team Event
• 2nd Overall Open Team Event 
• MSCW placed 2nd Overall in the Championship Trophy

An awesome effort!

Figure Skating Championships 

Congratulations to Renee Yuen, Year 8 Student on her recent success in Europe, proudly representing Australia at the 2023 Throphèe Metropole Nice Côte d’Azur in the Junior dance division, standing out as one of the competition’s youngest and most promising athletes. In addition to her remarkable performance in Europe, Renee has participated in various prestigious international events, including the Junior Grand Prix in Japan and Thailand, the Bavarian Open in Germany, and the National Championships in Brisbane.

Amazing achievement!

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

Sports Results

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

Week 5

MVP

Ashley Elrick	Keona Galea	Miah O’Shea
Georgia Sewell	Eve Appathurai	Lauren Phillips
Madeleine Cheng	Clara Sam	Iris Zhang
Ivy Tucker	Bridget Butler	Lucinda Butler

Week 6

MVP

​

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

Canteen News

Change to Flexischools

There will be a change to the time for ordering lunch online commencing in Week 1, Term 4.

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

2024 New Student Uniform Fittings

Please click on the link below to book your appointment:

Marist Sisters Woolwich Fitting letter 2024

Enrol Now At Marist Sisters’ College – Year 7: 2024, 2025 & (NEW) 2026!

Free Workshop for Parents and Supervisors of Learner Drivers

This free workshop supports parents and supervisors of learner drivers to be confident and effective teachers. Topics include information about licence conditions for learner and P-plate drivers, tips for using the learner driver log book and the importance of providing constructive feedback.

Please would you consider sharing the above attachment with your school parent/carer community. We sincerely appreciate your ongoing support and assistance.

The workshop will run on Wednesday 22 November 2023, 6.00 pm to 7.30 pm.  Participants can find out more at https://saferdrivers.eventbrite.com.au

Positive Parenting Building Better Families