18 November 2022 -
From the Principal

From the Principal

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

Last Monday, 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. 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 realise their potential and succeed in their chosen HSC courses. I wish students well as they now begin this journey.

GALA Day is in the air

With only just over three weeks to go, I can feel the anticipation and excitement of GALA Day approaching – Wednesday 14 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 2022 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 all 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. I look forward to celebrating with the girls and their parents at this lovely social event. 

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

From the Assistant Principal

On Monday night, we celebrated the success of our Year 11 students, as they move from their Preliminary Courses to their HSC Courses. Many students have diligently applied themselves to consistently produce their very best effort and this is reflected in their work and this was reflected in the number of students who received awards. This evening also provided an opportunity for parents/carers and students to engage in the NESA 2023 rules and procedures for the Higher School Certificate. I strongly encourage all students and parents/carers to take the time to familiarise themselves with the information that was provided to ensure there is a clear understanding of NESA and College requirements to successfully complete the HSC.

As we approach the end of the year, I would like to draw your attention the important dates in which parents/carers are encouraged and warmly invited to attend to witness the successes of 2022 for a range of students across Years 7 -12 :

  • Stage 5 Music Elective: 23 November
  • Year 7-10 Newman Symposium: 6 December
  • Year 7-11 & HSC  Showcases Creative Arts, Performing Arts and TAS: 8 December

2023 Term Dates

Year 7 Immunisation

 

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

From the Religious Education Coordinator

This Sunday is the Feast of Christ the King; it is the last Sunday of Ordinary time, and the last Sunday of the Church’s year. It leads into Advent, which in itself is a time for us to reorient ourselves to what is truly important; that God loves us, and is with us always. This time of the year at school there is much happening both in acknowledging and celebrating 2022, as well as preparing for 2023. Year 9 celebrated their Year Mass in Community Time and Year 10 students participated in their Reflection Day. All are invited to contribute to the appeals for the various organisations that the College is supporting as we approach Advent: Vinnies Christmas Personal Packs Appeal, Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation Christmas gifts and CatholicCare: Gift of Goodness. These are ways that we can support others in a practical manner this Advent.

Miss Mary Kleist, Religious Education Coordinator

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

From the Leader of Wellbeing

From the Leader of Wellbeing

digitalx

On Wednesday evening Jocelyn Brewer (registered psychologist and founder of Digital Nutritian) held a webinar titled: Managing Smartphone Use In High Schools. The information that was shared was both affirming and challenging.
Affirming, as the research indicates that removing, or banning, students from using their devices is not effective and challenging as so much of what we see in the media is sensationalised. The sensationalising of mobile phone use in schools means that the diverse community of MSCW potentially may have a bias that is not well formed in current research. This includes our students who may be under the impression that all students/young people ‘do this’ (behave in a specific way) with their mobile devices and online.
Jocelyn borrowed an analogy from Dr Justin Coulson (psychologist and founder of Happy Families) when she compared mobile devices with a swimming pool. To keep individuals, specifically young people, safe pools are fenced in. These are high and the access to the locking mechanisms challenging. Yet when it comes to mobile devices and the unrestricted access to the internet (they can join free wifi in a lot of places) is like fencing in an ocean. If we do not lock it they will find a way in. Parents, schools and the community have a shared responsibility in teaching young people how to be safe around the water and this significantly reduces the risk, it does not remove all risk. The question posed was Where are the digital swimming lessons and who is responsible for these?
Safe, respectful, responsible use of mobile devices is a shared responsibility. Technology provides CONNECTION and BELONGING, these are essential for positive wellbeing, that allows  individuals to thrive and flourish. Let’s not forget that mistakes are a part of the learning process and that our young people, and adults too, will make these. All we can do is provide them with consistent messaging that is grounded in the values that we want the young women of MSCW to possess – respect, gifts to be used for good, confident, courageous and safe.
Below is a link to a resource that may assist you in guiding your daughter as you teach her how to be more responsible and safe with her use of mobile devises and the internet 
Digital citizenship: teens being responsible online | Raising Children Network.

 

The Woolwich Student Union (WSU), is organising the annual 12 Days of Christmas. Each day, a different activity is hosted, allowing the Woolwich community to spread the Christmas spirit. Below is a graphic of the activities that commence on 28th November. 

 

 

In this Special Report of SchoolTV – HAVING THE ALCOHOL DISCUSSION

With the impending festive season and end of school celebrations, some teenagers may be feeling ready to party, wanting to put the disruptions, frustrations and disappointments of this past year behind them.To ensure our young people stay safe during this time, parents and carers are encouraged to have the alcohol discussion – no matter how difficult or overwhelming it may be. It is important to outline the rules and boundaries around age-appropriate alcohol consumption and what the legal implications may be.Young people are at greater risk of alcohol-related harm than adults because their brains continue to develop until their mid-twenties. The safest level of alcohol consumption for teenagers is no alcohol at all, but this may be difficult to enforce and may not prevent them from experimenting. However, parents and carers can influence sensible drinking habits and help minimise the risks.In this Special Report, a series of discussion points are offered to help make the conversation about alcohol consumption a little easier. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your daughter, please contact her Tutor, House Coordinator or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to your special report:HAVING THE ALCOHOL DISCUSSION| Marist Sisters’ College – Woolwich

Access these sites for more information about alcohol and teens:

 

SNAPSHOT: COMMUNITY TIME THIS WEEK

YEAR 8 

This week Year 8 gathered together to learn the Salve Regina. The Marist family has a long tradition with the singing of the Salve Regina and Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich continues this tradition today with the future Marist Women of Action in the world. When students are in Year 7 they learn the Salve as part of Gala Day celebrations held at the end of each year and the tradition is that they sing the Salve Regina all together on their final day at the College during their Graduation Mass. A beautiful beginning and end of their time in the Marist community. However, due to the pandemic last year not all of Year 7 (current year 8) were permitted to sing together gathered as one. This is why in 2023 both Year 7 and Year 8 are learning the Salve. Mrs Kemp the Acting Colin House Coordinator and staff responsible for overseeing Year 8 community time and events enlisted the gifts and talents of Mrs Marsh who worked with the students guiding them in making  “a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise”. (Psalm 90:4)

The words of the Salve Regina:

YEAR 7 

This week Year 7 saw a production called The Hurting Game by Brainstorm Productions. This resilience program for high schools explores the skills we need to cope with life’s challenges and build meaningful connections. The students were fully engaged with the production. We look forward to seeing Year 7 to continue to flourish in their connections with one another and the school community in the years to come.

 

YEAR 10

Year 10 were divided into groups and moved from ‘station’ to station experiencing an Art Workshop, Breathing Exercise and Physical Challenges. Below you can see our College Counsellor, Ms Carly Boaler, is leading the students in simple movement focusing on breathing techniques.

Ms Angela Bowland, Leader of Wellbeing
 
This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #1, #2, #8 

 

 

From the Leader of Learning

From the Leader of Learning

Year 11 Academic Awards and HSC Information Evening

On Monday night we celebrated the success of Year 11 students during their Preliminary HSC Course. It was wonderful to see so many students be acknowledged for their efforts and to see the delight shown by their parents and carers. Below is the list of the academic award winners.

Year 11 Awards 2022

At the end of the evening, HSC information for 2023 was presented. The slideshow can be accessed via this link.

The HSC Rules and Procedures Guide was also issued to students. Uncollected booklets will be mailed home to families. The electronic guide can be accessed via this link.

Upcoming events

Celebrations of learning continue in the coming weeks, and I encourage parents and carers to attend. 

Stage 5 Elective Music Soiree – Wednesday, 23 November 5pm to 7pm
Newman Symposium – Tuesday, 6 December 4pm to 6m
Form: Shape, Space and Sound ~ A Showcase for Performing Arts, Creative Arts and Design & Technology Thursday, 8 December 4:30pm to 7pm
Stage 4 Awards – Monday, 12 December 9am to 10:30am
Stage 5 Awards – Tuesday, 13 December 9am to 10:30am

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr Justin Hodges, Leader of Learning

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

MSCW Christmas Appeal 2022: Baabayn Presents and Vinnies Christmas Donations

Collection in Weeks 6 and 7 in room 412. Thank you for your support!

Marcellin & Jaricot 

“Baabayn is an Aboriginal Corporation in the Blacktown area that works with the Aboriginal community.  Specifically, they work with young adults who come from difficult backgrounds such as poor education, domestic violence and homelessness. Baabayn provides many young Indigenous Australians with support and links to services that help inspire them to find a sense of achievement and pride in their future.”

As an annual tradition at the College, MSCW has collected Christmas presents for the children of the Baabayn community. We will be supporting the community again in this way in 2022. Any donations are deeply appreciated.

Baabayn Christmas Present Guidelines
  • Collect gifts for Christmas – Gifts should be priced between $5 – $10  – No more than $10
  • Please label the gift either: Male/Female  and  Age 
  • Please do not wrap the presents. This is different to previous years, however will assist the organisation in allocating appropriate presents to young people in need. 
  • Gifts cannot be food, perishable items or unsafe e.g. flammable gifts. 
Suggested Baabayn Presents

Newborn – 1 year old 

Bib, dummy, toy for use in the bath, rattle, t-shirt, book

2 – 4 years old 

Stuffed toys, t-shirt, toys, books, clothes, socks

5 – 6 years old 

Games, t-shirt, toys, books, backpack/bag

7 – 10 years old

Games, t-shirt, toys, books, backpack/bag, toiletries

11 – 14 years old

Games, t-shirt, toys, books, backpack/bag, toiletries, nail polish, balls

15 years old 

Nail polish, brush/hair set, socks, games, t-shirt, toys, books, backpack/bag, toiletries

 

Chavoin , Chanel , Perroton & Colin 

The Christmas season is near, and it is a joyful time for many. Yet as we know, it can be a challenging time for less fortunate people. The 2022 Christmas Appeal is aimed at those impacted by the rising costs of living – those who are already struggling to make ends meet.

The MSCW community directly supports those facing poverty and homelessness in our local community. Donated items will go to the St Vincent’s office at Rozelle, where it will be dispersed to those in need in the neighbouring suburbs. Your support of the Vinnies 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, Acting Assistant Religious Education Coordinator & Youth Ministry Coordinator

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

Gift of Goodness by CatholicCare

Right now there are many Sydney families who are struggling and are in need of help, more than ever before. A Gift of Goodness will show vulnerable families that they are not alone. MSCW is supporting CatholicCare in this initiative.

You are invited to donate to support families through hard times, as well as vital support services to support them. 

Please click on the link if you would like more details or to donate. 

Thank you. 

Ms Jenny Vu, Acting Assistant Religious Education Coordinator & Youth Ministry Coordinator

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

LOCAL DEANERY YOUTH AFTERNOON

On Friday, 11th of November, a group of year 9 and 10 MSCW girls participated in the Youth Afternoon held at Marist College Eastwood. It was an afternoon full of interactive activities and hospitality. We participated in a scavenger hunt where we were allocated random teams and had to complete a range of challenges around the school. Then we came together for a brainstorming activity where we were challenged to think about our connections to our faith and the struggles confronted with being a Catholic in today’s world.

We had the privilege of hearing Miss Vu share with us her journey of faith including her own experiences at World Youth Day, which served to ignite our excitement around the amazing opportunity before us to attend the pilgrimage in Lisbon next year. The afternoon challenged us all to reflect on our relationship with God and faith whilst interacting with like-minded individuals. 

By Sarah Khoury, Gabrielle Kuk and Annabella Di Marco (Year 9 students)

Christmas Mass Schedule

St Mary’s North Sydney | St Francis Xavier Lavender Bay | Star of the Sea Kirribilli

Christmas Eve
Sat 24 Dec
St Mary’s 4.30pm; 7.00pm; 10.30pm Carols; 11.00pm
St Francis Xavier; 5.30pm + livestream
Star of the Sea 5.00pm

Christmas Day
Sun 25 Dec
St Mary’s 9.00am; 10.30am
St Francis Xavier; 10.30am
Star of the Sea; 8.00am

Ryde Network Primary School Chess Competition

On 8 November, we had the opportunity to work in collaboration with student leaders from Marist College Eastwood and Holy Cross College Ryde to assist with the running of the Ryde Network Primary School Chess Competition. We attended the competition at Marist College Eastwoods’ Montagne Centre, alongside Mr Bray and 6 of our student leadership team members; Scarlett Tucker, Jessica Smith, Mana Sugimoto, Natalie Broom, Grace Murphy and Georgia Vassallo. The room was buzzing with excitement, anticipation and lots of healthy competition between the primary school students. Our role on the day was to ensure that our assigned schools understood the flow of the day and to answer any questions they had, to gather teams and direct the students towards their games, assist the students during game play and of course, encourage a good sense of friendly competition.

This day was an excellent way for us to utilise the leadership skills that we have been developing over the past few terms as student leaders and throughout our time at MSCW – empowering the young students to play their best game, boosting their courage in their playing abilities (with many of the high school volunteers being beaten by the primary students), and encouraging good-natured rivalry. This was also a great opportunity for us to create connections and friendships with other school leaders and like-minded young people within our area. We would also like to give a big thank you to Mr Bray, leader of our Chess Club, for attending the day with us, and giving us and the primary school students support and guidance on all things chess- especially when in a ‘stalemate’ conundrum. The day was an overall success and a great experience for all students, leaders and teachers. 

Madison Turri and Ava Gibson, College Co-Captains

Sports Results

Week 5

Sport
Result
MVP
 

 
Oztag

Junior MSCW 4 vs Rosebank College 3

Intermediate MSCW 13 vs Rosebank  College 0

Senior MSCW vs BYE

 

 

 

 

Montana McCormick

 

Claudia Lacalandra

 

 

 
 

 

 
Volleyball

Junior MSCW 1 vs Holy Spirit Catholic College 2

Intermediate MSCW 1 vs Holy Spirit Catholic College 2

Senior MSCW 1 vs Holy Spirit Catholic College 2

 

 

 

Madelyn Grace

 

Sophia Fierro

 

Alexa Donoghue

 

 
 
Cricket

Junior MSCW 3/37 vs Rosebank College 4/36

Senior MSCW 4/119 vs Our Lady of Sacred Heart College 7/59

 

 

 

 

Katie Mackay

 

Isabella Cicciari

 

 

 
MVP

 

 

Week 6

Sport
Result
MVP
 

 
Oztag

Junior MSCW 9 vs Bethlehem College 1 

Intermediate MSCW 13 vs Bethlehem College 3

Senior MSCW 2 vs Bethlehem College 4

 

Alyse Oppedisano

 

Ellie Barnett

 

Lucy Williams

 
 

 

 
Volleyball

Junior MSCW 0 vs St Charbel’s College 2

Intermediate MSCW 2 vs St Charbel’s College 1

Senior MSCW vs Bye

 

Iris Zhang

 

Bonita Glasock

 

 
 
Cricket

Junior MSCW 1/69 vs Our Lady of The Sacred College 6/54

Senior MSCW 0/70 vs Our Lady of The Sacred College 5/20

 

 

Lily Carr

 

Sophie Marino

 

 

MVP

 

 

 

 

Mr Daniel Watts, Sports Coordinator

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

 

Sports News

CGSSSA Aquathon 

The Annual CGSSSA Aquathon Championship was held on Wednesday 2 November at Merrylands Swimming Complex.

All MSCW students achieved outstanding results both in the pool and on the course across all age groups against Monte Sant’ Angelo, Santa Sabina, St Scholastica’s, Domremy College, Stella Maris College and Mount St Benedict. 

A special congratulations must go to:

  • Hannah Sacco and Angela Lakic – 3rd place Intermediate Team Event
  • Maya Ostapenko – 2nd place Junior Individual Event
  • Mary Mulvey – 2nd place Senior Individual Event
  • 1st Overall Open Team Event
  • 1st Overall Intermediate Team Event
  • 2nd Overall Junior Team Event
  • MSCW placed 2nd Overall in the Championship Trophy

An awesome effort!

Aquathon Team

Maya Ostapenko
Rebecca Linssen
Maddison Sherry
Mary Mulvey
Tola Blicharska
Lucy Mutimer
Carla Bragg
Ellie Comerford
Hannah Sacco
Charlotte McClelland
Leah Russell
Alessia Rizzuto
Elsie Gray
Ella Rochester
Bronte Fisher

Remy Donoghue
Zara Chand
Evie Lange
Georgia Sherry
Olivia Treadwell
Sophie Mitchell-Cook
Angela Lakic
Amy Linssen
Ziani Viola
Annabella Di Marco
Sienna Brown
Sofia Watts
Tamara Jago
Ava Gibson
Natasha Payne

 

 

 

NSWCCC Merit Athletics Team

Congratulations to Emma Websdale and Ellie Barnett who were among the 80 students from Sydney Catholic Schools who made the NSWCCC Merit Athletics Team, based on their results at the NSWCCC Athletics Championships last term.

Awesome achievement!

 

 

 

SCS Hockey

In Weeks 8 and 9 during term 3, MSCW participated in a two week SCS Hockey competition with a Junior and Intermediate Team. Both teams versed St John Bosco College, Engadine, Domremy Catholic College, Five Dock and Brigidine College Randwick. MSCW played to their highest ability and were able to come away winning 3 of the 6 games in week Continuing into week 9 the MSCW the Junior and Intermediate team then went to verse Aquinas College, Menai, unfortunately both teams could not come away with a win.

Ultimately all the students displayed great MSCW spirit and sportswomanship throughout the whole competition. 

Mr Daniel Watts, Sports Coordinator

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

 

Canteen News

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.
 

Clothing Pool News – Summer Uniform

Summer Uniform

The Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich Clothing Pool has a comprehensive range of good quality preowned uniforms available at a fraction of the cost to purchase new. 

The summer range includes:

  • Summer Tunic (Junior Girls)
  • White Shirt (Senior Girls)
  • Kilt (Senior Girls)
  • Sport Shorts
  • Sport Polo
  • Sport Jacket
  • Sport Cap

We also carry a range of jumpers, blazers, tracksuit pants, blue shirts (Junior Girls), scarves, backpacks and sports bags. 

Purchasing from the clothing pool is a great way to support your College community. All proceeds from the sale of donations goes back into projects across the College, which benefits the whole College community.

Donations of unwanted uniforms can be handed into the General Administration Office any time during school hours.

To place a Clothing Pool order please visit our online store: www.flexischools.com.au.

Thank you for your support.

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