19 February 2021 -
From the Principal

From the Principal

opening college mass

Last week, we formally commenced  the year with our 2021 Opening College Mass.This community celebration is one of the highlights of our year where we ask God’s blessing for a new beginning full of much ‘Goodness Above All – Virtus Super Omnia’ enabling us to live our College motto. Fr Kevin Bates celebrated the Mass with us in his typically upbeat and relevant style and particularly spoke to the girls about growing their “inner selves”.

By building this confidence our Marist girls can choose to empower themselves to be women of action with an empathy and compassion for others.

I asked every Marist girl to each day offer a smile and a friendly greeting to others as a small way of living their motto “Goodness above All”. It is a simple act, a smile, that takes little effort but offers so much. As sisters of welcome, Year 7 and 11 badged each other, new staff were blessed and our Assistant Principal, Mrs Alvarez, was commissioned. A great start to the year!

Acting Leader of Learning and Curriculum

Congratulations to Mrs Giulia Laurenzi who will take up the position of Leader of Learning and Curriculum for 2021. Mrs Laurenzi, also the HSIE Coordinator, is an experienced and capable educator who brings a commitment and energy to improving the learning environment and achievement outcomes for all students. Mrs Laurenzi will be working closely with the Subject Coordinators and Assistant Principal. I warmly welcome Mrs Laurenzi to the College Leadership Team.

Congratulations!
The Marist Spirit was alive at our recent Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to Ms Jocelyn Kemp and Ms Mauve Hurley for their excellent organisation of an active MSCW Swimming Carnival. House spirit was very high as each House competed enthusiastically for House honours in the pool. Student House Captains are to be congratulated on their energy in generating high participation from each of their Houses. Final results will be announced at the forthcoming College Principal’s Assembly.

Pancake Tuesday and Ash Wednesday

Our Lenten fundraising began on Tuesday with ‘Pancake Day’. This is a traditional day for Christians who used the last of their butter and milk combined with flour to make pancakes before the Lenten journey beginning with Ash Wednesday. As part of Lent, fasting is one of the significant ways that we take time to ‘step back, reflect and examine’ our relationship with God.

On Ash Wednesday, students gathered together in House groups for community prayer to receive the Ashes and begin our Lenten commitment to Project Compassion. Due to COVID restrictions, this year ashes were sprinkled on the heads of students and staff. Over the rest of the term our support for Project Compassion will be another very real and active way that we at Marist Sisters’ Woolwich can live our obligation and responsibility of service to others.

Project Compassion Box

Year 12 Retreat

Next week, I am looking forward to spending the week at Mittagong with each of the Year 12 Retreat groups. This is a significant commitment of my time but one that I see as extremely important in supporting the Year 12 girls. The Retreat provides the girls with an opportunity to have ‘time out’ to reflect on their relationship with their God and with others. This important time adds to their spiritual development and wellbeing, something that will help equip them for the year and aid them in the future.

 

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

Students have settled into their learning for 2021, and we have had the privilege of engaging in significant College events that have provided opportunities for our community to come together and celebrate. Last week we opened our school year with the Opening College Mass, which was followed by the College Swimming Carnival this week, it was wonderful to see our students actively involved in the day, and a whole new way of cheering which required creativity and prior planning so that our students could continue to support their House members in a Covid safe environment. I would like to thank parents and students for their support in meeting the requirements for a safe environment both onsite and offsite.

As next week marks the midpoint of Term 1, it is timely to remind students and parents that COMPASS is our Learning Management System, in which assessment notifications, assessment handbooks and the College subscription to Dr Prue Salters ‘Study Skills Handbook’ can be accessed by both students and parents.

A COMPASS tutorial for parents to access these resources can be found here.

Travelling To and From School

I ask for your support as a parent/carer in ensuring that your daughter/s are wearing masks on public transport which includes the bus and ferry. Please see communication from the School Liason Police officer for the Ryde Area that was sent to all schools in the area:

The current Public Health Orders regarding face coverings for students aged 12 years and older are required to adhere to this legislation. (See Below)

COVID-19 MANDATORY FACE COVERINGS

Public Health Act 2010

The Public Health (COVID-19 Mandatory Face Coverings) Order 2021 was amended commencing 29 January 2021.

A fitted face covering is a mask or other covering that fits securely around the face and is designed or made to be worn over the nose and mouth to provide the wearer with protection against infection. A scarf is not a fitted face covering.

Requirement to wear a fitted face covering:

Public transport

A person in Greater Sydney must wear a fitted face covering at all times when:

(a) at a public transport waiting area, or

(b) when the person is in a vehicle, train or vessel that is being used to provide a public transport service and the vehicle, train or vessel is carrying passengers or is in service and available to carry passengers.

Public transport service includes a taxi service, rideshare service and community transport service. A public transport waiting area is a station, including the platform of a passenger railway station or light rail station/stop, a ferry wharf, a bus stop or taxi rank.

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

The Season of Lent

During Lent, Catholics are called to practice penance by performing any one of the following:

Prayer – for example Mass attendance, family prayer, a visit to a Church or a Chapel, reading the Bible, making the Stations of the Cross, praying the Rosary.

Self denial – for example not eating meat, not eating sweets or dessert, giving up entertainment to spend time with family, limiting food and drink so as to give to the poor of one’s own country.

Helping others – for example special attention to someone who is poor, sick, elderly, lonely or overburdened.What will your Lenten journey involve?A reminder that in support of our sisters who traditionally abstain from meat on Fridays in Lent, no meat products will be sold at the College canteen on these days.

Ash Wednesday Prayer Service 2021

At the Ash Wednesday Prayer Service, each House launched Project Compassion.  Project Compassion brings thousands of Australians together in solidarity with the world’s poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. Throughout Lent, students are invited to contribute to their Tutor Room’s Project Compassion boxes. Thank you to the House Liturgy Captains – Arielle, Bianca, Orla, Orlaith, Olivia and Claire supported by the House Captains and the House Coordinators for leading the Ash Wednesday Prayer Service.

 

Opening Mass – Thank You

Thank you to all in the College community for their contribution to the celebration of our Opening College Mass. In particular thank you to:

  • Our celebrant, Fr Kevin Bates;
  • Mrs Caroline Marsh, Mrs Sia Mastro and “the Choir of 5” Annabel, Madison, Ellen, Alexia and Eleanor for the beautiful singing and music; and
  • Our House Liturgy Captains – Arielle, Bianca, Orla, Orlaith, Olivia and Claire for their serving at the celebration of the Mass.

Year 12 Retreat

You are invited to keep all Year 12 students in your prayers as they attend the Year 12 Retreat at Le Rosey Mittagong in Week 5.

Miss Mary Kleist, Religious Education Coordinator

This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #1, #2, #8 & #11

From the Leader of Wellbeing

School climate is the overall tone of the school environment, including the way teachers and students interact and how students treat each other. Students’ comfort in their learning environment affects their ability to pay attention in class, motivation, enjoyment of school and achievement.

Fostering Connections

Now that Year 7 have settled into the commencement of the school year, the Yr 10 Amica leaders have been preparing to facilitate their first Peer Support session with their small Year 7 groups. The program had commenced earlier this week (Wednesday 17th March) of which all participants interacted within a fun filled lunchtime session. These sessions are scheduled once per fortnight through Terms 1-4 and specifically target social and emotional skill development in our younger students. It also provides an opportunity to develop leadership capacity building for our older students as they lead into the final year of Stage 5 before senior school. 

Another initiative to help establish a strong sense of connection and belonging within our Year 7 cohort, is through a range of lunchtime activities three times per week. Our aim is to provide a variety of opportunities to foster fun, interactive outlets with their peers. 

Clubs & Societies Launch

As we navigate through this challenging times, there is certainly a significant amount of research that is confirming the need for schools to create a strong sense of identity, belonging and a positive school climate. Our Marist history certainly confirms the importance of establishing ‘sisterly’ connections and is equally evident as a key dimension in our compass for Life.

We will be launching a range of lunchtime initiatives that our dedicated teachers will volunteer to facilitate each week or fortnight (depending on the activity). Please ensure that you ask your daughter to read her emails and COMPASS alerts early next week so that they can register their interest. Some of these activities will include:

  • Ping Pong
  • Concert band
  • College Choir
  • Guitar ensemble
  • Japanese Anime & Manga Club
  • WSU – Woolwich Student Union
  • Robotics
  • Marist in Action
  • Science Club

We look forward to launching our Clubs & Societies in Week 6 and seeing as many girls engaging in the range of activities and challenging themselves to try something new and unfamiliar. 

My Marist Compass Goals
10 March 2021 8.30am – 7pm by ZOOM

The upcoming ‘My Marist Compass Goals’ three way interviews is a flagship event in our College calendar as it enables active conversation between all each student, parent and her Tutor. Earlier this week, all parents had received the notification that interviews that will be taking place on Wednesday 10 March 2021. This is a crucial time for each student to consider their targeted goals within the four wellbeing pillars: Learning, Physical, Social & Emotional and Spiritual. 

To support this process, all Tutors in Community time had spent time with each of their students and began the important dialogue through reflection. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to your daughters Tutor, House Coordinator or myself. 

There are many positive attributes to the benefits of the day. Most importantly that it:

  • monitors the holistic growth of each student through a learning and wellbeing lens.
  • builds a greater positive connection between the Tutor/student/parent relationship
  • recognises the pivotal role of each Tutor as the student advocate. 

The Sleep Connection:

Improving the health, resilience and performance of your young person

Earlier this week, we launched our first Parent Forum via zoom. Given the current COVID-19 restrictions, we were unable to have parents onsite however this certainly did not refrain from forwarding through with such a valuable forum.

Thank you  to all the parents that logged in to listen to Lisa Maltman and her practical strategies to support parents in understanding some of the signs, symptoms and tips commonly seen in our young person. The Parent Forum recording is available by clicking here. I would strongly encourage as many parents to watch this with your adolescent as a timely reminder to establish good routines at home. This will also be reinforced at school as many of the year groups will continue to engage with The Sleep Connection throughout the year.

Mrs Sia Mastro, Leader of Wellbeing

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

Year 7 2023 Enrolment Applications Closing Soon

College Photos

From the College Counsellor

Monica Rogenmoser, College Counsellor

What is stress and how can we manage it?

Stress is a body’s reaction to a challenge or demand, that can result in physical, emotional or intellectual responses. It is a normal and human reaction that everybody experiences (reachout.com 2021).
 

It is very common for girls to feel stressed out from time to time. Stress is a normal part of life and it is needed for us to function. If we have a low level of stress, often we feel bored and unstimulated. However, if we are experiencing high levels of stress, we can become overwhelmed and experience physical symptoms such as nausea and fatigue.

Often when we feel like this stress has overtaken our body and mind and it can be difficult to de-escalate our stress levels. Stress is becoming more prevalent with 40% of 15-19 year old’s feel that are unable to cope with stress (reachout.com 2021).

You might be asking, why is my daughter stressed? There are many factors that can lead to girls feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Some include, homework/school work, expectations on themselves and/or from parents and teachers to perform well at school, life challenges, friendship issues and lack/poor sleep. Some of the symptoms of stress include: irritability, difficulties concentrating, avoiding school, lack of appetite, spending more time alone or in their room, fatigued and experiencing headaches or stomach aches. 

Although stress is inevitable, it can be manageable. If you suspect that your daughter is experiencing stress, talk to her and see if you can identify the cause of the stress. I have listed some online programs/apps that can be useful for parents and girls to engage in to manage stress symptoms:

Brave Program – this is developed by QLD university as a program for both parents and teens to complete to prevent and treat anxiety. Details of the program can be found here: https://brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au/teen-program

Mood GYM – this program is an interactive self help book that allows teens to learn and practice skills to manage anxiety: https://moodgym.com.au/ 

Superbetter– builds resilience and teaches skills to stay strong and motivated during challenging times: https://www.superbetter.com/ 

If you wish to discuss the above or have any concerns about your young person please feel free to contact the College Counsellor, Monica Rogenmoser via monica.rogenmoser@syd.catholic.edu.au or ph: 0435 659 694

Miss Monica Rogenmoser, College Counsellor

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

Perroton House News

To end a fun-filled week of Perroton Fundraising, on Friday, everyone was encouraged to make ‘friendship bracelets’ in BON at lunchtime. Inspired by Marie-Francoise Perroton’s courage to get involved, everyone was able to unleash their creative abilities to make a bracelet for themself, or eachother. Paired with the famous ‘lolly jar competition’, everyone could also take a guess for 50c, which was donated to the Marist Missions. Nevertheless, the colours of the rainbow were on show with yellow standing out from the rest as everyone was able to ‘let their light shine’ in Perroton week.

Katherine De Caria, Year 12 Student

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

Sports News

MSCW Swimming Carnival

Well done to the MSCW community for their excellent efforts at the College Swimming Carnival.  Despite the additional COVID-19 restrictions, students swam with enthusiasm to gain House points and showed House spirit through their theme and ‘non verbal’ forms of spirit.

The House student leaders were creative and each led their House with energy and enthusiasm.

Congratulations to the winners of the 50m Freestyle finals:

 

Name

House

12yrs

Eve Lange 

Chavoin

13yrs

Angela Lakic

Chavoin

14yrs

Ziani Viola

Perroton 

15yrs

Sienna Brown

Chavoin

16yrs

Ava Gibson

Marcellin

17+yrs

Abby Gibson

Marcellin

 

House Medley Relay

1st MARCELLIN – Team – Tola Blicharska (7), Amy Linssen (8), Georgia Southcombe (9), Ava Gibson (10), Mackenzee Southcombe (11), Abby Gibson (12)

2nd COLIN – Team – Georgia Sherry (7), Ashleigh Britt (8), Maddison Sherry (9), Madelaine Britt (10), Millie Puckeridge (11) , Emma Serrao (12)

3rd CHAVOIN – Team – Eve Lang (7), Angela Lakic (8), Sienna Brown (9), Natalie Broom (10), Anastasia Lakic (11), Grace Quinn (12) 

Full carnival results will be announced during Principal’s Assembly in Week 6.

MSCW Term 1 Sport Teams

Thank you to all students who trialled for Term 1 Sports teams over the last 2 weeks. 

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

Please see the information below and contact details for any questions.

Sport news will be distributed to students via Compass, the College newsletter and announcements in Assemblies.  

MCCS Junior Volleyball (Yrs 7-8)

MCCS Open Volleyball (Yrs 9-10)

Iris Zhang 

Mary Elizabeth Swift

Ava Morgan

Lana Brusek

Georgia Hay 

Keira Caranto

Olivia Aloisio

Katia Minadeo

Lily Jane Doyle

Holly Mizens

Monique Abacum

Sofia Buono 

Isabella Cicciari

Maddison Sherry

Ella Arbuthnot

Camille Moussallem 

Abbie Johnson 

Madelaine Britt

Georgia Vassallo 

Imogen Wylie 

Sienna Chambers 

Riley McIntyre 

 

 

 

MCCS Junior Touch Football (Yr 7-8)

MCCS Open Touch Football (Yr 9-10)

Caitlin Russell

Ellie Debosz

Lola Donkin

Keona Galea

Zara Carbone

Lucy Mutimer

Zahlia Melhem

Chaye Melhem 

Gabriella Moar 

Miah O’ Shea 

Maddison Tannous 

Tully Gilbert 

Charlotte O’ Brien

Bronte Fisher

Holly Lloyd

Amelie Fehir

Georgia Southcombe

Brianna Kelly

Katie Kyneur

Matilda Gilbert

Sienna Wheelhouse

Leah Russell

Ellie Barnett

Gabbi Slater 

 

 

Open Touch Football Team

 

CGSSSA Open Cricket Team 

  

Gabriella Stanwix

Yr 12

Chloe Barnett

Yr 12

Kate Greenland

Yr 11

Stevie Russell

Yr 11

Elsie Gray

Yr 9

Alicia Jordaan

Yr 9

Lucinda Butler

Yr 8

Lily Shaw

Yr 7

Aliana Butler

Yr 7

 

CGSSA Softball Report

Congratulations to the students selected to represent MSCW in the CGSSSA Championships.

CGSSSA Open Cricket Team

  

Cindy Hancock 

Yr 11

Kate Greenland  

Yr 11

Sienna Chambers 

Yr 10

Tamara Jago   

Yr 10

Indira Quinn

Yr 9

Elsie Gray 

Yr 9

Sophia Fierro   

Yr 9

Heidi Chaplin  

Yr 9

Maya Carabetta  

Yr 9

Isabel Dooley 

Yr 9

Liv Arbuthnot  

Yr 9

Bronte Arbuthnot 

Yr 7

 

On Friday 12 February, the MSCW softball team made their way to Stanhope Gardens for the annual CGSSSA tournament. Our first match ended in a draw, 7-7, against Santa Sabina. The highlight of the game was a fantastic triple hit by Kate Greenland. We came out victorious in the second game against OLSH, as well as in the third game against Domremy. Congratulations to Liv Arbuthnot who hit a home run! 

We won our pool and headed to the semi final against Bethany College. It was close, but in the end we came out on top despite their strong pitcher. Well done to Cindy Hancock who hit a double, and Sophia Fierro who made a great catch at third base. 

Woolwich progressed to the Grand Final where we led 3-2 up until the last innings. However, Mount St Joseph’s College scored 7 runs with some great batting.

We took home the Silver Medal and look forward to playing again next year. Thank you to Mr Richardson and our supporters for a great day.

MCCS Sport Results

Congratulations to the four teams that competed in Round 1 of the MCCS competition for Term 1. MSCW are off to a great start for the 2021 Sporting year! Keep up the great work!

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

Due to current COVID requirements, parents are unable to attend MCCS sporting events.  

Please note that it is College Policy that all students involved in sport off campus on Thursdays must return to College at the conclusion of the day.  

Please contact Ms Maeve Hurley if you have any questions.

Sport

Result

MVP

Touch Football

Junior – Bye

Open v Nagle

 

Gabbi Slater

Volleyball

Junior v Domremy 

3-0

Open v Domremy

2-1

Iris Zhang Yr 7 

 

Georgia Vassallo Yr 9

Waterpolo (Trial 1)

Open v Domremy

Carragh Price MVP

 

Representative Pathway for Elite Sportswomen 

Students may also trial for the CGSSSA representative team to compete at the NSW CCC and NSW All Schools. These trials are extremely competitive and they are designed for elite athletes. 

Please see information on the CSNSW website and discuss with Ms Kemp prior to registering.

Parents/Guardians must Register via the CSNSW.sport portal. 

For instructions on how to register go to: Guide For Parents – Sport Registrations

Term One Individual Nominations Sport Registrations currently open:

  • Tennis –  Girls – 1 March – Close 22 February
  • Golf – Girls – 8 March – Close 25 February
  • Volleyball – Girls – 10 March  – Close 5 March
  • Water Polo – Girls – 15 March – Close 11 March
  • Hockey – Open Girls, 16s Girls – 22 March – Close 15 March
  • Diving – Girls – 29 March – Close 19 March
  • Swimming and Touch Football registrations are through the Diocesan/Association pathways.

For further information, go to the CSNSW Sport website Sport pages.

 

Ms Jocelyn Kemp and Ms Maeve Hurley, Sports Coordinators

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

Sports Captains’ News

On Monday the Swimming Carnival was held and we celebrated with it being the first one in over a year! It was great to see everyone participating and dressed up in their House colours, a true testament to the spirit of every girl here at Woolwich. Although we weren’t able to do our usual cheering, all the girls rallied to make much more noise with all their whistles, drums and clapping/stomping. 

Congratulations to every girl who participated and gained House points, and a special congrats to the girls who represented their Houses in the relay, we are super impressed with the College’s commitment to the carnival.

This year we have decided to implement a new idea called “Sports Snaps”. This idea allows girls from the school to nominate themselves or others to receive recognition for achieving in their chosen sport. We will acknowledge these on the new and improved Sports Notice Board (corridor near Science labs) or in the upcoming assembly. Please see us in homeroom Kora (CHN5), Abby (M7) or email us. 

Wait for our next Principal’s Assembly where the Swimming Carnival winners will be announced!

Abby Gibson and Kora Villa, Year 12 Sports Captains

Marists in Action

 

 

Ms Kathryn White, Assistant RE Coordinator

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

MSCW Post School Pathways Site

Check out our dedicated Post School Pathways at:  https://www.mscwpsp.com/

The link is available via the COMPASS Portal (under the Star Menu).

MSCW School TV

Check out our Wellbeing resource for parents and carers at: https://mscw.nsw.schooltv.me/

The link is available via the COMPASS Portal (under the Star Menu).

 

 

Jarnosse News – New Opening Hours

Until further notice, our new hours are:

Monday to Thursday: 8.15am to 5.30pm

Friday: 8.15am to 4.00pm

Mrs Prue Nelson, Teacher-Librarian

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

Clothing Pool News

The Clothing Pool is available ONLINE through Flexischools

Simply log into your account and select the Marist Sisters’ College Shop>Clothing Pool Order tab on the home page. 

You will be directed to a page with all items available for sale, prices, payment method and delivery dates.

Orders close each Wednesday at 4pm and items will be delivered to your daughter’s classroom each Thursday. Should you miss the order cut off for the week your order will go into the next week’s order cycle. 

If you do not already have an account with Flexischools simply go to www.flexischools.com.au and follow the steps to open an account.

Canteen News

Volunteers are needed in the Canteen on a Friday for Recess and Lunch

Any amount of time you have to assist the Canteen Staff would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Canteen menu during lent

During lent there are no meat products sold in the Canteen.

specials FOR TERM 1

Weekly specials available on Wednesday and Thursday
All lunch orders need to be in by 8:30am.

 

Week 5 – Wednesday & Thursday 24 & 25 February 2021
Nachos
– salsa, cheese, guacamole dip                                        		 $7.00

 

Week 6 – Wednesday & Thursday 3 & 4 March 2021

Greek salad
– tomato, cucumber, olives, feta, oregano, shallots, dressing

 $7.00

 

Week 7 – Wednesday & Thursday 10 & 11 March 2021

Beef Ravioli

– Napolitana sauce with parmesan                                           

 $7.00

 

Week 8 – Wednesday & Thursday 17 & 18 March 2021

Nachos

–  Salsa, cheese & guacamole dip                                               

 $7.00