19 March 2021 -
From the Principal

From the Principal

Managing Consent – Ensuring Respect

Thank you to the many parents who have made contact expressing their positive support of my letter last week “Managing Consent – Ensuring Respect”. As parents and educators we share a collective responsibility to teach young women the importance of respect in relationships and how it can be achieved and maintained within the school and social settings. I am hoping my letter has triggered many positive family conversations around these issues which will support our Marist girls.

International Women’s Day Breakfast

As previously mentioned, on Friday 5 March the College Captains and myself attended the 2nd annual International Women’s Day breakfast hosted by Catholic Schools NSW at Doltone House. The breakfast, which included student leaders, MPs, representatives from Dioceses, Principals, and other education agencies, explored the 2021 International Women’s Day theme ‘Choose to Challenge’. Those gathered were privileged to listen to a wonderful keynote address by Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley OA QC, Governor of New South Wales. I share with you the thoughts of the College Co-Captains, Jessica Challenger and Emma Serrao, who were inspired by the Governor’s words:

Jess Challenger: “Her Excellency Margaret Beasley’s anecdotes of her own experiences of gender bias in the workplace particularly resonated with me during her keynote presentation at the recent International Women’s Day Breakfast. Her enduring courage to overcome these situations with such perseverance and wit, while remaining dignified, evoked a determination from within myself, to challenge, and overcome the future inequities I may experience due to my gender, playing my part to forge a gender equal world.”

 

Emma Serrao: “It was a privilege and honour to be able to attend the International Women’s Day Breakfast and hear from Her Excellency Margaret Beasley, who was once was a young, determined and driven leader like myself. Margaret’s courage to open up about the gender bias that she has been subjected to within her various professions, provided me with a sense of strength and confidence in myself to take action or “Choose to challenge”. As young women, it is our responsibility to inspire and empower each other to take a stand on all gender inequalities, in order to strive for a more equal world.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Marist Compass Goals For 2021

I could not have been more impressed with our students last week as they took the lead in conversation, via Zoom, between their tutors and parents to discuss their 2021 goals. Educational research shows that ‘goal setting’ by students promotes a real sense of purpose and drive, as well as increasing confidence and satisfaction levels in both their learning and wellbeing. It is these conversations that continue to allow our students to develop their own “Marist Compass” which will equip them with life-long skills for the future.

If you were not available last week please contact your daughter’s Tutor to arrange another time for this valuable conversation to support your daughter.

Athletics Carnival

Congratulations on the great House spirit shown at the Athletics Carnival on Wednesday. This whole school college event allows students and Houses to shine on the track or field, or as students dressed up in House colours, participating in a variety of events. These are not just important college community days but who knows if we can produce another Sally Pearson or Anneliese Rubie.

Special Congratulations to our House Captains who lead their Houses in cheers and encouraged and applauded participation. The upcoming Principal’s Assembly will award our individual and team winners on the day!

Lent

As we continue our Lenten journey in the lead up to Easter, I have been encouraged by the generosity of our students. In the remaining two weeks of the term we hope to further support the work of Caritas and the overseas aid they provide through Project Compassion. This support is a very tangible way of reaching out to others, a responsibility that as a Marist community we are called to do.

 

 

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

This week as a community our students engaged in the Annual Athletics Carnival at Homebush. The day showcased the gifts and talents of so many of our athletes. It was also great to see so many girls participating in all events across the day. There were times when the grandstand seemed empty with almost all students on the track running, completing field events or overseeing the hospitality of the event, timekeeping, judging, recording or running the field event. I would like to congratulate all students for their community spirit and commitment to this significant College event.

I also thank the staff who also showed significant support and organisation of the event in particular, Ms Kemp and Ms Hurley. I look forward to celebrating the successes that the day brought.

COMPASS Student Card

It is a College expectation that all students have their COMPASS student ID card with them everyday. The card is used in particular for students to tap in and out of the College for late arrival or early departure. I ask for the support of parents in ensuring that your daughter/s have this with them everyday.  If students have misplaced or lost their student ID card it is a requirement that the card is replaced. Please see below for how to order a new card online.

Year 7 and 8 Parent/Student Dr Prue Salter Tools for Success evening.

A gentle reminder that on  Wednesday 24 March Dr Prue Salter of Enhanced Learning Educational Services (www.enhanced-learning.net) will be conducting the 90-minute session from 6:30pm-8:00pm LIVE ON ZOOM (link to be sent on the day via COMPASS). Please refer to COMPASS news feeds.

Some of the areas covered are:

  • Organisational skills and managing time more effectively.
  • Making study notes that work (including mind maps, linear note-taking).
  • Studying effectively (making your study more efficient and suitable for the way in which you learn best).

 

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

Lenten Penance 

During the season of Lent, we remember who we are and who we have been made to be. Catholics are called to observe Lent through prayer, self denial and helping others. The Old Testament prophet, Tobit states,

Prayer with fasting is good, but better than both is almsgiving with righteousness. A little with righteousness is better than wealth with wrongdoing. It is better to give alms than to lay up gold. For almsgiving saves from death and purges away every sin. Those who give alms will enjoy a full life. (12:8-9)

Helping others or almsgiving is a form of prayer that is dedicated to God. Jesus said “when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” (Matthew 6:2-3). Jesus does not say if but when you give alms or help others. The early Church communities are evidence of this: “There was no needy person among them, for those who owned property or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds of the sale, and put them at the feet of the apostles, and they were distributed to each according to need.” (Act 4:34-35) Today, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states “The goods of creation are destined for the entire human race (n. 2452).

As we continue to journey through Lent, we are challenged to extend our understanding of helping others to be more than just giving money. It is paying special attention to those who are sick, the elderly and the lonely. It can also be giving of our time or giving of a talent or a personal gift. As Jesus states in the Acts of the Apostles,”It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (20:35) 

Project Compassion 2021 “Be More”

All students are invited to contribute to Project Compassion through their Tutor groups. Each week, links to projects of Caritas which are supported by Project Compassion are shared in Compass. Students can access the Project Compassion site and read the feature stories and watch the video clips of projects.

Many blessings as we continue our Lenten journey.

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 College Counsellor

Monica Rogenmoser, College Counsellor

The Art of Validation- How to connect with your daughter

Validation can be defined as the recognition or affirmation that a person or their feelings and opinions are valid or worthwhile (Oxfordlanguages.com). In other words, by validating your daughter you are communicating that what they are thinking and feeling makes sense in their current environment. This may sound so simple, yet it is one of the most challenging skills for parents to master.

One of the most difficult things for parents is to watch their daughter experience intense distress. It is common for parents to respond by going into problem solving mode, which encourages teens to not feel the emotion or ignore the emotion completely. By going into problem solving mode, we are communicating to our daughters that we cannot handle the distress as we have not made them feel heard. It is important to note that validation is not giving into your daughter or giving them what they want, it is acknowledging where your daughter is coming from without necessarily agreeing with their opinions or behaviour. For example, your daughter may be angry as she believes that she should be entitled to unlimited technology use and you are trying to set reasonable limits on the usage. The parent may not agree with their daughter’s belief of unlimited access, but they can understand how frustrating it can be to not have something that they want.

So how do parents validate their daughters?

  1. Listen

Sometimes all you need to do is listen and not say anything. By listening intensively, you are communicating non-verbal cues that you are interested and focused on what is being said without being distracted. Be mindful of your body language and what that may communicate to your daughter.

  1. Reflect and summarise

While your daughter is talking, observe what emotion you think they are feeling. It is important to let your daughter know that the emotions that they are feeling make sense. E.g., “I can completely understand that you must be feeling shocked and disappointed”.

  1. Tolerate their feelings

Resist the urge to come in and fix how they are feeling and simply be there in their distress with them. Resist the urge to say “it’s going to be ok”. Know that the emotion will pass and it will not be felt this intensely forever. By showing your daughter that you can tolerate their distress without going into problem solving mode they will be more likely to come to you for help in future incidents. (Manhattanpsychologygroup.com)

Validation is a very useful tool in building trust with your daughters and encouraging more open communication. Try validating your teen in less stressful situations to begin with and practice sitting with the emotion. Validation is key to teaching girls how to regulate their emotions and improve their self-esteem.

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

Sports News

CGSSSA Swimming Results

The MSCW Swim team had an outstanding day at the CGSSSA Championships last Tuesday at Ryde Pool.  It was a super team effort by all swimmers as MSCW placed 2nd overall in Division 2.  Outstanding results were achieved by the following students:

Evie Lange

12 Years
1st 50 free
1st 100 free
1st 50 fly
1st  50 brs
3rd 100 bk

 

Ziani Viola

14 Years
2nd 100 bk
3rd 50 bk
3rd 200 IM

 

Ava Gibson

16 Years
1st 50 fly
3rd 100 bk
3rd 50 bk
3rd 100 free

 

Abby Gibson

17+ Years
1st 200 free
1st 100 bk
3rd 50 free
3rd 100 free
Finalist in Invitational Open 50m free  

 

The Juniors Relay team came 4th in the 4x50m Freestyle Relay and 4x50m Medley Relay.

The Senior Relay team came 4th in the 4x50m Medley Relay. 

A special thank you to Chloe Lewis, Year 11 student and Mary Mulvey, Year 10 student who were timekeepers all day. 

 

 

 

CGSSSA Representative Touch Football Team

On Friday and 5 and 12 March, a group of 15 students went to CGSSSA selection trials for Touch Football. The girls represented the College with great pride.The level of touch was extremely impressive and the girls all showed great skill and ability. Well done to all girls for trialing.

Congratulations to the following students who were selected for the Junior and Senior Teams who will represent CGSSSA at the NSW CCC Touch Championships in Nelson Bay at the end of March.

Junior CGSSSA 
Senior CGSSSA

Ellie Barnett

Sienna Wheelhouse

Amelie Fehir

Georgia Southcombe 

Katie Kyneur (Shadow)

Mia Rodgers 

 

Mixed Touch Football State Championship

Good luck to the combined Touch Football team from Marist Sisters’ and Holy Cross Colleges who will compete in the Mixed Challenge State Championship on Friday 24 March.  We look forward to seeing the combined school colours on the singlet and hearing the result!

Mixed Touch Football
  
Mia Rodgers Year 11
Tatum Kelly

Year 11
Mackenzee Southcombe

Year 11
Grace Quinn

Year 12
Giselle Kusto

Year 11
Sienna Wheelhouse

Year 9

 

MSCW Term 1 Sport Teams

Thank you to all students who trialled for Sports teams in recent weeks. 

MCCS Competition

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

AFL

Junior AFL 
Years 7 – 8 
Open AFL
Years 9 – 10

 

Emelia Dunn 

Sofia Vella

Scarlett Whiteford

Ava Pirozzi

Sienna Gatt

Katia Minadeo

Beth Devine

Bianca Feliciotto

Zali Iannello

Katia Di Palma

Gabriella Moar

Madalene Trunzo  

Holly Mizens 

Matilda Churchin

Katie Kyneur

Ruby Lipovac 

India Gilbert 

Amira Merhi

Isabelle Dooley 

Jamie Morrelli 

Matilda Gilbert

Charlotte O’ Brien

Remy Donoghue 

Mia Piccolo 

Claudia Walker 

Scarlett Morliterno 

Rihanna Duldulao 

Eliza Jeffries 

Ziani Viola

 

Netball

Well done to all girls for trialing for MCCS Netball. There was a huge level of interest with over fifty girls in years 7 and 8 turning up for trials. The  level of  Netball was extremely impressive and the girls all showed great skill and ability. The teams will compete in the Term 2 MCCS competition.  The Year 10 team will be selected next week.

MCCS Netball Team – Year 7
MCCS  Netball Team – Year 8
MCCS Netball Team – Year 9

Olivia Haddad

Sarah Mourani

Niamh Krenmayr

Georgia Sherry

Ava Grivas

Ava Morgan

Bronte Arbuthnot

Hayley Trad

Bianca Magner

Emilia Dunn

Oliva Alexakis 

Zara Azizi

Isabel Chand

Charlotte Dickerson

Ava Ianello

Gabrielle Kuk

Oliva Murphy

Mia Oshea

Natalie Russo

Elyse Smith

Georgia Southcombe

Chiara Feliciotto

Maddison Sherry

Mercedes Davis

Sienna Davis

Sienna Brown

Amelie Fehir

Alicia Jordaan

Natasha Payne 

Bronte Hookey 

 

MCCS Sport Results

Congratulations to the 4 teams that have represented the College in the Thursday MCCS competition in Weeks 6 – 8. 

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

Sport
Result
MVP
Touch Football

Week 7 

MSCW v Bethlehem 

Open won  12 – 2

 

MSCW v McAuley 

Junior lost 3 – 1

 

MSCW v  Bethlehem

Junior team drew

 

Brianna Kelly

Lola Donkin

 

Zahlia Melhem
Volleyball

Week 7

MSCW v  Domremy 

Junior won 3-1

Lana Brusek 
Waterpolo 

Week 6 v St Pat’s (12-2 win)

Week 7 v Trinity (14-2 win)

Elsie Gray 

Victoria Moulang

 

 

 

Due to current COVID requirements, parents/carers 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.  

For information or questions please contact:

MCCS ~ Ms Maeve Hurley      maeve.hurley@syd.catholic.edu.au

CGSSSA and NSW CCC ~ Ms Jocelyn Kemp      jocelyn.kemp@syd.catholic.edu.au

Ms Jocelyn Kemp and Ms Maeve Hurley
Sports Coordinators

Term 2 Sports Events

Students should check their emails and COMPASS dashboard regularly for sports information.  

Students must sign up on the Google forms circulated to students if they wish to attend trials. 

Term 2 Sports Trials

CGSSSA Football for students in Years 7-12 (Junior 7-9, Open 10-12) will be held in Week 9-10. 

MCCS Hockey Trials for students Years 7-10 will be held in Week 9 (students must bring their own mouth guard and shin pads to the trial).

CGSSSA Championship Events for Term 2

Football

4 May

Cross Country

21 May

Basketball

28 May

Gymnastics

2 June

MCCS Sports Term 2 (Thursday competition)

Netball – Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 

AFL – Junior, Open

Hockey

Ms Jocelyn Kemp and Ms Maeve Hurley
Sports Coordinators

Year 10 Geography Excursion to Collaroy and Narrabeen Beaches

Our excursion was a fantastic opportunity for us students to see firsthand concepts that we have been learning about in class. When we first arrived at Narrabeen beach, we were met with nimbus clouds, meaning we received around 3mm of rain. We trudged on through the rain to use a multitude of geographical instruments, including compasses, kestrel meters, and thermometers. As we made our way south-east towards Collaroy Beach, we observed the consequences for properties that were built without consideration of the environment. The beach and those properties suffer the repercussions of storms, wave movement, and flooding.

 

We also learned about the management strategies that are being implemented along the beach to combat the degradation. These included the building of a seawall in front of the ten most vulnerable houses as well as revegetation of the dune system.

 

As the excursion came to a conclusion, we were lucky to spot a dolphin pod swimming in the ocean amongst the surf-goers. This excursion was a fun way to explore and experience the theory we have been learning in class, whilst spending an enjoyable and educational day on the beach.

Amy Zolnay and Lucinda Blows, Year 10 Students

 

COMPASS Student Card

It is a College expectation that all students have their COMPASS student ID card with them everyday. The card is used in particular for students to tap in and out of the College for late arrival or early departure.  If students have misplaced or lost their student ID card it is a requirement that the card is replaced. Please see below for how to order a new card online.

 

Careers

Career guidance and education is essential to assist students in deciding their next step, whether it be choosing the correct subjects, applying for their first casual job or transitioning to study post-school. Throughout the year we will be providing students with a number of opportunities to help guide them through this process.

Highlights of upcoming events will be posted in the College newsletter whilst a more detailed newsletter outlining all events will be posted in our MSCW Careers website https://www.mscwpsp.com.  Here students will find extensive information on career pathways including universities, TAFE, apprenticeships and overseas study. Students may access this information at any time through this portal. A lunchtime session on how to create a student login and navigate the site will be offered to senior students in the coming week.

As the year begins to unfold, tertiary institutions will begin to release information on courses, early entry schemes and scholarships. Key dates will be posted in the College newsletter.

University Admission Centre (UAC) Information Evening

Next Tuesday, 23 March, we will be hosting a virtual presentation on “The ATAR and applying to university through UAC”.

Our UAC representative, Ms Trudy Noller, will be providing information on a range of topics relevant to our senior students. The evening will begin promptly at 6pm.

  • What is the ATAR?
  • How the ATAR is calculated
  • Scaling, why?
  • The UAC application process
  • Educational Access Schemes
  • Schools Recommendation Schemes (early entry)
  • Equity Scholarships
  • Adjustment Factors & selection ranks
  • Offers.

If your daughter has decided upon a non-ATAR pathway, attendance at this evening is still required as information on the various schemes available to your daughter will be explained. An invitation has been sent to all parents of students in Year 11 and 12 via COMPASS.

Ms Leonie Clarke, Post-school Pathways/VET Coordinator

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

CSDA Public Speaking

The public speaking competition is well underway! Congratulations to the following students who were selected to represent MSCW:

  • Alissa Tosh
  • Keona Galea
  • Grace Saoud
  • Monique Abacum
  • Adelaide Kennedy
  • Jessica Smith
  • Gabriella Michalopoulos
  • Caitlin Neal-Bartier
  • Chelsea Colantuono
  • Mia Lo Giudice
  • Cindy Hancock.

The challenging topics the students had to choose from were:

If only
Dear Santa
Dreams
I am strong, I am invincible, I am …
Let us build a house…
One who is in chains, cannot run

Cindy, Grace, Monique and Keona were all successful in round one and made it through to the zone final. They spoke with great poise and confidence and their speeches were highly creative. Keona from Year 7 won her zone final and has progressed to the grand final on Friday 19 March. We wish her every success- we are all so proud of you.

Mrs Rachael Colreavy, Public Speaking and Debating Coordinator

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

Come Join The Japanese Anime and Manga Club!

Hi all!

I’m Bridget, and I belong to the Japanese Anime and Manga club.

 

This is a big welcome to all students to join the biggest club at MSCW! We are a club of 57 students across Years 7 to Year 12 and we love all things anime and manga. We will be watching and reviewing anime, drawing manga and creating art, learning Japanese, sharing interests in Jpop, Kpop and socialising with our anime sisters with similar interests and passions.

 

This week there is an art competition, the winning artwork will receive a Pop! Vinyl figurine (My Hero Academia- Todoroki) courtesy of Anime at Abbotsford.

 

We meet in fortnightly Belley at lunchtime on Fridays (Day 10). Can’t wait to see you!

Bridget Snowdon, Year 10 Student

 

 

 

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. New volunteers please sms your details to the Canteen Mobile on 0457593920. 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 9 – Wednesday & Thursday 24 & 25 March 2021

Chicken Caesar Salad

–       Lettuce, bacon, croutons, parmesan & dressing                                    

 $7.00