From the Principal

Keeping Perspective During Lockdown – Is Your Family Winning Medals?

Last week, I came across this short address by Teddy Roosevelt. He was speaking about the importance of contributing to community spirit and citizenship in France in 1910, after he had retired from the US Presidency. He was talking about those who get in, roll up their sleeves and act…have a ‘red hot go’…as opposed to those who choose to watch or even criticise from the side. They will never know the satisfaction of trying and the fulfilment of having a go. Here are his famous words:

It is not the critic who counts; not the person who points out how the strong person stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have performed them better. The real credit belongs to the person who is actually in the arena, whose face may be covered by dust and sweat and blood; the person who strives valiantly; who errs, who falls short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; Instead honour to those who actually strive to do the deeds; those who know and feel great enthusiasms, those who follow great devotions or strong convictions; those who spend time for a worthy cause; This type of person at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he/she fails, at least fails while daring greatly, ensuring that his/her place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat”.  

I agree, it’s better to be participating in the ‘arena’ rather than sitting comfortably in the grandstand, but learning nothing.

As the lockdown continues without an end in sight, let’s ensure we keep things in perspective. In these uncertain times where daily challenges arise, it’s helpful to take the temperature on how we are responding. Each week, I see our staff working more creatively and arguably harder to provide engaging online lessons. However, I know the lockdown also means that many families are at home all day, often sharing room space and testing relationships more than ever before! In these unusual circumstances, let’s all try to manage with a healthy sense of perspective.

It was interesting to note that some of our Gold medal-winning Olympian athletes mentioned that it took a ‘village’ to achieve their success…coaches, parents, drivers, physios, mentors, even other competitors. Our Marist ‘village’ is the same…parents, friends, sisters, grandparents, teachers, neighbours, even brothers! These are our support people…our Cedric Dublers. They’re doing a Dubler!

Our Olympic athletes spend years making sure they can ‘peak’ at the right time. Ash Barty knows she cannot be at her peak every day but tries to do so for the big tournaments. For example, the HSC Trials, although important, are simply trials. Year 12 can ‘peak’ later.

I’m reminded of the words of one of my mentors: “In a five-day week, make sure you really smash out three excellent days and let the other two days be average. Hunt those two days down next week”.

This is a bit like the 90/10 rule. During COVID-19 lockdown, it points to having a balanced perspective. If I spend hours getting 90% of the work completed, the other 10% can sleep for a while. I’ll hunt it down next time, because it’s not a good investment of time spending lots more hours for just a few percentage points. In other words, as they say, ‘don’t sweat the small stuff’. Instead, move on to something else or take a stretch break. 

So, while we are in the online learning environment, try playing the 90/10 game. The big pivot to remote learning has been a massive adjustment. All of a sudden, you are Zooming five or six times a day. Then there’s other work. That’s demanding for anyone. So approach it with some balanced perspective. Let’s call it the 9+9 checklist.

Student’s Perspective:

1. If you can get out of bed, shower, breakfast and be in uniform ready for that first class every morning…smile…you’ve got ‘skin in the game’ already!  You’ve got this, girl!
2. If you get through 90% of your classwork, pat yourself on the back (at least twice!).
3. If you can participate in every Zoom with 90% concentration, double fist-pump now!
4. If you can complete 90% of set homework…shout out a Lleyton Hewitt “C’mooooon” so everyone in the house or street can hear! (any time of the night is also OK).
5. If you can make room for an hour’s exercise or two x half hours every day – dance, run, walk, jazzercise, bike-ride, bushwalk, dog walk – schedule a Medal presentation ceremony on Sundays and ask a family member to present you with a Gold, Silver or Bronze medal according to your own assessment. Prepare a short acceptance speech please!
6. If you can do something thoughtful for a family member or neighbour each week – you’ve won a first-class ticket to ride the ‘LIFE TRAIN’. It’s called Satisfaction and Enjoyment. Do a small victory lap in your bedroom! Say nothing about it to anyone else. 
7. If you keep a promise to give yourself 8-9 hours of sleep and eat nutritious healthy foods 90% of the time – tick it off on your wall calendar and take a bow. That’s sensible and disciplined. Congrats, champion! 
8. If you can hit 90% of your weekly goals…ring or text a friend about it and choose a reward. 
9. If you feel you’ve been fairly positive for 90% of the week…do three x big ‘high-fives’ against the nearest wall or with the next person in your home that you see.

Parent’s Perspective:

1. If you notice yourself urging or pressing your daughter to complete everything, take a few deep breaths…90% is enough in these times and 10% is not worth an argument!
2. If your daughter is on time for the first Zoom class of the day, thanks to a bit of ‘encouragement’ or assistance from you…just smile to yourself and pat yourself on the back!
3. If you overhear your daughter participating in Zoom discussions, asking questions or seeking further clarification from teachers…tell her that you are proud of her (after the lesson!).
4. If your daughter gets about 90% of her home jobs done each week…prepare a brief (I said brief) ‘thank you speech’ in her honour at the next family meal (but go easy on the Dad jokes!)
5. If your daughter gives herself 8-9 hours sleep and eats your home-prepared nutritious, healthy meals (plenty of fruit and vegetables) and thanks you for that unexpected fruit smoothie or hot chocolate…allow yourself a quiet fist-pump or two on the side! (Do it in another room).
6. If your daughter is pleasant, well-mannered and respectful to you 90% of the time (maximum one eye-roll a week), just feel very pleased and thank the saints! She is balancing many things and keeping a good sense of perspective. As a parent, you must be doing a few things right! Consider giving her a random hug or kiss out of the blue, tell her that you love her and then move on quickly.
7. If your daughter keeps her side of the bargain 90% of the time, make sure you keep yours!
8. If you hear your daughter screaming out “C’mooooon” at any time, even the middle of the night…don’t rush to her room in a panic. Instead, smile and go back to sleep. She’s fine!
9. If your daughter regularly misses about 10% of her targets above, SAY NOTHING! Walk away and bake some sourdough or chocolate brownies. Don’t sweat the small stuff!

We all need Cedric Dublers in our lives. Those who can be honest with us. Those familiar with our weaknesses and preferences. Those who encourage us. And those who can ask more from us than we think we can ask from ourselves, and who will not shirk from being straightforward. 

From the Assistant Principal

As we continue our journey in online learning, I would like to commend the efforts of our students in their enthusiasm and engagement in each of their courses to date. The feedback from staff is positive and student interaction in their learning during these challenging times is inspiring. It truly demonstrates their willingness to work individually and collaboratively with their peers and teachers, to ensure they are making the most of their learning opportunities.

Our teachers are working hard to make sure that learning continues through the delivery of online lessons via Zoom and our learning platforms COMPASS and Google Classroom. They continue to respond to their students and provide regular feedback. If you have any questions regarding your daughter’s learning, please contact the class teacher via email.

Our Year 12 students will undertake their HSC Trial online assessments from Monday, 23 August – Friday, 3 September. We thank our Year 12 teachers who have designed these assessments. Whilst they will experience this examination block very differently to what they are used to, they are a cohort that have always demonstrated adaptability and perseverance. They continue to show perseverance and focus, and the next couple of weeks will allow them to demonstrate their acquired knowledge and skills in their courses.

Our whole community is praying for you, Year 12, as you continue to progress towards the final stages of your HSC journey. We wish all the students the best for their exams, and we remind them that continued resilience and focus will see them through.

A Prayer for Our Uncertain Times

May we who are merely inconvenienced remember those whose lives are at stake.

May we who have no risk factors remember those most vulnerable.

May we who have the luxury of working from home remember those who must choose between preserving their health and making their rent.

May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close remember those who have no options.

May we who have to cancel our trips remember those who have no safe place to go.

May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market remember those who have no margin at all.

May we who settle in for a quarantine at home remember those who have no home.

As fear grips our country, let us choose love.

And during this time when we may not be able to physically wrap our arms around each other,

let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbours.

Amen.

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

From the Religious Education Coordinator

Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of August is an invitation for everyone to work for a transformation of the Church – a work that begins with “a reform of ourselves” through an experience of prayer, charity and service, inspired by the Holy Spirit. During these times of restricted movement and physical distance from our faith communities, we are called to be creative in making time and finding opportunities to pray and to be of service to others.

Anytime Catholics are unable to receive the Eucharist, they can make an Act of Spiritual Communion. Inviting Jesus into one’s heart and soul during times when receiving the actual sacrament is not possible is part of Catholic tradition. In the 1700s, St. Alphonsus Liguori wrote a special prayer for spiritual communion.

In an article published by Catholic News Service, Pope Francis said that “United to Christ we are never alone, but instead form one body, of which He is the head. It is a union that is nourished with prayer and also with Spiritual Communion in the Eucharist, a practice that is recommended when it isn’t possible to receive the sacrament.”  You are invited to follow the steps from the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney in making an Act of Spiritual Communion.

As we are unable to physically provide service to others, you are invited to consider those who are in need through donating to CatholicCare, the social services agency of the Archdiocese of Sydney. Please refer to the article from Ms Jenny Vu regarding the Gift of Goodness campaign.

As Year 12 students prepare for their remote learning examinations, you are invited to pray for them during Weeks 7 and 8.

A Prayer for Year 12 students

God, we ask that our Year 12 Sisters feel your presence with them as they prepare for and complete their remote learning examinations.

Give them calm hearts and quiet confidence in the knowledge that you hold them in the palm of your hand.

Bless them with a keen understanding of what they have learnt.

Give them the ability to be exact in their explanations and an ability to express themselves clearly.

Holy Spirit, send them your gifts of wisdom and knowledge.

We ask this through Christ our Lord,

Amen.

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

From the Leader of Wellbeing

The Importance of Creating a ‘Third Space’ in our Young People’s Lives…

As we continue with remote learning six weeks into Term 3, the impact of how we interact with our peers, teachers and families has continued to evolve and, at times, be challenged. The ‘first place’ is understood to be one’s private space at home. The ‘second place’ is where people spend significant time, often formally such as schools, universities and workplaces. The ‘third place’ includes the instinctive human behaviour of interaction through social and emotional connection.

Researchers at the Cities Research Institute believe that these ‘third places’ can reduce feelings of disconnection and loneliness. This ‘third place’ concept is used by town planners, architects and psychologists alike, who all recognise how much humans thrive when we have a sense of belonging outside of the home. “In the absence of this belonging and connecting, we miss out on so much of what it means to be human; especially a happy human,” says Dr Timothy Sharp, Chief Happiness Officer at The Happiness Institute.

Individual health and wellbeing is obviously important, but real happiness comes mostly from positive meaningful relationships and belonging.”

Our Wednesday Community Time program and morning Tutor Group sessions have provided many opportunities throughout the term for students to engage with their peers in Year and House group activities, as we recognise the importance of building meaningful connections and establishing solid relationships as a College community. These activity-based initiatives have certainly supported the need to connect our students with one another, even through the Zoom platform.

With the emerging evidence suggesting that adolescent mental health has been negatively impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic, our intention and commitment are to ensure that every students’ wellbeing is cared for and supported through the various opportunities of connection.

Defining the Three Spaces During Remote Learning

If students are starting to feel as though each day is blurring into one, here are a few practical ways of supporting this ‘third place’ concept from home, by trying to separate school, family and leisure activities. Given that we are unsure of the exact length of time that we will remain in these remote learning circumstances, these suggestions could be useful as a way of aesthetically and psychologically drawing a distinction between all three spaces.

These could include:

• Using a different room for different purposes – have a ‘work/school space’, a ‘family space’ and maybe a ‘chill space’.
• Try to make a few small changes to the way furniture is organised in the bedroom, so that different parts of a room might be used for different activities – this can still make a positive difference.
• If your dining table is currently doubling as a home office and school zone, an end-of-day pack-up can help you transition. This helps to establish the mindset that the day is finished.
• Make an effort to clear the desk of all the learning reminders/books/stationery at a certain time each night – the day is DONE!
• Make an effort to only do and talk about non-work and non-school topics in the evening.
• Be sure to keep moving and be active each day. Finish the day with an outdoor activity!

Parent Support FOR Managing Exam Stress

The Parents Survival Guide (The Resilience Centre): An inspiring webinar with practical strategies to help parents support their child during examination periods. What can you do to help manage rising anxiety?

Date: 1 September – hurry places are limited!

We Are Here To Help

If you have any concerns or questions, please be sure to keep connecting with the College. Early intervention is key! As a starting point, communicate with your daughter’s Tutor when they call next week during their wellbeing check-in. This is a wonderful opportunity to continue to build connections as they play a pivotal role in your daughter’s pastoral journey. Alternatively, the House Coordinator and myself are also here to support in any way we can.

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

From the College Counsellors

Free ‘Taking Charge’ Workshops for Students and Parents

Once again, the Kidman Centre UTS are offering free workshops to equip teenagers and their parents with practical and evidence-based psychological skills.

The Kidman Centre UTS is a youth mental health treatment and research centre based at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick. All workshops will be run online by experienced clinical psychologists.

To check out the workshop schedule and for bookings, please go to the Kidman Centre website www.tkc.uts.edu.au (Taking Charge workshops), phone (02) 9514 4077 or email kidmancentre@uts.edu.au.

2021 Need a Lift – Youth Photography Competition  

Following the success of last year’s competition, the 2021 Need a Lift – Youth Photography Competition is open again to all young people aged 12 – 24 years living in the Northern Sydney area.

As part of Mental Health Month, the initiative invites young people to ‘tune-in’ to the people, places or things around them that ‘lift’ their mood, by submitting an original photograph that encapsulates a positive mental health strategy, along with a brief description explaining why.

The unique and innovative aspect of this competition is that all entries will be judged by a panel of young people, with a selection of photographs professionally printed and publicly exhibited during Mental Health Month. They will be displayed within the elevators of Health and Council facilities across the Northern Sydney region, with the tag-line “Need a Lift?’.

As an incentive for young people to participate, there will be multiple prizes on offer. The prize for the overall winner is a $250 JB Hi-Fi voucher. There will also be three age categories (12-15 years, 16-18 years and 19-24 years), where selected winners will receive a $100 JB Hi-Fi voucher. 

All eligible submissions will be posted onto the Instagram page @needaliftphotography, where friends, family and others will be able to view all the entries and vote for their favourite to win the People’s Choice Award.

This competition closes on 12 September. For terms and conditions, or information on how to enter the competition, visit here.

This competition is jointly organised by: Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) School-link, NSLHD Health Promotion, North Sydney Council, Lane Cove Council and Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community Drug Action Team (CDAT).

To arrange support for your daughter or help with linking in with external services, contact the College Counsellors via the House Coordinators, Leader of Wellbeing or directly through:

• Louise Scuderi – louise.scuderi@syd.catholic.edu.au
• Monica Rogenmoser – monica.rogenmoser@syd.catholic.edu.au
• (02) 9816 2041

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 during these hard times. 

You are invited to donate to help provide fresh food hampers for families in need, as well as vital support services to help them through. Please click on this link if you would like more details or to donate. 

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

Jarnosse News

Year 7 – Take a break, relax and read!

As part of their English programme, all Year 7 students are undertaking the Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC), a challenge to read 20 books across the 12 months from September last year to the new closing date on 3 September this year. The deadline for completion was extended by two weeks to allow students and coordinators time to complete the task during current circumstances.

With the limitations of lockdown and the experience of remote learning, there couldn’t be a better opportunity for students to take some time out every day to relax and read.

By this stage, students should have filled in their PRC Student Reading Record with most, if not all, of the 20 books they need to read to complete the challenge.

Please ask your daughter to log in and show you where she’s up to. She has her username and password, and the PRC site is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. If she cannot log in for any reason at all, ask her to email me and I will find a solution.

Our online e-book library (SORA) has a huge range of interesting and appropriate titles, including a special section for PRC titles, and is easily accessible to the girls. If they’ve forgotten their login details or can’t remember how to use SORA, there are three short helpful videos on the Jarnosse site, which is accessible via their student cloudshare page.

There’s no better time for snuggling up and reading than during a winter lockdown, when social and sporting activities are so restricted. So encourage your daughter to find some books and set aside some reading time each day.

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

MSCW Wellbeing Day

Woolwich Olympics

This week our Student Leadership Team introduced the Woolwich Olympics. Please see the launch video below.

Year 9 Digital Media

Please enjoy these creations by our Year 9 Digital Media students

Community News

Free online Zoom workshop for parents & supervisors of learner drivers on 2 September 2021

SCS Family Forum – Student Wellbeing

Sydney Catholic Schools is pleased to invite parents and carers to the Term 3 Family Forum, to be held online on Monday, 23 August at 6.30pm.

Based on your feedback from the inaugural Forum in Term 2, and the recent COVID-19 Facebook Live events, this event will focus on Student Wellbeing.

Hosted by the SCS Executive Director, the Family Forum will explore the initiatives being provided by SCS schools to support students emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

As with the last forum, what is discussed on the night will be guided by you through live polling questions.

We hope you can join – and don’t forget to register for this interactive event.

Register here.