From the Principal

Inquiry and Review

This year the College is undertaking the Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) Inquiry and Review Process. This process allows an opportunity for the College to reflect on past achievements and strategically plan for continuous improvement. The reflection involves a formal ‘looking back’ process evaluating the past five years and then consults by ‘looking forward’ to implementing potential improvements over the next five years.

An electronic survey, Tell Them From Me, as well as student, parent and staff focus groups will be used to gather this information. On 10 and 11 October, an SCS Inquiry and Review Panel will visit the College to review and discuss the findings, as well as identify the best strategic directions for the College.

A letter has already been shared regarding student focus groups planned for next week. This term’s Parent Engagement Meeting, Tuesday 14 June, will be used to gather feedback from parents. We look forward to productive discussions leading to good feedback and ideas for the College for the next five years.

The Humpty Dumpty Balmoral Burn

These are the words before the starter’s gun in a week’s time as our MSCW students and I take to the starting line for the 20th Balmoral Burn – the run up Awaba Street, Balmoral, Sydney’s steepest hill!

Why is it called the ‘Burn’? The steepness of the street, averaging a 21% gradient, combined with the sprint to the finish certainly ensures that your legs, quads and calves are burning. Although only 420 metres, you do feel every step! However, the sheer thrill and satisfaction at the top take over once you realise you have achieved your goal!

The Humpty Dumpty Foundation’s Balmoral Burn is celebrating its 20th year in 2022. Like many charities, over the past two years, their events have been cancelled due to COVID-19. So supporters will be out in force to run and fundraise for this great cause. The Humpty Dumpty Foundation is a children’s charity that, for more than 30 years, has been purchasing essential and often life-saving medical equipment for sick and injured children in Paediatric Wards, Neonatal Units, and Maternity and Emergency Departments in hospitals across Australia. It now donates vital equipment to over 400 metropolitan and rural hospitals.

At last Wednesday’s Assembly, the College community was fortunate to hear from Ms Angela Garniss, CEO and Managing Director of the Humpty Dumpty Foundation. Angela shared with students the beginnings of the Humpty Dumpty charity, how it supports Australia’s sick children and families and of course how they can get involved. Our students are always up for a challenge so they can enter an individual race, or enter as a team of four to compete in either the ‘Head of the Hill Novelty Relay, ‘Just for Fun’ Walk or ‘In It to Win It’ categories. No matter what event, their contribution goes towards a very worthy cause. They can also earn four hours of Marist Service.

So, think about making it a family affair and come along for a great community day. Thanks for all your support and encouragement so far and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday 29 May for the Balmoral Burn!

Debating and Chess

Again, it was great to see so many of our students last Friday night competing in both Chess and Debating. These activities are some of the most worthwhile co-curricular experiences I can recommend. Not only are they interesting social events with participants from a range of Sydney schools, but they also promote excellent skill sets that flow over into the students’ academic pursuits. Good luck to all teams competing this week.

From the Assistant Principal

Principal’s Assembly

Last week we celebrated our first Principal’s Assembly for Term 2, which was a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together. I would like to commend our Year 12 Student Leaders for their organisation and leadership of the assembly.  

The College community was privileged to performances by two of our many talented musicians: Ava Sidoti and Annabel Femia. Their performances demonstrated the special gifts that they so willingly shared with the community. I thank Ava and Annabel for their courage and willingness to share their gifts and encourage all students to take part in the College opportunities that are presented so that they too can share their gifts with others.

College Winter Uniform

COMPASS Student Card

It is a College expectation that all students have their COMPASS Sudent 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 every day.  If students have misplaced or lost their card it is a requirement that the card is replaced. Please see below for how to order a new card online.

School Buses

It is imperative that students at the College are using their OPAL Cards when using buses to travel to and from school. Current statistics of bus usage by the students are not representative of the numbers of students relying on buses for transport to and from schools and there is a significant shortfall in the statistics.

The statistics that are gathered do have a significant impact on the number of bus services that are provided to the College and we need to be sure that students are using the OPAL Cards if we are to maintain the number of bus services allocated to the College at this stage and to increase the number.

I ask all parents and carers to talk with their daughters about this important issue. Should you have any concerns related to the travel of your daughters on the buses, I welcome the feedback. Added to this, I ask that you, too, contact the Bus Depot as well to raise your concerns with them.

COVID Update

Can household contacts return to school?

Students who are close contacts and have no symptoms may continue to attend school if they follow guidelines agreed with NSW Health. 

Close/household contacts attending school will need to adhere to the following in addition to the NSW Health guidelines:

• You must notify the school if they are intending to return under this provision via mscw-attendance@syd.catholic.edu.au 
• Conduct a daily RAT and return a negative result each morning before attending school for five (5) school days
• They must wear a mask indoors except when eating or exercising
• No student identified as a close contact will be permitted to participate in overnight excursions, including school camps

If your daughter is COVID-positive, she is not to return to school until she has completed their full seven days of isolation. The medical clearance letter received from NSW Health when a case is reported via the Service NSW app or if the PCR test is positive indicates the isolation period dates. Students can return the day after the end date for the isolation period and no sooner, as long as they are not presenting with symptoms.  

Please send through medical clearance letter received from NSW Health to mscw-attendance@syd.catholic.edu.au 

Travelling to and from school – Masks

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 the communication from the School Liaison 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.

 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.

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

From the Religious Education Coordinator

This Sunday’s Gospel from John (14:23-29), is a continuation of Jesus’ discourse from the Last Supper. While Jesus speaks of ‘going away’ – Jesus going to his death and going back to the Father – Jesus also promises his return.

Jesus said ‘do not let your heart be troubled or afraid’ and ‘peace I leave you.’ To the Gospel audience, and to us today, there is hope that the second promised return will also be fulfilled at the right time. Jesus then promises to send the Holy Spirit to the disciples and to the world. The action of the Holy Spirit continues in the world today through the life of the Church and in the lives of all believers.

Mother-Daughter Mass – Thank You

Thank you to all who contributed to the preparation for and the celebration of the Mother-Daughter Mass:

• Fr Brian Wilson
• Mrs Marsh and the College Choir
• Ms Vu
• House Liturgy Captains Aleyah and Claudia
• Mrs Arcidiacono
• The staff who helped in the setting up for the Mass, and
• The students and their mothers who had a ministry in the Mass. 

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From the Leader of Wellbeing

Year 7 Camp

Thursday, 27 May – Friday, 28 May

Year 7 students are growing in excitement as they prepare to leave their comfort zone and invest time with friends at camp while forming new friendships that will last a lifetime with their ‘Sisters’ from MSCW.

Resilience

SchoolTV

Resilience is one of those skills that all kids need and should have. It refers to their ability to cope and adapt in situations when confronted with challenges such as adversity, trauma, tragedy or even stress. It is essential to their mental health and wellbeing as part of their journey to adulthood. It is a skill that can be learned from an early age through the support of an adult role model.

However, being resilient does not mean your child won’t experience any difficulties, but it will better equip them to manage those situations. Overprotective parenting can be viewed as being unhelpful in the building of resilience. Although this may be a natural instinct, potentially experiencing failure is all part of the process. Encouraging children to take healthy risks will help them trust their capacity to deal with uncomfortable situations and increase their capacity for courage.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will gain an understanding of how to support their child’s brave behaviour to help them adapt and build resilience.

We hope you take the time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your daughter, please contact her House Coordinator or the College Counsellors for further information, or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the ‘resilience’ edition of SchoolTV.

SchoolTV can also be accessed in COMPASS via the grey favourites (star) icon, at the top-middle of the home page.

The Resilience Project

The Resilience Project @ Home

Visit the above link to take a look at one way you can help build resilience at home.

The activities this month focus on developing healthy sleep habits and mindful balancing, as opposed to juggling the numerous activities they involve themselves in.

ReachOut

Coping skills, resilience and teenagers:

• Help Me Understand
• Things to Try

Parent Information Evening: Respectful Relationships

Wednesday, 7 September

Save the date!

In Term 3 we will share more information about the planned Parent Information Evening with guest speaker Danielle Miller. 

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From the Leader of Learning and Curriculum

Subject Selection Process for Year 11 2023

Year 10 students and their parents and carers gathered in the hall on Tuesday night to begin the subject selection process. This evening marked the beginning of the transition into Senior studies.

Resources from Tuesday night’s session are available via COMPASS using the Favourites icon (star menu) and selecting ‘Assessment and Subject Selection’. For ease of reference, here is the direct link.

Homework

During the presentation, I showed a slide that created quite a lot of chatter. Nervous chatter. Similar to the chatter that I reported with Year 12s in the last newsletter.

So I am asking all parents and carers to undertake an audit of their daughter’s time spent on homework and private study activities over the next fortnight.

Here are the guidelines:

• Year 7 & 8 – around 1hr 30mins per night
• Year 9 & 10 – around 2hrs 30mins per night
• Year 11 – around 3hrs per night (plus more on weekends)
• Year 12 – around 3–4hrs per night (plus more on weekends)

If your daughter is not reaching these timeframes, there are many resources to assist in the ELES Study Skills Handbook published by Dr Prue Salter. The handbook can be accessed via COMPASS using the Favourites icon (star menu).

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From the College Counsellors

Many parents struggle with the adolescent years. There can be a tense feeling in the air and stress levels are at an all-time high. The development that is going on during adolescence is the most rapid development of the whole human lifespan and here is why:

• The brain itself is changing, specifically in the prefrontal cortex (the decision-making, planning, judgment and self-awareness area of the brain) and the limbic system (the emotional/feeling area of the brain).
• The body is changing, both physically and hormonally. A place they thought they knew so well is now feeling foreign.
• Psychosocial changes – during adolescence a young person goes through individuation, which means they start to establish their identity as a person separate from their parents. They may naturally start to prioritise friendships over family and value advice from friends over advice from family.

If you would like to read more about this tricky stage, there are many resources out there. Here are a couple of useful links you may like to check out:

• Better Health Channel 
• Raising Children Network 

If you have any concerns about your daughter that you would like to discuss, please feel free to contact Carly Boaler or Louise Scuderi on:

• (02) 9816 2041 or
• carly.boaler@syd.catholic.edu.au and louise.scuderi@syd.catholic.edu.au 

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Gifted and Talented Report

Debating

The CSDA Competition is well underway and it is pleasing to see lots of successful stories emerging, in particular, both Year 7 teams having wins. Well done to the new debaters who are putting together strong performances and improving each week! Tonight we host Marist Eastwood, our friendly rivals.

Thank you to the many girls who have volunteered to help assist with chairing and timekeeping. We couldn’t run the season without you. Thank you also to ex-students and current staff who give up their time each Friday to adjudicate.

Mrs Colreavy’s Conundrum

Can you solve this week’s logic puzzle? The first student with the correct answer to email rachael.colreavy@syd.catholic.edu.au wins a prize! 

Which of these shapes is the odd one out?

from: http://www.parotuition.com/free-resources-advice

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Social Justice Week

Last week marked MSCW Social Justice Week, a time to reflect and learn about the importance of women within our school and in our wider world. The theme for this year was ‘Celebrating Us, Celebrating Sisterhood’.

As a College community, we engaged in various activities initiated and run by the College’s social justice group, Marists in Action (MIA) and the Youth Ministry Coordinator, Miss Vu. Throughout the week, a vision board was displayed that aimed to teach students about the unheard lives of some amazing women such as Ruth Bater Ginsburg, Rosa Parks and Marie Curie. On Tuesday, a stall was held during lunch that allowed students to write letters of recognition to their friends, peers and teachers. 

At the Principal’s Assembly, the Social Justice Co-captains raised awareness of the inequality women face in today’s world. During their presentation, an interactive post-it note activity represented statistics shown about women around the world. Another major highlight was the screening of Legally Blonde in the theatrette, with students and staff generously donating to Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH). This movie was entertaining because it empowers women to aim for any goals they have despite the bias shown towards them. On Friday, an Awareness Walk was held to show students just how common bias is directed toward women in a multitude of scenarios.

Social Justice Week was a great and informative experience because it educated the community about the issues women face within our College and the wider world, what organisations are doing to combat these issues and how we can all empower each other.

Read more about ACRATH and their work here.

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

Woolwich Student Union (WSU)

Mary’s Marist May Muesli Monday

May is the month of Mary, and in the spirit of Mary, the Woolwich Student Union (WSU) is organising the ‘Mary’s Marist May Muesli Monday’ Donation Drive to support the St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol.

On Monday, 30 May, the WSU will be collecting packets of muesli bars. These will be donated to the St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol through its Lewisham Emergency Accommodation and Homelessness Support Services. 

The Night Patrol operates every evening in Inner Sydney. It is a volunteer service that provides meals, companionship and referral services to people in need, rough sleepers, and people in insecure and crowded housing.

Students can come at lunchtime on 30 May and donate a pack of muesli bars and get a WSU Chupa Chup as a thank you.

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Year 7 History: Collaborative Activity

7.1 and 7.2 History have been studying hard for their upcoming exam on the topics of Investigating the Ancient Past and Early Imperial China. Students were given a collaborative crossword activity where they worked in pairs and each had half the clues. They had to exercise their verbal explanation skills to give clues to other students and work out answers to the clues they didn’t have. Students said they loved the activity because they were able to work with someone and it really tested their understanding of key historical terms and concepts. 

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

Sports News

2022 MSCW Cross Country Carnival 

The annual MSCW Cross Country Carnival was held on Monday 9 May.

A very big congratulations to the 200 students for their outstanding participation, their behaviour and the Marist Spirit that was shown throughout the day.

Thank you also to the PDHPE staff who helped make the carnival so successful.

All the results will be presented at the Principal’s Assembly on Wednesday 1 June.

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

Sports Results

MVP

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Post-school Pathways

For our Senior students, Term 2 is where many decisions are made. Whether it be selecting subjects or deciding on their next steps beyond the school gate, the most important tool they have to help them is knowledge.  There are many upcoming opportunities for students to discover more about career pathways over the coming months.   

Career Expos

Expos are a wonderful opportunity for students to explore pathways for future study or employment. Each organisation will provide advice on careers, course options or employment opportunities. Students also have the chance to speak personally with people currently studying at the institutions.  

Domremy College Five Dock Careers Market

An invitation has been extended to students in Years 10–12 only. This evening is a wonderful opportunity for the students to spend time talking to the exhibitors about pathways and options for tertiary study.  

Date: Monday 23 May

Venue: Domremy College, 121 First Avenue, Five Dock

Career Market: From 5–7 PM 

Presentations: From 7 PM

Presenters:

• UAC
• Macquarie University
• Australian Catholic University
• Australian Defence Force
• UNSW
• University of Western Sydney
• University of Technology
• The Women’s College – University of Sydney

Western Sydney Careers Expo

Dates: Saturday 25 June and Sunday 26 June

Time: 9 AM–3 PM

Venue:  The Dome, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park

Cost: $12 per person (family rates available)

Tickets are only available for purchase online. No tickets will be available at the venue. Register here for Ticket Sales

Event information and exhibitor guide are available on the website

UAC online events

UAC runs a series of online events throughout the year. UAC Digital presents a range of free webinars for students, career advisers, parents and anyone navigating their path to higher education.

These include live briefings and Q&A sessions on the application process, panel discussions with experts on moderation and scaling, introductions to universities in NSW and the ACT and the Let’s Chat short video series. There are also sessions focused on popular fields of study like medicine, teaching and engineering.

Check UAC’s Facebook page for upcoming live events. Videos can be found on their YouTube channel, UAC Digital.

Information Sessions, Seminars, Workshops, Open Days and More!

University open days are a great way for aspiring students to get an up-close experience of university life. Thye can get a feel for the campus, explore the facilities and talk to current students and staff.

Here is a list of dates of university open days. 

NIE | UCAT and Pathways into Medicine and Dentistry Information Session

Date: Thursday 19 May 2022

Time: 7– 9 PM

Venue: Online

The National Institute of Education (NIE) free information seminar is all about UCAT and the undergraduate pathways into medicine, dentistry and some other health science programs. Please note this is not an advertising seminar. Link.

Macquarie: How to apply for the Leaders and Achievers Early Entry Scheme

Date: Wednesday 1 June 2022

Time: 6– 7 PM

Venue: Online

The Macquarie Leaders and Achievers Early Entry Scheme rewards academic achievements, leadership qualities and commitment to the community with an early offer at Macquarie in 2023. Join them for a webinar on Wednesday 1 June to hear from current students who will share their insights about the early entry experience, explain how to apply step by step and answer questions. Find out more. 

UOW: Information Evenings

Date (North Sydney location): Wednesday 1 June 2022

Time: 7.30 PM

Date (Online): Tuesday 14 June 2022

Time: 6.00 PM

Find out more: https://www.uow.edu.au/study/events/

William Angus: How to Apply Info Session

Date: Wednesday 6 July 2022

Time: 6–7 PM

Venue: Online

Find out more: https://www.angliss.edu.au/events-hub/how-to-apply-info-session/

Discover ACU 

Students can join ACU for the free Discover ACU events to get a taste of university life before enrolling in university. Students can choose an interactive workshop from their degree of choice, meet staff and current students, explore their local campus and get helpful tips on preparing for university. Registrations open soon: acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/discover-acu.

Engineers Australia WINTER ENGINEERING SCHOOL 2022

Date: 4–8 July 2022

Registrations are open for Year 11 and 12 students from across NSW and ACT to attend this five–day immersion. Visit five universities and five iconic organisations and projects, plus meet over 150 Engineers and university students! Register: https://forms.gle/NnMVbmu4wNRi9FTc7.

Camp America (Australia) 

Applications for 2023 are open! Start your adventure to work in the USA next year by applying now. Get a placement with a Summer Camp before the end of the year. Spend 9–12 weeks working at a summer camp.

JMC Academy Open Day

Date: Saturday 21 May

Learn why JMC has been ranked #1 for student satisfaction and skill development amongst all private creative institutions in Australia. Hear from current students and see the courses in action with live demonstrations. For more information and registration visit: JMC Academy site

Western Sydney University Campus Tours

Date: From 16–26 May

Explore Western will offer virtual pre-graduate and post-graduate course advice sessions and campus tours. Open to anyone who wants to explore their study options. For more information, visit their website.  

Sydney Actors School and Sydney Film School

Open Houses at Waterloo Studios, Sydney. Tour Sydney Actors School’s state-of-the-art Film and TV studio and learn about Sydney Actors School’s and Sydney Film School’s practical, hands-on and accredited programs in Australia. To register, please click on this link. 

University of Sydney: Portfolio Day 2022

Date: Tuesday 31 May 2022

Time: 4–7 PM

Venue: The University of Sydney, Camperdown Campus

Designed to assist with preparing your portfolio and application to study the three-year Bachelor of Visual Arts and our four-year Bachelor of Visual Arts and Bachelor of Advanced Studies. Join them on the main campus in Darlington, to learn more about what to include in your portfolio and the portfolio application process, as well as hear about their new specialised facilities, degrees and student opportunities. Find out more: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/sydney-college-of-the-arts-portfolio-day-2022-in-person-event-tickets-332390678467

William Angliss Institute: Experience Day

Date: Wednesday 6 July 2022

Time: 10 AM – 2 PM

Venue: William Angliss Institute, Alexandria

Packed with hands-on workshops led by Foods and Hospitality experts, you’ll spend the day gaining practical skills in Cookery, Patisserie, Coffee and Mocktail making while having fun at the same time! Find out more: https://www.angliss.edu.au/events-hub/angliss-experience-day-sydney/

AIE: Industry Experience Day

Date: Friday 15 July 2022

Time: 10 AM – 3 PM

Venue: Academy of Interactive Entertainment, Ultimo

AIE’s Industry Experience Day is a great opportunity for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to learn about the local and international game development, 3D animation and visual effects industries. Students will get the opportunity to learn about the different pathways to get into the industry, what should be in a portfolio and will be able to get creative in practical workshops using industry-standard 3D animation and game development tools. Find out more: https://aie.edu.au/aie_event/industry-experience-day/

Sydney Design School 

 Date: Thursday 7 July

Time: 9.30 AM – 4 PM

Venue: Sydney Design School, 2/40 Oxley St, St Leonards

Cost: Limited spaces available, $35 pp

Curious about a creative career in interior design? Try the Designer for a Day Workshop for school leavers. Get creative experimenting with colour, materials and 3D rendering tools.  Book here https://bit.ly/3rVilSC.

John Bell Scholarship

Open/Closing Dates: 1 May 2022 – 31 October 2022

Training and mentoring opportunity. A life-changing opportunity for budding performers, three students will spend one incredible week training with Bell Shakespeare at their HQ in Sydney. All auditioning students will undertake a 15-minute, one-on-one Workshop Audition where they will work directly with a Bell Shakespeare artist. Find out more

Post-school Pathways Website

For more detailed information on each event, please visit our post-school pathways website. Here you will find additional information, flyers, a calendar of upcoming events and a host of useful resources. 

MSCW Post-school Pathways Website

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Canteen News

Calling on Volunteers

Clothing Pool News

The Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich Clothing Pool is seeking your unwanted school uniforms.

Now is a great time to clean out the wardrobe and unburden yourself of school uniforms that you no longer need.

It is also a great way to support your College community. All proceeds from the sale of Clothing Pool donations go back into projects across the College, which benefit the whole College community.

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

Should you wish to place an order with the Clothing Pool, please visit: www.flexischools.com.au

Thank you for your support.

Parent Information Evening

Women’s Night of Spirituality

Information Session: Vaping in Children and Young People