From the Principal

Welcome to new staff

We warmly welcome the following staff who have recently joined the MSCW Community:

• Nicola Savvidis and Evelyn Proimos, teaching in HSIE as a job-share position covering Mrs Watson’s maternity leave. Mrs Watson returns in Term 3.
• Jenny Matheson, teaching in LOTE, while Mrs Furlong De Stahl is on leave.

These staff provide a brief introduction of themselves in the Newsletter.

High Achievers’ from the Class of 2022

Congratulations to our Class of 2022, who returned to the College last week, for HSC Achievement celebrations. It was wonderful to see almost 35 girls, who through their hard work, dedication and sustained commitment achieved so highly. Their success adds to past achievements of our HSC students and is one of the best results in the 115-year history of the College. We are so proud of the girls.

So, what was the secret to their success? They Set Goals. Each of the high achievers began their preparations by setting weekly and term goals. They acquired this habit in Year 7 and refined it into a successful strategy to guarantee optimum success in Year 12. They each set personal and academic goals. On some occasions they had to be agile and re-shape their goals. I really admired their personal resolve in difficult times. It was quite remarkable. Our current MSCW girls have just completed their My Marist Compass Goals conversations with their Tutors and parents. It is this process that sets them up for success in future years. Goal setting, small and large, enables real purpose, steady improvement, and a sense of achievement which supports positive wellbeing.

At our Assembly, we were very fortunate to have two of the Marist sisters, Sr Maureen Crick and Sr Mary Farrelly as well as ex-student Phoebe McDermott. Phoebe represented the Class of 2017, inspiring the girls by sharing her experiences since leaving MSCW. Phoebe spoke most eloquently of the importance of ‘giving back’ as well as her continued involvement in service opportunities. The skills she learnt in public speaking and debating have also enabled her to be a confident young woman which is assisting her career path in Law.

Katia Gavljak, College Dux, (ATAR 99.75) spoke of her own personal journey giving practical strategies that students could adopt. It was Katia’s persistence, hard work, positive rapport with her teachers, seeking clarity as needed, and strategies for continual improvement which contributed to her significant success.

Mr Justin Hodges, Leader of Learning and Curriculum provides a full report later in the Newsletter.

Year 7 Welcome and Social Night

Cerdon Plaza was buzzing as we welcomed our new Year 7 parents and students last Friday Night. The weather was perfect which provided the ideal environment for great conversation while enjoying the delicious pizza cooked onsite. Our Year 7 students were also treated to fun activities organised by their Year 10 Amica leaders. Thanks to all who were part of the planning and hospitality on the night, especially our Year 12 Parents, Tracey Turri, Anja Niewolik, Tess McDowell, Jen Turnbull, Michelle O’Brien, Jana Gibson, Vincenza Galluzzo, Kelly Easton, Mariella Testa, Michele Di Giacomo, Julie and Barry Broom; our Year 12 and 11 Hospitality students supported by their teacher Mrs Erin Healey; the Year 10 Amica Leaders supported by the Leader of Wellbeing, Ms Angela Bowland, Assistant Leader of Wellbeing, Ms Grace Spurr and House Coordinators and Mrs Melinda Alvarez and Mr Andrew Hallman who coordinated the event.

MSCW Excels again in Sport!

At the recent Sydney Catholic Schools Sports Conference Opening Ceremony, MSCW again stole the show! The College was awarded overall Conference Girls’ School champions as well as the Archdiocese Girls’ School champions. Thank you to Mr Dan Watts for his coordination and passion for all that is sport at MSCW. Congratulations to Mr Matthew Iskander who received the inaugural Sport Award for MSCW. Mr Watts provides a full report later in the Newsletter.

Ash Wednesday begins our Lenten Journey to Easter

On Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, the College community joined together in Houses to begin our Lenten journey to Easter. The symbol of placing a cross, with the ashes, on our forehead reminds us that Jesus died for us and our call through Lent is for renewal and to be faithful to the hopes outlined in the Gospel message. Through our Lenten journey, as a College community, we will be supporting the work of Caritas, through Project Compassion. This support is a very tangible way of reaching out to others, a responsibility that our Marist community is called to act on.

From the Assistant Principal

Students have settled into their learning for 2023, 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 celebrated the achievements of our HSC class of 2022, we welcomed our new Year 7 parents to the College in our Year 7 Welcome and night, which was followed by the College Swimming Carnival this week. 

Each of these events provided opportunities for past and present students to share their gifts with their ‘sisters’. It has truly been a great start to 2023.

MSCW Parent Engagement 

Our MSCW Parent Engagement Model strives to build quality relationships across the College community.

Aims

• A model of partnership with parent and families to increase parental engagement, belonging  and communication;
• An avenue for parents to be involved in the College community with parents of their daughter’s year group;
• Helping out and working with other parents in a service or social event;
• Providing a parental perspective to assist the Principal in decision making;
• Organising and running events that support the values and strategic directions of the College;

Most recently members of our parent community which included our Year 12 parents who hosted the Year 7 Welcome night on Friday 17 February.

2023 Events

• Year 8 Parent Engagement group will host the Campus Experience Evening BBQ on Wednesday 8 March
• Year 9 Parent Engagement group will host the Mother’s Day Mass and supper on Wednesday 10 May
• Year 10 parent engagement group will host the Father’s Day Mass and Breakfast (Term 3)
• Year 11 parent engagement group will host the Year 12 Graduation supper (Term 3)

Please email the College info@mscw.catholic.edu.au if you would like more information regarding involvement in your daughter/s parent engagement/s group.

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

In our Church ……

ASH WEDNESDAY – 22nd February

Ash Wednesday, preceded by Shrove Tuesday is the start of the Lenten period leading up to Easter. It is our holy day of prayer and fasting. This week our Marist Sisters’ Woolwich community gathered together in their House Groups to celebrate Ash Wednesday with a liturgy and distribution of Ashes.

Ash Wednesday comes from the ancient Jewish tradition of penance and fasting. The practice includes the wearing of ashes on the head and symbolise the dust from which God made humanity.  Following tradition, our foreheads are marked with ashes to humble our hearts and reminds us that life passes away on Earth. We remember this when we are told “Remember, You are dust, and unto dust you shall return.”  The ashes also symbolise grief, in this case, grief that we have sinned and caused division from God.  Sin is human and to seek forgiveness and reconciliation is also human.  Therefore, this is a universal invitation, not just one for Catholics…it is a way to acknowledge that we all make mistakes, do things we regret, and need to be reconciled with one another and with the God who blesses us with the fullness of life.

The ashes are made from the blessed palms used in the Palm Sunday celebration of the previous year. The ashes are christened with Holy Water and are scented. While the ashes reflect penance and contrition, they are also a reminder that God is gracious and merciful to those with repentant hearts. God’s Divine mercy is of utmost importance during the season of Lent, and the Church calls on us to seek that mercy during the entire Lenten season with reflection, prayer and penance. 

Adapted, with additions from:  https://www.catholic.org/lent/ashwed.php

In our Community……

LAUNCH OF PROJECT COMPASSION

Project Compassion was launched at the end of the Ash Wednesday Liturgy this week. Our House Captains spoke about Project Compassion being Caritas Australia’s main annual fundraising campaign, mobilising Australians to raise much-needed funds to help alleviate poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity in the most vulnerable and marginalised communities in the world.

The 2023 theme of Project Compassion is ‘For All Future Generations.’ It challenges us to venture into a new experience of compassion, and is taken from the invitation of St. Oscar Romero, to “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.” This message invites us to step up and step out for those who do not have the essential resources they need for their survival. Those whose needs at this time are far beyond ours. 

We are encouraged as a Marist Sisters’ community to have hope. Along with love and faith, hope is one of the three pillars of Christian virtue. It is a powerful force for good and helps to transform lives. Hope helps us to face life’s challenges and sustains us as we work alongside the most marginalised and vulnerable communities to achieve better lives. 

During this time of Lent we reflect on the challenges which face our world. Too many people live their lives in poverty. We have the power to change our world, to make it a world of justice and peace where people, and creation, are respected. 

Canteen menu will not be offering meat on a Friday during Lent

In our Curriculum…….

For Catholics the search for meaning is an expression of our inherent desire to know God.  It is only when we bring together knowledge and meaning, faith and reason, that we uncover the truth of life

Our Year 7 students have made a great start to the year in their RE classes. Students have been exploring ‘what it means to be Catholic’ within the context of our Marist Sisters’ community. Ms Jajcevic’s Year 7 RE class have been focusing on the importance of sacred texts and writings within Catholicism , particularly the Nicene Creed. Please see the photos below. 

Keep up the great work!

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

From the Leader of Wellbeing

eSafety

The eSafety Guide

Learn about the latest games, apps and social media, including how to protect your information and report harmful content.

App checklist 

This link is a useful reference for parents about safety and security settings.

Did you know this about Snapchat?

Want to know more about social media and keeping your daughter safe?

ThinkUKnow social media starter kit 2023.pdf

You are invited to attend

FACTS ABOUT VAPING: NSW Health Link

SchoolTV has been supporting families and schools for quite some time now by providing guidance and information to help alleviate some of the challenges faced by young people, especially during the pandemic. Over recent months, many people have been impacted and it has proven to be a difficult time for some more than others.

From the Leader of Learning

Last Wednesday, the College community gathered to celebrate the HSC achievements of the Class of 2022. It was with great pleasure that I had the honour to present our HSC High Achievers and also students that were selected for NESA HSC Showcases. Below is a snapshot of our achievements that were recognised (click the image or here).

The College was honoured to be addressed by our College Dux, Katia Gavljak and our special guest, ex-student Phoebe McDermott. Phoebe was College Co-Captain in 2017 and received the Principal’s Award. While at School Phoebe had a keen interest in debating and public speaking. Phoebe is currently studying for a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Communications at UTS and working as a clerk at Wentworth Chambers. Both Katia and Phoebe presented inspirational speeches about seizing opportunity and working consistently towards goals.

 

 

Katia and Phoebe were absolute inspirations to our girls, and I encourage parents and carers to ask their daughters about the assembly and the speeches. Both speakers demonstrated that it is in developing effective habits in your learning early, asking questions, pushing yourself, and throwing yourself into every opportunity that comes your way that sets up the platform for considerable achievement. Their speeches echoed that success is possible at the highest level, no matter your area of expertise or interest. For it is by applying yourself and never giving up that you will discover what you are capable of.

 

 

Mr Justin Hodges, Leader of Learning

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

New Staff Introduction

Theme for Project Compassion 2023

This year’s theme for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion is “For All Future Generations”. Your generous support can help change lives today and For All Future Generations. 

During our Ash Wednesday Liturgy, our Tutor groups received their Project Compassion boxes in commitment to support people like Laxmi. We join in solidarity with all women and men who are marginalised through events not of their own choosing.  In the words of Pope Francis: the future does have a name, and its name is hope.

As a Marist community, we pledged together on Ash Wednesday to commit our support: 

Case Study: Laxmi from Nepal

Our focus for this week is Laxmi from Nepal. After losing her father at a young age, Laxmi was at risk of falling further into extreme poverty. But with the support of our partner Caritas Nepal, Laxmi joined a child’s club, became a leader in her school and is now a mentor to other girls in her village. Her story can be viewed here through Caritas Australia’s website –

“If I don’t get to study, then I’ll experience hardship. I’ll have to struggle like mother. If I don’t get to study, then I’ll have no knowledge. I know we can only get good employment after we study,” Laxmi said.

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

Gifted and Talented Report

Celebrating our gifts and talents here at MSCW!

MSCW students have a vast array of gifts. Our Marist Compass acknowledges this dimension in every person and it is important we allow our girls the opportunity to shine.

The domains of giftedness and talent cover intellectual and academic areas, creativity, leadership or psycho-social, visual and performing arts, sport or psycho-motor and perceptual.

This week I would like to shine a light and celebrate the accomplishments of some of our talented students across the domains:

Elite Athletes

The following are some of our elite athletes. For this category, a student needs to be competing at state or national level.

If you are an elite sportswoman, let us know!

Year 7

Izabella Mansory- basketball

Emma Ward- swimming and Oztag

Year 8

Mikaela Gavranic- football

Ruby Betro- football

Olivia Treadwell- swimming

Maya Ostapenko- swimming

Year 9

Sarah Reynolds- gymnastics

Year 11

Bronte Hookey- netball

Year 12

Ava Gibson- swimming

Sienna Chambers- tennis

Performing Arts

Year 10 – Adelaide Kennedy

We celebrate the gifts of Adelaide who will be performing in a play Called “Black Sun/ Blood Moon” and taking the play on the road. She will tour far North Queensland, and regional Victoria, and the season will end at Parramatta Riverside and The Chatswood Concourse. 

A synopsis of the play:

Black Sun/Blood Moon follows two intertwining stories – one magical, the other all too real. An inspired climate change activist tries to change the world, as a “down on her luck” Liberal politician finds herself on a mythical quest to save the future.  Using video projections and life-size puppets Black Sun/ Blood Moon is a visual spectacle. 

Public Speakers

We celebrate the gifts of the following students who will be representing MSCW in the CSDA Public Speaking Competition this term- good luck!

Year 7

Ava Marangon

Alanah O’Donovan

Year 8

Sophie Murphy

Angelina Severino

Year 9

Jacinta Da Silva

Alissa Tosh

Year 10

Harriet O’Connor

Leia Gonzales

Senior

Natalie Broom

Monet Lobina

Claudia Walker

Sienna McCarthy

Philosophy

We celebrate our philosophers as they delve into big thinking.

What is Philosophy? 

Philosophy translates to Love of Wisdom- philo meaning love and sophia meaning wisdom. To us, the study of philosophy is a phenomenon in which knowledge is being put to the test and questioned in so many different ways. It questions everything, reality, existence, knowledge and fundamental nature.

At Marist Sisters College, Woolwich, we strive to be seekers of knowledge and wisdom as we develop our skills through our schooling journey. Philosophy can not only be applied in different classes but in real life as well, thinking up ideas and learning how to critique constructively with logic.

There are multiple branches of philosophy which are studied in class, ranging from metaphysics- the nature of reality, to epistemology- the study of knowledge and senses.

Philosophy is a really fun course and is great if you want to learn that ‘All I know is that I know nothing’.

By Georgia Hay, Jacinta da Silva, Seana Miao

BRAINways EDUCATION: Holiday Workshops for Gifted Students, Sydney, 13-14th April

Programs are offered for students in Years 5-8:

$54 per workshop

The workshops are:

The Mathematics of Wilderness Survival

The Medicine of Exhaustion

Are We Living in a Computer Simulation? Exploring the Nature of Reality

The Psychology of a Sweet Tooth

Please let Mrs Rachael Colreavy know if you would like more information.

rachael.colreavy@syd.catholic.edu.au

Year 10 English

This week Year 10 flexed their creative muscles and attempted to put their understanding of writing techniques into practice by composing a short piece that established a narrative setting with a strong sense of atmosphere. 

The following are some of the interesting pieces created by students in 10 English 3.

Blinded by the fluorescent lights following around the stage. Holding the shiny microphone with pale shaky hands, surrounded by talented musicians. Being on the other side of the overwhelming crowd sent shivers down my spine, feeling terrified of people’s judgement.  The suffocation of the smoke machine fills my lungs. I faced head down, without making eye contact with anyone. Looking down at the cracks of the stage’s concrete was a source of distraction, stalling myself. Taking a deep breath, slowly bringing my eyes up to face the audience. I burst into song, easing my nervousness as I went along, the crowd’s claps echoed through the room. That’s when I knew the audience was on my side.

Stephanie Holland, Year 10 Student

My socks were soaked, squelching at every move. I felt my phone vibrate in my back pocket. Constantly on repeat. The ding didn’t process through my mind. The water oozed through my shirt and down my back. Cold and making me feel heavier by the second. I could feel a droplet sitting on the tip of my nose. It sat there for a while. Didn’t really move. I could feel my mascara run down the side of my face only to hit my shirt. The hairs on my body strung up as the water ran down my back. It was supposed to be sunny today.

Lara Carvallo, Year 10 Student

The sound of buzzing filled the dark cold room. The one yellow light bulb in the corner flickering, as the wind chimed through the cracks of the stone wall surrounding the darkened place. The smell of desperation danced around like a ballerina on point. Water trickled down the wall creating a puddle, which consisted of a steady dropping sound that would drive anyone crazy. The stapled together floors creaked with every breath taken from the darkened room, causing the oxygen to thicken, making it hard to breathe. With each passing second, footsteps increase upstairs, sounding like a horse trotting along with pride and determination.

Alicia Janda, Year 10 Student

Amica News

AMICA Leaders are “Sisters for Life”

Our Year 10 AMICA Leaders have been essential in supporting their Year 7 ‘little sisters’ in the transition to high school. 

On the first day of high school, Amica Leaders along with their House CoCaptains and House Liturgy Captains led various orientation activities to help their ‘little sisters’ adjust to life at MSCW. Some of these activities included “getting to know you” games, “who’s who” at the College to identify key staff members in our community, tours of the College grounds, tips and tricks on how to read their timetables, using the College diary and much more. 

Further to this, Amica Leaders also led Peer Support activities during the Year 7 Welcome Afternoon and Evening, supporting their Year 7 Amica groups to work together, identify their strengths, establish healthy relationships and maintain a positive attitude. 

AMICA leaders have continued to build a safe and positive environment and welcome Year 7 as ‘little sisters’ outside of structured sessions by guiding many when lost, listening to concerns or worries, supporting Years 7s to solve problems that arise, making a welcome space for their ‘little sisters’ and sharing in their House spirit during Tutor Group, House gatherings and College events.  

Amica Leaders have established long lasting connections with their ‘little sisters’ and have built relationships in the spirit of care and respect for each other. The 2023 Amica Leaders truly are “Sisters for Life”. 

Year 10 History

On Friday 17 February, Year 10 History Elective travelled to the Justice and Police Museum in Circular Quay to further our study of Crime and Punishment, the day involved a thorough investigation of the ‘Pyjama Girl’, a famous History Mystery from the 1930s. Students reenacted the trial in the old Summons Court at the museum. A fantastic day all around!

Year 9 Commerce

Year 9 Commerce students have started their Commerce studies by looking at different factors that influence a decision to purchase a product. They participated in a blind taste test to test the difference between branded and generic products, and to reflect upon how brands, price, and quality of product will influence a consumer. Students loved the practical activity and all agreed that it helped them think about how to be a wiser consumer.

Post School Pathways News

News from UAC (Universities Admission Centre)

2024 admissions

Applications for the current Year 12 group will open on 5 April. UAC will email all NSW and ACT students their UAC PIN on the same day. Applications for the Access schemes (ie Educational Access, Schools Recommendation and Equity) will also open on the 5 April.

Changes to EAS (Educational Access Scheme)

There are several changes to EAS this year:

• The six-month rule has been removed. Applications will be assessed for disadvantages that have occurred for any length of time up until 30 September of the year they complete Year 12.
• Disadvantage codes F01K and F01S, which allowed students to claim financial disadvantage based on COVID-19 government payments, have been removed. 
• There is a new SEIFA disadvantage code, AG02, which works in the same way as AG01 but draws on the Australian Bureau of Statistics Index of Education and Occupation instead of the Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage. The day after they submit their application, students identified as meeting the criteria for either of these disadvantages will be notified that UAC has automatically created an EAS application for them.
• The student’s document cover sheet will include a checklist to help them understand what they need to provide. 
• The Educational Impact Statement will require schools to answer fewer questions, making it a quicker and easier process for you.

For more information on the Educational Access Scheme and categories of disadvantage please refer to UAC’s site:  Find out more 

UAC Digital 2023

UAC will again host information sessions for  students and parents/carers via their online platform throughout 2023.  Sessions topics covered will include:

* live briefings, Q&A sessions and instructional videos on the application process, offers and the 

ATAR

* panel discussions on popular degrees like Medicine and Teaching

* conversations with experts on a range of topics, such as maintaining good mental health in stressful times.

The first information session will be held on 28 April at 6pm. Event details and registration links are listed on the UAC website so keep an eye out and plan ahead. Link: https://www.uac.edu.au/schools/uac-digital

Open Days – Save the date

ADF | Navy Open Day, Sydney  

25 February 2023

The Australian Navy offers a multitude of career opportunities in trades, hospitality, logistics, aviation, healthcare, engineering – and much more. Find out about serving, living and learning in the Navy by joining us at the HMAS Penguin Navy Open Day. Speak with current serving members about their own experiences and advice and discover how the Navy can shape your career.

Find out more

UNSW | Year 12 (only) Medicine Information Evening

Tuesday 14 March 2023

UNSW’s Medicine Information Evening, for current year 12 students, will provide insight into the dynamic blend of hands-on clinical experiences and research-focused learning that you will be immersed in as a UNSW Medicine student. You’ll also find out detailed information on the application and admissions process for 2024 entry, including special entry schemes such as Rural, Gateway and Indigenous Entry Schemes. Find out more

Australian National University, Canberra 

Saturday 18 March 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Register now for ANU’s Open Day to stay up-to-date on this annual event and discover how you can plan your day. They will be sharing information about what’s on, tips about how to get the most out of the event and instructions on parking and getting around. Register here.

University of New England  

Friday 5 May 2023

UNE’s Open Day is a free event for students to visit the campus and experience for themselves why they are the only public university in Australia to have received five stars for Overall Experience 17 years running.

The day will give students a taste of university life, with the opportunity to talk with academic staff, current students and fellow school groups whilst exploring our campus, academic and residential facilities.

Registration for the event is recommended.

UNE Early Entry

Applications for University of New England’s Early Entry scheme are now open.  Click here for more information. 

Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE) Open Day

Saturday 3 June 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

ACU Open Days 

Save the dates to attend Open Day at ACU’s Blacktown Campus on 29 July, North Sydney Campus on 5 August, or Strathfield Campus on 9 September. Students can get information about studying at ACU, tour the campuses and chat to friendly staff about courses.

Tertiary Course Guides

CAA 2024 Undergraduate Course Guides 

The Career Advisers Association of NSW & ACT will provide students with access to the 2024 Undergraduate Course Guides as they become available.  The first university to publish is the Australian Catholic University. To view guides please visit this link: http://bit.ly/40OcVsz  

Courses & Workshops for Students

UCAT NIE 

Sunday 5 March 2023

UCAT Preparation Workshop (live online interactive) for students in Years 10, 11 and 12. The National Institute of Education is conducting a full-day UCAT Preparation Workshop on 5 March 2023 (9am-5pm). To register: visit https://www.nie.edu.au/ucat-courses/simulated-ucat-day-workshopFor further enquiries please contact NIE at enquiries@nie.edu.au or call (02) 4367 0404 M: 0404 197 178 www.nie.edu.au

UCAT NIE 

Years 11-12 Considering a career in Medicine or Dentistry? If so, then you should start your medical interview preparation early. To register please visit https://www.nie.edu.au/medical/umat-interviews/medical-interviews-workshop For further enquiries please contact NIE at enquiries@nie.edu.au or call (02) 4367 0404 M:0404 197 178 www.nie.edu.au

Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand 

The CA ANZ promote the understanding that a career in business, accounting or finance can be incredibly diverse. Use CA ANZ’s wide range of resources to assist career advisers, teachers, and students in learning more about the accounting profession. CA ANZ’s tools include: the Careers Guide; the Careers Sector quiz; etc. Find out more: https://www.youunlimitedanz.com/

University of Tasmania Experience a Week as a Marine Biologist 

University of Tasmania is proud to present year 11-12 students with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a week as a marine biologist. Experience 5 days on picturesque Maria Island on the Tasmanian East Coast, exploring issues threatening biodiversity as well as the productivity of the marine system. Apply: www.utas.edu.au/community-and-partners/schools/marine-discovery-competition

Macquarie University Free HSC Seminar

Saturday 11 March 

Macquarie University will be hosting a free HSC Seminar for Year 11 & 12 students on Saturday 11 March (10am-11:30am). Presented by a former Senior HSC Marker, the topics include; how to prepare effectively for exams/tasks, what teachers value in your responses & maintaining motivation. Book here: https://inspired.edu.au

JMC Academy Workshops & Short courses 

JMC is keen to hear from Year 9 – 12 students about the workshop and short course programs they are interested in, for the next roll out of the JMC school holiday, after school and Saturday programs. Students can register their interest here https://www.jmcacademy.edu.au/news-and-events/events/high-school-workshops-short-courses/

The UTS Startups Summit 

UTS Startups are releasing a sneak preview into the largest entrepreneurship event for high school students in Australia. Join more than 4,000 people in an immersive exploration of entrepreneurship experiences and stories. 27 June 2023. Find out more at http://uts.ac/startupssummit or email aaron.ngan@uts.edu.au

Information Sessions for Students & Parents

University of Tasmania Welcome to Year 12 Webinar

The University of Tasmania invite you to their Welcome to Year 12 Webinar to hear about the exciting opportunity to study in Tasmania and help you gather all the information you need when considering study at UTAS in the future. Register here: https://bit.ly/3YzYwy3

Ethos Sports & Education

Join Ethos Sports & Education for a FREE Online Webinar on March 2nd to learn more about becoming a university athlete in the US, Canada or UK. Learn more about: how to be recruited, how coaches recruit, how the divisions & scholarships work, uncovering the myths and misconceptions of the recruiting process and more. Click here to register: https://bit.ly/3YutI2j

Job and Work Experience for Students

JMC Game Design Work Experience

Do you have any Year 10 – 11 students who are interested in learning more about Game Design? JMC will be holding a 4 day program in May. For more information and application form, please go to https://www.jmcacademy.edu.au/news-and-events/events/game-design-work-experience-2023/

YouthXP 

The first dedicated jobs platform for young employees between 15-24 has expanded and added many new features to its platform. If you’re aged 15-24, YouthXP is here to get you a job! Visit www.youthxp.com.au

Other News

ACU Canberra New Student Accommodation

Our newly refurbished on-campus student accommodation is open in Canberra. Students will benefit from a full calendar of free social, academic and community events, access to campus facilities including a swimming pool and multipurpose court, as well as 24/7 access to support. Find out more: https://www.acu.edu.au/student-life/student-accommodation/canberra-accommodation

Ms Leonie Clarke, Post-School Pathways Coordinator  

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

Sports News

Sydney Catholic Schools Secondary Sports Opening Ceremony

On 15 February Dr Ireland, Mr Watts, Mr Iskander, Georgia Vassallo, Tamara Jago and Erica Jago attended the Sydney Catholic Schools Secondary Sports Opening Ceremony at Trinity Catholic College, Auburn to recognise the outstanding efforts of students at Marist Sisters’ College. MSCW humbly and proudly accepted two amazing achievements to recognise the incredible talent and enthusiasm MSCW students bring to Sport. The first award was SCS Conference 2, where MSCW took out 16 Champions, 8 Runners up achievements throughout the year and was awarded Overall Conference Girls’ School Champions. In addition, MSCW was also awarded the Archdiocesan Girls’ School Champions 2022 (Best Female Sports School in Sydney Catholic Schools).

Archdiocesan Girls’ School Champions and Conferences 2 is the most points across all SCS Schools and is recognised in the form of banners which will be placed in a location in the College to honour the efforts in Sport. These prestigious awards come from the love and drive of MSCW Sport Students. Awesome achievement and I am one proud Sports Coordinator.

Congratulations also to Mr Matthew Iskander who received the inaugural Sport Award for MSCW. I personally thank him for the hours and support of Sport last year. 

• SCS Overall Conference Swimming Champions
• SCS Conference 2 Junior Champions and Senior Swimming Champions
• SCS Conference2 Touch Football Intermediate Champions
• SCS Conference 2 Touch Football Intermediate Champions
• Sydney Touch Football Senior Champions
• SCS Conference 2 Netball Intermediate Champions
• SCS Conference 2 Netball Senior Champion
• Sydney Netball Senior Champions
• SCS Conference 2 Football Junior Champions
• Sydney Football Junior Champions
• SCS Conference 2 Athletics Champions
• Sydney Athletics Champions
• Sydney Cross Country Junior, Intermediate and Senior Champions
• Sydney Cross Country Champions
• Sydney Junior Cricket Champions
• Sydney Senior Cricket Champions
• Sydney Swimming Runners Up
• SCS Conference 2 Tennis Intermediate Runners Up
• SCS Conference 2 Netball Junior Runners Up
• SCS Conference 2 AFL Intermediate Runners Up
• Sydney Senior Table Tennis Runners up
• SCS Conference 2 Rugby 7’s Junior Runners up

MSCW College Swimming Carnival

“Take your Marks” and we begin the year with Freestyle, Backstroke, Butterfly, Breaststroke and once again another amazing College Swimming carnival on Monday 20 February. 

It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and level of participation by all the students, with a number of records being broken.

The atmosphere was awesome with the MSCW Spirit a highlight of the day.

All the results will be presented at the Principal’s Assembly on Wednesday 8 March.

Mr Daniel Watts, Sports Coordinator

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

Sports Results

Round 2

MVP

Round 3

MVP

Mr Daniel Watts, Sports Coordinator

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

Year 7 Study Skills Evening with Dr Prue Salter

SLIDES: To access the slides from the study skills evening, go to this link: ELES Study Skills, scroll down to the bottom of the page to the heading Year 7/8 Evening, and you will see the slides and follow-up booklet and the password is achieve.

Term and week planners are also available on the same web page ( in Section 3), along with the resources referred to in the session.

TAKE YOUR TIME: Do not try and implement or absorb everything at once. Once a week or every fortnight, sit down together and work systematically through the booklet and slides again. Each week choose what area you will focus on.

Check your action plans and tick the things each week you gave under control.

MISSED THE EVENING? Parents who could not attend can download the handout and have the option of purchasing access to a pre-recorded version of the seminar at Individual Use Licences | Dr Prue Salter.

STUDY SKILLS HANDBOOK WEBSITE: Remember too that you have access to the Study Skills Handbook website, where students can target skill development across many areas:

Go to www.studyskillshandbook.com.au click on login: Study Skills Handbook

Username: MSCW

Password: 93success

Click on Things to Print, and you will also find Term Planners and Weekly Planners etc. on this page.

Campus Experience Evening – 8 March 2023

Maths Club Launch

Wednesday Lunch Club

Canteen News

Flexischools

Calling on volunteers

Confirmation at St Ambrose Parish Concord West

Confirmation

St Ambrose Parish Concord West will celebrate its Sacrament of Confirmation on 12 May @ 6pm and 13 May 2023 at 2:00 pm.

There are three ways to register your child for their Sacrament:

1. Registration forms can be completed online by accessing the St Ambrose website (www.stambrose.org.au) and following the ‘Sacraments Registration’ link; OR
2. Send an email to sacraments@stambrose.org.au and request a registration form; OR
3. Hardcopies of the registration form will be available in the Church.

It is requested that registrations are returned by Friday 3 March 2023 so that group sessions and liturgies can be organised based on numbers.  Please do not hesitate to contact sacraments@stambrose.org.au if you have any questions.

Megan Harris

St Ambrose Parish Concord West, Parish Sacramental Coordinator

Woolwich Netball Club 2023

Helping Learner Drivers Become Safer Drivers