From the Principal

High Achievers Assembly

These words of St Jerome in 420 AD, who is the patron saint of libraries and books, give us a real insight into the success of our Class of 2021, who we welcomed back last week for our High Achievers Assembly.

Our students were never satisfied with good until they could turn it into better or best. They were prepared to engage in hard work and allocate time, both here and at home. They began their preparations by setting goals and almost certainly had to sacrifice some things along the way.

COVID-19 even forced them to do things differently. For many weeks they even had to sacrifice contact with their friends, living and studying by Zoom and online. Independently, they continued to develop their own Marist Compass. Many of them took a courageous step to name personal and small group study goals. Many committed to work with each other as Sisters, use their Gifts. Some placed their targets on their wall at home. No matter what, they stepped up to be resilient and tenacious when challenging times demanded such qualities. Even better, they Empowered themselves by adopting a range of learning experiences. Their personal resolve in difficult times was remarkable.

At the High Achievers Assembly, Alexandra Dooley, College Dux (ATAR 99.55), spoke of her own personal journey giving practical strategies that students could adopt. It was Alexandra’s consistent application to hard work and her personal commitment that contributed to her significant success. 

We also welcomed back Veronika Jukic, Class of 2016, who inspired the girls by sharing her experience since leaving Marist Sisters’. Veronika gave some real insights into her journey that included some bumps along the way. She spoke of how she had to be flexible and courageous to change her course of study and how, through the many options that she experienced at MSCW, she was able to develop and draw upon the many life skills she had acquired. 

These 2021 HSC results are the best results in the 114-year history of the College. Congratulations to the Class of 2021! We are extremely proud of you!

Year 12 Retreat

Today as you read this Newsletter, I am travelling back from my week on Retreat with Year 12 in the beautifully fresh countryside of Mittagong. The peaceful and calming environment of the Southern Highlands provided the right environment to take time out from the normal routine of life for Year 12.

Each year I give priority to this significant event to support the girls in their faith journey. I really enjoyed being with each of the students, hearing more about their life experiences so far and their aspirations for the future. I share with you some of the photos of the students reflecting and engaging in the Retreat activities. 

From the Assistant Principal

COVID Regulation Update

You would have received communication from the College that there have been changes effective as of Monday 28 February to COVID-19 regulations. A summary of these changes is as follows:

• The Rapid Antigen Home Testing (RAHT) program will move from surveillance testing to symptomatic testing at the discretion of parents. The College will provide RAHT tests to any families who request them to allow them to continue testing twice a week until the end of Week 8. This means you can test to suit your family, when and if students are exhibiting symptoms;
• The College will no longer be segregating the students on the playground or in various activities. Students will be able to mix with students from other Year Groups and participate in activities that involve different Year Groups at lunch and recess;
• Masks will no longer be mandated for students or staff indoors. Any student, parent, staff member or visitor who would like to wear a mask can continue to do so; and
• We can now invite visitors onto our school site for assemblies, masses and other events. We will provide you with more information about this as events approach.

Please note that it is still a mandatory requirement by law that masks are worn at all times on Public Transport.

Thank you for your support as we transition to these updated requirements.

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

From the Religious Education Coordinator

Ash Wednesday and the Beginning of Lent – 2 March 

Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent and marking our journey towards Holy Week and the celebration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus.

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

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

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

Helping others – for example special attention to someone who is poor, sick, elderly, lonely or overburdened.

What will your Lenten journey involve?

A reminder that in support of our Sisters who traditionally abstain from meat on Fridays in Lent, no meat products will be sold at the College canteen on these days.

Ash Wednesday Prayer Services 2022

The College will hold Ash Wednesday Prayer Services where we will acknowledge the beginning of the season of Lent. It will also be the launch of Project Compassion 2022. Project Compassion brings thousands of Australians together in solidarity with the world’s poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.

Throughout Lent, all members of the College community are invited to contribute to Project Compassion using the Flexischools link referred to in Ms White’s article (found in this newsletter) on Caritas Project Compassion.

Year 12 Retreat 2022

In Week 4, Year 12 students attended the Retreat at Le Rosey Mittagong in their Houses.

The theme, Rejoice and Be Glad from the Gospel of Matthew 5:12 challenged the girls to seize the opportunity to celebrate life.

Thank you to Ms Jenny Vu for her support in the preparation for the Retreat and leading Retreat 2. Thank you to the teachers who facilitated, led and supervised on the Retreats: Dr Ireland, who attended both Retreats, Ms Clarke, Mrs Criss, Mr D’Archy, Ms George, Mr Allen, Ms Mathews, Ms Hopkins, Mrs Del Moro, Ms Vu, Mr Iskander, Ms Bowland, Ms Shippen and Ms Pulumbarit. Their professional and personal commitment to the Retreat ensured the experience provided opportunities for students to grow in their faith.

Thank you to Fr Brian Wlison and Fr Aliki Langi who joined the Retreats and provided the opportunity for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. These were very special opportunities for the students.

The feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive. 

Below are some responses from students to the question: Over the days of the Retreat I learnt/became aware of…

• My ability to talk to people even when I am nervous.
• The many layers of myself and others.
• The importance of journaling and time for self-reflection.
• To acknowledge my values.
• How I should treat others.
• To just sit and to be present in the moment.
• That I have many significant people in my life that I can rely on.
• The importance of taking time for myself, and maintaining my relationship with God.
• The importance of gratitude.

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

From the Leader of Wellbeing

How Do Merits Work?

The Merit System recognises and celebrates the development of each students’ Marist Compass for Life and acknowledges both their individual and collective efforts, in the areas of:

• positive behaviour

• individual learning success

• innovative or courageous ideas

• co-curricular contributions

• sport and representative sport

• service to others, and 

• leadership within our College life community 

This is what it looks like:

The Merit System recognises the importance of supporting each students’ Learning and Wellbeing journey. Equally, it also encourages students to excel to the best of their ability, seek challenges and opportunities, and take risks in their learning all in a safe supportive environment. It recognises an individual student’s courage, tenacity and perseverance witnessed through the consistent effort that sees them improve and grow bit by bit.

How will you know?

To support the recognition of each student’s achievement, merits and awards will be generated and students and parents will be alerted via COMPASS. Awards will be presented to students at an appropriate celebration. For example, House Awards will be presented by each House Coordinator at their House Assemblies and College Awards presented by the Principal at Principal’s Assemblies. This allows the College to celebrate the achievements of all students who are working towards challenging and extending themselves in their striving for excellence.

Wellbeing Programs 2022

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

School TV

Adolescence is the transitional stage of development that is usually associated with the teenage years. In 2018, the Australian Curriculum Assessment Authority redefined adolescence as affecting young people aged between 10-24 years. During this time, they experience rapid physical, cognitive and psychosocial growth that affects how they feel, think, make decisions and interact with the world around them.

During adolescence, a child’s brain can be considered as being ‘under-construction’. The rate at which this progresses will vary depending on the individual and also their gender. As a result, some parents may view adolescence as stressful or difficult. However, it does not need to be. Setting boundaries, implementing consistent monitoring and maintaining a strong and loving connection will help families adjust during this time.

It is also an important time to keep the communication lines open through clear and age-appropriate conversations. Speak openly about changes that they are experiencing and be conscious of their mental health as many of the conditions people confront in adulthood can begin to manifest in adolescence.

In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers can learn how to guide and best support their young person as they transition through adolescence.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the College Counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Understanding Adolescence edition of SchoolTV. It can also be accessed in COMPASS via the grey favourites star, top-middle of the home page.

My Marist Compass Goals

Save the Date

Wednesday, March 16, 2022

8:30 am-6:30 pm

An email is being sent to the community shortly that clearly outlines the process. It also details what it involves and how to engage with it. Booking appointments/conferences will be done using COMPASS.

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

From the Leader of Learning and Curriculum

High Achievers Assembly

As Dr Ireland mentioned in this Newsletter, the 2021 HSC cohort achieved the best results in the College’s 114-year history. Below is a snapshot of our High Achievers Assembly and the wonderful results.

Click here for the highlights slideshow

Year 12 Flex

In 2021, the College implemented an exciting initiative for Year 12 – FLEX – that responded to the feedback from Year 12 students, parents and staff regarding their learnings from COVID-19 remote learning during 2020. During this time, students enjoyed a flexible learning timetable, which allowed for independence, a further understanding of their preferred learning style and an enhanced learning relationship with their teacher. Following the success last year, FLEX days were offered to Year 12 students this year when they were not on Retreat. 

Our teachers developed an array of online and onsite workshops. Resources for each workshop are posted on Google Classrooms for students to access throughout the year.

Newman Stream Classes

I encourage parents and carers of students in Newman Class 1 and Newman Class 2 (i.e. 7.1, 7.2, 8.1, 8.2, 9.1, 9.2, 10.1 and 10.2) to read the Gifted & Talented Report included in each Newsletter. Mrs Colreavy, our Gifted & Talented Newman Coordinator writes specifically for parents and students in these classes. This week, she includes information about extension tasks.

Year 7 Study Skills Session

This week Dr Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning Educational Services (www.enhanced-learning.net) ran a Zoom study skills evening with Year 7 parents and students. The evening helped families assess what changes could be made to help students move towards efficiently and effectively achieving their personal best. Families examined the following areas: 

• home study environment
• the way they organise and manage their resources
• how to work effectively at home and deal with distractions
• how to manage the workload in high school and 
• the steps to studying in high school

Parents are encouraged to review the slides and handout from the session with students and discuss the main areas identified where changes need to be made: Year 7 Slides, the password is: achieve. Parents can also find extra study skills tips on the following website: http://studyskillstoptipsparents.com/. 

All students at the College also have access to a great study skills website to help students develop their skills. Go to www.studyskillshandbook.com.au and enter the username: MSCW and the password: 93success  

Study Skills Tips

Should you type or handwrite study notes?

If the exam is handwritten, students are better to handwrite study notes.

This builds muscle memory and helps student practice their handwriting skills. However, many students prefer to type their study notes, which is so much easier to organise. If students choose to type, when they are learning their notes, they need to read a section, see what they can write down without looking and check and see if they were correct. This will help them practise their handwriting skills while committing the information to memory.

 My daughter doesn’t know how to study; what should she be doing?

Sadly, many students think that studying for a test just means reading their notes repeatedly, which is the slowest and most ineffective way of studying.

Studying involves three steps:

1. Make study notes or summaries
2. Learn the notes by testing over and over so the information is to be retained
3. Do as much practise as possible – different questions under time constraints

Remember that we all learn in different ways, so there is scope to allow students to use techniques that suit their learning style, such as recording notes to listen to.

What time should students go to bed?

Although it varies, most students need at least eight hours of sleep each night. Therefore work backwards, allow an hour or so for students to get ready for bed and fall asleep, then work backwards to the time they need to get up for school. Have students pay attention to how they feel in the morning – they may need less or more sleep than the average.

Parents and students can learn more about studying efficiently and effectively by working through the units on www.studyskillshandbook.com.au, which is accessible via COMPASS and the Star (Favourites) icon.

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

From the College Counsellor

Does Your Teen Need Untangling From Technology?

Trying to monitor and manage your child’s screen time can be a source of constant contention and stress in the household. Having some strategies up your sleeve to negotiate technology boundaries can mean finding that balance of screen time with other activities and reconnecting (with each other) again.

The Raising Children Network is an excellent resource for parents looking for ideas for healthy screen use, ensuring online safety and creating a family media plan. For information and tips, use the following link https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/entertainment-technology

Need more help? Jocelyn Brewer of Digital Nutrition offers presentations, consultations and interventions that will guide young and old toward healthful technology habits and improved digital literacy and wellbeing. Read more here https://jocelynbrewer.com/digital-nutrition/

Amica = Little Friend

This week, the Year 7 AMICA groups will commence. Held at lunchtime on Wednesdays, fortnightly, and facilitated by our Year 10 AMICA leaders, Year 7s are placed in small groups to assist them in building new friendships and help ease the stress of transitioning to high school. AMICA leaders, in anticipation of the program commencing, have been hosting games and activities on L’Hermitage.

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

• 9816 2041 or
• louise.scuderi@syd.catholic.edu.au

Gifted and Talented Report

Newman Selective Gifted Education Program Assessment

Consistent with our commitment to promote excellence for all students, we acknowledge those students whose learning needs reflect particular gifts or talents and an ability to achieve beyond stage syllabus outcomes. As such, these students require differentiated learning activities and assessment which enables them to be challenged to achieve their potential. 

Therefore, students who are part of the Newman Selective Gifted Education Program Years 7 to 10 Newman classes 1 and 2, must complete extension assessment tasks for both formative and summative assessment.  Any student, who is not part of the Newman class, always has the option to access extension assessment. This opportunity to complete extension tasks can be initiated by the student or the teacher at any time.

The deep learning that occurs in the Newman classroom is complemented by the differentiated assessment tasks. Through the extension assessment tasks, students are able to demonstrate the higher order thinking and critical analysis that occurs in the classroom. This approach ensures students have an opportunity to extend their thinking and learning  in order to meet their potential.

Newman Selective Gifted Education Program

It was wonderful to see many of the Year 7 parents with daughters in the Newman Selective Gifted Education Program onsite for a parent information evening. For those who missed it or for those parents who may not be familiar with the Newman Program, I have included key information in this newsletter.

The guiding principle of the Newman Gifted Education Program is based on contemporary research, which shows that gifted students are best placed academically, socially and emotionally with  peers of similar ability for a significant proportion of their time at school

Goals of the Newman Program:

• Implement a program that addresses the academic, social and emotional needs of gifted students
• Establish a dedicated G&T Team to lead best practices across the school
• Enhance the capability of teachers and schools in the provision of high-quality gifted education
• Establish a program that is recognised as best practice in the provision of education for gifted students

School-wide we are committed to:

• Broad identification measures 
• Differentiated instruction/classwork and extension formative and summative tasks
• Systematic tracking, reporting and celebration of student achievement 
• A comprehensive G&T student register
• Opportunities for enrichment and extension outside of the classroom
• Celebrating the achievements of our G&T learners

Collection of Data in forming Newman Classes

At MSCW we use the following data for class placement”

Ability Data

• HAST Selective Test 
• Allwell (all incoming students sit this test in Year 6)
• Psychometric testing (e.g. WISC IV)

Achievement Data

• NAPLAN
• School reports
• PAT Reading Comprehension and Maths (off-level testing for those students achieving above their age peers)
• AGAT and CoGat
• Parent and teacher nominations
• Competition results including ICAS 

From this process, Newman Class 1 and Newman Class 2 are created.

Please note: Core Newman classes and Maths Newman classes are different. A student may be in Core Newman Class 1 for English, Science, RE, HSIE/GEO but in Newman Class 2 for Maths.

Students who have been identified as gifted are added to our Gifted Register. Individual learning profiles are created for identified students. In addition to relevant data, students complete surveys about their learning preferences and interests to assist in developing these profiles.

• When grouping our students within the flexible groups we consider many factors and place the students in the most appropriate group based on their learning needs at that particular point in time. 
• Students who are identified as being gifted will be provided appropriate opportunities across a range of curriculum areas or extracurricular activities to best meet their learning needs and learning styles. 
• The delivery of this content is differentiated to ensure that the pace and complexity required by high potential learners are met. 

Will Newman students be required to complete more work? 

No. Newman students access higher-order thinking and concepts through differentiated assessment and learning opportunities. 

Underachievement

Often we meet students who we see as underachieving. The best definition of underachievement is the disparity between the expected performance level (ability or potential) of a student, and the demonstrated performance level (achievement).  

A whole-school approach to identifying and tracking the progress of Gifted Underachievers is in place.

Twice-exceptional (2e) students

Twice-exceptional (2e) students are gifted students who have one or more physical, social-emotional, behavioural or learning disabilities for example ASD, ADHD and hearing impairment.

Social-Emotional needs

To meet the specific social and emotional needs of gifted students, we have ongoing communication between House Coordinators, teachers, parents and the G&T Team. In addition, students are placed in the Newman classes for our unique Wellbeing Program, which addresses common affective characteristics of G&T learners including perfectionism, catastrophising and building resilience.

Achievement is celebrated regularly at MSCW through:

• Award Ceremonies
• Assemblies 
• Newsletters
• Creative Arts Showcase Nights 
• Newman Symposium (Every December)

“The unexamined life is not worth living” – Socrates

Philosophy and iSTEM

AT MSCW we aim to give students the opportunity to pursue higher-order thinking. This year, we have offered new elective courses in Philosophy and iSTEM to meet the needs of these inquisitive minds.

Philosophy

The Year 9 Philosophy course has enabled MSCW students to ask searching questions and long for the ‘bigger picture’ of how that knowledge is justified and what it all means. Gifted students are naturally thoughtful – and this course, therefore, is designed to give such students the tools and skills they need to ‘think well’. That is, clearly, critically and creatively. It seeks to develop a capacity for sound and informed judgement, by training students in the techniques of argumentation and critical reasoning. It confronts students with authentic ethical, social and political dilemmas and challenges them to formulate consistent and rational solutions. It asks them to experiment with ideas and to express themselves in innovative and unconventional ways.

By teaching students to think more flexibly and analytically, the Philosophy course encourages a more tolerant and open-minded disposition. By immersing students in a culture of respectful debate and collective inquiry, it instils a capacity for collaboration and communication around complex conceptual problems. 

In their study of Philosophy, students take up the challenge set by Socrates of leading an ‘examined life’. As such, this course will help them take responsibility for the ethical and practical commitments that will shape their decisions as citizens, decision-makers and leaders of the future.

iSTEM 

iSTEM is an elective STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subject offered to Years 9 and 10 and is running for the first time in 2022 at MSCW. The elective iSTEM is based around teaching students STEM principles, which are often taught in schools as separate entities. Throughout the iSTEM course, students are taught how interrelated the principles of each of those key STEM subjects are and how to use principles from each subject area to solve problems. The elective course aims to challenge students to take risks and build important skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking. 

During the first week of the iSTEM course, students were presented with a challenge where they had to create a water tower with the brief that it must be able to hold 100 ml of water. Students used their prior knowledge and critical thinking skills to build a tower structure and were all successful in meeting the brief.  As no other instructions were provided it was great to see the variety in the end design. 

Public Speaking

Best wishes to the following students who will represent MSCW in the CSDA Public Speaking Competition with Round One commencing on 25 February:

Year 7

Lola Christopoulos

Elyssa Evans

Year 8

Leia Gonzales

Jacinta da Silva

Year 9

Alessandra Carlo

Hannah Khoury

Year10

Adelaide Kennedy

Grace Saoud

Seniors

Gabriella Michalopoulos

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

Interview with 2021 High Achiever Verdi Maximous

Verdi Maximous was one of the 152 Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich students who stat their HSC in 2021 amidst the lockdowns and restrictions of COVID-19. Like many of her classmates, she emerged on the other side triumphant, despite the challenges.

Going above and beyond even that, Verdi was one of the Class of 2021 High Achievers, recording an ATAR of 99.35. She was a Top Achiever for two subjects, placing third in the state for Studies of Religion 2 Examination and fourth in the state for Business Studies Examination. Verdi also came first in the Sydney Archdiocese for Business Studies.

Being named to the Distinguished Achievers and All-Round Achievers lists were two more of Verdi’s remarkable accomplishments.

The star student received four offers for university from Sydney University (Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), UNSW (Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Clinical Optometry), UTS (Bachelor of Engineering [Honours]) and Macquarie University (Bachelor of Law and Commerce). At the time of writing, she had accepted a place in the Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Sydney University, however, she was still awaiting dentistry offers, which was her aim.

Verdi gracefully accepted our request to answer some of our questions, so we can share in her successes and learn from her achievements.

How do you feel about being named an All-round Achiever and Distinguished Achiever?

I feel a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction to know that my significant effort over the past few years has been effective. I feel a great sense of joy that I have also been able to bring happiness to those who have aided me in my high school journey, including family, friends and teachers.

You were a Top Achiever for two subjects. Can you share your thoughts about that achievement?

State ranking in two subjects has made me recognise that absolutely nothing is impossible. It has brought me greater confidence that any goal can be achieved if you truly work hard and stay focused.

What do you attribute your success to?

My success is attributed to the extensive amount of encouragement I received from family, as well as the continuous support from my teachers. This, alongside my high goals, influenced my motivation and persistence in my studies, as well as my resilience throughout my HSC journey.

You have an aspiration to study dentistry. Why do you want to follow this path of study? 

I was inspired to pursue dentistry as I was very intrigued by orthodontics and the diversity of dental work. Following this path of study will allow me to pursue my dream career and enable me to own my own business. I’m particularly motivated to establish my own clinic due to the consistent demand and need for dental practitioners.

How did you navigate the challenges (lockdown, remote learning, COVID-19) of the last two years when it comes to completing your studies and final exams?

Lockdown and remote learning were truly a challenge and an immense hurdle in my HSC journey. However, I persevered through this by primarily focusing on my goals. I was able to achieve this by applying a positive mindset by recognising that some things are out of my control to change, allowing me to adapt to any challenging situation I was confronted with.

How did the College help support you during your studies and especially during your HSC?

The College aided me in an array of ways throughout high school. Notably, the teachers at the College were a backbone to my success through their constant support and the provision of motivation by always encouraging me to maximise my results. In particular, during the HSC, they promptly provided feedback on my past paper responses, enabling me to identify and improve my weaknesses prior to completing the HSC exams. Additionally, they cared for our wellbeing by offering support during difficult times.

Do you have any advice for those undertaking HSC examinations in 2022?

• No matter how hard it gets, just keep going! Set a goal and keep aiming for it.
• Follow the syllabus when writing notes and pay attention to key verbs.
• Focus on yourself and avoid comparing yourself. Your best is enough! And always remember that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses.
• Always get as much feedback from your teachers as possible. They are your key to success!
• Always start assessments early and don’t procrastinate. This means you will have more time to perfect your tasks and it eliminates stress experienced as the due date approaches.

We thank Verdi for her time and congratulate her again on her impressive achievements. We are so proud. We wish her all the best as she takes the first steps in the next phase of her educational and life journey.

Perroton Week

We kicked off Term 1 with Perroton Week in Week 2, in recognition of Marie Francoise Perroton – the foundress of Perroton House. Each day, the Perroton Leadership Team ran a variety of fun activities that were focused on educating students on one of the pioneers of the Marist Missionary Sisters – Marie Francoise Perroton – and promoting courage through involvement, in emulation of Marie’s courage. 

Throughout the whole week, we ran a Marie Francoise scavenger hunt. The objective of the scavenger hunt was to locate one out of five hidden images of the House patrons each day. Paralleling the courage and determination Marie Francoise demonstrated in sailing to the Pacific Islands to be a part of the Marist Mission, the scavenger hunt encouraged students to ‘think outside the box’ and honour Marie Francoise’s legacy. We also held a lolly guessing competition over the course of the week, where students, particularly Year 7s, got super involved. Many even entered the competition several times. Listen out for the winner of the competition who will be announced shortly! 

On Thursday, we held skipping on the flat, where we grabbed some ropes, pumped some music and opened the flat up for all students to have some fun with their friends. It was so great seeing so many girls of all ages get involved, get active and even mix with other students from different Year Groups. For the more creative, crafty girls, we handed out yellow paper with instructions on how to create an origami boat, replicating the boat Marie Francoise journeyed to the South Pacific on (and the boat depicted on Perroton’s crest). By the end of lunch, there were little yellow origami boats all over the flat. We concluded Perroton Week on Friday with a courage challenge, where we opened a mini talent contest for all students who were courageous enough to submit a video of one of their talents. Thanks to the girls who entered this challenge, we absolutely loved your videos! 

Overall, it was a great week and so good to see so much interaction amongst different Year Groups during the activities at recess and lunch!

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

2022 MSCW Swimming Carnival

We began the year with Freestyle, Backstroke, Butterfly, Breaststroke and once again another successful College Swimming Carnival on Monday 14 February. 

The Marist Spirit was fantastic and it was wonderful to see the students having so much fun! 

The Staff Relay added to the many highlights of the day and I congratulate all our swimmers on their achievements.

A big thank you to all the staff who helped make the carnival so successful and congratulations to all the students on their behaviour and Marist Spirit shown throughout the day.

All the results will be presented at the Principal’s Assembly on Wednesday 23 March.

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

Year 7 Parents and Carers Information

Please click below to access some video modules about faith, spirituality, learning and wellbeing at the College.

Year 7 History – Lessons in Archaeology

7.1 History has been learning about the role of archaeology in the discipline of history.

In a recent lesson, they simulated an archaeological dig using choc chip cookies. They followed the steps of an archaeological dig, including observing the artefacts (choc chips) and creating a detailed field sketch, then extracting the artefacts using toothpicks as their archaeological tool.

Students really enjoyed this hands on activity as it allowed them to experience the challenges an archaeologist would face, including the difficulty of extracting delicate items that need to be preserved. 

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

Year 11 Parents and Carers Information

Please click below to access some video modules about faith, spirituality, learning and wellbeing at the College.

Sports Results

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

Congratulations Bronte Hookey

Congratulations to Bronte Hookey (Year 10) on her recent success in being selected for the 2022 Sydney Netball Academy Program.

Head Coach Stephanie Harrison is delighted with the depth of talent and is looking forward to working with Bronte. The initial focus of the academy will be developing core movement, strength and technical skills to establish a strong base for athlete development.

The squad will attend the Academy Camp at Netball Central in March and the Academy Games in Wagga Wagga in April. 

Throughout the program, the squad will be introduced to performance analysis, psychology, nutrition and recovery education. The culmination of the program will be the Academy Challenge in Port Macquarie.

Awesome effort, Bronte!

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

Concert Band Resumes in 2022!

Caritas Project Compassion 2022

The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, which also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. 

Donations to Project Compassion allows Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. 

The theme of Project Compassion 2022 is ‘For All Future Generations’ and reminds us that the good that we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come.

We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting Project Compassion. Students and families can donate through Flexischools. The amounts available to donate are $1, $2, $5, $10, $20.

Miss Katie White, Assistant Religious Education Coordinator

2022 Campus Experience

Event Now Booked Out

We would like to share an update that all Campus Experience Evening tours are now fully booked and there are no more tickets available.

We thank everyone for their interest in MSCW and we look forward to welcoming visitors to the College on 1 March.

Running in a COVID-safe manner, the Campus Experience Evening will be held from 4.00 pm and include performances, displays and a personalised tour. The tours will run at set times in small groups. 

Year 7 2024 and 2025 Applications are Now Open

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.

Canteen News

Welcome Back to 2022!

The Canteen is now fully operating for all – breakfast, recess and lunch.
                                                            
A reminder that Flexischools online ordering is available for lunch pick up in the Canteen. Please have your student ID ready for pick up.

The new 2022 updated menu is now available online and in the Canteen. Please note that some items have increased due to our supplier’s increase.

Looking forward to a great 2022!

Census 2022: Collection Notice

Collection Notice for parents/guardians: 2022 Student Residential Address and Other Information

Parents, carers and guardians are asked to please read this Collection Notice from the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment.

You are not required to do anything, however, you may wish to ensure that the College has the most up-to-date and correct details for your family.

Sacrament of Confirmation

St Ambrose Parish Concord West will celebrate its Sacrament of Confirmation on 20 May AT 7 pm and 21 May 2022 at 11 am and 2 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.
2. Send an email to sacraments@stambrose.org.au and request a registration form. 
3. Hardcopies of the registration form will be available in the Church.

Registrations are due on Thursday 10 March 2022.  Please do not hesitate to contact sacraments@stambrose.org.au if you have any questions.

St Mark’s Catholic Primary School Open Day