From the Principal

Term 3 has started “full speed”!

From Parent/ Teacher/Student Conferences last Monday to the Athletics Carnival on day two, we are now in full-swing.

If you still need to engage with your daughter’s subject teacher for Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences, please make direct contact with her subject teacher. These interviews have provided very beneficial conversations and specific discussions on strategies to continue to assist each student in her learning.

The Athletics Carnival was a huge success last Tuesday. It was a delight to see students participating and achieving personal bests. Congratulations to the students who participated on the day, gaining House points. Special thanks to Mr Watts, Sports Coordinator and the PDHPE staff for the running of events on the day. Final results to come.

Welcome

This term we welcome to the College:

• Lillian Fletcher – TAS faculty.
• Te’Annie Makdessi – HSIE faculty replacing Mrs Watson who is now on maternity leave.
• Genevieve Cutler – RE faculty. Genevieve joins us just for Term 3 to cover Mrs Watson’s Year 12 SOR 1 classes.

Each staff member has provided a brief introduction of themselves in a separate article in this newsletter.

Returning from leave:

• Rebecca Bombaci – TAS faculty, 2 days per week for Term 3 and then returning full-time in Term 4.

Woolwich Winners!

Yesterday our Senior Netball Team and Junior Soccer Team each won their grand final of the SCS Championships. Congratulations to both Teams for their fantastic effort, playing with much grit, skill and determination. Thanks to Mr Watts for coaching the Netball and Mr Muller for coaching the Soccer.

Debating

Congratulations to our talented Year 11 Debating Team who debated so well last Friday night. Unfortunately, they were not successful in proceeding to the Grand Final. They certainly gave their opponents a run for their money in putting their voice forward and skilful refuting of comments made by the opposition.

Chess

Good luck to Year 12 who continue their games this afternoon!

23 July Fourvière Celebrations……… 206 years since the Marist story began!

Last weekend, the Marist community celebrated the anniversary of the Fourvière pledge. This anniversary recognises the commitment made by twelve young men who climbed the 800 steps to the Fourvière Chapel on 23 July in 1816 to begin a new community in the Church to be called Marists. It is to this Marist family that we belong as a College community.

I include below part of the Fourvière pledge. This pledge dedicates the life work of Marists and our MSCW community to building the Kingdom of God with Mary, our role model.

We are doing this with the sole motive of working for God’s greater glory and the honour of Mary, the Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  We pledge ourselves to this undertaking even to hardships, toil, difficulties and if need be, extreme suffering, since, with the help of Jesus Christ who gives us strength, there is nothing we cannot master. We solemnly promise to give ourselves and all that we have, in every way possible, for the salvation of souls, in the most honoured name of the Virgin Mary and under her patronage……

Year 12 Trials

Please keep Year 12 in your thoughts and prayers as they begin their Trials on Monday. These exams are significant for Year 12 in their HSC preparations and will give them a good guide regarding their performance so far. Once these are marked by staff, there will be significant conversations regarding further strategies for improvement and skill building.

Stay safe and well. Reach out if you need assistance. Looking forward to chatting again in the Parent Zoom next week, Tuesday 9.00am.

From the Assistant Principal

Year 12 Trial Examinations

All students in Year 12 will sit their HSC Trial Examinations from Monday 1 August – Monday 15 August. These important assessments are the culmination of considerable work and effort over the senior years and provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Our thoughts and prayers go with Year 12 as they undertake this challenge.

Census Data Collection- August 

Please find below the Parent Privacy Notice regarding the August Census, data collected by the Commonwealth Government.

The notice provides information regarding what data is shared with the Commonwealth in the census & measures to protect privacy.

2022 Census Privacy Notice

SCS Standard Collection Notice

College Winter Uniform

COMPASS Student Card

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

COVID Update – Term 3

Guidelines for close/household contacts

Close contacts attending school will need to adhere to the following:

• Notify the school;
• Conduct a daily RAT and return a negative result each morning before attending school for 5 school days;
• Wear a mask indoors except when eating or exercising (mandatory staff and secondary students);
• Not permitted to participate in overnight excursions, including school camps;
• Not permitted to attend settings identified as high risk by NSW Health (healthcare, aged care, disability care or correctional facilities); and
• Any visitor (who is a close contact) is required to advise the school & the ‘visit’ will be conducted virtually.

Reducing risk of illness in winter

• Stay home if unwell.
• Keep up to date with vaccinations – including the flu vaccine, which is available from your local GP, pharmacy or Aboriginal Medical Service. Flu vaccines are free for all aged 6 months and older.
• Consider wearing a mask indoors except when eating or exercising (NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant has asked all residents across NSW to start wearing masks again in indoor spaces such as shops, public transport and aged care facilities).
• Have your booster vaccines as advised by NSW Health (including a fourth dose for those over 30 & for those who are medically vulnerable). NSW Health Vaccine FAQs link.
• Get tested immediately for COVID-19 if you become symptomatic and isolate until you receive a negative result.
• If you receive a positive result follow NSW Health isolation instructions.
• Practice good hand hygiene by washing regularly with soap and water.
• Take a RAT before visiting vulnerable loved ones or going to large gatherings and events.
• Practice physical distancing wherever possible.

Additional RATs are available from the College student Administration Office.

If your daughter is COVID positive they are not to return to school until they have completed their full seven days 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.

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

From the Religious Education Coordinator

Celebrating the Marist Story

As we have begun Term 3, we have also acknowledged significant events in our Marist story. Pauline Jaricot was born on the 22 July and Week 2 has been the celebration of Jaricot week. Pauline was beatified on the 22 May 2022. She was the founder of the Society of the Propagation of the Faith, in Australia today known as Catholic Mission. 

On July 23, 1816, twelve young Frenchmen including Jean-Claude Courville, Jean-Claude Colin and Marcellin Champagnat  – on the day after their ordination – made a pledge to entrust to Mary their plans to found an order whose mission would be the continuation of her work in the Church. The shrine in a chapel dedicated to Our Lady Fourviere saw the beginnings of the Marist movement of men and women: laity, religious and priests, today known as Marists. We give thanks to all those who are and have been part of the Marist story.

Feast of the Assumption of Mary – Monday 15 August 2022

The Feast of the Assumption is one of the most important feast days of the year and is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics.

Mass will not be celebrated at the College. All students are encouraged to attend Mass in their own parishes.

According to Roman Catholic theology, Mary was “assumed body and soul into heavenly glory” several years after her son, Jesus, ascended into heaven.

Ignite Conference

Students are invited to the Ignite Conference from Thursday 29 September to Sunday 2 October 2022 (Term 3 school holidays).

Refer to the Ignite Conference website for more details.

You are invited to pray the following prayer  for Year 12 students as they complete their HSC Trial Examinations

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

From the Leader of Wellbeing

Uniform

Students have returned to school wearing their uniform with pride.

Reminder about the Uniform Policy that was updated last term and the consequences for students who continually to not adhere.

Exam Jitters

Every year, more and more emphasis is placed on achieving good results in exams causing many students to feel extraordinary pressure and having unrealistic expectations. This month on SchoolTV, parents will find advice on how to help students cope with the pressure and how students can work smart to achieve the results they desire.

Exams are like a game. Once you know how to play the game, your chances of achieving great results rapidly increase. Parents can learn how to assist their kids to maintain perspective and keep their sanity intact during exam time.

Diet, exercise and sleep all play an important part in helping a student balance a busy schedule and study smarter. Keeping stress levels to a minimum and reducing anxiety can be easily achieved through careful planning and having a supportive environment.

We hope you take 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 child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the Exam Jitters edition of SchoolTV: Exam Jitters | Marist Sisters’ College – Woolwich

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

From the Leader of Learning and Curriculum

Trial HSC Examinations

I wish all Year 12 students the best with their upcoming examinations, commencing this Monday (Week 3). A lot of preparation and study has been undertaken by students, including workshops during the holidays just past. Hard work and study will produce the reward of results.

Year 11 FLEX program

Year 11 students will participate in the FLEX program on Monday and Tuesday of Week 3 (1 and 2 August). The schedule and arrangement details can be accessed via Student Cloudshare. Year 11 students need only attend for workshops and can access Jarnosse for private study on these days.

Managing Overwhelm

I’ve noticed in my classes a common response from students when talking about assessments, especially class tests and examinations. Many students say, just before them “I’m stressed”. Left unchecked, it can lead to overwhelm. I often respond to students and say, “are you stressed or are feeling pressured about your performance?”

In Semester One, I challenged families to review the homework habits of their daughters. Homework, including private study, is a very practical way of managing to prevent overwhelm in students. Another is having a term planner created and pinned up. As the 6P rules says: ‘Prior Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance‘.

I encourage all students to ensure that they have mapped out the coming term. A term planner can be found on Student Cloudshare.

If your daughter regularly indicates that she is stressed about in-class tests and examinations, this special report on School TV may be useful for understanding the surrounding psychology.

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

New Staff Introductions

Get to Know the New Staff Members Who Have Joined Our College Community in 2022

News from the College Counsellors

For counselling or to arrange support, contact the College Counsellors via the House Coordinators, Leader of Wellbeing or directly through:

• Carly Boaler – carly.boaler@syd.catholic.edu.au
• Louise Scuderi – louise.scuderi@syd.catholic.edu.au
• Phone (02) 9816 2041

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

Jarnosse News

Jarnosse afternoon study

Jarnosse is open for all students to use for quiet or silent study from 3:15 pm until 5:30 pm, Monday to Thursday. A staff member will be on-site to supervise and to assist students with finding resources in the library and online. 

HSC Resources for student use

Sora – your online library

Gifted and Talented Report

Underachievement

Sometimes teachers approach me about students who they feel are not meeting their potential. We know they have the ability but their engagement in class, completion of work or performance in class and assessments does not seem to match this ability.

The reasons for underachievement are complex. Is it just laziness as some parents might think? Usually no!  The reasons for underachievement are numerous – boredom, underlying learning or behavioural disorders, family or friendship issues, social/emotional issues, health and wellbeing issues. There is no quick diagnosis or fix. 

When I do hear about such students the Instructional Specialist and I meet with the student to interview them about how they are feeling in class, their interests and passions, how they like to learn or their learning dispositions and a general chat about anything that might be blocking the achievement.

We use the work of Ruth Phillips to start the conversation around underachievement with the students and their teachers and families.

Dr Ruth Phillips in her presentation for SCS states:

“Key internal factors associated with underachievement in gifted students include:

• low intrinsic motivation and self-regulation, whereby individuals lack the ability to focus and manage themselves in a way that is conducive to high achievement (Dai, Moon, & Feldhusen, 1998; McCoach & Siegle, 2003a; Midgley, Kaplan, & Middleton, 2001; Ruban & McCoach, 2005; Weiner, 1992);
• a low valuation of school-related goals (McCall, Evahn, & Kratzer, 1992; McCoach & Siegle, 2003a);
• low academic self-perception (McCoach & Siegle, 2003a; Ruban & McCoach, 2005);

• negative attitudes toward school and teachers (McCoach & Siegle, 2003a; Ritchotte et al.,2014);
• lack of belief in their academic skills (Schunk, 1995; Supplee, 1990; Whitmore, 1980);

• low self-efficacy (Pajares, 1996a; McCoach & Siegle, 2003a). Self-efficacy is related to achievement across all levels of ability (Bandura, 2001; Collins, 1982; Martin & Steinbeck, 2017);
• underachievement, particularly amongst the intellectually gifted, is related to self-regulation (Baker et al., 1998; McCoach & Siegle, 2003a; Siegle et al., 2017); and
• Social connection and the need to ‘fit in’ are also reported influences on underachievement (Adams-Byers, Whitsell, & Moon, 2004a; Chan, 2003a; Gross, 1989; Jung et al., 2012).”

Underachievement is indeed complex!

Please be assured any interviews with identified students are focussed on what we can do as a team to support your daughter. 

If you require more information please contact me at the College or speak to your daughter’s teachers.

Debating

Congratulations to the 11A team (Natalie Broom, Charlotte O’Brien and Zara Chand) who made it through to the quarter final debating round. Although they were not the winning team, their performance was outstanding. The debate was highly sophisticated and it was a very narrow victory to the Negative team.  We will see them back next year as Year 12 debaters, rich from the experience.

Legacy Public Speaking

We wish Sophia Saoud and Alissa Tosh all the best in the Legacy Public Speaking Competition being held via zoom on 2nd August. The competition consists of a prepared speech as well as an impromptu speech – not an easy task at all!

Good luck girls!

Thriving Minds Conference

12 students attended the Thriving Minds conference this week, held at Ascham College. 

The day consisted of a session on quantum mechanics and the debate around Schrodinger’s Cat as a thought experiment- how can the cat be both alive and dead? There was also a community of inquiry and plenary on the arguments proposed by Australian philosopher Peter Singer on the ethics of eating meat. The girls were then treated like university students and listened to keynote speaker Julie Arliss on the questions of justice, truth and beauty. Julie Arliss is a professor at Oxford University and flew out especially for this conference. The girls were captivated and were able to make strong connections to all the subject areas they study at school. The final activity was a debate on the topic “Is free will an illusion?”. This was a very rigorous debate with strong arguments and counter arguments that left us all wondering if we actually have any control over our lives. The girls are to be commended on their level of engagement and high levels of participation – they were certainly a credit to MSCW.

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

Youth Afternoon hosted at MSCW

Over the past two terms, Marist College Eastwood, Holy Cross College Ryde, Domremy College Five Dock, and Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich have united to explore faith-based topics that allowed young people to voice their opinions. The second session for this year was held at Marist Sisters’ College on Friday, 17th June, where over seventy students gathered to explore the theme “Disciples of the 21st Century”.

This Youth Afternoon focused on our relationship with God and provided an extended insight into how we follow in His footsteps. Following a pizza lunch and icebreaker, we reflected on Pope Francis’s speech at World Youth Day Poland 2016 and engaged in small group discussions that analysed the meaning of discipleship. Danielle Agostino, a year 11 student from MSCW, provided an oral testimony on the challenges she had faced when confronting discipleship, which in-turn allowed the students to reflect on ways to overcome these difficulties. The night concluded with a closing prayer to reiterate our Catholic faith.

The Youth Afternoon was an inspiring way to connect with other local Catholic schools and empower us to walk in God’s never ending light, whilst reminding ourselves each day that we are faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

We thank Mr Iskander, Miss Ockert, Miss Kleist, Ms Vu and the Youth Ministry Coordinators from the other schools for supporting and organising the event. 

Isabelle Mourani, Year 11 Social Justice Co-captain 2022/2023

Sports News

MSCW Athletics Carnival

The sun came out, providing fantastic conditions for field and track events for MSCW students. It was a very enjoyable day and it was great that we could start Term 3 with the school community together at the carnival.

The students were brilliant and enthusiastically displayed our wonderful MSCW spirit, and it was fantastic to witness the achievements of our exceptionally talented students.

Participation, once again, from all students in all houses was outstanding, and a number of records were broken.

Results and records will be announced at the next Principal’s Assembly on Wednesday 24 August.

Thank you to all the staff who helped make the carnival enjoyable and congratulations to all students on their enthusiasm and their MSCW spirit throughout the day.

Sydney Final Junior Football Report

The MSCW Junior A Football team played on Thursday the 28 of July, in the Sydney Catholic School Winter Championship. The team was playing Mount St Joseph at Sydney at Sydney United, Edensor Park. The first goal was scored by MSCW in the first 5 minutes by Ruby Betro in Year 7.  Conceding one goal along the way MSCW managed to take out the
win with the final score of 8-1. The following MSCW players scored thought the game: Billie Letsios (Year 8) 1, Ava Grivas (Year 8) 1, Ruby Betro (Year 7) 1 and Mikaela
Gavranic (Year 7) 5.
The Junior A Football team played to the best of their abilities through the whole game and made their fellow peers and teachers extremely proud. With the support of the Intermediate
team, Mr Muller on the side lines, Mr Allen and Ms Alverez in the stands cheering us on, MSCW played a great game and carried the winning shield at the end with pride. Awesome achievement!

Sydney Final senior netball Report

Over the course of Term 3 the MSCW Senior Netball Team took part in the SCS Netball Competition. The students won all of their conference round games comfortably, beating
Trinity Catholic College in the conference final. The team then progressed to the SCS semi-final against St Ursula’s which they knew would be a tough game. MSCW came through with a tight victory of 42-41, which meant they would play OLSH Kensington to compete for the title of SCS Senior Netball champions. The students were all very nervous prior to their
match at Ken Rosewall Arena, which was filled with supporters from both Woolwich and OLSH. Despite the passion of the OLSH crowd, the MSCW team took to the court with a
clear game plan and were able to execute it consistently. Momentum swung back and forth between the two teams throughout the game which kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
The Woolwich supporters were of great inspiration to the team and their enthusiastic cheering gave the girls extra motivation to bring home the trophy. When the final buzzer sounded,
Woolwich had beaten OLSH 36-25. It was a fantastic display of skill and talent from the whole team, which kept the crowd entertained and excited during the entire game. Congratulations to all girls who were involved in the team throughout the term. Special congratulations to Mia Rodgers who was awarded Player of the Match. Amazing achievement!

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

NSW All Schools Cross Country

On Friday 22 July, Year 9 student Hannah Sacco competed in the NSW All Schools Cross Country Championship at Sydney Motorsport Park, Eastern Creek.

This championship showcased the best students from Catholic, Public and Private Schools from all over New South Wales. This followed the school, SCS, and NSW CCC Cross Country Championships.

Hannah placed 39th in the 15 girls age group for the 4,000m race.

Awesome effort!

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

Chess Championship

The MSCW Chess team represented the College at the Sydney Catholic Schools Chess Conference 2 Chess Championship at Marist College Eastwood.

The students demonstrated abstract reasoning, calmness under pressure, patience, sportswomanship, creative thinking, pattern recognition, and strategic thinking.

Congratulations to the following students:

• Olivia Aloisio
• Jessica Elliott
• Jacquelynn Fong
• Annaliese Klapdor
• Jerry Le
• Felicia Liu
• Grace Markakis
• Katia Minadeo
• Vivienne Nunez
• Lila Reaney
• Katelyn Rookes
• Eva Rousseau
• Grace Saoud
• Phoebe Siminsky
• Elizabeth Smart

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

Sports Results

MVP

MVP

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

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.

Free Online and Face-to-face Parent Workshop

The Kidman Centre UTS are continuing to offer free workshops to equip teenagers and their parents with practical and evidence-based psychological skills to manage teenage life stressors. 

We are delighted to announce our upcoming workshop — Motivating your teen towards their goals. This workshop is for parents of high-school students (aged 12-18 years) who are experiencing low motivation, energy and resilience. To accommodate all families, this workshop will be delivered twice: virtually on Tuesday the 2nd of August, and then Face-to-Face on Tuesday the 9th of August.

Taking Charge for Parents: Motivating your teen towards their goals
Who: Parents and caregivers of teens (aged 12-18 years)
When: Online (via Zoom) on Tuesday 2nd August 2022, at 6-7pm. 
            Face-to-face (at The Kidman Centre) on Tuesday 9th August 2022, at 6-7pm. 

This workshop will be facilitated by Senior Psychologist Jenna Mayhew.
 
For bookings and more information, please contact The Kidman Centre on (02) 9514 4077 or email kidmancentre@uts.edu.au

Help learner drivers become safer drivers!

Parent Information Evening

Free Online Parent Workshop