From the Principal

Father’s Day 2021

In my regular local neighbourhood walks and rides during lockdown, I’m noticing so many more fathers exercising and at play with their children. Many are on bikes, other dads are kicking balls or throwing baskets to the next family ‘legend’. Some are walking the dog together, or fixing or making things, while others are scootering along and chatting away.

Never before has the role of father been more obvious or more important. Fathers can play a powerful role in guiding their children through these uncertain times – reassuring them, coaching them, conversing, playing, and taking on ‘teacher’ roles, even contributing the occasional ‘Dad Joke’. It’s actually joyful to watch. I’m presuming more goes on inside…cooking together, reading stories, playing chess and jigsaws. It’s the upside of a pandemic that is responsible for so much downside. 

It also reminds me of those famous words by Jackie Kennedy: “If you bungle raising your children, I don’t think whatever else you do matters very much”. 

As a College community modelled on Mary within the Holy Family, we recognise the significant role fathers play in the all-round formation of daughters (and sons).  

Daughters need to be able to look to their fathers for many reasons:

• Being a corner-post of family values and virtues
• Treasuring and nurturing good relationships
• Demonstrating respect and inclusion in every conversation or discussion
• Modelling how to talk to girls and women without being sexist
• Setting high expectations in manners, behaviour and getting involved
• Displaying fairness, support, love and a reassuring presence.

My husband tells the boyhood story of his own father’s presence while growing up in the bush. Every morning, before chasing the cows up for milking, he and his sisters and brothers had to pick up a small stick to tap the cows on their way to the milking shed. One frosty morning, his father asked each of them to hand over their eucalypt sticks. He promptly snapped each stick in half over his knee. My husband and each of his brothers and sisters were a bit taken aback with surprise.

Their father then asked them to pick up their broken sticks and tie them in a bundle to represent the family. This time it was impossible for him to break the sticks as a bundle. He was teaching them togetherness, family support, loyalty and sticking up for each other. Try it!  As Aristotle once said: “The whole is always greater than the sum of its parts”.   In today’s human world, it means the effect is often better when we combine as a team rather than riding solo.

I’m sure Joseph played the same type of role as an ordinary dad in the Holy Family.

Teenage girls benefit markedly by having a loving, caring father in their lives. Research tells us that learning, perspective, good judgement, balance and interpersonal skills are heightened when a good dad is on the scene playing his vital role. 

Dads…

At 4 years … “Dad can do everything”

At 7 years…  “Dad knows a lot”

At 12 yrs…   “Dad doesn’t know much”

At 14 yrs…   “He wouldn’t have any idea”

At 17 …       “Dad! He’s so NOT cool”

At 21…        “Well, he seems to know a lot about most things”

At 25 …       “I wonder what Dad has to say”

At 30 …       “First, I’ll ask Dad”

At 50 …       “My father knew literally everything”

At 60…        “I wish I could discuss this with Dad”.

So, let’s celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday as best we can…making sure that dad, grandfather or father figure knows their importance and feels appreciated for their love, support and gentle care.

From the Assistant Principal

Students and sleep

For the last 20 years, Dr Prue Salter has specialised in the areas of study skills and self regulated learning through her company Enhanced Learning. Not only is she an expert in helping students develop the skills they need to be effective and efficient with their learning, but her past experience as a secondary teacher and Year Coordinator means that she has an insider’s knowledge about the struggles students face. She has recently produced important information regarding students and sleep.

Why is sleep so important?

Quality sleep improves your mental, emotional and physical performance. It also improves your immune system, balances your hormones, boosts your metabolism and improves your brain function. Sleep is when your brain files or removes all the clutter that accumulates in a day of learning and thinking, so you are refreshed and ready with energy for the next day. Getting good sleep is important for both your mind and body.

How much sleep do I need?

Different people need a different amount of sleep in order to function optimally during the day. Whilst most adults need about 8 hours sleep a night, many teenagers need more like 9-10 hours sleep per night. Working out how much sleep you need will take a little time and perseverance. Record how you feel during the day based on how much sleep you had a night and a pattern will start to appear.

Top tips for a good sleep routine and getting to sleep

• Have a regular bedtime and wake up time. A regular bedtime helps to set your body clock so your body knows it’s time to sleep. Waking up at (or near) the same time each day also helps your body to establish a sleep pattern. Get plenty of sunlight during the day too.
• Establish a bedtime ritual. Doing a series of actions before bed also helps your body to prepare for sleep. Ideas include, a warm bath or shower, reading a book, listening to quiet music or doing some gentle stretches.
• Avoid technology in the hour before bed. This includes TV, computers and phones.
• Exercise during the day so that your body is ready for rest at night.
• Don’t eat big meals at night. Eat as early as possible and try to avoid rich, heavy food close to bed time.
• Limit your caffeine during the day and don’t drink any caffeine in the afternoon or evening.
• Don’t have too much liquid in the evening.
• Worrying about problems at school or with friends often stops you from getting to sleep. Talk to a trusted person about things that are worrying you to find ways to solve your problems. You could also try some relaxation exercises such as meditation or positive visualisation.
• Have your room as dark as possible when trying to get to sleep. Use a sleep mask if you need to avoid light, e.g. from electronic devices, street lights, etc.

Staying asleep

• Make sure the temperature of your room is comfortable. Too cold and you may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Too warm and the heat will also wake you.
• Having a quiet environment will help you stay asleep. If loud noises often wake you, having some consistent ‘white noise’ can be helpful. Earplugs may also work for some people.
• A comfortable bed, which is large enough for you to spread out and is supportive, will help you to sleep well, as will a comfortable pillow which provides the right amount of support for your neck.
• Good ventilation in your room helps to get rid of toxins and keep the air you are breathing fresh. A potted plant in your room may help.
• Make sure you go to the toilet just before you get into bed.

Good quality sleep

• Smelling lavender while you sleep might improve the quality of your sleep. Try a few drops of lavender oil in your washing or on your pillow, or using lavender scented soap.
• Have a good sleep environment. Clear your room of clutter. Dust regularly. Have calming colours in your room.
• Try rearranging your room according to Feng Shui principles, whereby you can see the door from your bed, but your bed is not directly facing the door. This may mean putting your bed on an angle.

Feeling refreshed after sleep

• First thing in the morning, drink a glass of water to help you wake up and rehydrate.
• Do some gentle stretches or more vigorous exercise first thing in the morning as part of your morning ritual. This will also help to set your body clock.
• Practice deep breathing while you are still in bed to make sure your body is able to take in lots of oxygen and expel carbon dioxide.

Where to go for help or more information

If you try out the tips here and are still having trouble with falling asleep or staying asleep, try talking to your doctor to see if there is a medical or other reason.

You can learn more about how to optimise your performance as a student via the favourites tab in COMPASS > STAR ICON>ELES Study Skills Handbook.

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

From the Religious Education Coordinator

Social Justice Sunday

We celebrated Social Justice Sunday on 29 August. The Australian Bishops’ Social Justice Statement, Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor, is an invitation for us to respond to Pope Francis’ call to take a seven-year journey towards total ecological sustainability, guided by the Laudato Si’ Goals. The Social Justice Statement provides theological foundations to ground and inspire our efforts to care for creation, while responding to the needs of the disadvantaged and excluded. 

Social Justice resources, including prayer cards, can be found on this site.

Assembly of the Plenary Council

In October 2021, the Catholic Church in Australia will gather for the first Assembly of the Plenary Council to be held since the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965). In 2018, when the decision to hold a Plenary Council was announced, the Catholic Church in Australia began preparing by listening to God and by listening to one another’s stories of faith.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first Assembly will be a mix of in-person and online delivery. 

As the Catholic Church in Australia makes the journey in this last month before the first Assembly, we are all invited to pray for the participating members. At the same time, we are all called to continue our own journey of prayer and reflection, as we look forward to the renewal of the Catholic Church in Australia.

Further details on the Plenary Council can be found on this site.

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

From the Leader of Wellbeing

The importance of self-compassion

As we transition through to the end of another week of remote learning and lockdown circumstances, I can’t help but reflect on the term, my thoughts, my concerns and what adaptations I have made within my daily practice to exercise self-care for myself and my loved ones.

Self-compassion is a powerful way to deal with stressful situations. It’s about showing the same concern, kindness and care unto yourself as you would towards a friend. It helps you make yourself a priority and a part of the compassion circle. According to research by Kristin Neff, self-compassion includes self-kindness, mindfulness and common humanity – all of which are necessary for a healthy mindset. There are three benefits I want to stress:

Benefit #1 – Creating a buffer against negative issues

Self-compassion can buffer the negative effects of suffering. People who show self-compassion are less likely to experience anxiety and depression. Other studies focusing on the long-term impacts of self-compassion, show that this approach helps reduce the negative effects of stress over time. By applying this approach, we strengthen our abilities to cope with difficult situations. This helps explain why people who are compassionate towards themselves are also happier, optimistic and more satisfied with their lives.

Benefit #2 – Reducing trauma experienced during difficult situations (such as the pandemic)

Showing compassion towards the recurrent uncertainty we all experience during the pandemic creates a sense of emotional safety. This safety is what prevents us from being overtaken by fear. Other research supports this idea, as multiple studies have shown that people who practise a self-compassionate approach felt less traumatised by the pandemic and experience less anxiety.

Benefit #3 – Showing compassion to ourselves teaches our children that they can show compassion to themselves

Students typically learn from their parents. That means, if you practise self-compassion, your child sees this in action and learns that when they are tired/sad/struggling, they can soothe themselves through self-kindness and mindfulness. It also means they learn that everyone struggles and that suffering doesn’t mean they are weak or different – it means they are human and like everyone else. For students, it can help them deal with mistakes, failures and stressful events in a healthy manner.

#MSCW is part of the conversation

This week, the Student Leadership Team launched the beginning of Liptember, as a way of supporting women’s mental health during the month of September. This initiative includes staff and the sharing of videos to acknowledge their support and why we need to look out for one another as a community. To begin with, every Friday, we are encouraging all students and staff to wear their boldest lipstick to raise the awareness of Liptember

More will be posted on our Facebook page and social media, demonstrating the various ways that we keep the conversation alive and prevalent in our community. Earlier in the year, I was involved in an interview with Batyr, on behalf of Liptember, which confirms the priority that we place here at MSCW on supporting and educating our students to promote healthy mental wellbeing. Equally, the emphasis we place on how to #smashthestigma when navigating through our own mental health.

During this time, be aware of certain behaviours and signs that can indicate that your daughter may be struggling.

The first thing to look out for is changes in behaviour, such as:

• Withdrawal from their friends or their family.
• Lashing out at people and getting angry or upset really easily, including towards the people they care about.
• Crying or becoming emotional.
• Losing interest in activities and things they usually love.
• Having changed sleeping patterns. They might be sleeping all the time, not sleeping much at all, or sleeping at strange hours (such as in the middle of the day).
• Having a changed appetite. They could be eating more than usual, or less.

Please be sure to reach out to our various College support systems, such as:

• House Coordinators
• Our College Counsellors
  • Monica Rogenmoser (monica.rogenmoser@syd.catholic.edu.au) and/or
  • Louise Scuderi (louise.scuderi@syd.catholic.edu.au)

Our College Counsellors are highly-skilled clinicians that specialise in adolescent mental health.

Alternatively:

• Talk to your local GP as a starting point or a psychologist
• Call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800
• Call Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Dial ‘000’ if life is in imminent danger.

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

From the College Counsellors

No doubt our determination and resilience has been tested throughout this pandemic, as so many people experience ongoing stress and adversity.

Unfortunately, resilience is not something that we are born with. Rather, it is something that is created within us over time, based on our experiences and own unique genetic makeup. Resilience is a tool that we can use during a time of hardship to help us survive.

Think of resilience like a seesaw or balance scale. On one side of the scale we have our negative outcomes and on the other we have our positive outcomes. During lockdown, sometimes we can be closer to the negative outcomes and our scale can become unbalanced. The middle part of the scale is called the fulcrum and that is the point that balances the scale. Everyone’s fulcrum is at a different spot and that makes our experiences and interpretations unique. However, with the right tools, we can move our fulcrum so that it can be more balanced.

So how do we build up and strengthen our resilience to get us through the tough times?

• Reduce our sources of stress (as much as we can!)
• Focus on all the positives in our life
• Take regular breaks without guilt
• Do something kind for someone else
• Acknowledge and sit with any feelings of frustration and sadness, and be kind to yourself
• Stay connected with friends and family and talk through any worries with your loved ones or friends.

Remember, challenges are a part of life but they will pass.

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

• Louise Scuderi – louise.scuderi@syd.catholic.edu.au
• Monica Rogenmoser – monica.rogenmoser@syd.catholic.edu.au

Gifted and Talented Report

After weeks of critical and creative thinking in challenging circumstances, the Tournament of the Minds Challenge has just wrapped up for 2021.

Our MSCW team of seven chose to take up the Language Literature Challenge called ‘Reboot My Classic.’

The challenge required the students to rework a classic story into a new context using a range of media. They had to build hype for the release of this reworked classic by using a range of promotional techniques. For this, they gradually showed key features of the plot, building to a final reveal of the name of the classic piece of literature.

Team MSCW chose to adapt the classic story Winnie the Pooh and turned it into a film called Dr Robin. Each of the characters – Tigger, Pooh, Eoyere, Owl, Rabbit and Piglet – had particular idiosyncrasies and disorders (e.g. honey addiction) that meant they were put under the care of psychiatrist Dr Robin in the Hundred Acres Hospital. 

The production and scriptwriting were outstanding and worthy of an Oscar nomination!

Congratulations to the following students who formed the MSCW Tournament of the Minds team for 2021. Their creativity and teamwork were a joy to watch.

• Charlotte Brailey
• Seana Miao
• Adelaide Kennedy
• Monique Abacum
• Aisling O’Connor
• Hannah Blaney
• Nikita Serban

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

Celebrating Colin Week

We commemorated Colin Week remotely last week. It’s an important occasion on our community calendar, where we celebrate the life of the patron of Colin House – Jean-Claude Colin.

Born at the close of the 18th century (1790) in revolution-torn France, Jean-Claude was convinced that the Blessed Virgin wanted a group of men and women to do her work in the world at a time of turmoil and challenge. Not much has changed; today, we still face many challenges, and parts of the world are in real turmoil. With this inspiration, Jean-Claude Colin forged the way for a new family of consecrated religious and laity in the Church – the Marist Family. Under his leadership, as Founder and Father, Marist missionaries would proclaim Christ’s message in Mary’s gentle spirit ‘on whatever distant shore’ to which they were sent.  

We started Colin Week as a community in reflection by way of a song, More than Memories, composed by Kevin Bates, SM, about the leadership of Fr. Colin. Together we prayed for Fr Colin and Mother Mary to continue to guide us all gently and with hope.

Throughout the week, the focus on prayer continued. Ava Wockner, Colin Liturgy Captain, shared prayers with the College community. This meant that, for each Tutor Group day, there was a unique prayer to inspire and bring hope.

Alannah Giunta and Madeline Merhi, Colin Co-captains, got the whole College community involved in our celebration with a Colin Week Kahoot! on Wednesday. The Colin Week Kahoot! left us all knowing just that little bit more about Jean-Claude Colin.

All week long, the MSCW community was invited to compete in the Colin House Scavenger Hunt, where we were all challenged to ‘gather’ items closely linked to Colin House and the life of Jean-Claude Colin. The winner of this will be announced next week. 

Friday was the chance for all to wear the Colin colours proudly.

This whole week would not have been possible without the amazing effort of, and collaboration between, the Colin House Student Leaders. I thank Alannah Giunta, Madeline Merhi and Ava Wockner for all their work in bringing the College together to celebrate Jean-Claude Colin.

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

Woolwich Olympics

The Student Leaders would like to thank the Marist community for the enthusiasm with which they have engaged in the Woolwich Olympics.

As we continue to be inspired by the sporting prowess of our Paralympians, the Student Leadership Team would like to remind everyone that the Woolwich Olympics will run until the end of the term. 

With a raft of activities, there is bound to be something for everyone; from the egg and spoon race and handstand competition to Sudoku for the quiet achiever…students can head over to their House page to find the link and register their involvement in the games. Students can register their participation at this link. 

List of activities

Here are some of the activities that students have completed so far:

• Bake something – Olympic Cake by Jasmine Comerford, Year 8 Student
• Recreate an artwork – Frog with a Pearl Earring by Angeline Allen, Year 12 Student
• Create your own mascot – Straya Mate by Ava McCosker, Year 8 Student

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

Jersey Day at MSCW

Our College community showed their true colours by wearing their favourite jersey in support of Jersey Day on Friday 3 September. Jersey Day encourages the community to start a conversation with their family and friends about the importance of organ donation. You can find out more about the day here.

Jersey Day was inspired by the gift of life that Nathan Gremmo gave to six people when he became an organ donor at the age of 13. Jersey Day at MSCW was a fun and engaging way to raise awareness and have some friendly banter between friends, all the while living out the Marist values of compassion and justice.

Today, once again, demonstrated the amazing way the MSCW family comes together to celebrate our individuality and strong sense of community. Here are some images of the way the dedicated students (and amazing staff) got involved remotely. 

Gift of Goodness by CatholicCare

Right now, many Sydney families are struggling and are in need of help, more than ever before. A Gift of Goodness will show vulnerable families that they are not alone. MSCW is supporting CatholicCare in this initiative during these hard times. 

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

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

September is Liptember at MSCW

Visual Arts Competition Exhibition Entries

Students have kept their creative talents in top shape during remote learning, with Visual Arts students preparing artistic submissions for two different competitions:

• Hunter’s Hill Council: Celebrating Kelly’s Bush Competition, closing 13 September
• City of Ryde: Sustainable Waste 2 Art Prize (SWAP) Exhibition, Youth Environment Prize, closing 24 September

We wish our students all the best with their submissions. Their works are of high calibre, with technical resolution, conceptual strength and meaning interwoven. Click on the links above to view the entries.

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

Jarnosse News

Year 7 Premier’s Reading Challenge

By the time the Premier’s Reading Challenge closes at midnight on Friday, 3 September, all Year 7 students should have filled in their PRC Student Reading Record with the titles of 20 books they’ve read in the last 12 months.

Congratulations to all the students who have already completed the Challenge. Well done, girls!

This year, because the pandemic has made it a bit more difficult to access PRC booklist books, the rules have been changed to allow students to include up to and including 10 books of their own choice. These can be any book, magazine or newspaper. This gives the students a lot more flexibility than they usually have.

Your daughter can show you what she’s achieved by logging onto the PRC portal. She has her user ID and password.

And there’s no better time for snuggling up and reading than when social and sporting activities are restricted due to the lockdown. So please encourage your daughter to keep reading.

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

STEM News

Wellbeing Day ~ Wednesday 8 September