From the Principal

Term 4 has begun with great energy and purpose across our school community. We are especially proud of our Year 12 students who are currently undertaking their HSC exams. Their calm, confident approach and commitment to doing their best in each exam is commendable. They are setting a wonderful example and we wish them the best for their remaining examinations.

Our 2026 Year 12 cohort has also made an excellent start to their final year. On the very first day of term, we hosted our Year 11 into Year 12 Information Night—this date was specifically chosen as it marks the beginning of the HSC journey for these students. It was heartening to see full attendance from students and families, highlighting the strong partnership between home and school. This collaboration lays a solid foundation for student success.

Students were supported on the evening by the Leadership Team, Key Learning Area (KLA) Coordinators, and all House Coordinators—each staff member present to guide and encourage students as they step into this important phase of their education. We look forward to the great contributions and wonderful achievements these students will make throughout the coming year.

Mary’s House Walk    

Another significant event this term was the community’s participation in the Mary’s House Walk on Sunday. A large group of students, along with family members (and a few enthusiastic dogs!), came together to support this meaningful cause. Their involvement helped raise vital funds and awareness for this important cause.

Congratulations to all the students and staff who took part in the walk  – you are true Marist women of action. 

World Teachers’ Day

On Friday 31 October, we celebrated World Teachers’ Day. This day is celebrated around the world to honour and acknowledge educators and the wonderful job they do.

We are incredibly fortunate to have dedicated and passionate teachers at MSCW who shape our school community. Our teachers go above and beyond every day: inspiring minds, nurturing growth, and making a lasting impact on students’ lives. 

To show their appreciation, our student leadership team, along with students at the College, expanded this day and instead led a vibrant Teacher Appreciation Week! From a guard of honour to a delicious morning tea, their enthusiasm and gratitude was deeply appreciated by staff. One of the highlights of the week was the special World Teachers’ Day Assembly. Organised and facilitated by our student leaders, the heartfelt messages, awards and speeches were well received by staff. Year 10 students, Annalise and Ava performed ‘Flashlight’, a beautiful song dedicated to teachers and the College Co-captains presented a moving speech on behalf of the student body. It was a wonderful initiative that highlighted the positive relationships and spirit that exists in our MSCW community.

I share an excerpt from the co-captain’s speech:

“We want to say on behalf of MSCW students… thank you for being our flashlight.

Thank you for lighting the way and for helping us to shine.

Your light guides us, inspires us… It’s because of you, we see our futures glowing brighter.

You were the light when you reminded us that we are worth more than our marks,

You were the light when you believed in us, when we couldn’t believe in ourselves.

Thank you for being our flashlight.”

As a community, we thank each of our teachers for the fantastic work they do. Happy World Teachers Day!    

God bless,

From The Religious Education Coordinator

Pope Leo XIV’s first Apostolic Exhortation, Dilexi te, underscores the inseparability of Christian faith and love for the poor, calling for a renewed commitment to social justice and mercy

In his inaugural Apostolic Exhortation titled Dilexi te (“I have loved you”), Pope Leo XIV delivers a powerful message that authentic Christian faith must be lived out through concrete acts of love, especially toward the poor and marginalized. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel and the legacy of Saint Peter, the Pope emphasizes that the Church’s mission is incomplete without a preferential option for the poor.

Key highlights from the exhortation include:

• Faith and charity are inseparable: Pope Leo insists that belief in Christ must manifest in active compassion and solidarity with those in need. He warns against a faith that is reduced to ritual or doctrine without love.
• A call to action: The Pope urges Catholics to move beyond comfort zones and embrace the “peripheries” of society, where suffering and injustice are most acute.
• The poor as the heart of the Gospel: Echoing the teachings of his predecessors, Pope Leo reaffirms that the poor are not just recipients of charity but central to the Christian message.
• A Church of mercy: He envisions a Church that is humble, listening, and close to the people, especially those who are forgotten or excluded.

Dilexi te sets the tone for Pope Leo’s papacy, signaling a pastoral approach rooted in compassion, inclusion, and a deep concern for the social dimensions of the Gospel. It is a clarion call for believers to embody their faith through love in action, particularly by uplifting the most vulnerable in society

https://www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/apost_exhortations/documents/20251004-dilexi-te.html 

All Saints Day and All Souls Day 

The Solemnity of All Saints Day and the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. On November 1st we celebrate two very important dates in the Catholic liturgical calendar: All Saints Day and All Souls Day. 

In memory of all those who gone before us, let us pray:

God of the living and the dead, through the power of Christ’s resurrection you have conquered sin and death forever. Each day is a step we take toward eternity. May we continue, day to day, until we step into your eternal presence.  Then we shall be reunited with those we love and every tear shall be wiped away.

Year 8 Reflection Day 

On Friday, 17th October, Year 8 students attended their Year 8 Reflection Day at Holy Name of Mary in Hunters’ Hill. The Scriptural basis of the Reflection Day was Jesus’ question; ‘Did I not choose you?’ from John 6:67-70. Our response to this question focused on the value of LOVE. In particular, a type of love that each and everyone one of us deserve being chosen by God in His image and likeness. The day consisted of a variety of activities including Chat-A-Box discussion cards, reflective journaling and picture frame decorating with a focus on each students’ gifts as made in the image and likeness. 

Bishop Danny and Fr Michael Carroll visited the students to enrich their understanding of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. His insights enriched the girls’ understanding and participation in the day. 

Sydney Catholic Schools Religious Education Test

On Tuesday, 21st October, every Year 8 and Year 10 students completed the Sydney Catholic Schools Religious Education (RE) Test. Every year, schools throughout the Archdiocese of Sydney, as well as dioceses throughout NSW complete this test. This test consists of 50 multiple choice questions designed to assess their skills and ability learnt through topics in Stage 4 (Year 7 and Year 8) and Stage 5 (Year 9 and Year 10). 

We extend our gratitude to the dedicated teachers who have supported our students in Religious Education. The knowledge and wisdom they impart are invaluable in nurturing the faith and understanding of our community. 

Mary’s House Fundraiser Walk

On Sunday 26th October our Marist Sisters’ College Community participated in the Mary’s House Walk, which is an initiative to supplement the fundraising efforts. A huge thank you to our Marist Sister’s community for raising $9500! This is an amazing effort for such a significant cause. The funds raised from this event will allow Mary’s House Services to provide more case management hours for women and their families seeking safety at the refuge and the provision of more programs to aid women still living in the community.

Mary’s House Services is a not-for-profit, grassroots organisation which supports women and their children escaping from domestic and family violence and abuse. Mary’s House Services was built by the community for the community, following a recognition of a gap in services within the local region. Mary’s House Services is entirely funded by the generosity of our community of donors.

https://maryshousewinterappeal.raisely.com/    

Deanery Youth Afternoon 

On Friday, 7th November, our Year 9 and 10 students will come together with peers from Marist College Eastwood and Holy Cross College for a powerful day of reflection, connection and inspiration.

The theme for this year’s gathering is Faith Over Fear – a timely reminder of the strength we find in community, courage, and belief. With the incredible support of our Student Leadership Team, the afternoon promises to be filled with meaningful dialogue, uplifting activities, and shared moments of growth.

We’re proud to be part of a vibrant deanery that nurtures faith, leadership, and unity. 

Expressions of interest for students are now closed.

MSCW Winter Appeal Launch

As we approach the festive season, MSCW is proud to launch our annual Christmas Appeal in support of two incredible organisations: St Vincent de Paul Society and Baabayn Aboriginal Corporation. This year, we’re coming together as a community to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.

The appeal will officially launch in Week 4, with donations welcomed from Week 5 onwards. Whether it’s a small gift, a thoughtful contribution, or a heartfelt message, every act of generosity counts.

Let’s share the spirit of giving and help bring comfort, dignity, and joy to families this Christmas. Stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved!

From the Leader of Wellbeing

For more information and tips for helping under-16s prepare for the change, visit the eSafety

Website.  

• Find the latest list here.

Have a conversation about the social media minimum age with your young person. Ask your young person what they think and feel about its benefits and impacts. There are helpful conversation guides on the Headspace website. Headspace: The social media ban: 7 tips for starting the conversation with a young person

Include conversations about possible replacement activities.  

1. Encourage your young person to connect with friends and family in other ways, such as in-person or via online games or messaging services.
2. Let your young person know they can download data, photos, and videos from their social media accounts by following the instructions provided by the major platforms, or they can find links on the eSafety website.
3. Go through the eSafety’s Social media age restrictions: Get-ready guide for under-16s with your young person. 
4. Visit this eSafety page, which details answers to frequently asked questions, how to manage conflict about the change, tools to help you work through it together as a family and links to helpful resources. 

No matter how old a student is, if they have a harmful experience online, they should reach out for support – even if they are under 16 and it happens on an age-restricted social media platform. eSafety’s ‘I need help’ page for young people has more detailed information and guidance on what they can do if something goes wrong online.

If a young person needs help dealing with the change, they can contact:

• eheadspace: 1800 650 890 or eheadspace.org.au
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 or kidshelpline.com.au
• ReachOut: au.reachout.com
• 13YARN: 13 92 76 or 13yarn.org.au

Parents can also contact Parentline for support with this and other parenting questions:

• Parentline: 1300 1300 52

Digital Nutrition Website: Digital Nutrition™ – Be well connected! Optimise your digital wellbeing

Registration: LINK TO REGISTRATION

On Monday, November 3, students will use evidence to identify where they have embraced opportunities, consciously moved beyond their comfort zone and as a consequence grown throughout the year, to demonstrate their accumulated growth in specific areas they identified in the goals they set for 2025.

With the support of their parents/family, and the school community, especially their Tutor Teacher. Whilst students review their 2025 goals, areas they need to develop to evolve into more responsible, respectful, courageous, and autonomous learners will emerge. These will become the base of their My Marist Compass Goals in 2026. 

Students will reflect by responding to questions they can access through Insights on Compass.  Parents are also required to respond to a question in Insights on Compass. This question will vary based on the year their daughter is in. An outline of questions for parents/carers is located in the table below. This document has the questions that students are required to respond to:2025 My Marist Compass Goals Semester 2 Compass Insight Questions.pdf

RSVP LINK: 

Colin House Mass @ Supper RSVP Monday, Nov 10

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

Religious Education News

In our Curriculum… 

Creative Arts News

Student exhibition at the National Art School

 

Hunters Hill Young in Art Prize

Congratulations to Kira, Se Jin, Charis and Aurora on their outstanding achievements in the Hunters Hill Young in Art Prize!

Kira’s triptych painting Balmain was awarded Winner of the Year 9–10 category, while Se Jin’s painting Corvette C8 received Runner-Up in the same category. The collaborative photography work Inspired by Max Dupain by Charis and Aurora was awarded Winner of the Senior Digital Category.

These awards are a wonderful testament to the creativity and talent within our Stage 5 Visual Arts classes, and we are proud of all students whose artworks were selected for this year’s Young in Art Exhibition.

 

 

Miss Lili Negrine, Visual Arts Coordinator

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

Cape York Immersion

1st ~ 7th October, 2025

Seventeen Students from MSCW embarked on a cultural immersion to Cape York in Far North Queensland. They stayed on Country at Wurrey and Melsonby Homelands and visited Hopevale, Isabella Falls, Cairns and The Great Barrier Reef. The experience was unforgettable for students and staff.

Below is an extract from the blog the girls wrote.

As a group, we walked across the land at Wurrey, as Bernie gave us a bush medicine tour, while allowing us to try Ngunya which had a mushy texture and floral like flavour and green ants which tasted sour. While we were on Country, we listened to Bernie’s story and learned the Aboriginal language Guugu Yimithirr with Cheryl. Following the cultural activity, we walked down to the creek for a refreshing dip to cool us down and everyone loved it. 

Special thank you to Mr Andrew d’Archy and Ms Leonie Clarke for accompanying the students and supporting them throughout this amazing experience.

From the 2025/26 College Co-Captains

Dear MSCW Community

We hope everyone’s Term 4 is off to a fantastic start as we gear up for an exciting end to our year. With Year 12 undertaking their HSC, Year 10 completing final exams, Year 11 transitioning to Year 12 and so much more, there’s lots to celebrate in our College community.

Preparations for Gala Day are in full swing! This year’s Gala Day theme, the World Stage, celebrates how performance and creativity connect us across cultures. It’s a chance for students to express identity, build community, and showcase the power of performance to unite us. We encourage all students to be engaged, whether you are performing, choreographing, costuming, or cheering…every contribution helps bring our very own World Stage to Woolwich.

This week, we celebrated World Teacher’s Day, with a series of initiatives honouring the incredible staff who shape our College Community. On Monday, students lined the corridors for our Guard of Applause, cheering teachers on as they made their way to homeroom. On Wednesday, our World Teacher’s Day Assembly celebrated staff recipients of World Teacher’s Day Awards, along with the Dr Anne Ireland Compass and Gift for Life Awards. And on Friday, the Appreciation Station gave students the chance to share homemade baked goods with teachers, a sweet gesture of thanks that filled the day with smiles (and delicious treats). A massive thank you to everyone who helped make the week special, and above all to our teachers, whose dedication and care deserve every bit of our gratitude.

Keep a lookout for upcoming Student Leadership Team Initiatives, like Sport Club, the Christmas Appeal, or the WSU 12 Days of Christmas.

Your College Co-Captains

WSU – Year Ambassador Introductions

The WSU has been working hard reflecting and redefining their role in the College. This year they have created a new vision to ensure they are an authentic voice for the MSCW community. A number of roles have been introduced and the WSU Co-Captains, Lily and Juliette, are excited to share this with the community. Within the WSU there are Year Ambassadors that will be working to bring their year groups closer through initiatives which will include faith and social activities. There are also two Environmental Stewards who are hard at work examining our environmental footprint and creating ways of ensuring staff and students are improving in their efforts to care for our common home.

Year 7

I am Elise Hopper. I am honoured to be the Year 7 Ambassador.

It means a lot to me to be part of something that helps bring our year group together. Whether it’s supporting new friendships, making sure everyone has a voice or creating new initiatives. 

I’m Ahana, and I’m proud to be one of the Year Seven Ambassadors! I’m really excited to represent our year group and help make our school experience even more fun, inclusive, and meaningful. I’m looking forward to collaborating on creative ideas with the WSU team, and I’m here to make sure your voices are heard. 

I’m Mia Ibrahim and I am so thrilled to be one of your Year 7 Ambassador this year! 

Year 8

I am Gabby Kidner and I enjoy helping all students from any year groups. My efforts reflect a value for others. What I enjoy the most is Gala Day. It’s a great event to connect with year groups and houses.

I am Elizabeth De Gioia. I am empowered by our vision of “goodness above all.” I really enjoy school and I am a kind and loving person. I show respect to everyone and teachers.

Year 9

My name is Michaela Ibrahim and I am one of the year 9 Ambassadors. I am very excited to contribute to our school community in meaningful ways. I look forward to supporting my peers, helping new students feel welcome and promoting inclusion and kindness across our school.  

My name is Amelia Khoury and I’m one of the year 9 ambassadors. I look forward to supporting my peers, encouraging involvement, and contributing to a faith-filled and welcoming school environment.

My name is Ruby Lasorsa and I am one of the Year 9 Ambassadors, I am so excited to work with everyone. I want to create an environment where every student has a voice and feels included! 

Year 10

I’m Annika Hollings and I’m so excited to be one of the New Year Ambassadors for year 10!! It is a great opportunity to represent our amazing year to this school. Taking on the values of our compass, I will try my hardest to continue to empower my peers and treat them as my sisters for life. We have some exciting things planned for this term and for next year. I am willing to be spokesperson for our year to the school, and am happy to talk to anyone. 

I am Sienna Vitale. I am beyond grateful to be taking up this role as one of the year ambassadors for year 10. I hope I can be a guide to the Marist Sisters’ virtues of  “Goodness Above All”  to assist and support my year group’s needs and concerns. We have some exciting things in store for you all and I hope that I can allow year 10 to collaborate and inspire each other to continue developing their gifts.

I am Annalise Tambasco, one of the New Year 10 Year Ambassadors. I am so grateful for this opportunity to collaborate with the other year ambassadors to support and voice my year group’s concerns and ideas. With the Marist compass as a guide, I look forward to leading and helping my peers develop their gifts. Through this role I want to help build an environment where girls feel included, comfortable and able to thrive.

Environmental Stewards

I’m Sabrina Minenko, I am one of your Environmental Stewards. I am your year 7 Representative. I want to focus on ways we can all work together to appreciate and have respect for our shared spaces all across the school.

I am Elisia Wong and I will be your Environmental Steward for 2025/2026 and I will be helping our school become a cleaner environment.

Public Speaking News

On the 20th of October, Sienna Kang (Year 9) proudly represented MSCW in the annual Drummoyne Electorate Bear Pit Public Speaking Competition, held at NSW Parliament.

Sienna chose to explore the topic, ‘Social media: bringing us closer or pushing us apart?’ In her speech, she argued that social media offers significant benefits for adolescents. Sienna highlighted its role in fostering connection, providing opportunities, and supporting education. She also emphasised the importance of implementing guidelines to ensure its responsible use among young people.

Sienna is to be commended for her outstanding preparation as she delivered a memorised speech and for the confidence she demonstrated throughout the competition.

Gifted and Talented News

A reminder for families with students in the Newman Program in stages 4 and 5-the Newman Symposium will be held from 4pm on 1st December. This is an opportunity for the students to showcase their learning and gain an insight into the Newman Program at MSCW.

Sports News

Congratulations to Lilian Amede (Year 8) who travelled to Sri Lanka as part of Woods Netball, proudly representing Australia! She played a series of exciting matches across the country, competing against local teams, the Sri Lankan National Youth Team, and even the Sri Lankan National Team. It was an unforgettable experience that gave her valuable exposure to international competition and helped her grow her skills at a high level.

MSCW Term 4 representative sport is off to a cracking start in the Sydney Catholic Schools Conference 2 competitions, with our Oztag, Volleyball, and Cricket teams showing impressive form and fierce determination. From fast-paced Oztag matches and high-energy volleyball rallies to strong cricket performances on the pitch, each team has launched into the season with confidence and teamwork, setting the stage for an exciting term of school sport.

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

Sports Results

Term 4

Week 1

TEAM	OPPONENT	RESULTS	MVP
Junior Volleyball	Holy Spirit Catholic College	2 – 1	Kiera Ferraro
Intermediate Volleyball	Holy Spirit Catholic College	0 – 3	Grace Chau
Senior Volleyball	Holy Spirit Catholic College	0 – 3	Ellie Comerford

 

 

TEAM	OPPONENT	RESULTS	MVP
Junior Volleyball	St Vincent’s College	2 – 0	Olaia Bello
Intermediate Volleyball	St Vincent’s College	0 – 2	Marie Cowper
Senior Volleyball	St Vincent’s College	0 – 3	Olivia Haddad

 

 

Week 3

 

TEAM	OPPONENT	RESULTS	MVP
Junior Oztag	Rosebank College	6 – 3	Cara Harrison
Junior Oztag (Mixed A)	Marist Eastwood/Domremy B	15 – 13	Elousie Tuckwell
Junior Oztag (Mixed B)	Marist Eastwood/Domremy A	7 – 7	Sadie Alexandra Sarkodie
Intermediate Oztag	Rosebank College	9 – 1	Lily Matthews
Intermediate (Mixed A)	Marist Eastwood/Domremy B	8 – 8	Isabella Abate
Intermediate (Mixed B)	Marist Eastwood/Domremy A	8 – 9	Ainsley Wright
Senior Oztag	Rosebank College	8 – 2	Ellie Mathews

 

 

 

TEAM	OPPONENT	RESULTS	MVP
Junior Volleyball	Rosebank College	2 – 1	Anna Munzarova
Intermediate Volleyball	Rosebank College	0 – 3	Ao Huyen Tran
Senior Volleyball	Rosebank College	1 – 2	Iris Zhang

 

TEAM	OPPONENT	RESULTS	MVP
Junior Cricket	Domremy Catholic College	1/33 – 4/29	Emma Ward
Senior Cricket	Domremy Catholic College	2/36 – 1/40	Katie Mackay

 

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

2026 Start Dates

Calling for Volunteers

Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich is looking for members of the Community who may be willing to volunteer a couple of hours per fortnight to assist with facilitating Christian meditation sessions. The current volunteers will happily train and work with new members of the group. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Narelle Camroux, Executive Assistant to the Principal on 9816 2041.

Enrolling Now 2026 and 2027

Canteen News

Parents and Carers

Change to Flexischools

Due to the increase of online orders, the cut off time will now be 8:00 am!

Please order as soon as you are able to.

Calling on volunteers