From the Principal

The Humpty Dumpty Foundation “Balmoral Burn” is now only 3 weeks away. I hope preparations for running the Hill are in full swing. This event is a great opportunity for our students and staff to be involved in the broader community. A physical challenge but one that will make a huge difference for kids in Australian hospitals and those medical professionals on the frontline.

Students can enter individually or as a team. You can run, walk, push a pram, walk your dog or try the obstacle course and more. It can be an individual or family affair! There are almost different 20 race categories.

Date: Sunday, 28 May

Venue: Awaba Street, Balmoral 

Registration: Students register via the google form on their Student Cloudshare.

In recognition of student donation through the registration process, as well as the time commitment students will give on Sunday morning, 28 May, each will earn 4 hours of Marist Service for their involvement in this event.

I look forward to seeing you on the Hill!!

From the Assistant Principal

ANZAC Day

Last week the College community gathered for our annual ANZAC day service to reflect, commemorate and give thanks to all former, and current men and women of the Australian Defence Force. ANZAC day goes beyond the anniversary of the landing on Gallipoli in 1915. It is the day on which we remember Australians who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. The spirit of Anzac, with its human qualities of courage, mateship, and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity.  But the Spirit of ANZAC is not confined to the battlefield. It lives in the schools, on the sports fields, and within our everyday lives. We continue to strive and live out the Spirit of the ANZAC through freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom to live and  think as you will. Our Year 12 Modern History students led the assembly and through the service particularly acknowledged the 50th anniversary of the proclamation of the end of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.  

College Winter Uniform

As we head into Week 3 Term 2 a few reminders regarding the College Uniform

• Students are to wear the College blazer to and from school in Term 2 and 3 everyday
• The length of the kilt must finish below the knee. 
• A student may wear in each earlobe one small plain gold or silver earring, with a small, clear, uncoloured stone. The stud/sleeper in one earlobe is to be matching in both ears. No other jewellery is to be worn, apart from a wrist watch. ‘No other jewellery’ includes multiple piercings, inclusive of the ear and other parts of the face/head and non-metal (e.g clear plastic) variations.  In addition the covering of other piercings with a bandaid is not permitted.

A student will be issued  a Uniform Infringement through COMPASS if she is in breach of the College’s Uniform Policy. If the student receives a second Uniform Infringement a Friday Lunch Detention will automatically be  issued. The detention will be completed on the Friday  of the nominated week and appear on her schedule in COMPASS. Once a student receives a second Friday Lunch Detention the Tutor will contact home. A further Uniform Infringement will result in a Monday Afternoon Detention being issued and a parent meeting  arranged.

MSCW Parent Engagement 

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

Aims:

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

2023 Events:

• Year 10 parent engagement group will host the Father’s Day Mass and Breakfast (Term 3)
• Year 11 parent engagement group will host the Year 12 Graduation supper (Term 3)

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

New Uniform 2024

2024 will see our new uniform at Marist Sisters’ College! This is an exciting venture to update the uniform using materials that are durable and environmentally sustainable. NOONE will be our new provider and we are currently working with NOONE to finalise the design for both the formal College uniform and our sports uniform. 

As we progress through Term 1, we will continue to communicate with you on the design timeline. We will also provide an opportunity for  parents to view the new uniform at our Parent Engagement Meeting.

From 2024, Year 7 and Year 11 will be in the new College uniform and all other year groups will have a transition time  to the new uniform.

A reminder that the College has a second hand uniform shop that items can be viewed, ordered and paid for via Flexischools.

We are really looking forward to the uniform updates to ensure our College uniform remains at the highest standard. 

Ms Melinda Alvarez, Assistant Principal

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

From the Religious Education Coordinator

In our Church ……

FEAST OF ST JOSEPH THE WORKER (1st May)

To foster deep devotion to Saint Joseph among Catholics, and in response to the “May Day” celebrations for workers sponsored byCommunists, Pope Pius XII instituted the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker in 1955. This feast extends the long relationship between Joseph and the cause of workers in both Catholic faith and devotion. Beginning in the Book of Genesis, the dignity of human work has long been celebrated as a participation in the creative work of God. By work, humankind both fulfils the command found in Genesis to care for the earth (Gn 2:15) and to be productive in their labours. Saint Joseph, the carpenter and foster father of Jesus, is but one example of the holiness of human labour.

Jesus, too, was a carpenter. He learned the trade from Saint Joseph and spent his early adult years working side-by-side in Joseph’s carpentry shop before leaving to pursue his ministry as preacher and healer. In his encyclical Laborem Exercens, Pope John Paul II stated: “the Church considers it her task always to call attention to the dignity and rights of those who work, to condemn situations in which that dignity and those rights are violated, and to help to guide [social] changes so as to ensure authentic progress by man and society.”

Saint Joseph is held up as a model of such work. Pius XII emphasized this when he said, “The spirit flows to you and to all men from the heart of the God-man, Saviour of the world, but certainly, no worker was ever more completely and profoundly penetrated by it than the foster father of Jesus, who lived with Him in closest intimacy and community of family life and work.”

Taken from: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-joseph-the-worker/

 Here is a beautiful reflection of the Feast of St Joseph the Worker from Sr Marie McAlister rsj:

We see work as a right and a privilege to be enjoyed by all. Through work, we share in the creative action of God. Joseph, being a man of integrity, shows us how to bring balance to our interior and exterior aspects of our working lives.

As St Joseph is very frequently looked on as the Husband of Mary and Foster Father of Jesus, we can forget his role as the Worker in the Family. Work, either paid or unpaid, in whatever form, undertaken in a way that enhances our being, gives glory to God.

Work which becomes the aim of our being, and thus an idol, can be a curse and not give life.

We ask St Joseph to give to our Youth the desire to seek work that will give them dignity and enable them to see work as a worthwhile objective. It is a much bigger picture than just asking for work – there are the multiple areas where we need to make sure that our work places are safe, just and fair. It is easy to be employed by unscrupulous bosses who use our young people in a way that does not allow them to grow into a work ethic that will assist them for life.

His role as the Protector of Jesus and Mary, especially when he was fleeing Herod into Egypt, shows us that his relevance, in the mass migrations of people fleeing their war torn, cannot be ignored. These people are barely surviving with no opportunity to be employed and appreciate the role of work in their lives.

St Joseph was the man closest to Jesus. He worked side by side with him, he was Jesus’s Dad. So we need to ask him to help us communicate our desires to the One who is forever asking us to: ‘Come to me and I will give you rest’ Matt.11:28, ‘Knock, and the door will be opened’ Matt.7:7, and ‘I am the Way the Truth and the Life’ John 14:6.

As we celebrate the Feast of St Joseph the Worker, let all of us who are gifted with the opportunity to work remember and pray for those who continue to walk the road of unemployment and despair.

Prayer to St Joseph

Joseph, Model of workers, Protector of Jesus and Mary help us to come to an understanding of the power of your Son to intercede for all those who seek your help.
Your silence is a strong challenge to values current in our society.
Help us to value that interior life which lead you to a total commitment to Jesus and Mary.
We ask this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

May – The Month of Mary

As we begin May we are reminded that this is the month the Church especially remembers Mary, the Mother of God.  The following is taken from a resource Mr Anthony Cleary, Director of Mission and Identity for Sydney Catholic Schools, published for schools to use to honour Mary throughout this month.

Why do Catholics dedicate the month of May to Mary?

If you practice your Catholic faith you may be aware that Catholics dedicate the month of May to Mary. However, have you ever asked the reason why for this?

Here’s a brief explanation:

The custom has its remote origins in the days of the Roman Empire. Ancient Romans dedicated the month of May to Flora, the goddess of blooms, or blossoms. They celebrated the festival of ludi florals, or floral games, starting at the end of April and invoked Flora for all that blooms. It was the same Romans who gave the month the name of May, after Maia, the goddess of Spring. As Christianity grew within the Roman Empire it was customary for the Church to ‘baptise’ pagan practises or festivals and give them a Christian flavour. It would be only natural that the month of May would eventually be re-dedicated in favour of a Christian personification of Spring, fertility and new life, namely Mary.

The modern practice of a month dedicated specifically to Mary can be traced back to the 17th century, with special devotions organised on each day in May. This custom became more widespread during the 19th century and remains in practice today.

In what ways can Mary be honoured in May? The ways of honouring Mary are as varied as the people who honour her. The most common way is through praying the Rosary, either at home or in parishes. It is common for parishes to have a daily recitation of the Rosary during May, and many parishes erect a special ‘May altar’ with a statue or picture of Mary as a reminder of Mary’s month. It’s also traditional to crown a statue of Mary during May – a custom known as ‘May Crowning.’ Usually, the crown is made of flowers representing Mary’s beauty and virtue, a reminder how we should strive to imitate Mary’s virtue in our own lives.

In addition to the Rosary, there are litanies and specific prayers such as the Angelus, the Regina Coeli, the Memorare, the Hail Holy Queen. Readings from Scripture can accompany these prayers, especially from the Gospels and Matthew and Luke relating to Mary’s role in salvation history. Mary’s great prayer of praise and thanksgiving – the Magnificat – can also be recited and/or reflected upon. 

Why have devotion to Mary? Because she is Jesus’ mother and hence Mother of God. At the foot of the Cross, Jesus gave Mary to St John to be our spiritual mother, to care for all the followers of Jesus day-in-and-day-out without fail, interceding before the throne of God on our behalf for all our needs. For that, Mary deserves an entire month in her honour.

In our Community……

CAMBODIA IMMERSION WORKSHOP

Our students with Mr Ryan Leonard and Ms Carolyn Criss have been preparing for their Cambodia Immersion Experience in July. A Catholic Mission Immersion is an educational program designed to provide students the experience of immersing themselves in a local community and culture to gain and understanding and appreciation of cultures different from their own, viewed from a faith perspective. 

The Cambodian Immersion Team were involved in a pre-trip workshop last week run by Catholic Mission.

The team are super excited to be going on this wonderful journey together.

YEAR 11 REFLECTION DAY

The Year 11 students had a wonderful day at their Year 11 Reflection Day on Monday. A Reflection Day is significantly different from an incursion or excursion.   At Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich, Reflection Days are an integral part of our communities focus on faith formation. They are an integral part of the Religious Education program and allow students throughout their time at Marist Sisters to build on, extend and deepen the reflection on their emerging self in relationship to their family, their peers and God.

The purpose of the Reflection Day program is to assist students to recognise the importance of their holistic development, to give them further understanding of “fullness of life”.  Activities are designed to open students to their spirit dimension as well as fostering a sense of community and a heightened awareness of their own faith and that of others. 

The Year 11 Students participated in a range of activities that focused on Servant Leadership and the qualities of what makes a good leader. The students were asked the question: what does leadership look like for you? What courage do you need to be a leader? This reflection day is the first step in the process of Senior Leadership for our Year 11 students.

I would like thank the following teachers for being a wonderful support on the day and for leading their small groups: Dr Anne Ireland, Mr Joshua Allen, Ms Jennifer Dove, Ms Samantha Ison, Ms Irena Jajevic, Mr Matthew Iskander Ms Mary-Anne Boutros, Ms Grace Spurr and Ms Angela Bowland.

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

From the Leader of Wellbeing

Term 2, Week 2

Term 2, Week 3

Last week the Australian Federal Police posted on Instagram their response to the question: Is Roboblox Safe?:

AFP: INSTAGRAM

Find out more about Roboblox and other gaming apps from the following websites:

• Resources | ThinkUKnow
• Roblox | eSafety Commissioner

In This Edition of SCHOOLTV – School Refusal

School refusal, sometimes called school avoidance or school phobia, is not uncommon. It is different to ‘wagging’ or truancy and is often related to worry or anxiety-related issues about going to school. School refusal may start gradually or happen suddenly. Although it is normal for a child to occasionally miss a day of school, parents should only be concerned if a child regularly complains about feeling sick or often asks to stay home due to minor physical complaints.

School refusal is a complex issue as there is rarely a single cause. It affects children of all ages across primary and secondary levels. It can often occur during times of transition at school. More recently, the Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the educational experience of all students, affecting some more than others. Dealing with a school refusal child can affect the whole family, adding pressure to an already challenging time. School refusal is not considered a formal psychiatric diagnosis. It’s a name given to an emotional and/or behavioural problem.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn how best to approach this issue and work towards a solution.

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 School Refusal edition of SchoolTV
School Refusal| Marist Sisters’ College – Woolwich

Additional Resources

• School refusal and teenagers – ReachOut Parents
• School refusal (revised) – Psych4Schools
• Top tips for managing school refusal.

headspace

Sydney, Parent/Carer webinar: Supporting young people with their mental health

Ms Grace Spurr, Assistant Leader of Wellbeing

From the Leader of Learning

Assessment and Reporting in Stages 4 & 5

Each Semester, the College publishes an academic report to parents and carers about each student’s learning outcomes. 

The New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) requires all schools in NSW to report on grades and reportable outcomes as part of their ongoing commitment to improving student learning outcomes. To do this, teachers are required to use their professional judgement to assess their students’ work and provide an overall grade based on their assessment of the student’s performance. This means that a student’s grade needs to be determined using a range of evidence, not just one or two formal assessments.

So, what evidence can a teacher use to make these assessments? There are a variety of sources that a teacher can draw from, including:

Learning Activities and Classroom Observations:

Teachers observe students completing classwork, homework, and assessments, noting their progress and areas where they need additional support.

Formal Assessment Tasks:

Teachers use a range of assessment tasks, including tests, essays, and projects, to gather evidence of student learning.

Student Feedback:

Teachers listen to and consider student feedback on their learning, including their strengths and areas for improvement.

Our teachers will use their professional judgement to make an overall assessment of a student’s performance based on all the evidence available.

In our Assessment Handbooks, students will have their “Semester One Grade reported based on learning activities, practicals and formal tasks for the semester”.  Students were advised of this in our O-Week sessions. 

Parents and carers with daughters in Years 8 to 10 will see that their daughter’s grades in the upcoming reports will not be solely based on task achievement results in formal assessment tasks; rather, teachers will make a balanced and informed assessment of a student’s performance. By doing so, they can provide a comprehensive report that reflects a student’s academic progress. 

In the following Newsletter, I will explain the Grade ranges A to E with the intent that the grade reported for your daughter this semester will be better understood.

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Year 12 ‘Maximising Your Results’ Workshop with Dr Prue Salter

On Wednesday, Dr Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning Educational Services (www.enhanced-learning.net) ran a study skills session with Year 12, building on the work done with the students last year. Year 12 looked at advanced research about the brain and how that could be used to make their study more effective.

Steps to make study notes more effective were highlighted, and students also examined the study techniques they traditionally used, exploring new techniques they could try this year. Students also explored how much time they should allocate to schoolwork during term time (2-3 hours per night) and the type of independent learning they should consistently be doing this term.

Year 12 was also given guidance in how to plan study time before exam blocks and will receive a link to a video by Dr Salter in Term 3 to show them how to plan study time from the last day of school to their final exam.

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 via the Favourites (Star) Menu in COMPASS.

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

New Staff Introduction

Chanel Week

In Week 1, the College celebrated Chanel Week with a variety of activities and initiatives to develop the value of service, which was so incredibly demonstrated in the life and actions of our Patron, Saint Peter Chanel. Saint Peter Chanel was martyred on the 28 April, 1841 after spending the last years of his life on mission in Oceania. He served with kindness and humility on the Island of Futuna, seeking to evangelise the people but ultimately living the Marist Spirit. He became well known for his kindness and compassion. Chanel Week is therefore a time that we reflect on Chanel’s values and chose to live by the same example. In order to further our connection to our Patron, Chanel House arranged for all tutor groups in the College to reflect on his compassionate service and suggest ways they can live out this value in their lives. Our Chanelians also contributed bake sale items, which were sold to raise money for Marist Missions who have initiatives such as Balay Balang, which supports young women at risk in Devao City, Philippines. Thank you to the girls who assisted with this successful initiative. Throughout the week,  origami Waratahs were made to reflect on the Chanel crest and motto, ‘reaching outwards and upwards’. There was a beautiful display of House Spirit in this meditative process. Thank you to our Co-Captains Sofia Incerti and Zara Chand who along with our Liturgy Captain, Olivia Pezzutti, ensured that Chanel Week was a great success.

ANZAC DAY

On 26 April, MSCW commemorated ANZAC Day at the Principal’s assembly.This year marks the 50th anniversary of the announcement of Australia’s withdrawal from the Vietnam War. The College was privileged to have Mr. Allen Morley, a Vietnam veteran, speak at the ceremony. Mr Morley reflected upon his experience of being conscripted into the war, and being posted at Nui Dat, where he lived in a tent for nine months. In his address, Mr Morley emphasised that the meaning of ANZAC Day to him was to share his experiences and enable future generations to carry on the legacy of those who served. 

As Catholics, we hold peace, love and service at the heart of all we do. Whilst we do not glorify war, we remember and commemorate all those who have served in past conflicts. Service is expressed in many ways; through defending one’s country, but also through the mateship shown to fellow soldiers in times of great difficulty, through caring for the wounded, through carrying on the legacy of those who have died, and through comforting those who lost loved ones in war. We pay gratitude to those who gave their lives to defend the country, and to all servicemen and women who continue to serve.  

Sports News

It will be an extremely busy term of Sport with Years 7-10 Thursday Internal Sport and Years 7-12 External SCS representative competitions starting in Week 1.

The College is a part of Sydney Catholic Schools Sport (SCS) and provides students with the opportunity to compete against other schools in our conference on Thursday afternoon. Sport news will be distributed to students via COMPASS, emails, the College’s Newsletter, and announcements at Principal’s assemblies.  

Years 7-10 Internal Thursday Sports Program

Term 2

On Thursday Sport days, all students must wear their full sports uniform to/from school and bring their MSCW sport cap. Students should check their emails/COMPASS for details about sport groups.

Sports

Internal Sport – Sport offered by the College, may be onsite or offsite. Change of Internal Sport will take place twice a term. (Every 5 Weeks)

Years 7-12 External SCS Representative Sport Program

Teams will be selected to represent the College for the Sydney Catholic Schools Sport competitions.  Students will be required to sign up for trials and attend trials as advised via expression of interest Google forms. Students are to wear their Sports uniform to the trials. Trials have been running last term from weeks 6-10.

Sydney Catholic Schools Sport Term 1 (Students leave the College 12noon EVERY Thursday and return by 4pm)

Sydney Catholic Schools Sport Term 2 

Sydney Catholic Schools Sport Championship carnivals will be held throughout the year in various sports.  

Students will be required to sign up for trials and attend trials as advised via expression of interest Google forms.

Representative Pathway for Elite Sportswomen

Students may also trial for the Sydney Catholic Schools representative team to compete at the NSW CCC and NSW All Schools. These trials are extremely competitive, and they are designed for elite athletes. Please see information on the CSNSW website. Students are to discuss with Mr Watts prior to registering.

Parents/carers must register via the CSNSW.sport portal. 

For instructions on how to register go to Guide For Parents – Sport Registrations >>

Term 2 Individual Nominations Sport Registrations are now open for:

Upcoming Events – Term 2

• 26 April NSWCCC Open Rugby Selections
• 26-27 April NSWCCC 16Y Rugby Selections
• 27 April NSWCCC Girls Rugby 7s Selections
• 1 May NSWCCC Water Polo Selections
• 1-2 May NSWCCC AFL Selections
• 3 May NSWCCC 15Y Netball Selections
• 8 May NSWCCC Open Basketball Selections
• 9 May NSWCCC 16Y Basketball Selections
• 10 May NSWCCC Boys 16Y Football Selections
• 12 May NSWCCC Open Volleyball Selections
• 15 May NSWCCC Hockey Selections
• 16-17 May NSWCCC Hockey Championships
• 17-18 May NSWCCC Rugby League Girls 18Y Selections
• 21 May NSW All Schools 18Y Rugby and 16Y Girls Rugby 7s
• 22-23 May NSWCCC Open Football Selections
• 26 May NSW All Schools 15Y Netball Selections
• 26 May MacKillop Football Selections
• 28 May NSW All Schools Rugby (18Y and 16Y)
• 29 May NSWCCC Tennis Championships
• 29-30 May NSWCCC Open Basketball Championships
• 29-30 May NSW All Schools AFL Championships
• 1-2 June NSW All Schools Diving Championships
• 1-2 June NSW All Schools Swimming Championships
• 3-4 June NSW All Schools 15Y Touch Football Selections
• 5 June NSW All Schools 16Y Basketball
• 6 June NSW All Schools Rugby 18Y
• 9 June NSW All Schools Open Volleyball
• 13 June NSWCCC Cross Country Championships
• 19-20 June NSW All Schools Football Selections
• 19-21 June NSW All Schools Golf
• 22-23 June NSW All Schools Girls Rugby 7s
• 22-23 June NSW All Schools 16Y Hockey
• 23 June NSW All Schools 18Y Rugby
• 24-25 June NSW All Schools 16Y Rugby
• 25-26 June NSWCPS Rugby Selections

For further information, please refer to the CSNSW Sport website Sport pages

Sydney Catholic Sport Results

Congratulations to the eleven teams that competed in Round 1 of the SCS Sport competition for Term 2. MSCW are off to a solid start again this term! Keep up the great work Legends! 

Please see the results and MVP (Most Valuable Player) for each team.

MSCW Term 2 Sydney Catholic Schools Sport Teams 2023

Thank you to all students who trialled for Term 2 Sport Teams.

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to represent Marist Sisters’ College.

MSCW Cross Country Carnival 2023

Monday 8 May – Weil Park & local Woolwich area.

MSCW Athletics Carnival 2023

Friday 2 June  – Sydney Olympic Park Competition Athletic Centre

Please see Compass notification for more information.

Mr Daniel Watts, Sports Coordinator

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

NSW All Schools Sailing

Congratulations to Isabella Lozevski who represented MSCW at the NSW All Schools Sailing Regatta Championships at Belmont, Lake Macquarie.

There were 67 boats representing Schools from across Australia with many different classes (14 in total) that were divided into five divisions. Isabella was in Division II (all Lasers) Sailing the only Laser 4.7 (ILCA4) with a much smaller sail and therefore technically slower than the rest of her fleet who were in Laser Radials (ILCA6).

Over the four days Isabella surprised everyone by consistently out sailing the Division II fleet in her boat “Finesse” proudly securing 1st place, Australian Secondary Schools Division 11 for 2023 on behalf of Marist Sisters College.

Awesome achievement!

Mr Daniel Watts, Sports Coordinator

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

Sports Results

Congratulations to the nine teams that competed in Round 1 of the SCS Sport competition for Term 1. MSCW are off to a solid start for the 2023 Sporting year! 

Please see the results and MVP (Most Valuable Player) for each team.

Round 1

MVP

Round 2

MVP

Mr Daniel Watts, Sports Coordinator

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

SCS Basketball

Junior Report

The MSCW Junior Girls Basketball team had a great season coming out undefeated. They have displayed excellent sportsmanship and teamwork throughout the season. The girls have come up against teams that pushed them to work harder but after overcoming them they came out stronger than before, not only personally but also as a team, building strong friendships and connections. The Junior team sadly didn’t win the conference round but still had an amazing day playing many good teams that really pushed us to do our best. 

Intermediate Report 

The MSCW intermediate basketball team showed many improvements throughout the term winning 2 games against Casimir and Domremy. In the beginning, the team had a few struggles losing to Trinity and Rosebank, but we started to show improvements and play better as a team as the weeks went by. As a team, we showed great teamwork and determination, which helped us to keep trying and not give up. Although we didn’t make it to the semi finals, we had a great had a great experience playing basketball for MSCW and we couldn’t have made it without Mr El-Hage. 

Senior Report

The senior basketball team for 2023 showed great skill development and determination through the whole competition, losing only 2 games to St Vincent and St Charbel. We made it to the semifinals unfortunately losing to St Charbel in the first game we played which was to qualify for the grand final. Despite this, we managed to secure the win against Trinity, earning us our 3rd place medal. It was an enjoyable and rewarding experience and we couldn’t have made it that far without the help and support from Ms Dove.

Isabella Cicciari, Year 11 Student

SCS Touch Football

Junior Report

The Junior touch football team played amazingly having no losses through rounds 2-7. Round 1 was washed out due to rain but we managed to play every other round without any rain at all. The girls finished top of the ladder and they fully deserved to win the tournament. The girls did amazing with their biggest win being 12-2. All of the girls had an amazing tournament for the junior team. They made it to the semi-finals and won victoriously over Domremy. In the Final, they all did their best but couldn’t come away with the win. 

Sorcha Reid, Year 7 Student

Intermediate Report

The intermediate touch football team had an amazing season. Our first game of the season, We planned to play Domremy but was unfortunately washed out. But we played all other games winning every round bar one against St Vincents. We finished the meadowbank rounds tied 2nd on the ladder. It came to the semi finals and we versed Rosebank, and came out on top which meant we would play St Vincents in the finals. It was a very intense game an d at full time we were tied up. This meant we went to dropouts, starting with 4 players who played to their best ability, the girls tried their best but couldn’t come away with the win.

Thank you Ms Johns for an amazing season and congratulations girls.

Niamh Krenmayr, Year 9 Student

Senior Report

What a season for the Woolwich Senior Touch Football Team.

The Senior Touch Football team has been together through all of the years from year 7 through to year 11. The girls worked extremely hard in 2023 using all their skills and effort week in and week out, which paid off throughout the round games at Meadowbank Park. The team won all of their games and had the skills to put on some big scores. This team not only succeeded at a high level during the round games but completed both the Semi Final and Grand final with strong performances and were crowned premiers with the mercy rule score. This meant that the team scored over 10 tries against the opposition team forcing them to forfeit. 

During the previous year the senior touch football team won the championship and this only motivated this team to get the title back. Most of the girls are in year 11 and had lost at the previous championship in 2022 which also helped to motivate the team coming from a hard loss. With this determination the girls were ready to win the champions of champions championship at Holy Cross. Even though we only had 9 players on the day, we were ready to give our best.

During the first game, the girls played against De La Salle Catholic College Cronulla and fought hard to win the game with another high score. This only made the girls more committed to bringing the trophy home, and during the grand final this was shown with a strong performance and a dominant 12-3 victory. The win over Our Lady of the Sacred Heart College, Kensington kept our undefeated record intact. We were all super proud of the performance and the style of touch that we played.

Thank you to our coach Miss Spurr.

Throughout the whole season the girls showed great resilience, teamwork and skills which all paved the way to our titles!

Brianna Kelly, Year 9 Student

SCS Waterpolo

Junior Report

The Junior Water Polo Team faced a lot of challenges throughout the season. The girls in the team played extremely well throughout the games and improved highly from the beginning of the season. Although the team lost tough games, they also gained a few wins! The games the team did lose did not drop their heads and the effort was consistent throughout the season. The team had loads of fun playing and getting to know each other, many being year sevens! We congratulate the Junior Water Polo Team for their season, especially to the courageous Year Sevens for their first season.

Intermediate Report

The intermediate Waterpolo Team for 2023 had some ups and downs throughout the season. The team faced many wins and a few losses. The games were either held at Dawn Fraser or Auburn pool. The intermediate team pushed through and progressed to the Sydney Catholic Schools Waterpolo Championship. There was some tough competition with the girls losing our first game against St Clares, Waverly. We progressed to the second game, playing for third place. The team swam and played their best but unfortunately could not take third spot. It was great season overall for the intermediate girls team, with many students not only learning new skills but making new friends.

Senior Report

The Senior Waterpolo Team in 2023 were full of strong, resilient and humble players. Games were played weekly switching between ocean pool, Dawn Fraser, Balmain, with the sting-rays! Or in the chlorine pool at Auburn Swim Centre. The team faced tough competition from the two grand finalists teams, Domremy, Five Dock and St Clares Waverly, although the tough games didn’t let the girls’ heads to drop. Against Rosebank, the team were able to play some incredible Waterpolo and gain some wins on the board. Ending in third position, allowed the team to proceed to the Sydney Championships. The day was full of tough competition against familiar opponents, Domremy and St Clares. Although, a game against Marist Penshurst allowed the Woolwich girls talents to shine and gain an easy win. 

The team had a successful, fun, unforgettable season that for many of the year twelve players, it was their last. We congratulate their achievements and contributions to waterpolo during their MSCW experience and to the rest of the team for a great season. 

Canteen News

Flexischools

Calling on volunteers

HSC Study Smart at West Ryde Library

The Sleep Connection Parent Presentation Invitation

Marist College Eastwood invites all parents/carers in the Ryde Network to a presentation by Lisa Maltman to be held at the College on Monday 22 May 2023, commencing at 7.00pm. Lisa Maltman is the founder and owner of ‘The Sleep Connection’. Over 30% of primary school children and 70% of teenagers experience insufficient sleep. This is having a significant impact on many areas of their lives. The program aims to create awareness of the level of sleep deprivation among students and the effect this is having and empower participants with the knowledge, practical strategies and tools to make informed decisions regarding their sleep health.