From the Principal
A Marist girl of the future
In my role as Principal, many parents like to discuss with me the all-rounded education that they want for their daughter. A daughter who reaches her academic potential, is generous, kind, shows empathy and compassion, is involved in outreach with an awareness of others less fortunate in the community. These are just a few of the things they mention. They often also equate this to their daughter ‘being happy’. They say, ‘I just want her to be happy’. I often think about what this ‘happy’ would look like and wonder if this ‘happy’ would be the a sense of satisfaction gained from spirited involvement in co-curricular and community activities. By being kind, generous and giving to others, we gain so much more. In this regard, I’m struck by Picasso’s words: “The meaning of Life is to find your gift; And the purpose of life is to give it away”. Or, as Mark Twain wittily reminded us: “The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why”. He also said: “Kindness is a language that the Deaf can hear and the Blind can see”. We gain so much more from giving than what we ever anticipate. It changes us and allows us to engage in and experience occasions we had never thought about before. It allows us to live “Goodness Above All”.
More and more I read how society attitudes and expectations have changed, especially post-pandemic. Our society seems to be searching for higher ethical standards from individuals, governments, leaders and companies, both corporate and NFP’s. Thankfully, most communities have a high intolerance of greed and selfishness. Those who are making real progress on social change appear to be putting the greater good ahead of the individual. They have a genuine interest in building an equitable society for a truly sustainable future.
It is these aspects that future employers, TAFE, and universities are starting to look for when employing and enrolling students. Apart from academic capability, they are looking for the personal attributes and motivations of a student. It is the contribution and passion for something that is beyond themselves, that students have made to their community, that is also significant in their employment or study pattern for future jobs.
So…how are our girls, your daughters, our leaders and decision makers of the future reaching out and ‘being happy’? At Marist Sisters’ we expect and encourage students to reach out by living their Marist Service. The Marist Service Program is active on Student Cloudshare. It is this involvement in the community, that our students will gain more than what they give.
MSCW Community Involvement What a success!
MSCW girls were a shining example at the recent Balmoral Burn of students getting involved, and giving back to the broader community through the Humpty Dumpty Foundation. Thank you so much to all – students, staff and parents – who ran and joined in this fun community day for such a great cause. Humpty Dumpty Foundation provides vital medical equipment to Children’s wards in hospitals across Australia.
Our girls certainly put Woolwich on the map among other schools showing ‘determination’, ‘grit’ and ‘courage’ to take the challenge of running up Sydney’s steepest hill. However, more importantly the MSCW girls demonstrated a passionate and generous commitment to get involved and give back to others.
This year we raised over $6400.00 and again are the highest fundraisers among Sydney schools.
Supporting the Humpty Dumpty Foundation is just one way that as a College Community we reach out to others. A part of being a Marist girl we ask all students to contribute to Marist Service. As a minimum we ask for 10 hours per year. A small amount of voluntary time and as students find out, when they give, they receive much more in return.