From the Principal

As Term 1 draws to a close there is much to celebrate:

Executive Director’s Excellence in HSC and VET Awards

Last Monday evening, Ms Alvarez and I attended the Executive Director’s Excellence in HSC and VET Awards to celebrate those students who gained First Place in the Diocese in HSC courses, as well as achievement in VET courses.

Congratulations to the following for achieving First Place in the Diocese:

Verdi Maximous – Business Studies	Eleanor Albuquerque – Studies of Religion 1	Natasha Andrianakos – Textiles & Design
Kora Villa – Science Extension	Natalie Leung – Information Processes & Technology	VET Achievement: Olivia Cranfield – Business Services

Fundraising for Ukraine Refugees and Northern NSW Floods

I am so proud of our students as they came together last Thursday in House Groups to raise awareness and funds for Ukraine refugees and the Northern NSW flood victims. Using their ‘gifts’ at the College Talent Show, each House competed for the Talent Show Trophy and House points. The collective talent displayed by the students was both entertaining and amazing.  

Well done to all Houses, but especially to the placegetters:

First Place: Perroton

Second Place: Marcellin

Third Place: Colin

Year 7 Welcome and Social Night

Cerdon Plaza was buzzing as we welcomed our new Year 7 parents and students on Friday night. For the first time in two years, our parents were able to gather socially on the College site. The weather remained fine while we all enjoyed great conversation and sampled the delicious pizza cooked on-site. Our Year 7 students were also treated to fun activities organised by their Year 10 Amica Leaders. Thanks to all who were part of the planning and hospitality on the night, especially our Year 12 Parent Engagement Group, coordinated by Tennille Southcombe and Natasha Lakic; our Year 12 and 11 Hospitality students, supported by their teachers Mrs Della Vedova, Mrs Erin Healey and Mrs Leonie Clarke; and the Year 10 Amica Leaders supported by the Leader of Wellbeing, Ms Angela Bowland and Assistant Leader of Wellbeing, Ms Gemma Muller.  

We look forward to repeating this parent social experience for Year 8 parents and students in Term 2 on 29 April.

Staff Spirituality Day

On Monday, all staff travelled to the L’Hermitage, the Marist Retreat Centre in Mittagong for our annual Spirituality Day. The day was facilitated by the Marist Missions Team. In the beautiful autumn sun and picturesque hills of the Southern Highlands, we adopted the theme ‘Known and Loved – Dignity for All’ as our inspiration:

The image of Mary, ‘Our Lady of Loreto with the Refugees’ Cloak’, in the photo above, was painted by young Italian artist Margherita Gallucci. She dedicated the painting to ‘the sacredness of human life, to the sacredness and dignity of all those who are victims of brutality, war and racism.’

Welcome to Our New Counsellor

We welcome to our Marist community Counsellor, Carly Boaler. Carly joins the Wellbeing Team, working closely with our current Counsellor, Louise Scuderi. Carly is at the College full-time and can be contacted by parents through the College Reception. An introduction from Carly appears later in this newsletter.

As we journey to Easter with ‘hope’, I wish a Happy Easter to you and your families.

From the Assistant Principal

In the last couple of weeks of Term 1, the community of MSCW was very busy. Last week, Dr Ireland and I were fortunate to be able to attend Sydney Catholic Schools’ Excellence in HSC and VET Awards, which recognised the talents of a number of our Year 12 2021 cohort and their successes in their HSC. As a College community, we raised funds via our College Talent Show for those in need in Ukraine and Northern NSW. Staff also had an opportunity to welcome our new Year 7 parents to the College during our Year 7 Welcome Night. While together as a College community, we engaged in the College’s annual Holy Week Prayer Service.

Each of these events provided opportunities for past and present students to share their ‘gifts’ with their ‘sisters’. It has truly been a great end to the term.

MSCW Parent Engagement 

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

Aims:

• A model of partnership with parents 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 during 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.

Most recently, members of our parent community engaged in our Parent Engagement Meeting held on Wednesday 30 March, to provide feedback on the current uniform. While a number of our Year 12 parents hosted the Year 7 Welcome Night on Friday 1 April.

Upcoming Events Term 2:

• Year 7 Parent Engagement Group will host the Year 8 Welcome Night on Friday 29 April.
• Year 9 Parent Engagement Group will host the Mother’s Day Mass and Supper on Wednesday 4 May.

Remaining Events in 2022 Include:

• 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 at info@mscw.catholic.edu.au if you would like more information regarding involvement in your daughter/s Parent Engagement/s Group.

College Winter Uniform

Please be reminded that when students return to school in Term 2 they will be expected to wear their full winter uniform. This includes the wearing of navy tights, as well as the wearing of the College blazer while travelling to and from the College.

Please use the holidays to ensure that the following requirements are met prior to returning to College. 

• MSCW kilt – length of kilt is to be below the knee

• MSCW College badge

• MSCW jumper

• MSCW blazer

• Shoes are to be black, lace-up and able to be polished

• Navy tights (70/80 denier)

• MSCW tartan scarf (optional)
  

COMPASS Student Card

It is a College expectation that all students have their COMPASS Student ID Card with them every day. 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 every day.  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 Frequently Asked Questions

Do Students Who Have Previously Tested Positive Have to Isolate for 7 Days?

People who have recovered from COVID-19 have a low risk of getting it again in the eight weeks after they are released, as most people develop some immunity (ability to fight the disease).

If you come into contact with someone with COVID-19 within eight weeks after you are released, you will generally not need to self-isolate or get a test. If you come into contact with someone with COVID-19 more than eight weeks after you are released, you will need to self-isolate, test and follow the advice in the Information for people exposed to COVID-19 and Get tested for COVID-19 factsheets.

What About When Members of the Household Test Positive During the Isolation Period – Does it Reset?

• The household must follow the Self-isolation guideline and self-isolate for seven days from the time the first COVID-positive person in your household had their test.
• Have a rapid antigen test (RAT) as soon as possible and again on day six. Have an additional RAT if symptoms develop.
• If all tests are negative, households can leave isolation after seven days.
• If another member of the household tests positive while in isolation, you do not have to restart your isolation period.
• If you are a household close contact who is unable to separate from the COVID-19 positive person, you should self-isolate with them until they are released from isolation.

If your daughter is in isolation as household contact or COVID positive they are not to return to school until they have completed their full seven days of 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.

Travelling to and From School – Masks

I ask for your support as a parent/carer in ensuring that your daughter/s are wearing masks on public transport, which includes the bus and ferry. Please see the communication from the School Liaison Police Officer for the Ryde Area that was sent to all schools in the area: The current Public Health Orders regarding face coverings for students aged 12 years and older are required to adhere to this legislation. (See Below)

COVID-19 MANDATORY FACE COVERINGS

Public Health Act 2010

The Public Health (COVID-19 Mandatory Face Coverings) Order 2021 was amended commencing 29 January 2021.

A fitted face covering is a mask or other covering that fits securely around the face and is designed or made to be worn over the nose and mouth to provide the wearer with protection against infection. A scarf is not a fitted face covering.

Requirement to wear a fitted face covering

Public transport

A person in Greater Sydney must wear a fitted face covering at all times when:

(a) at a public transport waiting area, or

(b) when the person is in a vehicle, train or vessel that is being used to provide a public transport service and the vehicle, train or vessel is carrying passengers or is in service and available to carry passengers.

Public transport service includes a taxi service, rideshare service and community transport service. A public transport waiting area is a station, including the platform of a passenger railway station or light rail station/stop, a ferry wharf, a bus stop or a taxi rank.

Thank you for your support of the current requirements for wearing a mask to and from school on public transport.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the students for their commitment to their learning and their involvement in the range of opportunities offered in Term 1 that allowed them to demonstrate their ‘gifts’ and talents.

I wish all students and staff a very restful break during the holiday period and a blessed Easter.

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

From the Religious Education Coordinator

Easter is central to our Christian faith. By His suffering, death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and gave us the hope of eternal life. I encourage all to check the liturgies available in parishes for Holy Week – Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday/Easter Sunday. I wish all in our College community a holy and peaceful Easter break.

Holy Week Prayer Service

Thank you to Chloe, Danielle, Alannah, Abigail, Arianna, Sophia, Sienna, Jade, Lily, Madison, Isabelle, Katelyn, Ava, Olivia and Emma for the prayerful presentation of the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ at the Holy Week Prayer Service. Thank you to Mrs Marsh and the College Choir for the beautiful singing that accompanied the prayer service.

Staff Retreat and Spirituality Day

Staff participated in the Staff Retreat and Staff Spirituality Day at The Hermitage, Mittagong. The days were facilitated by Nathan Ahearne and John Hickey from the Marist Mission and Life Formation Team. The theme of the Retreat was ‘RE-spect: Worthy of a Second Look’. Staff were invited to respond to the statement: 

If we could see through the eyes of God in a contemplative way – the second loving look on all people whom we encounter each day.

The theme of Spirituality Day was ‘Known and Loved’.  Staff participated in a forum where we listened to the voices and stories of the ‘displaced’ in the world, which identified the dignity of each person as well as what God is saying to each of us in how we respond. In the World Cafe, the final session of the day, staff were invited to commit to an action.

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

From the Leader of Wellbeing

This is What it Looks Like

MAINTAIN THE ROUTINE:

• Go to bed/sleep at the same time as she does during the term and wake at the same time as if they are going to school. Sleeping too much or not enough will put the body clock out of sync and this will have a significant impact when school returns. Why? Because it will take two weeks to ‘settle’ back into the routine and learning starts DAY ONE. In fact, many students have assessments due in the first two weeks of the term.
• Going to the local library and meeting friends may work best for her. They learn more when they reteach one another and provide one another with feedback.

STUDY TIMETABLE TIP:

• Your daughter may get all caught up in creating the perfect study plan and spend an exorbitant amount of time getting it just right, using the time that could be spent actually studying. The timetable already exists – it is the exact same one she has been using all this year.  Her school timetable. Keep the structure of the day including start and break times along with the subjects for each day. (Study lessons could be for her to work on the skill she needs to develop the most or if she is completing a major work, investing the time in that).
• Even if the one-hour ‘lesson’ is halved by the end of the first day, five hours of study will be completed by 3:30 pm, leaving her with the afternoon and evening exercise, sleep, socialise, work or research options for 2023.
• This will accumulate to 40 hours in the holidays with no study on weekends or public holidays. This is the same as completing 13 exams at three hours each!

PLAN PLAN PLAN:

• Use the Term Planner (link) to map out upcoming assessment tasks (Assessment Handbooks). She can also factor in special events such as family celebrations, social events, sporting finals, etc.
• Ask her to share her planner with you as a read-only document via Google and when you are planning events you can refer to this to support her.

WHAT TO STUDY:

• The Syllabus Dot Points.
• Past Papers. Students who excel in the Trial and HSC Exams have one thing in common: they practise, practise and practise past papers. A teacher does not have to provide feedback or a mark the doing is the study. She and a friend could do the same question and compare, looking for commendations and offering recommendations. Or they could do different questions and provide constructive feedback for one another. She may start with an open book and as her confidence builds remove the resource. Ultimately by the time the July holidays come around, she should be practising in exam conditions. For example, timing herself to complete parts of a whole exam or a whole exam.
• Having a slow day? She can use the NESA Multiple Choice Quiz resource that will provide her with instant feedback.
• Pre-read for the upcoming topic.
• Develop a glossary and use the words in sentences applied to the content.
• Create flashcards on actual study cards that can be purchased at Kmart, Target and Officeworks. She may prefer to subscribe to a website. Subscribing can sometimes require signing up and payment but with the membership (only 8 months to go) you can also get access to other members’ flashcards if they are shared. Quizlet is one example that allows individuals to create flashcards online.
• Review resources on Google Classroom that she may have been absent for when accessed in class. 
• Look at articles, websites and YouTube clips that she may not have had the chance to follow up and access after class on a few occasions. Some of these may also be on Google Classroom.
• Most importantly use a variety of different study techniques throughout the day to change things up.

EAT WELL:

• Eat regularly as she does when at school.
• Keep a balanced diet – a bit of everything.
• Stay hydrated.

SLEEP WELL:

• Maintain a healthy sleep pattern
  • Example:
    • have a consistent sleep and wake time
    • create a night routine
    • don’t study in bed
• Good sleep hygiene
• Resources
  • Sleep Hygiene
  • eHeadspace sleep tips
  • Sleep Health Foundation
  • Teenagers and Sleep

MOVE BODY DAILY:

• Access Youtube to find a 10-15 minute stretch that can be done in the morning or during a break.
• 5-10 minute walk in the neighbourhood for a brain break where she can listen to music or simply walk the dog, walk to the shops to purchase any supplies needed for lunch.
• Book a tennis court or go along to an indoor pool, trampoline centre, ice skating rink, do a walk/run or gym session where she can catch up and laugh with friends as they move their bodies.

SELF CARE:

• Keep a jug with a glass or bottle of water close by as she studies.
• Place a nicely scented hand cream in her study space so that she can moisture her hands a few times a day.
• A natural source of light in the room with the flow of fresh air – keep the door open if the house is quiet enough.

  

• Social Media Cleanse: post less to do more; refocus on the goal; less time scrolling and more time living; unplug to unwind; delete accounts that do not allow her to access her joy.
• Delete Apps on her phone she no longer needs/uses.
• Practice Mindfulness: Smiling Mind meditations, colouring in a design, listening to music.
• Create: knit, take up a hobby, bake, paint, draw, build, dance, complete a craft kit.
• Complete a puzzle: At set times throughout the day sit with one another and have a cup of something chat as you co-construct a puzzle.

Vaping

READ FACT SHEETS ONLINE:

• The Facts About Vaping
• Common Types of Vapes

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT VAPING:

• What are electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes, vapes)?
• What do vapes look and smell like?
• What is in a vape?
• Do vapes list all the ingredients they contain on the pack?
• How many people in NSW are vaping?
• What are the short-term risks for young people who vape?
• What is nicotine poisoning?
• What are the long-term health risks for young people who vape?
• Do people who use vapes go on to use tobacco cigarettes?

What can you do as a parent or carer?

• References

TO HELP YOU HAVE THE CONVERSATION

• Link

SchoolTV: A Special Report – The Conflict in Ukraine

Around the world, people are saddened and devastated by the events unfolding in Ukraine. Both adults and young people alike are feeling the stresses of war from afar as they experience fear, frustration and helplessness. The 24-hour news cycle has shown us upsetting images, raising many questions, especially for our young people, about what is happening.

Parents and caregivers need to be guided by their child’s curiosity. There is strong evidence to suggest that having a supportive discussion about a stressful event in a developmentally appropriate way, can actually decrease distress. It’s best to ‘name it, to tame it.’ This will also combat any misinformation to which they have most likely already been exposed through social media, pictures or video clips.

Children need to know that they are being taken seriously. So it is recommended that you don’t avoid the difficult questions. Ensure you address their questions honestly and sensitively. With less life experience than adults, young people may need help navigating news about this crisis. Use this is as an opportunity to model and encourage compassionate views towards fellow humans, regardless of distance or circumstance.

Here is the link to the SchoolTV report that offers guidance on how best to discuss the conflict in Ukraine. SchoolTV can also be accessed in COMPASS via the grey favourites star, top-middle of the home page.

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

From the Leader of Learning and Curriculum

It has been a big term, and it is important that students take time over the Easter break to recharge for Term 2. Importantly, the Easter period offers us an opportunity to reflect on the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday and hope for new life.

According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”- 1 Peter 1:3.

I strongly encourage our Year 12 students to follow the advice provided by Ms Bowland, Leader of Wellbeing, regarding maintaining study momentum in her article. I also encourage students to look at their Google Classrooms and engage with the skills-based workshops presented as part of the FLEX Program earlier in the term.

Student Leave of Absence

I encourage all parents and carers to be aware of the College’s policy around assessments and a student’s leave of absence.

• While leave from school may be approved, leave for assessments scheduled during the leave period will only be granted in exceptional circumstances and at the discretion of the Principal.
• A student on approved leave must submit hand-in tasks by the due date, either prior to going on leave or by electronic submission without penalty. In-class tasks or exams will not be rescheduled and the student will receive a zero mark if tasks are not submitted.
• A student on unapproved leave must submit hand-in tasks by the due date, either prior to going on leave or by electronic submission without penalty. In-class tasks or exams will not be rescheduled and the student will receive a zero mark if tasks are not submitted.

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

Gifted and Talented Report

Assessment Tasks and Feedback

As summative assessment tasks are completed for the term and results are given to students, it is worth thinking about the purpose of assessments and the lessons to be learnt from feedback. Feedback is among the most critical influences on student learning but it can cause a great range of emotions in our students.

I surveyed students about their views on feedback. I asked them: How do you feel when you get tasks back?

Their answers intrigued and concerned me.

Disappointed

Upset

Angry

Anxious

Stupid

Ashamed when I don’t get a good mark

I feel curious, nervous, expectant

If I was passionate about the task then I feel really bad

I can feel confused, stressed, a failure

I feel proud and eager after good feedback

I feel nervous but intrigued, I like knowing what others think of me and my work

When it’s negative and I thought it was good it’s hard to take and makes me question it

Criticism sticks with you and prevents you from trying in the future

The responses clearly highlighted to me that our students equate success with their self-worth. Can we look at feedback differently? According to John Hattie’s work The Power of Feedback (2007) effective feedback must answer three major questions asked by a teacher and by a student: 

• Where am I going? (What are the goals?)
• How am I going? (What progress is being made toward the goal?), and
• Where to next? (What activities need to be undertaken to make better progress?) 

If looking at feedback in this way, students can see that this is one part of a long journey in learning – a checkpoint along the way. Assessments allow educators to assist in identifying gaps in learning and what steps might be needed in order to bridge these gaps. As teachers we certainly don’t define our students by their grades – the conversation is always about strengths and yet to be strengths. What do students need to do to improve in the next task?

Carol Dweck’s study on growth mindset provides a great way to teach setbacks and disappointments in learning. Dweck also gives parents helpful tips on the language parents can use at home to ensure that a growth mindset is encouraged.

For more reading please see: Parenting with a Growth Mindset Approach

Debating

Thank you to the many girls who tried out for Debating. The adjudicators are currently deliberating and we will be able to announce the Debating Teams before the end of the term.

The first round of Debating for 2022 will be on 6 May. 

Mrs Colreavy’s Conundrum

Can you solve this week’s logic puzzle? The first student with the correct answer to email rachael.colreavy@syd.catholic.edu.au wins a prize!

What Number Should Replace the Question Mark?

Source: https://www.examsbook.com/number-puzzles-questions

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

College Talent Show

Last week on Thursday 31 March, our school community came together to raise funds for Ukraine and NSW flood victims. To date, the United Nations has reported that Russia’s military attack on Ukraine has resulted in 1,081 innocent civilian deaths. Devastatingly, we know that at least 136 of these deaths were children. Russian forces have targeted civilian homes, theatres, transportation and even medical facilities. The other crisis facing Ukraine civilians is getting out of Ukraine itself, with 3.7 million people, so far, fleeing to neighbouring countries such as Poland. 

A crisis closer to home involves the recent floods across south-east Queensland, northern NSW and Sydney. While the main devastation has been the impact on people’s homes, properties, and businesses, sadly, 22 deaths have also been reported. Many Lismore residents are still sheltering in emergency relief centres, or have been forced to stay in their own homes now deemed uninhabitable. 

In addition to presenting this information at the show, we played a video featuring a 7-year-old girl singing the Ukrainian National Anthem in Poland to commence the start of the event. 

7-year-old girl singing Ukrainian Anthem in Poland

Just as the girl, Amelia, is using her ‘gifts’ to spread joy and hope, the girls of MSCW used their talents to raise funds to help those in desperate need. 

Thank you to all the families and staff for your efforts to support the people of Ukraine and NSW flood victims. As a school, we’ve raised $1,366.30, a true testament to our Marist Values of compassion and generosity, and our constant goal to be Marist Women of Action. 

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

The Marist Lenten Journey

As we enter Holy Week, we continue to reflect on the lives of people vulnerable to poverty and injustice and how we can respond by supporting Caritas’ Project Compassion appeal. 

Your generosity allows Caritas to improve the lives of individuals and communities, supporting them to flourish and creating opportunities ‘for all future generations;’ to thrive. Donations to Project Compassion can still be made via Flexischools by the end of the week. 

The College began our Project Compassion almsgiving initiative by selling pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. The donations were outstanding. In Week 8 the Marists in Action (MIA) group organised a Prayer Wall in Bon Repos where they encouraged the College to write a short prayer intention for individuals that we are supporting through Project Compassion. After being inspired by Anatercia’s story, the MIA group initiated a Kahoot! that aimed to educate the College about how millions of people across the world do not have access to water. Congratulations to Tutor Group Marcellin 6 who raised the most funds in the College and won a pizza lunch on Thursday of Week 10!

Thank you for your generosity and prayers during this Lenten journey. 

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

Year 7 and 8 Reflection Days

Year 7

Students participated in a Reflection Day last Friday 1 April. The purpose of the day was to spend time in contemplation while deepening their connection with God and each other. The theme was ‘Marist in Name and in Nature’ and students explored the foundations and history of the Marist story, including a deeper understanding of their House Patrons and Colour Crests. Students had the opportunity to listen to Ms Hopkins who spoke about her Marist pilgrimage to France and the connection to significant sites such as Belley, Cerdon and Jarnosse.

There were other various activities including icebreakers that focused on teamwork, trivia questions about the Marist Charism, guided meditation and liturgy at the end of the day. One of the highlights was acknowledging individual qualities and gifts and celebrating them through the creation of a ‘treasure box of gifts’. 

A huge thank you to Mrs La Rossa, Ms Poli, Ms Graham, Ms Hopkins, Ms Pollari and Mr Neubronner who helped to facilitate a range of meaningful activities and assisted the Year 7 students in their ‘Compass for Life’ at MSCW. 

Year 8

Students were involved in their Reflection Day on Friday 25 March. The theme of the day was ‘Our Stories’, which centred on celebrating and sharing their stories within a Christian context. The day involved various icebreaker activities, discussions on stories that involve human spirit and resilience, and creating journals to serve as a reminder of the story of the day. Students also examined the stories Catholics celebrate within the Scriptures and reflected on them through a spider web activity. They had the opportunity for quiet, individual and reflective time through meditation and to write in their journals about their own story and how it has been celebrated. 

Ms Hopkins shared an oral testimony about her story of being part of a Catholic community, particularly her encounter with Pope John Paul II at World Youth Day. At the end of the day, a liturgy was organised where students were given the chance to connect with God and reflect on their day. It was a worthwhile and ‘much needed’ experience to take time off and connect with each other, particularly after remote learning last year.  

Thank you to Mr Hodges, Ms Kemp, Mr Iskander, Ms Poli, Ms Pollari and Ms Hopkins for facilitating the activities throughout the day. 

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

Youth Afternoon at Holy Cross College

Fifteen girls from Years 10, 11 and 12 made their way to Holy Cross College to attend a Youth Afternoon on 25 March, where we had the opportunity to connect and celebrate our faith. 

Students from Holy Cross College Ryde, Marist College Eastwood and Domremy College Five Dock also attended the afternoon. The theme of the afternoon was ‘Say Yes to God’, where we engaged in group discussions, prayer and dinner. There was also a guest speaker, Fr Steve Drum.

The icebreaker of the night was to organise a dinner date with a partner, where we had to respond with ‘yes, but’ and ‘yes, and’ responses. Father Steve facilitated a guided meditation – Lectio Divina – on the Annunciation. In table groups, we discussed questions on our relationship with God. One of the questions was, ‘Are there any instances where an individual may not want to say yes to God?’

We would like to thank Ms Younan and Mr Ronchetti from Holy Cross College, who helped to organise this very fun event. We thank Miss Vu, Miss Kleist and Ms Ockert for their support in the afternoon.

This event was an inspiring experience and we will definitely attend again.

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

Year 10 Geography Excursion

Students participated in their fieldwork for Geography at Collaroy and Narrabeen Beaches on Friday 18 March. They were guided by educators from the Northern Beaches Council and they learned about biophysical processes and human-induced environmental changes such as overdevelopment and pollution. Students gathered primary data for their written report on the effectiveness of coastal management strategies. Many benefitted from the hands-on and practical experience. 

A huge thanks to Mr Allen, Ms O’Neill, Ms Muller, Mrs Criss, Mr Bray and Mrs Stitt, who accompanied each of their classes throughout the day. 

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

Year 11 Ancient History News

The Dark Secret Behind a Popular Children’s Party Game

To finish Term 1, Year 11 Ancient History students are studying the ethics behind using and displaying human remains. It’s a topic that is cause for much debate in academic circles. Students are learning about how various worldviews on the topic develop and change over time. 

With a particular focus on Ancient Egyptian mummies, we are learning about the scientific processes involved in the study of the Ancient Past and also the ethical discussions regarding their display in museums. After the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815) a new wave of ‘Egyptomania’ swept across Europe, with wealthy aristocrats and collectors trying their best to get their hands on precious antiquities. This renewed interest in the Ancient Past saw the importation of thousands of mummified bodies back to Europe. In some cases, ‘unwrapping parties’ would take place, where wealthy Victorians would purchase tickets to exclusive events where the mummies would be unwrapped in front of their own eyes. As the ancient bodies slowly unravelled, precious gems and other funerary items would fall out.

If you were lucky to catch one, it was yours to keep. This is the dark, disturbing origin of the children’s party game ‘Pass the Parcel’.

Year 11 played a less horrific version of the popular party game, unwrapping a paper parcel that revealed a ‘funerary item’ and an information card. As we read the information, we learned about different Ancient Egyptian funeral practices. This also prompted deep ethical discussions around the treatment of human remains. As we continue to explore the topic, students will develop their own opinions while understanding the changing nature of ethics in history. 

Sports News

Sydney Swimming Carnival (SOPAC)

The MSCW Swimming Team competed at the Sydney Catholic Schools Swimming Championship at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre on Tuesday 15 March. The standard of swimming from students in the Sydney Catholic Schools system was off the charts and MSCW gave their best against extremely strong competition.

Congratulations to the following students on their fantastic results:

Olivia Treadwell (12 Years)

• 1st place 50m Butterfly         
• 1st place 50 Breaststroke
• 1st place 50 Backstroke
• 3rd Place 12 Years Age Champion

Eve Lange (13 Years)

• 1st Place 50m Freestyle
• 1st Place 50m Backstroke
• 1st Place 100m Freestyle
• 2nd Place 13 Years Age Champion                                                                                               

Ava Gibson (17 Years +)       

• 3rd Place 50m Butterfly    

1st place 4 x 50m Junior Freestyle Relay

• Olivia Treadwell
• Maddison Tannous
• Eve Lange
• Angela Lakic

2nd Place 4 x 50m Open Freestyle Relay

• Ava Gibson 
• Georgia Sherry
• Natasha Payne
• Anastasia Lakic

1st Place 4 x 50m Open Medley Relay

• Ava Gibson  
• Zara Chand 
• Anastasia Lakic
• Sienna Brown

 2nd Place 6 x 50m Freestyle Relay

• Ava Gibson 
• Olivia Treadwell
• Sienna Brown
• Angela Lakic
• Amy Linssen
• Eve Lange

2nd Place Overall (out of 25 Sydney Catholic Schools) 

An amazing effort!

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

New Staff Introductions

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

Carly Boaler, College Counsellor I work for CatholicCare and have been employed as College Counsellor working alongside Louise Scudderi.  I have experience working with adolescents and adults within various hospital settings and I am really excited to have been welcomed into a school environment to continue to support students in navigating the complexities of high school and being an adolescent! My work is client-centred and I have a keen interest in family systems and DBT.  When I am not in the therapy room, I am generally in the yoga studio, cooking large meals for the people I love and travelling up and down the coast with my partner.

Information Evening – Space School Expedition 2023

Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich is excited to announce our participation in CASE Space School Expedition 2023. All Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich students are invited to join CASE Junior Space School or CASE Senior Space School and visit NASA in the USA!

The space industry is the most stimulating environment to showcase the impact of STEAM and innovation in our world and inspire students in the pursuit of STEAM studies.

This is a wonderful opportunity for all students to learn beyond the classroom and be inspired by the opportunities that lie ahead.

Information Evening

Monday, 9 May 2022, online via Zoom

Years 7-9 in 2023: 6:00pm | Years 10-12 in 2023: 7:30pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85268170903

STEM X Holiday Workshops

UTS Women in Engineering and ITS (WiEIT) are offering STEM X Holiday Workshops for Years 5-10.

Please see the attached flyer for details and register here.

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.