From the Principal

Year 11 students have begun the application process to become a member of the 2026/2027 Senior Leadership Team and shortly candidates will have the opportunity to address College members in our Principal and House Assemblies. It has been rewarding to meet with so many of our students and hear about their ideas, goals and aspirations.

While our official leadership positions play a vital and visible part in the life of our College, every student in our College plays an important role. Our captains and senior student leadership team set an example, but they are only one part of a much bigger picture. Every student contributes to the culture of our school through her actions, her attitude, and the way she treats others.

One of the core messages we strive to instil in every senior student at MSCW is that everyone is a leader. Leadership is not limited to badges, titles, or positions. It is not something reserved for a select few. True leadership is found in the choices we make every day and it takes place in our actions, our words, and the way we treat others.

We remind all our students that leadership begins with kindness. It shows itself in the courage to include someone who feels left out, the maturity to admit mistakes and learn from them, the strength to stand up for what is right, and the generosity to help without being asked. These are some of the qualities that shape strong character and contribute to our MSCW community.

Some of the greatest leaders in history didn’t wear a badge or hold a formal role. They led quietly, consistently, and with integrity. True leaders do the right thing even when it is difficult and even when no one is watching.

This is the kind of leadership we want for every student at MSCW – leadership that is grounded in compassion, responsibility, and respect. When students understand that they each have the capacity to lead, they begin to see themselves differently. They grow in confidence, realising their gifts and are empowered to fulfil their full potential as a Marist woman of action.

We are proud of the many ways our students already show leadership across the College, and we will continue to nurture and grow these qualities in every girl, every day.

God Bless,

Ms Rachel Sampson, Principal

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

From the Assistant Principal

ANZAC Day 2026

As a College community in Week 2 we stopped to remember and commemorate ANZAC Day.

It was our honour to welcome Mr Mark Fleming, from the Naval Graves Project, this project is an attempt to preserve the naval history of Australia by researching, locating and tending the graves of those men and women who served in the Naval Forces. The project has records of more than 6,100 men and women in over 400 cemeteries in their archive.

Many of our staff and students have grandparents, mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, brothers and sisters who served or who are serving in Australian Defence forces. Let us remember all those in our community who have lost a loved one through war and we also remember those who currently have loved ones serving in areas of conflict around the world.

I would like to acknowledge Mr Bray and Ms Aldeguer and the History students who prepared the assembly, in particular those students who led the assembly Renee Yuen, Marie-Elise Bedwani, Kendra Castenar, Allison Davis, Gabriella Trunzo, Charlotte Butler, Olivia Princiotta, Isabella Nah, Sophie Murphy, Sienna Vitale, Helena Allshorn, Talia Alacqua, Analisa Hernandez, Ruby Brutto, Luciana Arfi, Ella Grech and Zara Ash. I would also like to acknowledge Katie Mckay, Year 10 who played the Rouse and Last Post.

Giving Back to the Community: The Humpty Dumpty Balmoral Burn on 24 May

At Marist Sisters’ College, we are once again invited to support the Humpty Dumpty Foundation by participating in the Balmoral Burn on 24 May. The Humpty Dumpty Foundation is a children’s charity that has been purchasing essential and often life-saving medical equipment for over 30 years.

This equipment benefits sick and injured children in Pediatric Wards, Neonatal Units, Maternity, and Emergency Departments across Australia, with donations now reaching over 500 metropolitan and rural hospitals. This event is a fantastic opportunity for our students and staff to engage with the broader community.

Sponsorship for the event can be found here.

COMPASS Student Card

It is a College expectation that all students have their COMPASS student ID card with them everyday. The card is used in particular for students to tap in and out of the College for late arrival or early departure and the canteen. I ask for the support of parents in ensuring that your daughter/s have this with them everyday. 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.

Mr Justin Hodges, Assistant Principal

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

From The Religious Education Coordinator

Christ the Good Shepherd of Us All

Fourth Sunday of Easter (Year A)—Good Shepherd Sunday

“But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as the shepherd calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ” John 10:2-4

Four things happen in this story:

First, the gatekeeper opens the gate for the shepherd.
Second, the shepherd calls his own sheep by name.
Third, the sheep hear his voice.
Fourth, the shepherd leads the sheep through the gate.

Who is the “gatekeeper?” Saint Augustine says that one answer to this is that the gatekeeper is the Holy Spirit. The role of the Holy Spirit is to open our minds to the truth, to a deeper understanding of Scripture, and therefore, to a deeper understanding of Christ Himself. Therefore, the Holy Spirit will open your mind and your heart to know and love Christ as your shepherd, if you let Him.

Once this happens, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, will speak your name, personally. Not audibly, but through the gift of faith. You are not only one of many sheep; rather, you are His dear one whom He knows and loves on an intimate and personal level. Therefore, this passage calls us to an intimate and personal relationship with Christ the Good Shepherd.

Knowing we are personally and intimately loved by Christ, that we are called by name, invites and encourages us to listen. Do you listen? And if you listen, do you hear? “Hearing” Christ speak to us in this personal and intimate way should motivate us to action.

What action? To be led. Normally a shepherd walks behind the sheep and they run on ahead. But in this story, Jesus, the Good Shepherd, Who calls you by name, leads you “through the gate.” Jesus Himself is the Gate. We are called to become one with Him and, through Him, to enter into the bosom of the Father in Heaven. Through Him we enter into new life itself, life of union with Him Who is our Shepherd.

Reflect, today, upon this fourfold journey to which you are called. Pray to the Holy Spirit that your mind and heart will be opened to know and love Christ. Then prayerfully listen for Christ to speak to you. Hear Him, respond to Him and allow Him to draw you into His open heart of perfect love.

https://mycatholic.life/books/catholic-daily-reflections-series/lent-and-easter-reflections/11-fourth-week-of-easter/

Reflection On Year 11 Reflection Day

Reflection days are watershed moments in which year groups at the college engage in to reflect on friendship, leadership and our greater Marist Vision. As our preliminary year continues, and leadership opportunities arise, our Year 11 cohort gathered together last Friday, to band together in sisterly connection and strengths. Our Reflection day was run and organised by Ms Millett, and Mrs Colreavy, and focused on leading with compassion. Our focus passage was Colossians 3:12.”Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”Throughout the day we engaged in numerous activities to help envision our aims as Year 12’s, 2027, and the legacy we wanted to leave behind. In smaller groups led by the other teachers present, we also discussed our definitions of a leader, worked together to brainstorm new initiatives, share them, and delve deeper into the life of Mary through a poem. Intertwining her strength, with relatability and how every individual has the capacity to lead with integrity.

Additionally, our Reflection day had a strong focus on our Marist Compass, and how it drives us to lead. Reinforcing our expectations as Marist women, to empower others, embrace courage, share our gifts and unite within sisterhood to foster change. As a whole, our Year 11 Reflection day gave me the opportunity to stretch myself and welcome the courage to share my ideas, interact with others and listen to what our grade wanted to achieve together, before our time at MSCW was up. Our Reflection day was fueled with pivotal examples on leading with compassion, and influenced positive interactions within our year group, allowing us to reflect on friendship, leadership, and our individual Marist identities.

By Luciana Arfi (CHV1)

Lunchtime Bible group study

This term Mrs Colreavy launched the first bible study group called “At His Feet” at lunchtime in the chapel. The focus was John’s account of the Resurrection of Jesus which we unpacked and viewed with new eyes. The passage revealed so much about Jesus’ relationship with the women around him and how this demonstrated how clearly counter cultural he was. He gave Mary Magdalene the most important message in human history. He appeared first to a woman- Mary- and told her to go and tell what she had witnessed. There will be many witnesses to come but Mary is the FIRST witness. There were 20 participants and everyone really enjoyed themselves. The next session is 22/5 and this will be student led. We hope to see lots of students there.

Year 7 Stewards of Creation

The topic that we are looking at this term is Stewardship and being Stewards of Creation. It is an important topic to learn about because it fulfils our role to protect the planet and its resources for future generations and honours our Creator. Stewardship of creation is a vital responsibility that acknowledges the Earth as a divine gift, which humans are called to nurture, protect and care for. It serves as an essential representation of faith, honouring God by responsibly managing resources and preventing the erosion of ecosystems. Ethical stewardship ensures that the Earth’s natural resources are available for coming generations and protects the environment, which often affects the most at-risk populations. Ultimately, this duty reflects a sacred call to care for the world, balancing the need to use natural resources with the need to protect and preserve them. This is a great topic for us to be learning about because it empowers us to sustain our planet’s health for future communities while developing a deeper sense of responsibility toward the natural world.

By Loreta Canto (Year 7)

Community Masses – All staff, students and parents welcome

Week 5 21st May – RCiA Student’s Commissioning Mass

Please join us to celebrate the school formally recognising 3 of our students pledging their intention to complete the Sacrament of Confirmation and Eucharist.

Week 8 11th June – Community Mass

Ms Aislinn Millett, Religious Education Coordinator

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

From the Leader of Learning and Curriculum

As we move into Term 2, students across the College are engaging with important moments in their learning; reflecting on feedback, preparing for assessments and making decisions that will shape their future pathways. This period offers rich opportunities for growth, planning, and purposeful action. The following updates highlight key events and supports for students and families in the coming weeks.

Year 12: Acting on Feedback and Planning Ahead

On Tuesday this week, Year 12 students and families participated in a half yearly Interviews alongside their reports. These conversations provided valuable insight into each student’s progress and offered clear guidance on how to strengthen learning as they move toward their Trial and HSC exams. It has been encouraging to see families engaging in this process and beginning to implement strategies that will support their continued improvement.

With the release of the 2026 HSC timetable, now is an ideal time for families to begin supporting their HSC students in planning ahead for the months leading into the Trial and HSC examinations. Open, ongoing communication at home can help students feel supported and organised. Families may find it helpful to discuss questions such as:

What routines will help maintain steady progress between now and the Trial exams? ● What commitments or busy periods do we need to plan around early? ● How can we work together to support your preparation for the months ahead?

These conversations help ensure that students approach the coming months with clarity, confidence, and a strong sense of direction.

Years 7–10: Preparing for Half‑Yearly Assessments

Students in Years 7 – 10 are entering a busy assessment period as we move toward the Half‑Yearly Reporting period. This is an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their developing skills and understanding across their subjects. Planning ahead, using the College Planner consistently, and spreading study across the week can help students avoid last‑minute stress and approach each task with confidence.

Families can support this process by encouraging students to communicate early if they are unsure about a task, to seek clarification from teachers, and to maintain steady routines at home. When students combine organisation with a willingness to ask for help, they set themselves up for success.

Year 10 Subject Selection: Information Night in Week 4

Year 10 students are about to begin the important process of selecting their pattern of study for Stage 6. On Monday of Week 4, the College will host a Subject Selection Information Night for students and parents. This evening will provide an overview of the Stage 6 subject selection process, outline the requirements of the HSC, and support students in making informed and successful decisions. A full timeline of the subject selection process has been communicated to all families to assist in planning ahead.

Looking Ahead

It has been wonderful to see students engaging positively with their learning and taking responsibility for their progress across the term. Whether they are acting on feedback, preparing for assessments, or making decisions about their future pathways, our students continue to show commitment, resilience, and a desire to do their best. With the support of families and the guidance of their teachers, they are well placed for a purposeful and productive Term 2.

Mr Andy d’Archy, Leader of Learning and Curriculum

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

From the 2025/26 College Co-Captains

Dear MSCW Community

This term, we’re excited to launch Keen to Clean, our brand‑new inter–year group competition designed to bring some friendly rivalry to the playground. Each year group will team up with our very own JM‑Clean to help keep our shared spaces tidy and welcoming. Points will be awarded for effort, teamwork, and overall impact. We hope this initiative not only lifts the standard of our environment but also builds a shared sense of responsibility across the College. Any extra effort from students or parents to help keep our grounds clean is always appreciated and makes a real difference.

Alongside this, the Balmoral Burn is fast approaching on May 24. We encourage all students and families to participate, donate, or cheer from the sidelines as we support an event near and dear to our college community.

Later this term, we will also be celebrating Foundress Day; a moment to honour our heritage and the spirit that shapes our College community. Keep an eye out for updates from your Student Leadership Team, as we share more details in the coming weeks.

And always remember,

With Goodness at Heart, We Unite in Action

Sarah Mourani and Harriet O’Connor, College Co-Captains 2025/26

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

Mother Daughter Mass and Supper

It was lovely to see so many mothers, grandmothers and daughters at the College to celebrate our beautiful Mother Daughter Mass and Supper. We were very fortunate to have Father Michael from Holy Name of Mary Parish, Hunters Hill, who celebrated the Eucharist with our many mums and daughters. The Mass highlighted the love and nurture the mothers and mother figures provide. A huge thank you to all who participated in the mass.

Mrs Fiona O’Conner shared her wisdom and experiences in nurturing her daughter in the spirit of motherhood:

But the truth is, motherhood is a constant balancing act: holding on and letting go, stepping in and stepping back, guiding and learning at the same time. And the beautiful thing — and the thing I remind myself of often – is that my daughters teach me just as much as I teach them. They show me new ways of seeing the world, they challenge me, they soften me, and they remind me that love is not something we perfect; it’s something we practise.

Today is a celebration of that love imperfect, patient, evolving, and deeply powerful. To every mother here: you are doing better than you think. And to every daughter: you are the reason we keep trying, keep learning, and keep saying yes.

Happy Mother’s Day to you all, and Thank You to the girls who made us Mothers.

Youth Ministry

On the 30th of April, Myself and twelve other Year 9 students had the incredible opportunity to attend Olympics Unleashed: an event where we were able to meet with an Olympian and discuss leadership along with goal setting.

We met Nicholas Timmings, a 2x winter olympian for the sport Skeleton, who taught us the importance of keeping a strong support system, pursuing our goals even in times of hardship, and never listening to others if they say our dreams are unattainable.

There were many activities throughout the day, such as a Q&A, a seminar, and opportunities to meet Nicholas one on one and ask any further questions.

All of us learnt a lot about resilience, and we were all very inspired by what he had to say.

Overall, it was a great day, and we are so thankful to Mr Iskander for organising this amazing opportunity.

– Phoebe O’Connor (Year 9 Student)

Mr Matthew Iskander, Youth Ministry Coordinator

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

Post School Pathways

Highlights:

· Year 10 Subject Selection Webinars offered by Macquarie University and University of Wollongong

· Online career talk series

Institutions are offering the chance to hear directly from tertiary staff and students about courses and potential career pathways.

Events

ACAP Online Information Session – Social Work and Counselling May 11

Gain insights into studying Social Work or Counselling at ACAP.

To find out more, visit these links: Social Work session or Counselling

Women in policing and protection: Australian Federal Police (Online) May 12

Attend our free online session on women in policing and protection. Hear from female officer across national policing, ACT policing and protective service, as well as our recruitment team. Be inspired and get excited about a job with the AFP. Find out more

ACAP Online Information Session – Criminology and Psychology May 12

Gain share insights into studying Criminology or Psychology. To find out more, visit these links: Criminology or Psychology.

Se Jin Oh	Year 10
Gabriella Di Pietro	Year 10
Jean Standley	Year 12
Yu Yan (Nicole) Cheng	Year 12
Eliana Palandjian	Year 12

TEAM	OPPONENT	RESULTS	MVP
Junior Touch Football (Sydney Semi Final)	St Clare’s College	5 – 3	Ruby Mathews
Junior Touch Football (Sydney Final)	Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College	5 – 6	Cara Harrison
Intermediate Touch Football (Sydney Semi Final)	Corpus Christi College	9 – 3	Lily Mathews
Intermediate Touch Football (Sydney Final)	Our Lady of Mercy Catholic College	14 – 0	Kendall Kilby
Senior Touch Football (Sydney Semi final)	Brigidine College	6 – 8	Niamh Krenmayr
Senior Touch Football (Sydney third place playoff)	LaSalle Catholic College	9 – 1	Caitlin Russell

TEAM	OPPONENT	RESULT	MVP
Junior Football	Domremy Catholic College	1 – 1	Ava Mansory
Intermediate Football	Domremy Catholic College	7 – 0	Sorcha Reid
Senior Football	Domremy Catholic College	6 – 2	Mikaela Gavranic

TEAM	OPPONENT	RESULT	MVP
Junior Netball	Domremy Catholic College	23 – 31	Zoe Hunnikin
Junior Mixed Netball (A)	Trinity Catholic College	14 – 7	Elouise Tuckwell
Junior Mixed Netball (B)	Rosebank College	4 – 28	Auriane Herbet
Junior Mixed Netball (C)	Domremy/ Eastwood (A)	14 – 10	Melina Michaels
Intermediate Netball	Domremy Catholic College	25 – 10	Annabelle Doueihi
Intermediate Mixed Netball (A)	Trinity Catholic College	16 – 14	Isla Richmond
Intermediate Mixed Netball (B)	Rosebank College	9 – 9	Isabella Maniakas
Intermediate Mixed Netball (C)	Domremy/ Eastwood (A)	13 – 13	Erin Krenmayr
Senior Netball	Domremy Catholic College	18 – 32	Niamh Krenmayr

From the Principal

From the Assistant Principal

ANZAC Day 2026

Giving Back to the Community: The Humpty Dumpty Balmoral Burn on 24 May

COMPASS Student Card

From The Religious Education Coordinator

Lunchtime Bible group study

From the Leader of Learning and Curriculum

Year 12: Acting on Feedback and Planning Ahead

Years 7–10: Preparing for Half‑Yearly Assessments

Year 10 Subject Selection: Information Night in Week 4

Looking Ahead

From the 2025/26 College Co-Captains

Mother Daughter Mass and Supper

Youth Ministry

Post School Pathways

Highlights:

· Year 10 Subject Selection Webinars offered by Macquarie University and University of Wollongong

· Online career talk series

Events

ACAP Online Information Session – Social Work and Counselling May 11

Women in policing and protection: Australian Federal Police (Online) May 12

ACAP Online Information Session – Criminology and Psychology May 12

Sydney Design School Online Information Session May 13

UNSW Engineering Information Evening May 13

Macquarie Year 10 Guide to Uni Webinar May 13

Indigenous Futures, University of Sydney: Westmead Open Night May 13

ACU Talk with Nurses, Midwives and Paramedics Online May 13

Admission Pathways and Entry Schemes to the University of Sydney – Webinar for Future Students May 13

Torrens University Open Day 2026 Sydney (on campus) May 13

ACAP Online Information Session – Coaching May 13

Australian College of the Arts – Collarts: (Film/ Acting) Info Night May 14

ACU Talk: Law, Criminology and Business Professionals Online May 14

AIM May Open Day, Sydney Campus May 136

A Place for Everyone: A Beginner’s Guide to Entry Level Roles in the Screen Industry Online May 16

The Hotel School Tourism Insights: Yr 12 Student Experience May 16

Torrens University Virtual Open Day 2026 Online May 19 – 20

University of Newcastle Year 10 Subject Selection Webinar Online May 20

Study Mathematical Sciences: University of Sydney – Webinar May 20

STEM + X: Data Science: Webinar for Students, Teachers & Parents May 20

UNSW Business School Information Evening Online May 20

ACU Talk with Arts Students and Graduates Online May 20

ACU Talk with Biomedicine and Nutrition Experts Online May 21

University of Newcastle Parents/Carers Info Session: Central Coast May 21

A Conservation Biologist’s Dream of Improving Endangered Species Survival – Discover Lecture Series with Macquarie May 21

Yr 10 HSC Subject Choices with ADHD: Webinar for Students and Parents May 21

AIE May Open Day, Sydney (on campus) May 23

CSU Careers in Agriculture and Environment Online Info Night – May 26

Your Pathway to Teaching at University of Sydney: Webinar May 27

UCAT, GAMSAT and Pathways into Medicine – Webinar for Students, Teachers & Parents May 27

UNSW Science Information Evening May 27

Charles Sturt University Careers in Animal, Equine and Veterinary Sciences Online Information Night May 27

Year 12 & Early Entry with ADHD – Webinar for Students & Parents

HSC and Careers Expo 2026 Randwick May 28 to May 30

Financial Markets Academy Networking and Information Event with UBS May 28

Macquarie Year 12 Early Entry Webinar June 3

Study Advanced Computing at University of Sydney Webinar June 3

UNSW Canberra Cyber Security Information Evening Online June 3

USYD Women in Engineering Information Night 2026 June 3

AIE Online Campus Day June 6

Discover Western Webinar – For Year 10-12 Students: Pathways, Alternative Entry and Early Offers

Visual Arts News

Celebrating Our Students Selected for the SCS Portrait Prize Live Exhibition

Performing Arts News

Yr 12 Drama workshop

Yr 9 Drama

Drama Excursion

The Shakespeare Project – Bell Shakespeare

Sports Results

Term 2

TEAM

OPPONENT

RESULTS

MVP

Week 2

TEAM

OPPONENT

RESULT

MVP

TEAM