ENewsletter

22 February 2019

Special Blessing of our Marist Heart

Last Wednesday, at our Opening Mass, we blessed our newly commissioned Marist Heart. This was a very memorable and special moment for the College community.

The symbolism of the heart is a significant symbol for us as Marists. Our Marist Tradition, of nearly 203 years, inspires us to live the Gospel message as Mary did.

The translation of this, at Marist Sisters’ College, means we…follow Christ by “thinking, judging, feeling and acting” as Mary in all things…

Her presence is kept alive by living her spirit of faithfulness and compassionate service, so that others feel God’s tender and merciful love. By adopting Mary’s approach, each of us can walk in the shoes of others with “delicacy and sensitivity”, holding them close to our hearts.

Through the blessing of our Marist Heart we acknowledge Mary’s way of proceeding. As a community, we will bring forth this Marist Heart, at significant times in our year, as a symbol of the great love of Christ and a way of holding dear those in our community who need our love and support. It will remain on display in our Chapel throughout the year.

At the Opening Mass, the names of every member of the College community were printed on a scroll and placed inside our Marist Heart. I share with you below the Marist Heart images from the Opening Mass.

Dr Anne Ireland, Principal

This article on College life meets The Archbishop's Charter for Catholic Schools -Charter #1, #2, & #11

From the Assistant Principal

Much has taken place over the last two weeks! There have been parent information evenings, study skills sessions, inter-school sporting competitions, excursions, our College Opening Mass, our College Swimming Carnival and our Marist Compass Goal Setting Day … just to name a few events!

Some photos of the Swimming Carnival are shared in the gallery below and Mr Watts will report further when the carnival results are announced at an upcoming Principal's Assembly.

There is not a day go by where there has not been at least one opportunity for students to engage with each other and their teachers in a way that provides a chance for relationships to be strengthened and learning to take place. What draws us together is who we are, when we are at our best and when we are at our most vulnerable. This is most worthy of acknowledging and also celebrating!

I thank our staff for the ongoing commitment they make to the girls and the vast opportunities they provide them to develop in all areas of the growth! I also thank our parents and carers for the way in which you have engaged with us in these early weeks of 2019 to ensure that you daughters have a positive start to their learning and wellbeing this year.

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Bus Safety Week

This week has been “Bus Safety Week”. The NSW Government has provided information for all road users on bus awareness ways of ensuring the safety of all.

I encourage all parents and carers to view the ‘Be Bus Aware’ Campaign at https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/campaigns/be-bus-aware/index.html. As is always the case, should there be any concerns about the bus travel services, please inform us at the College and also raise your concerns with State Transit.

Ms Marietta Taliana, Assistant Principal

This article on College life meets The Archbishop's Charter for Catholic Schools - Charter #1, #6, #8

What's Been Happening in Religious Education

Opening Mass at St Mary's Cathedral

As noted by Dr Ireland earlier, our Opening College Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral was last week. The Mass was co-celebrated by Fr Kevin Bates, Fr Martin Maunsell and Fr Daniele Sollazzo. This special celebration of the Eucharist was to mark the commencement of a new academic year. As a Marist community, we welcomed and blessed the new staff of the College, who pledged to uphold our Marist values and our traditions. The mass also included a blessing of our new Year 7 students who received the badge of their House and were officially welcomed into the Marist Sisters’ College family. Our Year 11 students received the community’s blessings and their Senior badges; a symbol of their growing leadership roles at the College.

We were joined by a number of special guests that included, Sr Cath Lacey, Unit Leader Marist Sisters, Sr Marie Berise, Mr Michael Krawec, Regional Director, Inner West, Sydney Catholic Schools and Genevieve Cutler, Leader of Learning RE Secondary, Sydney Catholic Schools;

A large team of people poured their hearts into the organisation and formation of this celebration of the Eucharist. The splendour of our celebration was significantly enhanced by the magnificent College Choir led by Mrs Caroline Marsh. This group of young students, worked tirelessly in their preparation and everyone in attendance was in awe of the beauty of their harmonious sound.

I thank the College Student Leadership Team for their contribution to the Mass and in particular to our College Liturgy Captains who assisted with the organisation of the day, served on the day and were Ministers of the Word. The entire student body were fantastic in the way every student reverently and respectfully engaged with the occasion.

I would also like to thank the many parents that came to join in our celebration. Your presence added to the sense of community and it was lovely to have Mrs Gemma Metzker read our First Reading.

I’d like to personally thank the many members of staff that helped with the preparation and running of the special celebration. This was a significant team effort that highlighted to me the Marist Sisters’ College spirit. So thank you!

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Ash Wednesday

On Wednesday 6 March, we will hold House Liturgies for Ash Wednesday led by our College Liturgy Captains. As Lent approaches, it is often a time we start to think about what we will give up: Ice-cream? Chocolate? McDonalds? Swearing? But Lent is more than a time of fasting; it can also be a joyous season of feasting. Lent is a time to fast from certain things and to feast on others.

Fast from judging others; Feast on the Christ dwelling in them

Fast from worry; Feast on Divine Providence

Fast from complaining; Feast on appreciation

Fast from self-concern; Feast on compassion for others

Fast from discouragement; Feast on hope

Fast from problems that overwhelm; Feast on prayer

Fast from thoughts of illness; Feast on the healing power of God.

I pray and hope we can all feast in our Lord’s endless glory this Lent.

Mr Daniel Ronchetti, Acting Religious Education Coordinator

This article on College life meets The Archbishop's Charter for Catholic Schools - Charter #1, #2 and #11

From the Leader of Learning & Curriculum

Last week Dr Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning Educational Services (www.enhanced-learning.net) ran a study skills session with Year 11. The session focused on helping students identify changes and improvements they could make to their approach to their studies in order to maximise their results in their final years of school. The main areas covered with Year 11 were working effectively in the evenings and dealing with distractions, managing time efficiently, planning for assessments, making brain-friendly study notes on a regular basis and using a wide variety of active study techniques to suit individual learning styles. Parents are encouraged to review the handout from the session with students and discuss the main areas identified where changes need to be made.Parents can also find extra study skills tips on the following website:

http://studyskillstoptipsparents.com/.

All secondary students and parents at the College also have access to a great study skills website to help students develop their skills.

Go to www.studyskillshandbook.com.au

Username: MSCW and Password: 93success.

Study Skills Sessions

Students in all years have the opportunity to benefit from presentations designed to improve organisational and study skills and I encourage all students to take full advantage of these sessions. Upcoming sessions include:

Year 8 Monday 25 February (3.25-4.25pm)

Year 9 Tuesday 26 February (3.25-4.25pm)

Year 10 Wednesday 6 March (3.25-4.25pm)

Year 7 Wednesday 27 March - Students & Parents/Carers (7.00-8.30pm)

Mrs Melinda Alvarez, Leader of Learning and Curriculum

This article on College life meets The Archbishop's Charter for Catholic Schools - Charter #8

From the Leader of Wellbeing

Parent Learning & Wellbeing Information Evenings

Thank you to all the parents that made time to attend the various year level Learning & Wellbeing Information Evenings for Yr 7 - 10 (Weeks 2- 3). It has certainly been an extremely proactive start to the year for students, staff and parents, but one that supports the enormous emphasis placed on the importance of student learning and wellbeing here at the College.

At the evenings we provided a snapshot of how we intend to develop each girls compass for Life, whilst preparing them with the skills to function at their optimal best both in the classroom and in daily life. This was from the perspective of learning and wellbeing along with how this links with our faith & Marist service. The feedback from parents on the night was extremely positive with many feeling a greater sense of connection and understanding the underlying purpose of the selected wellbeing program for the specific year group.

In the event that you were unable to attend, each of the slide presentations are available on the parent portal, Engage.

I would strongly encourage you to look over the slides so that you are aware of what is in place for your daughter’s learning & wellbeing journey this year. Mrs McNicholas also presented how to navigate around Engage - this was a most useful session. Please familiarise yourself with this for much of our policies and resources are uploaded in this space.

My Marist Compass Goals

The launch of our whole school initiative My Marist Compass Goals this week was most positively received by all. A huge thank you to all who attended the 20min three-way interview to converse about each students’ goals set for 2019.

The underlying purpose of the initiative is to:

build a greater positive connection between the Tutor/Student/Parent relationship

monitor the wholistic growth of each student through a learning and wellbeing lens

recognise the pivotal role of each Tutor as the student advocate.

Goal setting is a powerful yet challenging process that encourages students to aim higher. Throughout the day, I had several conversations with various families and students that spoke positively about the opportunity to meet their Tutor and spend time conversing about a range of topics or questions. Communication plays a significantly important role in knowing each of our students and working together to best support their individual needs.

In looking ahead into 2019, there will be continued ‘check in’ points throughout the year to assess how the goals are tracking. The first check in with the Tutor will be at the end of Term 2. Watch this space as there will be more specific details communicated of how we will be monitoring the goals set for each term. This will also be communicated to students via House Assemblies and Community Time.

A special thank you also to all the teaching and support staff for their investment of time in making the day as effective and beneficial for all involved. It is truly a collaborative effort whereby everyone assists in ensuring that student learning is always at the heart of our work.

Should there be any further questions or follow up after the MMCG’s interview, may I encourage you to reach out first to your daughter’s Tutor and then the relevant House Co-ordinator. This will continue to keep the communication open and viable given the fantastic connections made during the week.

Mrs Sia Mastro, Leader of Wellbeing

This article on College life meets The Archbishop's Charter for Catholic Schools - Charter #6

A Word from the Counsellor

Sexting and What Parents Can Do

The issue surrounding young people and their behaviours around sexting are complex, but I wanted to share some practical guidelines that you as a parent can consider, from the Raising Children Network Website.

What teenagers wish their parents knew about sexting

Most parents might think that sexting is something risky and dangerous that your teenage child has been pressured into doing. Although there are risks and teenagers can be pressured into sexting or swayed by peer influence, it isn’t as simple as this. For teenagers, sexting is often fun and consensual. Your young person and their friends might also see sexting as part of building relationships and self-confidence, and exploring sexuality, bodies and identities. Young people do worry about their images being shared with other people including friends and family members. Many try to reduce this risk by making images only for people they trust, and with whom they have or hope to have a romantic or intimate relationship. But some teenagers do send sexual images to people they’ve never met.

Talking with teenagers about sexting and why it is important

Young people want to be able to talk openly and honestly with their parents about sexting. And talking with your young person is one of the best ways to teach them about what images/videos are inappropriate and what to do if they see them. It’s also a good way to help them understand the risks of sexting. If you and your child can have open and honest conversations about sexting or sending nudes or semi-nudes, it gives you the chance to understand what sexting means to teenagers. And it means you can find out what your child knows and help them if they get an image that bothers them, or if they're worried about an image sent.

You can help your child feel comfortable about talking to you by telling them you won’t be angry if they find themselves in a difficult situation because of sending a nude or semi-nude picture or video.

How to talk about sexting

To get a conversation going:

Do you know people at school who’ve sent or received a nude or a sexy selfie?
Do they do it for fun or to flirt? Were the photos/videos consensual?
Did they want to send the photo, or did someone persuade them to?
Do you ever send nudes or sexy photos?
Do you have any questions about things you’ve heard?

Your child gets a sext: what to do

If the sender is your child’s friend, ask your child to delete the message and tell the friend not to send any more messages like that. Encourage your child to practise saying no in ways that feel comfortable.
Tell your child not to forward the message.
If your child doesn’t know the sender, ask your child not to respond and to block the sender.
Ask your child to tell you or another trusted adult if he keeps getting unwanted images.

Your child sends a sext: what to do

Ask your young person about the context of the message: did your child feel pressured to send the sext or was it consensual to start with? Also check on the content and who your young person sent the sext to.
Advise your child to delete the sext from the phone, computer or wherever it’s stored.
Encourage your child to ask the person who received it to delete it.
If your child uploaded an image of herself to a social media site, encourage her to delete the image. Show your child how to delete the image, or how to contact the site to get the image deleted.

Your child’s sext gets shared: what to do

Your child needs your support and reassurance that together you’ll deal with it:

Reassure your young person that it’s not his fault that the image was shared.
Ask your young person about the content of the sext and find out who it has been sent to.
Help your young person ask the people who received the sext to delete it.
Speak to your young person’s school for help identifying the people who might have the image and sites where the image might be posted.
If the image has been uploaded to social media or other websites, help your child to find out where the image might be and contact the websites to ask for the image to be removed.
Encourage your child to block anyone who makes offensive comments or asks her for unwanted images. Show your child how to block unwanted senders.

If you think it’s a criminal matter you can make a complaint to the police. For example, it’s a crime if someone shares – or threatens to share – a naked or sexual picture without permission. If this is the case, ask your child not to delete the messages as the police will need to see them.

Your child shares someone else’s sext: what to do

Ask your child about the context of the sext: who sent the sext that they shared and why did they share it? Also check on the content of the sext and who your child sent it to.
Encourage your child to ask the person or people who received the sext to delete it. You can help your child do this.
If your child uploaded the image to social media or other websites, help your child to contact the websites to ask for the image to be removed.
If your child sent the sext to someone at school, speak to your child’s school to ask for help to make sure the image isn’t shared.
Help your child contact the person who sent the sext to tell them that it has been shared.

It’s also a good idea to encourage your child to ask themselves these questions:

Did the person in this picture mean for it to be shared?

If someone else sent the image, did that person have permission from the person who’s in it?
How would I feel if somebody shared something like this with me in it?

Please refer to the following website for the full article:

https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/entertainment-technology/pornography-sexting/sexting-teens

If you wish to discuss the above or have any concerns about your young person please feel free to contact the College Counsellor, Becky Salter via

rebecca.salter@syd.catholic.edu.au or ph: 0435 659 694.

Mrs Becky Salter, College Counsellor

This article on College life meets The Archbishop's Charter for Catholic Schools - Charter #8

From the General Administration Office

Labelling of Uniforms

Please ensure that ALL of your daughters’ uniform items are labelled with her name. If an item of clothing is misplaced, it is very difficult to match the student with the item if a name has not been included on the clothing. We keep all unlabelled lost property in a cupboard in Pieta Square (just outside the General Administration Office), but if an item is labelled we email the student to advise that an item of theirs has been found and they are asked to come and collect it at recess, lunch time or after school.

Student Leave - For Lateness, Sickness, Medical Appointments and Late to School

Where a student will be late to school, parents and carers are required to ring the Absentee Line (0438 315 938) and advise the reason a student’s lateness or alternatively, a note of explanation can be sent on the day. A student’s absence will remain “Unjustified Leave” until a note is received. Students must present to the General Administration Office to be signed in. As punctuality is expected, continued late arrivals without a valid reason will result in a detention being issued to a student.

Leaving School Early

If a student is required to leave school early, parents and carers are required to write a note explaining the reason for the leave (e.g. medical appointment, family, etc.). Students will need to contact their House Coordinator who will sign the note (generally the best time to find a House Coordinator is at Tutor Group time, otherwise before school or recess/lunch time). At the collection time, parents and carers are to meet their daughter at the General Administration Office, students will hand in their signed note to be signed out.

If the student leave is unplanned (e.g. unexpected medical appointment, emergency) parents and carers need to ring the General Administration Office on 9816 2041 (option 1) or email info@mscw.catholic.edu.au as soon as possible. Please note where parents and carers present at the College to collect students without prior notification identification will be requested.

Illness During The Day

If a student is unwell she will need to report to the General Administration Office. If she is sick enough to go home, parents/carers will be contacted to arrange collection. Under no circumstances are students to contact parents/carers themselves to be picked up. Due to duty of care obligations this must be done by College staff.

Payment Of Fees

Please contact the General Administration Office at accounts@mscw.catholic.edu.au to arrange payment of your College fees account via direct debit from your credit card either weekly, fortnightly or monthly. You can also pay via BPay, cash and direct transfer into the college bank account from your bank account.

Ms Kayleen Admiraal, Business Manager

This article on College life meets The Archbishop's Charter for Catholic Schools - Charter #8

Second Hand Clothing Pool

All donations of the current uniform are welcome that are in reasonable condition, even school bags and sports bags. When donating please check all pockets for items eg. USB, headphones, etc as these items are not returnable.

We are currently low on stock of small sizes in sports uniforms eg. shorts, tops and track pants and jackets size 10-12.

We also have a variety of other items donated including, TDP tops and jackets, TAS kits, art aprons and hospitality uniforms.

All sales are cash.

Please contact me by e-mail to make an appointment, and if I am not available, the General Administration Office can also assist.

I am contactable by email - elizabeth1112@bigpond.com for all enquiries and availability.

Mrs Liz Campbell, Second Hand Clothing Pool Coordinator

World Youth Day 2019 Report

Hola, buenos dias!

We recently returned from our World Youth Day (WYD) pilgrimage to Panama early this month. On this trip we were accompanied by students and staff pilgrims from across Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) such as Holy Cross, De La Salle, Trinity, Bethlehem and other inner west schools. From the 15 January, we started our spiritual adventure in different countries, Mexico and USA, before flying to Panama to visit Pope Francis.

Olivia’s pilgrimage to Mexico

I spent four days exploring many beautiful churches and small towns, climbing ancient pyramids, celebrating daily mass and trying various Mexican cuisines. The Basilica of Our Lady was truly a pinnacle highlight of my trip. I was not only able to witness the authentic tilma of Our Lady, but also be in a space where millions of people come to pray and celebrate this miracle and mystery.

The Mexican pilgrimage not only allowed me explore another part of the world, but also taught me more about my faith. Now I am able to bring back all experiences from Mexico and share them with my parish, as well as become more involved with my local youth group, foster my faith and be surrounded by like-minded people.

Ms Vu’s pilgrimage to Washington D.C., USA

In Washington D.C., I had the opportunity to visit a range of historic sites including the White House, national war memorials and Holocaust museum. Attending the Annual March for Life, a pro-life protest, was also an eye-opener as it allowed me to reflect on the Catholic Church’s teaching on the sacredness of human life.

Other highlights included visiting the Saint John Paul II’s National Shrine, where I learnt more about the father of WYD, and the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic church in North America. This pilgrimage has further inspired me in my youth ministry and continually support our students in their spiritual journey at Marist Sisters' College.

Panama

World Youth Day week began with the Opening Mass to welcome all pilgrims, and on the following day we greeted Pope Francis to Panama. Many exciting events that happened included the Stations of the Cross, Catechesis sessions, youth concerts and an engaging Q&A session with Archbishop Anthony Fisher. One significant part of the pilgrimage was when we joined 700,000 other pilgrims for a sleep out and celebrated the final mass with the Pope the next morning.

Through our transformative experiences at WYD, we were able to create unforgettable memories, form new friendships and meet so many people from across the world who share in the same Catholic faith. We personally invite you to venture out and join us in Portugal for the next WYD in 2022!

Olivia Rimac, Year 12 Student and Ms Jenny Vu, Youth Ministry Coordinator

This article on College life meets The Archbishop's Charter for Catholic Schools - Charter #8, #11

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Visual Arts News

Street Library Boxes & Stands

In the creative arts we are continually seeking methods for challenging students to go beyond the basic understandings and move into deeper levels of understanding. At the end of last year, a selection of students took part in an enrichment program. The Hunters Hill Public Art Committee had received undercoated street libraries and has commenced distributing these to local community groups and schools. We were thrilled to have this challenge. The brief was to design and paint a street library box and stand. Students discussed the importance of reading and how this street library will engage the College and the wider community. All students agreed that reading is important because it helps to expand the mind and develops the imagination. Reading is how we discover new things and how we develop a positive self-image. The ability to read is a vital skill to function in society.

This enrichment program promoted students to be creative and productive thinkers, to communicate with one another while problem solving the different stages within the creation and production of the street library box. Congratulations to the students that were apart of this project from start to finish.

Year 7 students Mia Lepre, Maddie Britt, Sofia Galizia, Aria Lawson.

Year 8 students Izabella Kalachian, Joanna El- Koura, Katie Landas and Alannah Guinta.

Year 9 Janne (Chezqah) Agnir and Angelina White.

Your commitment to this project and your attention for detail is outstanding.

Mrs Helen Landas, Visual Arts Coordinator

This article on College life meets The Archbishop's Charter for Catholic Schools - Charter #8

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Performing Arts News

TDP Dance Update

Over the past two weeks we have been busy auditioning students for our Competitive Dance Ensembles and are pleased to announce that two of these are now full. These are the Jazz and Contemporary Ensembles. There are still spaces available in our Hip Hop and Musical Theatre/Tap Ensembles; however, places will be limited to experienced dancers in these styles.

Come along this week if you have what it takes at the appropriate time.TDP Dance also has two Open ensembles, Contemporary and Jazz, run by dynamic tutors who specialise in these styles and will help you to build technique and performance quality specific to these styles. If you have auditioned for one of our competitive ensembles but have not been included in the final list this year, I would strongly encourage you to sign up for one of these ensembles. All you need to do is turn up this week at the relevant rehearsal time, wearing comfortable attire you can move in. No specific dance footwear is necessary at this stage for these groups. Please refer to the following images for rehearsal times.

Ms Mel Cooper - Findlay, TDP Dance Tutor

This article on College life meets The Archbishop's Charter for Catholic Schools - Charter #8

Sports News

Thursday Sport

Please note that it is College Policy that all students involved in sport off campus on Thursdays must return to College at the conclusion of the day.

We ask that you do not request to pick up your daughter from the venue for an appointment or for any other reason. As part of our duty of care it is important that all students are accounted for and on the buses, which need to leave on time to return to the College.

The only exception to this policy will be for students who are representing the College at MCCS Representative Sport and parents are attending.

Mr Daniel Watts, Sports Coordinator

This article on College life meets The Archbishop's Charter for Catholic Schools - Charter #8

MCCS Softball

On Monday 11 February, 13 MSCW girls from Years 9-12 who had never played softball together, went to the CGSSSA softball tournament, and walked away with the first place trophy. How did that happen, you may ask? Well - through determination, excellent sportswomanship, and a little bit of luck.

Woolwich won two out of the first three games, which brought us to the semi finals. We played against Mount St Joseph, who we had lost to in the grand final the past three years. Afraid, yet up for the challenge, Woolwich prevailed, winning a close game of 6 - 4. This meant we reached the grand final.

Our final competitor was, Bethany College; the only team we had already played and lost to that day. The odds were against us. However, the incredible spirit and talent of our players did not let us down. We won the game 14 - 0. Thank you so much to Mr Richardson for being our fantastic coach and accompanying us on the day. Thank you to Mr Watts for organising this event and supporting softball each year. It was an amazing feeling, after three years in a row of being the runners up, to win my final year representing MSCW in CGSSSA softball.

Thank you to all the players - it was so much fun to be with you on and off the field.

Good luck for next year!

Polly Hancock - Year 12 Student