Newsletter

On the 1st September it is Fathers’ Day. I would like to wish all the fathers and fatherly figures of our College Community a great day with their families. May there be many blessings showered upon you and lots of spoilings through the day!

A Prayer for our Fathers and Father-Figures:

Dear God,

Thank you for all the fathers and father-figures in this world and for the many ways you use them to lovingly guide others to Your heart. I ask that you would bless them and give them great joy and peace. May they see You and know You in new ways. Show them how much you love them and care about them. Guide their steps, use their hands, and make them a blessing to others as you continue to fulfil your special purpose for their lives.

Amen.

https://www.dayspring.com/articles/category/fathers-day/a-prayer-for-dads

Ms Marietta Taliana, Assistant Principal

This article on College life meets The Archbishop's Charter for Catholic Schools - Charter #1, #2 & #8

On Friday 23 August, Marist College Eastwood hosted Term 3’s Marist Super Connect that brought together 120 students from Marist schools from all over Sydney to connect, to pray and the contemplate some of the issues we face as a nation and as citizens. The evening was hosted by Sydney Alliance and centered around the inspirational testimony of Najib an Afganistanian refugee who shared his inspirational story to get to Australia and his continuing struggles in Australia while he remains on a temporary visa. Students then had an opportunity to ask questions to Nishadh Rego from the Jesuit Refugee Service. Nish provided great insight into the plight of refugees and asylum seekers in Australia and around the world.  The evening was a call to all present to become advocates for a more inclusive and caring society that create policies that respect the human dignity of each person who lives on our common home. 

Mr Daniel Ronchetti, Acting Religious Education Coordinator

This article on College life meets The Archbishop's Charter for Catholic Schools -Charter #1, #2, #4 & #11

Year 11 will undertake their final Preliminary Assessment Block in Weeks 8 and 9 of this term,  from Wednesday 11 - Thursday 19 September. During this time students will only attend the College to complete their Assessments as per the published timetable.

To assist students with their preparation for these assessments supervised quiet study will be provided in Jarnosse between 3:30pm - 5:30pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in Weeks 7 and Monday and Tuesday of Week 8. There is no requirement for students to book in and can just sign in on the day. Students may leave before 5:30pm and will be required to sign out if they leave before 5:30pm.

On Thursday evening, our Year 12 HSC Music and Visual Arts students showcased their major work pieces to staff, students and parents/carers. The work and dedication by students and with the support of their teachers has allowed them to produce exemplary work. A clear reflection of students talents, creativity and hard work was evident in their individual pieces.

Please download and enjoy the catalogue below highlighting our 2019 Visual Arts students. Thank you to Mrs Helen Landas, Creative Arts Coordinator, for producing the catalogue.

Mrs Melinda Alvarez, Leader of Learning and Curriculum

This article on College life meets The Archbishop's Charter for Catholic Schools - Charter #2 & #8

The College is committed to smashing the stigma around mental health and how to look out for ourselves and our friends within our College community.

In Week 5, Channel 7 approached batyr and asked if they could film their presentation with our Year 11 students to support the ‘Liptember’ initiative that promotes positive mental health of women. Here is the video that was aired on House of Wellness that features batyr and the powerful message of starting those positive conversations. 

Next week in Week 8, our Student Leaders will be taking charge as we lead into two significant mental health initiatives - R U OK? Day and batyr one sock, one goal all within the month of Liptember!! 

Reaching out for support is crucial as Australian statistics show that:

• the onset of mental illness is typically around mid-to-late adolescence and Australian youth (18-24 years old) who have the highest prevalence of mental illness than any other age group. 
• data from the 2014 Mission Australia’s Youth Survey showed that around one in five (21.2%) of young people (15-19 years old) met the criteria for a probable serious mental illness.
• the most common mental illnesses in Australians are: 

            anxiety disorders (14%), 

            depressive disorders (6%) 

            substance use disorders (5%) 

Generating awareness and implementing our 3 tiered Wellbeing program helps to shine a focus on the importance of student wellbeing, how we effectively take care of ourselves as well as how we manage our emotions as they become heightened during times challenging or difficult times play a significant. Early intervention and engaging in these conversations with trusted family members, House Coordinators, Counsellor, trusted Teacher/Tutor or a Leadership Team member encourages the importance of support when we reach out and how to best navigate the situation moving forward.

E-cigarette use (or vaping) has become increasingly popular among young Australians and young people have a propensity to experiment. Young people have a strong preference for flavoured varieties of vaping products,with fruit flavours particularly popular. E-cigarettes containing only nicotine are also widely popular with young people.

E-cigarettes are often marketed as a harmless yet glamorous product. They are available in a  number of flavours designed specifically to appeal to young people. The fact that young Australians are responding to this marketing is highly concerning given the lack of evidence of the safety of the devices. There are widespread concerns among health professionals that the chemicals, heavy metals and additives in e-cigarettes pose risks to health including impaired breathing, cellular-level damage, changes to blood pressure and heart rate, and adverse effects on the nervous system.

Vaping is the inhaling of a vapor created by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or other vaping device. E-cigarettes are battery-powered smoking devices. They have cartridges filled with a liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and chemicals. The liquid is heated into a vapor, which the person inhales. That's why using e-cigarettes is called "vaping." Some e-cigarettes look like regular cigarettes, cigars, or pipes. Some look like USB flash drives, pens, and other everyday items.

There are numerous risks of nicotine use which is more often than not found in vaping devices. Research shows that nicotine affects metabolism, increased risk of cancer and respiratory problems, asthma attacks and symptoms. 

The risks to the physical health of teens are important, but it’s equally important to look at the potential for addiction. While the advertising surrounding vaping can be misleading and cause teens to view vape as safer than it is, one study of 12th-grade vape users found that recent vape users were more than four times more likely to report cigarette use at a one year follow up. This study adds to a growing body of evidence that vaping can actually be a gateway to cigarette smoking among youth.

Addiction can negatively affect the ability to focus on a task as cravings trigger fidgeting and irritability. Given that the adolescent brain is still developing, it is susceptible to addiction. Early addiction to nicotine can cause the brain to remodel, changing the threshold for addiction to substances. This makes teens more likely to habituate to nicotine, drugs, and/or alcohol.

In addition to a lack of focus or increased fidgeting, behaviors linked with hyperactivity, nicotine addiction can also exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety. This dangerous trend among teens affects both their physical and emotional health. (https://www.psycom.net/mental-health-wellbeing/juuling-teenagers-vaping/)

Given the record numbers of both middle and high school students are vaping, it’s important to talk early and often with young children about the risks of e-cigarettes. In the event that you discover that your teen is already vaping, it’s never too late to talk about it, discuss from a curiosity perspective, do not lecture them!

Educate yourself first. Blanket statements about how JUUL/E-cigarettes will ruin your life won’t work. Young people are surrounded by peer influence and creative marketing via social media and other forms of media. Vague statements are no match for a group of friends singing the praises of low nicotine and fast results, even being able to smoke under their hoodie/jumpers without detection.

It’s essential for parents to learn about both the risks of vape and why it appeals to teens. Get the facts about vape so that you know what you’re talking about when you start the conversation.

Open the door to honest communication. Establish a safe environment where your kids can talk about their feelings about vape without fear of being judged or given consequences. Social relationships are very important to growing adolescents. If your teen suspects that you will cut off friendships or take away all devices upon admission of trying or thinking about trying vape, your teen will not come forward for help.

Blurting out the latest headlines or reminding your teen of the cancer risk within your family might scare your teen for a moment, but it won’t likely translate to better decision making when faced with vape out in the world.

Break it down to the teen level to help your teenage consider the risks. How do you think the need for nicotine might affect your ability to focus in school? What if you get agitated during the school day and find that you can’t listen to the lectures? How might JUUL affect your ability on the soccer field? Do you think it might interfere with your ability to get enough sleep? Engaging in conversation helps teens consider the immediate and long-term risks and provides the opportunity to ask questions.

A patient who developed lung disease this month  in the US after vaping has died in a “world first”, as fears grow about the safety of e-cigarettes. Whilst Vaping has been around for about 10 years, originally to be used as a way for smokers to quit smoking cigarettes, there has been a marked increase of vaping in teenagers over the last few years, and most concerning is, we don't yet know how it affects the body over time. 

Most products involving inhaling chemicals into the lungs have to go through a long testing process to prove they are safe and effective. These tests have not been conducted on the e-cigarettes available in Australia, so their safety cannot be guaranteed. Currently in Australia vaping is legal but using nicotine e liquid is not, with health groups saying vaping is simply a way for tobacco companies to exploit vulnerable users.

Most e-cigarettes do have nicotine. Even those that don't do have chemicals in them. These chemicals can irritate and damage the lungs. The long-term effects of e-cigarettes that don't have nicotine are not known but recent US experience of respiratory problem in teenagers including lung failure are being attributed to regular vaping use - the frightening part is this did not show up as pneumonia nor a cough before these young people became gravely ill with one death already reported. 

Addiction: Addiction in the growing brain may set up pathways for later addiction to other substances.

Brain risks: Nicotine affects brain development in kids and teens. This can make it harder to learn and concentrate. Some of the brain changes are permanent and can affect mood and impulse control later in life.

Use of other tobacco products: Studies show that vaping makes it more likely that someone will try other tobacco products, like regular cigarettes, cigars, hookahs, and smokeless tobacco.

Toxins (poisons): The vapor made from e-cigarettes is not made of water. The vapor contains harmful chemicals and very fine particles that are inhaled into the lungs and exhaled into the environment.

Sports: To do their best in sports. Vaping may lead to lung inflammation (irritation).

Money: Vaping is expensive! The cost of the cartridges over time starts to add up. Instead, someone could spend that money on other things that they need or enjoy.

To go against tobacco company advertising: Many e-cigarettes are made by the same companies that produce regular cigarettes. Their marketing targets young people by making fun flavors for e-cigarettes and showing young, healthy people vaping. They are trying to make kids and teens of today into their new, lifetime customers.

Unknown health effects: Many of the long-term health consequences or vaping are not known.

References:

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/e-cigarettes.html

https://www.psycom.net/mental-health-wellbeing/juuling-teenagers-vaping/

https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/a-man-has-died-from-vaping-with-an-expert-warning-of-its-dangers/news-story/159cffd830a097071a704532feefb871

https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/26/e2/e106

https://www.tobaccoinaustralia.org.au/chapter-18-harm-reduction/indepth-18b-e-cigarettes/18b-11-public-perceptions-of-e-cigarettes

https://ama.com.au/ausmed/addictive-vaping-growing-more-popular-aussie-youth

Of course if you have any concerns for your daughter regarding addiction issues, please feel free to contact me, the College Counsellor, Becky Salter via rebecca.salter@syd.catholic.edu.au or ph: 0435 659 694.

Ms Becky Salter, College Counsellor

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

If you are reading this on Friday 30 August, then your daughter still has a few hours to complete her Premier's Reading Challenge Student Reading Record before the PRC closes at midnight. As part of their English program, all Year 7 girls are required to complete the PRC by reading 20 books between September 2018 and August 2019.

Congratulations to all the girls who have already completed this year’s Challenge. Well done!

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

Please follow the link which will take parents/students directly into the Campion website for Marist Sisters’ College ordering.

The link is currently on both the student and parent portals.

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

On Tuesday 13 August, I attended the Sydney Catholic Schools Corroboree at Sydney Olympic Park. The morning started with a smoking ceremony by the MC, who is my Uncle Luke Carroll. He welcomed all the students and outlined the lists of activities that we would be participating in for the day. The high school and primary students were told that we were either going to make boomerangs or traditional headbands and then we went off in our groups to start our workshops to learn more about our culture. 

I learnt the kangaroo dance that I would perform at the end of the day, in front of the other students and parents. The high school students had to give their headband to a younger student from a primary school, so I gave mine to a student from my previous primary school, OLMC Waterloo. I enjoyed the day representing MSCW, but most importantly, celebrating my culture and seeing my cousins from other schools. All the schools that attended were given a corroboree mat and the one that I received has been placed in the Learning Enrichment room for all students to enjoy and know the significance of it.

Bronte Hookey, Year 7 Student

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

This trip provided countless memories that I’ll always remember, a taste of American culture, opportunities that I would otherwise never receive and has inspired me to think about pursuing a job in a STEM/space related field. I learnt so many new things and created many bonds with people from other schools that I’ll never forget. This trip was truly a spectacular and unforgettable experience that I’m glad I went on.

Jaime Woo, Year 9 Student

Space school was a once in a life time trip that broadened my understanding of science. We did various fun activities relating to STEM such as constructing and launching rockets, robotics and building models of equipment that is used in real NASA rockets. It was a good experience to meet people from all over the world and learn from many different cultures. This trip deepened my love for science and space and I created memories I’ll never forget.

Elizabeth Smith, Year 10 Student

The Annual CGSSSA Athletics Championship was held on Friday 16 August at the Sydney Olympic Park Competition Track.

MSCW students competed well throughout the day with excellent results across all age groups and placed 4th overall. A fantastic effort against tough competition from Monte, Loreto and Santa.

A special congratulations must go to the following students:

Annika Lynch
1st 200m
1st 100m Hurdles
1st High Jump
2nd 400m

13 Years
Sofia Watts
1st Long Jump
2nd 400m
3rd 100m
3rd 800m
3rd Discus
3rd Javelin

12 Years
Ellie Barnett
1st 400m
2nd 200m
2nd 80m Hurdles
3rd 100m

16 Years
Emma Serrao
2nd 200m
3rd 100m

12 Years
Claudia Lacalandra
2nd Javelin
3rd Discus
4th Shot Put

15 Years
Anastasia Lakic
3rd 90m Hurdles 

16 Years
Olivia Mitchell
2nd Long Jump

15 Years
Alice McDermid
2nd Discus 

14 Years
Grace Fisher
2nd Javelin 

15 Years
Michaela Rattos
4th 100m 

17 Years+
Abbie Lewis
4th 1500m 

13 Years
Sienna Wheelhouse
4th High jump

13 Years
Emily Nascone
4th Shot Put

12 & 13 years 4x 100m relay – 2nd place
Ellie Barnett
Sofia Watts
Hayley Hopper
Claudia Lacalandra

16 + years 4x 100m relay – 3rd place
Emma Serrao
Annika Lynch
Alex Walker
Olivia Mitchell 

The House with the most participation points was Marcellin 1st with Chanel 2nd and Perroton in 3rd.

In order for our service to run more efficiently during recess and lunch we now require students without student cards using Flexischools on their phones to queue in a separate line outside.

Week 7

Wednesday 4 September and Thursday 5 September                                        
Special Fried Rice - Rice, eggs, shallots, ham, peas, carrot & soy sauce                     $6.00                                                                                                                     

Week 8

Wednesday 11 September and Thursday 12 September

Pasta Bolognese                                                                                                                                   $6.00