Unveiling the 2021/22 MSCW Student Leadership Team

Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich has a rich history of outstanding student leadership, where passion, diligence and commitment to the betterment of the Marist community are driving forces of our student leaders.

At the end of Term 3 the Year 12 2021 cohort completes the final stage in their HSC journey and Year 11 students are preparing to undertake the first steps on their path as the Class of 2022.

A major facet of this is the appointment of a new 2021/22 Student Leadership Team, headed by the College Co-captains. The team also consists of House and Liturgy Captains, as well as Co-captains in areas such as Creative Arts, Sports, Social Justice, the Student Union and Debating.

New 2021/22 College Co-captains, Chelsea Colantuono and Jacinta FitzGerald, understand that they are stepping into roles that hold a high level of responsibility – not just in terms of assigned tasks, but also when it comes to the overall wellbeing of their peers and the College community.

“For me, leadership is about being selfless and putting others’ needs before your own. As a leader, your focus is centred around those you are serving,” Chelsea explains. “Leadership is not expecting praise or recognition, but it’s about providing a voice and being a sister to others.”

Jacinta agrees with this sentiment. “Good leadership is about being an advocate for the group. A leader isn’t a dictator, but rather a figure who supports their team. They encourage them to try their best, organise them so everyone is on task, fight for the group’s wants and needs, comfort them in difficult times, and celebrate their successes,” she says.

At MSCW, students are equipped with a Compass for Life, a set of values – Courage for Life, Sisters for Life, Empower for Life and Gift for Life – that help prepare students to be women of positive action in the world. Over their five years as students at MSCW, one value has strongly influenced both Chelsea and Jacinta.

“Sisters for Life resonates most with me, as I believe MSCW is ultimately about community and relationships,” explains Jacinta. “Nothing breaks the bond of two sisters.”

“I believe the idea of sisterhood and being there for each other is at the heart of MSCW leadership,” adds Chelsea. “Our College is built on these values of support and kindness; therefore, I feel as though this becomes a central aspect for leadership.”

Speaking passionately about what they hope to achieve during their tenure, both students put an emphasis on inclusion and belonging. They feel strongly that their positions will allow them to enact positive change in the community.

“My goal is to ensure girls feel supported and develop a sense of belonging. My leadership will be centred around the needs of the school, extending to all students and staff,” says Chelsea.

“I hope that by the time I have left MSCW, girls will feel more accepted and valued in our community, as our school offers so many different opportunities for all types of people,” Jacinta concludes. “As a leader at MSCW, I hope to help every girl have the most fulfilling time at the school.”

We are pleased to congratulate and welcome the newly elected 2021/22 Student Leadership Team:

The Marist Sisters’ College Woolwich community congratulates the 2021/22 Student Leadership Team on their new roles and looks forward to the initiatives and activities they introduce to the College over the coming year.

Thank you also to the outgoing 2020/21 student leaders for their hard work, resilience and leadership, especially during recent tough circumstances.