Enews - 1 February 2023

It is my great pleasure, on behalf of the Marist College community, to welcome all to the 2023 Academic Year. We welcome many new families and new students who will be wearing their Marist uniform for the first time. We are delighted that you have chosen our community to be educated, where together we form young men of strong minds and gentle hearts. No doubt there is much excitement, and possibly some natural trepidation, that comes with any new beginning, and we look forward to getting to know the boys and witnessing their growth as they journey with us in the years ahead.

We also welcome new staff to our community. We hope all new staff members come to experience the College as a place where people care deeply about one another. We also await their generous contribution, as they both enjoy and help create the strong sense of community we value so much at Marist College.  

We feel hopeful in starting the academic year with some sense of normality, free of masks and with minimal COVID restrictions.  Whilst the past two years have presented some challenges, I wish to again recognise the generosity and professionalism of staff in their care for our students. The boys also deserve credit for their ability to adapt and remain cheerful and hopeful, while the continued support from parents and carers provided the foundation for all to grow and flourish.

Time wasting

‘It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose important’ is one of my favourite passages from the much-loved novel The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Some people waste time on roses, some on cars and some on any number of favourite pursuits. People waste time on what is important to them. Metaphorically, the time spent on your rose, may not really be wasted. This very simple message can be expressed less poetically by reminding us that when we waste time on our children they will know how important they are; it is one of the most important commissions of parenting. I am not suggesting parents suffocate children by ensuring no mistakes are made and protect them from all disappointment and unhappiness. I do, however, encourage parents to involve themselves in the fullness of life at Marist College Canberra as this is ‘time wasting’ of the most precious kind.

Being Uncomfortable

I am unsure what Year 7 students thought after I reminded them this week of their responsibility to ensure they experience, at times, being uncomfortable at Marist. We don’t want our boys to remain in the comfort of their couches, never experiencing the challenge of hard work, the anxiety of a performance or the hardship of accompanying those who live in the ‘back row’ of society. Part of our role in the formation of young people is to encourage choices that are, at times, costly, sometimes exhausting, involving sacrifice and hard work. This is our invitation as we journey with our boys for a few short years; a journey of accomplishment and discovery that we hope gives them an orientation for life.

Year 12 Certificate Results

Late last year, I wrote to the College community and congratulated the Class of 2022, their families and our academic staff on such pleasing Year 12 Certificate results. On behalf of the College, I again express our delight that 31% of our students attained an ATAR greater than 90 (top 10% of the ACT/NSW), 17% of students gained an ATAR above 95 and 53% of students received an ATAR above 80. We are equally proud of students who sought a vocational path. Many secured apprenticeships last year and continue these into 2023.  The results of the Class of 2022 are not only testament to the hard work and commitment of our students and their teachers, but it is also a reflection on parents and carers for their support and encouragement. 

Matthew Hutchison
Headmaster 

Welcome to 2023.

I hope your son is excited to return to Marist and is relishing the opportunities that await him in 2023.

At the start of a new year, one of the questions that gets asked of teachers more than most is: “How can we as parents help our son succeed this year?". I think the simplest answer is to help them build healthy and strong learning habits from day one.

Last year, I spoke about incremental gains and focusing on finding any small amount of time for your boys to do their homework. I spoke about the concept of 1% gains and how as they accumulate, the results follow.

This year, I want to focus more on the creation of these habits. Boys are routine driven. They like knowing what they have to do, when, and how, even if they groan and moan about doing it. When habits are first created, it requires significant amounts of conscious thought, dedication, and commitment. It is hard work. As the habit is repeated, there is less and less need for conscious thought - it becomes automatic.

This diagram from the book Atomic Habits is a great example. Often our intentions with new habits are matched by enthusiasm and energy in the early stages. Think about a gym in early January - packed with all the people who have committed to losing the extra kilograms they put on over Christmas. As you move from point A to Point B, the grind sets in. The habit is hard work, and whilst you might be repeating the habit, I think point B is the danger zone for the habit’s eventual creation. It is the point where people give up. It is the point where you as a Parent need to step in! The understanding for us is that it is frequency, not time, as the main determinant of a habit sticking.

So in the context of study habits, this is the point at about Week 2. Your son has started off Week 1 with a study timetable, and great plans to commit to studying each night, or at least somewhat regularly. As the weeks of school progress, if the repetition isn’t kept up, the routine and habit will fail.

So what can you do to make it easier for your son to create these strong habits?

Frequency

The simple equation is that the more times your son sits down to study, the more likely it is that the routine will stick. Setting smaller, achievable time frames like 15 minutes is a good way to start and then progressively increase the duration.

Set times

 Have a set time and place that he sits down to do his homework. Even if he says he has nothing to work on, make him sit down and revise or work through some previous material.

Visibility

Having a visible space for the homework, like the kitchen bench or table allows you to help support the formation of the habit. A bedroom is undesirable - it is full of distractions and it is unlikely you will be able to supervise. This is about making it easy for your son to complete the habit in a way he isn’t distracted.

One focus

Too often, boys try and commit to too much at once. If the habit is to sit down and do homework for 30 minutes, then he needs to commit to that only. This means removing his mobile phone completely - leave it in another room. Television and music should also be removed as they are distractors. One focus. It helps re-train your son’s ability to concentrate for periods of time.

Track the habit

Recording of the habit in a visible manner is a powerful motivator. Have a whiteboard or calendar where he can check off that he has completed his session, no matter how small. They are visual reminders of achievement which should be celebrated. It will keep your son honest and accountable.

We are hoping to run parent sessions this term which will help parents support their son with better homework habits.

Servo Fidem

Liam Stakelum
Deputy Headmaster

Dear Junior School Families,

This week we have welcomed new boys into Years 4, 5 and 6. To those new families in our Marist community, we pray that your association with Marist Canberra and the wider, global Marist family is a long and fond one. Since 1968 families have begun their Marist journey at Marist Canberra and we are proud to be continuing this long-standing tradition again this year with our new families. On behalf of the staff in the Junior School I extend a very warm Marist welcome to all new and returning families.

All families were sent their 2023 MyMarist log ins last week. I encourage all families, if you have not already done so, to log into the portal to access the 2023 College Calendar for upcoming College events. I also encourage our families to download the College App and to follow the College social media pages if you are able to.

Junior School Information Evening

On Monday 13 February at 6pm we will be holding our annual Information Evening. The night is an opportunity to meet your sons teacher and the parents of other boys in his class. We ask that at least one parent/guardian attend the evening for each student. Please note that this event is not for students/children and ask that families make care arrangements for their children.

Junior School Lunch on the Lawn

On Friday 24 February the Junior School will be hosting our inaugural Lunch on the Lawn. We invite all parents to come and share a picnic lunch with their sons during our lunch time. Bring a picnic lunch, grab some take away, a hat and a picnic rug or chairs and enjoy a casual and fun opportunity to meet your sons' Marist friends, as well as the Junior School staff and other parents in our Junior School community. This event is for all (new and returning) Marist Junior School families. Drop in for 10 minutes or stay for the whole hour – we don’t mind. We would love to see as many families as possible.

Date: Friday 24th February
Time: 12.30pm on Lindwall Oval

Junior School Captains 2023

Late last year the following boys were announced as the 2023 Junior school Captains. We look forward to these fine young Marist boys receiving their badges at the upcoming College Commencement Mass.

Marist Winter Sports Registration 2023

The time has come to start deciding with your son which sport (or sports) he will play for Marist in the upcoming winter season. All sports registrations are made through the Club websites.

The Marist Basketball Club have already opened their registrations for the upcoming season. 

The Marist Football Club (soccer) registrations open on Wednesday 1 February and grading sessions are only a few weeks away (see the table below). Students must be registered before their grading days, for more information on grading please click here. 

Marist Hockey, Rugby and AFL registrations are not yet open; the websites will be updated when registration opens.

I offer you my full support as your son journeys through the Junior School and invite you to contact me should you wish to discuss any matter concerning your son's education at Marist.

Servo Fidem

Mrs Kirsty Bell
Head of Junior School

Junior School Swimming Carnival

The annual Marist Junior School Swimming Carnival will be held at the Queanbeyan Swimming and Leisure Centre on Monday 20 February 2023 (Week 4). The boys will be transported to and from the pool by bus, leaving Marist at 8.50am and returning by 3pm.

On the day boys are encouraged to swim in the events they can complete. Boys are to wear their sport uniform, with House colour shirt and school hat. They should have a rash shirt and swimmers underneath. All boys will require a rash shirt for novelty events and sun safety throughout the day.

All boys are asked to wear a House colour swimming cap when in the pool. Swimming caps will be available for purchase for $3 each day before school during Weeks 2 and 3.

Further information will be sent home in the coming week.

Junior School Athletics Carnival 

The Junior School Athletics Carnival will be held on Lindwall Oval Friday 3 March, Week 5. More information to come. 

Ged Galvin 
Junior School Sports & PE

‘Created and called – a revolution of love and tenderness’

The Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat has set this theme for all Marist ministries in 2023. It is very rich and integrates powerful concepts, each worthy of their own reflection and deserving of the time and space to integrate into a unity.

When we think of God’s love for us, a common starting point is creation – God had no need to create anything. Creation doesn’t fill any inadequacy or shortfall in God and there was no need for God to bring you or me into existence.  But God has created and continues to sustain this creation! Why?

In our Christian theology, God creates out of love and offers us the opportunity to be co-creators. We are invited to do so in many ways – in our relationships, as members of community, with our hands and our minds, through liturgy and prayer. What a powerful lens through which to view our roles as parents, carers and people who work in this Catholic, Marist school. In what ways will you be a co-creator with God?

This imperative for us to be co-creators with God extends to all of creation. Pope Francis has written extensively on this and repeatedly challenges all to care for creation.

In effect, we have forgotten who we are: creatures made in the image of God (cf. Gen 1:27) and called to dwell as brothers and sisters in a common home. We were created not to be tyrants, but to be at the heart of a network of life made up of millions of species lovingly joined together for us by our Creator. Now is the time to rediscover our vocation as children of God, brothers and sisters, and stewards of creation. Now is the time to repent, to be converted and to return to our roots. We are beloved creatures of God, who in his goodness calls us to love life and live it in communion with the rest of creation.
(Pope Francis, World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, 1 September 2019)

From the statement that God has created us in God’s image flows the unwavering reality and inalienable right that every person is entitled to human dignity. There are no ‘ifs, buts, or maybes’ here. This is a truth that applies to everyone.

May we all take a moment or two to reflect on what it means to be loved into existence by God; to be loved unconditionally and invited to be co-creators with him.

Peter Hawes
Assistant Head of School – Mission and Identity

One of the College’s strategic goals over the next 5 years is the development of the Respectful Relationship project. This project, which began in 2019, will help build on the existing culture of respect at the College and include all stakeholders: students, staff, parents and carers, and the wider Marist Community. As part of the Professional Learning week, all staff participated in workshops on Respectful Relationships. The workshops focused on developing a culture of respect, defining Respectful Relationships, establishing goals for the project and reviewing approaches to respectful behaviours in the classroom. 

In 2023, there will be many opportunities for parents, carers and students to engage and contribute to the project, with further details to come.

Nathan Ahearne
Assistant Head of School - Mission and Formation

Last year rounded out with a wonderful Christmas celebration at Community Carols. It was a great chance to be together, hear some fantastic acts, and enjoy the sunshine. Many thanks to all who made it possible, especially Julia Mayne.

Looking ahead, 2023 is exciting.

I’d like in particular to encourage all students to engage in the great culture we have here, in service and in faith formation. We encourage all students to give back to the broader community, using their time and talents for others, and to grow themselves. Here at Marist we have several regular groups. All of these groups are well worth the time of any student who is interested in joining them. For any general questions, get in touch with myself, Mr Weir. I’d love to discuss opportunities with anyone.

• Vinnies – students work within the existing Vinnies network to address local injustices – contact Mrs Grimes
• Marist Justice Solidarity & Stewardship – raising awareness and funds for social justice matters around the world, as well as opportunities to engage in some of these – contact Mr Guinane
• Game Changers (Yr 7-10) and Marist Youth Ministry (Yr 11 & 12) – engage with matters of faith and work together to build community here at Marist and in the broader Marist world – contact Mr Weir

Nicholas Weir
Student Faith Formation Coordinator

The College has partnered with The Fathering Project to provide additional support for our young people. The aim is to bring together fathers and father-figures and their children for a few events each year.

The group includes, but is not limited to fathers, step fathers, grandfathers, uncles, older brothers (who are mature enough to take on this role), a trusted male family member or friend. As is so often the case (especially at our dads and kids events), mums are also very welcome to attend.

The Dad’s Group is a fun and social way to get to know each other, support the community and most importantly, spend some quality time with our sons and daughters. Siblings are welcome at these events as they are inclusive and not limited to students of the College.

The goal is to have one event per term. People are encouraged to register with the Marist Dad’s Group where you will learn more about our events and access a wide range of resources that provide ideas for engaging with your children, including weekly dad tips. Here are some top tips that arrived in my inbox a few days ago:

1. Praise their efforts. Encouragement from dad goes a long way. Tell your child how proud you are of them when they try hard and have a positive attitude toward learning. You could reward by doing something together they enjoy.  
2. Be positive about school. Even if you have some not so positive memories of school or learning yourself, allow your child to create their own experiences. Speak positively about going to school and learning. 
3. Promote a positive mindset in your children to help them see the benefits and enjoyment that can be found in learning and improvement.  

To join the group (no charge), please click here. To learn more about the Fathering Project, click here.

Peter Hawes
Assistant Head of School – Mission and Identity

Parish Sacramental Programs - Sacraments of Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Communion

Students in Years 4-6 in 2023 seeking the Sacraments are invited to enrol in preparation programs which are run in their Parishes. Details will be available at the beginning of each year from your local Parish office.

Sacramental Certificates Years 4 -6

We become full members of the Catholic Church when we have received the Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion. If your son has received one or all of these in your parish this year please scan and submit his certificate to Marist College Canberra Registrar so as we can update his records.

This program is an opportunity for students and their families to deepen their Catholic faith through the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Holy Communion or Confirmation). It is open to students from Years 7 -12 who are considering one or all of these Sacraments. Sisters of these students are welcome to participate in the program and receive the sacraments as a family.

The actual design of the program will be partially dependent on the needs of the candidates, it will involve a mix of twilight sessions for the family and weekly sessions for the students. These will mostly be held here at school. Priests from the local parishes will also be involved in various sessions and families will need to connect with their parish. The Sacraments will be received within each student’s local parish in and around Pentecost on 28 May 2023.

To register for the program and for any further enquiries please contact Head of Liturgy Leesa Callaughan.

Leesa Callaughan
Head of Liturgy

The Parish of Mary Help of Christians will be conducting a program for students in Year 4 and up who wish to make their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion this year. Enrolments for the program close on Friday 3 February and the program will commence on Wednesday 8 February. Classes are held at Sacred Heart Church, Pearce on Wednesdays during school terms. For more information, and to enrol, please click here.

As the new school commences, we extend a warm welcome to the following new staff:

Adam Barnes, Isabella Bartholomeusz, Jenny Bond, Ryan Brown, Katrina Carling, Jack Chalker-Harris, Melinda Clarke, Allison Collins, Brigid Cooney, Jacqui Grice, Franz Hartmann, Danielle Hartnett, Damien Hoban, Caitlin Hocking, Clare Kelly, Tracey McMahon, Martin McGuire, Nigel Palfreman, Megan Petersen, Benn Sutcliffe, Susan Taylor, Elise Vellnagel, Damien Webb, Chris Wilson and Justin Wood. 

To learn a little bit more about our new staff joining us in 2023 please click here.

We also extend our best wishes to the following staff assuming positions of responsibility in 2023.

• Darren Leech - Assistant Head of School – Learning and Teaching
• Sarah Mahar – Assistant Head of School – Wellbeing and Engagement
• Justin Wood – Head of Student Wellbeing - Senior School
• Damien Webb – Head of Learning and Teaching - Junior School 
• Melinda Clarke – Mark House Dean
• Simon Rugala – Crispin House Dean
• Peter O’Callaghan – Lavalla House Dean
• Bronwyn Westcott – Head of Inclusive Education
• Tom Guinane – Head of Religious Education
• Erinn Elliott – Head of Hospitality and Food Technology
• Dave Moore – Head of Vocational Education and Training
• Penny Brown – Facilities Manager
• Sunday Ciastkowski – Assistant Head of Inclusive Education

We also extend our best wishes to the following staff who have been appointed in Acting Leadership roles at the College for Term 1, 2023:

• Dr Katie Meale - Acting Head of SOSE
• Tamara Armstrong – Acting Assistant Head of SOSE
• Brittney Pimm – Acting Head of Visual Arts
• Carla Fahey – Acting Head of HAPE
• Tim Anderson - Acting Assistant Head of HAPE

We offer our best wishes to the following staff who are taking leave in early 2023: Rebecca Buckland (Semester 1); Joanne Evans (Term 1), Lorraine Gannon (Term 1), Jonathon McGrath (Term 1), and Wayne McAuliffe (Term 1).

Welcome back to Nathan Ahearne who returns to his role on the College Executive as Assistant Head of School – Mission and Faith for two days per week, whist continuing his role with the Marist Mission and Life Formation team.  We welcome back Mary Kennedy, Matthew Ransom and Michael Stinziani from their refreshing and enjoyable long service leave in Term 4, 2022.

Glenn Slater
Assistant Head of School – Staff and Community

As you may be aware 2023 NAPLAN will be held from Tuesday 14 March to Monday 27 March for all students enrolled in Years 5, 7 and 9. We request that parents take note of this change and review current commitments for the 2023 test window and adjust calendars where possible. Please find the all the Parent Information for NAPLAN 2023 here. 

More information including your son’s NAPLAN Timetable will be emailed closer to the testing date. If you have any enquires in regard to NAPLAN 2023 please contact Head of Student Progress.

Grant Barclay
Head of Student Progress

Our Year 5 students have commenced their Music Immersion Program journey! This week they started engaging in activities and games to help them be assigned to the best possible instrument.

Learning an instrument and being in a Marist ensemble is one of the most enjoyable experiences in life. Being in a band is first and foremost about being in a team player, and Marist band members will tell you how great it is to be a part of a team unlike any other.

It’s also about achieving personal bests and stretching our idea of what our personal best is. Musicians spend lots of time together rehearsing and perfecting their performances, and this attention to detail has benefits to our general lives in the areas of focus, prioritising commitments and managing our time.

Please feel free to ask your son about what they experienced this week. Our musical experiences allow us to express our thoughts and ideas not only in sound but also in words. Some helpful questions might be:

• What did you learn about your voice?
• What instruments did you hear this week?
• What was interesting about the sounds they made?
• Which instrument could you imagine yourself playing?
• What other instruments are you excited to learn about?

Jarrod Schindler
Head of Performing Arts

At the beginning of each year, Instrumental and Vocal Lessons commence in Week 2 of Semester 1.

Students should remember the following:

Instrument Storage: Small instruments can be stored in your classroom (Junior School) or your locker (Senior School). Larger instruments may be neatly stored in the instrument hutches in Performing Arts. Instruments should be taken home each night and, on the weekend/holidays for practice.

Instrument Nametags: All instruments brought to Marist should have either a blue or yellow nametag. Blue nametags are placed on Marist’s hired instruments and yellow nametags are placed on students’ personal instruments. Please visit the Performing Arts Office for a tag.

Performing Arts Folders: All students in class bands, co-curricular ensembles and the musical should have a black Marist College Performing Arts Folder. These are available from the Uniform Shop. Folders cannot be left in the instrument hutches. Students taking lessons who are not in an ensemble may purchase a display folder for handouts or a band folder.

Lesson Timetable: Lesson timetables are posted in Performing Arts. Speak to your classroom teacher and leave your classroom two minutes prior to your instrumental/vocal lesson starting time and make your way quickly to Performing Arts. Move quickly back to your class when you are finished.

Lesson Locations: Lessons are mostly located in Senior School Performing Arts. Some are in Junior School Performing Arts. Due to the building works, some lessons will take place at other locations. Please check the notice board to double check your location.

Ensemble Schedules: Ensemble schedules for co-curricular ensembles (not class bands) are posted in the Performing Arts building.

Fee Payments: Individual teachers will soon issue invoices directly to families. Please ensure these are paid promptly as per the terms and conditions.

Lesson Alterations: Alterations are possible with due notice. Please contact the school or the teacher as soon as possible. Cancellations to lessons can only be made within the terms of the agreement which are outlined at time of enrolment in instrumental and vocal lessons.

For any additional information, please contact Performing Arts on 6298 7255 or via email.

Jocelyn Roberts
Performing Arts Assistant

Are you looking for an opportunity to develop your critical thinking and argumentative skills? Want to improve your public speaking and presentation abilities? Or maybe you're just looking for a way to meet and interact with like-minded individuals? If so, then the Marist Debate Club is the perfect place for you!

By joining the Debate Club, you'll have the opportunity to participate in engaging and thought-provoking debates on a wide range of topics. This will not only help you to improve your critical thinking and argument skills, but it will also provide you with a chance to engage in meaningful conversations and learn more about different perspectives on important issues.

In addition to participating in debates, as a member of the Debate Club, you'll also have the opportunity to attend training sessions on various topics such as effective research techniques, public speaking, and argumentative strategies. These workshops are designed to help you build the skills you need to become a more effective debater and communicator.

If you're looking for a way to challenge yourself and improve your skills, then the Marist Debate Club is the perfect place for you! We welcome students of all skill levels and backgrounds to join, and we look forward to having you as part of our team. So, don't wait any longer, join us today and be a part of a community of individuals who are passionate about the issues being debated.

There will be three divisions that Marist will be participating in for the first competition season (Term 1 and 2). These are:

Junior Premier (Years 6 – 8) – Monday evening rounds
Senior Premier (Years 9 – 10) - Wednesday evening rounds
Advanced Premier (Years 11-12) – Thursday evening rounds

If you are interested in joining or want to learn more about our upcoming events and activities, please feel free to reach out to Mr Dwyer in the English staffroom or by email.

Gerard Dwyer 
Teacher

In 2023 we have a lot of events being offered to all students to support them in making positive and appropriate career decisions. Some of these include, but are not limited to:

Tuesday 21 February: ‘Pathways Information Evening’ for students in Years 11 and 12, and their parents, who are not planning on going directly to University after College.

Monday 22 May: ‘Career Information Night’ for students in Years 9-12 and their parents to engage with a wide range of providers and discuss study and work.

Various dates: several information nights will be held for students in Years 11 and 12, and their parents, to guide them through the University application process. 

A new initiative being introduced at the College this year is “What do you want to be?” - Day 3. 

Every Day 3 on the timetable there will be a different guest speaker or organisation attending the College at lunchtime to talk to our boys about career pathways and study options. These will take place in W19 and are open to all students across the College who may be interested in the presentation. No registration necessary – just bring your lunch straight to W19 and engage with a different person each fortnight!

The timetable of these presentations will be circulated to students to allow them to know in advance who is attending. Our Term 1 timetable already provides the opportunities for boys to come and chat with representatives from a wide range of organisations to learn more about what they may want to be in their future.

I look forward to having the boys engage with this great opportunity and feel empowered to make career choices based on the knowledge of the options available to them.

Please see the schedule for Term One below:

“…young people who had participated in [career] guidance activities at school can commonly expect:

• Lower levels of youth unemployment
• Higher wages
• Greater job satisfaction

Young adults who had first-hand contact with the world of work while in Secondary School are more employable later on. They compete more effectively for available job opportunities.” (OECD, 2022)

Leigh Southwell 
Careers Adviser

Our deepest sympathy is extended the Bamford family on the unexpected passing of Dan Bamford. Dan was a dedicated and beloved father to James (Year 9) and Luke (Year 5) and husband to Pearl. 

Please keep the Bamford family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  

Over the break we have been working to develop a new College Portal for Parents, Students and Staff. 

This new portal is called MyMarist and it has now been launched. MyMarist will provide you with information, resources, news and notices for your day to day experience at Marist College Canberra. You will find ways to connect with the student learning management system (Canvas) and the College Calendar and you will have access to all College policies as well as Library and IT resources. 

To access MyMarist please click here and for a brief breakdown of the key features click here.

If you have any questions about the Portal, please contact the College ICT Service Desk.

On Friday 10 February, all parents new to the College are invited to attend an evening of welcome drinks and canapes. This event is an opportunity for you to get to know each other and College staff. If you are a new parent, or joined the College during the course of 2022, please check your emails for your invitation and how to RSVP. 

We hope to see you all there. 

The Athlete’s Foot will donate $5 from every pair of shoes purchased by any of the school staff, students or family members back to our School. 

All you have to do is nominate Marist College Canberra at the time of purchase for the sale to be counted towards the Program Rewards. School rewards applies for every pair of shoes purchased, across the complete in-store range of adults and/or kids sports, school, work and casual shoes. 

While COVID is not having as significant an impact on our community compared to the start of the 2022, the College is still mindful of the need to protect our staff, students and visitors from its potential spread. A number of requirements remain in place for students that test positive or are a household contact.

If a student tests positive to COVID-19, please -

• Notify the College here and include the date they tested positive. You will receive a response with additional information and guidance. 
• Notify ACT Health or NSW Health depending on their household jurisdiction via the notification forms ACT Form or NSW Form, and 
• Ensure they stay at home and not attend the College if feeling unwell or displaying COVID-19 symptoms (including runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever).

The student will also not be permitted to attend overnight excursions (for example school camps).

If a student is a household contact, please –

• Notify the College here and include the date the household contact tested positive. You will receive a response with additional information and guidance.
• Ensure they not attend the College if asymptomatic, and
• Ensure they closely monitor for COVID-19 symptoms, test regularly using a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) and wear a mask while indoors at the College.

Providing these notifications is a vital step that ensures the College has an accurate understanding of the prevalence of COVID and can respond quickly and communicate proactively. 

We also ask that all members of our community prevent the spread of COVID-19 by practicing the following COVID-Smart behaviours:

• Stay up to date with vaccinations
• Stay home if unwell and get tested for COVID-19
• Wash hands and practice good personal hygiene
• Physically distance 1.5 metres 
• Wear a mask in indoor public spaces.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and assistance as we work to keep our community safe from COVID. If you have any questions in relation to this matter, please contact us.

Marist Winter Sporting Clubs will have online registration processes opening during February, so please check the club websites prior to registration for more information. Parents need to ensure that their child/children are registered by the closing date of the registration period to ensure participation in that sport.

Please use the College Sports email for any clarification regarding the Sporting Clubs or College Sport.

Links to our individual sporting club websites can be found here. 

When considering registering there are some points all students must be aware of:

1. Students currently representing the College in Cricket or Rowing - you must continue to honour that training and playing commitment even if there may be an overlap with the pre-season training of your chosen winter sport. Your first priority is to your summer team. In doing this you will not be disadvantaged in your winter sport selections.
2. When choosing a winter sport remember that you are expected to attend all training sessions and all games during the season, in doing so you are supporting your coach and your team mates.
3. College Sporting teams play in an age based competition. All boys are registered to play in their appropriate age level. The College endeavours to ensure that we maximise the participation levels during competition which may require the movement of students up an age group. The College and the clubs work together to ensure if this needs to happen, it is managed appropriately. 

PREMIER LEAGUE (FOOTBALL) EXEMPTION FORMS 

Students who are considering playing for a local Premier League Football Club need to complete the exemption form. More information can be found on the Marist Football Club website.

Paul Mead 
Head of Sport                

The ACT School Sport has changed the process for applying and participating in Sporting Trials.

Anyone interested in trialling for the various regional sports, now need to log onto the ACT Sports Website and register for the sport that your child wishes to trial. It is the responsibility of parents to monitor the website for any upcoming sporting events, if your child is interested in competing in the regional competitions.

Please also note if your child is successful in being selected for an ACT team to participate in a national or regional tournament, a formal written letter is required, addresses to the College Deputy Headmaster or Head of Junior School to seek permission for absence from school during this period. Once the College has received such a request it can then be formally approved for your son’s participation in this activity with ACT Schools Sport. Secondly, we will also be able to acknowledge his achievement in the College Newsletter.

Paul Mead
Head of Sport 

Australian All Schools Championships

Jacob Shepherd (Year 11), Kieran Shepherd (Year 8) and Kiefer Brennan (Year 11) were all selected to compete in the Australian All Schools Championships, late last year. They were selected to compete in multiple events and came away with some very impressive results and new PBs. 

Congratulations to the boys on their success and particularly to Kieran who won a gold medal in the 800m event. This is a huge accomplishment and has also been recognised in the Canberra Times, to read the full article click here.

National Club Futsal Championships

Congratulations to Isaac Di Iulio (Year 8) and Marc Papandrea (Year 8) who represented the ACT Futsal U13 Team at the National Club Futsal Championships in Sydney in mid-January 2023. From their performance, Marc was chosen as a member of the All-Stars Team and both boys have been selected in the Australian Representative Futsal U14 Team to play in an international tournament in the United Kingdom in October 2023. 

Summer finally arrived and the season resumed in hot, sunny weather on Saturday. By Sunday morning however, the pattern of the early Summer had returned with some showers. Most games were able to go ahead