Enews - 11 August 2021

The crisis is a stark reminder of how unnatural life becomes when banned from daily interactions. COVID has been a devastating tormentor but also a great teacher of the importance of everyday human friendship and affection to human wellbeing.

In the background of the COVID crisis, we have witnessed a celebration of humanity at the Tokyo Olympics. It has been a timely reminder where people from differing cultures and political regimes compete fiercely on the playing field, while respecting the differences between them. Pope Francis called the games ‘a message of hope, a sign of universal brotherhood under the banner of healthy competition.’ It is a message for a world in need of something to celebrate. One of the Tokyo images defining the Olympic spirit was a photograph of the Italian and Qatari high jumpers embracing after they decided to share the gold medal rather than having a jump off. The photograph captured a moment of sportsmanship and unity.

Another image was witnessing our own Patty Mills in his fourth Olympic competition, score 42 points to lead the Australian Men’s Basketball side to the Bronze medal. The footage of Patty hugging his coach, and his joy in success after suffering defeat in previous campaigns, teaches us a lot about life.

The Games remind us there is much to celebrate amongst humanity and that goodwill continues to exist between nations. While COVID is a time of stoppage, it is also a time for shifting, for remembering with gratitude who we are, a time of hope and a time to celebrate humanity. 

We often speak of our work as educators, in partnership with parents, in the formation of young men. Generations of boys and countless lives have been formed and connected through their time at the College. It is a legacy to be respected, celebrated and cherished. Yet, ongoing relevance requires an evolving vision. Such a vision can never be taken for granted because we recognise our world is changing, and we must change with it. Our world challenges how we think and interact, how we collaborate and innovate, how we engage meaningfully and respectfully with others, and how we seek solutions to address the diverse issues and challenges of our time.

Our current Strategic Plan concludes at the end of the year. Never content with the status quo, we are now preparing to review our initiatives, discuss areas of College life requiring immediate attention, and dream audaciously about our future. The new Strategic Plan will take stock of what we do for our boys, identify what we really want for and from each of them, and provide plans to make it happen. The Strategic Plan will be the foundational document that frames priorities and future actions, both immediately and through the coming years. At the heart of our strategy is the individual student, our commitment to his care, to his holistic formation and the opportunities we provide to develop and demonstrate fullness of humanity.

We are hosting an interactive afternoon session to gather parents’ thoughts and reflections in relation to the following questions:

1. What current activities haven’t been started and would have a positive impact on the school? Do any require immediate attention?
2. What current activities are we currently doing but are not having an impact, or perhaps having a negative impact on the school?
3. What current activities have we tried and were successful at, but haven’t become routine or embedded yet and need more work?
4. What should be our audacious dreams?
    

I strongly encourage parents to join us to share their hopes and dreams for our Marist community in the framing of an audacious future for their sons. The session is scheduled for 4.00pm on Thursday 19 August. Please RSVP to Leah Brown.

Matthew Hutchison
Headmaster

In 2021, funds raised will go towards the following service initiatives:

Catholic Care – Mackillop House

Mackillop House is a residential crisis service for women over the age of 18 who are experiencing homelessness. It currently offers shared, short-term living for up to 20 women in their own individual rooms, as well as six independent townhouses for mothers with young children. Catholic Care works with each of the residents throughout their stay at Mackillop House to develop strategies for long-term plans in relation to safe and affordable housing. Mackillop House plays a crucial role in the ACT region, supporting women experiencing homelessness and who are in crisis. Funds raised will help pay for food and essential services as well as continued maintenance and improvement of the facilities.

Br Mark May Bursary Fund

Funds raised this year will also be directed towards the Br Mark May Bursary Fund for student bursaries. These bursaries will be used to afford students within our community, who would otherwise not have the opportunity, a chance to receive a Marist education and become part of the Marist community. We know what a wonderful gift a Marist education is; being able to offer that gift to young boys and their families who are at the margins aligns centrally with the Marist values upon which our community is built.

Location

The 2021 Walkathon will again be held at the Mt. Taylor Nature Park and surrounds. By starting and finishing at the College, we can utilise our facilities and create an exciting afternoon community atmosphere with music and entertainment on our grounds.

Sponsorship

As a general guide, boys should seek sponsorship to the extent of $5.00 per kilometre, whether from family, relations, friends or businesses. Given our approximately 12 km course this year, this means that each student should aim to collect sponsorship to the total value of $60.00 (or $80.00 per family). Please encourage your son(s) to give the College the time and effort to make the 2021 Walkathon the most successful fundraiser to date. In many cases, friends and neighbours do not mind being asked to become sponsors, particularly given that monies raised are being directed towards such worthy causes. On the day itself, it is essential that all those not prevented by sickness attend school (regular attendance expectations apply) and undertake the prescribed walk honestly and safely. 

Collection of Pledges

After the Walkathon, the final important task is to ensure the collection of pledges. We ask you to encourage your son(s) to carry out this task diligently as he is a collection agent acting for the College and all pledge money must be rigorously accounted for. We allow approximately two weeks after the event for all money to be returned. Please note: the 2021 College Walkathon is cashless and all pledges are to be transferred via the payment page (accessible via the QR code on students pledge cards or the attached image) or via this link.  

The Walkathon is the College’s annual single major fundraising project. Given the emphasis on helping those in need within the community, we seek your strong support in meeting our sponsorship aim. We thank you in anticipation of your support both in encouraging your son in his participation and sponsorship.

Ryan Greer
Deputy Headmaster 

Dear Junior School Families

It was with great excitement that we all celebrated Patty Mills over the weekend on the bronze medal success of the Boomers. Patty has shown great leadership of the Olympic men’s basketball team and is an authentic role model for all Australians. Marist Junior School are very proud that our school played a part in Patty’s journey and love of sport.

Congratulations to all the Junior School boys (and teachers) for participating so enthusiastically in last Friday’s Green and Gold Day. 

Thank you to Mr Keogh and Mrs Hogan for preparing the celebratory day of sport, dance and trivia, it was a great success.

This Friday, the Junior School will take time out to reflect on the upcoming Feast of the Assumption on Sunday. The Feast of the Assumption of our Lady signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. Our Marist spirituality encourages us to ‘follow Christ as Mary did’.

As a Marist school, with a devotion to Mary, the Assumption is an important Feast Day as it is the patronal Feast Day for all Marist Brothers throughout the world. Thank you to Mrs Callaughan, the College’s Liturgy Coordinator, for preparing the Liturgy for the boys and teachers.

Junior School students who commenced a band instrument in 2021 are about to be invited to their first band experience: the Junior Premiers Band. This beginner concert band class is open to students who play woodwind, brass and percussion instruments:

Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium Tuba, Percussion, and Piano.

Keep an eye out for more information or email Performing Arts for more information as spaces in the class are limited.

Jarrod Schindler 
Head of Performing Arts

Many of our students – as well as representing the school in sport – also sing or play an instrument. In fact, around 63% of all Marist students are involved in music in some way or another.

At Marist, being an active participant in everything we do underpins our principles of presence and love of work. Being involved in music is one of the most active pursuits possible.

Musical teams communicate without language by predicting each other’s every action, all while listening, reading and moving together at the same time.

Musicians are in step with their emotions. They can regulate their responses to stimulus, they have a track record for strong resilience, and can focus and be attentive for long periods of time.

Canberra teacher and neuro-musical researcher, Dr Anita Collins, says the following:

“What if a large number of scientific studies had found that there was one activity that could improve our cognitive function, help our memory systems to work, help us to learn language, help us to moderate our emotional states, help us to solve complex problems, and help our brains to be healthier into later life?”

“What if that activity, unlike the momentary pain of a vaccination needle, is actually enjoyable for everyone involved?”

“Now, you might be expecting me to reveal a new superfood we could eat some more of, maybe a pill we could take every day or an exercise regimen we could start. But actually, this activity is as old as our cultures and societies itself. And that activity is music education.”

Click here to hear more about the benefits of music education and below to learn how playing an instrument benefits your brain. 

Jarrod Schindler 
Head of Performing Arts

With a change in scenery, students were inspired to take photos that put into practice their understanding of camera functions and compositional principles.

In early September, the class will submit the best of their work to the 24th Annual Photographic Competition at the Australian Botanic Gardens. Entries will be on display from 3 – 21 November at the Visitor Information Centre.

Campbell Fenwick (Year 9)

Charlie Carter (Year 9)

Charlie Kimpton (Year 9)

Students enjoyed the excursion. It was “a great experience to take photos in a unique environment” (Charlie Kimpton), “It was great having creative freedom on the day” (Spencer Horton) and “it was cool” (Campbell Fenwick).

Their teacher, Ms Harrison, said the ‘group showed great enthusiasm and exemplary behaviour on the day’.

I look forward to visiting the Gardens in November to see their work on display.

Joanne Evans
Head of Art

The day was filled with two lessons of study skills that were split into four sessions, which taught the boys different ways of revising, studying and being able to manage their time efficiently.

The first lesson explained to the boys how long it takes to forget something you have just learnt and what can happen if you don’t revise on that subject. They were then taught ways to revise and completed exercises using flashcards and testing themselves on the selected subject.

The second lesson was focused on studying, homework, assignments and managing their time. The students were educated on why you should study and what you should be studying, completing their homework and what is classified as homework, how to spread out your time on assignments, and submitting drafts. The students were then given a daily and weekly study planner in a sheet which they completed, showing what time they can revise and what times they aren’t able to. The sheet was then sent to each student’s parent and House Group Leader.

Luke Hackett and Alessandro Trimboli (Year 7)

When: All week.

Activity: Science Seek and Find. A clue a day, a prize a day. Listen to the morning announcements.

Open to: Years 7-12

When: Monday 16 August 2021

Activity: Toad dissection with Mrs Cousens. Starts at 1.00pm

Open to: Years 4-12

When: Wednesday 18 August 2021

Activity: Future Food

• dry ice-cream with Mrs Pietsch
• roasted crickets, and
• yummy mealworms.

Open to: Years 4-12.

Please note: Future Food will have a separate session for Junior School. 

When: Thursday 19 August 2021

Activity: Big fire in your hands! With Mrs van der Kolk and Mrs Kennedy.

Open to: Years 7-12. 

This Medal is presented to an ex-student of the College who has demonstrated that he continues to keep the faith through service to others. It is named after one of the earliest Brothers, Br Francois (Gabriel Rivat), who joined the Little Brothers of Mary at the time of St Marcellin and became the first Superior-General of the order. Br Francois was chosen by St Marcellin and his fellow Brothers to lead this new congregation. He was instrumental in developing a Marist Spirituality, one characterised by being Christocentric, affective and mystical. Br Francis was known to be a joyful person who demonstrated his love and care for others, especially through his service to the Brothers and to the sick.  

It was my hope, and Jack’s, that he would be able to attend the College’s recent Service Day Assembly in person. Being based in Sydney and in lockdown prevented this from happening. It is our intention for Jack to be able to visit sometime in the future.

Jack graduated in 2010 and was a member of Conway House. He facilitated Faith Formation programs to younger boys through his involvement in Marist Youth Ministry and enjoyed his time playing Rugby, for the First XV and ACT Schoolboys.

Since leaving Marist, Jack has been involved in a number of service activities. These include coaching and development at Sydney University Rugby Club, and mentoring indigenous youth in the Northern Territory through the National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy. After completing his studies, he worked full-time with this organisation, engaging with youth in Redfern and the western Suburbs of Sydney. More recently, Jack has worked in the area of men’s mental health.

Jack shared a beautiful and powerful message with the College community which you can listen to below. 

Peter Hawes
Assistant Head of School - Mission and Identity

Instead of the usual expo-style event, the Senior School had an assembly where key awards recognising service were distributed, and staff and students heard about the importance of service.

In particular, the College was addressed by Anne Kirwan, the CEO of CatholicCare in our Archdiocese of Canberra-Goulburn, who told us about the great work they do in our community, including with Mackillop House. Mackillop House is short- to medium-term accommodation for women in need and their children.

After the assembly, students took part in fundraising activities at lunchtime for Australian Marist Solidarity, organised by each House’s Service Captains. Goodberry’s were a hit, as was the performance by ‘The Schennos’.

We are looking forward to next year’s Service Day! For more information on how to get involved in service, please contact Mr Weir.

Nicholas Weir
Student Faith Formation Coordinator

A reminder there is 50% off all Marist College Supporter’s Gear:

• Ladies and Men’s College Supporter’s Polo - now $21.00
• Ladies and Men’s College Supporter’s Jacket – now $60.00.

The two items are available to purchase from the College’s Uniform Shop.

Please note: there are very limited stocks of the Ladies and Men’s College Supporter’s Jacket available to purchase. There are also no refunds or returns on sale items.

St John Vianney’s Primary School is celebrating their 50th Anniversary with one of their major events being a Gala Ball which is being held on Saturday 4 September. 

If you are a former parent or ex-student (over 18+) of the school, the St John Vianney community would love for you to attend the ball for a great night out. Ticket prices include: a three course meal, drinks package, prizes and live entertainment.

More information about the night can be found by scanning the URL on the accompanying image or visiting the St John Vianney Primary School website.