Enews - 12 June 2024

Last week, Marists across the globe celebrated the feast of St Marcellin Champagnat.

Father Champagnat provides young men with an amazing model to replicate, and his spirituality has helped shape and form the fine young men of Marist College. The Champagnat story is well versed at Marist College, but I thought it important to touch on a few points.

All to Jesus through Mary

At the heart of Champagnat’s spirituality was a deep faith in God and commitment to live the Christian life in the way of the first disciple, Mary. He saw Mary as the greatest model, one who’s example of opening themselves to God and bringing Christ to life in others. Champagnat’s goal with the Little Brothers of Mary was not only to provide a quality education in the spirit of Mary, but most importantly, to introduce Christ to all, to make him known and loved. It is important to note that this goal of a Marist education has never shifted, and is the ultimate outcome for our boys, a relationship with Christ. Whilst the figure of Champagnat is highly visible, we should always be reminded that it is Jesus who should be the focus, through the model and example of Mary and Champagnat.

Champagnat shone with zeal

One of the great lines of ‘Great Man of God’ speaks to the practical nature of Champagnat’s spirituality that resonates so much with the Marist College community. A practical man, one born of the farm, Champagnat was never shy of working hard, building a love of work as one of the most important Marist characteristics. The Marist spirituality is grounded and earthy, and Father Champagnat broke the mould in the area for the priesthood, completing physical labour with enthusiasm, being the first to work and last to leave, and having an extraordinary energy and enthusiasm which sustained him through many of the challenges he faced. His example calls us to live a life of passion, taking pride in our work and ethic.

See how they love one another.

One of Marcellin’s most famous quotes was scribed in his spiritual testament, written as Champagnat lay on his death bed.

“I also urge you, my very dear brothers, with all the affection of my soul and for which you profess me, to behave in such a way that charity always reigns among you. Love one another as Christ has loved you. Let there be among you but one heart and one mind. I hope that we can say of the Little Brothers of Mary what was said of the first Christians: See how they love one other… This is the most vivid desire of my heart in these last moments of my life. Yes, my dear brothers, listen to the last words of your Father, which are those of our beloved Saviour: Love one another.”

To be Marist is to show unconditional love and respect to each other. His core message and wish for his Brothers, and for us as Marists, is one of love. A love lived out in practice and action. The image of the first Christian communities is not only aspirational but one that is hopefully experienced at Marist Canberra.

Happy Champagnat Day to all in the Marist College Community.

Liam Stakelum
Headmaster 

Over my time away, you may have caught interest in the news story of two students expelled from Yarra Valley Grammar School after the creation and publication of a vile and offensive list ranking female students. Staff discovered a screenshot of the document which contained offensive terms and referenced sexual violence. The end result was a media storm, two students expelled, and a lot of hurt in the community. The Yarra Valley Grammar example is not alone. The media discourse around male behaviour towards women has only grown in fervour, and rightly so in many cases. The example demonstrated much more than an isolated incident which could be solved by expelling the two students.

Will the expelling of the two boys suddenly improve the culture and attitudes of the young men in the school? Partly. It certainly shows the stance that the College has towards that type of behaviour and the drastic lengths that they are prepared to enact. The solution however needs to be far more comprehensive. It goes to the heart of the Respectful Relationships project that has been running at the College over the last few years.

At the beginning of the year, the College teaching staff had a full day of professional learning from Dr Claire Moran and Professor Michael Flood, both eminent scholars in the domain of gender studies. Their message was very clear that healthy masculinities needed to be taught holistically, be committed to enhancing boys’ and men’s lives, and use an approach that operates across all areas of the college including curriculum, policies, ethos, and partnerships. Men, young men particularly, face extraordinary pressure to conform to an unhealthy stereotype of masculinity. Further to this, Professor Flood has demonstrated that one of the consistent predictors of men’s use of domestic and sexual violence against women is the perception of peer support, the extent to which they think men around them condone and support misogynistic attitudes.

These concepts have ramifications to the Yarra Valley example. One of the lesser talked about aspects of the example was in the online distribution of the list. As a pastoral leader who has dealt with the increasing challenge of technology, one aspect that should be talked about is the disconnect in our young men as they use technology such as social media. Too often I am presented with examples of young men filling a persona online, playing up to a stereotype because they believe that is what their “peers” expect of them. Modern day influencers like Andrew Tate are presenting dangerous, and seductive, messages to our boys that contain harmful attitudes that spread quickly.

A further implication is in the lack of courage demonstrated by ALL the students involved in allowing the list not only to be created, but filled in, commented on, discussed, and distributed. Many young men don’t have the skills necessary to stand up to the crowd and instead of standing up for what is right, preferring to assimilate into a set of behaviours that is toxic and unhealthy. I am sure that all in the Yarra Valley community are not only disgusted, but saddened by the distinct absence of moral courage. Peer pressure has always been an issue that schools deal with, however it is far more important at an all-boys school to combat the behaviours.

So what for Marist? Well on our journey we continually work with our young men to present multiple healthy identities of masculinity, teach them explicit concepts about what a 'fine young man' looks like and how he acts to all people, not just women. The College must continue to promote healthy identities of masculinity and ensure that our boys feel comfortable in being themselves. This came from direct feedback from the community in our Respectful Relationship project genesis in 2019 - the Community wants the College to be defining what healthy masculinity looks like. We use pastoral periods, relationships, assemblies, and curriculum to continue to challenge misogynist behaviours, and are clear with students, and parents, about our expectations of respect and demonstrating dignity for others. Of course, there are examples that occur within Marist, and we work very hard, very promptly, and very compassionately when they arise. Needless to say, an example such as the Yarra Valley case would result in a similar outcome for the boys involved and deservedly so. Behaviours like this have no place in our community.

As a parent or carer, your role in this area is significant. The Catechism of the Catholic Church puts it as succinctly as you need: “Parents have the first responsibility as educators of their children”. Have a discussion with your son about the Yarra Valley example. Ask him what he thinks about it. Make it clear that that type of behaviour is wrong. This is most powerful when it comes from father figures. Ask him to show you his social media and text messages and how he interacts with his peers. What persona he is portraying? What language is he using? Is he showing moral courage when harmful attitudes exist or like many, is he preferring to conform? These are challenging but vital conversations to help our boys become the fine young men we know that they are.

Liam Stakelum
Headmaster

Many thanks to all the students who participated in the 2024 Champagnat Day Mass and College Walkathon. The Champagnat Mass was a wonderful celebration of our core values and beliefs as a Marist Community. Thank you to Monsignor John Woods for his inspiring homily and Br Paul Creevey for his thoughtful and passionate words as a former teacher at the College. Please find Br Paul’s words here.

Thank you to Leesa Callaughan, Head of Liturgy for her efforts and for planning such a spectacular and reverent celebration. Many thanks to Nathan Ahearne and the Mission team for their combined assistance to gift the school with such a memorable Mass.

For over 40 years the College has benefited greatly from the hard work and generosity of parents and students in the Walkathon, the College’s annual community building and fundraising event. Our sincere thanks to the many parents, extended family and friends, and business sponsors who have shown their support by sponsoring the boys and donating to our three important causes. Your contributions will make a significant difference in the lives of those in need and help further the missions of Home in Queanbeyan, MacKillop House, and the Br Mark May Bursary Program.

Please find listed below links to Home in Queanbeyan and Mackillop House.

Home in Queanbeyan
MacKillop House

Thank you to the many parent volunteers who were the backbone of our College Walkathon and ensured the success of the day. Checkpoints and Stamp points were covered, and we were able to cater to over 1600 boys for lunch seamlessly. To everyone who participated in the Champagnat Mass and Walkathon thank you for illuminating the prayerfulness, goodness, and generosity in our community, and for making such a meaningful contribution to those around us.

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 would like to finalise Walkathon contributions by Friday 21 June 2024.

The 2024 College Walkathon is cashless and all pledges are to be transferred via the payment page, which can be accessed by clicking the button. 

We are so grateful for all the donations that have been made so far, but there is still time to get involved, please give what you can to help these wonderful organisations.

Glenn Slater
Acting Deputy Headmaster

Champagnat Day was a joyful expression of our relationship with Marists across the Star of the Sea Province and began with a Eucharistic celebration led by Monsignor John Woods. Saint Marcellin Champagnat never achieved his dream of traveling to Oceania and Brother Lluís Serra Llansana notes Marcellin was “supremely jealous” of the Brothers whom he sent on mission to found Marist schools in Australia, the Pacific and Melanesia. We continue to celebrate Marcellin’s missionary zeal on Champagnat Day and more importantly, live out each day in our actions, inspired and sustained by the same Spirit that enflamed his heart. The Walkathon and our support of local charities offer practical ways to reveal the Spirit of Champagnat.

In his address to the College on Champagnat Day, Brother Paul Creevey reminds us that in both Jesus and Marcellin Champagnat we have two outstanding role models. He said, “Jesus lived in a time of occupation, a time of great social, political and religious change yet what he saw as the most important thing in his life was the people and friends that he encountered. He reached out to people at the margins, he gave them hope, he challenged the political, social, and religious institutions of his time to bring people to see that God has a vision for a better future.” Br Paul’s closing statement encouraged the boys to be men of respect, to be men of courage, to be friends, to be honest with themselves, to be hopeful, and most of all to be men who are proud of the life opportunities they have been given and will be given.

Each year in early June, Marist College gathers to honour the Feast of St. Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of Marist Brothers and Marist Education. This celebration links us with 54 Marist schools worldwide, a moment to express gratitude and celebrate our shared Marist identity.

During the Mass, Monsignor John Woods reflected on the 2024 Marist theme and emphasized the global work of the Marist Brothers. He shared fond memories of how the Marist Brothers have impacted his and other’s worlds. Speaking of actions filled with love and compassion, Monsignor John drew parallels between Mary's inspiration for Marcellin and urged us to emulate her tenderness in our relationships.

Throughout the Champagnat Day Mass, the rich symbolism that unites us within the Star of the Sea Province was emphasised, with combined involvement from Honiara and Marist Canberra highlighting our shared mission.

Special recognition was given to staff with over 10, 25, and 40 years of service, including Mary Kennedy's remarkable 40 years in the science department.

Additionally, students who received the Champagnat medal were acknowledged for embodying Marist values.

Recipients include:

Year 4: Angelo Scott, William Salter
Year 5: Adam Al-Shikhly, Jack Tough
Year 6: Lochie Jeffs, Finlay Gilfillan
Year 7: Hudson Matthew, Daniel Belcher
Year 8: Damon Brown, James Egan
Year 9: Declan Irvine, Jack Tinson
Year 10: Loukas Cramer, Philip Scaria
Year 11: Xavier Roff, Riley Lucas
Year 12: Samuel Smith, Keshera Peiris, Tom Ahearne, Henry Van der Linden

Leesa Callaughan
Head of Liturgy

Two groups of Year 11 students are preparing to take part in an Immersion to Cambodia and to Darwin and the Tiwi Islands in the July holidays. 

Cambodia

Levi Belcher
Harrison Chase
Joshua Galang
Ronin Gilmour
Caleb Kirk
Riley Lucas
Cooper Maher
Hamish Ridd
Shaun Stanford
Jack Volker
Riley Dale
Xavier Roff

Grant Barclay
Kirsty Bell

Darwin and Tiwi Islands 

Brodie Davis
Daniel Egan
George Locke
Harry Mahar
Alastair McGregor
Bronson Milczarek
Joshua Nuss
Wil Polinelli
Sam Smith
Matthew Wray
Kai Dewis

Matthew Millikin
Tara McKeown

They are currently taking part in phase one of the Catholic Mission formation and were recently commissioned and blessed by Fr Emil at the College Assembly. We pray their travels are filled with amazing opportunities to grow relationships and deepen solidarity with other communities in the Star of the Sea Province and we thank their accompanying teachers for their generosity in facilitating these encounters.

Star of the Sea Province Website

The new Star of the Sea Province website has been launched here. It provides information about Marist communities and projects across 11 countries, pathways for volunteering and wonderful Marist spirituality resources. Br Peter Carroll has an excellent video which outlines the first 18 months of our Province, the newest in the Marist world. You are invited to take a few moments to learn more about the wonderful family we belong to in Oceania and beyond.

The Marist Minute, a monthly publication, offers a short reflection on life, faith and being Marist. These reflections invite the Spirit into our lives as we praise and listen to God in the minutes of our Marist journey. It is about recognising and inviting God into our everyday moments.

To read the latest Marist Minute, please click here.

A group of twenty students and staff are signed up for the 2024 Ration Challenge which will take place next week during Refugee Week 17 – 23 June 2024. They will be eating the same rations as a refugee living in Jordan — just a small amount of rice, flour, lentils, chickpeas, beans, fish (or tofu) and oil. We are seeking your generous donation to support more than 114 million people have fled their homes worldwide because of conflict or disaster, and that number is rising. Help us reach our fundraising target by donating here. 

On Tuesday of Week 18, students will be invited to meet Elijah Buol OAM, Australian of the Year and CEO of ACT for Peace, to hear about his personal experience of being a Sudanese refugee. Act for Peace is the international humanitarian agency of the National Council of Churches Australia.

On Friday 31 May, 13 students received their Platinum MATES Award, recognising at least 200 hours of service in the community, and at least 100 hours beyond our community. We also had 33 students receive their Gold awards, which requires at least 100 hours of service and 50 hours beyond our community.

In total, we recognised over 6,000 hours of community service. This took place across a huge range of service opportunities, from coaching a junior sports team, to altar serving at parish or school Masses, to volunteering at Vinnies stores, and more. There are many places, at school and beyond, where our time and gifts can be of use to others. Let’s look for those opportunities and make the most of them!

Welcome to Miss Tyra Petersen, who is completing her first Teaching Placement with our 4 Marlhes class with Mrs Buckland and Mr Webb. Miss Petersen is sharing fifteen days with the class as part of her Bachelor of Education – Primary degree that she is completing through Australian Catholic University.

Please remember to label uniform items

As Term 3 progresses it is important that all families ensure that uniform items, lunch boxes and drink bottles are labelled with student names. This allows us to return items quickly to their owners.

Year 4 Reflection Day

On Friday 14 June, our Year 4 boys will engage in a number of meaningful activities that support our Religious Education program for Semester 1. The focus of the day is Eucharist/First Holy Communion, and it is aimed at developing a deeper understanding of God’s presence in the Eucharist. The day will finish with a whole grade Mass celebrated by Monsignor John Woods.

All Year 4 boys will participate in the day. This Reflection Day supports the Religious Education curriculum. Boys planning to make their First Holy Communion will still need to attend their parish Retreat Day if requested to do so and meet parish expectations. This Friday supports the school-based curriculum and will contribute to the boys’ assessment and reporting for Term 2 in Religious Education.

Other than the structure of the day being different to cater for deep learning of the First Holy Communion theme, the day will be normal. The boys will wear their usual Friday uniform and recess/lunch times will be as normal.

Year 4 Act of Service

Our Year 4 boys are asked to bring in a pair of warm socks to donate to St Vincent De Paul. This act of service allows our Year 4 boys to consider those in our wider community who are vulnerable and who may find it difficult this coming winter. The donations for “Give where we live” will be collected in class on Friday morning. The boys may bring in their sock donation before our Reflection Day and hand them to their class teacher.

Roundabout Canberra Winter Appeal

Roundabout Canberra believes that every child deserves a safe start, and every family deserves dignity. they provide safe, high quality, essential baby and children’s items to families in need.

In the month of May Roundabout Canberra helped 466 children, gave out 1990 items including 400 clothing packs and 297 toiletry packs all to local Canberra families.

We need you to be the change and lead the way in gathering winter items including:

• Excellent second hand clothing for children aged 5 to 16 years
• New packs of socks and/or undies for children aged 5 to 16 years
• Excellent second hand single bed linen.

If you can help please place these items into the Roundabout Canberra purple bins that will be located outside the Junior School office entry until the last day of term 2. If you would like to find out more on what Roundabout Canberra does visit their website.

Year 6 Confirmation – Mary Help of Christians, Pearce

For children wishing to make their Confirmation this year, the Sacramental Confirmation Program at Mary Help of Christians, Pearce will commence in August, with Confirmation Masses being held on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 August.

Enrolments will open on Wednesday 26 June and close on Wednesday 31 July. The Program is open to children who have been baptised Catholic, are in Year 6 or above and have completed their sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

More information, including all dates, is available on the Mary Help of Christians website.

Kirsty Bell
Head of Junior School

Junior School Parent/Teacher Interviews

Our Junior School Parent/Teacher Interviews are scheduled for Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 June in Week 19, after the Semester One reports are made available for parents. We ask that all Junior School families book in for a Parent/Teacher Interview.

To allow families time to plan for the upcoming Parent/Teacher interviews online bookings are now open, instructions for making bookings were emailed to families last week. Bookings will close at 9.00am on Thursday 20 June.

Semester One reports will be made available for parents on the Portal the Friday before interviews. Parents are asked to access and read their sons' report in readiness for the Parent/Teacher interviews. Your son will also bring home his Assessment Book, the week before the interviews so that you can discuss his progress to date.

It is important that each family book an appointment with their son’s Junior School class teacher as it is your opportunity to discuss how your son has progressed throughout Semester One and how you may best support his education in Semester Two.

The Parent/Teacher interviews allow parents the opportunity to express feelings, questions, and concerns regarding your son’s educational progress.

Please note if you have a son in the Senior School, their Parent Teacher Interviews are not held at the same time as the Junior School.

Damien Webb
Junior School Head of Learning and Teaching

Congratulations to our 20 runners who competed at the South Weston Cross Country last Tuesday with some fantastic results.

The following boys will now represent both MCC and the SW Region at the ACT Cross Country Championships this Friday.

ACT Swimming

Some wonderful results from the recent ACT Swimming Championships.

Lachlan Robinson was named ACT 10 Years Age Swimming Champion and Harry Van de Meeburg broke the 10 Years 50m Breaststroke Record! Congratulations, lads. A special mention to our entire MCC JS Swim Squad who won the South Weston Swimming Carnival late last term on points.

ACT Sports Representatives

Congratulations to the following boys who gained selection in various ACT Representative Teams

AFL – Henry Lejsek, Gabe Henry and Ollie Richardson

Hockey – Eli Mackinnon and Patrick Coffey

Rugby League – Billy Buser, Jack McMahon, Harry Phillips, Jude Hill and Xavier Honan

Rugby Union – Dylan Weir, Bobby Cook, Jack McMahon, Harry Phillips, Joey Mason, Xavier Honan and Jude Hill

Ged Galvin
Junior School PE Teacher

On Monday 3 June, four of Marist’s exemplary readers took on teams from around Australia in the National final of the Children’s Literature Quiz. Held at the stunning State Library of NSW, the Quiz brought together students with an incredible knowledge and love of books. Johan Canfield, Hugo Seymour, Patrick Hocking and Flynn Hurley represented Marist admirably. Up till the final two rounds they were in second place, it was only a strong run from two teams in the final rounds that saw them finish in fourth place. Over 380 teams took part in the quiz so a final placing of fourth was incredible!

Monica Simpson
Teacher Librarian - Junior School

In an inspiring display of ingenuity, two groups from a Year 12 Engineering class have achieved a remarkable milestone by designing and constructing a successful Electric Vehicle (EV) trike. Through collaborative efforts and a blend of technical expertise, these students have not only showcased their innovation but also addressed real-world challenges. Their EV trike, with a top speed of 31 km/hr, stands as a testament to the power of engineering solutions in tackling pressing environmental concerns. By integrating sustainable technologies and creative problem-solving, they offer a glimpse into a future where electric-based vehicles play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change and enhancing urban transportation systems.

Perry O'Connor
Technology and Applied Studies Teacher

Year 10 Trek is undoubtedly the best extracurricular activity Marist offers. It is great exercise for both body and mind, not to mention that it creates some great memories.

You will be physically tired on Trek. That is unavoidable. However, Trek teaches you how to push past the pain, to hike that last kilometre, and to feel pride in the knowledge that you completed what most others wouldn't be able to.

Trek also binds you and the boys in your House like no other activity. You will learn to rely upon the other boys in your House, to motivate your mates around you, and to share some of the load with other people. It taught me that doing things as a team is a lot more effective than doing things alone.

This ten-day journey will give you a new respect for the conveniences we have today. The physical exertion really makes you appreciate how great it is to have a car, dehydrated food will get you longing for some real, fresh-cooked meals, and you will realise how much effort your parents put in to ensure that your life is easy and comfortable. Year 10 Trek is not only a bonding experience for the entire House; it is also an opportunity to turn boys into men, with full knowledge of the responsibilities associated with it. It's an absolute privilege that I got to go on Trek, and I hope other boys embrace this experience too.

David Li
Year 10 Student - Mark House

Trek was one of the best things I have done in my life, but also one of the most challenging. The amount of not just physical effort but mental effort that I put into Trek has really taught me that even though some parts were difficult, there is always an end to it. Trek has taught me so much, including but not limited to, how to continue through tough times, how to treat the environment, many life skills, and most importantly, it has taught me to listen to others.

By going on this ten-day experience, I have grown so much closer to the boys in my House, and in turn, I hope the other boys in my House have grown closer to me. My most memorable experience of Trek was the final night, where everyone banded together to do a fire watch all night.

Trek is an experience I will remember fondly for the rest of my life. It is an experience that may challenge you, but completing Trek brings a sense of triumph that you will rarely feel again in your life.

Edward Murphy
Year 10 Student - Darlinghurst House

Marist College Canberra is delighted to announce tickets are now on sale for our upcoming production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!

With four shows from Thursday 8 to Saturday 10 August, you can step into a world of pure imagination with our latest musical production. Join Charlie and friends on a delectable journey through Willy Wonka's whimsical factory.

With enchanting melodies and dazzling choreography, all performed by Marist students, this extravaganza will delight all ages.

Experience Roald Dahl's timeless tale brought to life on stage with show-stopping numbers like "Pure Imagination" that will bring back childhood memories, and make new ones.

From the Chocolate Room to the Inventing Room, every corner bursts with wonder.

Book your tickets now for a scrumdiddlyumptious adventure that will leave you craving more!

On Friday 31 May, Year 9 and 10 Drama students, participated in an all day theatre festival at the Canberra Theatre Centre. It is the 10th anniversary of The Act Up Festival, and this year the Canberra Theatre has revamped the festival creating many exciting opportunities for drama students in and around Canberra. 

Our drama students watched a professional theatre production, called The River That Ran Uphill by the South Australian company, Slingsby Theatre. The performance was captivating as it told the stories of communities battling a cyclone in Vanuatu. Students also created and suggested ideas for the Theatre Think Tank, which is part of the new Canberra Theatre precinct, listened to theatre arts experts in an industry panel session, and learned a great deal about the elements of drama objective, tension and conflict during a NIDA acting workshop. 

Finally in the afternoon, three groups consisting of Year 9 and 10 drama students completed their technical rehearsals in the Playhouse Theatre and then performed their original group performances on the Playhouse Theatre stage for a public audience. The groups devised pieces based on the theme “Resistance”, and applied the styles of physical theatre and expressionism to create very provocative, moving and engaging theatre works. Students will also perform these works on the Year 9 and 10 Drama Night on Thursday 13 June as part of the Marist College Winter Theatre Festival.

At the end of the festival Eddie, in Year 10, commented that his experience at The Act Up Festival was, “very inspirational and I loved every moment!” Well done Year 9 and 10 Drama students for representing Marist College brilliantly.

Vanessa Johnson and Kate Bettison
Senior School Teachers 

Last week, the College Captains bravely shaved their heads to acknowledge the funds raised for this year's Walkathon. The funds raised this year are going towards:

Catholic Care – Mackillop House
HOME in Queanbeyan
Br Mark May Bursary Fund

Thank you to all the volunteer hairdressers and to everyone who has supported the College’s fundraising efforts so far this year!

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported this year’s Blue and Blue Dinner.

The event took place at The Arboretum on Friday 17 May, and it was a fantastic celebration of our community. Guests enjoyed a night filled with delicious food, live music from the Baker Boys, great conversations, and lots of dancing.

Thanks to the generosity of local businesses and community members, attendees had the chance to buy raffle tickets in support of The Marist College Canberra Foundation. We truly appreciate our raffle sponsors and everyone who pitched in on the night.

All the money raised will go towards the Br Mark May Bursary Program, providing opportunities for students to join the Marist College Canberra community and experience the life-changing gift of a Marist education.

Thanks again to everyone who attended, supported, and made this year’s Blue and Blue Dinner a huge success.

Sarah Gavel
Director of Advancement

Every year in Term 3, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about support provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).

Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:

• year of schooling
• category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
• level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.

This information assists schools to:

• formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
• consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
• develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.

The NCCD will not directly impact your child, and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government so that no individual student can be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage, and disclosure of personal information. To learn more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy.

Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal.

If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the school.

Sunday Ciastkowski
Assistant Head of Inclusive Education

With the colder weather has come an increase in respiratory illnesses and COVID cases within the community. The College no longer requires a COVID notification if your son tests positive or is a household contact, however, if he is feeling unwell he should stay home and not attend the College. Please inform the College of his absence via normal channels as outlined here. The College’s Learning Management System, Canvas, is available for classwork and resources, if your son is well enough to access these.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 students, staff and visitors are asked to:

• stay up to date with vaccinations
• proactively manage their healthcare needs with their GP
• stay home if unwell and get tested for COVID-19
• practice good personal hygiene
• physically distance 1.5 metres where possible
• wear a mask in indoor public spaces.

Kathy Mumberson
Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager

On Monday, May 28, Marist College Canberra hosted our annual Careers Information Night.

Since our Marist College Careers night a fortnight ago, I have had a stream of students dropping by my office to discuss career pathways they discovered on the night. Personal engagement with industry and tertiary providers is invaluable for students exploring future options. The generous stallholders, parents, and Old Boys make a real impact in our young people's lives.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the event's success, especially the College Old Boys and other stallholders who attended. Your participation enabled students to engage directly with industry professionals and gain firsthand insights into various careers. 

The Careers Information Night consistently highlights a diverse array of career options and educational pathways. This event would not be possible without the support and generosity of so many within our Marist community—thank you.

Leigh Southwell
Careers Adviser

Monday 12 August  – Year 12 UAC university application information session

• Tertiary students and parents are invited to attend an information session about applying to university through the UAC system. (I will also cover applications to QTAC and VTAC briefly.) This session will also cover ways to apply for adjustment factors (bonus points), elite athlete programs and early application tips.

Tommy Smith (Year 10) is now halfway through his scholarship, playing for the Mt Kelly First XI at Tavistock near Plymouth, England. In addition to his commitments with the school team, Tommy has secured a spot in the Plymouth first-grade men’s team. He hopes to return to the Plymouth club at the conclusion of his schooling.

Tommy is playing 3 to 4 games a week for both teams, showcasing his talent and dedication. Notable performances include scoring 53 not out and 45 not out, as well as impressive bowling figures of 4/9 off 7 overs and 3/7 off 5 overs.

Tommy is proudly waving the Aussie flag, making significant contributions and gaining valuable experience on and off the field. Keep up the great work, Tommy!

Marist’s Cross-Country season began with a four-week fitness program in Term 2 during PE classes and culminated with our college carnival on Thursday 23rd May. Students completed the Mawson Ponds course and all Houses participated with tremendous school and House spirit. Due to a clash with trek, there were no year 10 students here on the day. Congratulations to Conway House for winning the Senior Carnival for the third consecutive year. Results are outlined below.

From the College carnival boys qualified to participate at the ASC Carnival at Stromlo Forest Park on Thursday 30 May. The College has a proud history at this event and the team was successful in retaining the boys overall trophy, which we have now held since 1987. Many of these students progressed to the ACT Championships to be held on the 14 of June.

Congratulations to all students who participated in this season’s cross-country events.

Patrick Elliott
Assistant Head of Health and Physical Education

On Thursday 30 May, Marist sent 47 students to Stromlo Park to compete in the 2024 ASC Cross Country Championships. Over the day each age group put in stellar effort, demonstrated by Marist boys taking out first place in 4 of the 6 age groups and having 27 boys finishing in the top 20, progressing through to the ACT Championships on the 14 June. All students should be commended for their efforts as they each contributed to Marist retaining the ASC Shield for a 38th consecutive year.

ASC Age Champions

13 Years Boys – Hamish Scanlan
14 Years Boys – Harry Dawn
15 Years Boys – Kieran Shepherd
17 Years+ Boys – Jacob Shepherd

In 2024, 132 students represented Marist College in Athletics, Cross Country and Swimming. At the 3 ASC Carnivals. Collectively Marist finished with 7 ASC Age Champions and 4 Top 5 finishers in the ASC Competitions. All students should be commended on their efforts over the carnivals resulting in Marist Retaining each of the ASC Shields for another year. Congratulations to each of the following boys for their achievement as Age Champions.

2024 Age Champions

Swimming
Captain: Owen Nihill

Athletics
Captain: Kiefer Brennan

Cross Country
Captain: Jacob Shepherd