Enews - 14 September 2022

In Week 7, all the Year 10 students took part in a Reflection Day and Service Day program.

On their Service Days, they took up opportunities at fantastic organisations such as Vinnies and Landcare, contributing to the broader community. They worked with committed volunteers and employees of these organisations to sort donations, trim plants, and carry mulch. Thank you to those volunteers, the staff who supervised, and the boys, for their contributions.

On their Reflection Days, Year 12 Marist Youth Ministry students assisted staff facilitators who delivered a program that led Year 10 deeper into counting their blessings. This day was an opportunity to reflect on the many good things we have in our lives, and to thank God for giving them to us. We all have so much, even when difficulties and struggles make that hard to see. Many thanks to the Year 12 boys and the staff who facilitated and supervised.

Thank you to all staff who made allowances so that these days could run smoothly, and to parents for your support.

Nicholas Weir
Student Faith Formation Coordinator

A reminder to Year 12 families that due to the public holiday next week, Year 12 retreat will now take place in Week 1 of Term 4, from Tuesday 11 October to Wednesday 12 October. 

Updated information, including an updated information brochure has been emailed to all Year 12 parents. For further information please contact Student Faith Formation Coordinator Mr Nicholas Weir. 

Best on Ground was initiated at the beginning of Term 2, as a way to recognise and acknowledge positive actions from both teachers and students, and their impact on others. Each week teachers and students nominate others for Best On Ground via email and it has been pleasing to read the ways in which the positive actions of students and teachers have been noticed. Some examples of student and teacher nominations are below.

We encourage all students and teachers to continue nominating for Best On Ground so we can celebrate those in our community who have a positive impact on others.

Teacher nomination for a student

“Last week ***** really showed what we’re aspiring to create in Marist students: resilience, leadership and self-sustaining teamwork. A Year 7 student was really struggling with focus and attention and he quietly went around to him, brought him into line, helped him understand what he needed to do, modelled the skills and then gave him some encouraging words.”  

Student nomination for a teacher

“I would just like to nominate a teacher who really inspired me last year in his class and made the subject that I never really enjoyed, something I'd look forward to. He has really sparked my interest in science and whenever I see him in the hallways he always says hello with a big smile. I would like to nominate *****.  Thank you for allowing me to express my gratitude and hope you have a great end to the week.”

Sarah Mahar
Head of Student Wellbeing 

Dear Junior School Families,

As we come towards the end of Term 3, I reflect on the many wonderful events that have filled the past nine weeks across the College, particularly in the Junior School. Thank you to the teachers and support staff who work tirelessly to ensure that each week our boys are engaged in rich and purposeful lessons and activities.

AFL - Paul Kelly Cup Final in Sydney

Congratulations to the Junior boys who represented the College at Homebush on Monday as part of the Paul Kelly Cup final. Sincere thanks to Mr Declan Welsh, Mrs Ged Galvin and the many parents who supported the boys on the day.

Winter Sport Thank You

To the many students who have played in the Blue & Blue jerseys throughout the winter months, thank you for representing the College so well in your chosen sports. Congratulations to the teams who have won their grand finals in the past weeks and to those boys recognised at their end of season Presentation Nights with special awards for your teams. It has been heartening to watch so many Marist grand final games over the recent weekends and to witness firsthand the teamwork and sportsmanship displayed by the boys.

We also sincerely thank all the parents and family members who have coached, managed or carried out first aid duties for the various teams throughout the winter sports season. We are able to offer so many Marist sports teams because of the absolute generosity of our parents and wider Marist community involved in the various sports and teams. 

Head of Junior School Certificates

Congratulations to the following boys who recently received their Head of Junior School Certificates.

James Gill, Alex Moore, Eli Gerhardt, Texas Quayle, Riley Walters, Bupe Bareki Kulelwa and Jo Hamilton.

Year 6 Commemorative Shirts

Our Year 6 boys are now proudly wearing their Year 6 Commemorative Shirts on their PE days. The Year 6 shirts are a symbol of the boys coming to the conclusion of their primary schooling years in the coming months and as they start to prepare for their transition to their Senior School years. At Marist our boys are blessed to be able to have experience of the secondary school system though our Step Up programs in Years 4 to 6 and their involvement in our Year 4-12 College events each year.

Welcome to Miss Caitlin Schilg

Mrs Mangeruca and her 4B students have warmly welcomed Miss Schilg to their classroom to complete her final preservice placement. Miss Schilg is currently completing her Bachelor of Education through Swinburne University. Miss Schilg is an experienced Early Childhood educator and is completing a specialisation in Mathematics as part of her teaching degree.

Kirsty Bell
Head of Junior School 

Last Friday the Junior School raised the roof on the Senior School Hall as they sang, danced and battled their way to House supremacy for the 2022 Junior School House Singing Competition.

In their best 80s outfit or House coloured uniform, the boys and their House teachers enjoyed the friendly competition and opportunity to raise additional funds for the Marist Solidarity project. Thank you to Mr McMahon our Junior School Head of Student Wellbeing for organising and hosting the event. 

Congratulations to Chisholm House who were the winning House on the day with their cover of Rick Astley's ’Never gonna give you up’.

Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS) is the international agency for the aid and development work of the Marist Province of Australia throughout Asia and the Pacific Islands. AMS works with the people in this region on a combination of long-term and short-term development projects. These projects aim to develop or support locally sustained education opportunities for the young people in these regions.

Kirsty Bell
Head of the Junior School 

We ask that all Junior School families please update their printed College Calendar for the following events involving the Junior School.

Our Junior School Presentation Day (including our special recognition of our Year 6 students as they conclude their primary school years) will now take place on the afternoon of Friday 2 December. Further details will be sent directly to families.

The Junior School Activity Day has been moved to Tuesday 6 December, the last day of school for 2022. This is a fun activity day to finish the year, involving all students in Years 4 – 6.

Sullivan Shield

Congratulations to the two teams of boys who represented the College at the recent Sullivan Shield Rugby League Day held at Phillip District Ovals.  

A special thank you to parents James Howe, David Cox and John Berry for not only coaching but encouraging fair play, sportsmanship and behaviour expected of our Marist boys on the day. Thank you, gentlemen. It was also nice to have parents and family back on the sidelines supporting this event.

Ged Galvin
Junior School PE Teacher

Congratulations to Max Edwards (Year 10), Campbell Fenwick (Year 10), Edward Murphy (Year 8) and Edan Polsen (Year 8) who recently competed in the Drama section of the Australian National Eisteddfod Canberra. All four students entered the Mime and Improvisation section with Max and Campbell taking first place and Edward and Edan taking second place. Max Edwards also took first place in the Solo Monologue section and Campbell claimed second place.

The judges were very impressed with their performance skills and creativity. The students commented that it was a very rewarding experience which allowed them to challenge themselves and meet other Drama students from other schools.

We are looking forward to entering a larger team next year, to compete in more Drama categories. Students from the Primary and Senior School will be invited to express their interest and a short rehearsal period will take place prior to next year’s Eisteddfod.

Once again congratulations boys on your gold and silver medals as well as your commitment and dedication to Drama and the Performing Arts.

Vanessa Johnson
Performing Arts teacher

Senior Concert Band and Senior Jazz Band 2023

Online auditions are now open for students who wish to be members of the Senior Concert Band and Senior Jazz Band in 2023.

These two ensembles are the College’s premier ensembles. They perform at major college events, in competitions, and tour throughout Canberra, interstate and internationally.

Students in Year 11 and 12 who are not already in the ensembles can submit their audition application online. You only have to submit one application during all of your time in Year 11 and 12 to be considered.

Students in Years 7 to 10 can fill a vacancy if there is not a Year 11 or 12 student able to do so. You can submit your application and it will be valid until the end of Semester 1, 2023. If there is a vacancy, your application will be considered but you cannot be considered if you don’t submit an application.

Students in Years 7 to 10 must be enrolled in a concert band class and taking private lessons to be able to submit an audition application. If you are not enrolled in a concert band class you must be taking private lessons and working towards an AMEB exam or equivalent.

Students can click here to learn more about auditioning for these ensembles.

Auditions for CGGS Musical “The Little Mermaid” in 2023

Marist students are invited to audition for stage roles in the Canberra Girls' Grammar School production of “The Little Mermaid” which will be staged in 2023.

Auditions information is available online and includes an information video, audition pack, excerpts and application form.

Students can click here to learn more about auditioning for the CGGS musical.

Jarrod Schindler
Head of Performing Arts

A reminder to all music students to please take their instruments home over the holidays. Please collect from the Performing Arts Building at your earliest convenience.

Also a reminder to keep music folders in lockers, and no sports bags are to be kept in the instrument cubbies.

Jocelyn Roberts
Performing Arts Assistant 

We are excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for our Big Brothers Production The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon. 

Date:   Thursday 20 and Friday 21 October
Time:   7:00pm
Venue: Marist College Theatrette

A reminder to all families that the College will be closed tomorrow Thursday 22 September due to the public holiday in observance of a National Day of Mourning for the late Queen Elizabeth II.

The College will re-open as normal on Friday 23 September for the final day of Term 3.  

A reminder to families that the new date for the College Walkathon is tomorrow Thursday 15 September. 

The Walkathon will commence just after midday, with students returning to the College before the end of Period 6.

A sincere thanks to the many parents, friends, relatives and neighbours who have shown their support by sponsoring the boys and donating to our four important causes. It’s not too late to donate! We are still welcoming sponsorship via the QR code on your son’s Pledge Card. 

The Uniform Shop will be open to the College Community during the October school holidays for regular trade, Click and Collect orders and uniform fittings.

October 2022 Extended Trading Hours

Tuesday 4 October        8.30am - 5.30pm     Fittings available 
Wednesday 5 October   8.00am - 4.00pm     Fittings available 
Thursday 6 October      8.30am - 5.30pm     Fittings available
Friday 7 October          8.00am - 4.00pm     Fittings available
Saturday 8 October      9.00am - 2.00pm     Walk in only - no fittings

A friendly reminder to families to inform the College if their son tests positive to COVID-19, either via a RAT or PCR test, or is a household contact.

Reports can be made to the College by emailing the College COVID notifications email address. A reply will then be sent from the College and it will provide a link to information on next steps, access to online learning and support, and absence reporting.

Please include in your report the name of your son, year level, House Group and date he tested positive or became a household contact.

This will greatly assist the College to effectively report on and manage COVID-19 within our community. 

Congratulations to Cameron Brown who has been selected in the Under 16's Soccer National Championships and is playing in Sydney this week! 

Learn to Row Sessions and Season Registration

Marist College Canberra Rowing Club will hold Learn to Row Sessions during the last week of Term 3 and during the second week of the school holidays.

Further information will be provided about dates and locations. To ensure you receive the necessary information, please complete the Expression of Interest form and you will be added to the mailing list. 

 The 2022/23 rowing season runs from the commencement of Term 4 (2022) to the end of Term 1 (2023). MCCRC membership is open to boys in Year 6 (2022) through to Year 11 (2022). New rowers are generally accepted up to Year 8 but applications from boys in higher year groups will be assessed individually and cannot be guaranteed.

For continuing rowers, you can register for the 2022/23 season here: 2022/23 Rowing Registration Form.

Danny Rosin
President, MCCRC

Registrations are now open for students who wish to play indoor hockey for the College during the 2022/23 summer season. Please visit the Marist Canberra Hockey Club website for details on how to register.

The Club will also run grading trials on the afternoon of Wednesday 21 September 2022. If you have any queries please email the Hockey Club Secretary.