Enews - 15 May 2024

Term Two has significant academic commitments. Most of our boys acknowledge study is hard work. It is so much easier for them to find something else to do than stay at the desk. Many have excuses aplenty for avoiding the sometimes dull, hard, daily attempt to learn. Marist spirituality speaks of a ‘love of work’ recognising that at times, life is to be struggled through and worked at, concentrated on and cultivated. It never requires perfection, it does however, require effort and the simple truth that there are some things that must be done even when we believe we cannot.

Given I will be undertaking a spiritual retreat on the poetic works of Gerard Manley Hopkins as part of my enrichment leave, I too have undertaken the discipline of studying his writing and the writing of other poets. Having struggled to understand poetry at school and even in later life, my preparatory work has been one of enlightenment. In my explorations I have been somewhat taken aback by how much a subtle use of a word or phrase has on the meaning in the poem. I am growing to admire a poet’s ability to notice the world around them and the craftsmanship with a careful choice of a word.

Poetry teaches us to be mindful with our words – both those that we write and those we say. Our daily choice is whether we offer words of blessing to others or words that curse. This is a choice that we make a hundred times a day as we talk about each other, gossip, joke, exchange the news, share our hopes and fears, love each other.

Pope Paul VI once told an audience that they might be the only gospel that many people would read that day. This is an important reminder to our boys, and to all of us, of our accountability to be witnesses to gospel values, to our kind attention to others that excludes no one, to our sense of charity and with the blessing of our words.

Timothy Radcliffe, the guest speaker at our recent Evening of Dialogue, said, ‘if we cherish the Word of God, then we should reverence all words, knowing their power to hurt or heal’. He provocatively suggests Christians should be recognisable in how we use words.

I recently read that there are only three entities that love like God unconditionally – ‘our mothers, our grandmothers and our pet dogs!’ Our mums love us without any conditions, any strings, any corners, any ties attached. They forgive us no matter what wrongs we have committed; always loving no matter what.

Mother’s Day was not, as is sometimes claimed, invented by department stores to increase sales. Anna Jarvis campaigned for it after her own mother died prematurely in 1905. By 1908 it was a public holiday in her hometown of Grafton, West Virginia. It caught on into other US States, and in 1914 President Woodrow Wilson declared Mother’s Day an official civic holiday and from there it spread around the world.

While most people have the privilege to generously celebrate their mothers, this day does not sugar coat the reality for those who grieve their mothers. Sadly, last year six mothers within our community died, and yet another mum died recently. We hold those families in our prayers. We also acknowledge those whose experience of mothering was complex or traumatic. We pray for them, too, for healing and peace.

Finally, we pray for all mothers that they continue to reveal the female face of God to us. We thank them for nourishing and enlarging our lives.

Some week’s ago I wrote in this newsletter about the groundbreaking research by Jonathan Haidt on the influence smart phones are having on the developmental trajectory of our children, especially during the vulnerable stage of puberty. His book, The Anxious Generation, has been on the New York best sellers list for many months. 

Last Saturday, Haidt was interviewed by Fran Kelly on Saturday Extra. The interview is well worth a listen. 

The College welcomed mothers and their sons last Thursday to celebrate Mother’s Day and reflect on the important role of mothers in our lives. As both first disciple and model for accompaniment, Mary, in her motherhood, teaches us how to listen with the ear of our heart. Saint John Paul II taught us to contemplate Christ with Mary's eyes and Pope Benedict XVI explained that Mary offers us the closeness of a mother, but even more important, she is herself an expression of the closeness of God. We can see this closeness expressed in the 13th century Byzantine mosaic from Athens titled ‘Eleusa’, which translates to ‘tenderness’ or ‘showing mercy’. Jesus’s little hand pulls Mary close to his cheek and suggests Mary’s willingness to walk in His footsteps of mercy and tenderness from the very beginning of His life.

Richard Rohr brings this theology to life in the language of our times. “In recognising in Mary – not only the mother of the disciple and the mother of the Church – but also as God’s place of encounter with all that is most beautiful among women and men, then we will have gained access to the womanly, maternal face of God. In the many images of Mary, we humans see our own feminine soul. Far too often the feminine has had to work in secret, behind the scenes, indirectly. Yet it can still have a profound effect.”

Mary’s example of spiritual motherhood honours the dignity of all and models how we can bring Christ-life to the world through service, prayer, and family life. We continue to support vulnerable mothers in the 2024 Walkathon and encourage families to raise money for MacKillop House, a residence for vulnerable women in Canberra and the surrounding region.

Nathan Ahearne
Assistant Head of School - Mission and Identity

Laudato Si Week is underway this week and the Marist Justice and Solidarity Group (MJ&S) aim to inspire “a personal and cultural transformation in the midst of our ecological and climate crises” with events and activities throughout Week 14. MJ&S are aiming to provide a sustainable breakfast with pedal powered pancakes on Thursday of Week 14. Families are encouraged to access the Celebration guide and take up some of the daily actions such as inspiring ecological conversion, promoting sustainable transportation and food, reducing waste, and educating oneself on integral ecology. Click here to discover the Catholic argument for fossil fuel divestment.

Last Friday, the Forum buzzed with energy as members of the Game Changer program gathered for lunch, laughter, and brotherhood. This was the first time that members (Years 7 – 12) had gathered all together. We started with an icebreaker game of human bingo, followed by small groups discussions led by our senior members. We finished with a competitive game of general knowledge trivia. By the end of lunch, the members were no longer strangers but now a team, ready to journey together in faith and service.

If your son wishes to join the Game Changer program, they are welcome to attend the meetings below:

The Marist Justice and Solidarity Group invites students in Year 7-12 to participate in the 2024 Ration Challenge. Students will experience solidarity with refugees who live off rations every day, earn MATES hours and make a huge difference in the lives of refugees around the world. It takes place in June, and we encourage students to register with the school now via this link Further information about the Ration Challenge is available here. 

As we navigate through another bustling term, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the families who have been instrumental in enriching our school community through their participation and support during the past two weeks.

Firstly, I extend a sincere thank you to all the Marist grandparents who joined us for the annual Year 4 Grandparents Day last Friday. Your presence brought immense joy and created cherished memories for our students and staff alike. It is your involvement that reinforces the strong, supportive network that exemplifies our broader Marist family. Thank you to Craig McMahon and our Year 4 teachers for organising this special event.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank the wonderful Marist mothers who attended our College Mothers Mass last Thursday. Your ongoing commitment and the spiritual bond you share with our community and your sons are truly the pillars upon which our College values rest. It was an uplifting Mass that once again highlighted the strength and spirit of our Marist community. Thanks go to our Mission Team for organising such a meaningful space for our boys and their mothers to share their faith.

As we look forward to the activities planned for this term, I would like to remind all parents to discuss afternoon wet weather plans with their sons. With the unpredictable nature of our weather in Canberra, it is crucial that our boys know what to do in case their sports training is cancelled during the school day. Ensuring they are aware of their afternoon arrangements will provide them with security and peace of mind.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Peter Henry and Damien Webb who have recently celebrated exciting family events. Peter and his wife Jessie welcomed their first baby last week. Grace Ellen Henry is our latest addition to our Junior School and Marist family. 

Damien Webb was married during the school holidays. Congratulations to Damien and his wife Laura on this special occasion.

Junior School Dance Club

At a recent Junior School assembly, Caitlin Schilg launched our newly formed Dance Club. The boys were delighted to watch a video of Miss Schilg and her dance peers performing, as well as our male Junior School teachers and Headmaster Matthew Hutchison who proved that everyone can dance.

Dance Club started this week, and Caitlin was very happy to see so many excited faces both in the Senior dance class and the Junior. Some quotes from students include “I didn’t know I would learn so many skills in dance that could help me in sport!”, “It’s like going to a party”, and “I think I’ve just found my new group of friends”. Dance Club runs every week in V4 in the Veritas building. Tuesday lunch for Senior students and Thursday lunch for Junior boys. This term we will focus on Hip Hop for the Junior boys and a variety of dance styles and skills for the Seniors.

Registrations for our Junior Dance Club are online. 

Year 6 camp

Our Year 6 students have embarked on their journey to the Sydney Sports Academy for their annual camp this week. This camp is not only a highlight of their year but an incredible opportunity for personal growth, teamwork, and learning. The boys have had a safe, enjoyable, and enriching experience and we thank the Year 6 teachers for their commitment to caring for the boys whilst away from their families.

School photos and Champagnat Day

Looking further ahead, please mark your calendars for our upcoming School Photo Day and Champagnat Day. Both occasions require our Junior School boys to wear their formal uniform. School Photo Day is a chance for our students to shine and make lasting memories, while Champagnat Day is an important celebration of our Marist heritage and community through our Mass, Walkathon and afternoon trivia.

Wednesday 22 May 2024

• Photos taken of students from Years 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
• Sibling photos.

Thursday 30 May 2024

• Photos taken of students from Years 9,10,11 & 12.
• Catch-up day for any students that were away on Wednesday 22 May.
• Year 6 and Year 12 group photos.

Monday 3 June 2024

• Catch up day for any students that miss having their individual photo taken.

Thursday 6 June 2024

• Champagnat Day.
  

As always, your cooperation and attention to these details ensure that our events run smoothly and our Marist traditions continue to thrive. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in making the Junior School a wonderful place of learning and growth for our boys.

Year 4 camp

In term three our Year 4 boys will embark on their first Marist camp at Borambola Sport and Recreation camp near Wagga Wagga. In preparation for this camp, our Year 4 parents will receive information about registering their son for the camp in the coming weeks.

Student free days

To assist with your planning, please note the following days are student free days or public holidays.

Friday 24 May – Staff Spirituality Day – student free day
Monday 27 May – Reconciliation Day Public Holiday
Monday 10 June – King's Birthday Public Holiday

Kirsty Bell
Head of Junior School

During our Term 3 Pastoral Assembly the Junior School was gifted with a special Indigenous artwork to be displayed in our foyer. Our Junior School Captains' Jack (right) and Lachlan (left) are pictured with the artwork. 

Congratulations 

Congratulations to our Term 2 class captains who were recognised at our recent Term 2 Pastoral assembly:

We also acknowledged ANZAC day during this assembly, we thank our Defence Transition Mentor, Tracee Pfieffer for her collaboration in preparing for this solemn occasion.

Craig McMahon
Head of Student Wellbeing - Junior School

The Junior School Cross Country Carnival will take place between recess and lunch on Thursday 23 May. Students are to wear PE Uniform to and from school (please ensure all items, especially hats and water bottles, are labelled for return if lost).

Event timings

Please note all timings are approximate:

The top 5 boys in each age group (dependent on times) will qualify for the South Weston Regional Carnival on 4 June.

Any parents who would like to assist with being a course marshal should contact gedgalvin@mcc.act.edu.au to register. Please include your son’s name and class. Instructions will be emailed out. Spectators are most welcome to come along and cheer the runners from the grandstand near the finish on No.1 Oval. Races start on Lindwall Oval. Good luck to all competitors and their Houses.

South Weston Athletics

The South Weston Athletics will be held at the Woden Athletics Track on 22 August. Further details closer to the event.

Ged Galvin
Junior School HAPE Teacher

School photographs continue this week, taken by Advanced Life Photography on the following days:

Thursday 30 May 2024

• Photos taken of students from Years 9,10,11 & 12.
• Catch-up day for any students that were away on Wednesday 22 May.
• Year 6 and Year 12 group photos.

Monday 3 June 2024

• Catch up day for any students that miss having their individual photo taken.

Students must wear full school winter uniform. Hair is to be neat, tidy and above the collar, be out of the eyes, of even grade and no shorter than a hairdresser’s number 3 comb. Hair should not be tied or pinned up. Boys are to be clean shaven, and sideburns should not extend beyond the middle of the ear.

Orders for packages and sibling photographs can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using the College’s unique nine-digit code: CPV 34T QBM

The preference is for ordering and payment to be completed online to reduce administration and potential security issues related to the return of cash and envelopes on photo day.

Portrait and group package orders are due by Monday 20 May 2024.

Sibling photos will be taken in the Senior School Hall at Lunchtime on Monday 3 June 2024.

Should you wish to purchase a sibling photograph online, the order must be placed no later than Monday 21 May 2024. Sibling photographs will only be taken if an order has been placed.

Any queries concerning school photographs or online ordering should be directed via email to enquiries@advancedlife.com.au or alternatively, you can contact Gail Anderson. 

Little Brothers Production Auditions

We are excited to announce the Little Brothers production for 2024 will be Roald Dahl’s "The Twits".

All students in Years 4-7 are invited and welcome to audition for this production.

Auditions will take place in the Veritas Theatre on:

• WEEK 13 - THURSDAY 16 MAY from 3.20–5.30pm
• WEEK 13 - FRIDAY 17 MAY from 3.20pm-5.30pm

To best fit students to roles and allow for a fun drama workshop for all, we ask that students attend one workshop for the full two hours.

Rehearsals will commence in Term 2 and the final production will be in Week 9 of Term 3.

Full details and the audition form link can be found on the Performing Arts Co-curricular Website.

Auditions for Co-curricular Ensembles for the 2024/2025 Season

Audition applications for Senior Concert Band / Senior Jazz Band and Middle Years Jazz Band are now open.

Passing an audition confirms membership for the July 2024 to June 2025 season.

Students can check the membership eligibility rules and audition requirements at the Performing Arts Co-curricular Website.

Auditions close in Week 16.

Enrolments

Applications are now being accepted from current families who may be considering enrolling their son/s not already at the College into Years 4–12.

A reminder that applications for Years 4, 5, 6 and 7 need to be received no later than Friday 31 May 2024 to be considered for enrolment starting in 2025.

We would also encourage current families to let any friends who may be interested in enrolment know that they can now apply online.

If you have any questions about enrolment, please read our FAQ's and timeline or contact the College Registrar.

Important reminder for Year 6 and Year 10 families

A reminder that families with sons currently in Years 6 and 10 at the College do not need to re-enrol their son into Year 7 or Year 11.

Our expectation is that once a student is enrolled at the College, their enrolment will continue until the completion of their studies in Year 12.

The 2024 Walkathon will take place as part of our Champagnat Day celebrations on Thursday 6 June, and will raise funds towards three incredibly important services in our community:

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

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

Please note, the 2024 College Walkathon is cashless and all pledges are to be transferred via the payment page, accessible via the QR code on students' sponsorship cards, or via this link.

To ensure the success of the Walkathon, we do need volunteer parents on the day to help with check and stamp point duties and/or with the BBQ lunch for students.

If you can spare a couple of hours (or more) please complete this survey by Friday 24 May 2024.

Our volunteers are crucial in guaranteeing both the safety of walkers and the provision of efficient service at the BBQ lunch. Your support is greatly appreciated.

The College is looking for hairdressers to help with our annual “Student Shave Off’ this year.

Our 43 College Leaders will have their hair shaved off when the Walkathon Donations target is reached.

If you are available on Wednesday 5 June 2024 to help shave heads between 12.40 – 1.30pm please rsvp to Gail Anderson by Friday 24 May 2024.

Join us for the Marist College Canberra Career Information Night! This event features over 60 stallholders and is designed to provide valuable information for our students in Years 10-12 and their parents.

Date: Tuesday 28 May 2024 
Time: 6.00pm - 8.00pm

Years 10 - 12 students and parents welcome.

The night will feature information stalls and presentations, as well as the ability to speak informally with local businesses, Old Boys of the College and organisations about courses, job opportunities and career pathways.

You are able to arrive any time between 6pm and 8pm and stay for as long as you feel is valuable.

If you would like to attend, please register here. 

ASC Athletics

On the 30 April, Marist sent a team of 56 boys to compete in the 63rd ASC Athletics competition at the AIS. Across all ages Marist boys put their best foot forward, being competitive in each event. Athletics Captain Kiefer Brennan and Kieran Shepherd lead by example finishing with Gold Medals as the Age Champions for the Carnival. Marist would like to congratulate each of the competitors for their involvement in the carnival, which collectively lead to Marist taking away the ASC Shield for the 24th consecutive year. Highlights of the day included:

Kiefer Brennan (Year 12)

• 1st overall ASC 17/O years Age Champion
• New ASC Record Javelin 45.10m

Kieran Shepherd (Year 9)

• 15 Years ASC Age Champion

Wil Polinelli (Year 11)

• 17 – 20 Years ASC Silver Age Champion

ASC Swimming 

On the 27th of April, 24 Students attended the ASC Swimming Carnival to represent the College. Each of the boys should be commended on their efforts, illustrated by 19 of the members qualifying for the ACT School Championships. Following a number of strong swims Marist was able to take away the ASC Swimming Shield for a 7th consecutive year. Notable results include:

Lucas Sloan (Year 7)

• ASC 13 Years – Age Champion

Thomas Irvine (Year 7)

• ASC 13 Years Age Champion Runner up

Jovern Loh (Year 8)

• ASC 14 Years 3rd place overall

Indiana Phillips (Year 11)

• ASC 16 Years Age Champion

Marist premiership winners and runners-up were presented with trophies and medallions at the Cricket ACT annual Junior Cricket awards.

In addition, Cameron Smith and Lachlan Field were named Players of the Week.

Edwin Tijo received the Encouragement Award.

Sachin Weerasinghe received the Cricket ACT Spirit of Cricket Award (after earlier receiving the Marist Spirit of Cricket award) for his dedication and commitment in coaching a junior team as well as playing with the Second XI.

The Club Yearbook for the 2023-24 season is available on the Club website.

Wayne Cassidy 
Cricket Club Information Officer

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 and trials 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, you need to write a formal letter 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 be also able to acknowledge his achievement in the College Newsletter.

Paul Mead
Head of Sport