Enews - 18 March 2020

We are living in some extraordinary and, in many ways, unprecedented times. It is only March and already we have faced the challenge of drought, the devastating destructive force of fires, the random assault of hail and now the escalating threat of the Coronavirus. The College is assessing the situation daily following advice from Federal and Local Government while also taking into consideration our own particular circumstances. School closure is a possibility as seen in other nations, and plans are in place to adjust our practices so we can accommodate our learning program and other essential services. This would not completely replicate the current academic program but would offer something substantial and meaningful. In the meantime, a large number of gatherings including school assemblies, sporting events and presentation evenings have been cancelled and we are continuing to remind the boys of positive hygiene behaviours. Please see the article below on the list of postponed or cancelled events. 

I am also conscious, in these unsettled times, that some boys may exhibit signs of distress. It is, therefore, important the College is kept informed in order to provide support. Finally, any boy who is exhibiting symptoms of a cold is required to stay at home and if necessary, seek medical advice before returning to school. Be assured we are not dragging our feet; plans are in place that will be communicated on an as-needs basis.   

I was surprised to learn recently that more students have experienced bullying than have not! Recent data informs us 59% or 2.3 million students nationally say they have experienced bullying, with one in five experiencing it weekly. 

At Marist we take considerable pride in the relations between our students. There are relatively few instances of tension between year levels and age groups. The boys themselves take pride as a Marist student and in what they believe is a close-knit community. Cases of overt bullying are rare but we would be foolhardy to think it does not exist here. Certainly, we have worked hard to formulate policies and implement procedures. We have regularly conducted a survey for students to deepen our understanding on this complex issue and believe we have made some inroads into the schoolboy mafia code of silence. 

We know, however, exclusion from groups and activities, put-downs, rumours, abuse of the internet or of texting, can all wear down a boy, and it is this sort of pattern that is most difficult for schools to address, partly because it is low key but persistent; we are all the poorer for it. Our challenge is to constantly seek ways to strengthen our community and to promote respect for the dignity of each other and every member of the community. This is part of the task of education. Our focus needs to address a number or areas: developing resilience and respect among boys, empowering students to take a lead in creating a student culture that builds up the individual, and strengthen our structures to support the commitment to our care for each and every boy.

Some may have heard me speak about ‘living in the shelter of others.’ These words challenge us to constantly look out for each other. Caring for another is what strong communities do, and indeed, the quality of any community can be measured by the care it provides for its weakest member. Such expectations we constantly place before the boys. What difference it would make to our world if we could all adopt the African philosophy of happiness expressed in the adage ‘I am because we are.’

The Marist Association is a family of people across Australia committed to living the Gospel, with Mary as their inspiration, in the style of St Marcellin Champagnat. The core mission of the Marist Association is to make Jesus Christ known and loved, with an emphasis on working to bring hope to young people and those on the peripheries of society. 

The Marist Association is very active at our College. Members come from all walks of life and join for a variety of reasons. Some are motivated by deeply personal and spiritual needs. Many join to play their part in ensuring the future charism of the Marists continues to flourish while others simply feel at home with the Marist spirituality, actively involving themselves in Marist ministry.  

I wish to extend a standing invitation to those in our community to consider joining. Click here to view a summary of the MCC Association events and I encourage those interested to attend and consider further involvement. If you are interested in membership, please contact Nathan Ahearne. 

The COVID-19 outbreak continues to escalate in severity. The Commonwealth Government and Heads of State and Territory Governments have been coordinating and escalating their response based on medical and biosecurity advice.

A reminder to please be aware that the following precautionary measures are now in place for all Marist families:

• As of Sunday night, 15 March, any families or family members returning to the country after spending time outside Australia, must self-isolate for 14 days. Students with family members who are returning must also self-isolate if they have contact with the returning family member.
• If any families or family members have had contact with any confirmed Novel Coronavirus case, you must isolate yourself and your son in your home for 14 days following exposure and please make contact with your GP and/or other medical authorities (eg: Coronavirus Information line)
• If your son has any flu-like symptoms, please make contact with your GP and do not send him to school until he is better and cleared to return by your GP.

If any Marist family’s circumstances align with the above in regards to travel and subsequent self-isolation, please contact Deputy Headmaster Ryan Greer immediately, so that we are able to discuss arrangements and confirm care details for your son and your family.

Upcoming Camps and Retreats Postponed

Consistent with advice received from both the ACT Education Directorate and NSW Department of Education, please be aware that all scheduled camps, excursions and retreats for the remainder of Term 1 have now been postponed.  

Please see below for a list of postponements or cancellations to several College events. 

Co-Curricular Sport

Due to the escalating COVID-19 situation and consistent with advice from medical and Government authorities, the majority of local Sporting Associations are postponing or cancelling games, trainings, trials and all other club-related activities. 

The College yesterday advised all Marist sporting clubs that effective immediately, they needed to cease games, training, trials and other related activities for the rest of this term. As the COVID-19 situation evolves, further decisions about Term 2 and onwards will be made as more information and advice becomes available. 

Whilst disappointing, student, staff, volunteers and community safety and welfare are paramount, and we will continue to be guided by the appropriate medical and Government authorities.

If you have any questions in relations to the College’s response to COVID-19, please contact Deputy Headmaster Ryan Greer. 

The past two weeks have been action-packed in the Junior School, with our annual Athletics Carnival, rugby teams attending the Matt Giteau Cup, and 4R presenting their class assembly last Friday.

We also recently launched our 2020 Junior School Lenten Appeal with Crazy Hair Day. Thank you to all the boys who participated and gave a gold coin to assist in our College-wide MSol Appeal.

Gold Coin Donation for Lenten Appeal

Fridays of Weeks 6, 7, 8 and 9

All money raised will go to the Chetana Tribal Boys’ Hostel in India.

• Week 7 – Tacky Tie Day
• Week 8 – Shady Shades Day
• Week 9 – Orange, White and Green Day.

Year 5 Camp

Year 5 students and teachers were very disappointed to have their camp to Jindabyne called off on Monday. Thank you to their teachers for ensuring the boys had a fun-filled day at school, and to our Year 5 parents for being so understanding of the current situation with COVID-19 impacting our school excursions and camps.

ACT Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge

Many of our Junior School boys are participating in the ACT Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge and have been asking for book recommendations from me. One author that I believe really captures the imagination of young children, especially boys, is John Marsden. His books ‘Staying alive in Year 5’, ‘Cool School’ and ‘Creep Street’ are certainly recommendations from me for the Reading Challenge. John Marsden, an Australian school Principal, has written a range of well-known books for children, teens and adults. 

Assisting our Junior School boys to remain calm during COVID-19

The attached link will take you to a really helpful six minute video from renowned Australian psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg explaining COVID-19 and how to talk to our young children about the virus. The recording of Dr Carr-Gregg shares a simple message of how to talk about the virus, what to say and not say, and how to lessen your child’s fear or anxiety, which is helpful in these somewhat confusing times for our young people.

Scholastic Book Club

Orders for Issue 2 are due in by Friday, 20 March. Orders can be submitted online via the Scholastic website or the LOOP app.

All students participating in NAPLAN Online 2020 are expected to have completed the practice/familiarisation tests before the NAPLAN tests in May. ACT schools will participate in the practice/familiarisation tests between Monday 23 March and Thursday 9 April 2020. The practice tests do not assess student performance, and has been developed to replicate one of the familiarisation activities that the College has traditionally undertaken. 

All of the details in regards to the NAPLAN practice period for students in Year 5, 7 and 9 can be found in the attached letter. Whilst students will have scheduled practice sessions at the College, as a parent, you can also become familiar with NAPLAN Online tests by visiting the public demonstration site. The site can be accessed at NAPLAN online. 

Grant Barclay 
Head of Student Progress

As part of a recent Footsteps Integration day, Year 9 Food Technology students were treated to a cupcake decorating course by La Torta. 

As part of the course, the students were taught a number of piping and decorating techniques. The cupcakes were then sold by Mark House students as part of the MSol Appeal to raise much needed money for those in need.

Dave Moore

Head of Hospitality and Food Technology

The College has launched a brand new initiative called Game Changers for boys in Years 7, 8, 10 and 11. Game Changers is a co-curricular activity that offers the opportunity for spiritual formation and prayer, leadership and mentoring, as well as solidarity and social action. Young people are encouraged to be agents of change in today’s world. Click here to watch a short video clip about the program.

Families wishing to register their sons for Game Changers are invited to complete the following Game Changers registration form by Friday 27 March 2020.

The registration fee is $50 and supports the development of resources and Youth Ministry events throughout the year. Each student receives a badge and journal to record their formation journey. Click here to access more information about the Game Changers program or contact Nathan Ahearne. 

The Game Changer Mentors and I look forward to a great year of Youth Ministry in 2020 and partnering with you to create fine young men.

Come and enjoy a taste of harmony in the Forum at lunch time this Friday thanks to Ramas Fiji Indian Restaurant.

Last year marked a change from Harmony Day to Harmony Week. Part of this week includes the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination which takes place on Saturday 21 March. The theme remains the same as it always has been: everyone belongs. Over the past 70 years, more than 7.5 million migrants have made Australia home. These people enrich our collective culture. Yet people still have difficulty accepting them into a society that everyone can be a part of. Harmony and solidarity are not so different. The Marist Solidarity Appeal calls all of us to come together in support of a good cause and Harmony Week shows us what that looks like.  ‘A Taste of Harmony’ in the Forum will give students and staff the chance to try food and importantly remember what harmony looks and feels like. Enjoy the vibrant excitement of different people coming together.

Kai Dixon (Year 12) 

Conway Service Captain

On 22 and 23 February, the Sailing Club was involved in the 2020 ACT Team Racing Championship. This year was once again well attended with teams from Scots, Knox, Ascham, Redlands, Sydney Yacht Squadron, ANU, Cranbrook and Marist/Merici.

The Marist/Merici Sailing Club entered two teams this year which shows our depth of sailing. We are still learning, with a lot of novice sailors in our ranks, although we displayed a willingness to learn from experience. We struggled early in the regatta but soon held our own, winning races late on Saturday.

As Sunday saw a total lack of wind, the regatta was eventually called off just after lunch with no races held. This meant the regatta results were determined from the previous days sailing. Marist/Merici Club gained 17th and 18th position respectively.

A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped out on the weekend especially Rob McLaughlin and Dixon English. Saturday was a real day of fun sailing and unfortunately Sunday was a frustrating day with no sailing being held.

Andy Donald 
Sailing Coordinator

The postponed 2020 Athletics Carnival was finally held at the Marist playing fields on Tuesday 10 March. There were over 260 events running throughout the day from championship events to sack races and the much anticipated Year 12 Tug-o-war. All divisional trophies (junior, intermediate and senior) were awarded to Haydon House. Mark House performed strongly in second place overall, closely followed by Crispin House.

All Houses were tremendously spirited and well organised on the day, with an excellent contribution by the Year 12 student House officials. 

Thanks again to Calwell Little Athletics for providing the timing gates and to all the staff who helped with the smooth running of the day.  

Wayne McAuliffe
Head of Health and Physical Education, Carnival Convenor

Six Marist teams played in finals last weekend with Under 13 Div 2 Blue, Under 14 Div 1, Under 14 Div 2 Blue, Under 15 Div 1, and Under 15 Div 2 winning their finals, and Under 11 Div 1 finishing runners-up after their match was washed out.