With gratitude
It has been enjoyable walking around the College again greeting boys, staff and meeting parents following what was a very special and sustaining period of enrichment leave. I wish to express my gratitude to the outstanding leadership of Liam Stakelum (Acting Headmaster) and Glenn Slater (Deputy Headmaster) during my absence. Like any good sporting teams, its success depends on the depth of talent within the team and the capacity of each member to take responsibility in the absence of others. This is certainly evident within out Marist Canberra community.
Letting God lead me
Over the coming weeks, I plan to share a few insights with the community from my recent time away through various channels. One of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences during this period was attending a poetry retreat at St Beuno’s, a Jesuit-run spirituality centre in Wales. Having not studied poetry since my final year of school, I approached the retreat with a great sense of apprehension—especially upon discovering that some of my nine fellow participants were published poets. Additionally, I was informed that this was to be a silent retreat, with silence maintained even during meal times, outside of scheduled meetings.
The silence was certainly challenging and it took me a long time to learn how to use this gift well. Slowly, I learnt to let the silence penetrate, letting God lead me, by listening, making room in my heart for God. Sharing this silence with others was also powerful and the beauty of the surrounding countryside brought a further spiritual dimension to the experience.
It is not easy to recognise God’s voice as it is very often mixed up with the thousand voices of worries, desires and hopes that dwell within us. I have often said that one of the greatest challenge in Catholic education today is to teach our young people how to rest. We need to allow our boys to discover and nurture their contemplative life.
Marist spirituality is about making choices, about deciding on the relatively small number of things that actually matter. This requires both silent discernment and courage, both wisdom and guts.
As for the poetry, I set aside my fears and simply embraced the journey of discovery. I found joy in the revelations and the wisdom shared through the works of John Donne, Gerard Manley Hopkins, and the delightful Mary Oliver.
Charlie and Chocolate Factory
I returned from my travels just in time to witness the remarkable and entertaining production of Charlie and Chocolate Factory. One of the greatest joys of learning is embracing challenges, stepping out of your comfort zone, working hard, and ultimately reaping the rewards. This was undoubtedly the experience for many of the boys and girls who participated in this hugely successful production—a show that made everyone feel like a kid again!
The cast, showcasing a wide array of theatrical skills, truly relished their roles. The audience was right there with them, sharing in their delight. Delight stimulates delight. It was particularly notable that each of the principals had his or her distinctive stage presence. Each had the confidence in how his or her personality went across the floodlights. All performers deserved our laughter, our cheers, and all our ways of attending.
Josh Galang devised the perfect Willy Wonka, bringing all the quirky physicality, voice, and mannerisms that one would expect from the character. A talented actor who is a part of many professional-grade performances here in Canberra, Josh’s chemistry alongside Charlie Bucket, played by Logan Thomas, was a delight to watch.
The staff who guided the cast in this production deserve our cheer as well. Vanessa Johnson’s vision and creativity were evident from the opening scene, and her leadership as Director ensured the audience was in for a special performance.
She was well supported by Assistant Director Isabella Bartholomeusz, who brought a wealth of experience to the team, devised much of the production’s intricate scenes and helped coach students in their characterisations. The production’s visual smorgasbord of delights was conceived aptly by Nigel Palfreman as Production Designer with the assistance of Alana Mackey aiding in the construction of hundreds of set pieces and props.
The orchestra, under the direction of Elise Vellnagel, performed with the authority of seasoned professionals and was generously supported by Assistant Musical Director Jocelyn Roberts. The music, though challenging, was expertly delivered by many junior musicians, a testament to their hard work and dedication.
As Producer, Jarrod Schindler led the team with expertise, providing the necessary support to ensure everyone had the opportunity to be part of a first-class, professional show. We were especially thankful for the volunteer efforts of Charlie Cooper (Class of 2021) who returned to Marist as Assistant Choreographer working alongside our resident Vocal and Dance Teacher, Amy Orman.
There are many more to thank—a huge production team worked tirelessly behind the scenes on set creation, makeup, costumes, administration, facilities and front and back of house duties. The generosity of our staff is a hallmark of College life, and I know our students are forever grateful for the myriad opportunities they are given to grow and discover their passions.
It is an important lesson in life when people can express their personalities to the fullest in an ensemble that is offered for the benefit of others. It is an experience that counters the notion that the expression of personality is just rampant ego. Of course it can be, but not if it is done in concert with others, and not if is given to others. God is glorified when humankind is fully alive - on stage and off stage.
It has been said that God created humankind because He loves stories. And surely, God loves theatre too, especially when it involves young people. Just listen to God’s applause.
Feast of the Assumption
For me, the Magnificat is one of the Bible’s most beautiful pieces of writing. It is a reminder to us of the wonder of Mary’s role in Jesus’ life. All too often the Church makes women feel less than men and does not allow them to fulfil the roles that they are called for. Interestingly, the early Church women took on many of the same roles as men but this has slowly eroded over the centuries. The Feast of the Assumption reminds me of the challenge to continue to make our way back to our early Church where everyone was equal and each voice truly heard.
Matthew Hutchison
Headmaster
