Enews - 22 November 2023

Advent: The Sound of Silence

Here comes Advent again, and some of us will notice how quickly it has happened. It is not that we have not been busy with this, that and the other since last time around - much has happened in many of our lives, both bitter and sweet. Most of us will have sensed something wedding-like, something funeral-like, in our own personal lives; it has been busy times. Advent invites us to make a longer halt than usual in front of the mirror and to enquire how things stand with us now. It calls for a certain contemplative ‘inactivity’ amid the hustle and bustle that so often precedes the celebration of Christmas; it invites us to rest and be thankful.

It is in quiet moments, in the absence of noise and clamour, that we become aware of the mystery of God’s presence among us, which is not loud – often not more than a whisper. The truth of that whisper becomes clear when our hearts are touched by what we hear and are changed by it.

Goodbye – God Be With You

Around 500 years ago in England, people started using the word 'goodbye.' It's not like parting ways was a new thing or that it happened without a sound, but 'goodbye' was a relatively new term. It is in fact a collapsed version of ‘God be with you’ and I hope our use of it still holds onto some of that old meaning.

When we say 'God be with you,' it means a couple of things. It's a wish for a good and thriving life, filled with vitality. Also, it is saying, 'Since I can't be with you, at least for a while, I trust you will be taken care of by God.' Saying a genuine goodbye to someone, not just a quick or indifferent one, is like giving them a blessing. Next week, we say goodbye to our 2023 graduating class, sending them off with all our best wishes for their journey ahead.

The 2023 graduates entered Year 7 when I commenced at Marist and it has been the rarest of privileges to witness their formation as young men over the last six years. They have been a terrific cohort and we have loved having them as our leaders and guardians of our mission over the last 12 months. The Class of 2023 leave us in good shape.

I hope our graduates are thankful for their time with us. I hope they have always felt at home here and have made kind friends who have allowed them to be their best selves. I hope they have drawn from a Marist tradition that educates the heart, that encourages them to be decent, caring, respectful and responsible, and to make choices with love. I hope we have taught them to be generous and self-forgetting, to put the good of society above the good of their ego. Finally, I hope we have encouraged them to look inward, to be open to draw themselves to Jesus and make space for him in their lives.

Matthew Hutchison
Headmaster

The 2024 College calendar is now available on the MyMarist app. 

With a busy school like Marist, the Calendar is one of the biggest logistical challenges, with so many variables and moving parts. For the most, the events are locked in from June the year before and require a significant reason to deviate once published.

One slight change is in moving the “Staff Spirituality Day” from Monday 14 October to Friday 24 May. This is a pupil free day and will allow staff to participate in significant faith formation activities. One of the custom practices recently in the ACT in all sectors is to use the first day of the term for professional learning experiences. Moving the spirituality day to Term 2 will mean that the beginning of Term 4 will now commence one day earlier, beginning on Monday 14 October rather than Tuesday 15 October. Apologies for any inconvenience for this late change. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.

Liam Stakelum
Deputy Headmaster

Parents are warmly invited to the celebration of a Mass of Thanksgiving where we will give thanks for the year. Mass will start promptly at 9.00am Friday 1 December in Marcellin Hall. Parents are requested to sit in the bleachers at the side. During the Mass we will pray that we continue to live our lives as people of faith who are known and loved.

Please join us for Community Carols

Date: Friday 1 December
Time: 5.00pm - 7.00pm 

This is a great opportunity to be together in the lead-up to Christmas, have fun, and celebrate 2023.

We are looking for any members of our Marist community who would be willing to do face painting for the first half of Community Carols, from 5.00pm - 6.00pm. If you are interested, please contact Nick Lansdown-Weir. 

This year we are again asking members of the Marist community to join us in making a difference to people’s lives, by making donations of non-perishable foods, toys, gift cards, toiletries, Christmas items, sporting equipment, school supplies etc. Essentially, anything that would make your Christmas an enjoyable one can be donated. We do ask that all gifts remain unwrapped so they can be easily identified and given to the right families. Also, please ensure any food given has an expiry date beyond six months so families have plenty of time to consume it.

Donations can made through House Groups and hamper baskets have been distributed among House Group Leaders.

Marist Vinnies group would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support throughout the year and wish you and your family a very happy Christmas.

In a recent Marist Messenger, the Provincial of the Marist Brothers, Br Peter Carroll, wrote on the Israeli – Gaza conflict. In this message he responds to the horror unfolding before us and provides suggestions as to how we might support the innocent on both sides and try to influence decision makers.

Br Peter draws our attention to the Prayer of the Mothers video that was created 7 years ago. It is a powerful expression of hope in what presents as an intractable situation. The symbolism and message are even more significant today.

From the website:

The song Prayer of the Mothers, was born as a result of an alliance made between singer-songwriter Yael Deckelbaum, and a group of courageous women, leading the movement of Women Wage Peace.

The movement arose in summer 2014 during the escalation of violence between Israel and the Palestinians, and the military operation Tzuk Eitan.

On 4 October 2016, Jewish and Arab women began with the joint March of Hope project. Thousands of women marched from the north of Israel to Jerusalem in a call for peace. A call that reached its peak on 19 October, in a march of at least 4,000 women half of them Palestinian, and half Israeli, in Qasr el Yahud (on the northern Dead Sea), in a joint prayer for peace.

The very same evening 15,000 women protested in front of the Prime Minister’s house in Jerusalem.

The marchers were joined by the Nobel Prize for Peace winner Leymah Gbowee (Leymah Gbowee), who was significant in ending the Second Liberian Civil War in 2003, by the joint force of women.

In the song, Yael Deckelbaum combined a recording of Leymah, sampled from a YouTube video in which she had sent her blessings to the movement.

Another video giving expression to hope for a better future in this part of the world is the documentary The Narrow Bridge. Thanks to the tenacious efforts of Karen Collins this documentary will soon be available for you to watch.

The Narrow Bridge is a searching journey into the souls of four people who, after searing pain, develop strengths they never had before. We watch with wonder as Bushra, Rami, Meytal and Bassam, women and men who lost a child or parent in violent conflict, transform their grief into a bridge for reconciliation.

The film follows their paths from devastating trauma to courageous activism. But their stories are not just personal. They all belong to a controversial grassroots movement of broken-hearted people ‘Israeli Palestinian Bereaved Families’ who stand side-by-side to end the violence and build a future based on dignity and equality. Despite fierce political and family opposition, they refuse to give up.

Bushra, Rami, Meytal and Bassam all wish they could turn back time to before tragedy struck, but they would never change who they have become. Charting a journey of hope amidst pain, The Narrow Bridge lights a way to personal and social change.

Other suggestions from Br Peter include:

• Prayer – For the release of the hostages being held in Gaza and for peace between peoples. Attached to Br Peter’s letter is a Declaration for Peace and the Cessation of Violence from Br Ernesto, Superior General of the Marist Brothers.
• Become and stay informed – read about the history of Palestine and Israel. For the Jewish people, this is the Promised Land from Old Testament times. More recently, the rise of the Zionist movement in the late C19th reignited the significance of this land and culminated in the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. For the Palestinians, their claim also goes back into history.
• Give Financial Support – there are many humanitarian agencies supporting the victims on both sides of the conflict. The key Catholic organisation is Caritas Australia. Caritas Australia Gaza Appeal
• Express your voice – Br Peter provides the details of both the Embassy of Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

I have attached a copy of Br Peter’s message for your information.

Peter Hawes
Assistant Head of School - Mission and Identity

Caritas Australia (an aid agency of the Australian Catholic Church) has opened a Gaza Crisis Appeal to support the efforts of our partners in the region who are responding to immediate needs such as food, water, shelter and hygiene supplies. More details can be found on their website.

Please find attached an invitation to their upcoming Service of Solidarity on 27 November (online) and their ceasefire petition.

For many of us, our attention in recent weeks has been on the horrific situation in Gaza and Israel. Abominable things have and continue to happen there, and it is right that we do what we can to improve the situation of others.

Here I draw your attention back to the Marist Blue Community in Aleppo and the recent letter from Br Georges Sabe.

In reading this letter we hear the cry of a leader of a community that has faced so much over the past few years. The civil war in Syria began in 2011 and is ongoing; Covid19 struck as it did in many places, though Syria was least prepared to cope with it; a consequence of the war are the economic sanctions that have been placed on the country and these are negatively impacting the innocent. Add to that the earthquake in February and, in the past few weeks, the repercussions of the outbreak of violence in Gaza and Israel.

Br Georges recounts the desperate voices of young people in the community who have just about reached the end of their tolerance. Despite the situation, he maintains hope and recounts the many programs they are able to offer to the elderly and others in need in Aleppo. All of these remain possible due to the generosity of donors from around the Marist world.

You may recall that in Term 1 we reached out to you with our Aleppo Earthquake appeal. I am doing so again as the needs of the Marist Blue Community have escalated and invite you to consider donating.

This can be done through the International Marist Solidarity Foundation Syria Appeal.

As we approach Christmas, I thank you for considering this invitation.

Peter Hawes 
Assistant Head of School - Mission and Identity

Youth Sacramental Program 2024 (Years 7 – 12)

We have observed that a number of students have missed the opportunity in earlier years to receive the Sacraments, especially, First Eucharist and Confirmation. This program is designed to prepare students to receive these Sacraments and is open to all from Years 7 – 12. Siblings of Marist students are very welcome to participate.

The actual design of the program will be partially dependent on the needs of the candidates and will involve a mix of twilight sessions for the family and weekly sessions held here at school. Priests from the local Parishes are involved in various sessions. The Sacraments will be received within each student’s local Parish in or around Pentecost, Sunday 19 May 2024.

To register for the program, please click here. 

Any further enquiries can be directed to the Head of Liturgy Leesa Callaughan. 

Leesa Callaughan
Head of Liturgy

Enrolments for Mary Help of Christians 2024 Sacramental Program for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion are now open for children who will be in Year 4 or above in 2024. The Program will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6.30pm to 7.30pm and will begin with the Parent Information evening on Wednesday 7 February 2024. Please see our website under the Sacraments tab for further information about the program and details on how to enrol.

Save The Date: 

The Sacrament of Confirmation program, for children in Year 6 and above, will be held in Term 3, commencing on 31 July 2024. More information about the program is available on the Mary Help of Christians website under the Sacraments tab.

For further information please contact Christina the Parish Sacramental Coordinator.

Christina Erwin
MHOC Sacramental and Office Coordinator

The ACT Careers Association recently awarded the Career Development Practitioner of the Year to Leigh Southwell for Excellence in career development service provision.

Leigh, the College’s Careers Adviser was acknowledged with this award by the ACT Careers Association, and it was presented to her by Chris Steel MLA, Minister for Skills on Thursday 9 November.

At the event, Chris Steel spoke of the labour shortages that we are experiencing across a wide range of industries and that the role of Career Advisers in our schools is more important than ever. This award acknowledges Leigh’s dedication, hard work and vision in the field of careers.

Glenn Slater
Assistant Head of School - Staff and Community

Congratulations to Luke Allardyce (Year 10) for his successful nomination for the 2023 Australian Olympic Change-Maker program.

The program seeks to identify and bring together young leaders in sport who are ‘making a difference’ in their school or local community.

Luke continues to demonstrate the Olympic Spirit (friendship, sportsmanship and striving for excellence) both on and off the playing field. In particular he uses sport as a vehicle to improve health and wellbeing and drive social change.

To view Luke's video submission, please click here. 

Wayne McAuliffe
Head of Health and Physical Education

Dear Junior School Families,

Thank you for your support of your sons and their learning this year, it has been greatly appreciated by the staff of the Junior School. We wish you all a special and faith filled Christmas season with those closest to you.

As we prepare for the end of the school year, we are this week also welcoming our new students for 2024. This Friday, we are hosting our new students for their Orientation Day. With ever growing demand for places in the Junior School, next year we will have six classes in each year level.

2024 Junior School Student Leaders

We are pleased to announce that the following boys have been appointed to the student leadership positions for 2024. With the support of their families, peers and teachers, we are sure these boys will lead our school proudly in the coming year.

Marist Community Christmas Carols

On Friday 1 December, the College is holding Community Carols. Our Year 4 boys will be performing at this special family event to end the year. Junior School families (and friends) are encouraged to bring a picnic, blanket or camping chairs and enjoy a final family event for the school year. Food will also be available for purchase.

Year 4 students who play cricket on Friday evening for the College, should fulfil their cricket team obligations.

Junior School St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal 2023

The Junior School are currently collecting donations for our 2023 Junior School - St Vinnies Christmas Appeal.

With many people living below or close to the poverty line in Canberra, the Junior School aims to support the wider community and the St Vincent de Paul Society by donating cans of food, toys and other items so that Christmas is seen as truly a time of giving.

Each year level in the Junior School has been allocated specific gift types and one donation from each boy would be fabulous.

St Vincent dedicated his life to serving the poor and we aim to continue his humble work in the Junior School.

Donations can be dropped off to the Junior School foyer area. Please do not wrap items/presents.

Assessment books and Semester Two school reports

Junior School assessment books will be sent home before the end of this week. We ask that parents sit with their son to go through their assessment books in preparation for the Semester Two reports becoming available on the MyMarist portal in the coming weeks. I am sure that all students will have much to celebrate in their learning and effort this semester. Families will be notified through the Portal when Semester Two reports are available.

College Houses 2024

In recent weeks all current Junior School families have been notified of their sons 4 - 12 College House allocation. Please refer to the notification for further details regarding 2024 PE and House uniform items as we transition to 4 - 12 Houses.

Junior School Presentation Day

Our Junior School Presentation Day will be held after lunch, on Friday 1 December in Marcellin Hall. Junior School students are required to wear their formal summer uniform on this day. Our Presentation Day is an opportunity for us to celebrate our Year 6 boys as they conclude their primary schooling. As such, all Year 6 parents are invited and encouraged to attend. Parents of award recipients Years 4 - 6 will be notified this week.

Week 7

Green Week – No Homework across all Junior School classes
22 - 24 November – Little Brothers Production – College Theatrette
23 November - Junior School Assessment Books go home
24 November – 2024 Orientation Day for all new Students in the Junior School
24 November – Year 7 2024 Orientation Day
24 November - Last Day for Junior School St Vincent De Paul Christmas Appeal donations

Week 8

27 November – Junior School Activity Day – on school grounds – PE uniform
29 November – Year 12 Graduation Assembly – formal summer uniform
1 December – Junior School Presentation Day and Year 6 Farewell – formal summer uniform
1 December – Marist Community Carols – Year 4 students performing
1 December – Last day for all Junior School students

2024

5 February – First day of school for all NEW students to the Junior School (Years 4, 5 and 6)
6 February – First day of school for all RETURNING students in the Junior School
12 February – Junior School Parent Information Evening - 6.00pm

Kirsty Bell
Head of Junior School 

In Week 15, the Year 8 boys went on an adventure, with long hikes and even longer nights. The camp consisted of kayaking, hiking and snorkelling, or a marine biology expedition on the rock pools if there was a thunderstorm overhead. Kayaking was a gruesome venture with boys capsizing left and right. Some due to poor piloting skills but most due to the uncontrollable urge to watch your mates scream and scurry as they try to save their boat from sinking. But in the end, whether from a targeted assault or just a poor choice of rowing partner, one way or another, we all got a bit wet. 

On the second day, the boys went for a 12km hike from one beach to the other. The walk up was slow but after a quick and well deserved snack break, around about a third of the way up, the boys were re-energised and ready to power through the next two thirds double time. Once at the bottom of the hill, it was lunch time. The boys got to prepare lunch themselves, with the guidance and supervision of a camp counsellor to prevent any accidental food poisoning. Rightfully cautious, the teachers made sure to bring their own food. The boys that went snorkelling were taught how to safely dive down below for as long as possible. Some were naturals, diving down for so long you would have thought they had oxygen tanks, resurfacing with fascinating trinkets, shells and sea urchins. Others were less graceful, bobbing in and out of the water like ducks. At the end of the session, everyone had a good time, and everyone was more than happy to jump into a hot, steamy one dollar shower. Once it was time to head home, everyone said farewell to the counsellors and thanked them for making such an amazing trip possible.

Angus Cranswick
Year 8 Student 

Senior School Textbooks and Library books Due Back

Please note that all Year 7-10 textbooks must be returned by this Friday 24 November.

Any textbooks or library books that are still outstanding after this Friday will need to be replaced, and your school account will be invoiced for the cost. If your son still has books on loan, you will receive an email notifying you of the details.

Library Closure Week 18

Please note that the Library will be closed after school from Monday 27 November to Friday 1 December due to Library staff working in Bookhire.

Karen Collins
Head of Library and Information Services

On Wednesday 29 November 2023, the College will celebrate the Graduation of our 2023 Year 12 Class. We have asked our Year 7 families to contribute to the day by donating food for an afternoon tea that occurs after the Graduation Assembly. All Year 7 families should have received a letter outlining details of the day and suggested contributions, the letter is also available here. 

Donations may be dropped off at the College, outside the Chapel, between 7.40am and 9.00am on Wednesday 29 November 2023. We will have staff and volunteers on hand from 7.40am to receive your donations as you simply drive through the main College driveway from Gate 1 off Marr Street.

Thank you for your support. 

Naomi Whitehead
Year 7 and 8 Coordinator

A reminder that the College has transitioned from hard copies to an online format for The Maristian Magazine for current families.

The next issue of the Maristian will be sent in a digital format to all current families over the coming week. This shift to digital publication allows us to reduce our environmental footprint by minimising paper usage, transportation emissions, and waste generation. 

We understand that some families may prefer the traditional reading experience of a physical magazine. To accommodate these preferences, we will have a limited number of printed copies available for pickup from reception between Monday 4 and Thursday 7 December from 8.30am - 4.00pm.

Impact of renovations to Main Building on traffic flow

A renovation of the East Wing of the Main Building is currently underway. To ensure access to this area by our builders and building suppliers, there are some changes to the use of the road between the Main Building and Junior School playground (refer to image below). The building works has also impacted the concourse off the Main building and some staff parking. As a result, there is increased traffic and use by students on the road between these areas.

We therefore ask that parents avoid using this road. If you need to visit the College or collect your son after school hours from cricket training, the library or SASP please use one of the carparks accessible via Gates 1 and 3 or park your vehicle on Marr Street.

Parents are also reminded that the maximum speed limit on all College roads is 10km/h (walking pace).

Traffic concerns around the College

A number of traffic issues have been identified during the term, which have frustrated individuals and, in some cases, put students at risk. We therefore remind you of the following when you are visiting the College or dropping off/picking up your son/s.

• The maximum speed limit on all College roads is 10km/h (walking pace).
• Parents who stop and wait to pick up their son from the bus bay on Marr St or via the entrance to Gate 3 (Junior School roundabout), do so at risk of being booked by ACT Traffic Officers who sometimes monitor the area. We appreciate that parking can be challenging during school pick up and drop off times. A solution may be for parents to park on Pethebridge or Biddlecombe Streets and have their son/s walk from the College via the underpass or crossing on Marr Street.
• Staff parking areas are only for the use of staff and should not be utilised by parents between 8.00am and 4.00pm.
• U-turns are not permitted on Marr Street. This is a dangerous action that puts pedestrians and other road users at significant risk.
• Due to the current refurbishment of the Main Building, parents are asked for the remainder of the year to avoid accessing the road between the Main Building and Junior School playground (accessible via Gate 2) which will be used by builders and suppliers to access the building.

Kathy Mumberson
Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager

Tuesday 14 November celebrated World Diabetes Day. In the vast spectrum of health conditions, one that deserves our attention and understanding is Type 1 Diabetes. This autoimmune disease, often diagnosed in children and young adults, not only presents unique challenges but also calls for increased awareness and empathy within our community. There are students in the Senior and Junior School, and some staff at Marist College (and no doubt in our wider community) who have Type 1 Diabetes. Some people have lived with it for years and other students have more recently been diagnosed.

Understanding Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This leaves individuals with a life-long dependence on insulin to regulate their blood sugar levels.

Life with Type 1 Diabetes: Managing Type 1 Diabetes is a daily juggling act. Imagine having to balance blood sugar levels through constant monitoring, precise insulin doses, and lifestyle adjustments, on top of school work, sport and physical challenges such as camp. For those unfamiliar with the condition, this might seem like an overwhelming task. However, the reality is that individuals with Type 1 Diabetes are not defined by their condition; they are students, friends, athletes, and artists who simply navigate life with an extra layer of awareness. They are also incredibly strong, like warriors, determined, focused and brave. Parents and families of Type 1’s at Marist College also play a significant support role and we acknowledge all that you do.

Beyond the Numbers: While statistics paint a picture of the prevalence of Type 1 Diabetes, it's crucial to recognise the individual stories and triumphs that often go unnoticed. Each person with Type 1 Diabetes is on a unique journey, facing challenges with courage and determination. As a school community, we can contribute to their well-being by fostering understanding, offering support, and spreading awareness.

Our Role in Building a Supportive Community: In our Marist school community, we can play a crucial role in supporting our peers with Type 1 Diabetes. By educating ourselves about the condition, fostering empathy, and promoting inclusivity, we contribute to a more supportive and understanding environment. As we strive for a compassionate community, let's remember that knowledge is the first step towards empathy. Let's unmask the mystery of Type 1 Diabetes, see beyond the numbers, and build a community where everyone feels understood, supported, and valued for who they are, beyond their health condition.

Vanessa Johnson
Performing Arts Teacher

Saturday Opening Times

A reminder that the Uniform Shop is open every second Saturday on top of the regular weekday opening hours which can be found here. 30-minute fitting appointments are available on Saturdays. Please find below the Saturday opening hours for the remainder of 2023:

Saturday 25 November: 9.00am – 12 noon
Saturday 2 December: 9.00am – 12 noon
Saturday 9 December: 9.00am – 12 noon

The Uniform Shop is pleased to announce that we will have three new House polos available for the three new Houses being added to Marist College Canberra.

• François House - Replacement House
• Le Rosey House - New in 2024
• Ludovic House - New in 2024

The new House polos are due to arrive at the Uniform Shop in January 2024.

We welcome all students who require these polos to visit the Uniform Shop to fit for size and place their new polo on backorder for collection in January 2024. If you are a current student in Year 7, 8, 9 or 10 and have questions regarding your replacement polo, please speak with your House Dean.

Important information about NSW Student Travel has now been provided by Transport NSW. To read more or to apply for a travel pass for 2024 please click here. 

Congratulations to Cameron Kirsten (Year 10) for being selected in the Australian U16 squad. Cameron was one of 25 of the countries brightest young talents to be selected off the back of his performance in the recent Super Rugby U16 Championship.

Australia U16s will compete against the Pacific All Stars on 12 December 2023 at AIS Rugby Field, Canberra.

Some big scores for Stage 2 Sky on Saturday with Preston Singer (Year 7) 80, Archie Brown (Year 7) 65 not out and Lachlan Miller (Year 6) 62 not out in a team score of 323 (off 30 overs!).

Sam Smith (Year 11) First XI continued on his scoring ways this season with 89 not out against Queanbeyan with Alex Gunn (Year 11) 79 not out.