Enews - 29 March 2023

A Season of Hope

Easter is widely celebrated as a season of hope, signifying a new beginning and renewal. Good Friday must have looked like a catastrophe to Jesus’ followers, but his rising on Easter Sunday and his ensuing appearances and discussions with friends rekindled their hope for the future.

I will never forget a young husband who lost his wife and two daughters in the Port Arthur Massacre speaking at their funeral service. He gave the world the following message of hope:

Do not take your partner for granted, do not take your children for granted. Do not take your life for granted. Most importantly, do not take tomorrow for granted. The power of love and creation will always triumph over the power of destruction and revenge.

With Easter just around the corner we are reminded to be thankful for all that we have and remember that no matter how difficult our circumstances might be, there is always hope for a better tomorrow.

The Importance of Open Dialogue 

Social media can isolate us. It allows us to form our own communities whose beliefs, political positions, opinions, and prejudices are just like ours. Internet communities strengthen and reinforce bonds by virtue of common beliefs, ensuring we receive information we want to hear. Once empowered, we feel more comfortable to assert our own beliefs, while rejecting views and beliefs of those who may disagree or have other opinions.  In many ways it is the opposite to lived communities, where you must take what you get in terms of neighbours and other community members.

For a caring and inclusive society, we ought to resist the temptation of any narrowness of mind and heart. We must balance our online communities through engagement in the real world and agree to go easy on each other. An effort must be made to really listen, that is, to understand and appreciate what someone else is saying. As we do so, we move from a comfortable arm’s-length position to a more engaged interaction. We discover and create a shared meaning; the content of discussion becomes more important than the form.

Jesus often encountered Prophets who were bent on catching him out. They were inclined to take things as absolute, believing they were in possession of the ‘truth.’ Jesus gently yet firmly held his ground. They could believe Jesus’ teaching or not. Jesus did not experience such confrontations as a must win struggle.

Pope Francis believes ‘dialogue is born from an attitude of respect for the other person, from a conviction that the other person has something good to say. It assumes that there is room in the heart for the person’s point of view, opinion and proposal.’ Francis is committed to creating a synodal Church of respectful and constructive dialogue to become a more inclusive, a more responsive and a more open Church focused on the needs of all.

As a school community we intend to create opportunities to explore our Catholic identity through dialogue and conversation. We want to become an educating community in which all can express themselves and grow in their humanity in a process of relational dialogue -interacting in a constructive way, exercising tolerance, understanding different points of view and creating trust in an atmosphere of genuine harmony.

On Tuesday 4 May at 7pm the College will host an ‘Evening of Dialogue’ on what is necessary for humanity to flourish. We have invited keynote speakers with diverse backgrounds and spirituality who will provoke new thinking and rich discussion. The evening is open to all members of Marist College and the wider community. For more information or to register your attendance please click here.

Boys in the Performing Arts

One of the wonderful things about Marist College is the many opportunities it offers students to pursue their interests and talents, and to share them with the wider community. It takes great courage to perform for an audience and I commend our young actors in the upcoming Long Tan production for having the self belief to take up the challenge. I thank all the performers and production team for bringing this unforgettably moving script to life through hard work, determination, team work and their endless enthusiasm.

There are many lessons in being involved in a project like this, not least the lesson of working patiently together to create something memorable, something larger than the present moment, something that makes magic out of the experience. The performance will be one not to miss exploring the trauma of war and the need to forgive. 

Matthew Hutchison
Headmaster

Winter Uniform Reminder – Term 2

As we prepare for Term 2, we ask that each family thoroughly check their sons winter uniform items in readiness for the change of uniform after the holidays.

During Terms 2 and 3 Marist students are required to wear their formal winter uniform to school each day, including their tie and College Blazer. The College PE jacket is not part of the formal winter uniform.

On timetabled PE days, Junior School students may wear their College tracksuit. The grey woollen jumper and blue sloppy joe style jumpers are not part of the College PE uniform.

Marist College beanies and scarves may also be worn at recess and lunch; however, Marist sports club beanies are not part of our formal uniform items and should be kept for training sessions and weekend sports games.

Head of Junior School Certificates

Congratulations to the following boys who recently earned their Head of Junior School Certificates:

• William Scholtens (Year 6)
• Patrick Hocking (Year 6)
• Jasper Shi (Year 5)
• Javis Gu (Year 5)
• Mathew Polgolla (Year 6)
• Joshua Boteju (Year 6)

 Year 4 Sacramental Reflection Day

This Thursday our Year 4 teachers are hosting a sacramental Reflection Day, allowing the Year 4 boys to further focus on their preparation for the Sacrament of Eucharist. We thank the Year 4 teachers, lead by Mrs O’Connor, in preparing for the day.

Preparing to take their First Communion is a special step in their faith journey for the boys and their families.  Families are reminded to register their sons in their local parish to receive the sacrament this year.

On behalf of all the Junior School staff, I hope that all of our families have a restful and blessed Easter break

Servo Fidem – Together, we keep the faith.

Kirsty Bell
Head of Junior School

Last Friday 24 March, Marist College Junior School implemented vertical pastoral time for the first time through our ‘Little Mates’ program. Evidence suggests that having boys from across year levels promotes a sense of community, positive relationships among students and enhances student wellbeing.

With guidance from their teachers, the students participated in an activity focused on their social and emotional learning, personal development, and community building. The activities we will be doing during this time will promote self-reflection, personal growth, relationship building, empathy, self-awareness, and conflict resolution.

We are looking forward to working across year levels in pastoral time at various stages throughout the year.

Craig McMahon
Head of Student Wellbeing – Junior School

Mid Semester Reports

The Mid Semester reports for all boys in the Junior school will be sent to families electronically next Wednesday 5 April. These are a good indication of the effort that is consistently being applied by your sons and the appetite that they have for their learning.

Your son will also bring home their assessment book, which contains some of the formal pieces of assessment they have completed this term. It is critical that these are signed by parents and returned to school. There is the option to write a small comment in these books, in the appropriate page to acknowledge your son’s achievements and provide any feedback to the teacher. These assessment books will be sent home at the end of this week. 

Damien Webb
Head of Learning & Teaching – Junior School

Well done to Zachary Thomas (Year 6) who competed at the ACT Little Athletics Championships last weekend and placed:

U11 boys high jump 1st (1.31m)
U11 boys discus 3rd (20.18m)
U11 boys long jump 4th (3.78m)

In February, Zach also won the ACT Track Cycling Championships at the Narrabundah velodrome with a win in each individual event on the program (Scratch race, flying 200, Keirin and 500m time trial) and took out the overall championship for U13 boys. Congratulations Zach.

Any boys wishing to trial for a representative level in a given sport must register their intention to trial or be considered by visiting the School Sport ACT website.  The sporting calendar with trial dates is located on the SSACT home page. U12 Boys Touch Football and U12 Tennis trials are currently advertised on the site or you can follow their Facebook page to avoid missing any important dates.

Ged Galvin
Junior School PE and Sport Teacher

Our 2023 Theme ‘Created and called – a revolution of love and tenderness’

Tenderness is a beautiful concept and like so many words in the English language, it has more than one meaning. Most commonly, we understand tenderness as an emotion of warmth towards another person or a situation. A parent responds tenderly to the needs of their child. That is, an action is evoked to accompany the emotion.

A second understanding of tenderness is linked to a wound or injury. The muscles in my arm are tender because of bruising. In this instance, there is a tenderness caused by something external. It is felt by the person but does not necessarily require a response from someone else.

The Gospels give us many examples of Jesus acting with tenderness towards others. Nearly all of the healing miracles are accompanied by Jesus responding with tenderness and empathy towards someone. For example, the way Jesus responds to the widow of Nain (Lk 7:11-17). Jesus and his disciples see the funeral procession of the woman’s only son. He feels compassion for her; tells her not to cry and ‘gives him back to his mother’. Tenderness in both emotion and in action.

We also read about how Jesus wept over Jerusalem.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!’”  (Matt 23: 37-38)

Perhaps the most powerful example of tenderness is to be found in the Gospel of John, where Mary is standing at the foot of the cross. It is in contrast with the brutality of the crucifixion that we find Jesus reaching out with tenderness towards his grieving mother.

When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. (Jn 19: 25-27)

In a powerful way, Mary’s response to this moment is captured in Michelangelo’s Pieta. Let’s hold this image in front of us as we enter Holy Week.

Peter Hawes
Assistant Head of School – Mission and Identity 

Last week our Year 11 students took part in their retreats. These retreats, part of the culture of the College for many years now, aim to deepen the boys’ reflection and their connection to our faith.

Our sincere thanks to all 24 staff who made the retreats possible, and to the boys, who entered into the retreats and shared a great experience.

In particular, boys were able to connect with other Year 11 students through games, small group discussions, and other fun activities.

Nicholas Lansdown-Weir
Student Faith Formation Coordinator

Through the generosity of our families, the College has been able to make a donation of $7000 to the Marist Blue Community in Aleppo. This is in addition to the money given by individual families and will provide support to this group of largely young Marists.

Thank you all.

To read an update on the devastating situation of this community, click here.

Peter Hawes
Assistant Head of School - Mission and Identity

The following is an extract from the recent Marist Schools Australia newsletter"

'The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference 2022-23 Social Justice Statement is titled RESPECT and urges us as Christians to confront violence and abuse.

President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Archbishop Tim Costelloe SDB, in his foreword to the document emphasises a destructive reality in Australian society, the injustice and abuse suffered by women and children. 

Those who suffer such abuse are most frequently women and children while the perpetrators are most frequently men. But no matter who suffers such violence, and who perpetrates it, the damage to the lives of the victims and survivors of such abuse is real, destructive, and long-lasting.

The virtue of solidarity challenges us to support those who are seeking justice in the face of such widespread violence. The teaching of Christ urges us to promote relationships marked by respect and freedom rather than coercion and control. The message of the Gospel is not a message of domination of one person over another but a message of mutual esteem and kindness.

Importantly, the Australian Bishops on their website also highlight International Women's Day by acknowledging the need for greater inclusion of women in decision making and leadership roles within the Church.'

The 2022-23 Social Justice Statement can be accessed here.

Dr Frank Malloy 
National Director, Marist Schools Australia

The Way of the Cross is a prayerful commemoration of Jesus Christ’s passion and death that takes place at Marist College on Good Friday, 7 April. Our Year 12 Marist Youth Ministry students portray the scenes, and as a community, we reflect on Jesus’ sacrifice. Beginning at 10.30am on the lawn outside the Junior School Hall, we will conclude our time together with a hot cross bun morning tea, finishing at about 12.00pm.

All are welcome to attend and take part in the Way of the Cross.

Please note that in the event of wet weather, The Way of the Cross will still go ahead. 

The Marist Mother & Son Mass will be held in the Senior Hall this year, at 8.30am on Thursday 4 May. This is a great opportunity for mothers, grandmothers, past Marist mothers and mother figures to connect with their sons and our faith.

There will be morning tea available afterwards, also in the Senior Hall. Please RSVP here.

All are invited to attend this year’s Marian Lecture. Dr Medi Volpe will be speaking on 'A Revolution of Love and Tenderness'. Delivered online, this will be a great opportunity to connect with the broader Marist community and deepen our faith and understanding of this year’s theme. 

We will be hosting a group of people together at the College to share the wisdom and enjoy each other's company. If you would like to attend, please RSVP here.

Tomorrow night, Thursday 4 May, the College will be hosting An Evening of Dialogue - a night of respectful dialogue on what is needed for humanity to flourish. The night will consist of three keynote presentations by Dr Hugh Mackay, Lara Kirk and Michael McGirr, followed by question and answer, concluding with a Marist response to the discussion by Br David Hall. 

For more information or to register, please click here.

Our talented students are currently rehearsing for the upcoming Big Brothers Production titled 'Long Tan'. The play is based on one of the most significant Australian battles of the Vietnam War, where 105 Australian and three New Zealand soldiers fought against 2,500 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese troops in a mud-filled rubber plantation in South Vietnam. 

The College has some very personal connections to The Battle of Long Tan, and this has made the creative and research process even more rewarding for all involved in the production. 

During their rehearsal on Sunday, the cast was lucky enough to be joined by Lieutenant Colonel Mark Tutton, father of Archie (Year 9). Mark was the Officer Commanding Delta Company (D Coy), 6th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment (6RAR) in 2014, the same regiment involved in the battle of Long Tan. During his time as the OC, Mark kept close relations with Long Tan veterans and met with many of them on several occasions. Mark shared stories with the cast about his military experience and his connection to Long Tan.

Below is an image of a keyring gifted to Mark, which he shared with the cast. If you look closely at the boots, they have real dirt on them, dirt from Long Tan. Seeing this helped deepen the cast's appreciation for the story they are telling and the truth of what happened. Special thanks to Lieutenant Colonel Mark Tutton for the 'boot camp', military experience and advice shared with the students. It has been invaluable. 

Tickets for Long Tan are selling quickly and purchasing tickets at the door on the evening of the performances will not be possible so be sure to purchase your tickets this week. Performances will be in the College Theatrette from April 4 to April 6. 

To hear more from the cast, click here and to buy your tickets click here!

Vanessa Johnson 
Director, Long Tan 

Well done to Jasper Jackson (Year 11), Logan Thomas (Year 9), Edward Murphy (Year 9) and Josh Doyle (Year 8), who represented Marist at the Rostrum Voice of Youth Public Speaking Competition at Radford College recently.  The younger students all chose the topic of 'Behind the Lens', and Jasper spoke on the topic 'Voice for the Voiceless'. Each boy spoke with confidence and enjoyment in front of fellow competitors, parents and staff.  After the speeches, the boys received individual feedback from the judges. 

The students wrote their own speeches and improved them with constructive feedback and a few dress rehearsals in front of their peers here at Marist. It was so rewarding to see the students work on perfecting their speech and then present so strongly. Special congratulations to Joshua Doyle, who was awarded second place in his division.  I am very proud of the team and encourage them to compete again in 2024.

Leanne Herron
Rostrum Coordinator

Our College Senior Drum Line had the opportunity to attend the 'Fire & Shadow' concert at the Canberra Symphony Orchestra on Wednesday 22 March. Percussion soloist Claire Edwards, considered one of the best in the country, headlined the concert at Llewellyn Hall, ANU School of Music.

Before the concert, the Drum Line students met Claire Edwards backstage, which was a unique opportunity for them to gain insight into the life and work of a professional musician in their field of study.

The 'Fire & Shadow' concert explored the interplay of light and darkness, day and night, and the driving forces of life. It included pieces by composers such as Igor Stravinsky, Iain Grandage, and Ludwig van Beethoven, with Claire Edwards as the solo percussionist. It was also noteworthy that Marist College Music Teacher, Mr. Greg Stenning, and Instrumental Music Teacher, Carly Brown, were part of the orchestra.

The highlight of the concert for the Drum Line students was Claire Edwards' solo performance, which showcased her technical skill and artistry. The students left feeling enriched and inspired by the power of percussion in music.

Overall, the 'Fire & Shadow' concert was a great learning opportunity for the Senior Drum Line students. They were able to witness the exceptional talent of a professional percussionist and enjoy an evening of beautiful music with other talented musicians.

Jocelyn Roberts
Performing Arts Assistant

Lucas Carey (Year 10) has gone above and beyond for one of his English assignments by creating a podcast on the cost of higher education with special guest Senator David Pocock. 

The assignment was to produce a 5-minute podcast on a social issue in 2023 that needs more media attention and youth advocacy. As he looks ahead to his higher education journey, Lucas chose to talk about making university education more equitable and recognised that Senator Pocock shared that interest. 

Lucas reached out to Senator Pocock via email asking him if he would consider answering a few questions for the Podcast and he kindly agreed. Senator Pocock invited Lucas to Parliament House, where he sat in the Senate and listened to Senator Pocock deliver a moving speech on the plight of refugees before being given the opportunity to interview him in his office. 

Congratulations to Lucas for his innovative approach to this assignment. To listen to Lucas' interview with Senator Pocock, please click here.

Tom McLachlan
Senior School Teacher

The term break is just around the corner. While many students are maximising the opportunities to borrow a variety of print books for the holidays, others have discovered the joy of eBooks and audiobooks. Marist College provides access to a huge digital library of these such books curated for primary and secondary students. 

To access the Marist digital library, students can click here and log in using their student ID. Students can also download the ePlatform by Wheelers app to their device to listen or read while on the go.

If you have any questions or would like support accessing the digital library, please contact Karen Collins.

Enrolment Applications Close this Friday  

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 this Friday 26 May 2023 to be considered for enrolment starting in 2024.

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.

Old Boy and Magician ‘Magic Mike’ Michael Webb (2007), returned to the College last Friday to put on a captivating performance for our Junior and Senior school assemblies.

Not only did he mesmerize the students with his incredible magic tricks, but he also shared a very powerful performance with our Senior students where he spoke about his own mental health struggles, encouraging the boys to open up the conversation too.

You can watch Mike’s amazing performance on Australia’s Got Talent from October 2022 here.

We’re so grateful to our incredible community of Old Boys who return to the College to share their talents, experience and wisdom.

Sarah Gavel 
Director of Advancement 

We are delighted to share that our former student Milan Kolundzija (Clarinet) and current Instrumental Music Teacher, has been named as the inaugural Kingsland Fellow by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra (CSO).

The Kingsland Fellowship offers comprehensive training in solo, chamber and orchestral playing, audition preparation, and career development. This program inspires artistic excellence and creates pathways to professional performance and other arts industry opportunities. The Fellowship provides a supportive environment that is tailored to the unique artistic path and goals of each Fellow.

Fellows will also have the opportunity to attend masterclasses and professional development sessions with high-profile creative leaders, including Jessica Cottis, CSO Chief Conductor and Artistic Director.

Milan is completing the final months of his Honours year in his Bachelor of Music at the ANU School of Music alongside his Bachelor of Laws.

Jarrod Schindler
Head of Performing Arts

The Annual Blue and Blue Dinner will be held this year on Friday 19 May at the National Arboretum Canberra. Invitations and details on how to book will be emailed to families later this week.

The Uniform Shop will be open during the April school holidays:

Tuesday 18 April - 12.30pm - 5.30pm

Thursday 20 April - 12.30pm - 5.30pm

Saturday 22 April - 9.00am - 2.00pm

Monday 24 April - 8.00am - 1.30pm

15-minute appointments are available for students needing to be fitted for a blazer. Please visit the Uniform Shop website to book in.

Winter Uniform Reminder – Term 2

As we prepare for Term 2 we ask that each family thoroughly check their sons winter uniform items in readiness for the change of uniform after the holidays.

During Terms 2 and 3 Marist students are required to wear their formal winter uniform, including their tie and College Blazer to school each day. The College PE jacket is not part of the formal winter uniform.

2023 Foot Locker Under-18 National Basketball Championships

Congratulations to Owen Nihill (Year 11) who has been selected to play in the 2023 Foot Locker Under-18 National Basketball Championships. We wish Owen all the best as he travels to Brisbane next week to represent the ACT.

2023 Peter O'Malley Junior Masters Golf Tournament

Harry (Year 11) and Finn (Year 9) Whitelock both recently competed in the 2023 Peter O'Malley Junior Masters Golf Tournament in Bathurst. Congratulations to Harry who shot 9 under and won the tournament and to Finn who also played exceptionally well and tied for 50th as a 13 year old in an U18s competition. 

ACT Athletics Championships

Cooper Kebblewhite achieved remarkable success at the recent ACT Athletics Championships in the U13 division. Cooper won Gold in the 80m hurdles and 200m hurdles, and Silver in discus and shot put. Congratulations to Cooper!

Marist College Canberra Rowing Club - AGM and Awards Night

A reminder that the MCCRC AGM and Awards night is on Tuesday 4 April in the Junior School Hall from 6.00pm.

All students attending are to be in school uniform.

Danny Rosin
President Marist College Canberra Rowing Club 

Please make note of the following dates:

Wednesday 5 April: South Weston Swimming Carnival at Stromlo Pool

Tuesday 9 May: ACT Swimming Championships (12 and under) 

Friday 19 May: College Cross Country Carnival (Years 4 - 12) 

Parents are urged to monitor the School Sport ACT website for upcoming sports trials. Most selection trials are held after school and require boys to have registered to attend.