Enews - 3 August 2022

This data reflects continuing changes in our social attitudes and belief systems. Those who identify as Christian declined from 60% in 2011 to 40% in the recent census, with almost 40% reported to have ‘no religion’, an increase from 22% in 2011.

The Census reminds us that our work as a Catholic, Marist school is as important as it has ever been. We have approximately 89% of our students who identify as Christian, the highest of any Catholic school in Canberra. For many of our families, however, attendance at Mass is infrequent and we appreciate the boys main experience of ‘church’ is through the College. We are realistic about contemporary Catholic life and it draws us to ask what it means to place Catholic before such terms as education, teacher or school? A Marist school is well-placed to do this because we encourage a ‘robust’ faith, one that is restless for God and alert to the spirit. We want our students to be sceptical and to interrogate the claims of Christianity with the fine minds they are blessed with. It is through reason and faith that the boys embrace mystery and seek a deeper relationship with Christ. We certainly hope they make the choice to believe and practice.

The etymology of the word education is debatable. I identify with its Latin root suggesting that to educate means ‘to lead out’ to new horizons, new knowledge and new meaning. Put simply, it is very much what we do as teachers in a Catholic school in the Marist tradition. In partnership with parents, we aim to shape our boys' very being, who they become and how they live. Our teachers are gifted with a sacred trust who walk on the holy ground of our boys’ lives; treading ever so softly.  

At Marist, we remain committed to be informed by the best educational research and remain committed to academic excellence. That said, our defining characteristic is to be a faith-based education otherwise, why be Catholic? Our mission places the person and teachings of Jesus at the cornerstone; who he was, what he taught and how he taught. Regardless of whether our boys embrace Jesus as the Christ of faith, they can look to Jesus as an inspiring model of how to live a life well, caring for oneself, and for the common good of all. 

The Plenary was essentially looking at how the Church can reengage, rebuild trust and identify priorities. Whilst there was plenty of tension during the sessions, with many different visions for the future Church, the process of discernment was done respectfully with the large majority in support of Church renewal.

Pope Francis’ hopes for a synodal Church is reflected in the Plenary process and that the polarization within the Catholic community will continue to walk together in respectful synodal relationships. Francis has always encouraged us ‘not to disengage from polarisation but to engage with conflict and disagreement. This means resolving division by allowing for new thinking that can transcend that division.’ Pope Francis affirms that ‘this path of sodality’ is precisely what ‘God expects of the Church of the third millennium.’

The establishment of the Plenary, as stated by Archbishop Coleridge, comes from a sense in which the Church must change into a more humble and less rigid institution. The Archbishop believes there is an urgent need to find fresh ways of ministry and service for both men and women. He recognises the process moving forward requires attentive listening, giving dignity to others and honouring their experience.

There were many positive achievements from the Plenary with strong support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart, calling for a First Nations voice to Parliament to be enshrined in the Australian constitution. The Plenary also provided an opportunity to express “profound sorrow” to those who have been hurt through an encounter with the Church, those who have experienced marginalisation, “including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, those divorced, those who identify as LGBTIQA+ and those who have suffered abuse of any form.” The Plenary also embraced the “urgent need” to develop an “integral ecology of life” that requires what Pope Francis has dubbed an “ecological conversion.”

The question of female deacons and the wider role of women in decision-making in the Church has been a part of Catholic conversation for some time. Pope Francis has openly encouraged discussion on this important issue for many. There are different and firmly held opinions on what a woman’s role is in the Church and what that should look like, even amongst women. Encouragingly, despite an initial setback, there was an unequivocal commitment ‘to enhance the role of women in the Church, and to overcome assumptions, culture, practices and language that lead to inequality.’ The contentious motion of women deacons was not just considered but would be examined as to how to best implement it, should Rome so authorise.

Despite criticism, there remains a great sense of hopefulness from the Plenary Council recommendations. Kev Carmody and Paul Kelly’s well known lyrics ‘From Little Things Big Things Grow,’ reminds us this Plenary gathering is the first small step in constructing new ways of the Church conveying the freshness of the Gospel.

Matthew Hutchison
Headmaster

The College invites all Marist mothers in our community to a free Twilight Retreat on Wednesday 10 August 2022, starting at 5.30pm with refreshments. The theme will be ‘Care for the Caregiver’.

The purpose of the Retreat will be to offer mothers who care for loved ones on a day-to-day basis a time to reflect on their role as caregiver.

The Retreat will provide time to explore ways of practicing self-care when you feel stretched or when your situation changes unexpectedly. 

Little Brothers play – ‘The Crimson Firefly Circus’

There is great excitement building for our first ‘Little Brothers’ production that begins this Thursday. We are so proud of the many Junior School students involved in ‘The Crimson Firefly Circus’. I know I am looking forward to watching the show later in the week, and encourage all our Junior School families to take your children to one of the upcoming performances this week.

The Little Brothers production has given a wonderful opportunity for the Junior School boys involved to be creative, and to collaborate with older students across the College and with a wider variety of staff. Performing on stage encourages the boys to be confident, to listen intently to directions given, and to become smart problem solvers and empathetic teammates. Sincere thanks to Vanessa Johnson who is directing this year's play and to the many College staff who are involved in the production.

Moderation Day - Thursday 18 August

A reminder that on Thursday 18 August, there is no school for all Marist students from Years 4-12. Please make alternate arrangements for your sons on this day.

Afternoon pick up arrangements for Junior School boys

We ask for the assistance of our Junior School parents to ensure that all of our boys remain safe during the pick-up time after each school day.

Junior School boys who are picked up by an adult driving need to be picked up from the Junior School roundabout through Gate 3 on Marr Street. If they have older brothers in the Senior School, they can walk across to the front of the Senior School, to use the zebra crossing to cross our internal bus bay road to meet parents in the Marr Street drop off/pick up bay in front of the Senior School with their older brother.

Junior School boys are not able to be picked up by a vehicle travelling along Marr Street. We ask that families do not ask their Junior School sons or grandsons to meet them and ‘jump in their car’ as they travel slowly along Marr Street; this is a dangerous practice. Boys who attempt to do this will be redirected by our duty staff to the Gate 3 roundabout for a safe pick up.

Parents are also reminded that Gate 3 is a left turn only in the afternoon, to assist with the flow of traffic, including school buses who run to a time schedule.

At all times, our staff work to keep our boys safe, and we ask that all our families work together with us in this area. Thank you.

Upcoming Year 4 and 5 Camps

Year 5 families are reminded that the permission and medical notes for our Year 5 Camp in Week 7 are now overdue. Please contact the Junior School Front Office should you need another copy of the note sent home.

Year 4 families will be receiving their Camp permission notes in the coming weeks. We ask they are completed promptly, along with the online camp registration in readiness for the Year 4 Camp in Week 10.

Head of Junior School Certificates

Congratulations to Tom Dawn (Year 5), Archie Lane (Year 5) and Sam Mossop (Year 5) who received their Head of Junior School Certificates this week. Keep up the wonderful work. 

Servo Fidem

Kirsty Bell
Head of Junior School

Thank you for attending and your contribution towards our Parent/Teacher interviews in Week 1. It was great to see so many of you back in the school. It has also been great to see so many of you actively assist your boys in creating relevant SMART goals for this semester.

Well done to those boys and families that have got their Walkathon pledges away to an early start. After one week, the Junior School pledges were fantastic. Keep up the good work. A few things to note for Junior School boys on the day of the Walkathon (Tuesday 23 August):

• The boys are NOT required to be in any school uniform, it is a free dress day. 
• They must have a hat and enclosed shoes and please no singlets. 
• Goodberry’s frozen custard will be on site on the day, so the boys can bring some extra money to purchase a treat.
• Boys arrive at school at the normal time and periods 1 and 2 will be as per their timetable.
• Upon completion of the walk, the boys will receive vouchers for a BBQ lunch.
  

Week 3 is a busy one in the Junior School. Well done to the boys who represented the College in the Jack Steele Cup AFL tournament on Wednesday. I also hope the boys and teachers in Year 5 enjoy their trip to the Deep Space Centre on Thursday.

Last Saturday, 30 July, I was fortunate enough to witness a wonderful game of Under 10 Rugby between Marist and St Edmund’s. The game finished in a 21 all draw, which was reflective of the contest. It does not though tell the story of the wonderful spirit the game was played in. Both teams spread the ball wide, hit rucks with commitment, and made some excellent tackles, and then shook hands with smiles on their faces at the end. Sport is such a brilliant way for the boys and us as families to display ‘the Marist Way’. As we approach the end of the winter seasons, I look forward to seeing and hearing more about the success of our teams, not only in results, but also our conduct on the field and alongside it.

Craig McMahon
Head of Student Wellbeing - Junior School

Mrs Simpson, Mrs Borgia and Mrs Collins were overwhelmed with your enthusiasm for reading. We were especially impressed with the number of students who completed the ‘Challenge yourself to read something different’ Challenge. Well done!

A special mention goes to Luke Bamford (Year 4), Orlando Pabian (Year 5) and Robert Stephenson (Year 6) who have now completed their second challenge. All three boys finished the regular challenge in Term 1 and decided to give the ‘Challenge yourself to read something different’ a go. What a trio of reading champions!

Please note that all Reading Challenge forms are due in by Friday 19 August.

Christian Chew (Year 4)

Benji Fernie (Year 4) – Challenge Yourself

Lachlan Field (Year 4) – Challenge Yourself

Nathan Gordon (Year 4)

Benny Lawson (Year 4)

Jack McDonald (Year 4)

Robert McGregor (Year 4)

Hayden O’Mara (Year 4)

Liam Pearce (Year 4)

Aaron Pollock (Year 4)

Edward Stretch (Year 4)

Riley Walters (Year 4) – Challenge Yourself

Liam Apps (Year 5)

Tom Berry (Year 5)

Nate Borowski (Year 5)

James Corson (Year 5)

Izaac Cox (Year 5)

Tom Dawn (Year 5)

Kynan Dowling (Year 5)

Will Driscoll (Year 5) – Challenge Yourself

Finn Duffy (Year 5) – Challenge Yourself

Sam Dutkiewicz (Year 5)

Lucas Fogels (Year 5)

Lucas Golack (Year 5)

Hamish Henry (Year 5)

Tomislav Jurkovic (Year 5)

Leo Miller (Year 5)

Kevin Nguyen (Year 5)

Orlando Pabian (Year 5)

Jonah Prail (Year 5)

Leo Richter (Year 5)

Matthew Wedding (Year 5)

Live Bariesheff (Year 6)

Thomas Barrett (Year 6)

Mitch Corkran (Year 6)

Christopher Heith (Year 6)

Henry Hyson (Year 6)

Jonathan Kelly (Year 6)

Daksh Mangane (Year 6)

Joe Ross (Year 6)

Karen Collins
Head of Library and Information Services

The Art Department are proud to present our Student Art, Photography and Graphic Design Exhibition for Semester One 2022.

This online Exhibition showcases some of the outstanding work by our talented students in Years 7 to 12. The works range from painting, ceramics, and wire sculpting, through to photography, digital art and more.

From students who are preparing for high-level examinations right through to those at the very beginning of their journey, these events give all of our young musicians a chance to shine in a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. 

The soirees are being held on:

• Tuesday 9 August: Vocal Fireworks, 6.00pm – 7.00pm (Theatrette). Click here to book. 
• Tuesday 9 August: Piano studio concert, 5.00pm – 6.00pm, Rose's Studio (A10). Click here to book.
• Tuesday 9 August: Piano studio concert, 6.00pm – 7.00pm, Ella's Studio (A10). Click here to book.
• Wednesday 10 August: Piano studio concert, 4.00pm  - 5.30pm, Nataliia's Studio (A10). Click here to book. 

• Wednesday 10 August: Kate's Flute Studio, 6.00pm – 7.00pm (A10). Click here to book.  
• Thursday 11 August: Mark’s Trumpet Recital, 4.00pm – 5.30pm (A10). Click here to book. 
• Thursday 11 August: Carly's Brass Recital, 5.30pm – 6.15pm (A10). Click here to book. 
• Thursday 11 August: Tom and Milan’s Saxophone/Clarinet Recital, 6.15pm – 7.30pm (A10). Click here to book.
• Friday 19 August: Brigid's piano studio concert, 12.45pm – 1.00pm (Oratory). Click here to book. 

Jocelyn Roberts
Performing Arts Assistant

The College is pleased to announce an incredible opportunity for these students to travel abroad, strengthen their language skills, discover one of the greatest ancient civilisations, and learn to cook (and eat!) some amazing cuisine.

The Language and Food Tour of Italy will run through the September - October school holidays in 2023.

Come and find out more at a preliminary information session tomorrow, Thursday 25 August, at 6.00pm. Please register for the session by clicking the link below or contact Dave Moore for more information. 

There will again be a social justice focus to this year’s Walkathon, with funds raised going towards:

• Catholic Care – Mackillop House
• Australian Marist Solidarity Appeal
• Trinity College Lismore Flood Appeal, and the 
• Br Mark May Bursary Fund.  

Given the emphasis on helping those in need within the community, we seek your strong support in meeting our sponsorship aim. 

Parent volunteers are needed on the day to help with checkpoint duties and/or with the BBQ lunch for students. If you can spare a couple of hours (or more), please complete the attached electronic survey. Our volunteers are crucial in ensuring both the safety of walkers and the provision of service at the BBQ lunch. 

 
Thank you for your support to help make this year’s Walkathon the most successful fundraiser to date.

Rehearsals for the show started in Term One of this year, and I feel like all of us have grown and bonded with each other so well during this time. Our improvements, commitment and focus in every rehearsal, through the guidance of Ms Johnson and Ms Haigh, moulded and shaped the amazing show that you see this week. I still remember our first rehearsal with all the Junior and Senior boys. Everyone seemed so excited to be a part of something so professional and ambitious, for a school group ranging from Years 4-12.

The cast have been so diligent and amazing throughout the rehearsal process. More than three-quarters of the cast are debuting their acting or crew careers in this show, and what an experience it has been for them. The Junior boys seem filled with endless amounts of energy and always bring their ‘A-game’ to every run-through of the show. The Senior boys are excellent mentors to the Junior boys and bring together the aspect of family that theatre is. The St Clare's College girls that joined us for this tightrope walk have been so friendly and supportive of all our efforts during the rehearsal process.

This show means a great deal to the cast, backstage crew and creative crew. From the amazing flips, tricks and unicycle riding of the troupe, to the astounding dancing and acting of the ensemble. Let's not forget the phenomenal work of our backstage ninjas to make everything crisp and clean. This show is a must-see for any theatre fan. We have tons of big surprises hidden up our sleeves, so if you are in town, you’ve got to come down to our big top for a night of laughs, mystery and spectacle you won’t see anywhere else!

Joshua Galang  
Year 9 – Cast member

During the break, the Marist/Merici College Sailing team competed in the National Teams Racing Championships at the Georges River Sailing Club in Sydney. Sailing teams from around the country sailed against each other for a place in the Inter-dominion competition against New Zealand.

Torrential rain marred the start of the competition, but the weather soon cleared for some excellent sailing conditions. We struggled on the first day, sailing in open water for the first time, but soon hit our straps in the following days. The team won five races overall, which placed us 24th in Australia.

It was a wonderful experience and all of our sailors learnt a lot about sailing in open water against the best schools in the country. A huge thanks to Carly Johnson from Merici and to all the sailors. It was an absolute pleasure to spend the first week of the holidays with them.

Andy Donald
Sailing Coordinator

The boys competed in slalom, skier x, boarder cross and moguls events.

Some of the nation’s most talented snowboarders and skiers compete in these events and historically Marist boys have always done well in these competitions. Congratulations to Matthew Shea, Connor Cusack, Lachlan Yeatman, Cooper Towns and Sam Garner who have all been selected to represent Marist at the Australian Championships later this winter. A special mention is also warranted for Connor Cusack (Year 11) who placed third in individual times for both slalom and skier x.

The ACT Schools Cup is the next competition for the boys. Hopefully there will be some more good results and we will be able to reclaim the Cup!

The 2022 Marist Interschools Team consisted of the following boys:

• Connor Cusack 
• Sam Garner
• Matthew Shea                                    
• Lachlan Yeatman                               
• Cooper Towns                                    
• Kelan Towns                                         
• Lachlan Harrington   
• Jonathan Harrington   

• Bronson Milcszarek
• Finn Milcszarek
• Aaron Pollok
• Edward Shreeve
• Aspen Reinstadtler
• Fletcher Brown
• Finn Eagles
• Jackson Koch
• Seamus Campbell

Jason Duff
Snowsports Coordinator

Congratulations to the following students who were selected in the ACT Under 14 Rugby team and competed in the Southern State Championships during the school holidays. Thomas Bayada was also lucky enough to be selected as Captain of the team.

The boys won four from four games but were defeated by a very strong Victorian team in the Grand Final.

• Thomas Bayada
• Isaiah Cornforth
• Lachlan Smith
• Tomas Jenson
• Neo Hunter

• Ted Shepperd
• Eli Hill
• Lucas Ryan
• Aiden Seivers
• James Hall
• Noah Schischka