Enews - 5 February 2025

It is with great pleasure that we extend a warm welcome to everyone as we embark on the new academic year. A special greeting goes out to the 280 new boys and their families who are joining our Marist community for the first time. Thank you for entrusting us with the formation of your sons—we are privileged to partner with you in their education and growth.

The commencement of a new academic year is always a transformative experience, impacting the mind, spirit, and body. One moment, life is calm as you enjoy the final days of summer, and the next, you find yourself in the whirlwind of new routines, expectations, and energy. This sentiment holds true for both students and staff alike. Perhaps, however, the cartoon below represents a more realistic sentiment for parents at the commencement of a school year!

One of the great pleasures of my role is to journey alongside boys, parents, past students and staff all of whom contribute to making Marist College Canberra such a wonderful place to study, to grow and to belong. To our new families, I hope you find in our community a place of friendship and support, where genuine care for one another’s happiness and wellbeing is at the heart of all we do. In time, I trust you will come to feel a deep sense of pride in our school and in the people who bring it to life.

I also extend a warm welcome to our new staff and look forward to their generous contributions. Our boys are blessed to be guided by dedicated, skilled, and generous teachers—educators who have chosen a profession that is, at its core, a testament of hope. Teaching is sacred work; we shape young men who, in turn, shape humanity. There is no greater responsibility.

At Marist, we take pride in the achievements of every student, not just those at the top of the class—whatever that might mean! Success is deeply personal; it is found in striving to do one’s best, regardless of the outcome.

We also encourage our boys to embrace a wide range of interests. We want them to take risks, discover new passions that captures their spirit and say 'yes' to new opportunities; approaching each new challenge with courage. Above all, we want them to look out for one another—to lead with kindness, to lift others up, and make a meaningful impact in our Marist community.

May our boys be blessed with good friends and a generous heart. May they also be a good friend and learn to be a good friend to themselves. May they be able to journey, in silent moments, to that place in their heart where there is great love, gentleness and forgiveness.

Let this year be a journey of growth, discovery, and unwavering spirit. Wishing you all a wonderful year ahead.

Matthew Hutchison 
Headmaster 

Short and sharp - the value of retrieval practice for study habits.

How much should a boy study?

For years, this has been probably the question that gets most by parents of my students. The problem is, it is the wrong question. Parents should instead ask how a student should study.

The value of homework is oft debated and we know that there are a myriad of views and perspectives on its value and worth to contributing to student outcomes. Several years ago, John Hattie, a prominent educational researcher, provided some guidance that said that the value of homework for learning was relatively low (an effect size of 0.15 for primary age and 0.65 for secondary for those stats aficionados - anything over 0.40 being effective). In simple terms, homework wasn’t seen as the key driver that it once was. Or was it? The problem with statistics is that you can pretty much make numbers say whatever you want, and you often miss the true meaning.

What the study should have shown is not that homework is not effective, but the important distinction that it is the type of homework that has a greater affect on student learning outcomes. When a student sits down at home to do their homework, there are several key strategies which have been proven to have a larger impact on learning.

An essential component of the learning process is understanding the importance of retrieval practice. Retrieval practice is the act of recalling information from the long term memory into the short term memory (the site of your thinking). Think about learning your ABCs. When you first are beginning to learn the song, it is stuttered, broken, and probably mumble through the L-M-N-O-P section pretty poorly. Over time, the more you recall the string of letters, rhyme, melody, it becomes more fluid. Cognitively, what is happening on a simple level, is that each time you think of the song, you are effectively retrieving information that is stored in your long term memory, and strengthening it. The more times you think about it, the stronger the memory is until you have learned the information.

So what does this mean for study? Well instead of focusing on how long your son should study, this year, why not focus on how they study instead.

If your son doesn’t have prescribed homework or an assessment task to complete, they can still study by using retrieval practice techniques such as flash cards, brain dumps, or by simply redoing questions that were completed in class that day. Every lesson at Marist is started using something known as a “Kickstarter”, normally a short sharp activity that helps student retrieve information that they had previously learnt. If your son brings his workbook home in the afternoon, he can simply turn to a new page, and re-write the question and answer from memory. Sessions do not need to be long- something as short as 15 minutes is a good block to answer 3-4 questions from the one subject area.

We have taught these techniques each year to our students and I hope your son can find it useful. For our Year 7 parents, we will explain this in more depth in our parent night later on in Term 1.

I have included some resources for parents who wish to learn more below.

https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2016/6/23-1
https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2016/6/23-1

Over the summer, the 2024 National Report on Schooling in Australia was released by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority. One of their key statement pieces was that school attendance had not yet returned to their pre-covid levels, sitting at a rate of 88.3%. This trend is replicated in other large jurisdictions such as the UK and the USA. Why is this alarming? Because school attendance is one of the key ways to measure school engagement. Put simply, the higher the attendance, the higher the outcomes.

The effect of any absence impacts more than just learning outcomes. With the accumulation of learning loss, you can add significant social issues, increased risk of mental health challenges, social or peer challenges, and other engagement issues. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare has spoken of this challenge, issuing the edict that schools (and parents) need to get more serious about attendance.

At Marist, we believe that significant learning occurs inside and outside the classroom, and that along with the curriculum learning, there is a significant development of our students into fine young men in the holistic education offered. Carnivals, Masses, retreats, camps, all play a large role in teaching your son resilience, empathy, focus, discipline - all key skills needed for success in later life. These events are compulsory, and a condition of enrolment, because we believe strongly in the impact that they have. It saddens me to hear excuses from students like“ I am too tired” or “I am wiped out” or “It isn’t my thing” supported by parents. Let's be clear: by allowing your son to miss these major events, you are sending him a message that it is ok to pick and choose, and that uncomfortable things can be avoided. This also includes holidays during term time, of which we have seen an increase post-covid.

There are two ways Marist will focus on attendance this year. 

Firstly, we will be challenging students who miss major events, particularly in Term 1. There is an abundance of public holidays in the first semester so there is no need for extra days off. Several years go, the Champagnat Cup was decided upon by participation (attendance) at the major events. 

Secondly, the return of “Unapproved leave”. This category was removed several years ago because of the harsh language. It will be brought back and included for absences including family holidays, extended illnesses without medical documentation, overseas journeys after assessment. The point of the focus is clear - we want your boys here at school.

Please find the Student Leave Application form here.

Liam Stakelum
Deputy Headmaster

The Gospels are filled with stories of transformative encounters with Jesus, just as our own experience of the love of God changes us and renews hope. This transformation urges us to ‘look beyond’ to see the world and each other differently.

The 2025 Marist Schools Australia spiritual theme is Pilgrims of Hope: Look Beyond, which reflects the Pope’s message for this Jubilee year. Pilgrims of Hope is a theme about a journey with and toward a God of love.

The lower image of the 2025 theme artwork is from Kannagi Nagar, India. It is a diverse population with many suffering from the effects of displacement and unemployment because they live in a neighbourhood with a tainted reputation. A series of murals was commissioned to change perceptions about Kannagi Nagar and positively affect the image of the neighbourhood and the city’s collective imagination.

The mural of two children drenched in sunlight was painted as a way to humanise those living there and capture the core spirit of the urban landscape, characterised by the life of its young people. In the smiling faces of the mural, the young people and residents began to see themselves differently. In viewing themselves in a new light, it also led to a transformation in the way the community saw itself: full of life, with hope and a future.

Fr Emil reminded staff at the Opening Mass that Catholic Educators help students to Look Beyond themselves and to be open to God. When we look beyond ourselves and move outside our comfort zone, we become those seeds that Jesus says fall on fertile soil and produce a harvest (Mark 4:26-34).

Nathan Ahearne
Assistant Head of School - Mission and Identity

The Marist Association invites you to a special social gathering this Saturday 8 February at St Christopher’s Cathedral. We will come together for Mass at 9.00am to celebrate the Memorial of St Josephine Bakhita, followed by a relaxed catch-up at a nearby café. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow Association members and share in the Marist spirit.

We look forward to seeing you there!

For more details on upcoming Marist Association events, please refer to the calendar.

Brendan Bergin
Coordinator Marist Association of Canberra

The 2025 Strategic Goal for Catholic Identity and Marist Spirituality is to ‘Enhance opportunities to deepen relationships with the lost, the least and the lonely through Service and Solidarity’. With the assistance of House Group Leaders and parents, students in Years 7-12 will create a Service SMART Goal for the year after watching the Service Goal Launch video. Please click here to discover the many ways to look beyond in service.

If your child wishes to make their First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion this year at Sacred Heart Church in Pearce, please note that enrolments close today, 5 February and classes commence next week. The program is open to children in Year 4 and above. For further information, including enrolment information, please click here. 

We invite Marist students and their siblings in Years 7 - 12 in 2025 who have missed the opportunity to receive Sacraments in earlier years to be part of the Youth Sacramental Program.

This program is run in collaboration with local parishes so that students are connected into the Catholic community beyond Marist College. There will be a mix of twilight sessions with the family and student sessions with a Marist staff member to prepare to receive the Sacraments in your local parish.

To register for the program, please click here.

Please register by 14 February, which is Friday of Week 2. Please direct any further questions to Julianne Bolton.

Welcome to the 2025 school year! It is wonderful to once again to have the chatter, excitement and energy of our Junior School boys back in the classes, hallways, and playground.

As we begin the new school year it is an opportune time to revisit the routines your family has in place to support your son in preparing for school each day and to complete his weekly homework tasks.

It may assist your son if you, together with your son, create a visual schedule of the week. Highlighting any sports training, co-curricular activities, jobs at home to be completed, including organising his uniform, items for school and homework tasks to work on each day. This will assist your son in becoming more independent in setting out each week ahead. Should, for any reason, your son not be able to complete his weekly homework, please email his class teacher and identify a date that he will hand in his missed homework by.

Discussing and setting firm morning and evening/bedtime routines for your son will also assist him to develop his confidence in knowing what is expected of him, like we do in the school and classroom setting.

Junior School Parent Information Evening

On Monday 10 February we invite all Junior School parents to attend our Parent Information evening, starting at 6.00pm in the Senior School Hall.

This is a parent only event and childcare is not offered, please make alternate care arrangements for your children/son. We ask that at least one parent/carer be present as the information evening is a chance to meet and hear from your son’s teacher about the year ahead and to meet the other families in the class.

New Parent Welcome Evening 2025

We would like to extend an invitation to all parents of students joining Marist in 2025 to attend the Headmaster’s New Parent Welcome Evening on Friday 14 February, from 5.30-7.30pm. Note that this event is not for students to attend. Invitations will be sent to all families with sons new to the College in 2025, and we kindly ask that you RSVP by Tuesday 11 February.

Mary Help of Christians, Pearce 2025 Sacramental Program

Enrolments for Mary Help of Christians 2025 Sacramental Program for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion opened on 20 November for children who will be in Year 4 or above in 2025. The Program will be held on Wednesdays from 6.30-7.30pm and will begin on 12 February 2025. Please click here for further information about the program and details on how to enrol.

The Sacrament of Confirmation program, for children in Year 6 and above, will be held in Term 3, commencing on 30 July, so if your child would like to join the program, please save the dates. More information about the program is available on the Mary Help of Christians website.

First Reconciliation Sacramental Program – Parish of the Transfiguration

The Parish of the Transfiguration, North Woden, invites families to register for the First Reconciliation Sacramental Program. This program is open to prior students of Saints Peter and Paul School, Garran, or Holy Trinity School, Curtin, as well as residents of Curtin, Lyons, Phillip, Garran, Hughes, and O’Malley.

Key Details:

Registration Deadline: Monday 10 February (via the Qkr! app)
Parent Information Night: Tuesday 11 February at 6:00 pm (held via MS Teams) – a meeting link will be available from the Parish Office on Monday 10 February.

For further information, please click here.

Uniforms

Thank you to our families who have ensured that the boys return to school in their complete Marist uniform with an accepted hair style. Your assistance in preparing your boys is greatly appreciated. Could I ask that all families ensure that their son has traditional, black leather, lace-up school shoes. Black sneakers and sneaker style shoes are not accepted as part of our uniform.

Mrs. Kirsty Bell 
Head of Junior School

Setting Semester One goals

In the first weeks of school our Junior School boys will be learning how to write SMART goals to assist them this Semester at school. Parents are asked to refer to pages 34 and 35 of your sons Junior School diaries and complete the reflection on these pages whilst having a conversation with your sons. Class teachers will let the boys know when this home task needs to be completed. The information entered into their diary goal setting reflection after your discussion, will assist them to set their goals with their teacher’s assistance.

Craig McMahon
Junior School – Head of Student Wellbeing

Beginning of year assessments

Our new Junior School boys will soon be undergoing their Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT). The College uses this annual data from these assessments to create more individualised learning for all students and to help the planning of future teaching opportunities.

Beginning on Thursday 9 February, all new students in the Junior School will participate in PATs, which aim to measure students' proficiency and capabilities in Numeracy, Reading Comprehension, Spelling and Vocabulary.

Beginning on Wednesday 12 February, all students in the Junior School will participate in the ACER General Ability Test (AGAT). AGAT evaluates general reasoning abilities and offers valuable insights into students' reasoning skills across five diverse strands.

Homework expectations

As homework begins for all classes this week, a reminder that the following expectations are set for Junior School students. A maximum of:

• 40 minutes of homework per night for Year 4
• 50 minutes per night for Year 5
• 60 minutes per night for Year 6.

All boys are required to complete weekly homework, this will be followed up by classroom teachers. Weekly homework is able to be accessed through the boys Canvas pages.

Curriculum overviews will be shared with all families in the coming week. These will outline the academic focus for each year level and give guidance on what the boys will be learning.

Emma Darcy
Junior School – Head of Learning and Teaching

Junior School Swimming Carnival

The annual Marist Junior School Swimming Carnival will be held at the Queanbeyan Swimming and Leisure Centre on Monday 17 February 2025 (Week 3). The boys will be transported to and from the Centre by bus, leaving Marist from 8.50am and returning before 3:00pm. On the day the boys are encouraged to swim in the events that they are capable of completing competently. More information on the carnival program will be advertised at the College. All competition events are 50m or 100m.

Students are to wear their sport uniform, with House Shirt and school hat. They should have their rash shirt and swimmers’ underneath. All boys are expected to wear a shirt for sun safety throughout the day when not competing.

Your son does not need to register for a competition event. He will need to follow the program on the day and listen for his age and event to be called. As the pool bulkhead is unavailable, the carnival will be using the full 50m pool. Unfortunately, this means novelty events cannot be run this year in the shallow end of the pool. Boys will have limited access to the water park on the day. 

Students are required to bring their own sunscreen, food and drinks. As in previous years, the kiosk at the pool will not be open to students. 

Permission for the upcoming Junior School Swimming Carnival is through the parent survey form sent out last week. This information will be used in planning the day so that all boys have the opportunity to participate. It is an expectation of the College that all boys attend and remain until the end of the carnival. Family members are welcome to attend and support. 

Junior School Athletics Carnival

During PE lessons, all boys will participate in field event skill lessons with boys' results being recorded in readiness for the upcoming carnival. Finalists for Shot, Discus, Long Jump and 800m will come from PE lesson field event trials.

Ged Galvin
HAPE Teacher - Junior School

As we begin the new year, we’d like to remind families about our policy regarding the use of student images in external communications, including newsletters, marketing materials, the College website, public relations, publications, and social media. 

The College operates under an OPT-OUT system for student image and media use.

If you DO NOT wish for your son’s image to be used for external communication purposes, please log in to MyMarist, click on the camera icon below your son's image, and select "Opt-out."

If you are happy for your son’s image to be used for College purposes, no action is required.

Families have the ability to update their preferences regarding the use of their child’s image at any time.

James Watson
Marketing and Communications Manager

At the beginning of each year, Instrumental and Vocal Lessons commence in Week 2 of Semester 1.

Students should remember the following:

Instrument storage: Small instruments can be stored in your classroom (Junior School) or your locker (Senior School). Larger instruments may be neatly stored in their specific section in the Performing Arts instrument storeroom. Instruments should be taken home each night and on the weekend/holidays.

Instrument name tags: All instruments brought to Marist should have either a blue or yellow name tag. Blue name tags are placed on Marist’s hired instruments and yellow name tags are placed on students’ personal instruments. Please visit the Performing Arts Office for a tag.

Performing Arts folders: All students in class bands, co-curricular ensembles and the musical should have a black Marist College Performing Arts folder. These are available from the Uniform Shop. Folders cannot be left in the instrument storeroom. Students taking lessons who are not in an ensemble may purchase a display folder for handouts or a band folder.

Lesson timetable: Lesson timetables are sent to families directly. Speak to your classroom teacher and leave your classroom two minutes prior to your instrumental/vocal lesson starting time and make your way quickly to Performing Arts. Move quickly back to your class when you are finished.

Lesson locations: Lessons are in the Veritas Building in the Performing Arts area. Look out for room change signs posted near the Performing Arts office.

Ensemble schedules: Ensemble schedules for co-curricular ensembles (not class bands) are posted on the Performing Arts Co-curricular website.

Fee payments: Non-Marist teachers will soon issue invoices directly to families. Please ensure these are paid promptly as per the terms and conditions. Students who learn from Marist staff member teachers will have their lesson fees added to their school fee statement. All instrument hire fees are added to your school fee statement.

Lesson alterations: Alterations are possible with due notice. Please contact the school or the teacher as soon as possible. Cancellations to lessons can only be made within the terms of the agreement which are outlined at time of enrolment in instrumental and vocal lessons.

For any additional information, please contact Performing Arts on 6298 7255 or performingartsenquiries@mcc.act.edu.au

George Kelly
Performing Arts Assistant

The College would like to warmly invite the entire Marist community to join us for two special events on Thursday 27 February 2025 to celebrate the commencement of the 2025 school year.

Commencement Mass and Commissioning of 2025 College Leaders

Celebrate the beginning of the 2025 school year as we come together for the Commencement Mass and the Commissioning of our 2025 College Leaders, celebrated by Father Rob Galea.

Date: Thursday 27 February 2025
Time: 9:00am
Location: Marcellin Hall, Marist College Canberra

Marist House Picnic

Later that afternoon, please join us for our House Picnic. This casual, family-friendly event is the perfect opportunity to connect with other Marist families and meet those in your son's House.

Date: Thursday 27 February 2025
Time: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Oval 1, Marist College Canberra

Please RSVP by clicking here. 

Marist College Canberra is excited to host the Brumbies trial match against Western Force this Friday – and everyone is welcome!

Location: Marist Oval No. 1
Kick-off: 2:00pm

Free entry for all

Game Day Details:

Canteen open – Grab a sausage sandwich, pie, sausage roll, drink or ice block! All proceeds support the Marist Senior Rugby Tour.
Parking – No on-site parking available. Please park offsite (e.g. Pearce Oval) and walk down.
Weather – It's going to be hot, so don’t forget your hat and sunscreen!

We can’t wait to see our community come together for this exciting match – see you there!

Marist College Canberra is excited to be represented in the upcoming performance of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat”.

Running from 27 February to 15 March 2025, this timeless Andrew Lloyd Webber classic will feature a dazzling array of colourful costumes, energetic choreography, and beloved songs like “Any Dream Will Do” and “Go, Go, Go Joseph.” This heartwarming musical tells the inspiring story of Joseph and his journey from adversity to triumph.

Current Year 12 student Joshua Galang – who featured as Willy Wonka in our 2024 production of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” – will take on the role of Benjamin, showcasing his impressive talents on stage.

We are also excited to announce former student Tim Dal Cortivo as the lead role of Joseph. He is an accomplished performer who has graced the Sydney Opera House stage and worked with renowned artists such as Paul Capsis and Jon English.

Former student Joshua Walsh – a talented singer, dancer and actor – who has worked with the Royal New Zealand Ballet and is now based in Canberra as a professional Dance Teacher, will take the role of Asher.

Finally, the production’s choreography is led by our very own Year 4 Teacher, Ms. Caitlin Schilg, promising an unforgettable, energetic performance.

Dates: 27 February – 15 March 2025
Venue: Erindale Theatre, 115 McBryde Crescent, Wanniassa
Tickets: Book now and don’t miss this magical family-friendly show!

The Athlete’s Foot will donate $5 from every pair of shoes purchased by any of the school staff, students or family members back to our School. 

All you have to do is nominate Marist College Canberra at the time of purchase for the sale to be counted towards the Program Rewards. School rewards applies for every pair of shoes purchased, across the complete in-store range of adults and/or kids sports, school, work and casual shoes. 

Over the summer break, six Marist students represented the ACT at the FFA National Futsal Championships, held in Melbourne from 8–12 January. All students were outstanding ambassadors for the College and our region. The U12 Gold team narrowly missed out in the semi-finals, while the U14 team put up a strong fight in their quarter-final against host team Victoria.

Congratulations to all the boys involved. 

Marist winter sporting clubs will open their respective online registration portals in February. Please check the club websites prior to registration for more information. Parents need to ensure that their child/children are registered by the closing date of the registration period to ensure participation in that sport.

Please use the College Sports email for any clarification regarding the College’s Sporting Clubs or College Sport.

You can find links to the relevant club websites here.

Before registering for a winter sport, students need to be aware of a few details:

1. Students currently representing the College in cricket or rowing must continue to honour their commitment to training and competition even if there may be an overlap with any scheduled pre-season training of your chosen winter sport. Your first priority is to your current team. This will not negatively impact your selection for your chosen winter sport.
2. When choosing a winter sport, remember that you are expected to attend all training sessions and all games during the season. In doing so, you are supporting your coach and your teammates.
3. College sporting teams play in an age-based competition. All boys are registered to play in their appropriate age level. The College endeavours to ensure that we maximise the participation levels during competition which may occasionally require the movement of students up an age group. The College and the clubs work together to ensure that, if there is a need for this to happen, it is managed appropriately.

PREMIER LEAGUE (FOOTBALL) EXEMPTION FORMS:

Students who are considering playing for a local Premier League Football Club need to be aware of the exemption policy and submit an exemption form, which can be found on the Marist Football Club website.

Sam Norton-Knight
Head of Sport & Co-Curricular

A reminder that team photos will be taken on Monday 10 February and Tuesday 11 February, in the theatrette. Please check with your team coach or manager for your scheduled time.

Marist Hockey Club welcomes all new and returning players!

COME AND TRY HOCKEY

Hockey ACT and Marist First XI will provide a fun afternoon for anyone looking for an introduction to hockey TUESDAY 25 FEBRUARY 3.30PM - 5.00PM

2025 Winter field hockey registrations will open shortly. We would love to see any new players at our annual Come and Try Hockey Afternoon on Tuesday 25 February 2025 from 3.30pm at the College. Please contact us if you would like to register your son's interest in attending or have any questions. Details, including divisions, game days, grading, training and how to register can be found on our Winter Hockey page.

HOOK IN2 HOCKEY

Marist Hockey Club is excited to offer the introductory Hookin2Hockey program for 6 weeks in Term 1, commencing Tuesday 18 February 2025. Hookin2Hockey introduces children aged 12 and under to the game of hockey in a fun and safe atmosphere, with modified rules on a smaller sized playing area. Cost of the program is $30 plus insurance of $52.81 which will not be payable again if signing up to play hockey in 2025. Registrations can be completed here.