Enews - 6 March 2024

Pope Francis selected Fr. Timothy Radcliffe OP, a Dominican, to set the tone for his Synod on Synodality, a concept facing criticism within certain factions of the Church. Prior to the gathering in the Vatican for the synod, participants engaged in a three-day retreat led by Fr. Radcliffe, during which he articulated a spiritual and theological vision for the synod.

Without mincing words, Fr. Radcliffe addressed the divisions within the Church, acknowledging the apprehensions of those hesitant about the synodal journey and uncertain about what lay ahead. Some hoped for a transformative, radical change, while others feared such changes might deepen existing divisions rather than lead to renewal. Fr Radcliffe was tasked with contradictory hopes!

For some, the future of the Church is grounded in ancient traditions, devotions, and structures—a familiar and beloved Church demanding commitment and providing a clear Christian identity. Others perceive the present Church as unwelcoming, exclusive, and marginalising to groups such as women and the divorced and remarried. Their aspiration is an open Church where they can feel at home, recognized, affirmed, and safe.

Radcliffe, recognizing the inherent tension in faith, emphasized the importance of listening and conversation in the synodal process. At the retreat, he encouraged attendees to be attuned to the fears of others, especially those with dissenting views. Drawing inspiration from religious orders, he pointed out that ‘St. Benedict teaches consensus-seeking, St. Dominic promotes the love of debate, St. Catherine of Siena champions the joy of conversation, St. Ignatius of Loyola emphasizes the art of discernment, and St. Philip Neri underscores the role of laughter.’ Radcliffe underscored that conversation is a pathway to understanding, respect, and love.

Fr. Radcliffe will be the guest at the College for An Evening of Dialogue on Wednesday 13 March at 7.00 pm. The event, hosted by longtime ABC Canberra presenter Genevieve Jacobs, promises an engaging discussion, and your attendance is eagerly anticipated.

Register now to attend.

Matthew Hutchison
Headmaster

The College offers a wide variety of co-curricular activities in the hope that all boys find something they can ‘hang their hat on’ that will, in turn, sustain them even after their school days. Hopefully we offer something for all. I enjoy witnessing the improbable friendships that spring up through the natural role of being in a team with a common cause. Very few of our boys go on to be professional sportsmen or performers, but the foundation of our co-curricular program is simply about being with one another. It is the enjoyment of another’s presence – for the boys and their parents.

As the summer sports season concludes, let us give thanks for the generosity of the sport committees, the coaches, managers, and numerous volunteers who provide the foundation for our boys to learn sportsmanship, humility in victory and defeat, and most importantly, to celebrate the joy of being with one another.

Matthew Hutchison 
Headmaster 

The goal of Marist College Canberra is to create a man with a strong mind and a gentle heart. This goal is not acted out alone, but lived through an authentic partnership with our wider community. The strength of the Marist characteristic of Family Spirit, is that through meaningful engagement with the families we can co-create the fine young man.

During 2024, we are hosting a range of opportunities for parents and the wider community to help grow and cultivate the fine young men of Marist College Canberra and help us live out our Vision and Mission Statement. Our “Being Marist” parent events are aimed at faith formation, education, academic support, and wellbeing information. Each night will have a specific focus and designed to form an understanding of Marist spirituality and education.

The themes this year are taken from our 2024 Strategic Goals, with a strong focus on Healthy Masculinity, our Marist theme of First Light, and our academic and pastoral initiatives. These events are optional and each one tailored for a different part of the community. Parents, carers and the wider community are encouraged to attend the events they believe suit their interests and needs.

The events are a wonderful opportunity to engage in the wider Marist community, build relationships with staff and other parents, and also crucially, to help shape the directions of Marist College with your involvement. For example, one of our key events, An Evening of Dialogue, is not only an opportunity to listen to a prominent speaker, but to learn from those within the Marist community. It is a crucial part of building the shared understanding of who we are and what we live for.

Please click here to view the 2024 Being Marist Calendar. 

Servo Fidem.

Liam Stakelum
Deputy Headmaster

In his recent interview with the Catholic Voice, Fr Timothy Radcliffe, OP highlighted the importance of moving beyond the pursuit of “our own agendas and fighting for our hot-button topics” and the value of listening to “our brothers and sisters from other parts of the world, often crucified by war and poverty”. Quoting St Paul who travelled to the edges of the known world, Fr Timothy said we are called to have ‘the mind of Christ’ and to open ourselves to other cultures and traditions.

Expanding openness to others is a central feature of An Evening of Dialogue next Wednesday 13 March 7.00pm - 8.30pm at the College. Father Timothy will break open the theme ‘transformed on the edges’ and what this means for us as parents, educators and Catholics. Following a keynote address by this world-famous speaker, Genevieve Jacobs AM will facilitate dialogue and questions with Fr Timothy.

Commenting on his experience of dialogue at the Vatican, Fr Timothy found that instead of “just fighting for our agendas, we had to listen deeply to the profound challenges of our brothers and sisters. This does not mean we should drop our concerns and hopes, but see them through other eyes and sensitivities.”

Fr Timothy reminds us that “we can only be truly countercultural, as we need to be, if we are indeed profoundly prayerful and listen in deep silence to the Lord and each other”. Our Lenten journey offers us the gift of listening as we move further into these quiet desert spaces.

Book today to secure your place at this free event.

Nathan Ahearne
Assistant Head of School - Mission and Identity

Thank you to our Marist College Canberra community for donating to the Athletics Carnival Immersion barbeques in the Junior and Senior school. The proceeds will help support the Cambodia and Darwin and Tiwi Islands communities who are welcoming our immersion programs this year.

Congratulations to the Year 10 Christian Leadership class on their first service-learning visit to Malkara and The Woden School. The boys received a briefing before engaging with their new friends in the playground during their lunch break. Loukas Cramer (Year 10) found the experience life-giving and fun with the Junior students. Sevie de Cos (Year 10) found the experience challenging due to the struggle of communicating with Senior students in the Woden School. The Year 10 boys are looking forward to assisting the students and staff in the classroom in their next visit. I am especially proud of the boys who stepped outside their comfort zone to be present to the students.

Nick Lansdown-Weir
Student Faith Formation Coordinator

Year 9 students in Darlinghurst, Patrick, Le Rosey, Ludovic, and La Valla all participated in a spirituality session in Footsteps last Wednesday. They heard from various staff about what it means to have a living Marist spirituality.

Nick Lansdown-Weir
Student Faith Formation Coordinator

Congratulations to our Year 12 Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers! 

Last Friday morning, during our regular Mass, Father Emil Milat led the commissioning ceremony for our dedicated Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers. These individuals, entrusted with the sacred duty of assisting in the distribution of the Eucharist, were officially recognized and blessed for their service to the College congregation. The ceremony was filled with reverence and gratitude as Father Milat bestowed his blessings upon these faithful stewards. It was a beautiful testament to the strength of our community and the commitment of those who serve. We look forward to the continued guidance and support of our Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers as they fulfill their important role within our school.

Leesa Callaughan
Head of Liturgy

Semester One Goals

A reminder that Junior School Smart goals are now due. Parents are asked to refer to pages 34 and 35 of your son's Junior School diary and complete the reflection on these pages whilst having a conversation with your sons. This reflection will assist your son to complete his goals in a meaningful way.

Students are asked to set three goals that they would like to meet in Semester One. The goals can relate to any area of school life.

The link for your son to submit his SMART Goals for this semester is available on their class Canvas page in the announcements.

Craig McMahon
Junior School Head of Student Wellbeing

Thank you to the Junior School families for their generous donations so far to our Lenten Appeal. This Thursday is ‘Support Your team Day’.

Junior School Parent/Teacher Interviews are being held next Tuesday and Wednesday. Parents are asked to ensure that they have booked an interview time with their sons' teacher. Instructions on how to complete a booking were posted on the MyMarist Portal last week, bookings are still open until 9.00am on Friday 8 March.

Interviews will take place in your son’s classroom.

Week 5 – Green Week means No Homework

Week 5 in the Junior School is ‘Green Week’, meaning that the boys have a week off from completing Homework Tasks. Junior School boys are asked to find jobs around their home that they could do instead, to assist their family members.

Damien Webb
Junior School Head of Learning and Teaching

Week 6 – Junior School Health and PE Homework Week

Homework during Week 6 in the Junior School will have a Health and PE focus; these tasks can be accessed through your son’s Canvas page.

Thank you to those families who attended the Year 7 Being Marist Parent Information Evening.

In the presentation Liam Stakelum discussed the College’s goal of a love for learning among students. 

To do this, we need students to:

• “sweat” academically
• know the value of hard work
• build habits of success early (academic and wellbeing)

We learnt how to check the Screen time on your son’s phones, noting that Teens on average spend 7hr22min on screens PER day. The marked increase in screen use over the past couple of decades correlates with more mental health incidences such as anxiety and depressive symptoms.

• Parents MUST monitor and set boundaries.
• Phone must be in locker at school - no exceptions.
• The firmest boundaries at night- NO screens after 9.00pm. NO screens in bedrooms.

Sarah Mahar added that according to our national e-Safety Commissioner (2020), monitoring and restricting our teenagers’ use of social media can be one of the hardest, but smartest things a parent can do.

• Keep an eye on age limits for social media apps.
• Use social media together. Supervision is important.
• Have open conversations often.
• Role model positive prosocial behaviour online.
• Be selective about what your teenagers engage in.
• Restricting and monitoring usage is an important part of parenting.
• Avoid the set and forget.
• Avoid confiscating digital devices as a consequence for poor behaviour – instead use restorative justice.
• Avoid ‘sharenting’.
  

Darren Leech also discussed Academic Tips for studying. The expectation in Year 7 is that students will study on a Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening. This may be completing homework or doing assessments (note assessment calendar which has been emailed to you). If they are up to date, instead they could do some self quizzing using keyword glossary pages or make flash cards, ensuring that the study environment is free of distractions, for example working at a kitchen table where study can be supervised.

Previous newsletters on this topic can be found below:

• Wellbeing Tips
• Screentime Dilemma

Naomi Whitehead
Year 7 and 8 Coordinator

Year 7 Camp – A time for Adventure and Brotherhood

Year 7 Camp was an unforgettable adventure filled with exploration, excitement, and valuable lessons. From beach fishing to coastal hikes, surfing to snorkelling, and an enlightening session on Indigenous culture, our boys had an enriching experience.

Surf's up! Year 7 camp wouldn't be complete without hitting the waves and experiencing the thrill of surfing. From beginners to seasoned riders, our boys embraced the challenge, honed their skills, and conquered the surf. Meanwhile, snorkelling adventures offered a glimpse into the underwater world, where vibrant marine life and colourful coral reefs captivated their senses. Beach fishing wasn't just about catching fish; it was about patience, teamwork, and connecting with nature. As our boys reeled in their catches, they learned the importance of perseverance and respect for the marine environment. Guided by knowledgeable instructors, our boys embarked on a coastal exploration hike that unveiled the beauty of our natural surroundings.

Les, an Indigenous Loreman and Custodian of Land left an indelible mark on the boys with his insightful words and teachings. During a poignant moment, he emphasised, "You may not be friends at school, but now you are all brothers." He guided the boys through the bush, teaching them to walk in line from youngest to oldest, emphasising the importance of silence to hear the snake and the assurance that their big brother always has their back.

On the last day, a morning ceremony welcomed Grandfather Sun. The boys took the opportunity to express gratitude and thankfulness for the experiences and connections made during the camp. It was a beautiful moment that fostered a sense of unity and appreciation among the students.

Student Reflections:

Several students shared their thoughts on the camp:

• "Home sickness: I found the Cure!!! It's reading!"
• "We have got a couple of spondonicals missing!!"
• "That was kind of satisfying. The perfect bite of the burrito."
• “I don't care about the hot chocolate. I just want to shower and sleep."

These reflections capture the varied emotions and experiences each student encountered, from overcoming homesickness to savouring the simple pleasures of a well-enjoyed meal.

The success of the Year 7 Camp wouldn't have been possible without the dedicated teachers who supported the boys throughout the week. Their commitment, guidance, and enthusiasm created an environment where the students could grow, learn, and form lasting connections. A heartfelt thank you to all the teachers involved for their unwavering support.

Gerry Dwyer
Senior School Teacher

In Week 3, we welcomed fourteen Year 11 students and two teachers from our Sister School in Fukui, Japan to our College. The students, both boys and girls, were hosted by the families of some of our Japanese language students and their families. Both the visiting Japanese and Italian students were welcomed by Deputy Headmaster Liam Stakelum with a morning tea followed by a Welcome Assembly with all of Year 11.

The opportunity for the students to get to know each other and to practice their English and Japanese was the highlight of the visit. The Asuwa students also participated in a variety of different lessons such as Gum leaf Gelli printing with Jo Evans, learning to play Buroinjin with Peter O’Callaghan, a taste test of kangaroo sausages and crocodile, as well as lamington and pavlova making with Erinn Elliot, drumming with Jarrod Schindler and a library lesson looking at Australian animals and children’s books with Karen Collins

On Thursday 22 February, Ping Zhou and Kyla Burch accompanied the group on a tour of Canberra. They visited the National Exhibition Centre, National Gallery of Australia and the National Museum including a picnic lunch in Nara Park.

The Asuwa students also spent time in Junior and Senior School Japanese classes where students were able to get to know each other better and we were able to learn origami, Japanese games and even some of the latest words and expressions used by young people in Japan. The Japanese language students were eager to continue to improve their language skills.

We would sincerely like to thank the staff who provided lessons and to our wonderful host families for their generosity and hospitality.

Kyla Burch, Sarah Grimes and Ping Zhou
Senior School Teachers

Two weeks ago, a group of our students and their families went to the Jolimont Centre in Civic to greet their exchange buddies, visiting from Galileo Galilei High School in Italy. The two groups had been in contact with each other since meeting in Siena in October for the first time during the Marist Study Tour to Italy and everyone seemed in high spirits on their arrival.

After greeting one another, the students went to their Canberra families to get changed before meeting back in Civic for dinner at the Multicultural Festival. The group spent Sunday at home with their host families before arriving at the College on Monday morning for a tour of the school and a day of learning in the classroom.

Tuesday was also spent at the College with their buddies before heading to St. Clare’s College and then to the Philip swimming pool on Wednesday afternoon.

The week ended with some sightseeing around the city and a dinner on Friday evening which the students had organised. The weather forecast was ideal on the last weekend with everyone setting off bright and early for South Durras on the coast where the students swam and a had a picnic before saying their goodbyes.

This was the first time that we have been able to welcome a group of Italian students to Marist and thanks go to the Executive and hosting families for all of their support in this wonderful adventure.

Joshua Smith
Senior School Teacher

On Wednesday 28 February, our Year 9 students participated in the first of two Footsteps Kick Off Days. The day included a rotation of various activities related to mental health, spirituality, and team building.

One of the most anticipated sessions was conducted by Prime Effect, a company committed to making mental fitness fun and engaging by connecting with participants through intriguing storytelling and easy-to-use strategies. Led by former Raiders players David Shillington and Jarrod Croker, students learned how professional athletes not only maintain a healthy body but also a healthy mind. The sessions were divided into two parts: an indoor discussion and an active outdoor ball skills session.

David and Jarrod delved into what good mental health and fitness actually look like, and how being in a state of well-being can help us cope with normal stresses and continue working and operating productively. Importantly, David spoke about the "mental health continuum," which demonstrates that like many things, mental health is on a spectrum that is constantly moving. The important thing to know is that the goal should not be to stay in the same spot, but rather to be aware of where you are on the spectrum and adjust your daily routine accordingly. For example, being aware of your circle of influence, using pressure to your advantage, and building a strong foundation by meeting basic needs.

Finally, the session covered some practical exercises that can be done daily to help with our mental fitness. These activities aligned with the students' work in Resilience Project classes and included practicing gratitude, recognising and using our strengths, and practicing mindfulness, which focuses on being present and enjoying what you have right now.

For more information, please visit the Prime Effect website. Next up in Footsteps is our first round of rotating activities. Year 9 parents and students should keep an eye on Canvas announcements.

Matthew Rowland
Footsteps Coordinator and Indigenous Relations Officer

Last chance to apply for the Richard and Roma Flynn Music Bursary – Applications close this Friday 8 March 2024.

The Richard and Roma Flynn Bursary originated in 1997. Both Richard and Roma had a long association with Marist education, a talent and love of music, and a strong interest in providing educational opportunities for young musicians.

In 2024, the College is offering a number of bursaries to assist students in Years 10 to 12 with their musical performance studies on their choice of instrument or voice.

The criteria on which the bursaries are granted include:

• A strong commitment to College life
• A strong commitment to formal musical studies and the musical life within the College, and
• A deep interest in music, commensurate with the student’s musical ability.
  

The duration of the Bursary is one calendar year. The Flynn Bursary provides the recipient with a remission of a portion of school fees, musical tuition and music books for the school year.

Students wishing to apply for a Flynn Bursary must submit an application form providing details of their musical interests and studies. Click here to access the application form.

The application must be received by Friday 8 March 2024 in Week 5.

The application must be addressed to:

Mr Matthew Hutchison
Headmaster
Marist College Canberra
PO Box 727 Mawson ACT 2607

The application may be emailed to headmaster@mcc.act.edu.au.

Jarrod Schindler
Head of Performing Arts

College Open Day

The 2024 College Open Day will be held on Friday 5 April over two sessions between 4.30pm to 7.00pm. This is a great opportunity for families to meet our teaching staff, speak with our co-curricular club coordinators, learn about the importance of service within our community, and meet current students to hear about their personal Marist journey.

As spaces are limited, please encourage any friends or family to register as soon as possible.

Open Day - Session 1 - 5 April 2024 4.30pm

Open Day - Session 2 - 5 April 2024 5:30pm

Enrolments now open

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 Friday 31 May 2024 to be considered for enrolment starting in 2025.

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.

Each term I meet with representatives from ACTION and ACT Transport on a range of issues. Apart from the normal scheduling challenges, one of the key items raised is the challenge of the traffic on Marr St.

With the growth of students in our community, it is important to remind our parents of our social responsibility to the residents of Marr St. They often live with the impact of being next to Marist, and occasionally there are areas of tension. Occasionally, I know some parents park across driveways or access points, making it hard for the residents to leave their homes. I also know that the “line up” to get into the College often extends far beyond Marr St and even curls around down to the roundabout on Athlon Dr on busy days. This line up clogs up Marr St preventing the buses from arriving at their scheduled time and puts pressure on the end time of their service. The congestion often makes Marr St unsafe and creates an environment of frustration for all.

My plea to you is to help avoid this line up as much as possible. The secret tip, and one that I tested last week, is to ask your son to meet you on Petherbridge St at Pearce Oval. There is a direct pathway that leads to Pearce Oval that takes no more than 2 minutes for your son to walk. I can guarantee you that if you pick your son up at Pearce Oval, not only will you avoid the mess of Marr St, but also be able to pick your son up and depart much faster. If you live within a few kilometres, consider asking your son to walk or ride home from school. Not only are we living in a much safer time statistically, it allows our sons to build independence, and contributes to a cleaner environment.

Liam Stakelum 
Deputy Headmaster

The College holds a Student Care Insurance Policy with Catholic Church Insurance (CCI) to assist families in the event a student suffers an injury while engaged in a school activity or an endorsed program, such as a sporting or co-curricular activity. Claims accepted by CCI provide a level of coverage for personal accidents and a range of related expenses as well as other allowances in line with the policy. The claims process is managed directly between the family and the insurer CCI. The College does not have visibility of the claim, or the claim process once lodged with CCI.

It is important to note that the policy is limited in its coverage and does not cover the Medicare gap or anything payable under Medicare. Given this the College recommend that families have their own separate private health insurance.

To make a claim please contact the College’s Risk and Compliance team via 62987200. We will check the College has a report of the injury and will provide information on how to make a claim and who to list as the College contact.

Marist Winter Sporting Clubs will have online registration processes opening during February, so 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 Colleges Sporting Clubs or College Sport.

You can find links to relevant club websites here. 

When considering registering there are a couple of points which all students need to be aware of:

1. Students currently representing the College in cricket or rowing: you must continue to honour that training and playing commitment even if there may be an overlap with the pre-season training of your chosen winter sport. Your first priority is to your summer team. In doing this you will not be disadvantaged in your winter sport selections.
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 team mates.
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 require the movement of students up an age group. The College and the clubs work together to ensure if there is a need for to this happen, it is managed appropriately.

PREMIER LEAGUE (FOOTBALL) EXEMPTION FORMS

Students who are considering playing for a local Premier League Football Club need to complete the Exemption form which is found on the Marist Football Club website. 

Paul Mead
Head of Sport

Several Marist boys competed at the NSW Country Championships Competition held at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre from 16 February to 18 February. This 3-day event attracted numerous swimmers from 67 clubs across NSW. The Marist boys achieved notable success, as outlined in the following results:

• Indiana Phillips (Year 11) Top ten finalist 5 events.
• Matthew Gilbert (Year 10) Two Silver medals (50/100m Breaststroke) & top ten finalist.
• Aidan Papas (Year 9) PB 50m Freestyle.
• Jovern Loh (Year 8) Two Bronze medals 50/100m Breaststroke & top ten finalist 7 events.
• Lucas Sloan (Year 7) Gold medal 50m Backstroke, Silver medal 100m Backstroke, Bronze medal 50m Breaststroke & top ten finalist 2 events.
• Thomas Irvine (Year 7) Top ten finalist 4 events.
• George Salter (Year 7) Top ten finalist 2 events.
• Kian O’Connor (Year 6) Top ten finalist 2 events.
• George Pirie (Year 5) Bronze medals 200IM, 50/100m Fly & Top ten finalist 3 events.

Perry O'Connor
Senior School Teacher

Great individual efforts by Vivan Passi (Stage 2 Sapphire) taking a hat trick and Aarush Patel (Colts div 2 Blue) taking 5/13.

Congratulations to the eight teams who won their semifinals and are through to grand finals this weekend:

• Stage 1 Royal
• Stage 2 Light
• Stage 2 Sky
• Stage 2 Sapphire
• Stage 2 Indigo
• Stage 3 Sky
• Stage 3 Midnight
• Colts Div 2 Blue

A reminder that the Presentation Night is on Monday 25 March at 6.00pm.