Enews - 7 February 2024

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 choosing our Marist community to work in partnership with you, in the formation of your sons. We wish all every blessing for the year ahead.

The commencement of a new academic year at Marist College Canberra is always a transformative experience, impacting the mind, spirit, and body. One moment, life is relatively serene as you enjoy the last days of summer holidays, and the next, you find yourself amidst what can feel like complete chaos. This sentiment holds true for both students and staff alike.

In particular, Year 7 and Year 4 boys find themselves at the forefront of this radical change. Year 7 students, having ascended the ranks in Primary school, now face the challenge of starting anew. Meanwhile, Year Four boys wander the College in awe of its size, the multitude of peers surrounding them, and the vast array of school life. The novelty and enormity of it all can be breathtaking.

On the other end of the spectrum, we have the Year Twelve boys who are commencing their "Long Goodbye" to the College. Their return marks the final occasion they come back from summer break, and throughout the year, they will be checking off each school milestone as a last. It's a unique mix of emotions.

Those familiar with the College quickly adapt, slipping back into the routine as if they were never away. Assemblies, classes, breaks, sports, music, prayers, and numerous other aspects of school life fall into place. Despite the drastic change in lifestyle, Marist College Canberra seamlessly functions, and before we know it, the academic year is in full swing, with the once unfamiliar becoming commonplace, and the College adopting its own distinctive rhythm.

The arrival of all students was made all the more special with the completion of the Veritas building. There will be an opportunity for families to view the building at various times during the year. The first occasion will be at the House Picnic evening on Thursday 15 February and the following night at our New Parent Welcome function.

In conclusion, what words of advice can we offer to everyone returning for the new academic year? Following Marcellin's guidance, let us pray for God's blessings on Marist College Canberra in the year ahead. Then, get stuck in and contribute to College life in some way or other. Avoid procrastination, stay on top of your work, engage in daily sports activities, join clubs and activities that capture your interest, and challenge yourself. Above all, practice kindness towards yourself and others.

Christ in the Rubble

During the holiday break, we were acutely aware of the suffering in Ukraine and the Holy Land. Amidst the pervasive darkness and conflicting objectives on all sides, achieving peace appears to be an insurmountable challenge. The image below, created by artist Kelly Latimore and titled ‘Christ in the Rubble,’ conveys a profound message: if Jesus were born today, he would be 'under the rubble.'

While most of us are not directly involved in resolving geopolitical conflicts, we can serve as beacons of hope for one another and advocate for what is right and just within our own communities. We consistently encourage our boys to exemplify Gospel values such as human dignity and forgiveness, urging them to embody courage and act with integrity in the face of injustice and discrimination.

In light of these global challenges, we ask you to intensify your prayers for peace. Our thoughts are with all those affected by these distressing conflicts, and we earnestly call upon all combatants to choose the path of courage and peace.

Year 12 Results

We were so pleased for the Class of 2023 with their achievements in the Year 12 Certificate last year, as most of the class made the most of their intellectual gifts. There was also much to celebrate with five boys achieving an ATAR above 99 and over 53% achieving an ATAR above 80. We are looking forward to recognising and celebrating this success at the Academic Assembly in a few weeks.

Ash Wednesday- filled with good intentions

What are we going to do between the time we get these ashes and the time we actually become them? This is the question posed to each one of us in the rite of blessing and distribution of ashes next week. “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.”

Year after year, we come to this holy season of Lent and year after year, we are filled with good intentions. We review the ashes of our lives and resolve to do something about them. Somehow, despite all our good intentions, we seem to hold onto our ashes. We don’t give these ashes to God. In Lent, God is waiting to take the ashes of our lives and exchange them for love and tenderness.

Ashes are everywhere in our lives; give them to God this Lent.

Matthew Hutchison
Headmaster

Welcome back, as we commence the 2024 school year.

The beginning of a new school year always brings about a time to reflect and make big plans. It is likely that new year resolutions meant a change of diet, a new gym regime, or commitment to improve in some way. These plans often take great energy in the first month and then begin to drift as the challenge of a busy life sets in.

This year, there will be a strong focus at Marist College on the powerful Marist characteristic of “Love of Work”. It will be a theme that we visit in many ways across all year groups, hopeful of building a love of learning and hard work in our students. It is important to note where this Marist characteristic grew from.

One of Marcellin Champagnat’s most known qualities was his zeal and passion for hard work. A farm boy in rural France, we know that he worked hard with his parents and was also a gifted tradesman and mason. As a leader, Champagnat took on the task of building the first Brothers House, L’ Hermitage, literally crafting it from a dense rock cliff. Early sources say that he was first to pick up the pick axe and last to put it down, and loved the physicality of work for work’s sake. He saw the graft as a vital step in reaching a goal.

In many ways, instilling a love of work in our boys is part of our core business. Each year I speak with many employers who are seeking out Marist boys for jobs, stating that they know Marist boys will work hard. It is work ethic that helps you become successful - persistence, determination, and sacrifice. All qualities that Marcellin has engrained deep into the Marist spirituality.

Hard work at school takes many forms. A commitment and pride in bookwork. A willingness to sacrifice time on computer games to complete homework tasks. Effort in every assignment, regardless of how they view the subject or topic. It take a conscious effort that needs support from teachers and parents. Over the course of the year, the staff at Marist will challenge your boys in these areas, providing support, encouragement, and sometimes a little push in the right direction. It is all part of the long journey to developing a work ethic.

I wish your son all the best for the year with lots of hard work, effort, and ultimately, hopefully, a love of hard work for work’s sake.

Liam Stakelum
Deputy Headmaster 

The 2024 Marist theme ‘FIRST LIGHT Reveal the Spirit’ challenges us to take a step into the unknown and to be transformed on those edges. To paraphrase the French explorer, Andre Gide, we cannot discover new oceans unless we have courage to lose sight of the shore.

Throughout this year, we invite you to explore new ways of being a Marist community who reveals the Spirit to those who find themselves on the edges of society. We believe that good quality dialogue reveals something of the collective spirit.

An Evening of Dialogue with Father Timothy Radcliffe (Wednesday 13 March) will provoke much food for thought and prompting for action. The event will be hosted by Genevieve Jacobs AM and we recommended booking early for this free event with a world class speaker and author who recently delivered a three day retreat for the Pope and Cardinals in the Synod on Synodality.

Following the rise of AI or Artificial Intelligence, Fr Emil Milat the new Parish Priest at Mary Help of Christians Parish suggests we should seek the assistance of HSI - Holy Spirit Intelligence. At the Staff Commencement Mass, Fr Emil said this form of intelligence is far from artificial and not based on complex mathematical algorithms. Rather, it takes place as an encounter between spirit and life, in surprising ways, calling us to share our gifts in the service of others.

We look forward to delving into the richness of our Marist theme this year with students, staff and broader Marist family; to be the leaven which causes everyone to rise together. In the beautiful image for our theme (below), taken at Standley Chasm in the West MacDonnell Ranges, we see that 'first light' is not always that of the dawn - and so we also await the coming of the Holy Spirit in unexpected times and places this year.

Nathan Ahearne
Assistant Head of School - Mission and Identity

At recess on Tuesday 13 February, our Service Captains will be raising money for Caritas by making pancakes in the area between Inclusive Education and the Senior School.

All students (Years 4 - 12) are welcome to purchase, with funds supporting various projects around our region. Cash and card will both be accepted.

1 Pancake: $2
3 Pancakes: $5
Whipped Cream: 50c

Nick Lansdown-Weir
Student Faith Formation Coordinator

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

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

To register for the program, please click here.

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

Leesa Callaughan
Head of Liturgy

Students in Years 4 - 6 in 2024 seeking the Sacraments are invited to enrol in preparation programs which are run in their Parishes. Details will be available at the beginning of each year from your local Parish office. In the case of MHoC, Reconciliation and First Holy Communion runs at the start of the year requiring registration now.

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

Leesa Callaughan
Head of Liturgy

The Marist Minute, a monthly publication, offers a short reflection on life, faith and being Marist. These reflections invite the Spirit into our lives as we praise and listen to God in the minutes of our Marist journey. It is about recognising and inviting God into our everyday moments.

To read the latest Marist Minute, please click here.

What a wonderful week we have been having with our Junior School boys this week. On Monday we welcomed our new boys with great excitement and some light rain to start the day. Tuesday, saw our returning boys back at school, with both our classes and hallways full of chatter and laughter. 

I have been impressed by the calm and settled classrooms to start the year and thank our dedicated Junior School teachers for ensuring the boys have had a positive start to the school year.

Junior School Parent Information Night

Next Monday 12 February we invite all Junior School parents to attend our annual Parent Information Night to meet your son's teacher and other class parents. The evening will start at 6.00pm in the Senior School Hall and then progress to the Junior School classrooms. Parking will be available through Gate 1. Please note that this event is not for students and childcare is not provided.

Shrove Tuesday Pancakes Years 4 - 12

When: Tuesday 13 February recess time
Where: Between the Canteen and IED building
Cost: 1 for $2, 3 for $5 and whipped cream will be an additional 50 cents.
Payment: Cash or card

Worry Stacking

I have recently learnt about ‘worry stacking’! Reading an article by Dr Justin Coulson, I discovered the new term of worry stacking - when children or teenagers (or adults) lose control over something that may, to others, seem tiny or insignificant.

Dr Coulson explains that over time, anxiety or worry from small or minor concerns can accumulate to a point where our young people cannot deal with the situation or make sense of their feelings and/or reactions to it. This compounding effect results in an overwhelming sense of stress or anxiety that is more suited to an emergency situation. He states that a lost school hat, can literally feel like a life or death situation in a moment of stress or anxiety.

As we start the new school year, I believe it is worthwhile to share this resource with you all as it may be helpful. Dr Coulson clearly explains what we as adults are able do, using three simple steps to assist our young people in these situations.

1. Relationship and Connection
2. Build Competence
3. Support Autonomy 

Kirsty Bell
Head of Junior School

A reminder to all Junior School families that if your son is making a Catholic Sacrament this year, that they are required to be enrolled in your Parish to receive the Sacrament. Whilst we as a school prepare the boys for their Sacraments, the actual Sacraments are received in your Parish.

Parish of the Transfiguration: North Woden - Sacramental Program

First Reconciliation Sacramental Program for prior students of Saints Peter and Paul School, Garran, or Holy Trinity School, Curtin, or residents of Curtin, Lyons, Phillip, Garran, Hughes and O’Malley.

For more information please contact the Parish office by email or by calling 6281 3999.

Mary Help of Christians 2024 Sacramental Program 

Enrolments for the combined First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion program are now closed, however if your child has completed their First Reconciliation, is in Year 4 or above and would like to make their sacrament of First Holy Communion this year, please enrol now. You can visit the Sacraments tab on the MHOC website for further details about the program and how to enrol. The First Holy Communion program will commence on Wednesday 13 March.

Corpus Christi Parish - Sacramental Program

Enrolment for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation at Corpus Christi Parish are now open. Parents can register their children using the Corpus Christi Parish Qkr! App. Enrolments will close on Friday 12 April. For more information, please click here or visit their website.

St Christopher's Cathedral School of Religion- Sacramental Program

Confirmation Classes start on the Tuesday 2 April, 6.00pm-7:30pm in St Peter Chanel's Parish Room, Yarralumla. Confirmation will take place on Saturday 18 May 2024 at the 5.00pm Vigil. First Holy Communion will start on 9 May for 2 June and First Reconciliation starts on 4 June for 3 July. Please contact the Parish office or website to enrol or for more information.

Welcome to 10 Houses in the Junior School. 

2024 marks the beginning of an exciting journey for the boys in Junior School as they become part of the 10 College Houses. By aligning the Junior School with the 10 Senior Houses (previously having 4 unique houses), we have created more leadership opportunities for boys in Year 6 as well as more individualised support through smaller numbers in each house, stronger relationships with their peers in their house and increase in camaraderie and team spirit. There is a sense of excitement among the boys and the staff as we make our way through this new experience this year. 

Think U Know – Cyber Safety

The College will be hosting a ThinkUKnow presentation on Tuesday 13 February at 6.00pm in the Junior School Hall.

All Marist parents and carers (4 - 12) are encouraged to attend. Students in Years 4–6 will also attend Year–level cyber safety presentations from the AFP in Week 3.

ThinkUKnow Australia is a cyber safety education program that educates parents, carers and teachers on how people are using technology, the challenges they may face online, and how to help them overcome these in a safe and ethical way.

ThinkUKnow is a partnership between the Australian Federal Police, Commonwealth Bank, Microsoft Australia and Datacom and delivered in partnership with all State and Territory police and Neighborhood Watch Australasia. The cyber safety presentations sensitively cover a range of topics including sexting, cyber bullying, online child exploitation, online privacy, and importantly what to do when something goes wrong. Presentations are aimed at parents, carers and teachers and young people from Kindergarten to Year 12.

The presentation will be delivered by a local AFP, law enforcement member and an industry volunteer. The presentation covers issues relating to children and young peoples’ privacy and security online, their relationships with other users and their online reputation. It provides insight into the devices young people are using, as well as the popular websites, apps and social networking sites they’re accessing. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn more about young people and the online environment, and how you can help them to be safe and responsible users of technology.

For more information, you can visit the ThinkUKnow website or contact Craig McMahon in the Junior School.

Please RSVP by COB Tuesday 13 February.

Craig McMahon
Head of Student Wellbeing – Junior School

I hope that all of our Marist Families had a restful break, and all are feeling refreshed and ready for another year at the College.

On Monday and Tuesday next week all the boys in Year 4 and any new students in Year 5 and Year 6 will be undergoing PAT (Progressive Achievement Tests). The College will use data from these tests to create more individual learning for all students and to help the planning of future teaching opportunities Students do not need to be worried, as they are simple and non-invasive assessments and completed all online. Classroom teachers and I will be in the Junior School Hall to assist the boys.

As homework begins for all classes this week, the following are the expectations for students are:

40 minutes per night Year 4
50 minutes per night Year 5
60 minutes per night Year 6

All boys are required to complete weekly homework, and this will be followed up by classroom teachers.

Next week, Semester Overviews will be emailed out to all families. These will outline the academic focus for each year group and give some guidance to what the boys will be studying. Please speak to classroom teachers if there is any clarification required.

Damien Webb
Head of Learning and Teaching – Junior School

The annual Marist Junior School Swimming Carnival will be held at the Queanbeyan Swimming and Leisure Centre on Monday 19 February 2024 (Week 3). The boys will be transported to and from the Centre by bus, leaving Marist at 8.50am and returning before 3:00pm. On the day boys are encouraged to swim in the events that they are capable of completing competently. More information on the carnival will be sent home in the coming days.

The Junior School Athletics Carnival is on Wednesday 6 March (Week 5). Junior School boys have started the semester's Physical Education with Athletics events in preparation for the Athletics Carnival in Week 5. The boys will learn and develop their skills in field events including shotput, discus and long jump, and 100m and 800m time trials. Due to the school's size, results from these Physical Education lessons will help select finalists for the Athletics Carnival.

Will your son trial for ACT representative teams this year?
Parents must monitor the School Sport ACT website for upcoming trials in a variety of sports. Not all of these dates come through Marist and so parents are urged to regularly check the website to avoid missing key events. Please note, not all sports are covered by SSACT. Certain sports e.g. Rugby Union, will use various methods, including social media, to promote trial dates.

As the new school commences, we extend a warm welcome to the following new staff:

Damien Albuquerque, Kate Bettison, Julianne Bolton, Eamon Darragh, Patrick Elliott, Jeandré Fourie, Dylan Fox, Craig Harris, Allison McCudden, David Mennie, Michael Monagle, Perry O'Connor, Sam Papasidero, Sam Rathmanner, Sengmany Sanoubane, Caitlin Schilg, Matthew Schreuder, Angela Small, Vince Toohey and John Watkins. 

To learn a little bit more about our new staff joining us in 2024 please click here.

We also extend our best wishes to the following staff assuming positions of responsibility in 2024:

• Nathan Ahearne – Assistant Head of School – Mission and Identity
• Grant Barclay – Project Officer Data Analytics 0.4FTE MSA
• John Watkins – Head of Ministry and Solidarity
• Michael Monagle – Haydon House Dean
• Matt Calder – Patrick House Dean
• Tony Sullivan – Le Rosey House Dean
• Dixon English – Ludovic House Dean
• Dylan Fox - Head of Acceleration and Enrichment
• Matt Rowland – Footsteps Coordinator
• Sam Rathmanner – Head of Digital Technologies
• Karen Billingham – Acting General Coordinator
• Allen Boston – Acting Assistant Head of Science
• Patrick Elliott – Assistant Head of HAPE
• Carmelina Paragalli – Acting Trek Coordinator
• Tamara Armstrong – Acting Assistant Trek Coordinator

We offer our best wishes to the following staff who are taking leave in early or all of 2024: Samantha Cousens, Phil Corson, Dean Moran, Katherine Dickson, Maggie Runciman (Haigh), and Simon Brown.

We welcome back Tom Guinane, Michelle Izzard and Luke Croker from their refreshing and enjoyable long service leave in 2023.

Glenn Slater
Assistant Head of School – Staff and Community

I see you... I am here

“Sawu Bona” is the Zulu equivalent of saying “hello” in the English language. Literally translated, this means “I See You.” If you lived in the northern parts of Kwazulu-Natal in South Africa, this is how someone would greet you. In turn, you would reply by saying “Sikhona,” which means “I Am Here.” This translation was shared with our Marist staff last week during our professional learning spirituality session, as we reflected and explored our 2024 Marist theme, First Light – Reveal the Spirit.

Exploration of the theme, First Light, encourages reflection on how we see others within our Marist community and beyond. From the perspective of pastoral care, our House Group Leaders during our staff wellbeing session took the time to consider how within their groups they can ensure each individual is known and loved. In exploring the notion of I See You, each of the House Group Leaders reflected upon a holistic approach to pastoral care. The House Group Leaders discussed ways in which they can cater for the five elements of wellbeing - relational, emotional, intellectual, physical and the spiritual needs of individuals and the group as a whole.

Our pastoral team, including the Heads of Wellbeing, House Deans, Year 7 and 8 Coordinator, College Counsellors, Assistant Deans, House Group Leaders, classroom teachers, as well as our collective Marist staff, are committed to ensuring each of the boys at Marist from Years 4 - 12 are known and loved.

Sarah Mahar
Assistant Head of School - Wellbeing and Engagement

From the Head of Senior School Wellbeing

As the school year commenced, the opening of the school gates marked the return of our students, bringing with it a sense of excitement and enthusiasm. The energy of our boys in the corridors set a wonderful tone for the start of the 2024 academic journey.

An area deserving acknowledgment is the high standard exhibited by our students in terms of uniform and grooming. It is commendable to witness our students taking pride in their appearance, showcasing a commitment to upholding our standards. This collective effort will no doubt contribute significantly to cultivating a positive and respectful culture throughout the school in 2024.

Additionally, the transition of the boys back into the school routine is a testament to their diligent efforts. Both staff and students have successfully adapted to several changes this year, including the introduction of new Houses and buildings. This marks an exciting period for the school, and undoubtedly, 2024 will offer numerous opportunities for our boys.

Justin Wood
Head of Senior School Wellbeing

Exploring our 2024 Marist theme; First Light - Reveal The Spirit, the Captains have decided the Marist College Canberra Captain’s theme of 2024 will be ‘Let Your Goodness Grow.” For us as students, “Let Your Goodness Grow” encapsulates the ongoing development of Marist boys, as they continue to prosper into fine young men. We believe every student attains a unique gift. This year we hope to encourage them to utilise and display these gifts, to not only let their lights shine, but specifically to grow the goodness they obtain.

This week at our first Senior School Assembly for the year, the Captains will be launching this theme with a “Pot Plant’ initiative for each House. Symbolically, the flower for each house will be a visual representation of the goodness we hope to grow not only in the flower, but within ourselves as Marist boys. Every few weeks, we will have updates at assemblies on each House flower, to see the growth we hope to witness in that of the flower, and through all Marist boys collectively in 2024.

Sam Laria 
College Captain

The Library is open to Senior School students before and after school for study, homework and assistance with research assignments.

Please note the updated Library opening times for 2024

Monday to Thursday: 8.00am – 5.00pm
Friday: 8.00am – 3.15pm

Karen Collins
Head of Library and Information Services

On behalf of the College community, I extend our deepest sympathy to Junior School Teacher Michael Lloyd on the passing of his father, Mr Bob Lloyd, who died peacefully on Sunday 4 February aged 77 years.

The Lloyd family has experienced much sadness these past 12 months, and we hope the loving memories of their parents will help ease their pain.

Michael’s parents (Karen and Bob) were very active in our school community and their three sons, Michael, Andrew, and Chris all attended the College.

Please keep Michael, Allison, their sons Charlie (Year 9) and Sam (Year 11), and their extended family in your thoughts and prayers at this sad and difficult time.

Glenn Slater
Assistant Head of School - Staff and Community

Please join us on Thursday 15 February from 5.00 -7.00pm for a Marist House Picnic to celebrate the Commencement of the 2024 school year! This event is open to all Marist families. Come and enjoy the evening with your family and meet your son's House for a picnic.

Date: Thursday 15 February 
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Oval 1 - Marist College Canberra

The picnic will be held on Oval 1 with each family meeting at their designated House Marquee. We are looking forward to the opportunity for our Marist families to meet, catch up and spend time within their Marist House. It would be appreciated if you could indicate your attendance here.

As school recommences for Term 1, we are reminding parents and carers to please drive and park safely and legally, at and around school grounds.

We all have an important role to play in supporting road safety. Access Canberra has notified us that mobile speed and parking vans will be in operation to support our students’ safety.

These enforcement teams play a critical role in supporting our students get to and from school safely and we thank them for their ongoing support.

In addition to sticking to the speed limit, please remember to park safely – including not parking across pedestrian crossings, in no stopping zones, on corners, verges and double parking.

Unsafe and illegal parking can reduce visibility of our students and motorists seeing each other, creating a significant hazard when students cross the road. Let’s work together to keep our kids safe.

The College has revised its response to COVID-19 to reflect the latest healthcare and ACT Government advice. Please note that:

• The College no longer requires a COVID notification if your son tests positive or is a household contact
• If your son is feeling unwell he should stay home and not attend the College. Inform the College of his absence via normal channels as outlined here
• The College’s Learning Management System, Canvas, is available for classwork and resources, if your son is well enough to access these.

Please note that staff and students are also not permitted to attend camps, tours or activities involving an overnight stay if they test positive 24 hours prior to departure.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 students, staff and visitors are asked to:

• Stay up to date with vaccinations
• Proactively manage their healthcare needs with their GP
• Stay home if unwell and get tested for COVID-19
• Practice good personal hygiene
• Physically distance 1.5 metres
• Wear a mask in indoor public spaces.

Kathy Mumberson
Governance, Risk and Compliance Manager

The College has received a high number of requests from new families joining our community in 2024 for seats on all Marist bus routes on the North Side Bus Service.

If your son/s no longer require the use of the North Side Bus Service, please email the College Registrar as soon as possible. This would allow us to allocate seats to students who are currently on the waitlist.

Thank you for your understanding and assistance with this request.

Donna Gill
College Registrar

CDC Canberra has introduced significant bus service changes, including new and refined school routes, to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and overall quality of service. These changes were implemented at the beginning of Term 1 on January 30, 2024, and have been made after careful consideration and consultation with Transport for NSW. To view these changes please visit the CDC Website or contact the customer service team for any questions or concerns.

The Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment asks all schools to provide residential address and other information as required, under the Australian Education Regulation 2013, for all current students.

For more information, please click here. Please note this is for information only and no action is required by parents and carers.

The Senior School Swimming Carnivals will be held on Monday 12 February. All Senior School students are required to attend, with the competition based upon age groups. While some general information can be found below, parents and caretakers are encouraged to refer to the Notice that was sent out today on MyMarist for more detailed information.

General Information

1. House colours or PE uniform must be worn on the day.
2. The venue canteens will be available for purchases from lunchtime. However, please pack your son’s recess and lunch and do not rely on them purchasing food.
3. No footballs, glass or valuable items are to be taken into the pool. Staff will be available at the venues to care for wallets, watches and other valuables.
4. Students not participating in swimming events because of injury or illness are expected to attend and supply a note to the teacher acting as the student’s House Mentor upon arrival.
5. Parent spectators are most welcome. The venues may charge a fee for spectators. We ask that parents stay in the designated spectator’s area and not sit with the boys or in the marshalling area of the carnival. We need to ensure we keep our staff and boys COVID safe.
6. Should parents wish to collect their son from the venue at the completion of the carnival, they are requested to speak personally with the venue coordinator AND the staff House mentor. A signed note will also suffice if students are not returning to the College by bus.
7. The carnival replaces Day 6 on the timetable.
8. Students driving - Seniors driving are required to be registered with the College. Seniors travelling to Tuggeranong and CISAC as House officials are expected to travel on the buses with the juniors.

Paul Mead and Richard Aitchison
Head of Sport and Assistant Head of Sport 

This year, we are entering Junior School teams in a co-ed Water Polo competition with Canberra Girls Grammar School students. The competition will run from February 16 until March 22 and caters for players of all abilities. Previous experience is not required. 

Games will be held at CISAC on Friday nights from 6.00pm - 8:30pm. Any boys in Year 4, 5 and 6 who are interested are asked to email Peter Henry. Registrations close at the end of Week 1.

Peter Henry
Junior School Teacher

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

Futsal

Congratulations to Andy Rakic (Year 10), AJ Rakic (Year 10), and Michael Pratezina (Year 11) who represented the ACT in the National Futsal Championships on the Gold Coast over the break. The team remained undefeated throughout the competition and emerged as the champions after a 5-2 victory against NSW Metro in the Grand Final. Andy Rakic also received the joint title of U15 Player of the tournament. Well done boys and congratulations to all Marist students who represented the ACT in the tournament.

Athletics

Congratulations to Jacob (Year 12) and Kieran (Year 9) Shepherd who competed at the Australian All Schools Athletics Championships held in Perth in December 2023:

Jacob Shepherd: 4th place in 3000m and 7th place in 1500m with a personal best.
Kieran Shepherd: 1st place in 1500m, 2nd place in 800m with a personal best.

CONGRATULATIONS!

The RNSW Small Boats Regatta was held at the Sydney International Rowing Centre (SIRC) in Penrith on Saturday 27 January 2024. Congratulations to Harrison Braithwaite and Mitchell Wadie!

1st place: Men's Under 16 Single Skull - Mitchell Wadie (Year 10)

1st place: Men's Under 17 Single Skull - Harrison Braithwaite (Year 11)

Updates:

Firstly, for what has been traditionally a family holiday time and with Rowing preparation limited to the last week of the break – the numbers of students who committed to training throughout the holidays was terrific. Thank you to the coaches who gave of their time over the break.

Thank you also to parents and guardians for your continued support through either driving your sons to training or assisting eg Kate Reed and her band of helpers with the Bunnings fundraiser and the local regatta ‘Canteen’ or assisting ACT Rowing in a voluntary capacity at the regattas.

ANU Regatta Results- Saturday 3 February 2024

The first regatta of the calendar year was a huge success! Well done to all our rowers. A big thank you to our amazing coaches for their time and continued commitment during the holidays. Thank you also to our volunteers for assistance with the Canteen and our wonderful photographer Colette Hayes for capturing some great images from the day.

The ANU Regatta saw a number of rowers improve personal best times and the many, many medals awarded recognised and reflected the hard work put in by rowers and their coaches – well done!

Volunteers Required for Upcoming Regattas

The MCCRC Canteen will continue to operate for the remainder of the season. In addition to refreshments, we will also be selling branded caps & drink bottles.

Rowing ACT also requires volunteers from each club to assist in various roles at each regatta. MCCRC is required to assist with Pontoon volunteers for the regattas outlined below.

Saturday 17 February - ACT Head of the Lake Regatta, Weston Park

Sunday 24 February - NSW School Boy Head of the River (SBHOR), Sydney International Rowing Centre (SIRC), Penrith.

Your continued support is greatly appreciated.

Best wishes for this weekend- NSW Rowing Championships

This coming weekend a small group of rowers will contest the NSW Rowing Championships – an age event – up at the International Rowing Centre in Sydney. We wish them every success.

SAVE THE DATES:

Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 February: ACT Head of the Lake and ACT Championships

Sunday 24 February: NSW Schoolboy Head of the River SIRC Sydney

Tuesday 26 March: The 2023/24 Season Presentation Evening will be held at Marist College on the evening of Tuesday 26 March. Please save the date. Details will be provided in due course.

The season resumed this week in fine, hot weather. The First XI had a gritty win over Grammar thanks to an unbeaten partnership between Alex Gunn (Year 12), 102 not out off 100 balls, and Arnav Gupta (Year 12), 89 not out off 81 balls.

In a College derby between Colts div 2 Navy and Light, Will Hyson (Year 10) scored 81 for Light, then took 5/15.

In the other Colts div 2 match, Sachin Liyanage (Year 11) for Marist Blue fell agonizingly short of a ton, scoring 98 off 97 balls.

Archie Bourke (Year 8), Stage 3 Midnight, scored a hat trick in his 4/10 off 3 overs.

Ben Callaway (Year 8) took 6/32 off 6 overs for Stage 3 Royal against Grammar. Also, for Stage 3 Royal, new Marist player, Ethan Golder (Year 10), scored 40 off 29 and took 3/3 off 2 overs. A great start to his career with the Club!

Well done to Stage 3 Sky , which has made it through to the T20 grand final against Tuggeranong this Wednesday 7 February at Phillip Oval.

Wayne Cassidy
Marist College Cricket Club Information Officer