What's On - 20 November 2024

Community Carols will be held on the lawns of the Junior School before the celebration of Christmas Eve Mass on Tuesday 24 December. Carols will commence at 5.30pm, followed by Mass at 6.00pm. All families and friends of the College are welcome. Please bring something comfortable to sit on.

Students in Year 7-12 are invited to the first session of a Youth Alpha program on Monday 25 November from 5.30pm - 7.30pm at Hayden Hall, 55 Franklin St Forrest (Behind St Christopher’s Cathedral). The program is presented by young adults and is offers a conversation about life, faith and purpose. The Archdiocesan Youth Office is inviting young people who are not baptised or confirmed, not Catholic, or don’t get to Church much or at all. Food will be provided. 

Enrolments for Mary Help of Christians 2025 Sacramental Program for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion open 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 to 7.30 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.

For further information please contact the Parish Sacramental Coordinator.

A reminder that on Wednesday 4 December 2024, the College will celebrate the Graduation of our 2024 Year 12 class. This year’s celebration includes a whole school Graduation Assembly during the day, followed by a Graduation Mass in the evening.

We are kindly requesting contributions from Year 7 families to help provide food for the afternoon tea. The College will also be supplying beverages and other food items to cater for the planned celebrations. Together, we will be catering for approximately 700 guests. A suggested list of items and further details about drop-off times and locations were included in the letter recently sent to you.

• Donations can be dropped off on Wednesday 4 December, between 7.40am and 9.00am, at the College Chapel.
• Prepackaged items can also be delivered to the main College reception on Monday 2 December or Tuesday 3 December 2024.

Your support plays a vital role in making this event special for our graduating students and their families. We thank you in advance for your generosity.

For more information, please refer to the letter sent out last week.

A friendly reminder that if you need to pick up your son early for any reason, please contact the College before your arrival. 

To report an absence, late arrival, or early departure, text 0428 262 674 with the following details: your son's name, Year and House, reason, and time/date of absence. We encourage you to save this number for future use.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us ensure smooth communication and the safety of all our students.

Junior Library book return dates

Please note that all Junior School library books are due back by this Friday 22 November.

Senior School textbook and Library books due back

Please note that all Year 11 textbooks must be returned by this Friday 22nd November.

All Year 7 – 10 textbooks are due back by Tuesday 3 December.

With summer holidays just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to dive into Wheelers ePlatform—Marist College’s digital library of eBooks and Audiobooks, accessible anytime, anywhere. Whether relaxing at home or on the road, students can choose from a fantastic selection to keep up their reading over the break. Audiobooks are especially great for family road trips, and with a wide range of titles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!Simply download the ePlatform app from your mobile device's app store or access it on compatible e-readers.

Instructions for each device can be found here.

Students will need to use their school ID and password to set up their account.

If you have any questions or are looking for a recommendation to keep everyone engaged, feel free to contact the Library Staff.

Karen Collins
Head of Library and Information Services

Join our graduating musicians for an entertaining evening of diverse musical styles and genres at The Pot Belly at 5/26 Weedon Close, Belconnen, ACT 2617.Music will include a range of pop, rock, classical, experimental and more!

The Pot Belly has a full-service bar and a dinner menu of super tasty pizzas, burgers and sides.

The Pot Belly is a licensed venue so people under 18 years of age are welcome but must be under the responsible supervision of a parent or carer.

Performers should ensure their parents have provided permission directly to their teacher.

Tickets are $10 each

Year 8 Spotlight Drama students will be presenting their semester long projects next week. Join us for an evening of theatre and film on Wednesday 27 or Thursday 28 November.

Tickets are free but bookings are essential. Students have worked in small production groups on either a play or short film project.

Lord of the Flies (play) and 3 short student films
Date: Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 November
Time: 5.00pm
Location: Veritas Theatre, Veritas Building
Cost: Free event but bookings are essential

Applications close Friday 29 November 2024 at 4:00pm (Week 17)

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 2025, 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, music books for the school year and the captaincy role of Flynn Music Leader/s.

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 29 November 2024 at 4:00pm (Week 17).

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

This year we are again asking members of the Marist Community to join us in making a difference to people’s lives, by making donations of non-perishable foods, toys, gift cards, toiletries, Christmas items, sporting equipment, school supplies etc. Essentially, anything that would make your Christmas an enjoyable one can be donated. We do ask that all gifts remain un-wrapped so they can be easily identified and given to the right families. Also, please ensure any food given has an expiry date beyond six months so families have plenty of time to consume it.

Donations can be made through House Group and hamper baskets have been distributed among House Group leaders.

Marist Vinnies group would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support throughout the year and wish you and your family a very happy Christmas.

Lorraine Gannon
Head of Social Science

Bring a picnic and your family and friends to The Canberra Times Carols by Candlelight.

Stage 88, Commonwealth Park
Saturday 7 December from 6.30pm.

Entry is free.

This year marks the 80th Carols by Candlelight, so we would particularly welcome those with a long-standing interest in the event to join us.

The Carols are brought to you by The Canberra Times, Woden Valley Youth Choir, 2CA/2CC, National Capital Authority, Canberra Southern Cross Club, Eclipse Sound and Lighting, ECG Electrical, Canberra City Band and charity partner Lifeline.

Paul Osborne
Woden Valley Youth Choir