What's On - 22 February 2023

A reminder to all families that Tuesday 28 February is Moderation Day. This is a non-school day for all Junior and Senior School students.  

Game Changers is starting for the year. Boys are always welcome to join throughout the year, but we’d love for them to be part of it from the beginning of the year. It’s a great opportunity to grow as part of a small group who want to explore the big picture, learn about their faith, and develop skills.

For more information, reach out to Mr Lansdown-Weir.

All groups meet in the Oratory (the building with the banner next to the Canteen) at lunch, except for Year 12 who meet in V8, the Inclusive Education room opposite the Oratory.

Nicholas Lansdown-Weir
Student Faith Formation Coordinator

Marist Blue Community, Aleppo – Earthquake Appeal

We are all shocked and saddened by the destruction and loss of life resulting from the recent earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.

Since 2012, the Marist Blue Community has provided support and aid to many families in Aleppo, Syria. The community is made up of Catholics and Muslims, mostly young people, and has consistently provided aid to many people throughout the tragic war. Fortunately, their Centre wasn’t damaged and so they have been continuing to support victims.

On behalf of the Marist Blue community, we are seeking your help.

Donations can be made through the Marist International Solidarity Foundation website. 

The General Director of FMSI, Andrea Rossi, has provided some information about the assistance being prioritised. He wrote:

“Examples of the types of intervention that can be supported include: 

1. Water supply, construction and/or repair of sanitation facilities, provision of health services, medicines
2. Construction of emergency shelters and initiation of emergency food programmes
3. Distribution of emergency non-food items (such as: tents, tarpaulins, blankets, mosquito nets, buckets, jerry cans, cooking utensils)
4. Protection and support activities for the local population, refugees or displaced persons.

100% of the funds will go to humanitarian aid."

You can learn more about the Marist Blue Community here.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Peter Hawes
Assistant Head of School - Mission and Identity

This program is an opportunity for students and their families to deepen their Catholic faith through the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, First Holy Communion or Confirmation). It is open to students from Years 7 -12 who are considering one or all of these Sacraments. Sisters of these students are welcome to participate in the program and receive the sacraments as a family.

The actual design of the program will be partially dependent on the needs of the candidates, it will involve a mix of twilight sessions for the family and weekly sessions for the students. These will mostly be held here at school. Priests from the local parishes will also be involved in various sessions and families will need to connect with their parish. The Sacraments will be received within each student’s local parish in and around Pentecost on 28 May 2023.

To register for the program and for any further enquiries please contact Head of Liturgy Leesa Callaughan.

Leesa Callaughan
Head of Liturgy

This Friday 24 February the Junior School will be hosting our inaugural Lunch on the Lawn. We invite all parents to come and share a picnic lunch with their sons during our lunch time. Bring a picnic lunch, grab some take away, a hat and a picnic rug or chairs and enjoy a casual and fun opportunity to meet your sons' Marist friends, as well as the Junior School staff and other parents in our Junior School community. This event is for all (new and returning) Marist Junior School families. Drop in for 10 minutes or stay for the whole hour – we don’t mind.

Date: Friday 24 February
Time: 12.30pm on Lindwall Oval

If you have not already done so, please RSVP here. 

During weeks 5 - 8, the Junior School will be holding their 2023 Lenten Appeal. Boys are invited to come dressed in the theme of the day and to donate a gold coin for each Lenten appeal day.

Families may choose to send a gold coin donation each week with their son, or they may choose to send in a larger donation on the first week, to cover the whole of the Lenten Appeal.

Money will be collected in classes, by our Junior School House Captains each Wednesday.

This year we will be dividing our funds between the Blue Marists in Aleppo and Australian Marist Solidarity projects.

In Keeping the ANZAC spirit alive, the Sub-Branch of the R.S.L has conducted an annual essay competition for primary school students in Years 5 and 6 since 2002. 

The essay topic for 2023 is:

‘Australia’s participation in the Vietnam War 1963-73 -What were the attitudes and perceptions of the Australian community towards that participation?'

The essays will be judged by a panel comprising members of the Sub-Branch of the R.S.L and a representative of the ACT Education Directorate. The best three essays will be selected and the winning student will be awarded a prize of a plaque, a medallion and $250. Runners up will each be awarded a medallion and $125.

The judges will be looking at six criteria which students are requested to address. It is against these criteria that the judging panel will make its decision.

Compulsory Criteria:

The two compulsory criteria must be met in an essay. If any compulsory criterion is not met, the essay cannot be awarded a prize.

• An original essay of approximately 400 words.
• The essay must address the writer’s views on the topic.

Subjective Criteria:

Each essay should address the following to help determine a ranking:

• Readability
• Presentation
• Sentiment (emotion)
• Reference to family experience and/or connection

If you would like any guidance in the writing of your essay, I am available during Tuesday Defence Clubs at recess and lunchtimes. Essays need to be completed and handed to Mr Webb, Junior School Head of Learning and Teaching or Mrs Pfieffer, Defence Transition Mentor no later than Tuesday 14 March 2023.

Junior School Parent Teacher interviews will be held in Week 6 on Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 March. 

More information will be provided to parents soon about booking your interview using the online booking system. 

These interviews are critical to ensuring your sons can develop their individual learning goals - we encourage all parents to make a time for these important meetings.  

Richard and Roma Flynn Music Bursary – Applications close Friday 24 February 2023

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 2023, 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. Application forms should preferably be typed. Click here to access the application form.

The application must be received by Friday 24 February 2023.

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

Expressions of interest are being sought from students in Years 7-12 to represent Marist College at the upcoming Rostrum Voice of Youth Public Speaking Competition.

We are hoping to enter six students, one from each year level. Students will deliver a prepared speech at Radford College on Tuesday 21 March, at 5.00pm, and if successful will advance to the next round. 

As names need to be registered by Friday 24 February, please discuss with your son(s) and email Leanne Herron if you are interested.

This co-curricular event is a valuable opportunity for boys to extend their language and oratory skills in a creative manner, receive valuable feedback from the judges and watch their peers deliver their speeches as well.

Leanne Herron
Teacher

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. 

For students who need to purchase a blazer, the Uniform Shop will be conducting 15-minute blazer fitting appointments starting Monday 6 March.

Fittings will take place during regular shop hours:

Monday: 8:00am - 1:30pm
Tuesday and Thursday: 12:30pm – 5:30pm
Saturday 18  March and 1 April: 9:00am – 12:00pm

If you know your size and do not need a fitting, you can purchase your blazer online or in store.

If you need to book your blazer fitting, log on to your online customer account to book your 15-minute blazer fitting or contact the Uniform Shop by email or by phone (0432 707 901) during opening hours.

A reminder that the blazer is a compulsory part of the College's Term 2 uniform requirements.

In the event the pre-ordered blazer needs to be exchanged for an alternate size, uniform shop staff are able to assist with fitting and exchange at the shop.

We are delighted to announce that the Mothers and Grandmothers Afternoon Tea will be held this year on Wednesday 29 March. 

We are looking forward to welcoming Marist mothers, grandmothers and other important women in our students' lives to this special community event. 

This event has now reached capacity, you can still click here if you would like to register your interest and be added to our waitlist. 

Congratulations to Matthew Gilbert (Year 9) who won silver and bronze medals at the NSW/ACT Swimming Country Championships in the 14 years boys 100m breaststroke, 200m freestyle relay and 200m medley relay.  

Congratulations to Leandro Ballon (Year 5) who has been selected to represent Australia in the Australian 10 Years Futsal Team that will tour Vietnam later this year. Leandro has been competing at the NCFC representing the ACT since he was 7 years old. This year his team were crowned the Under 10 Boys National Champions.  

Marist Mountain Biking Club rides start on Thursday 9 March (Week 6) for students in Year 7 and up. For more information, please pick up an information pack from outside of the Jubilee staffroom. 

Dean Moran 
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 Sporting Clubs or College Sport.

Links to our individual sporting club websites can be found here. 

When considering registering there are some points all students must 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 this needs 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 complete the exemption form. More information can be found on the Marist Football Club website.

Paul Mead 
Head of Sport                

The ACT School Sport has changed the process for applying and participating in Sporting Trials.

Anyone interested in trialling for the various regional sports, now need to log onto the ACT Sports Website and register for the sport that your child wishes to trial. It is the responsibility of parents to monitor the website for any upcoming sporting events, if your child is interested in competing in the regional competitions.

Please also note if your child is successful in being selected for an ACT team to participate in a national or regional tournament, a formal written letter is required, addresses to the College Deputy Headmaster or Head of Junior School to seek permission for absence from school during this period. Once the College has received such a request it can then be formally approved for your son’s participation in this activity with ACT Schools Sport. Secondly, we will also be able to acknowledge his achievement in the College Newsletter.

Paul Mead
Head of Sport 

A select group of Senior and Year 10 rowers made the trip up the highway to the Sydney International Regatta Centre for the 2023 Rowing NSW State Championships. The forecasted extremely hot conditions eventuated with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees on Saturday. Well done to all who competed and congratulations to the following boys for making the finals:

• Darcy James – U19 Single Scull
• Charlie Carter – Schoolboy single Scull
• Charlie Carter & Austin Bennie – Schoolboy Double Scull
• Garvan Hayes – U17 Single Scull

Marist Rowing Club were represented on the podium by the following boys:

• Harrison Brathwaite – 3rd U16 Single Scull
• Jesse Rosin – 2nd U19 Single Scull
• Jesse Rosin & Darcy James – 1st and NSW Champions U19 Double Scull

Massive thanks go to our coaches Taylor, Peter and Tom as well as the parents who assisted over the weekend, Mark for towing up the boats, Lachlan Carter (Year 7) for coxing the Year 10 quad and the ACT Academy of Sport staff for their assistance.

Danny Rosin
Marist Rowing