From the Assistant Principal
Mr Daniel Fallico
Our new Year 7 students were welcomed into the Marist College Eastwood community early in Term 1 and they have had a very positive start and engaged themselves in all aspects of College life. This has not been achieved by just luck, but rather by the example set to them by the older students. What is most pleasing is to see this modelled to our older students by their parents who have supported the College at Open Day, College Swimming Carnival and the high participation and attendance at information evenings and College events. This truly exemplifies how authentic it is when we speak about a strong sense of “Family Spirit”.
I often challenge the students to be of action, and for this action to align to our beliefs and morals. What aligns to this concept is high expectations. Keeping our students accountable for what they do and how they do it, not in an inspectorial manner, but rather to challenge and support them to be the best version of themselves as we walk with them and beside them on their learning journey. This support is evident in our afterschool library study with many staff members staying back to assist students as they complete homework or work on upcoming assignments. It is evident in the large number of volunteer coaches we have for every sport that we can possibly offer, agreeing on most instances to arrive at the College after the end of the day to support students’ sporting desires. The opportunities given to our boys through various events and initiatives such as Duke of Ed, Year 7 camp, Year 12 retreat, Friday Chess and so on, are for their benefit; to grow and learn in our Marist way to be of Strong Mind and Gentle Heart.
As Term 1 concludes, I would like to strongly recommend parents to talk to their son about the term that has been. To ask them what they have learned and their reflections on the start of the year and also what successes they have achieved and affirm them. Possibly ask them “how” or what led to this success. We should never underestimate positively engaging with our boys on their learning journey and letting them know they have the support of both their teachers and parents.