Year 12 Leader of Wellbeing
Mr Mark Holden
Term 3 is an exceptionally busy period for Year 12 students as they prepare for the trial HSC examinations and finalise their Major Works in Visual Art, Music and Industrial Technology Timber. The countless hours of preparation and planning are rewarded when students confidently complete their assessment tasks and submit their final major projects. The College has provided additional support throughout the Term, helping students maximise their rankings and grades in their chosen fields of study. Many students have also benefited from the post-trial workshops offered by the College, which focus on essential skills such as essay writing and investigative techniques in science.
The art room was a hub of activity as Year 12 students made their final adjustments to their Major Works. Bryson Mitchell’s sculpture stands out as an exceptional piece of art and should be considered a strong candidate for Art Express.
Once again, the Leaders set the tone for the Athletics carnival, with many students embracing the festive atmosphere of the occasion. Motivated by the leadership of Mina Moses, many students contributed to the spirit of the day by wearing a variety of costumes and themes.
Rishan Dias continues to put his legal knowledge into practice by working for Mr Tim James, the Minister for Small Business & Trade. Every Thursday afternoon, Rishan travels to Macquarie Street to assist Mr James in a bustling office dedicated to drafting new legislation and policy. His research skills have clearly improved through this experience, which will benefit him greatly as he pursues a potential career in the legal profession.
The highlight of the Term was the Year 12 Reflection Day. The College REC Mr Colm McCaughan guided students through a meaningful exploration of their faith journey. The day’s core philosophy was to help students appreciate their educational experience by reflecting on their early days at Marist College Eastwood. Small groups shared stories ranging from their first day of secondary school to their final term of Year 12. A common theme emerged from these reflections: the enduring friendships formed since Year 7.
Reflecting on their secondary education provided an excellent opportunity for students to discuss their educational journey. Throughout the Term, Year 12 students have been encouraged to recognise the power of prayer and the value of a moment of silence for their faith journey. They were advised to balance academic achievement, work, and family life to excel in their HSC.
Three students have embraced this advice by striving for excellence beyond Marist College Eastwood.
Asher Hogan has honed his dramatical skills by performing the principal role in Oklahoma and is currently involved in rehearsals for Kiss me Kate that takes place in October.
Matthew Costello has seen the fruits of his rigorous swimming practice, achieving numerous personal bests this year. A summary of his accomplishments includes:
School Sport Australia Nationals: Gold medal in the 50m backstroke, Silver medal in the 50m butterfly, and Bronze medal in the 100m freestyle
Australian Age Nationals: Bronze medal in the 50m butterfly
Xavier Redolfi, a modest and talented student, has been diligently rehearsing his major work, “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers.
These achievements highlight Year 12’s talent, determination, and resilience in balancing education with external interests—qualities that will be invaluable in their future careers.
Recently, Year 12 completed their HSC Trial examinations. I was impressed by their dedication and enthusiasm in facing this challenging period. Many students took full advantage of the College facilities, remaining on campus to benefit from their teachers’ expertise. The Learning Centre and C9 room were bustling with activity as students revised past papers and notes. The personalised timetable allowed additional preparation time and reflection on academic goals established during their mentoring meetings at the beginning of the Term. This period was also crucial for completing major works in the art room and technics rooms.
Despite the pressures of the examinations, students maintained their sense of humor and approached each day with good spirits. This preparation will be invaluable as they return next Term to complete their HSC over five weeks. They will be well-supported, with Mr Lewis, the former Assistant Principal, serving as the HSC Presiding Officer for the 2024 examinations.
On Tuesday, 24 September, Year 12 graduated from Marist College Eastwood. Their academic, social, and spiritual achievements were acknowledged during the Graduation Liturgy at St Kevin’s Parish and the Graduation Assembly at the Montagne Centre. Each student was celebrated for their contributions, with the presence of their parents, grandparents, and siblings enhancing the occasion.
The Assembly concluded with various acknowledgements, culminating in the presentation of the College Dux and the Respice Finem Award. These awards represent the essence of the Marist Pillars: Hard Work and In the Way of Mary.
I would like to extend my gratitude to the Year 12 Homeroom team for their compassionate and empathetic pastoral care, understanding the pressures students face on their journey to the HSC.