Year 12 – Parent Welcome

30 January 2026

Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome to the 2026 academic year. I hope the Christmas break provided a valuable opportunity to rest, reconnect with family and friends, and prepare for the year ahead. As your sons begin their final year of schooling, I look forward to supporting them as they navigate the challenges, growth, and memorable experiences that Year 12 brings.

This year, our student leaders have adopted the theme Serve with Love, Work with Strength, reflecting the Marist pillars of In the Way of Mary and Love of Work. These values will support students as they encounter the opportunities and challenges of their senior year. We are also embracing the Marist theme for 2026, Full of Grace, encouraging students to recognise and embody God’s love in action – a message that aligns beautifully with the leaders’ chosen theme.

To help ensure a smooth start to the year so that together we can focus on our core purpose: Faith, Formation, and Learning please read through the details below. It is a privilege to continue walking alongside your sons as they enter their final three terms at the College. 

College Expectations
The College maintains a well-established grooming and uniform policy, which all students are expected to uphold each day. Students must be clean-shaven and maintain neat, moderate hairstyles. Year 12 students are required to wear the senior tie daily and present themselves respectfully in full College uniform. On Thursdays, any student unable to wear the full sports uniform must attend in the standard College uniform.

Attendance and Punctuality
Consistent attendance is essential for academic progress and personal development. Students should attend school every day unless they are unwell. Attendance at College community events – including Carnivals, Retreat, Reflection Days, and Mass – is also expected.

Punctuality is an important life skill, particularly as students prepare for life beyond school. If your son is late or absent, please record this information promptly through Compass.

Changes to Thursday Sport
For 2026, Thursday sport for Year 12 has changed. To allow for additional study time and continued participation in sport the following will be taking place

• Term 1- The year group will be split into three groups and will move through a rotation of sporting activities and study each week. (For example Week 1- Group 1: Gym, Group 2: Soccer, Group 3: Study)
• Term 2- Sport will be optional for students to participate in, otherwise all students will be in supervised study groups
• Term 3- Study lessons in subjects. These are organised by timetable lines.

NB- Any student who is selected into a representative team is expected to attend sport and participate in their team.

Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are not to be used at school. If a student needs to make a call during the day, he may request permission from the Year 12 Leader of Wellbeing Office or Student Reception. To reduce disruptions to learning, parents and carers are asked to contact the College directly rather than phoning their sons during school hours.

Access to Eastwood Shops
Year 12 students who consistently meet College expectations – including behaviour, punctuality, uniform standards, and engagement in learning – will be permitted to visit the Eastwood shops during recess and lunch. This privilege is a reflection of the trust we place in our senior students to demonstrate maturity and responsibility. Students who do not meet expectations may have this privilege reviewed or revoked. We appreciate your support in discussing with your son the importance of making sensible choices while representing the College in the wider community. Please ensure to provide consent on the Compass event to allow your Son access to this privilege. 

Driving

As our Year 12 students increasingly travel to and from school independently, we ask for your assistance in reinforcing safe and respectful driving behaviours within the surrounding school community. Please remind your sons to follow road rules diligently, keep noise to a minimum, and avoid lingering near their own or neighbours’ vehicles, including refraining from playing loud music. It is also essential that driveways and access points remain unobstructed at all times. Your support helps us maintain positive relationships with local residents and ensures a safe and considerate environment for all.

Key Dates
Please note the following important dates for Term 1:

• Friday 13 February: College Swimming Carnival
• Tuesday 3 March: College Open Day (Year 12 dismissed at 12:15pm and required to return at 6:15pm to assist with pack-up)
• Monday–Friday 16–20 March: Year 12 Retreat Program (students will attend either Monday–Wednesday or Wednesday–Friday, depending on SCS sport commitments)
• Tuesday 31 March: Year 12 Parent–Teacher Interviews (1:15pm–7:00pm), students dismissed from 12.15pm 

Communication
Effective, open communication between home and school is vital to ensuring each student’s success and wellbeing. If you have any concerns regarding your son’s academic progress, wellbeing, or circumstances outside of school that may affect his learning, please do not hesitate to contact me directly via the school number 9858 1644 or my school email linda.murphy@syd.catholic.edu.au.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. I look forward to a positive, productive, and rewarding year for all our Year 12 students.

Kind regards

Linda Burland-Murphy

Year 12 Leader of Wellbeing