From the Principal

Mr David Sullivan

Dear Parents, Carers and Students,

What an extraordinary and action-packed term it has been! From the sporting fields to the debating podiums and from the quiet intensity of the chessboards to the spiritual reflection of Champagnat Day, our community has truly shone.

As we distribute our Semester 1 reports and reflect on the academic milestones achieved during the recent Semester 1 Assessment Tasks, I want to congratulate every student who strived for their personal best. Have a safe, restful break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed for Term 3.

Faith and Community

Champagnat Day Celebrations
Our finest tradition was on full display as we celebrated Champagnat Day. The day began with a beautiful, whole-school Mass honouring our Marist heritage and St. Marcellin’s vision of Humility, Simplicity and Love of Work. Following the formal proceedings, students and staff dove into our annual games and activities in the afternoon. Thanks to your incredible generosity of our parents who attended and ensured the boys were well fed and had a great day.

St Kevin’s and Marist College Eastwood Parish Mass
On Sunday 26 April we co-hosted our first Marist College Eastwood Parish Mass at St Kevin’s. Our students performed the music, participated in the service (readers and altar servers) and staff were Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers. The plan is to try and have one of the Masses every term to strengthen our connection with St Kevin’s and our local Catholic Community.

PCG Trivia Night
The rivalry was fierce, the laughs were loud, the trivia was wonderfully obscure and the teachers left with the winners trophy (as we should expect). A massive thank you to our Parent Community Group (PCG) for organising a spectacular Trivia Night. It was fantastic to see parents, teachers, and friends come together to support the school. 

Old Boys Association: Website Update
Keeping our community connected past graduation is a vital part of our school spirit. The Old Boys Association officially launched its brand-new website update in Term 2 (LINK). The refreshed platform features easier networking tools, historical archives, and upcoming event registration. Head over to the new website via the link above or via the main school website to update your alumni details.

Academic & Co-Curricular Excellence

Semester 1 Assessments and Reports
The mid-year academic cycle is now complete. Semester 1 Assessment Tasks concluded smoothly, with teachers impressed by the dedication and preparation shown across all year levels.

• Report Distribution: Semester 1 reports have now been officially distributed via the Parent Portal.
• We encourage parents to sit down with their children to review their feedback, celebrating successes and setting tangible goals for next Term.

CSDA Wednesday Night Debating
Our wordsmiths have had an outstanding season in the Catholic Schools Debating Association (CSDA) Wednesday night competition. Facing tough competition from across the region, our teams argued with logic, poise and sharp wit. A special shout-out to Ms Alyssa Gatenby-Moore for organising, coaching and inspiring our debating teams.

Sydney Catholic Schools Chess Competition
The strategic minds of our Chess Club were put to the test at the Sydney Catholic Schools Chess Championships. Competing against dozens of schools, our Junior and Intermediate teams showed remarkable patience and tactical brilliance, placing in the top tier of the tournament. The future of chess at our College is incredibly bright.

Sport Spotlight: Champions Abound
On Tuesday 16th June, Marist College Eastwood attended Sydney Olympic Park to hold its annual Athletics Carnival. The day was a fantastic success and the Sports Department cannot thank the staff enough for the work they did to ensure it ran smoothly. Students had the opportunity to compete in 10 Championship events as well as the regular novelty events on the day and a large number of students chose to participate in all of these events. A special congratulations must go to these students who fronted up for their House time and time again to earn selection to the next level and gain points for their Houses. Our House champions for 2026 were Leopold.

It has been a historic term for our representative sports teams culminating in unforgettable three Conference Grand Final victories in Week 10, Term 2.

We were also fortunate enough to have athletes compete in a number of Sydney Catholic Schools Representative carnivals and associated representative teams. We were represented in NSW CCC (Combined Catholic Colleges) Cross Country, NSW All Schools Golf and SCS (Sydney Catholic Schools) Table Tennis to name a few key achievements. A massive congratulations to all the players, coaches, and the army of supporters. You have made us incredibly proud!

Respice Finem

From the Assistant Principal

Ms Melinda Alvarez 

Term 2 has been a rich and purposeful time in the life of the College, marked by strong learning, meaningful relationships and a deep sense of community. At Marist College Eastwood, we remain committed to supporting the holistic development of the young men in our care. This means nurturing their academic growth, strengthening their wellbeing and forming them in the Marist tradition so they may become Good Christians and Good Citizens. Our classrooms continue to be places of curiosity, challenge and encouragement, where students are supported to strive for their personal best. Equally, our wellbeing programs focus on belonging, resilience, respectful relationships and the quiet confidence that comes from being known and valued. This integrated approach reflects our guiding principle of keeping students at the centre of all we do.

Throughout the term, our students have engaged wholeheartedly in College life. They represented the College with distinction in Debating, demonstrating disciplined preparation, critical thinking and respectful dialogue. Their commitment to teamwork and intellectual curiosity reflected the Marist value of love of work and the development of confident, articulate young people.

Our Careers Alumni Evening brought together past and present students in a powerful celebration of aspiration and possibility. Alumni generously shared their pathways and insights, offering inspiration and practical guidance. This evening highlighted our commitment to preparing young people for life beyond school with courage, clarity and purpose.

The Mother’s Day Breakfast was a joyful celebration of the women who nurture, guide and support our students. The warmth of the morning reflected the heart of our Marist family spirit, reminding us of the importance of relationships and gratitude in the life of our community.

Champagnat Day remains one of the most significant celebrations in our calendar. Through prayer, liturgy and community activities, students honoured the legacy of St Marcellin Champagnat and reflected on what it means to live our motto, Recipe Finem—to keep the end in view. The day invited us to deepen our commitment to humility, service and faith.

The Athletics Carnival was a vibrant expression of house spirit, teamwork and joyful participation. Students encouraged one another, competed with enthusiasm and celebrated collective achievement. The simplicity and energy of the day reminded us of the importance of balance, wellbeing and shared celebration.

Across all these moments, Our Marist Way – shaped by following Jesus in the way of Mary and lived through Simplicity, Presence, Love of Work, Family Spirit and In the Way of Mary – has been evident. Our mission, vision and values continue to guide our work with young people, forming them into men of character, compassion and purpose.

As we look ahead to Term 3, we do so with gratitude for the many ways our community has flourished and with renewed commitment to walking together in the Marist tradition, developing strong minds and gentle hearts.

Religious Education Coordinator

Mr Colm McCaughan

Term 2 was another uplifting and faith‑filled season in the Religious Education Faculty as we continue to grow in our mission of sharing the Good News with our community.

Week 4 brought one of the highlights of the term: our annual Mother’s Day Mass and Morning Tea. More than 300 mothers joined us for a beautiful celebration, enriched by a heartfelt student‑made video expressing gratitude and a renewed commitment to being better sons. Jack Kennedy’s moving reflection on his own mother left more than a few eyes glistening.

Year 11 enjoyed a vibrant and joy‑filled Reflection Day with Chris Doyle from Karis Ministries, exploring the theme of Discipleship in everyday life. Many students remarked that it was the most enjoyable Reflection Day they have experienced at the College, especially with Chris’ trademark energy in getting both staff and students up singing. Year 9 also engaged deeply in their Reflection Day with Your Choicez, unpacking what healthy relationships look like in an increasingly sexualised culture. Their day concluded with their annual Year Mass celebrated by Fr Pawel, beautifully highlighting the connection between the Sacraments and daily living in our Catholic tradition.

Our largest celebration of the term was the Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat. We were honoured to welcome Bishop Tony Percy, one of Sydney’s new auxiliary bishops, who was struck by the strong sense of faith present in our community. The whole school Mass was a joyful and reverent occasion, with the boys singing the hymns and school song with pride. Guests commented on the palpable spirit and warmth that filled the hall.

In the classroom, our students continued to engage thoughtfully with their learning. Year 7 explored Sacred Scripture and its significance in the life of the Church. Year 8 examined what it means to be Alive in Christ through the Sacraments of Initiation. Year 9 delved into the diverse forms of Biblical literature, while Year 10 completed a rigorous essay on how the Sacraments of Service are lived out meaningfully in contemporary society.

A particular joy this term has been the reintroduction of the Rite of Christian Initiation for 13 students seeking to receive their sacraments. Remarkably, nine of these boys have asked to be baptised, our highest number yet. Their desire to enter more fully into the life of the Church is a powerful testament to the faith, witness and spirit alive among our staff and students.

Onwards to Term 3!

Champagnat Award Recipients

Congratulations to the following students and staff who received this prestigious Marist award.

Year 7

Shengen (David) Ruan	Noah Maiolo	Min Ki Kim

Year 8

Luca Pezzano	Jeremy Azzi	Benjamin FitzGerald

Year 9

James Wu	Cyrus Bousha	Coen Jones

Year 10

Sione Ham	Christian Bechara	Abraam Hanna

Year 11

Zachary O’Donoghue	Justin Chu	Heath Stewart

Year 12

Patrick Gittani	Oscar Fitz Gibbon	Kevin Lu

Teachers Award

Ms Tina Bambagiotti	Mrs Marilyn Elias

Celebrating Years of Service to Marist Education

Ms Emily Mattick – 10 Years	Mrs Maria Buda – 20 Years	Ms Sarah Davis – 25 Years	Ms Linda Burland – 40 Years	Mr Martin Mooney – 40 Years

English

Ms Rachel Deligiorgakis – Leader of Learning – English

Across the semester, students have been steadily building confidence in their writing and deepening their understanding of how language shapes meaning. In English all our students have been busy writing. Students in all years have been experimenting with structure, tone and style, and through this, learning to make deliberate choices as writers. This focus on craft has strengthened their ability to communicate effectively and has laid strong foundations for the diverse units of study undertaken not just in English, but in all their subjects.

Our Year 11 English teachers were excited to introduce the new Stage 6 English syllabus to our students, who responded with equal enthusiasm. Students in English Studies completed a new unit, Australian Voices, in which they conducted interviews exploring migrant experiences and designed personal crests to represent the stories they uncovered. In English Standard, students analysed the film The Truman Show, learning about the diverse possibilities of storytelling in the film medium. Year 11 Advanced undertook a comparative study of postcolonial narratives, examining Shakespeare’s The Tempest alongside the Indigenous Australian anthology film We Are Still Here to compare the way narratives of colonisation shape and reflect societal attitudes and values.

Our junior students have also explored a rich variety of texts and ideas. Year 7 began their high school English journey with a range of short stories, before they immersed themselves in Tristan Bancks’ gripping novel Detention, developing insight into how authors craft characters to invite us into experiences outside of our own. Year 8 brought great energy to their study of Jack Davis’ Honey Spot, demonstrating enthusiasm and flair as they acted out key scenes and explored themes of identity and cultural understanding. Year 9 deepened their appreciation of the bildungsroman genre through S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders, examining how young adult fiction can illuminate the complexities of adolescence. They also entertained their peers (and their teachers) with highly persuasive speeches about how to improve their school experience. Year 10 challenged themselves with their first close study of Shakespeare, analysing how ambition, power and moral choice shape the tragic arc of Macbeth.

Students across the school also benefited from a number of enrichment opportunities beyond their regular classroom learning. Year 12 Advanced students attended the Sport for Jove symposium on The Tempest and Hag‑Seed, gaining valuable insights through live performance and academic discussion. Year 7 concluded their study of Detention with a hands‑on drama workshop, allowing them to see how written stories evolve into staged productions.

We look forward to another semester of reading, writing and literary discovery ahead!

Mathematics

Ms Susan Turnbull – Leader of Learning – Mathematics

It has been an incredibly busy and productive term in the Mathematics Faculty. Our primary focus has been on strengthening students’ ability to unpack and respond to challenging exam questions. By embedding this structured approach into our lessons, we are fostering metacognitive awareness – equipping all learners with the confidence and precision needed to synthesise complex syllabus concepts and achieve success in advanced problem-solving.

Students at all levels have thrown themselves into their work with outstanding dedication. Here is a snapshot of what our cohorts and co-curricular programs have achieved this term:

Senior School Milestones

• Year 12: Our senior mathematicians have now completed three tasks, representing 70% of their school-based assessment. To ensure they are fully prepared for ‘the real thing’ in Term 3, all students will have the opportunity to sit a mock trial exam during the upcoming holidays. Furthermore, they can fine-tune their skills by participating in holiday workshops run by MCE, SCS, and MANSW.
• Year 11: The cohort has successfully navigated their first two assessment tasks while deeply engaging with the new syllabus.
• Year 10: Are preparing for Stage 6 with their subject selections. Having also completed two assessment tasks, Year 10 students are preparing for their practice Minimum Standards Test. Meeting the Minimum Standard in Numeracy is a crucial requirement for the awarding of the HSC.

Extending Our Brightest Minds

Many of our top mathematicians have been flexing their skills in prestigious external competitions:

• Stage 4 Newman Students: Our gifted mathematicians have received their Maths Challenge results.
• Years 7 & 8: Students stepped up to the challenge of the APS Mathematics Olympiad. Comprising four separate contests starting in early Term 2, this program is designed to consolidate problem-solving strategies, foster creativity and ingenuity and stimulate a genuine enthusiasm for mathematics.
• 99 students from Years 7-11 have signed up to compete in the Australian Mathematics Competition, conducted by the Australian Mathematics Trust, joining with approximately 600,000 students across Australia and the South Pacific. 

Beyond the Classroom: Clubs and Enrichment

Maths Homework Club: A huge thank you to Ms Le for running the Maths Homework Club every Tuesday afternoon from 3:00–4:00pm in the Learning Centre. Open to Years 7–10 students, this initiative continues to be an invaluable resource for homework support and exam preparation.

Marist Mathletes: Mathletes continues to thrive on Monday afternoons. Students have been exploring advanced, university-level topics, such as Modular Arithmetic, Cryptography and Game theory, to prepare for elite competitions. A special thank you to volunteer teacher Dr Scott for her invaluable assistance and expertise with this program.

Congratulations to all students on a fantastic term of mathematical growth. We look forward to seeing this hard work pay off in the final terms of the year!

Science

Mr Paul Malafiej – Assistant Leader of Learning – Science

Semester 1 has been an exciting and productive period in the Science Faculty, marked by both curriculum implementation and rich learning experiences beyond the classroom. This year, we have successfully begun the implementation of the new NSW Science syllabus in Stage 4 (Year 7) and Stage 5 (Year 9). Students have been engaging with updated content that places a strong emphasis on inquiry-based learning and the development of scientific thinking. Throughout 2026, staff are also dedicating time to planning and preparing for the rollout of the new syllabus in Year 8 and Year 10, which will take effect in 2027.

A key feature of our science programs in Stages 4 and 5 is the significant time allocated to practical investigations. These hands-on experiences allow students to develop transferable “Working Scientifically” skills, including problem solving, data analysis, collaboration and evidence-based reasoning. Such skills are essential not only for success in science but across all areas of learning and future careers. They are also important in developing students’ confidence in evaluating information and claims, equipping them with the ability to question sources, identify potential bias or misinformation and make informed judgements based on reliable evidence in an increasingly complex and information-rich world.

Excursions have continued to play an integral role in enriching student understanding by connecting classroom theory with real-world applications. On 26 March, Year 11 Investigating Science and Earth and Environmental Science students conducted fieldwork at Penrith Lakes. Year 11 Biology visited Sydney Olympic Park on 26 May to conduct field work activities to study the local ecosystem. Our Year 12 students also benefited from university engagement opportunities, with Year 12 Chemistry attending a Kickstart program at the University of Sydney on 9 June and Year 12 Physics attending a similar program on 30 June. Kickstart workshops give HSC students a chance to do experiments and demonstrations of key ideas in the syllabus that are difficult to do in the classroom.

These experiences inspire curiosity, deepen understanding and expose students to future study pathways in science. We look forward to continuing this momentum into Semester 2.

Human Society and Its Environment

Mr Adrian Brombal – Leader of Learning – HSIC

The HSIE Faculty has continued to grow in 2026 with the inclusion of Stage 5 Psychology in addition to our inaugural Stage 5 Geography Elective and Stage 6 Society and Culture classes. Year 7, our newest cohort, sat in their first history classes which featured an introduction to archaeology and two case studies on ancient societies; Egypt and China. They studied the structure of those societies and the role of Geography in the establishment of two early civilisations which profoundly impacted our modern world. Year 8 continued their study of human history chronologically with the focus on Medieval Europe, Feudal Japan and The Black Death. 

Stage 5, the focus of Year 9 HSIE, shifted locally towards the making of a modern Australia from Indigenous history, colonisation through to Federation. In Term 2 the boys explored Australia at War through a range of conflicts including campaigns at Gallipoli and Kokoda. Not only were the ANZACS studied in the classroom but were also commemorated at our College ANZAC Day service, our representation at the Ryde Council service as well as a commemorative service for Indigenous soldiers at War. Year 9 and Year 10 students also entered in the National History Challenge, addressing the concepts of ‘Voices’ in addition to Years 7 through to Year 11 participated in the National History and Australian Geography competitions.

This Semester our Year 10 students continued the study of Australia during the Vietnam War period, as well as an investigation into the changing rights and freedoms of Australians post the UN Declaration of Human Rights. Our Elective History students immersed themselves in the world of Archaeology at the Chak Chau Wing Museum in Term 1 whilst our Commerce students took great strides in understanding the nature of the business world through the Year 9 topics of Consumer and Financial Decisions and Promoting and Selling. Year 10 Commerce shifted its focus towards the legal and economic spheres with topics on Law, Society and Political Involvement and The Economic and Business Environment.

In Stage 6 the smorgasbord within the HSIE Faculty has seen our boys study two rebellions against the Romans and the life of Julius Caesar in Ancient History whilst in Modern History the rise of Dictatorships in 20th Century Europe and the downfall of the Romanov Dynasty. In Legal Studies our seniors attended State Parliament House and investigated the wide ranging world of Crime whilst in Business Studies the boys gained an understanding of business operations and finance.

In Geography, our boys explored biophysical interactions and investigated ecosystems at risk with fieldwork at Kurnell and the CBD.  Year 12 Economics cohort explored Australia’s role in a global economy in addition to our Extension historians who developed an appreciation for historiography and moral relativism.

Creative and Performing Arts

Ms Claudia Howes – Leader of Learning – CAPA

The CAPA Faculty has had a busy Semester 1, with our students involved in a variety of activities both in and out of the classroom. Teachers have been working tirelessly with their students to build their knowledge in both the history of the creative arts and their practical skills.

Year 7 Visual Arts students have been introduced to the world of Portraiture with a specific focus on Henri Matisse and Chuck Close. Students have explored both artist’s artmaking practice where they will now begin to create their own portraits using both the artist’s style.

Year 8 Visual Arts students have been exploring Japanese art, specifically the Manga style, its influences and characteristics. Year 9 and Year 10 students have continued to develop their own artistic practices through realistic portraiture drawing, ceramic and printmaking techniques.

Year 9 had the opportunity to visit the prestigious Archibald Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW where they engaged with a range of pieces and explored the gallery to develop their understanding of the art world.

Year 11 students have been experimenting with their chosen mediums whilst investigating the world of appropriation whilst Year 12 have been working tirelessly on their Major Works, continuously improving their practice and use the world as a source of ideas. Senior students also had an excursion to the Art Gallery of NSW to view the ARTExpress Exhibition, informing their own artmaking decisions and conceptual practice.

In Music, Year 7 and Year 8 students have been engaging with the Amadeus Program to continue to develop their technical skills on their chosen instruments. Year 9 and Year 10 students have been investigating the world of Jazz and Australian Music whilst also increasing their performance and composition skills. Year 9 Music students also had the opportunity to view the Lion King musical to continue to develop their understanding of live productions. Year 11 students have been developing their knowledge of music history as well as their aural and performance skills by engaging with a range of music genres and performance styles. Year 12 had the opportunity to visit ENCORE, the HSC Showcase at the Opera House, where they were able to experience exemplary performances from HSC students, allowing them to develop their understanding of performance techniques and technical skills. 

Outside of the classroom there have been some major achievements with students being successful in their application to the Sydney Catholic Schools Amadeus Ensemble:

Kurtis Chu – Year 7 Emilio Garcia Lopez – Year 8 Henson Tang – Year 8 Leonardo Costello – Year 9 Nathan Ge – Year 9 Jacob Zou – Year 9 We are extremely proud of these students and wish them all the best.

In Photography and Digital Media, students have been exploring the world of photography and film. Year 9 students have been exploring the theme of ‘Journey’ and have begun to develop their understanding of the history of film and have used this to create their own pieces whilst Year 10 students have been exploring Special FX, creating their own scenes that demonstrate their knowledge and technical skill. Year 11’s have been exploring three major case studies of Tracey Moffatt, Henri Cartier Bresson and Max Dupain to develop their understanding of composition, framing and lighting. Students have begun creating their own portfolio of work, demonstrating their own photographic skills.

All the work this semester could not have been done without the support, encouragement and dedication of the CAPA Faculty staff. We thank them for all the seen and unseen work they do for our students and the wider community. 

Technology and Applied Studies

Ms Sabnam Kanta – Leader of Learning – TAS

It has been a busy and productive Semester 1 in the TAS Faculty, with students across all year groups engaging in a wide range of practical and design-based projects. 

Stage 4 Technology saw our students donning their safety glasses, firing up their creativity and stepping into the shoes of real-world designers. In Year 7 Material Technology rotation students got hands-on in the workshop, learning how to safely measure, cut and sand timber to create their very own custom phone holders whereas in the kitchens, in Food Technology students took on the Snack Hackers project. They investigated nutrition, analysed chemical and physical properties of food and ‘hacked’ standard recipes to create delicious and innovative snacks.

In Year 8 Technology, in engineering, students explored the mechanics of motion, propulsion and friction. They designed and manufactured balloon-powered cars, putting their knowledge of aerodynamics and energy transfer to the test. The project wrapped up with some highly competitive test runs to see whose design could go the distance!

In Timber, Year 9 students demonstrated their developing skills through the production of smartphone docking stations, focusing on accuracy and workshop safety. Year 10 students expanded their capabilities by constructing mantle clocks, applying more advanced techniques and design considerations. Our Year 11 students are currently completing their bar stool projects, showcasing both structural understanding and craftsmanship, while Year 12 students have continued to make steady progress on their Major Works.

In Design and Technology, Year 9 students explored both lighting design and architecture, culminating in creative shipping container home concepts. Year 10 students engaged in a jewellery for a cause unit, combining design with social awareness, alongside a designer case study to deepen their understanding of professional practice. Year 11 students are finalising their lighting projects, demonstrating innovation and problem-solving, while Year 12 students continue to develop their Major Design Projects (MDPs). 

In Computing Technology, Year 9 students have been developing their understanding of data analysis within digital systems, investigating how data is collected, interpreted and used to inform decision-making. Year 10 students have focused on designing for user experience, applying principles of usability and interface design to create effective and engaging digital solutions. 

Food Technology students have also been actively engaged this semester. Year 9 classes have explored Australian food evolution and healthy eating, building both practical skills and nutritional knowledge. Year 10 students have investigated food for specific needs and food traits, developing a deeper understanding of how food choices impact individuals and communities. 

Overall, it has been fantastic to see students applying their creativity, technical skills and critical thinking across a variety of engaging and meaningful projects.

Photo Gallery

Some snap shots of the boys thoughout Semester 1 enjoying their time at Marist College Eastwood.