From the Principal

Ms Silvana Rossetti

This term, I had the honour of attending the Archbishop’s Award for Student Excellence Ceremony held at St Mary’s Cathedral College. This prestigious award celebrates Year 12 students across the Archdiocese of Sydney who embody Christian values and actively contribute to the faith life of their school, parish, and the broader Church community. Presented by His Grace, Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, the award recognises one student from each Secondary College. For 2025, we proudly congratulate Isaiah M as Marist College Eastwood’s recipient – well done, Isaiah!

In the spirit of family and togetherness, Term 3 offered many opportunities for our community to gather in celebration and learning. Our Father’s Day Mass and breakfast was a heartfelt tribute to the fathers and carers who support our students daily.

Throughout the term, families engaged in shared learning experiences, including the Dr Justin Coulson webinars, which aligned with one of our strategic focuses of connectivity. Our Term 3 Parent Community Group (P&F) meeting also provided valuable insights into classroom learning, reinforcing a unified message between home and school.

The Marist characteristic of Love of Work was clearly on display during our weekly HSC Study Evenings, held after the Year 12 trial exams. These sessions allowed students to collaborate with teachers and peers in preparation for their final assessments, ending each evening with a shared meal that fostered connection and support. Our CAPA and TAS teams worked tirelessly alongside students to complete their HSC major works in Visual Arts, Music and Industrial Technology – a sincere thank you to all staff for your dedication and care.

As Term 3 draws to a close, I reflect with gratitude on the many moments that showcased our community’s commitment to Presence, Family Spirit, and Love of Work. Highlights included the Year 12 Virtual Visual Arts Exhibition, Year 12 Reflection Day, Malloy Cup Assembly, Marist Oratory competition, 10:10 student gathering and SCS Athletics Carnival among many others. Alongside these events, students remained focused on their academic progress, completing assessments and receiving feedback to support continued growth.

Finally, Term 3 marks a significant milestone – the conclusion of 13 years of schooling for the Class of 2025. This moment is deeply meaningful not only for our graduating students but for the entire College community. The Class of 2025 has been an exceptional cohort and their presence will be missed. We look forward to seeing where their journeys take them and remain proud of the young men they have become.

Thank you for being part of another enriching term. I hope you enjoy this publication and wish you all a restful and peaceful holiday break. I look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 4.

Silvana Rossetti

Acting Assistant Principal

Mr Tim Aussel

As Term 3 draws to a close, our senior students have stepped into a critical phase of their academic journey. The Trial HSC examinations marked a significant milestone and it has been encouraging to witness the boys’ sustained commitment – not only in the exam room but in their continued engagement with after-school tutoring sessions and revision. Their determination reflects a maturity that will serve them well in the final stretch of the marathon. 

For our Year 11 cohort, they engaged in their first major examination block, offering valuable insights into their study habits and preparation strategies. As they look ahead to Year 12, I encourage them to reflect not just on their results, but on the effectiveness of their approach: what worked, what didn’t and how they can use teacher feedback to refine their methods moving forward.

Beyond academics, this term has been rich in moments that celebrate the spirit of our College. The Malloy Cup assembly was a definite highlight, recognising students who have consistently demonstrated achievement and wholehearted participation across the year. Our high rates of involvement in co-curricular and community life are a hallmark of this College – a strength that must be celebrated and safeguarded. I challenge our emerging student leaders to carry this legacy forward with pride and humility. 

As we farewell our Year 12 students at their graduation, we honour not just their academic accomplishments, but the young men they have become. May they enter the world with strong minds and gentle hearts, grounded in their Marist heritage and ready to contribute positively to the communities they join.

Religious Education Coordinator

Mr Colm McCaughan

Term 3 is always the busiest term in the RE curriculum department, with the two juggernaut exam blocks of the Trial HSC and the Year 11 Preliminaries dominating the scene and often swamping the team with essays! Studies of Religion is a content heavy course requiring boys to not only recall different beliefs and practices of different faith traditions, but also to analyse how these religions still impact the daily lives of adherents. The boys performed admirably but will be hoping for further improvement in the HSC exams.

That being said, we had some wonderful moments of evangelisation this term. We saw twelve boys receive Sacraments this term, with Christian H of Year 12 being baptised on Saturday 13 September at St Kevin’s, whilst Kevin R (9), Darren C (10) and Eric C (11) were baptised on 25 September at St Charles, Ryde by Bishop Danny Meagher. Thomas and Samuel L (10), William O (10), Tyler S (7), Marlon B (8), Daniel J (11) and Nathaniel F (11) also received Sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation at this combined Mass with Holy Cross. As an REC, it is being able to witness events like these that truly encapsulate what my role is all about.

We hosted two Reflection Days this Term. Year 9 in Week 3 hosted David Kobler from ‘Your Choicez’, which specialises in teaching teenagers about respectful relationships and what true masculinity in the sight of God looks like. The boys engaged wonderfully in this topic and entered into some thought provoking discussion.

Year 12’s Reflection Day on 19 August theme was ‘A Future Full of Hope.’ The boys were asked to reminisce about their time at the College and how far they have come. They were encouraged to always turn to their faith and recognise it as a source of hope that they can use to be true Marist Men (Good Christians and Good Citizens) in the community. 

This was an excellent preparation for their Graduation Mass and Ceremony on 23 September, where they were sent out into the world, armed with the outstanding education they have received here, but also with a quiet, determined faith that will always bring hope to them and others. For me the most moving part of this Mass is the Candle Ceremony, presented to each of them by captain Rocco B. It is a reminder of the ongoing bonds of friendship and community that have been formed at the school and how they are to bring the light of Christ into the world.

It was also a big term for Ms Grace Mathews, our YMC, who led the charge in bringing forty Year 10 students to the 10:10 Conference at Good Samaritan, Hinchinbrook, where boys were able to engage in discussions surrounding right relationship with God and others. Our boys had a very informative and life shaping experience.

In summary, it’s been an exhausting but very rewarding term. May God continue to bless our efforts.

Director of Learning and Teaching

Ms Melissa Williams

In Term 3, the College staff continued to embed the high impact teaching strategies that have been a continued focus for 2025. This includes effective questioning techniques to engage all students, to promote thinking and to provide opportunities for feedback. Effective questioning techniques spark curiosity and encourage active participation, especially among passive learners. Thoughtful, open-ended questions promote deeper thinking, invite discussion, and help students connect ideas. By creating a safe space for inquiry, teachers empower students to engage, reflect and take ownership of their learning journey.

The second area of focus for 2025 is in developing techniques to explicitly teach writing. This term, the staff have worked on strategies to assist the students to increase their use of subject specific vocabulary to improve the sophistication of explanations. Explicitly teaching writing equips students with the tools they need to express ideas clearly and confidently. Rather than assuming students “pick up” writing skills, explicit instruction breaks down the writing process – planning, drafting, editing and refining – into manageable steps. It helps students understand structure, purpose and audience, while also building grammar, vocabulary and coherence. By modelling good writing and providing clear success criteria, teachers empower students to become effective communicators – an essential skill for academic achievement, future careers and active participation in society.

In today’s dynamic learning environment, making decisions based on evidence and data is essential for student success. Evidence-based decisions ensure that strategies are grounded in research and proven outcomes, while data-informed interventions allow educators to tailor support to individual student needs. By analysing trends, student achievement and feedback, schools can identify what works, adjust approaches and foster continuous improvement. Encouraging students to understand and use data also builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Term 3 is an important time for both staff and students to take time to reflect on the data collected thus far. This includes work samples, marks and grades from all year groups and more specifically the data and insights gained from Year 12 Trial HSC exams and Year 11 End of Course exams. The staff have been using a range of data to plan support, interventions and extension opportunities where appropriate. 

Year 7 Leader of Wellbeing

Mr Stephen Flew

The last 6 months have been very busy for Year 7.  They started Term 2 with 3 days of Camp at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation in Narrabeen.  The students enjoyed abseiling, kayaking, bushwalking and a range of other activities while solidifying their friendship bonds.  Year 7 also participated in a Drama Incursion at the end of Term 2 workshopping dramatic skills related to their study of the novel, Detention.  This led nicely into a visit and talk from the author of Detention himself, Tristan Bancks. 

Year 7 have also represented the College in a range of sports and extracurricular activities in Term 2 and 3 including; Soccer, AFL, Hockey, Rugby 7s, Chess and Debating. 

A special mention to a number of Year 7 boys who laced up the boots for the first time ever to ensure the school could enter an U/13s rugby league side.

Finally, during our Pastoral care sessions, Year 7 have marked RUOK? Day by wearing yellow and checking in on their mates and also electing student leaders for next year.  We wish the selected students all the best and I’m sure they will hold true to our Marist characteristics.  

Year 8 Leader of Wellbeing

Mr Elijah Carlin

Term 3 was a dynamic and memorable chapter in the Year 8 journey. Students continued to engage meaningfully with The Resilience Project during Pastoral Care lessons, with a particular focus on the theme of Empathy. This concept encouraged students to consider the perspectives of others in their interactions and to respond with compassion and understanding – an essential skill for both personal growth and community wellbeing.

A significant academic milestone was reached this term as students selected their elective subjects for the first time. This process marked an exciting step in shaping their individual learning pathways. Notably, a Psychology unit will be offered for the first time in the school’s history and interest in the course has been overwhelming, with places filling rapidly – a testament to the curiosity and enthusiasm of our Year 8 cohort.

On the sporting field, Year 8 students continued to represent the College with pride and determination. Their participation across a wide range of sports – including Rugby 7s, Baseball, Hockey, Six-a-Side Football and All-Abilities Goalball – demonstrated both skill and sportsmanship.

The term culminated in the Malloy Cup assembly, a joyful celebration of house spirit and friendly competition. It was heartening to see so many Year 8 students nominated for Athlete of the Year, reflecting their commitment and excellence across sporting disciplines. A special congratulations goes to Michael C for receiving this prestigious award – an outstanding achievement and a proud moment for our community.

Year 8 continues to grow in character, confidence, and connection. We look forward to what Term 4 will bring.

Year 9 Leader of Wellbeing

Ms Sarah Davis

Year 9 continued to show their true spirit, Marist values and character this term.  A sense of community, active participation in all facets of College life and commitment to excellence, whether in the classroom, on the sporting field or on the cultural stage was evident this term.

The academic tone was set early when students reflected on their Semester 1 report, created Semester 2 SMART Goals and completed their SWOT Analysis in Enrichment. Throughout the term various students were given the opportunity to ‘share their talents’,  participate in the Macquarie University Entrepreneurial Bootcamp day, assist feeder schools in Faith Formation Retreats, attend Evangelisation Days and entertain residents in a Nursing home.  Students also nominated leaders for the 2025-2026 school year and Ms Howes informed Year 9 students of the requirements of a Peer Support Leader, with some assisting in supporting our incoming Year 7 students at the testing day. 

Faith formation continued this term with Fr Dan celebrating liturgies with the College Community. Students participated in a Reflection Day (focusing on masculinity), attended Reconciliation, Prayer Group and Friday morning Mass and showed gratitude and love to the fathers and father figures in our Community at the Father’s Day Mass. 

Successes on the Sporting field continued this term. Students represented the College in a variety of SCS Sports, new and old. In addition to the traditional representative sports of Football, Rugby League, AFL and Athletics, students also represented the College in various Gala Days – Hockey, Baseball, Tennis and Golf just to mention a few.

Over sixty students continued to be empowered and build important life skills when completing the new skill, voluntary and recreational components of the Duke of Edinburgh program. Mr Carlin and Mr Mooney started the preparations for the Adventurous Journey (to be held later this year). 

The Malloy Cup is a significant event in the College calendar and the College acknowledged individual and team excellence. Congratulations to Oliver B who was named the Intermediate Sportsman of the Year and Lucas M who was the recipient of the Yr 9 Malloy Cup Award. Well done also to Cusack House for being the overall Malloy Cup winners. 

Special mention and congratulations to the following HSIE students who achieved outstanding results in the Australian History and Geography competitions:

Well done to Thomas C who placed first nationally and Jamie Q who placed in the top 1% in the Australian Geography Competition – well done to the following students who received High Distinctions: Andrew K, Alex L, Sky L, Mitchell P, Yeshan S, Evan S and Pat T.

Well done and congratulations to the following students who received High Distinctions in the Australian History Competition: Curren G, Sky L and Adrian L.

The Yr 9 cohort (or class of Year 12 2028) joined with the College to congratulate and farewell Year 12 2025 and wished students all the best in the upcoming HSC examinations and their future endeavours. 

Year 9 were involved in the leadership process and elected the following 2025-2026 Class Leaders. 

These students were acknowledged and congratulated by Ms Rossetti – well done boys!

901 – James D and Yeshan S

902 –  Byron H and Ansh S 

903 –  John Paul I and Daksh K 

904 – Jayden E and Aaron S

905 – Will H and Aaron L

906 – Ben F and Ian T 

On behalf of the Yr 9 Homeroom team, I wish to take this opportunity to thank all students for their contributions this term and wish all students and their families a restful, relaxing and safe Term 3 holiday and look forward to seeing recharged, refreshed and happy faces next term.

Year 10 Leader of Wellbeing

Ms Emily Mattick

Term 3 has marked a turning point for our Year 10 students, as they transition from middle school into the early stages of senior schooling. With subject selections for Year 11 now complete and work experience placements underway, students are embracing new responsibilities and preparing for the challenges ahead.

Throughout the past two terms, students engaged in a thoughtful and reflective process to choose their subjects for Year 11. This involved exploring their interests, strengths and future aspirations, while also considering prerequisites for university, TAFE, apprenticeships or direct entry into the workforce. With guidance from teachers, career advisors and family members, students made informed decisions that will shape their academic journey and open doors to future opportunities. A big thank you to all of the staff who continue to give up their time to mentor Year 10 through this process, so that they can be successful in their chosen patterns of study.

With subject selections complete, the focus has shifted to work experience – a valuable opportunity for students to gain insight into the world beyond the classroom. From retail and hospitality to healthcare, trades and creative industries, students are spending time in real workplaces, learning about professional expectations, daily operations and the skills required in various roles. This hands-on experience not only helps students explore potential career paths but also builds confidence, independence and communication skills. We are especially grateful to Mrs Bianchi for all of her work to allow all of Year 10 to go out on Work Experience this term.

As Term 3 draws to a close, Year 10 students carry with them a renewed sense of purpose and direction. The experiences and decisions made during this term have laid a strong foundation for their senior years.

Year 11 Leader of Wellbeing

Ms Linda Burland

Term 3 represented a significant milestone for our Year 11 cohort, marking the conclusion of their Preliminary academic studies. With the completion of their Preliminary examinations, students are now formally transitioning into their final year of secondary education, setting the stage for their Higher School Certificate (HSC) journey.

A highlight of the term was the RYDA Road Safety Program excursion, which provided students with a valuable and immersive learning experience. Through a series of interactive workshops, students engaged with critical topics such as responsible driving, risk awareness and informed decision-making. This initiative not only reinforced the importance of road safety but also encouraged students to reflect on their responsibilities as future drivers.

One of the most eagerly anticipated events of the term was the announcement of the 2026 Year 12 Leadership Team. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to William D, who has been appointed College Captain and to Peter I and Jack K, who will serve as Vice Captains. These leadership appointments were formally acknowledged during the Malloy Cup Assembly, a celebratory event that also recognised individual student achievements and fostered a strong sense of house spirit. The Malloy Cup Assembly marked the culmination of the school’s sporting and academic calendar, generating much excitement with the announcement of the winning house. The event served as a vibrant celebration of teamwork, perseverance and school pride.

In a display of leadership and maturity, Year 11 students played a key role in supporting the Year 12 Graduation Assembly, honouring the outgoing senior class and contributing to a memorable farewell. Their involvement reflected the growing sense of responsibility and community spirit within the cohort. The term will conclude with a Planning Day, during which students will engaged in reflective activities and goal-setting exercises. This day provides an opportunity for students to evaluate their academic and personal growth, and to establish clear intentions as they prepare to enter their HSC year.

I commend our Year 11 students for their dedication, resilience and emerging leadership. Their achievements this term have laid a strong foundation for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Year 12 Leader of Wellbeing

Mr Mark Barroccu

Term 3 began with a smooth return from the semester break, where many students took part in HSC workshops to sharpen their skills and boost confidence. The first week back was blissfully interruption-free, allowing Year 12 to settle into a focused rhythm as they prepared for the Trial HSC exams.

In the lead-up to the Trials, students demonstrated incredible dedication – putting in long hours and working with determination. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our Year 12 teachers, exams were marked and returned in record time, providing timely feedback and guidance.

A highlight of the term was the Year 12 Reflection Day, a chance to pause and celebrate the journey so far. Students enjoyed revisiting memorable moments, sharing laughs, and participating in a dry but entertaining BARM roast that captured the spirit of the cohort.

As the term progressed, Year 12 continued to work hard while cherishing their final days of high school together. The sense of unity and shared purpose was truly inspiring.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Executive team for their ongoing support and for making Year 12 a priority. A special thank you also goes to our parents and families for their encouragement throughout the year, as well as the homeroom team who play an integral role everyday.

We cherished our time with this incredible group—and took great joy in celebrating their achievements at the Graduation Ceremony and Formal.

A Year of Distiction in Geography and History

Mr Adrian Brombal – Leader of Learning – HSIE

For the second consecutive year the College has entered Years 9 & 10 into the Australian Geography Competition which is a 40 question exam based on a series of map and geographical skills and completed across the entire country by roughly 50,000 students.

We had 19 High Distinctions across both year groups scoring within the top 10% of participants. In Year 9 the College had two students achieve in the top 1% of Year 9 – Thomas C and Jamie Q with Thomas achieving 1st place in Year 9 nationally.

The College’s long standing tradition of entering into the Australian History Competition also continued, a 50 question examination on Australian History completed by tens of thousands of students nationwide.

The College had 13 High Distinctions across Years 8, 9 and 10. These are outstanding results which are a testament to our talented boys who show a passion for the humanities as well as the effort of an incredibly dedicated HSIE team who support them.