Welcome from the Principal

29 January 2026

Dear Parents/Carers and Students,

Welcome to the start of the 2026 school year! I hope that the Christmas break provided a
wonderful opportunity for rest and time spent with loved ones. It is with great enthusiasm
that we open our doors once again, ready to develop strong minds and gentle hearts.

A Strong Start
I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the boys on the way they have
commenced the year. I was incredibly impressed with their presentation upon their return
today; seeing the students arrive with excellent haircuts, clean-shaven faces, and wearing
the correct sport uniform with pride sets a fantastic tone for the year ahead.

It is a testament to the respect they have for the College and themselves, and I thank you as
parents and carers for your support in maintaining these high standards.

Welcome to New Staff
As we grow as a community, we are delighted to welcome several outstanding educators
and leaders to the Marist College Eastwood team this year. Please join me in welcoming:

• Mrs Melinda Alvarez – Assistant Principal
• Ms Jeannie Scevity – Director of College Enterprise
• Ms Sally Rivers – Leader of Learning TAS (Technology and Applied Studies) & VET
  (Vocational Education and Training)
• Mr Benjamin Nguyen – Careers Advisor
• Ms Deanna Di Costanzo – HSIE teacher
• Mr Luke McDonald – English Teacher (Term 1 appointment)
• Ms Kimberley Murphy – English Teacher (Term 1 appointment)
  
  We are blessed to have such talented and experienced teachers joining our community, and
  I know they are eager to get to know your sons and support their development.
  
  Meet the Principal and Assistant Principal
  Education is a partnership, and your voice is vital to the success of this College. In the
  coming weeks, Mrs Alvarez and I will be hosting a series of “Meet the Principal and Assistant
  Principal” gatherings.
  
  These will be short, focused 45 minutes to 1 hour sessions designed to give Mrs Alvarez and
  myself the opportunity to introduce ourselves and listen to you. Your perspective as parents
  is invaluable. You see aspects of our school’s impact that may not be immediately visible
  within our classrooms, and your insights will help shape our path forward.
  
  We will be discussing three key questions:

1. What aspects of Marist College Eastwood do you value most?
2. Where do you see opportunities for improvement?
3. How can we better support your child’s educational journey?
   
   Further details regarding dates and registration for these sessions will be sent shortly.
   
   Welcome Year 7 families
   I had the pleasure of addressing all of our Year 7 cohort this morning and a number of their
   parents. It was great to see everyone dressed in their sports uniform and ready to take on
   the new day. The first few days will see them inducted to all aspects of Marist College
   Eastwood and start their classes. We are grateful that you have entrusted your sons to our
   care for their secondary education. Attached is a LINK to a communication from Danielle
   Cronin (Executive Director of Sydney Catholic Schools) welcoming all new Year 7 families to
   our school and diocese.
   
   I look forward to working closely with all parents and carers to support the boys at Marist
   College Eastwood. Together, we can ensure that 2026 is a year where every student feels
   known, valued, and supported to achieve their best.
   
   Respice Finem
   
   Mr David Sullivan
   Principal

MCE 2026 Schedule of Fees

30 January 2026 

Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome to 2026 and a special welcome to the families who are new to the Marist College Eastwood community. The following information is provided to assist you in the understanding of your school fees and to help manage payment of your school fee account.  

The annual school fee invoice will be emailed to you around 17 February 2026. The fee statement will also detail when payments are due which are in line with the instalment plan you have selected. If you wish to amend your instalment plan, please email the College and let us know of your preferred instalment schedule. 

REMINDER – Acceptance Fee Credit 

• Acceptance fees of $750.00 will be processed by the Head Office. Acceptance fee credit of $750.00 will be on your April statement and not in the February statement.

Fees can be paid by any of the following methods:

• Compass:  Payment via the parent payment portal is the preferred payment option.
• BPAY:  Use biller code 303297 and the reference number on your fee statement.  It is recommended that you set up scheduled payments through your internet banking.
• Credit Card: Telephone the College on 9858 1644 and pay via credit card over the phone. 
• Direct Debit Option: Please click on the Standing Authority Form below to pay via automatic debits to your credit card. Please note that this form will need to be completed at the commencement of each year. (Click below)

Standing Authority (Recurrent Periodic Pay CreditCard).pdf

Please send completed form to accounts@maristeastwood.catholic.edu.au

• Cash 

Payment Frequency 

Families may elect to pay fees by instalments. The payment frequency available are:-

• Fortnightly     20 Payments from February to November
• Monthly          10 Payments from February to November 
• Term               3  Instalments payable on the 15th of the first month of each term

We are aware of the financial pressures experienced within our community and have made every effort to minimise increases in school fees. Please contact Ms Jayne Yi Bursar and Flavio Sordoni Business Manager if you require any assistance with your school fee account.

Please find below the 2026 annual school fees for Marist College Eastwood.

Yours sincerely, 

Mr Flavio Sordoni                                                                  Ms Jayne Yi

Business Manager                                                                 Bursar

Diverse Learning in 2026

30 January 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

Diverse Learning in 2026

The Diverse Learning Team at Marist College Eastwood assists students who require additional support to access the curriculum. This support covers students with diagnosed conditions, including, but not limited to, Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Anxiety and Hearing Impairment. Support is also provided to students who may not have a diagnosis, but who may be having difficulty with school work or another aspect of school life that requires adjustments beyond that of the quality differentiated learning provided in all classes. 

The Diverse Learning Team meets with parents and students to create a plan of support that is then shared with class teachers so that the required adjustments to learning can be made by all staff. The Diverse Learning Team aims to provide student support within the mainstream classroom setting in most situations. The goal of our work is to provide student access to the curriculum and to build student independence in a manner that is individualised to student needs, strengths and interests.  If you feel that your son may require additional assistance, or you would like to discuss an aspect of concern, please contact me at the College and I will arrange a time to discuss your son’s learning further. 

This year the Diverse Learning teachers will work with the following year groups:

Ms Tina Bambagiotti-Standley: Years 7 and 8

Ms Yang Sun: Year 9

Mrs Sharyn Vogels: Years 10 and 11

Miss Lauren Sung and Mrs Sharyn Vogels: Year 12

A team of Learning Support Officers also assist students within classrooms and after school in the Learning Centre, where support with homework and assessment tasks is available. Learning Support Officers work closely with Diverse Learning teachers and classroom teachers to ensure optimal learning experiences for all students. Our Learning Support officers are:

Mrs Maria Buda

Mr Ron Fontany

Mrs Marie-Louise McLennan

Mr Joshua Norton

Mr Brett Ryan

I look forward to another year working with students and parents.

Kind regards

Mrs Sharyn Vogels

Leader of Learning, Diverse Learning

MCE Learning Centre 2026

30 January 2026

Dear Parents/Carers and Students

Marist College Eastwood Learning Centre 2026

Welcome back to another year of learning and reading in the Marist College Eastwood Learning Centre. The Learning Centre offers a range of activities and support for learning. Keep your eye out for upcoming Compass alerts regarding Book Clubs and lessons to teach skills about how to prepare for and complete assessment tasks. 

This year the Learning Centre will be open to students during the following hours: 

Monday to Wednesday: 7:30am – 5:00pm

Thursday and Friday: 7:30am – 4:00pm

During recess and lunch time students are welcome to attend the Learning Centre to complete homework, read a book, or attend the Games Club where a variety of card and board games are available, chess continues to be very popular. Please note that laptops are only to be used to complete school work; online reading for pleasure, online gaming and online searches unrelated to school work are not permitted within the Learning Centre. We do welcome student suggestions for alternate recreation activities.

Laptop charging is also available in the Learning Centre during recess and lunch time. If a student finds their laptop battery low on charge, Learning Centre staff can assist with a charger and a safe space for charging. Students are not permitted to bring their own chargers to school. College chargers must be used as this is a safety matter.

Before and after school students are able to attend the Learning Centre for quiet study or independent reading, games are not available during these times.  After school, students who would like assistance with assessment tasks or homework are able to access support from College staff who are available until 4.00pm. 

Parents, please ensure that your child has a plan for getting home at the conclusion of the Learning Centre hours as supervision is unavailable once the Centre is closed. 

We look forward to working with you and your child this year to support reading and learning.

Kind regards

Sharyn Vogels

Leader of Learning, Diverse Learning on behalf of Learning Centre staff

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

Year 7 – Parent Welcome

30 January 2026

Dear Parent/Carers

Year 7 students are to be commended on the positive way they started the 2026 school year. Students have made their first steps into the world of Marist education and have begun to consider the relationship between themselves and the College, reflecting their theme for the year “Strong Minds, Gentle Hearts.” Please find the following information about upcoming events.

Year 7 Parent and Student Information Evening – Tuesday 3 February 2026 – 6:30pm 

To assist with the transition from Primary School to Year 7,  the College will be conducting a Parent and Student Information Evening on Tuesday 3 February commencing at 6:30pm in the Montagne Centre, entry via Gate 5 on Terry Road.   The purpose of the Information Evening  is to inform and provide parents and students with the necessary knowledge and skills needed as students transition into High School.

The information presented will incorporate strategies to establish positive work habits, the use of Compass, Assessment Task procedures and overall Wellbeing at the College. Students are asked to wear their College Summer Uniform and bring their College Diary and a pen for this event. 

If your son is in a Newman class, a separate information session will be provided on this same evening and this starts at 6.00pm in the College Learning Centre (Library).  

Welcome to New Parents Evening – Friday 20 February 2026 – 6.30pm

We are also excited to be able to invite you to the College for our annual Welcome Evening on Friday 20 February 2026. This event is organised by the College’s Parent Community Group and is an opportunity for our new parents and students to familiarise themselves with the College facilities as well as meet Staff members. Students are again asked to wear their College Summer Uniform for this event.  

The evening will run as follows:

If you are able to join us for this event, please click here to RSVP by Tuesday 17 February 2026 to enable us to cater adequately.

Lockers 

Year 7 will be assigned a locker if they want one next week. Students will complete a locker request form in Homeroom and then be assigned a locker.  Students will need to bring their own lock in so it is important that they don’t lose the key or forget the access code!  

Finally, please see on the following page a list of some important dates for Term 1 2026. These are also reflected on the College Calendar (on Compass) which is live and updated if required. The Compass Calendar is available for the entire year.

Thank you again for your support of your son and our College community. 

Kind regards,

Mr Stephen Flew        

Leader of Wellbeing – Year 7      

Key Dates

Year 10 – Subject Selection Evening

30 January 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

Year 10 Subject Selection Information Evening

Tuesday 17 February 6.00pm, Montagne Centre

We are writing to you with details of the upcoming information evening on pathways and courses available for the Higher School Certificate program for students beginning the Year 11 Course in 2026. Our Stage 6 Subject Selection evening will take place 17 February from 6:00pm–7:00pm in the Montagne Centre. 

The Information Evening details the NESA requirements for students wishing to obtain a HSC and provides details on the variety of pathways available at the College.  Our aim is that every student will be provided with a challenging and appropriate pathway and range of subjects that places him in the right subject at the right level. Our recent experience of this early and open communication has assisted boys in informing learning goals for the end of Semester One and provided greater motivation for them to develop more mature, comprehensive and targeted approaches to learning and senior study, as well as giving them greater focus to speak with their class teachers and Leaders of Learning. 

Year 10 students will begin the process that will lead to the selection of their Year 11 subjects.  Information on the various pathways to the Higher School Certificate, choice of subjects and the process of selecting subjects will be presented.

The presentation will include information on:

• Higher School Certificate – Subject Selections 
• Approach to Subject Selection Process 
• Pathway Opportunities – School-based apprenticeships and traineeships, TAFE and Vocational Education 
• 2027 Subject Prerequisites
• ATAR Explained

Year 10 students will receive a copy of the eligibility criteria for Year 11 subjects.  We ask that you begin a discussion with your son on meeting these prerequisites on his Semester 1 Report in order to choose a preferred pattern of study. 

It is the expectation that all students and their parent(s) attend this meeting on Tuesday 17 February.  The dress for students in the evening is College summer uniform.  

We look forward to seeing you at this important meeting to assist your son in discerning his pattern of study for the Higher School Certificate.

Yours sincerely

Ms Monique Brame

Director of Curriculum and NESA Accreditation 

St Kevin’s Youth Group

Reminder – MCE 2025 Yrs 7-10 Academic Awards Photo Order Form

Careers

MCE Careers Website Link mcecareers.com

Uniforms

2nd Hand Uniform Shop – Next open: Friday, 6 February from 8.00am-10.00am. Cash & EFTPOS accepted.

Please note:

• As the school has changed uniform suppliers, uniform sizing has changed and is no longer consistent with previous sizes
• We strongly encourage parents to bring their own measurements when purchasing from the second-hand uniform shop
• The second-hand uniform shop is not responsible for sizing issues, and all sales are final — no refunds or exchanges are available

Donations to the Second Hand Uniform Shop can be dropped off to the College Front Reception during normal school hours. Year 12’s your blazers would be very much appreciated after you graduate.

For more information, please refer to Compass > Community tab (2 heads) > School Documentation > Parent Information and Forms > Uniform Price List & Second Hand Uniform Shop Information