Week 1

24 April 2026 

Dear Parents/Carers

Year 7 Camp

It’s been a busy start to the term and we got things rolling with Year 7 attending camp from Monday to Wednesday. I was lucky enough to go and witness the boys participating in a variety of activities that were designed to extend them and also encourage them to work together to grow both as individuals and as part of our school community.

I was walking between Year 7 groups on Tuesday morning, and one of my core memories of Marist College Eastwood was formed as I could hear the laughter of the boys echoing across Narrabeen Lake as they were kayaking their way along one of the smaller tributaries. The boys were in small groups, paddling in groups of two and three, and you could hear them talking to one another, sharing stories, laughing at one another and just enjoying each other’s company. No phones in sight, just boys enjoying their surroundings. 

Twenty minutes later I entered a large recreation hall where I witness boys playing archery tag, trying to shoot each other with padded arrows (I assure you there was no chance of injury with face shields being worn and soft sponges on the ends of the arrows which couldn’t generate a great deal of force). Again, the laughter and giggles could be heard before I even entered the space.

I then moved to watch the rock climbing/abseiling. Some boys didn’t hesitate whilst others needed a bit more encouragement. Again, the laughter, smiles and visible joy they were experiencing due to their accomplishments were clear for all to see.

And when the boys got off the bus when they returned to school I asked them how they rated the food out of 10 (food can make or break a camp for teenage boys). The scores ranged from the oddly specific 8.3 to 10 out of 10. 

I have no doubt Year 7 would have returned home tired and ready for a good night’s sleep. I also have no doubt that some Year 7’s would have gone home and regaled stories of late night conversations with their friends and the fun they had during the activities, whilst others may have responded with the universal teenage language of a grunt and shoulder shrug. Whatever their version of events, I can assure you that all of the boys were really well fed and they got to try a number of activities that were both fun and challenging.

Thank you to Mr Flew (Leader of Wellbeing – Year 7) for his leadership and care of the boys and all of the staff who spent time away from their own families to support our students.

Status of Air Conditioning in the Montagne Centre

We are in somewhat of a holding pattern regarding the installation of air conditioning in the Montage Centre. The air conditioning itself is not the issue. The obstacle is the need to increase the power supply to that part of the school to run the air conditioning. Please be assured that we are working hard every day with the relevant parties (e.g. Endeavour Energy and Sydney Catholic Schools) to try and get this situation remedied so we can move forward. We are fiercely advocating for our boys and doing our best to ensure we see this come to fruition.

Parish Mass

We look forward to celebrating Mass as part of the St Kevin’s Parish this Sunday (9:30am 26/4/26). A number of our students will be involved as readers and altar servers and some of our staff will be leading the music. The plan is to host one parish mass every term if we can fit into the parish calendar and schedule. All of our community is welcome to attend and join in. 

ANZAC Day

This weekend we take time to pause and reflect on ANZAC Day. We live in a very tumultuous time, with conflict raging across parts of our world. Whilst some of the conflict seems a long way away, for some, it feels very close, with ancestral homes and in some cases family members living amongst the turmoil.

The “Anzac Legend” was born during World War 1. Despite the military defeat at Gallipoli, the bravery shown by the soldiers left a powerful legacy. This gave birth to the “Anzac Spirit,” which centres on qualities that Australians still hold dear:

  • Mateship: Fierce loyalty to one’s comrades.
  • Courage: Bravery in the face of impossible odds.
  • Endurance: Physical and mental toughness in harsh conditions.
  • Humour: A dry, “Aussie” sense of humour even in grim situations.

Given the turmoil overseas and its impact on Australians, these are still great qualities to hold on to in the year 2026. This ANZAC Day, we pray for members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) and all service personnel who have served and died in military operations and all those who continue to serve to protect us.

Respice Finem

Mr David Sullivan
Principal 

 

Staff Development Day – 4 May 2026

24 April 2026

Dear Parents/Carers,

Staff Development Day – 4 May 2026

As outlined in our College Calendar, Monday 4 May 2026 will be a Staff Development Day. This means it will be a pupil-free day and no classes will be held for students.

Students have been informed and encouraged to use this time productively – for assessment preparation, revision of key concepts and ensuring they are up to date with the learning outcomes covered in class. This is a valuable opportunity for students to consolidate their learning in a focused and independent manner.

If you require supervision for your son on this day, we kindly ask that you complete the following google form by Thursday, 30 April 2026, so that appropriate arrangements can be made. Please note if your son does attend school for supervised study, the Learning Centre (including Homework Club) will not be opened before or after school and the canteen will not be opened. 

Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding.

Yours sincerely,

Ms Melinda Alvarez
Assistant Principal

 

Year 10 – Term 2 Exam Block Information

24 April 2026 

Dear Parents/Carers

Year 10 – Term 2 Exam Block Information (Week 4: 11–15 May)

As your son continues to progress through his Year 10 studies, the College has scheduled the Term 2 Exam Block for Week 4. This period is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their learning, consolidate key skills, and prepare for the academic demands of the senior years through the Stage 6 Subject selection process that was started in Term 1.

The Exam Block will run from Monday 11 May to Friday 15 May. A detailed exam timetable will be published via Compass Newsfeed in Week 2, Term 2. Students are expected to review this timetable carefully and ensure they are fully prepared for each scheduled exam.

During the Exam Block, students will attend school only for their timetabled exams. Once a student has completed his scheduled exam for the day, he may leave the College grounds. However, if a student has an exam later in the day, he is required to remain on campus. The College will provide supervised study spaces, including the library, for students who wish to revise or complete set work before or after their exams.

All exams are compulsory, and students must attend in full school uniform, maintaining the College’s grooming expectations at all times. Students are expected to go directly home after their exams to continue their study or complete any required tasks. Privileges may be withdrawn if a student behaves in a manner inconsistent with College expectations.

Regular classes will resume on Friday 15 May,  Period 2.

Kind Regards

Ms Monique Brame                                                                 Mr Mark Barroccu
Director of Curriculum & NESA Accreditation                   Leader of Wellbeing – Year 10

 

Year 10 – Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences – 19 May

24 April 2026 

Dear Year 10 Parents/Carers 

The Year 10 Parent/Teacher and Student Conferences to discuss your son’s learning, will be held on Tuesday 19 May from 1:15pm–7:00pm in the Montagne Centre.

An important part of learning at Marist College Eastwood is the feedback that will inform students on how well they are progressing with their learning goals. Often this will afford an opportunity for affirmation of your son’s efforts so far. 

Optimal learning performances will be achieved by students who:

  • Reflect critically on their learning goals and lead the discussion on strategies to enhance their learning.
  • Seek feedback from their teachers on ways to improve their achievement in all future assessment tasks.
  • Attend all scheduled classes and engage with the classwork in every lesson.
  • Complete all assigned classwork and homework and seek feedback on the quality of the work.
  • Ensure that time is spent each day on exercise and relaxation, or stress-reducing activities

All Parent/Teacher Conferences will be booked via Compass. The Compass portal will be open to make bookings for interviews on Monday 11 May at 8.00am and close Monday 18 May at 8.00am. To book interviews please log into Compass, select the Community tab (2 heads) and then select Conferences.  

Yours sincerely 

Ms Melissa Williams
Director of Learning and Teaching

 

Year 11 – Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences – 19 May

24 April 2026 

Dear Year 11 Parents/Carers

Your son’s Year 11 Progress Report will be distributed via Compass, Tuesday 5 May at 3.00pm. This Progress Report provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their academic progress in Term 1. Your son also has access to their report via their Student Compass Portal. Early in Term 4 a Year 11 Academic Report for the year will be published. For the purposes of this Progress Report, students are assessed under the headings:

  • Using feedback effectively
  • Diligence and sustained efforts with set tasks
  • Engagement and classroom application
  • Managing timeframes and meeting deadlines 

Student performance is recorded as either:

  • Consistently
  • Usually
  • Sometimes
  • Rarely

The Year 11 Parent, Teacher and Student Conferences to discuss your son’s learning, as detailed in his Year 11 Progress Report, will be held on Tuesday 19 May 2026 from 1:15pm–7:00pm. These will be conducted in the Montagne Centre.

An important part of learning at Marist College Eastwood is the feedback that will inform students on how well they are progressing with their learning goals. These discussions often provide an opportunity for affirmation of your son’s efforts so far. 

Optimal learning performances will be achieved by students who:

  • Reflect critically on their learning goals and lead the discussion on strategies to enhance their learning.
  • Seek feedback from their teachers on ways to improve their achievement in all future assessment tasks.
  • Attend all scheduled classes and engage with the classwork in every lesson.
  • Complete all assigned class work and homework and seek feedback on the quality of the work.
  • Ensure that time is spent each day on exercise and relaxation, or stress-reducing activities.

All Parent/Teacher Conferences will be booked via Compass. The Compass portal will be open to make bookings for interviews on Monday 11 May at 8.00am and close Monday 18 May 8.00am. To book interviews please log into Compass, select the Community tab (2 heads) and then select Conferences. 

If you have any immediate queries about your son’s progress report, please contact the relevant teacher directly. 

Yours sincerely 

Ms Melissa Williams
Director of Learning and Teaching 

 

 

Year 7 – Study Skills Evening – 20 May

24 April 2026

Dear Parents/Carers of Year 7

Study Skills Evening – 20 May

On Wednesday evening, 20 May 2026 from 6.00pm–7.30pm, the College will be holding a special information session in the Montagne Centre that will take parents and students through the essential skills required to achieve academic success in high school and how students can integrate these skills into their current approach.

The evening will be presented by Dr Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning who has specialised, for over 15 years, in the area of study skills and is in high demand as a presenter of study skills sessions. Prue developed the study skills website our school subscribes to and has written many other study skills resources.

This year the main areas that will be covered are:

  • Managing homework and assignments effectively by efficient time management.
  • Learning to be more organised for school and at home using structures and routines.
  • Working and studying effectively in high school and becoming a more powerful learner.

Dr Prue Salter will share with you some simple but powerful strategies to implement at home to help students cope with the academic demands of school and achieve their personal best. You will be discussing together what might work best for your family.

This is an interactive evening for parents and students that outlines tools and techniques for students to achieve their personal academic best. Please arrive 5-10 minutes prior, to collect the family handout. Please also bring at least one pen and you may also like to bring a highlighter and the College diary.

Please complete the google form here to indicate attendance and assist with resourcing.

Yours sincerely

Ms Melissa Williams
Director of Learning and Teaching 

 

Years 8-12 – Study Skills Evening – 20 May

24 April 2026

Dear Parents/Carers of Years 8-12

Study Skills Evening – 20 May

On Wednesday evening, 20 May 2026 from 6.00pm–7.30pm, the College will be holding a special information session in the Montagne Centre that will take parents and students through the essential skills required to achieve academic success in high school and how students can integrate these skills into their current approach. This evening will provide an opportunity for students and parents who could not attend in previous years to attend. It will also provide an opportunity for a refresher in study skills. This evening was offered last year, with an emphasis on Year 7, however, we would like to offer it again for anyone that may have been unable to attend or who might like a refresher.

The evening will be presented by Dr Prue Salter from Enhanced Learning who has specialised, for over 15 years, in the area of study skills and is in high demand as a presenter of study skills sessions. Prue developed the study skills website our school subscribes to and has written many other study skills resources.

The main areas that will be covered are:

  • Managing homework and assignments effectively by efficient time management.
  • Learning to be more organised for school and at home using structures and routines.
  • Working and studying effectively in high school and becoming a more powerful learner.

Dr Prue Salter will share with you some simple but powerful strategies to implement at home to help students cope with the academic demands of school and achieve their personal best. You will be discussing together what might work best for your family.

This is an interactive evening for parents and students that outlines tools and techniques for students to achieve their personal academic best. Please arrive 5-10 minutes prior, to collect the family handout. Please also bring at least one pen and you may also like to bring a highlighter and the school diary.

Please complete the google form here to indicate attendance and assist with resourcing.

Yours sincerely

Ms Melissa Williams
Director of Learning and Teaching 

 

Reminder – Mother’s Day Mass & Breakfast

27 March 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

Mother’s Day Mass & Breakfast

On Friday 8 May 2026 we will be celebrating a special Mass to honour our Mothers, Grandmothers, Stepmothers and Carers before Mother’s Day.  I would love for you to join your son/s in this celebration at St Kevin’s Church, commencing at 8.00am.  We include in this invitation fathers or other family members who take on special roles in our boys’ lives.

After the Mass, we would like to invite you and your son/s to a light breakfast to be held in the Montagne Centre.

To plan for this morning, could you please RSVP here by no later than Friday 1 May so that we can finalise catering and arrange for your son/s to be released from class on Friday morning. 

Students attending Breakfast will return to class in Period 2 (9.45am). Should your son/s not attend Mass and/or Breakfast, they will attend Homeroom and Period 1 as per their normal timetable.  

We look forward to sharing this occasion with you.

Yours sincerely

Mr David Sullivan                                                    Mr Colm McCaughan
Principal                                                                  Religious Education Coordinator

 

Reminder – Years 10, 11 & 12 – 2026 Careers Night – “Your Futures, Unfiltered”

13 February 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

Subject: Invitation: “Your Futures, Unfiltered” – Careers Night 2026

At Marist College Eastwood, we believe that the best career advice doesn’t just come from a textbook – it comes from the real-world experiences of those who have walked the path before.

We are excited to invite you and your sons in Years 10, 11 and 12 to our upcoming Careers Night: “Your Futures, Unfiltered.”

This evening is designed to pull back the curtain on the professional world. We have curated an incredible panel of over 40 advisors – ranging from Surgeons, Lawyers and Politicians to Carpenters, Engineers and Tech Innovators – who are ready to share the honest realities, challenges and rewards of their respective fields. University representatives will be there too.

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday 28 April 2026
  • Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
  • Location: Montagne Centre (entry via Gate 5 on Terry Road)
  • Who should attend: All students in Years 10, 11 and 12 and their parents/carers
  • RSVP: Please confirm your attendance here

This is a unique opportunity for your son to move beyond “what” he wants to be and start discovering “how” to get there through meaningful face-to-face networking.

Warm regards

Mr. Benjamin Nguyen
Careers Adviser 

Reminder – Years 11 & 12 – Changes to SBAT & TAFE Schedules

27 March 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

Changes to SBAT Work & TAFE Schedules

Thank you for your ongoing support of the students as they commence and progress through their School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships. Based on my conversations with them and their employers, it appears the boys are starting the year strong and keen, genuinely enjoying their learning and gaining valuable insights to their respective fields.

To ensure consistency for students undertaking a School Based Apprenticeship or Traineeship (SBAT) and to effectively manage the balance between school commitments and workplace requirements, I would like to outline the process for any changes to previously agreed work and/or TAFE days.

All requests to change a scheduled SBAT work day must be submitted via email to the Careers Adviser, Mr Benjamin Nguyen (benjamin.nguyen004@syd.catholic.edu.au), at least one week prior to the proposed change. This timeframe allows for appropriate consultation between the Leader of Wellbeing, Director of Curriculum and Careers Adviser to ensure there are no clashes with assessment tasks or other compulsory school commitments.

Students are also expected to consult with their Leader of Wellbeing and relevant Leaders of Learning to confirm that any proposed change does not conflict with published assessment schedules, as outlined on the Compass Calendar and in the Assessment Handbook.

In accordance with the College’s SBAT policy:

  • Year 11 students are permitted one day of work and one day of TAFE per week.
  • Year 12 students may undertake two days of work per week once TAFE has concluded.

If a student wishes to undertake a third day of work in any given week, a formal application for leave must be submitted by both the student and parent/carer. This request must be made at least one week in advance by emailing the Director of Curriculum, Ms Monique Brame (monique.brame@syd.catholic.edu.au) and the Careers Adviser. Approval will be granted only where the student is up to date with all coursework and assessment requirements.

Thank you for your support in ensuring clear and consistent processes for our thriving SBAT students.

Yours sincerely

Mr Benjamin Nguyen
Careers Adviser

 

Uniforms

2nd Hand Uniform Shop – Next open: Thursday, 30 April (Week 2 Term 2) from 1.30pm-3.00pm. Located at the rear of Cottage 3 – entry via Gate 4 on Hillview Road. 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