Week 1 Term 4

16 October 2026 

Dear Parents/Carers

Welcome back to Term 4! Aside from a handful of non-compliant school haircuts the boys have come back ready and firing for a great term.

I expressed to the staff upon our return my gratitude for a fantastic Term 3 and brilliant farewell for Year 12. Graduation was of course a highlight, but events of that quality can only go ahead when all stakeholders are doing their bit. The teachers who ensured their Year 7 to 11 classes were well-taught right up until the last day assisted and provided the Year 12 team the opportunity to bring together an amazing Graduation Day.

Commensurately, I thanked the boys in Year 7 to 11 this morning for playing their part, focusing on their learning and following the directions when required. It was a total team effort!

In recent weeks, a message shared by a Principal/Headmaster at a neighbouring Marist High school received quite a bit of mainstream and social media air time. In light of some tragic incidents and the ongoing patterns of disturbing sexual assault cases, the College Headmaster St Joseph’s College (Hunters Hill), Mr Michael Blake, articulated very powerfully, some messages with his students and in turn his entire school community. I could not say the same message any better, so I have shared a link to his address below which I would encourage all parents to read.

LINK College Assembly Headmaster’s Address 27 August 2026

St Joseph’s College (Hunters Hill)

There is nothing perfect on this side of heaven and we all make mistakes. But it is imperative that we are not just aspiring to be better but we are better. Mr Michael Blake encapsulated everything for his school that we are aspiring to imprint on our boys at Marist College Eastwood when we talk about endeavouring to develop young men with ‘strong minds and gentle hearts’ who are courageous enough to bring to life the profoundly demanding idea that every human being possesses an inherent dignity. 

To label these characteristics or traits as desirable or aspirational is to undersell their importance. Every human being has the capacity to bring to life this message. We are blessed with an outstanding community at Marist College Eastwood with boys who make us proud every day. As a united team, parents and school, let’s continue to be role models and teach our boys to make the world a safer place for everyone.

Respice Finem

Mr David Sullivan
Principal 

 

Reminder – Year 7 2029 Enrolments Open

25 September 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

Year 7 2029 Enrolments Open

Applications are now open in Compass for Year 7 2029 enrolments (for current Year 4 students).

To apply, click the cog wheel on the top right-hand side of your existing parent Compass account and then “Family and Enrolments” in the drop-down. 

If you are applying for your currently enrolled child in SCS please click on their name in Student Profile, complete the profile to get to 100% and you will then be able to create an application. 

For new students (outside SCS network), please create a new student profile before submitting an application. 

You must select at least two school preferences to submit. Upon submission, you’ll receive a confirmation email and your Compass account will display the status as “submitted.” 

Here is a step-by-step guide if you need assistance.

Open Day will be held on 2 March 2027 and final enrolment applications are due in late March 2027. We will confirm our deadline during Open Day. Feel free to share this information with friends, family and community members who may be interested in enrolment. 

Kind Regards

Mrs Varteny Khoudesian
Enrolment Officer

 

Wearing Hats

16 October 2026

Dear Parents/Carers,

As we move into warmer weather and high UV index days, we want to ensure all our students stay safe, healthy, and energised while enjoying their breaks. Ensuring sun safety is paramount and we are writing to request your support in reinforcing the importance of wearing hats during active outdoor play.

While high school students are growing more independent, the risks associated with sun exposure and UV radiation remain significant. During recess, lunch and outdoor physical activities, students spend a substantial amount of time in direct sunlight. 

To protect our students, students who do not bring or wear a hat will be directed to designated shaded areas for passive recreation during breaks and will be unable to participate in active play, games or sports.

We kindly ask that you check in with your child before they leave for school each morning to ensure they have their school hat packed in their bag. Labelling the hat with your child’s full name will also help prevent loss. Alternatively, if your son has lost their school hat that another is purchased.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students safe, healthy and active throughout the school year. If you have any questions regarding sun safety or uniform guidelines, please feel free to reach out to your son’s Leader of Wellbeing. 

Kind regards,

Ms Linda Codamo
Director of Wellbeing

 

Year 8 – Year 8 Reflection Day – 30 October

16 October 2026

Dear Parents/Carers of Year 8

Year 8 Reflection Day

As part of the College’s faith formation program, Year 8 students will take part in a compulsory Reflection Day on Friday, 30 October.

The theme of the day is “Authenticity’ and will be facilitated by the Sydney Catholic Schools Mission Team, assisted by Sydney Catholic Youth. The day aims to guide students in recognising their own intrinsic value, coming to know God deeper and His belief in us. The details of the event are as follows:

Venue: 

Holy Name of Mary Parish Hall, Hunters Hill

When:

Friday 30 October (8.30am – 2.50pm)

Transport

Students will be transported by bus from the College to the venue and returned by the conclusion of the school day

Clothing:

Appropriate mufti clothing

Student Equipment: 

Pen, Diary (no laptops required) 

Parental consent must be given on Compass by Friday, 23 October.

Students are to bring their own morning tea and lunch for the day in a small bag.

After the event, I would like to encourage parents to start a conversation with your son about the activities and topics covered in the day. 

Yours sincerely

Mr Colm McCaughan
Religious Education Coordinator

Upcoming Webinar from Happy Families – Dr Justin Coulson

16 October 2026 

Dear Parents/Carers

Upcoming Webinar from Happy Families

On Wednesday 28 October 2026 at 8.00pm, Dr Justin Coulson from Happy Families will again be hosting a webinar: Parent Guidance – Positive Solutions for every Family.

Join renowned parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson for Parental Guidance, a refreshing presentation that will challenge conventional parenting wisdom and equip you with effective, science-backed strategies.

This presentation will empower you to move beyond outdated parenting paradigms and embrace a fresh perspective on child development. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of your child’s needs and learn how to create an environment that supports their growth, fostering a more positive family dynamic. Don’t miss this opportunity to revolutionise your parenting approach and create a thriving family life!

Further details about the webinar and registration can be found here. Please enter the School name when completing the registration form. 

Kind regards

Ms Linda Codamo
Director of Wellbeing

 

 

 

 

Sport Report

NSW All Schools Athletics

During the school holidays three students from Marist College Eastwood attended NSW All Schools Athletics. 

  • Thomas Cheung competed admirably in the U/16s 100m and 200m sprint against some of the state’s fastest athletes. 
  • Oliver Brown is ever present at these types of events and again put together a fantastic performance finishing 4th in the U/16 2000m steeplechase and 13th in the 3000m
  • Tomasi Waqabaca had a fantastic meet finishing top 10 in both the U/17 Long Jump and Triple Jump (8th in both).

NSW Volleyball Schools Cup:

Our Year 10/11 Volleyball team competed at the wider NSW Volleyball Schools Cup late last term. On the first of two days of competition, the team produced an impressive performance. They opened with a commanding 3-0 victory over Avondale, before narrowly going down 2-1 to Prairiewood in a highly competitive and closely contested match. The team responded strongly, defeating Knox 2-0. In the final game of the day the team drew with Chatswood High School to finish the day with two wins and a draw from four matches and in a strong position heading into the second day of competition. On the 2nd day the boys struggled to get their game going again and suffered a draw against Marsden High School 1-1, meaning they would meet top seeds Knox in the Semi Final. Unfortunately they were not able to repeat their Day 1 heroics and went down in the semi-final before conceding the Bronze Medal game 2-0 to finish 4th overall. The boys should be proud of the efforts as they move into the SCS Representative Volleyball season.

Volleyball:

OzTag:

Tee-ball:

Upcoming Events:

Thursday 22 October (Week 2) – Rd 2 OzTag, Volleyball and Tee-ball. Rd 1 Cricket
Tuesday 27 October (Week 3) – Wheelchair Basketball (Juniors) 

 

 

Careers – Week 1 Term 4

MCE Careers Website Link mcecareers.com

Term 4, Week 1 2026

Dear Parents/Carers and Students,

Welcome back to Term 4! I hope all our Marist College Eastwood families had a restful break and are ready for an exciting final stretch of the school year. Term 4 is always a fast-paced term, especially for our senior students who are finalising their post-school pathways or stepping up into their final year of secondary school. Please keep our year 12 cohort in your prayers as they take on the HSC.

Upcoming Events & Key Dates

This Weekend & Next Week

JMC Academy Portfolio & Audition Masterclass, Sydney

  • Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026
    • Location: JMC Academy, Sydney Campus
    • Details: A practical session for Year 10–12 students interested in creative industries (Acting, Music Performance, Animation, Game Design, Music Production) to prepare portfolios and audition pieces with expert feedback.
  • HSC Workshop: Visual Arts Induction, Marrickville
    • Date: Sunday, 18 October 2026
    • Location: Marrickville Library and Pavilion
    • Details: Designed for Year 11 students starting the HSC Visual Arts course in Term 4. Unpacks developing the HSC Body of Work, preparing for written exams and time management.
  • Study Project Management at Sydney (Webinar)
    • Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
    • Location: Online
    • Details: Learn how the Bachelor of Project Management at the University of Sydney equips students with skills to lead complex projects across diverse industries.
  • Beneath Our Feet: Discover Lecture Series with Macquarie
    • Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
    • Location: Macquarie University, Wallumattagal Campus
    • Details: Dr Golnaz Alipour explores underground engineering, soil stability and new tools like AI and sensors used in major Australian infrastructure projects. Suitable for ages 10+.
  • Southern Cross University Future Leaders Workshop, Coffs Harbour
    • Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2026
    • Location: SCU Coffs Harbour Campus
    • Details: Full-day interactive workshop led by world-record pilot Lachie Smart aimed at Year 11 and 12 aspiring school leaders.
  • APC VETiS Student and Parent Information Night, Sydney
    • Date: Thursday, 22 October 2026
    • Location: Australian Paramedical College, Sydney
    • Details: Information session for high school students interested in healthcare careers, covering how to complete a Certificate III in Basic Health Care alongside senior secondary studies.
  • National Art School Bachelor of Fine Arts Info Session
    • Date: Thursday, 22 October 2026
    • Location: Online
    • Details: Overview of entry requirements, portfolio applications and course structures for the BFA at NAS.

Look Ahead: Future Events (Late October & November)

  • Why Study Business at Sydney? Webinar: Tuesday, 28 October 2026
  • UTS Bachelor of Nursing Info Session: Tuesday, 28 October 2026
  • University of Newcastle TAFE to Uni Webinar: Tuesday, 28 October 2026
  • A Taste of Le Cordon Bleu Sydney: Wednesday, 29 October 2026
  • Year 12 & Beyond with ADHD Webinar: Wednesday, 29 October 2026
  • Charles Sturt University Online Parent Information Session: Tuesday, 4 November 2026
  • Explore Speech Pathology at Sydney Webinar: Tuesday, 4 November 2026
  • STEM + X: Technology Career Webinar: Tuesday, 4 November 2026
  • Procrastination & ADHD (Years 10–12) Webinar: Wednesday, 5 November 2026
  • UTS Engineering & IT Parent & Guardian Info Evening: Thursday, 12 November 2026
  • TAFE NSW Virtual Open Week 2026: Tuesday, 17 November – Thursday, 19 November 2026

Highlighting Career Pathways: Agronomy & Primary Industries

When people think about farming, they usually picture tractor drivers or station hands, but modern agriculture relies heavily on cutting-edge science and tech! Enter Agronomists – the plant and soil doctors who help growers produce better yields, tackle pests sustainably and protect land for future generations.

What Does an Agronomist Actually Do?

  • Paddock Inspections: Walking crops to spot nutrient issues, plant diseases or pest problems before they take over.
  • Soil & Tissue Testing: Taking samples and using environmental data to advise farmers on fertiliser, planting schedules and irrigation.
  • Trialing Innovation: Testing new crop varieties or farming techniques right out in the field to see what works best locally.
  • Trusted Adviser: Translating complex science into straightforward advice for local farmers and agribusinesses.

Why Consider It?

  • Variety: You get a healthy mix of outdoor field visits and indoor data analysis or trial planning.
  • Strong Demand: Agriculture is increasingly driven by technology, data and sustainability, meaning skilled agronomists are highly sought after with above-average salary prospects.
  • Making a Difference: You’re directly contributing to food security, environmental management and sustainable primary production.

How to Get There from High School

  1. School Subjects: Focus on senior sciences like Biology, Chemistry and Earth & Environmental Science, along with Mathematics.
  2. Tertiary Pathways: Look into a Bachelor of Agricultural Science, Agronomy or Environmental Science at university or vocational pathways in agriculture through TAFE NSW.
  3. Get Hands-On: Check out local agricultural shows, field days or work experience opportunities with agribusiness firms or research facilities.

Senior Study & Academic Integrity Guide

As assessment tasks and exam preparations ramp up this term, it is essential for students to maintain clear academic integrity practices in their research work.

Understanding Plagiarism Beyond Direct Copying

Plagiarism involves submitting work that is not your own without clear attribution, regardless of intent. Key forms to avoid include:

  • Close Paraphrasing: Retaining a source’s original structure and replacing only individual words with synonyms.
  • Idea Plagiarism: Presenting another author’s argument, research finding or concept as your own original thought without citation.
  • Unacknowledged AI Content: Submitting text generated by artificial intelligence tools as your own writing.

Best Practice for Referencing

  1. Understand First: Read reference material until the core concept is understood, then close the source.
  2. Draft Independently: Write notes or summaries entirely in your own words without looking at the original text.
  3. Cite Accurately: Provide immediate in-text citations and add full source details to your bibliography.
  4. Utilize Tools: Tools like MyBib, Zotero or built-in document citation tools can assist in managing sources cleanly.

Practical Tips: Starting Term 4 Strong

  1. Centralise Important Dates: Record all assessment submission dates, practical exams and key events in a single digital or physical calendar.
  2. Set Specific Targets: Focus on measurable goals for the term (e.g., “Submit all draft essays two days prior to due dates”).
  3. Establish Study Routines: Schedule designated study blocks throughout the week to maintain consistent progress.
  4. Seek Feedback Early: Consult course teachers early in the term if any subject concepts remain unclear.

If you have any questions about university applications, UAC or apprenticeship options, please feel free to contact the Careers Office at the College – benjamin.nguyen004@syd.catholic.edu.au 

For the full version, please see the link

Warm regards

Mr Benjamin Nguyen
Careers Adviser

Important Reminder for Year 12 Parents & Students

Reminders prior to sign-out

Reminder to download and save any reports, documents and/or assessments before access is terminated after HSC exams are completed. These are quite often needed for job or further study applications.

All Year 12 students are to ensure they have returned all school resources (including text/library books, sporting uniform, etc).

Thank you for your attention to this matter and good luck for your exams and future plans.

 

Temporary Bus Service & Bus Stop Changes (Route 292/293/551) – Sydney Water Ryde to Pymble Pipeline Update – 6 October-6 December 2026

Temporary Bus Service and Stop Changes – Sydney Water Ryde to Pymble Pipeline Upgrade starting Tuesday, 6 October to Sunday, 12 December 2026

We are writing to advise of upcoming temporary bus service diversions and bus stop changes resulting from Sydney Water’s Ryde to Pymble Pipeline Upgrade.

From Tuesday 6 October until Sunday 6 December 2026, roadworks will take place on Vimiera Road between Dayman Place and Waterloo Road, Marsfield, as part of Sydney Water’s Ryde to Pymble Pipeline Upgrade.

During this time, temporary changes will apply to routes which your students and their families may use:

Please note: No dedicated school bus services are affected by the roadworks.

For the latest information, including affected routes, temporary bus stop changes and alternative boarding locations, please visit the Busways Planned Service Changes webpage and share the information with parents and carers.

Customers are encouraged to check the latest service information and Trip Planner before travelling, as roadwork dates and traffic conditions may change.

Thanks for your assistance in keeping your school community informed.

Regards

Busways Group
5 Bridge Street, Pymble NSW 2073
W busways.com.au


This email and its attachments contain confidential information for the intended recipient. The contents may be subject to legal or other professional privilege. If you receive this communication by mistake we prohibit you from using it in any way. Please notify us, delete the communication (and any attachments) and destroy all copies. This notice should not be deleted or altered.

 

 

Reminder – Granny Smith Festival Flyer – 17 October

Reminder – E-Bike Management Guidelines

25 September 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

Marist College Eastwood in conjunction with the SCS E-Bike Management Guidelines has determined that e-bikes cannot be safely accommodated on school premises. The school has determined that we are unable to manage the associated risks at the present time and cannot provide a designated storage area that meets the storage requirements. As a result, students are not able to bring e-bikes onto or store them on school premises. The current position may be adjusted in future if a suitable storage arrangement can be sourced or made available.

Thank you for your cooperation with this matter. 

Mr David Sullivan
Principal

 

Reminder – The Big Give Back

Uniforms

2nd Hand Uniform Shop – Next open: 20 November (Week 6 Term 4 – Year 7 2027 Orientation Day) from 1.00pm-3.00pm. Located at the rear of Cottage 3 – entry via Gate 4 on Hillview Road. Cash & EFTPOS accepted.

The PCG have asked for a call out for School pants and shirts if possible, they are running low.  Year 12’s your blazers would be very much appreciated after you graduate.

Donations to the Second Hand Uniform Shop can be dropped off to the College Front Reception during normal school hours.

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