Week 2

6 February 2026 

Dear Parents/Carers

Returning our trolley

This week, I shared a message with the boys during assembly that might have seemed, at first glance, to be about grocery shopping. However, as Marist men, it was about the character we build and display when no one is watching.

I spoke to the students about returning their shopping trolley . The act of returning a trolley to its bay is the ultimate test for self-governance and respect for others. There is no law that says you must return it, and you won’t be fined or punished if you leave it rolling in the middle of a parking space. Most shopping centres even pay for someone to collect them for you. However, we all know the simple task of returning your trolley to the trolley bay is objectively the right thing to do, yet the only thing motivating you to do it is a sense of duty toward your fellow man.

Small Acts, Large Impact

In our Marist tradition, we are called to live with Simplicity and Service. When a person leaves a trolley behind, they are subtly declaring that their time is more valuable than the person who has to move it. It is an act that says “Someone else will deal with my mess.”

We see the direct parallel here at school every day during recess and lunch.

Our School, Our Home

Just as a stray trolley inconveniences a stranger, a discarded chip packet or drink bottle left on the ground at recess or lunch inconveniences our entire community. When a student leaves their rubbish on a bench, expecting our grounds staff or a peer to pick it up, they are failing “The Trolley Test.”

To be a “Good Christian and a Good Citizen” means acknowledging that:

• Presence Matters: We respect the physical spaces we are blessed to share.
• Humility is Key: No Marist man is “too big” or “too important” to bend down and pick up litter.
• Solidarity: We look after our common home so that those who come after us find it better than we left it.

The Challenge Ahead

I have challenged the boys to view every piece of rubbish as an opportunity to practice integrity. Character isn’t forged in grand gestures; it is built in the quiet moment when you choose to walk five extra meters to a bin, simply because it is the right thing to do.

Let’s encourage our young men to be the ones who return the trolley, empty the dishwasher at home (without being asked), take out the rubbish bin and value others’ time and energy as much as our own.

Respice Finem

Mr David Sullivan

Principal 

2026 Start of the Year

6 February 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

Welcome to the 2026 school year. A special welcome to our new families joining the Marist College Eastwood community for the first time.

I would like to take this opportunity to formally introduce myself again as the Director of Wellbeing for 2026, as well as introduce the Wellbeing team at Marist College Eastwood. 

Alongside your son’s Homeroom Teacher, our 2026 Wellbeing team consists of: 

• Director of Wellbeing                       Ms Linda Codamo
• Year 7 Leader of Wellbeing              Mr Stephen Flew
• Year 8 Leader of Wellbeing             Mr Stephen McNamara
• Year 9 Leader of Wellbeing              Mr Joshua Chasney
• Year 10 Leader of Wellbeing            Mr Mark Barroccu
• Year 11 Leader of Wellbeing            Ms Emily Mattick
• Year 12 Leader of Wellbeing            Ms Linda Burland
• School Counsellor                             Ms Tina Ngyuen

Supporting the LoW this year we also have three stage assistants: 

• Stage 4 Assistant:                    Mr Jacob Siles
• Stage 5 Assistant:                    Mr Daniel Viana
• Stage 6 Assistant:                    Ms Bella Christenson

The role of the Stage Assistant is to work collaboratively with the LoW with a focus on supporting them in the areas of Attendance, Uniform & Grooming and Anti-Bullying processes.

Working alongside our Wellbeing team we have our full-time College Counsellor, Ms Tina Nguyen.

Marist College Eastwood places great value on the development of the whole person. Through my role as the Director of Wellbeing, my team and I will support the development of the academic, spiritual, physical, social and emotional needs of the students in our care to create an environment where they feel respected, included and have a sense of belonging.  To support the students, we run pastoral care lessons every fortnight. During these lessons, over the course of the year, the year groups will have some key themes they will be working through as follows:

Attendance

A key focus of the College over the past few years has been attendance, this will continue over the course of 2026. As a College our attendance in 2025 was strong across the Sydney Catholic Schools system, however it continues to be a focus and we want to ensure as much as possible, students are in front of their teacher learning and involved in community days embracing family spirit. For your reference, the following guidelines have been set by Sydney Catholic Schools when monitoring students’ attendance and determining if interventions are required:

Please note that the College will record on Compass when students are absent for significant community days, i.e. Swimming Carnival, Champagnat Day, Athletics Carnival.

Wellbeing Resources

Marist College has a subscription to the Happy Families School Membership. Owned and run by Dr Justin Coulson, one of Australia’s leading parenting experts, the membership offers a wealth of parenting education and resources.

We will regularly share resources available through our membership with you, including Insight Articles and Webinars.

Please find the following initial resources 

• Happy Families Webinar- Anti Fragile- Building Resilient Kids through Life’s Challenges. This will air on 25 February 2026 at 8.00pm. More information can be found here 
• Happy Families Article: Back-to-School: What Kids Actually Need for a Strong Start

A reminder that should you have any concerns about your son’s wellbeing, please in the first instance, contact your son’s Homeroom teacher or if required, their Leader of Wellbeing or myself.

I’m looking forward to working with you and the students throughout the year.

Kind regards

Ms Linda Codamo

Director of Wellbeing

Ash Wednesday

6 February 2026 

Dear Parents/Carers

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of Lent in the Church’s liturgical year. It is a day of solemn commemoration in which ashes are usually placed on foreheads as a sign of penance and desire to grow in holiness. It is an expectation of Sydney Catholic Schools that students are offered the opportunity to go ‘Back to Parish’, therefore there will be an altered start to the school day.

On Wednesday 18 February 2026, as part of our commemoration of this day, the College is offering students the opportunity to attend Mass at their local parish with their families. This is an occasion for families to begin Lent together and participate in their local parish community. There are a number of opportunities at the following local parishes:

• St Anthony’s Parish, Marsfield (9.15am)                   
• St Charles Borromeo’s Parish, Ryde (9.20am)                      
• St Gerard Majella’s Parish, Carlingford (9:30am)
• St Kevin’s Parish, Eastwood (9:30am)
• St Michael’s Parish, Meadowbank (9:15am)
• St Therese’s Parish, Denistone (9:00am)     
• Holy Spirit Parish, North Ryde (9:30am)

Students who wish to attend Mass at their parish should fill in this expression of interest form by Friday 13 February 3.00pm. Students who attend one of the above parishes will be transported back to school via bus. A teacher will supervise students on the buses the College provides. All students are expected to return to school for the commencement of Period 3 at 11.15am. 

For any student who does not attend Mass at their parish, there will be a Liturgy celebrated at the College, where the ashes will also be distributed. 

Students not attending their local Parish are required to be at school by 10.00am, with adjusted times as follows for the school day:

Limited supervision onsite from 9.00am

All students not attending their local parish to arrive for Homeroom at 10.00am

College Ash Wednesday Liturgy commences at 10.15am

            Normal timetable resumes at start of Period 3 11.15am

Please feel free to email me at colm.mccaughan@syd.catholic.edu.au if you require more information.

Kind regards

Colm McCaughan

Religious Education Coordinator

Year 7 – Welcome to New Parents Evening

6 February 2026

Dear Parent/Carers

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

As per the communication sent last week, we are 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.

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

Kind regards

Mr Stephen Flew                                                                                     

Leader of Wellbeing – Year 7                                                                            

Year 8 – Parent Welcome

6 February 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

Best wishes for the start of the new academic school year. I hope that you had a peaceful and enjoyable Christmas holiday.

I am writing to introduce myself to you as the Leader of Wellbeing for Year 8 in 2026 a role that I am very excited about returning to this year. 

Particularly I am delighted to be working with an impressive group in Year 8 who demonstrated under the guidance of Mr Flew their enormous potential last year. 

I acknowledge and thank Mr Flew and his Homeroom Team for the foundation work they laid last year allowing the group to feel safe, grounded and familiar with their Marist identity.

I wish to acknowledge and applaud the very positive manner in which your son has begun 2026. His engagement, uniform and involvement has been impressive. His reverence and participation in the Opening College Mass and The High Achievers Assembly demonstrated both respect and a clear understanding of the significance of these occasions. It gives much promise for the coming year!

The theme for Year 8 in 2026 is Brothers to All.

There are three elements which link to the development of this theme. The first is the desire by the Yr 7 Leaders in 2025 to support and assist the incoming 2026 Yr 7 cohort. The second was a desire to connect to the Year 12 Leaders theme of service as modelled ‘In the Way of Mary’ and the third was connecting this element to the Marist Spirituality.

I am sure that you have read Ms Alvarez’s Letter to the College Community outlining the expected standard for our community with grooming, attendance, punctuality and community days. If you or your son wishes to read these expectations please click the link here.

As you would understand, consistent attention to the routines processes of the College allow students to successfully achieve in a calm and well directed environment. 

This year the Year 8 Homeroom team that will be working in partnership with myself and  your son are:

801 – Mr Raul Saez

802 – Ms Rachel Deligiorgakis

803 – Mr Christopher (Chris) Ure

804 – Ms Alyssa Gatenby-Moore

805 – Ms Katie Stern

806 – Ms Chihiro Doucet & Ms Lauren Sung

This year the Homeroom Staff have identified assisting students developing their organisation is a priority for successful learning. 

As a part of the Homeroom routine students are asked to present their MCE Diary each week with the Subjects for each day written out in advance in blue pen. Research and accumulated experience show that the colour blue supports neatness and is associated with assisting memory.

Each day the student is asked to record either the set homework or the lesson activity. For example if a Practical Technology Mandatory in the workshop occurs your son could write Prac. 

At the end of the week the College asks parents/carers to sign the MCE Diary so that they are aware of classwork homework and assessments being set.

Students who complete the process are rewarded for their effort of building good learning habits.

A reminder that the MCE 2026 Swimming Carnival is again at the Auburn, Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre and Year 8 students will be expected to make their own way to and from the venue. Further clear details will be provided by Ms Khattar through the College Event on Compass. 

I truly look forward to assisting your son’s success this year and having the opportunity to discuss his achievements and development with you at the Parent/Teacher Conferences later in this semester.

Kind regards

Stephen McNamara

Year 8 – Leader of Wellbeing

stephen.mcnamara@syd.catholic.edu.au 

Year 9 – Parent Welcome

6 February 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

Welcome to the 2026 academic year. I hope the Christmas break provided a valuable opportunity to spend time connecting with friends and family, and a chance to rest ahead of this year. I am Mr Joshua Chasney and will be your son’s Leader of Wellbeing. Supporting me in this role will be Mr Daniel Viana as the Stage 5 Assistant. The homeroom team supporting your son is:

As we begin a new academic year, I am delighted to welcome you and your son to Year 9. This stage marks an important and exciting chapter in their secondary school journey, and I am looking forward to working together to support their growth, wellbeing and success. This year, our theme is “Consistency is King.” Throughout Year 9, we will be focusing on the power of forming positive habits, both in learning and in personal development. We want students to understand that progress is built through small, repeated actions, and that every positive step counts. As a group, we will be celebrating the small wins, recognising effort and reinforcing the idea that consistency, not perfection, is what drives long-term success. By embracing this theme together, we hope to build a culture where students feel motivated, supported, and proud of their ongoing growth. 

The College has a well-established Grooming Policy and these expectations are to be upheld each day. Our policy is clear and consistent to all of our students. Boys are expected to be clean-shaven each day and have hair that is well kept with no extremes, including haircuts such as ‘skin fades’ and ‘burst fades’. Students who are unable to wear the full Sports Uniform on Thursday must wear the normal College Uniform and bring something to change into for sport. The cohort have made an outstanding start adhering to the school’s grooming policy and I hope they continue to hold this standard. 

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 Leader of Wellbeing Office in Cottage 2 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.

Attendance and punctuality will be key priorities this year, as being present, on time, and ready to learn has a direct impact on progress and engagement. This includes our Community Days, which help build teamwork, strengthen relationships and foster a sense of belonging. Consistent attendance ensures your son can fully benefit from these experiences. 

Communication between home and school is essential and I encourage you to reach out at any time if you have questions or concerns. Together, we can create a strong partnership that helps your son thrive. Contact can be made via email or by calling the College on 9858 1644 during school hours or my school email address: joshua.chasney@syd.catholic.edu.au

Thank you for your ongoing support. I look forward to a productive and rewarding year ahead for all our Year 9 students.

Kind regards 

Mr Joshua Chasney

Leader of Wellbeing (Acting) – Year 9

Year 10 – Parent Welcome

6 February 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

Welcome to the 2026 academic year.  In particular, I offer an extended welcome to our Year 10 families who are new to our Marist Community.  I hope the Christmas break has given time to strengthen and renew relationships with family and friends and your sons are excited about their return to school. I am Mr Mark Barroccu and will be your son’s Leader of Wellbeing. Supporting me in this role this year will be Ms Christenson and Mr Daniel Viana as the Stage 5 Assistant as well as Ms Linda Codamo, the Director of Wellbeing. The homeroom team supporting your son is:

The purpose of writing to you is to keep you informed to ensure a smooth start to the year and allow us all to focus our energy on our core business: Faith Formation, Learning and Wellbeing.  Our theme for this year is Boys to Men, which reflects their short journey to becoming adults. Your sons are entering an extremely important year of their schooling. At Marist College Eastwood, we see our Year 10 students entering their first year of senior school. This is reflected in the high expectations set for them in the classroom, homework, assessments and in the playground. The first step for the students in Year 10 is the Stage 6 Subject Selection information evening this term. Later in the year, the students will also complete work experience. The relevant forms and information are currently available on Compass. I encourage parents to have a conversation regarding this to start finalising a choice of employer and the completion of the relevant forms.

The College has a well-established Grooming Policy, and these expectations are to be upheld each day. Our policy is clear and consistent for all of our students. Boys are expected to be clean-shaven each day and have hair that is well-kept with no extremes. Students who are unable to wear the full Sports Uniformon Thursday must wear the normal College Uniform and bring something to change into for sport.

I ask for parent support in ensuring that your son is at school each day, unless he is unwell. Every school day is important, and as well as regular attendance, students are expected to be present and to contribute to our community events such as our Carnivals, Reflection Days and at Mass. These dates are available on the College Calendar through Compass.

Attendance and punctuality are key for academic success and are also important traits for students to develop before they enter the workforce. We ask that you complete an attendance note on Compass if your son is sick as soon as you are aware that he will be missing from school.

Mobile phones are not to be used at the College. If your son needs to make a call during the day he may seek permission in the following areas: My office or our Student Reception. To minimise disruption, parents who need to contact their son during the day are asked to call the College rather than calling your son directly. Your support with this is very much appreciated and provides a clear and consistent message to your son. 

The importance of communication between family and the College cannot be overlooked. If you have any concerns about your son’s wellbeing, academic progress, or are experiencing any difficulties outside of the College that may affect your son’s learning, please feel free to contact me directly via the school number 9858 1644 or my school email mark.barroccu@syd.catholic.edu.au

Finally, I would like to remind you of the Year 10 Parent Information night regarding HSC subject selection on Tuesday 17 February from 6.00pm-7.00pm in the Montagne Centre, where we will go through the options your son has for 2027. A letter was posted on Compass Friday 30 January,  with more specific information from Ms Brame the Director of Curriculum. Your son is expected to attend.  Please save this important date in your calendar. 

I look forward to working with your sons this year to continue their journey as they make important decisions about their future.

Kind regards

Mr Mark Barroccu

Leader of Wellbeing – Year 10 

Year 11 – Parent Welcome

6 February 2026

Dear Parents/Carers and Year 11 Students,

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the beginning of Year 11. As our students step into the senior years, they do so with new opportunities, new responsibilities, and a renewed sense of purpose. I am excited to continue working with this wonderful group of students and to support them as they grow into confident, capable senior leaders of our community.

This year, our Year 11 Student Leadership team focuses on collective efficacy: the shared belief that, together, we can achieve more than any individual can alone. In the spirit of the Marist charism, we draw inspiration from the characteristic of Love of Work, encouraging students to take pride in their efforts, persevere through challenges, and recognise the dignity found in striving toward personal goals. We want every student to feel empowered to work with determination while remaining connected to the Marist community that supports and surrounds them.

As senior students, Year 11’s set the tone for the school. We will continue to uphold high expectations in all areas, including uniform, grooming, attendance, punctuality, and behaviour. These standards are not simply rules, they are expressions of respect for themselves, their peers, and the community they represent. Your support in reinforcing these expectations at home is invaluable.

To assist students in their academic growth, we strongly encourage them to make use of our Alumni Tutoring Program. This is a wonderful opportunity to receive support from former students who understand the demands of senior study and can offer practical guidance. The tutoring schedule is available on Compass and at the following link: https://sites.google.com/syd.catholic.edu.au/atp/study

I am also pleased to introduce the Year 11 Wellbeing Team. The Wellbeing Team committed to fostering a warm, encouraging environment where every student feels valued, supported, and equipped to thrive. 

Whether students need academic guidance, wellbeing support, or simply someone to listen, their homeroom teacher together with myself and Ms Christenson are daily sources of support. Together, we look forward to making Year 11 a positive, purposeful, and memorable experience.

We are excited for the year ahead and confident that, with commitment, collaboration, and a shared belief in their potential, our Year 11 students will flourish. Thank you for your ongoing partnership and trust.

Warm regards,

Emily Mattick

Leader of Wellbeing – Year 11

MCE PCG Agenda for Meeting

MCE PCG – Meeting Minutes

Season of Lent

Reminder – 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

Reminder – 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

Reminder – 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

Reminder – 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 

Reminder – St Kevin’s Youth Group

Careers

MCE Careers Website Link mcecareers.com

Uniforms

2nd Hand Uniform Shop – Next open: Thursday, 26 March (Week 9) from 1.30pm-3.00pm. 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