Week 3 Term 2

8 April 2026 

Dear Parents/Carers

This morning we were blessed with in excess of 400 of our mums and mother figures and our boys attended our Mother’s Day Mass and Morning Tea. It was standing room only at St Kevin’s. At the end of our Mass, I shared a vote of thanks and a message to our boys and their mums. I fumbled through some parts of it as I shared some of my gratitude for our Marist College Eastwood mothers and a story that is quite close to my own heart. For those of our community who were unable to attend, I’ve included a copy below:

“Good morning, father, families, staff, the young men of Marist College Eastwood and most importantly the mums and mother figures with us today.

Standing here this morning, looking out at a sea of black blazers and the mothers who support them, I am reminded of the unique spirit of our school. Being a “Marist Man” isn’t just about academic results or winning on the sporting field; it is about character. And if we are honest, that character is often forged in the quiet moments at home, steered by the hands of our mothers.

In the Catholic tradition, we look to Mary as our model. A woman of courage, resilience, and quiet strength. 

For our boys, “Mary” usually takes the form of the woman who wakes you up when you’ve slept through their alarm and who knows exactly where their lost shoes are. They can see the man you are becoming even when you’re still acting like a kid.

Mothers don’t just raise us; they shape us. They teach us the empathy that makes a Marist man a “brother” to his peers. They provide the safety net that allows you to take risks, and they help you form your moral compass that keeps you on the right path when life gets complicated.

My mother passed away in her early 60’s. It felt far too early. There were so many milestones I assumed she’d be there for. But God had other plans.

When I look back at her life, I don’t think about the big events. I don’t feel sad, I feel grateful for the amazing life I have thanks in large part to her. She set the tone and example for so many things in my life:

  • The Power of Presence: I remember coming home from school, no doubt grunting and using single word responses like lots of teenagers. She didn’t offer lectures or  “fix-it” solutions. She just listened. She taught me that sometimes, being a man means just showing up for people.
  • The Standard of Integrity: She was 62 years of “doing the right thing when no one was looking.” Whether it was helping a neighbour or holding me accountable, she showed me that a person’s word is their bond.
  • The Unspoken Sacrifice: Only now, as an adult, do I realise how many of her own dreams she set aside to support my sister and I.

We will never truly understand the strength of a mother’s love.

To the boys of Marist College Eastwood, gentlemen, I have one piece of advice that I wish I could go back and give my younger self: Do not wait for a milestone to say thank you. Don’t wait for Mother’s Day, birthdays or Christmas. Say thank you now and say it often, not just with words, but acts of service and lots of hugs.

Mothers don’t need a grand speech or an expensive gift. What they want is to know that you see them. They want to know that when they push you to study or tell you to clean up your mess or apologise, you realise they are doing it because they love you more than anyone else on this earth ever will.

Whilst I have had to grow up for a significant part of my adult life without my mum, and while I miss her every day, she isn’t really gone. I hear and see her in the way I interact with others. I hear her voice when I have to make a tough decision. My actions and decisions are often guided by the thought, “ how would my mum respond or would she be happy if I did things this way”.

A final word to the mums and mother figures in this church today and all those who can’t be with us: Thank you. Thank you for the countless, invisible hours you spend moulding your sons into great young men. You are the heartbeat of this community.

Boys, you need to make sure you don’t just thank your mum today with some cliched words. Words are important, but your actions mean more. Mums love nothing more than a Disney hug. The kind of hug that doesn’t stop until the recipient is ready. 

God bless and Happy Mother’s Day.”

Welcome

This term we welcomed one new member of staff and will welcome some more in the coming fortnight. I’ve said this before, but we are so lucky to be blessed with teachers and support staff wanting to join our community.

In Week One we welcomed Mr Brendan Bergin to the Religious Education Department.

In Week 4, we will welcome Ms Louise Lawrenson (Diverse Learning Teacher), Ms Sarah Markovic (Diverse Learning Teacher and Ms Sabnam Kanta (TAS and VET Coordinator and Hospitality Teacher). 

All of our new staff join us with experiences and wisdom that will no doubt be put into action educating our students at Marist College Eastwood.

Respice Finem

Mr David Sullivan
Principal 

 

 

Early Dismissal – 19 May 2026

8 May 2026 

Dear Parents/Carers

Early Dismissal – 19 May 2026

On Tuesday 19 May 2026 all students will be dismissed early to accommodate Year 10 & Year 11 Parent Teacher Conferences. All students will be dismissed at 12.15pm.

Research clearly indicates the importance of collaboration and strong working relationships between schools and parents for improved student outcomes. This strong parent engagement leads to improved wellbeing and academic student outcomes and at the College we value and prioritise the opportunity for parents and teachers to meet and discuss the growth and development of students.

Supervised study will be available for students who require it until 2.50pm in the Learning Centre. If your son will be staying at school for supervised study, we do ask you to complete the attached form by Friday, 15 May so that staffing and rooming arrangements can be made.  

Please note that Homeroom Club will not be running on this day and the Learning Centre will not be available after school. 

The school canteen will not be available at lunchtime. 

Students have been informed they are to go directly home and to be conscious of their behaviour and movement on public transport considering the differing dismissal time from the normal. This is a great opportunity for students to complete individual study tasks or prepare for any upcoming assessments.

Yours sincerely 

Ms Melinda Alvarez 
Assistant Principal 

 

Reminder – Year 9 – Duke of Edinburgh Program Parent Information Night

 

1  May 2026

Dear Parents/Carers,

Year 9 2026 Duke of Edinburgh Program
Parent Information Night

Thank you for completing the initial Expression of Interest form for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program. We are pleased to share that we have received interest from a large number of families in the Year 9 cohort. 

We kindly invite you to an information evening about the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program for our Year 9 students. This meeting will be held on Tuesday 26 May (Week 6) in the Montagne Centre from 6:00pm to 7:00pm – please enter via Gate 5, Terry Road.

The purpose of the evening is to provide families with an overview of the Duke of Education Bronze Award program, including:

  • What the program involves 
  • The skills, service and physical activity components
  • The Adventurous Journey requirements
  • The benefits for students’ personal development and leadership
  • The costs involved and what these cover
  • Key dates, expectations and next steps

There will also be an opportunity for parents and students to ask questions about the program.

Parents and carers are warmly invited to attend and we encourage you to bring your son so he can hear the information firsthand and begin thinking about if he would like to participate.

We look forward to seeing you there and supporting our Year 9 students as they take on this exciting opportunity.

Kind Regards,

Mr David Sullivan           Miss Katie Stern                                    Mrs Sarah Davis
Principal                       Duke of Edinburgh Leader                 Duke of Edinburgh Leader 

 

Reminder – Years 10, 11 & 12 – Guest Feedback – Careers Night

1 May 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

Careers Night – 28 April

Thank you for attending Marist College Eastwood Careers Night. We hope Wednesday Night helped spark some exciting conversation about the future for your son. Please take 2 minutes to help us make future events even better.

Guest Feedback: Marist Careers Night

Yours faithfully

Mr Benjamin Nguyen
Careers Adviser

 

Reminder – Years 10, 11 & 12 – Paul Dillon Presentation – 15 May

1 May 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

This letter is to inform you that students in Years 10, 11 & 12 will be attending a presentation by Paul Dillon on ‘Alcohol and Drug Use of Young People in Australia’ on Friday 15 May. 

Paul Dillon has been working in the area of drug education for almost 30 years. Through his own business, Drug and Alcohol Research and Training Australia (DARTA) he has been contracted by many organisations to provide updates on current drug trends, as well as advice on alcohol and other drug issues. He continues to work with many school communities across the country to ensure they have access to quality information and best practice drug education.

He has worked extensively with a range of sporting organisations, including the Australian Cricketers Association, the Rugby Union Players Association and the Football Federation of Australia to provide training workshops to elite athletes on a range of alcohol and other drug issues. In 2009 his best-selling book ‘Teenagers, Alcohol and Drugs‘ was published and this has since been released internationally, being translated into a number of languages. With a broad knowledge of a range of content areas, Paul regularly provides media comment and is regarded as a key social commentator, appearing on a wide range of television programs including Sunrise, TODAY and The Project discussing topical issues.  Paul had a regular spot on a national radio program on Triple J for seven years where he dealt with current youth drug issues. He also writes a blog for parents and caregivers, as well as another for young people and these have recently been released in a podcast format.

In the past, the students have found this session with Paul Dillon both informative and engaging. The presentations are tailored to each year group and outlined here. Parents/Carers are encouraged to access Paul’s online resources for their own upskilling and to promote positive, harm minimisation strategies at home. There will also be follow up activities and discussions in the student’s pastoral care lessons. 

The program for the day is outlined below:

Year 12: Last year at school: What do I need to know about alcohol and other drugs?

8.35am                          Homeroom will take place out the front of the Montagne Centre
8.45am-10.15am         Paul Dillon Presentation in the Montagne Centre
10.20am                        Year 12 to return to their Period 2 class (shortened lesson) 

Year 10: Young people, alcohol and risk taking: Looking after your mates

10:.20am                     Students meet in the E Block Yard for early recess
10.45am-12.15pm      Paul Dillon Presentation in the Montagne Centre
12.20pm                      Year 10 to return to their Period 4 class (shortened lesson) 

Year 11: Alcohol, vaping and cannabis: What do you and your friends need to know?

12.50pm                       Students meet in the E Block Yard for early lunch
1.15pm – 2.45pm         Paul Dillon Presentation in the Montagne Centre
                                       Dismissal at the conclusion of the presentation 

Lesson times will be changed to suit the presentation times, but students are required to bring their equipment as normal.

Kind regards

Ms Linda Codamo
Director of Wellbeing

 

Reminder – 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

 

Reminder – 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

 

Reminder – 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 

 

 

Reminder – 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 

 

Reminder – 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 

 

Uniforms

2nd Hand Uniform Shop – Next open: Friday, 19 June (Week 9) from 8.00am-10.00am. Located at the rear of Cottage 3 – entry via Gate 4 on Hillview Road. Cash & EFTPOS accepted.

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