Week 3 Term 4

30 October 2026 

Dear Parents/Carers

Our Marist Way…

At Marist College Eastwood, educating young men extends far beyond academic achievement. Grounded in the vision of St Marcellin Champagnat, our school strives to guide boys to become both good people and good students. This mission is shaped by the five Marist Pillars: Presence, Simplicity, Family Spirit, Love of Work and In the Way of Mary. Together, these values provide the foundation for your sons as they navigate their schooling, helping them develop strong moral compasses alongside a drive for personal excellence.

Being a good person starts with how our students treat others and carry themselves each day. Through Presence, boys learn to be fully attentive and supportive to their peers, building relationships grounded in respect and empathy. Simplicity encourages them to be humble, genuine and doing good quietly without seeking unnecessary recognition. Underpinned by Family Spirit, our College operates as a welcoming community where every boy belongs, learning the value of integrity, kindness and looking out for his brothers. Finally, In the Way of Mary, students are inspired to say yes to doing tough things and with the vision to understand that sometimes doing the right thing is hard work. 

Equally, these pillars shape what it means to be a good student in the classroom and beyond. Love of Work instils a strong work ethic, resilience and a sense of pride in learning, encouraging boys to apply themselves with dedication and joy. Supported by a culture of Family Spirit and collaborative effort, students feel safe to ask questions, learn from setbacks and strive for their personal best. By living out these Marist Pillars at school, your sons grow not only into capable, diligent students, but into thoughtful, grounded young men prepared to make a positive impact on the world.

Mobile Phones

It is a timely reminder that since October 2023 , students in public high schools across NSW have been required to have their mobile phones turned off and out of sight. Although we are not a part of the public system, Marist College Eastwood has an identical requirement and any student caught with a mobile phone is required to hand it directly to Student Reception where it is stored in a secured location for the remainder of the day.

Our detailed Mobile Phone Policy is outlined below:

Respice Finem

Mr David Sullivan
Principal 

Reminder – All Souls Day

23 October 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

November is traditionally the month in which the Church remembers the dead, and in a special way we are invited to remember our family, friends and loved ones who have died, especially those who have passed in the last twelve months.

The Month of Remembrance commences on 1 November with All Saints Day. This is then followed on 2 November by All Souls Day, where we remember and pray for the dead. To commemorate this day, staff and students are invited to come together in St Kevin’s Church at lunchtime (1.15-1.45pm) to pray for the souls of loved ones who have passed.

You are welcome to join us in the church to pray at this time. If you are unable to make it, you can also fill in the name of a deceased loved one using this link and we will remember them during our Rosary.

Please contact me at colm.mccaughan@syd.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions.

Sincerely

Mr Colm McCaughan
Religious Education Coordinator

Travel

30 October 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

We have had a number of reports from members of the public (including our own parent community), observations from staff on duty and calls from the council in regard to student movement around the school and Eastwood train station before and after school. In an attempt to improve safety, please refer to the following measures that will support keeping your son safe in their travels to and from the College. 

Pick Up/Drop Off

Due to the nature of our site, we do not have the ability for a kiss & ride. To ensure the safety of all students please:

• Drop your son off on the side of the road in a safe area and encourage him to use the crossings available
• Do not park in bus zones (this is most noticeable in the afternoons)
• Do not double park across driveways

As the front of the College on Hillview Road is busy, particularly between the times of 2.50-3.00pm we would suggest that parents/carers organise a pickup point towards Eastwood Oval on Clive Road or Wingate Street. This will reduce congestion out the front of the College, minimise the risk of students running across the road or getting in a car in the middle of the road.

Trains/Buses from Eastwood Station

Students are asked to be very mindful of crossing the road (even when using crossings). We encourage students to follow: 

STOP!  One step back from the kerb. LOOK! Both ways! LISTEN! For the sounds of approaching traffic. THINK! Is it safe to cross?

This is of particular importance at the crossing near Eastwood Oval/Library on Lakeside Drive where a number of students are cutting across the traffic to get to the crossing. This is in the blind spot of some drivers and is putting students at risk. We have had a few calls from members of the public recently in relation to this specific area. 

Additionally, we would like to request that students walk up to the College from Eastwood train station, which is approximately 550m rather than catching the 545 up from Eastwood station to the College in the morning. This tends to increase congestion at Eastwood station, which is extremely busy in the morning, provides a safer, more direct route to the school by avoiding loitering around the station, and is a courtesy to members of the public. We acknowledge this is a public bus and is not ‘enforceable’ but would like your son’s cooperation in supporting the local community as best as possible.  

Bus/Train

When travelling on public transport we strongly encourage the students to stand up for the elderly and/or pregnant women in an act of kindness and respect that embodies the important values of “In the Way of Mary”. This simple act demonstrates respect and also promotes empathy and compassion. Having students undertake this act of kindness fosters a more inclusive and caring society. 

Any questions or concerns, please contact your son’s Leader of Wellbeing.

Kind regards,

Ms Linda Codamo
Director of Wellbeing

Wellbeing Month 2026

30 October 2026

Dear Parents/Carers 

November is Wellbeing Month

At Marist Eastwood we believe that the wellbeing of our students is paramount to their academic, social and emotional growth. As such, we are excited to announce that the College will again be having a wellbeing month in November, dedicated to promoting the holistic development of our students.

Research consistently shows that students who feel supported and valued are more likely to excel academically, build positive relationships and develop resilience. By prioritising wellbeing, we aim to create an environment where students can thrive. To support this, throughout November, to continue to foster a culture of wellbeing, the 2027 Student Leaders have planned a series of activities and initiatives throughout the month.

In addition to the above there will also be Chalk writing (wellbeing statistics and messages shared in the yards), trivia competitions and more. Any funds raised will be donated to the Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS). AMS is the international agency for the aid and development work of the Marist family in Australia throughout Asia and the Pacific Islands.

AMS works with the people in this region on a combination of long-term and short-term development projects. These projects aim to develop or support locally sustained education opportunities for the young people in these regions. One of the current projects is the St Louis High School, Kiribati.

St Louis High School was established in 1984 by the Marist Brothers on the remote island atoll of Tarawa in Kiribati and serves a community vulnerable to rising sea levels. Due to aging infrastructure, environmental degradation and a growing student body, the school requires facility upgrades. Phase 1, the construction of two toilet blocks, is complete, while Phase 2 involves building a new two-story administration facility to house all 48 teaching staff, specialty rooms, a computer lab and a library to better support student learning and address safety concerns related to off-campus travel. More information can be found here. 

The funds raised through wellbeing month will be directed towards helping to create safer, better-equipped learning spaces for the students and staff at St Louis High School. 

Each week starting today the students will be shared on Compass the following week’s timetable of events that they can participate in. We encourage all students to be involved in a variety of different activities throughout the month.

Kind regards

Ms Linda Codamo
Director of Wellbeing 

Father & Son Night Flyer

All Years – 2026 Term 4 – Father & Son Night Flyer – from the REC

Vinnies Christmas Appeal 2026

30 October 2026

Dear Parents/Carers and Students

Vinnies Christmas Appeal 2026

As Christmas approaches, many of us look forward to celebrating with family and friends. However, for many people in our community, this season can be a time of uncertainty and hardship. With the rising cost of living and housing pressures, an increasing number of people in Sydney are at risk of homelessness and struggling to meet their basic needs.

We invite anyone who is able to contribute to this important cause. Your generosity will help provide much-needed resources, including hamper food items, toiletries and essential items, while also offering hope and dignity to those doing it tough this Christmas.

Collections for the Vinnies Christmas Appeal will be on from now until Friday 4 December (Week 8). Please bring in your items to your Homeroom to be collected by the Vinnies team.

Every donation, no matter how small, can make a meaningful difference in the life of someone in need.

Thank you for your generosity, compassion and support of this worthy cause. Together, we can help make Christmas a little brighter for those who need it most.

Kind regards,

Vinnies Group MCE

Sport Report

Junior Wheelchair Basketball Gala Day

On Tuesday 27 October, eight students represented Marist College Eastwood at the Junior Wheelchair Basketball Gala Day. The team competed strongly throughout the day, finishing with two wins and two losses. A highlight was the final match, where they defeated De La Salle Bankstown 8-6, with Jacob Saliba (Year 7) and Tallum Spurr (Year 9) as first time scorers in the match. Thank you to Mr Brancatisano and Mrs Buda for their support and assistance throughout the day.

Results 

Cricket:

Volleyball:

OzTag:

Tee-ball:

Upcoming Events:

Thursday 5 November (Week 4) – OzTag, Volleyball, TeeBall and Cricket
Tuesday 17 November (Week 7) – Futsal Gala Day 

Careers – Week 3 Term 4

MCE Careers Website Link mcecareers.com

Term 4, Week 3 2026

Date: Friday, 30 October 2026

Dear Parents/Carers and Students,

Welcome to this week’s Careers Newsletter! Below you’ll find upcoming tertiary events, webinars, job spotlights and useful study tips to keep on your radar as we head into November.

Final Call: A reminder for parents of Year 10 students whose son has completed their compulsory Week 10 work experience: please take a quick moment to complete this evaluation form via this link. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

UPCOMING EVENTS & WEBINARS

Next Week’s Events

• TAFE NSW Accounting and Finance Online Info Session: 4 November 2026 (Online) — Discover course offerings ranging from tax law to the Bachelor of Applied Commerce, along with pathways and support services.
• Explore Speech Pathology at Sydney Webinar: 4 November 2026 (Online) — Learn about course structures, clinical placements and entry requirements for the Bachelor of Applied Science (Speech Pathology) at USYD.
• STEM + X: Technology Webinar: 4 November 2026 (Online) — Explore tech careers across cybersecurity, coding, digital design and AI.
• WSU Sport, Exercise and Health Webinar: 4 November 2026 (Online) — Learn about Western Sydney University’s degree options in sport and exercise science.
• CSU Online Parent Information Session: 4 November 2026 (Online) — Designed for parents to help navigate Year 12 transitions, university processes and options at Charles Sturt University.
• Procrastination & ADHD Webinar: 5 November 2026 (Online) — Practical study tools, time-management hacks and task-initiation strategies for Year 10–12 students and parents.
• TAFE NSW Interior Design Online Info Session: 5 November 2026 (Online) — Highlights certificates, diplomas and bachelor degrees in interior decoration and design.
• Beginner Shakuhachi Workshop: 7 November 2026 (Sydney Conservatorium of Music) — Introductory workshop on traditional Japanese bamboo flute techniques and notation for ages 16+.
• National Fashion College Styling Workshop: 7 November 2026 (Sydney Campus) — Hands-on fashion styling experience and photo shoot assistance for ages 16+.

Future Events & Key Dates

• AMPA Performing Arts Experience Days: 9 & 11 & 12 November 2026 (Surry Hills & Alexandria) — Hands-on experience days covering Dance (9 Nov), Classical Music & Composition (9 Nov), Music Theatre (11 Nov) and Contemporary Music & Production (12 Nov).
• Basair Pilot Career Seminar: 9 November & 7 December 2026 (Bankstown Airport) — Overview of training pathways to become a commercial pilot.
• Life of an Agricultural Scientist Webinar: 11 November 2026 (Online) — USYD session on agricultural science pathways, agribusiness and food security.
• UTS College Know Your Options (HSC Parents Session): 11 November 2026 (Online) — Information on UTS entry pathways and academic preparation post-Year 12.
• UTS Engineering & IT Parent & Guardian Info Evening: 12 November 2026 (City Campus & Online) — Guidance on UAC preferences, admissions pathways and course options.
• University of Newcastle Insights Evenings:
  • Nursing Insights: 12 Nov (Tamworth), 17 Nov (Central Coast), 19 Nov (Callaghan).
  • Law Insights: 18 Nov (NUspace, Newcastle).
• TAFE NSW Virtual Open Week 2026: 17–19 November 2026 (Online) — Interactive webinars covering hundreds of study pathways, enrolment and student support.
• Preparing for ATAR Release Webinar (USYD): 18 November 2026 (Online) — Insight into admission pathways, adjustment factors and preference changes ahead of results.
• Camden Careers and Jobs Expo: 19 November 2026 (Camden Civic Centre) — Free expo connecting students with employers, course providers and industry reps.
• Steps to STEM Webinar: 19 November 2026 (Online) — Female tertiary students share practical insights into university and TAFE STEM pathways.
• Local Land Services Demonstration Farm Open Day: 20 November 2026 (Greater Sydney) — Interactive displays on ag-tech, sustainable production and First Nations land management.
• AIE Open Days (Sydney & Online): 21 November (Campus) & 5 December (Online) — Detailed overviews of game development, 3D animation and VFX courses.
• TAFE NSW Online Info Sessions (Late Nov – Dec):
  • Veterinary Nursing: 23 Nov
  • Information Technology: 24 Nov
  • Wildlife & Exhibited Animal Care: 24 Nov
  • Animal Care: 25 Nov
  • Agriculture / Farriery: 26 Nov
  • Visual Arts (Ceramics): 2 Dec
  • Individual Support (Ageing & Disability): 8 Dec
• Le Cordon Bleu Careers Residential: 24–25 November 2026 (Sydney Campus) — Two-day immersive program for Year 11–12 students exploring culinary arts and hospitality management.
• Discover Nursing at USYD Webinar: 25 November 2026 (Online) — Overview of undergraduate nursing degrees and clinical placement structures.
• Year 11 & Beyond with ADHD Webinar: 26 November 2026 (Online) — Senior workload management and post-school transition planning.
• CSU Online Law and Criminology Info Night: 26 November 2026 (Online) — Details on justice system career pathways and course structures
• Unlocking People, Planet and Innovation (WSU): 27 November 2026 (Parramatta South Campus) — Indigenous student experience day for Years 9–12 featuring hands-on workshops and industry yarns.
• SAE IT & Computer Science Info Session: 1 December 2026 (Online) — Explores cyber security, AI and computer science degrees launching in 2027.
• Camp America Sydney Job Fair: 6 December 2026 (Sydney) — Face-to-face interviews with US summer camp directors.
• “I’ve Got My Results, What Now?” Webinar: 15 December 2026 (Online) — Guidance from myfuture on navigating options after Year 12 results.
• Notre Dame Info Day: 17 December 2026 (Sydney Campus) — One-on-one advice, campus tours and degree advice.
• UTAS Enrolment Support Session: 18 December 2026 (Rozelle Campus) — Personalised help finalizing university enrolment.
• Indigenous Australian Engineering School (UNSW): 10–16 January 2027 (Kensington Campus) — Free week-long residential engineering experience for Indigenous Year 10–12 students (Applications close 1 Nov 2026).
• SciX@UNSW Summer School: 18–22 January 2027 (Kensington Campus) — Intensive research week for HSC Extension Science & IB students (Early fee-waiver deadline 7 Nov 2026).

SCHOLARSHIPS, COMPETITIONS & EXPERIENCES

Scholarships

• UNSW AB Gange Bequest Indigenous Merit Scholarship: AU$25,000 value. Open to Indigenous students. Closes 11 December 2026.
• UNSW Sports Scholarships: Up to AU$10,000 value. Closes 30 November 2026.
• SCU The Lord’s Taverners Seawind Catamaran Indigenous Scholarship: AU$5,000/year for 3 years. Closes 14 February 2027.

Competitions & Opportunities

• AgDay Photography & Video Competition 2026: AU$5,000 total prize pool. Entries close 20 November 2026.
• CSIRO Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy: Ongoing development program supporting young First Nations women entering STEM fields.
• Care4Notts Virtual Work Experience: Online experience exploring careers across health and social care sectors.
  

JOB SPOTLIGHT & CAREER READINESS

Job Spotlight: Chef

Chefs manage kitchen operations, plan menus and prepare food in commercial settings.

• Core Skills: Calm under pressure, strong time management, creative mindset, team leadership, attention to detail.
• Work Environment: Restaurants, hotels, cafes, catering and institutional kitchens; often involves split shifts, weekend work and physical stamina.
• How to get started: Gain early casual experience (e.g., kitchen hand), complete a Certificate III Commercial Cookery apprenticeship and build experience across different kitchen styles.

Cadetships vs. Co-Op Scholarships: What’s the Difference?

If your teen wants to study while gaining real-world industry experience, both options offer great pathways:

• Cadetship: An agreement directly with an employer. Students work part-time/ full-time for a single company while completing their degree, earning a salary and often receiving fee support. Common in accounting, engineering and IT.
• Co-Op Scholarship: Administered by a university alongside industry sponsors. Scholars receive financial support and rotate through multiple work placements across different companies during their degree (e.g., UNSW Co-op).

STUDY SKILLS & PRACTICAL TIPS

1. Beating Procrastination: The “Eat the Frog” Method

Named after the principle of tackling your hardest task first thing in the day, this strategy prevents high-priority assignments from hanging over your head.

• Identify the task you are most likely to avoid (your “frog”).
• Break it down into clear, manageable steps.
• Complete it at the start of your study block before checking emails or completing easier tasks.

2. Open Book & Material-Allowed Exams

If an upcoming exam allows formula sheets, quote sheets, or open notes, remember:

• Formula Sheets: Get to know the sheet early so you know what formulas are included, but focus study time on when and how to apply them.
• Quote Sheets: Group quotes by theme or character rather than chronological order to make essay planning faster during timed conditions.
• Open Book Notes: Keep materials concise, clear and indexed – spending too long searching through thick stacks of paper wastes valuable exam time.

3. Evaluating Website Reliability

When conducting online research, check sources using these quick guidelines:

• Domain Check: Domain endings like .gov.au and .edu.au come from verified government or educational institutions.
• Lateral Reading: Search the author or organization in a new tab to see what independent sources say about them.
• Red Flags: Watch out for missing author names, heavy pop-up advertising, overly dramatic language, or unverified claims.

4. Managing Your Digital Footprint

Around 70% of employers research candidates online during recruitment. Encourage students to search their own names periodically, adjust social media privacy settings and maintain a professional online presence.

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

Temporary Bus Service & Bus Stop Changes – Sydney Water Ryde to Pymble Pipeline – Term 4 2026

Temporary Bus Service and Bus Stop Changes – Sydney Water Rydeto Pymble Pipeline Upgrade – Term 4 2026

Busways are advising schools of temporary bus service and bus stop changes associated with the Sydney Water Ryde to Pymble Pipeline Upgrade during Term 4 2026.

Roadworks will commence at various locations and dates throughout Term 4. The current commencement dates are:

• Monday, 2 November 2026
• Friday, 6 November 2026
• Monday, 9 November 2026
• Friday, 13 November 2026
• Tuesday, 17 November 2026
• Friday, 27 November 2026
• Saturday, 5 December 2026
• Wednesday, 23 December 2026
• Thursday, 24 December 2026

These works may result in temporary bus service diversions, bus stop changes and temporary stop closures.

Parents and carers are encouraged to review the latest information before travelling, including affected routes, temporary bus stop changes and alternative boarding locations, via the Busways Planned Service Changes webpage.

Customers should also check TfNSW Service Alerts and the TfNSW Trip Planner before travelling, as roadwork dates and traffic management arrangements may change.

We would appreciate your assistance in sharing this information with your school community.

Thank you for your assistance.

Regards,

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

Reminder – Year 9 – Duke of Edinburgh Camp Information Night

23 October 2026

Dear Parents/Carers,

Year 9 2026 Duke of Edinburgh Camp
Somerset Information Night

As we approach the Duke of Edinburgh Camp in Week 8 (30 November – 2 December), we warmly invite you to attend a camp information evening for Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh students and families. 

A Representative from Camp Somerset, our camp provider, has kindly offered their time to provide an overview of the camp, including required equipment and important information to help students prepare for the experience.

The information evening will be held via Google meet on Monday 9 November (Week 5) from 6:00pm to 6:30pm. 

Meeting link:  meet.google.com/vpz-hpbt-moy

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

Parents and carers are warmly encouraged to attend and we strongly recommend that your son joins the meeting as well so he can hear the information firsthand and develop a clear understanding of what will be expected of him during the camp.

Kind regards

Miss Katie Stern
Duke of Edinburgh Leader 

Reminder – MCE Sports & Special Photos Order Form

All Years – 2026 Term 4 – MCE Sports & Special Photos Order Form – from The School Photographer

Reminder – Year 11 – Academic Awards Photo Order Form

Year 11 – 2026 Term 4 – Year 11 Academic Awards Photo Order Form – from The School Photographer

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.

Happy Families – from Dr Justin Coulson

All Years – 2026 Term 4 – Happy Families Issue 3 Term 4 – Dr Justin Coulson

KOBFC Division 1 Trials

All Years – 2026 Term 4 – KOBFC Division 1 Trials – from Carlingford Kings FC

Reminder – Water Polo “Come Try” Flyer

All Years – 2026 Term 4 – Water Polo Come Try Flyer – from Balmain Water Polo

Reminder – Fresh Christmas Tree Sales

All Years – 2026 Term 4 – Fresh Christmas Trees 2026 – From Carlingford Scouts

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