Week 6 Term 3
28 August 2026
Dear Parents/Carers
We are very proud that we have a cooperative and calm learning environment at Marist College Eastwood. Our learning spaces are safe and staff and students are working together to ensure quality teaching and learning is taking place every period. Despite this, the teaching staff are not resting and are working very hard because we don’t want to take this for granted. We want to continue to refine and improve our practices to ensure our students are happy to come to school and there are no obstacles to their learning. In a recent staff professional learning meeting discussing anti-bullying, a key point revolved around behaviour that may not be highly desirable, and whether it fell into the category of acceptable or undesirable behaviour.
Sometimes we see in teenage boys a restlessness that can disturb the concentration of others. But this is not always a bad thing.
You may see it on a train when a group of teenage boys enter the carriage and the volume in their voices seems to consume the space. This is no more evident than at recess and lunch at school when we watch the boys play handball, basketball and soccer. They get excited and they can’t help but be energised by their peers and the activities they are undertaking. It is imperative that boys have an opportunity to exercise this restlessness.
Father Dominik (St Kevin’s) during his homily this morning talked about restlessness being your heart calling you to action and to be ready for what is next in life. I see restlessness as essential. And in over 25 years’ experience in teaching boys, a lack of restlessness in boys can sometimes be a bigger concern.
To our parents of Year 12 boys, your sons are likely to be very restless. Easily agitated, possibly stressed, likely exhausted by the recent Trial HSC (and the cognitive overload they experienced) and possibly lacking some direction. Your important job at the moment is to support them and keep them on task. Ask questions, keep them focussed on productive tasks (homework, study, etc). As I’ve mentioned before, the HSC and subsequent results will not define them for the rest of their lives, but it will open doors for them.
To all other parents, as we head into spring (and warmer weather), we enter this in-between season where boys are in between winter and summer sports and they might have some time on their hands. Watching screens, social media and gaming are the thieves of time. Get the boys out of the house. Go for a bike ride or a walk. Talk about school. Ask them about their mates.
Ask positive guiding questions (i.e. don’t ask if anything bad has happened). Ask them about a funny moment or what they are grateful for. If this is a new thing for you as a parent or family unit, it will feel awkward and uncomfortable. Don’t worry if your questions are met with silence. Also don’t be afraid to be a role model by talking about the fun things happening in your own life away from home. I promise you there is the potential for a moment or conversation that you will remember for the rest of your life and connect you in a new and exciting way. Learn to be comfortable and embrace restlessness.
Respice Finem
Mr David Sullivan
Principal
