Christmas Appeal

28 November 2025 

Dear Parents/Carers,

Spreading Joy and Living Out Our Catholic Values This Christmas

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the profound meaning of the Christmas season: a time of love, compassion, and generosity. In the spirit of Christ’s teaching to care for one another, we are delighted to launch our Christmas Appeal and invite your family to participate.

Through this initiative, we hope to reflect the Catholic values of charity, service, and solidarity. By coming together as a faith-filled community, we can bring hope and joy to those who are struggling during this sacred time of year.

Each homeroom will be asked to bring in specific items to support the members of the Community who are in need this Christmas. 

– 01 Homerooms: Cereals & grains, e.g. cereal (no nuts), rice, pasta

– 02 Homerooms: Snacks, e.g. biscuits, muesli bars, chips, crackers

– 03 Homerooms: Drinks, e.g. poppers, cordial, long-life milk

– 04 Homerooms: Tinned Foods, e.g. tuna, beans, vegetables

– 05 Homerooms: Festive treats, e.g. chocolate (no nuts), custard, fruit mince pies

– 06 Homerooms: Home essentials, e.g. tea bags, instant coffee, Ziplock bags

The Vinnies team will work with Mr Formosa and some student leaders to collect items to support the Hampers but are welcome to contribute to the snack packs as well if they’d like. 

This appeal is more than a collection from the College. It is a chance to embody the love of Christ through action. As Pope Leo XIV reminds us, “May the Lord Jesus, bless and guide your efforts for the true flourishing of the human family”. 

We hope your family will join us in making this appeal a meaningful expression of our Catholic faith and values. Students can bring their donations on any day as the Student Leaders will collect them during homeroom. 

Thank you for your kindness and generosity. May this Advent season fill your home with peace, love, and joy as we prepare to welcome Christ into our hearts.

Kind regards,

Patrick Gittani
Leader of Religious Life		Thomas Boyle
Leader of Religious Life		Campbell Girke
Leader of Social Justice

Mr Colm McCaughan
Religious Education Coordinator

Year 11 – Yr 12 2026 – Assessment Block Timetable

28 November 2025 

Dear Year 12 2026 Parents/Carers, 

Assessment Task Block Timetable – Week 8

Year 12 assessments for Term 4 are now underway, and all remaining dates are on the Compass calendar as well as in the Year 12 Assessment Handbook to assist students in planning their time effectively. We encourage students to organise their study schedules around these dates to ensure balanced preparation across subjects and reduce unnecessary stress during this busy assessment period.

Attached to this communication is the Assessment Task Block Timetable for Week 8, scheduled from Wednesday 3 December to Friday 5 December. Please see the timetable for this block attached. 

During this block, students are only required to attend campus for their scheduled assessments. Regular classes will not run, allowing students dedicated time for revision and rest between tasks.

Thank you for your continued support as your son enters this important stage of his HSC studies.

Kind regards,

Ms Monique Brame

Director of Curriculum and NESA Accreditation

Sport Report

OzTag

TeamVsResultScore Best Players 
JuniorSt Charbel’s College, PunchbowlLoss5 – 7 Ethan Glavin Jayden Hwang
Jack Le Fevre
InterSt Charbel’s College, PunchbowlLoss5 – 7Rowan Joslin Marlon Baillon
Senior ASt Charbel’s College, PunchbowlWin10-7Whole Team
Senior BSt Vincent’s Catholic College, AshfieldWin7 – 5Mathew Fodera Ky Gilchrist
Junior Mixed AMarist Sisters’ College Woolwich / Holy Cross Ryde 1Loss1 – 13Luke O’Donovan Gabriel Alvir Luca Napoli
Inter Mixed AMarist Sisters’ College Woolwich / Holy Cross Ryde 1Win11-6Brody Newby
Junior Mixed BMarist Sisters’ College Woolwich / Holy Cross Ryde 2Loss3 – 6Thomas Bramston
Inter Mixed BMarist Sisters’ College Woolwich / Holy Cross Ryde 2Win10-6Gideon Toli

Volleyball

Junior A coach Ms Higgs comments “This remarkable group of young men were playing their final match keeping the true Marist spirit whereby those who didn’t get a lot of court time in past games were put on the court.  They shared the losses and the wins like a band of brothers, supported each other and managed to win two sets to one in style!”.

TeamVsResultScore Best Players 
Junior ASt Charbel’s College, PunchbowlWin2 – 0Whole team
Junior BSt Vincent’s Catholic College, AshfieldLoss0 – 3Nate Feng
Inter ASt Charbel’s College, PunchbowlWin1 – 0David Moujalli Daniel Moujalli
Inter BSt Vincent’s Catholic College, AshfieldLoss0 – 2Whole team
Senior ASt Charbel’s College, PunchbowlDraw1 – 1Whole team
Senior BSt Vincent’s Catholic College, AshfieldLoss0 – 2Joon Ng William Della Vedova

Cricket

Junior B and Senior teams progressed straight to the semi-final as they topped their respective pools. The Junior A’s secured a win, meaning they have also progressed to the semi-finals next week.

TeamVsResult Best Players 
Junior A All Saints Catholic College, LiverpoolMCE (4/119) defeated ASCCL  (7/113)Bowler – Max Nicholls (2/10 off 4)
Batsman – Thomas Attia (44 n.o)
Junior BBYE
Senior BYE

Tee Ball 

The Tee Ball Junior team has wrapped up a remarkable season, proudly crowned as Sydney Champions under the leadership of Ms Burland. Another championship title to Marist College Eastwood and well done to all players involved!

TeamVsResultScoreBest Players 
Junior  Holy Cross College, RydeWin18 – 5Jensen Lee Angelo Koukounaris

Upcoming events: 

Week 8 &  9 – Thursday Sports Term 1 Summer Season Trials commence 

Week 8 – Monday 1 December Sydney Championship Junior Flag Football Gala Day 

Week 8 – Friday 5 December SCS Conference 2 Futsal Gala Day

Week 9 – Monday 8 December Sydney Mountain Biking Gala Day 

Year 12 2025

– To sign out and collect your reference, if not already picked up

PLEASE REFER TO THE IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL YEAR 12 STUDENTS UNDER YOUR NEWSFEED IN COMPASS REGARDING ACCESS TO SCS GOOGLE ACCOUNT AND EMAIL.

Teenage Boss – Next Level TV Show

Reminder – Preparing Families and Schools for the Social Media Ban

The Council of Catholic School Parents (CCSP) asked Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, a leading psychologist, author and broadcaster, to give a presentation to help families and schools prepare for the Under-16 ban on social media, which will take effect on 10 December 2025.

In his 30-minute presentation, Dr Carr-Gregg explains the questions of what the social media ban legislation is, why it is happening, what the penalties are, and what parents and schools should do now to respond. 

Parents and educators are encouraged to take time to familiarise themselves with the information surrounding this social media ‘delay’ to understand how this will impact them and their wider community. 

To watch Dr Carr-Gregg’s Webinar Video, click here

For more information, visit the Social Media Age restrictions hub on the eSafety Commissioner website, by clicking here

Reminder – Teaching Respectful Online Socialising In a Catholic School Community 

Dear Parents/Carers

As parents raising children in a digital age, we have a shared responsibility to guide them in using technology with kindness, integrity, and respect. In Catholic education, we strive to nurture not only academic excellence but also moral character. This includes helping our children become respectful and responsible “Cyber Citizens.”

Children begin forming their values and attitudes toward online behaviour long before they create their first social media account. They learn by watching us. That’s why modelling respectful online interactions is one of the most powerful ways to teach them.

Core Principles of Respectful Online Behaviour

  1. Treat others as you would like to be treated

This timeless principle is central to Catholic teaching and applies just as much online as it does in person. Remind your child that behind every screen is a real person with real feelings.

  1. Think before you post

Words and images shared online can last forever. Unlike spoken words, digital posts can be saved, shared, and revisited. Encourage your child to pause and reflect before posting, especially when emotions are high.

  1. Be mindful with photos

Posting photos online gives others the ability to reuse or manipulate them. Teach your child to ask permission before sharing images of others and to think carefully about what they share of themselves.

  1. Post when calm

Emotion-driven posts often lead to regret. Help your child understand the value of waiting until they feel calm before responding to conflict or posting about sensitive topics.

  1. Two wrongs don’t make a right

Even when faced with disrespect or negativity online, responding with kindness and self-control reflects our Catholic values. Encourage your child to be a peacemaker, not a participant in online drama.

Tips for Parents: Modelling respectful online use

  • Be a role model: Speak kindly online, avoid gossip, and show restraint in emotional posts.
  • Talk openly: Share your own experiences and challenges with online communication.
  • Set boundaries: Create family rules around screen time and social media use.
  • Pray together: Include intentions for kindness and wisdom in digital spaces during family prayer.

Faith in Action: Digital citizenship as a Catholic value

Respecting others online is not just about etiquette—it’s about living our faith. Jesus taught us to love our neighbours, forgive others, and act with compassion. These teachings apply to every part of life, including the digital world.

Encourage your child to ask:

  • “Would I say this face-to-face?”
  • “Does this reflect the values I believe in?”
  • “Am I lifting others up or tearing them down?”

Helpful resources for Families

Let’s work together to raise children who are not only tech-savvy but also compassionate, respectful, and faithful in their online interactions. By modelling good behaviour, setting clear expectations, and grounding our guidance in Catholic values, we help our children become digital citizens who reflect Christ’s love in all they do.

Warm regards,

Manager Child Safeguarding

Reference List

  1. eSafety Commissioner (Australia)
    Official government resource for online safety education, reporting tools, and support.
    Website: https://www.esafety.gov.au
  2. ThinkUKnow Australia
    A national online safety education program led by the Australian Federal Police, focused on preventing child exploitation.
    Website: https://www.thinkuknow.org.au
  3. Kids Helpline
    A free, confidential 24/7 counselling service for children and young people aged 5–25.
    Website: https://kidshelpline.com.au
  4. Australian Catholic Bishops Conference – Office for Justice, Ecology and Peace
    Provides annual Social Justice Statements and resources reflecting Catholic social teaching.
    Website: https://socialjustice.catholic.org.au

Reminder – TikTok Pranks: What Parents Need to Know

Dear Parents/Carers,

In today’s digital age, social media platforms like TikTok have become incredibly popular among teenagers. While these platforms offer entertainment and a sense of community, they also pose significant risks, especially when it comes to dangerous pranks and challenges. As parents, it’s crucial to understand these risks and how they can impact your child’s brain development and decision-making abilities.

The appeal of TikTok pranks

TikTok is known for its viral trends and challenges, many of which are harmless and fun. However, some pranks can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Teens are often drawn to these pranks because they seek social approval and enjoy the thrill of taking risks. Unfortunately, their developing brains make them more susceptible to engaging in risky behaviors without fully understanding the consequences.

Brain development in teenagers

During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant changes. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and understanding consequences, is one of the last areas to mature, typically not fully developing until the mid-20s (1). This means that teenagers are more likely to act on impulse and less likely to consider the long-term effects of their actions (2).

The limbic system, which governs emotions and rewards, develops earlier and is highly active during the teenage years (1). This imbalance can lead to heightened sensitivity to peer pressure and a stronger desire for immediate rewards, making teens more prone to participate in risky pranks they see on TikTok (3).

The consequences of dangerous pranks

Engaging in dangerous TikTok pranks can have severe consequences. Some pranks involve physical harm, such as the “choking challenge,” which has led to fatalities (4). Others can result in legal trouble, damage to property, or long-term psychological effects. Teens may not fully grasp these potential outcomes due to their still-developing ability to predict consequences (2).

How parents can help

  1. Open Communication: Talk to your children about the dangers of participating in risky pranks. Encourage them to think critically about the content they consume and share on social media.
  2. Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules regarding social media use and monitor their online activities. Explain the importance of making safe and responsible choices.
  3. Educate About Brain Development: Help your teens understand how their brains are still developing and why they might be more inclined to take risks. This knowledge can empower them to make better decisions.
  4. Encourage Positive Activities: Promote involvement in safe, constructive activities that provide a sense of accomplishment and social connection without the risks associated with dangerous pranks.

By staying informed and actively engaging with your children, you can help them navigate the challenges of adolescence and social media safely. Let’s work together to ensure our teens make smart, safe choices in the digital world.

Warm regards,

Manger Child Safeguarding

References:

1 Teen Brain Development: Timeline, Effects, Factors – Healthline

2 Teen Brain: Behavior, Problem Solving, and Decision Making – AACAP

3 Teen brains are wired to take risks, but that can be a good thing

4 10 Dangerous TikTok Challenges Parents Need to Know About

Reminder – Protecting Our Children Online – What is Omegle?

Dear Parents and Carers,

In today’s digital age, our children have access to a vast array of apps and websites that can be both educational and entertaining. However, some of these platforms, like Omegle, pose significant risks to their safety and well-being. It’s crucial for us as parents to be aware of these dangers and take proactive steps to protect our children.

The dangers of Omegle and similar apps (e.g. Chatroulette, Cam Surf & Emerald Chat)

Omegle is a free online chat website that allows users to socialise with strangers without any registration. While it may seem harmless, it has several inherent dangers:

Omegle can be misused in ways that pose serious risks to child safety. While it’s marketed as a platform for anonymous conversation, its lack of moderation and identity verification makes it vulnerable to exploitation. Here are some key concerns:

🚨 Common Misuses of Omegle Related to Child Safety

  1. Exposure to Inappropriate Content [1]Children may be exposed to sexually explicit or violent content, especially in video chats, where moderation is minimal.
  2. Online Grooming [1]Predators may use Omegle to initiate contact with minors, build trust, and manipulate them into sharing personal information or inappropriate images.
  3. Unmonitored Video Chats
    The video chat feature can be used to display harmful or explicit material, often without warning, which can be traumatic or manipulative.
  4. Lack of Age Verification
    Omegle does not reliably verify users’ ages, making it easy for adults to pose as minors or vice versa, increasing the risk of exploitation.
  5. Recording and Sharing Conversations
    Chats and video sessions can be recorded and shared without consent, potentially leading to cyberbullying, blackmail, or reputational harm.
  6. Access to Personal Information [11]Children may unknowingly share identifying details (e.g., location, school, social media handles), which can be used maliciously.
  7. Encouragement of Risky Behavior
    Some users may pressure or dare children into engaging in risky or illegal activities during chats.

Other apps and websites that pose similar risks include Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok. These platforms can expose children to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and privacy issues[2][3].

Resources for Protecting Your Child’s Devices

To help safeguard your child’s online experience, consider using the following resources:

  1. Parental Control Software: Tools like Bark, Qustodio, and Norton Family can help monitor and manage your child’s online activity[4].
  2. Google Family Link: This app allows you to set digital ground rules, monitor screen time, and manage the apps your child uses[5].
  3. Common Sense Media: Offers a wealth of information on digital citizenship and online safety for children of all ages[4].

Strategies for Mitigating Risks

Here are some strategies to help mitigate the risks associated with these apps and websites:

  1. Set Social Media Accounts to Private: Ensure your child’s social media accounts are private to minimize exposure to strangers[6].
  2. Educate About Online Safety: Teach your child about the dangers of sharing personal information online and the importance of critical thinking when interacting with others[6].
  3. Monitor Online Activity: Regularly check your child’s online activity and have open conversations about their digital interactions[7].
  4. Use Strong Passwords: Encourage the use of strong, unique passwords for all online accounts to protect against hacking[8].
  5. Create a Safety Plan: Develop a plan for what your child should do if they encounter uncomfortable or dangerous situations online[6].

By staying informed and proactive, we can help ensure our children enjoy the benefits of the internet while staying safe from its potential dangers.

Warm regards,

Manager Child Safeguarding

References

[1] Is Omegle safe? How to protect children on Omegle – Comparitech

[2] The 12 Most Dangerous Apps for Kids: A Guide for Parents

[3] Dangerous Apps’ List for Kids and Tweens – Findmykids

[4] Online Health and Safety Resources – American Academy of Pediatrics

[5] New digital protections for kids, teens and parents – The Keyword

[6] 9 Essential Online Safety Tips for Kids Every Parent Should Know

[7] Best Practices and Resources for Parents and Caregivers

[8] Mitigating Digital Risks for Children: Tips for Parents and … – GDPRiS

[9] Guide: How to help children you know stay safe online

[10] Controlling Children’s Tech Use | Guidance for Parents – JFTC

[11] Is Omegle Safe for Kids? 7 Safety Concerns for Parents

Reminder – Optional End of Year 2025 Parent Teacher Interview letter

14  November 2025

Dear Parents/Carers

The College will be running optional Parent, Teacher and Student Conferences for Years 7-11 to discuss your son’s learning. These will be held on Tuesday 16 December 2025. The College will be offering two different modes of delivery. Zoom meetings can be booked between 10.00am-1.00pm and face-to-face appointments are available between 2.00pm-6.00pm.

An important part of learning at Marist College Eastwood is 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 Wednesday 10 December at 8.00am and closes Monday 15 December 9.00am. To book interviews please login to Compass, select the Community tab and then select Conferences. Zoom links will be made available closer to the meeting day.

Yours sincerely

Ms Melissa Williams                                  

Director of Learning and Teaching             

Reminder – 2025 Key Dates

31 October 2025

Dear Parents/Carers

End of Year Program

We continue to keep our Year 12 cohort of 2025 in our prayers as they undertake their written HSC examinations. At the same time, we acknowledge our newest HSC cohort, Year 12 2026, as they embark on a pivotal 12-month period. 

This term offers many great learning opportunities, both in and out of the classroom. We strongly encourage each student to set goals for the term ahead, develop clear strategies, and work collaboratively to achieve them. 

As Term 4 commences, please find important dates below to assist with your planning and organisation

Week 9: Monday 8 December to Friday 12 December

Learning Centre and Homework Club

Please be advised that our Homework Club will finish for the year on Wednesday 10 December 2025.  During Week 9 the Learning Centre will close each day at 4.00pm and there will be no supervision for students after 4.00pm each day during Week 9. The Learning Centre will still open at 7.30am each morning. 

Thursday 11 December – End of Year Liturgy and issuing of Years 7 to 10 Final Year Reports 

Our End of Year Liturgy will be held in the Montagne Centre during Period 2 and streamed to our College Community to give thanks for the blessings bestowed upon us throughout 2025.  A link will be provided closer to the time.  

Sport will run as normal on this day. 

All Final Year Reports for Years 7 to 10 will be posted on Compass after 3.00pm on this day. 

Friday 12 December – Year 7 to 10 Academic Awards

Our Academic Awards ceremony for Years 7 to 10 will be held in the Montagne Centre. Students are required to attend school at the normal time for classes preceding the Academic Awards Ceremony in full College Summer Uniform. 

All Year 11 classes will run as per the Timetable and all students must be present on this day. 

The final day of classes for all students is Friday, 12 December.  All students will be dismissed at the normal time at 2.50pm on this day. 

Week 10: Monday 15 December to Friday 19 December 

Tuesday 16 December: Years 7 to 11 Optional Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews 

10:00am – 1:00 pm: Zoom Interviews

2:00pm – 6:00 pm:  Face to Face Interviews 

All Parent/Teacher/Student interviews will be booked via Compass.  The Compass portal will be open to make bookings on Wednesday 10 December at 8.00 am and will close on Monday 15 December at 9:00 am.  

To book interviews please login to Compass, select the Community tab and then select Conferences. Students are asked to wear their summer uniform for these interviews.  

Summary of Key Dates:

End of 2025 School Year

Thursday 11 December                      End of Year Liturgy

                                                            Year 7-11 Reports issued

Friday 12 December                           Year 7-10 Academic Awards

                                                            Year 7-11 classes as normal

                                                            Last day of school for all students

Tuesday 16 December                       Years 7-10 Optional Parent/Teacher/Student

Interviews

Beginning of 2026 School Year

Friday 23 January                               College Office re-opens

Thursday 29 January                          All students return

                                                            8.30am – 2.30pm

College Sport Uniform

Friday 30 January                               Opening College Mass


Yours sincerely 

Mr Daniel Fallico

Assistant Principal

Reminder – 2026 Student Opal Card

Getting to school by bus in 2026

Will your child be catching the bus to school next year? Applications are now open for a 2026 School Opal cards.  As this is a busy time of year, we highly recommend applying before the end of this year. It’s also a good idea to check the bus timetable to help make your child’s journey to school as easy as possible. 

School Opal cards

  • All students catching the bus in 2026 will need a School Opal card.

Bus timetables

  1. Go to busways.com.au/nsw 
  2. Click ‘School Services’ in the navigation bar, then proceed to ‘school timetables’
  3. Enter the school’s name in ‘Enter a school name’ field
  4. Select the school’s name to open the timetable. 

If you are unable to find or search for the school’s name, use the drop-down menus on the same page to find the school. Once the timetable is opened, you will be able to identify which school bus services are available in your area for your child. 

Reminder – Carols On The Common

Uniforms

New supplier Noone has started taking MCE orders from 3 September 2025.

2nd Hand Uniform Shop next open – Wednesday, 10 December from 1.00pm-3.00pm (Week 9, Term 4).

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