Week 8

20 March 2026 

Dear Parents/Carers

This week, our Year 12 cohort stepped away from the familiar bells and classrooms of Marist College Eastwood to embark on their Senior Retreat. More than just a break from the books, this experience stands as a pinnacle event in the faith formation of a Marist student, a sacred space designed for reflection, forgiveness, communion and spiritual growth.

As our young men approach the final chapters of their schooling, the retreat offered them a rare opportunity to pause and consider their place in the world, their relationships with one another and their personal faith journeys.

The atmosphere throughout the week was one of immense respect. While there may have been a few weary eyes due to some “giddy” late-night conversations and excitement, the sense of unity and Marist spirit was palpable. These moments of connection, shared stories, laughter and quiet prayer, are what transform a year group into a truly connected group.

A Heartfelt Thank You

An event of this magnitude would be impossible without the unwavering dedication of our staff. We extend our deepest gratitude to the teachers who gave up their personal time to attend:

24-Hour Commitment: Our staff provided around-the-clock supervision, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every student.
Mentorship: Beyond just “monitoring,” these educators acted as facilitators and guides, supporting and walking alongside the boys during their moments of reflection.
Sacrifice: We recognise the time spent away from their own families to support the spiritual development of our Year 12’s.

A huge thank you also to all the staff who remained at school to not only teach their regular classes but also cover classes of those teachers who attended retreat.

We congratulate Year 12 on the enthusiasm and heart they brought to this experience. May the insights gained and the bonds strengthened this week carry them through the challenges of the year ahead.

Respice Finem

Mr David Sullivan
Principal

 

Post School Pathways Disability Expos

20 March 2026

Dear Parents of Stage 6 Students

Post School Pathways Disability Expos

If your son has a NDIS plan or is waiting on a plan to be approved, this information may be useful. There are a number of upcoming Disability Expo’s where providers offering post school support will be present. It can take some time to source the provider that will be most suitable for your son’s needs, so investigating these services early is advisable.

Providers offering post school supports and services will be present at the following upcoming expo’s:

Dates/Locations/Times 

  • Revesby Workers Club – Tuesday 12 May – 9.30am to 1.30pm
  • West Leagues Club Leumeah – 20 May – 9.30am to 1.30pm
  • Liverpool Catholic Club – 28 May – 9.30am to 1.30pm
  • Hornsby Expo
  • St George Sutherland Shire Expo: Wednesday 27 May 10.00am to 2.00pm Gymea Tradies
  • Please also see the accompanying information for the expo at Eileen O’Connor School at Lewisham.

Parents may also like to attend the following event, run by the ‘School To Work Project’  to obtain further information:

Employment Rights Explained

This webinar will explore the key employment rights for people with disability in employment and what to do if those rights are not upheld, recognised or are denied. We will also look at how families can support and advocate for their family member in the workplace.

Event details;

Tuesday, 31 March
11:00am – 12:00pm
Online – FREE but registrations are essential!

Link to register: https://bit.ly/EmploymentRightsExplainedMarch2026

Please note that the College does not endorse any of these organisations, rather we are providing information for you to discern the relevance to your family situation.

Kind regards

Sharyn Vogels
Leader of Learning – Diverse Learning

 

Year 12 – Holiday Seminar Information

20 March 2026

Dear Year 12 Parents/Carers

Year 12 Holiday Seminar Information

I would like to begin by commending the collaborative approach that the cohort of 2026 has taken this year in preparation for their HSC. Research indicates that learning growth is strongly linked to collective efficacy. This, combined with high expectations from teachers and the students’ shared belief in their ability to succeed, significantly enhances their potential for achievement.

During the upcoming school holidays, we have a variety of opportunities for our students to continue their collaborative and supportive approach in what we know is a challenging year. We have SCS Zoom sessions by HSC specialists that students can attend from home. Additionally, we have allocated time for workshop classrooms to be open for students completing major works. Our dedicated teachers will run some workshops at the College and this year, we have included Old Boy Tutors for exam question practice across various subjects. The HSC School Holiday seminar Timetable is being finalised and will be sent to both parents and students early in Week 9 by Ms Stojic, our Leader of Student Life and Co-Curricular.

We will be asking students to complete a google form to indicate which sessions they will be attending to ensure appropriate rooming and for site safety at this time. Students are not required to wear school uniform, however they need to ensure they are in appropriate footwear and clothing for their learning environments.

I strongly encourage you to talk to your son about these upcoming holidays and which seminars, workshops or HSC exam question practice sessions they will attend.

Kind regards

Ms Monique Brame
Director of Curriculum and NESA Accreditation

 

Year 9 – 2026 Duke of Edinburgh Program – EOI

20 March 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

Year 9 2026 Duke of Edinburgh Program
Initial Expression of Interest

Marist College Eastwood is looking into a possible opportunity for Year 9 2026  students to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award Program.

The Duke of Edinburgh Program is a structured (non-formal education) youth development  program empowering all young Australians to explore their full potential and equip them with skills for life and work. To achieve a Bronze Award students must:

  • learn a new skill
  • improve their physical wellbeing
  • volunteer in their community and
  • complete an Outdoor Adventure expedition (2 nights/3 days) – to be run externally

The College wishes to seek an initial expression of interest from parents/students wanting to participate in the Bronze Level, including the Outdoor Adventure expedition.

The registration fee to participate in The Duke of  Edinburgh Bronze level program is $160 (approximately). This fee funds administration, support and oversight of the Award framework, including student access to the Online Record Book (ORB) system used to record  experiences.

The Outdoor Adventure expedition will take place at the Somerset Outdoor Learning Centre – Colo River and be run by trained instructors (with College staff in a supervisory role). At this initial stage costing could range between $600- $800, dependent on the number of participants.  The cost will cover:

  • Transport to and from the Somerset Outdoor Learning Centre  – Colo River
  • A full guided program (2 nights/3 days), inclusive of packs, tents, cookers, food for Day 1 dinner and Day 2 breakfast.
  • Trained guides and teacher supervision

The College recognises the expense involved for parents whose sons wish to participate in the Program and hence seek an initial expression of interest to determine the number of families wanting to be involved in the Program.

Parents are asked to complete the  Parent – Initial Expression of Interest google form by Friday 27 March.

An information session will be held for families and students wishing to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Miss Stern or Mrs Davis at the College.

Kind Regards

 

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

 

Year 8 – A Delightful Visit

A Delightful Visit

On Wednesday 4 March some of the students in Year 8 were very excited to have a visit from classmate Adeesha Herath, his mother Mrs Sankika Tennakoon and Support Worker.

As our community is aware Adeesha had a stroke in September last year.

Adeesha was a bright and cheerful guest at the morning tea with a number of his friends in the College Boardroom, ‘catching up in style’. He happily explained his experiences, answered questions candidly, teased his twin brother Ameesha and enjoyed laughing with friends that he had not seen for quite a while.

Adeesha’s friends, Ms Stern and Mr McNamara were delighted to see how much improvement Adeesha has made working with the Medical and Education Teams at Westmead Hospital.

We realise that Adeesha still has a great deal of rehabilitation work to undertake and ask for the continued support of and prayers of the Marist Community.

We look forward with great hope to the day when he can re-join the Year 8 cohort again.

Let us always remember to pray for one another!

Mr Stephen McNamara
Leader of Wellbeing – Year 8

 

 

Reminder – Early Dismissal – 31 March 2026

13 March 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

Early Dismissal – 31 March 2026

On Tuesday, 31 March 2026 all students will be dismissed early to accommodate Year 12 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, 27 March so that staffing and rooming arrangements can be made.

Please note that Homework Club & Math 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 for lunch for students staying at school.

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 – Harmony Week

6 March 2026

Dear Parents/Carers,

We are pleased to inform you that our students will be participating in Harmony Week, a national celebration that recognises Australia’s cultural diversity and promotes inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone.

Harmony Week will take place at the College in Week 9 – 23-27 March, and throughout the week students will engage in a range of activities in Homeroom designed to celebrate the many cultures and backgrounds within our school community. The message we want our students to understand is that everyone belongs. It’s important to recognise that sometimes behaviour intended as ‘banter’ can still hurt others. When this happens, the intention doesn’t matter — what matters is how the words or actions are received.

As part of our Harmony Week celebrations, we invite students to wear mufti clothing along with a sport jersey that reflects their cultural heritage, or they may choose to wear a touch of orange on Friday, 27 March. Orange is the official colour of Harmony Week and represents communication, meaningful conversations, and mutual respect. As always with mufti day events, students are to wear fully closed shoes, no slides/thongs/crocs are to be worn.

In addition to wearing mufti, we are encouraging students to bring a gold coin donation for Project Compassion. Donations will be collected during Flag Raising.

We encourage families to talk with their children about the importance of inclusivity, kindness, and celebrating differences. Your support helps us build a school environment where every student feels valued and included.

Thank you for your continued support.

Kind regards

Linda Codamo
Director of Wellbeing

 

 

 

 

Reminder – A Call to Our Parent Community

13 February 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

A Call to Our Parent Community

On Tuesday 28 April 2026 we will be hosting our second Careers Night for students in Years 10-12. While we have a fantastic lineup of alumni and industry partners returning to the College, we know that some of the greatest expertise resides right here within our own parent body.

If you are passionate about your profession and would be open to sitting at an “Industry Hub” for two hours to share your insights with our students, we would be honoured to have you. All professions and skills are welcomed but we are particularly looking to expand our representation in Architecture, Paramedicine, Psychology, Physiotherapy, Hospitality, Aviation and the Creative Arts.

If you would like to join our panel of advisors for the evening, please register your interest here: https://forms.gle/zaCuUAGASHEVXZp37 

Thank you for your continued support in helping our young men find their sense of purpose and direction. We look forward to seeing you there.

Warm regards

Mr. Benjamin Nguyen
Careers Adviser

Reminder – Years 10, 11 & 12 – 2026 Careers Night – “Your Futures, Unfiltered”

13 February 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

Subject: Invitation: “Your Futures, Unfiltered” – Careers Night 2026

At Marist College Eastwood, we believe that the best career advice doesn’t just come from a textbook – it comes from the real-world experiences of those who have walked the path before.

We are excited to invite you and your sons in Years 10, 11 and 12 to our upcoming Careers Night: “Your Futures, Unfiltered.”

This evening is designed to pull back the curtain on the professional world. We have curated an incredible panel of over 40 advisors – ranging from Surgeons, Lawyers and Politicians to Carpenters, Engineers and Tech Innovators – who are ready to share the honest realities, challenges and rewards of their respective fields. University representatives will be there too.

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday 28 April 2026
  • Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
  • Location: Montagne Centre (entry via Gate 5 on Terry Road)
  • Who should attend: All students in Years 10, 11 and 12 and their parents/carers
  • RSVP: Please confirm your attendance here

This is a unique opportunity for your son to move beyond “what” he wants to be and start discovering “how” to get there through meaningful face-to-face networking.

Warm regards

Mr. Benjamin Nguyen
Careers Adviser 

Reminder – Secondary Schools Friday Chess Competition

13 March 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

Secondary Schools Friday Chess Competition

The 2026 Secondary Schools Chess Competition is an inter-school competition played during Term 2.  Your son is invited to represent the College by joining a team. The competition operates Friday afternoons after school during Term 2 beginning on Friday 1 May (Week 2).  Finals are played on Fridays in Term 3.  There are three separate grades: Junior (7 and 8), Intermediate (9 and 10) and Senior (11 and 12).  Boys will be in teams of four players and will play one game only each week.  About half the matches are played at MCE with the remainder away at other schools.

Games are due to begin at 4.00pm although they may start as late as 5.00pm.  Games can take from 20 minutes to up to 2 hours depending upon the ability of the players although they generally go no more than 40 minutes.  Note that boys may return to school late after away games.  This could be as late at 6.30pm if traffic is heavy.

Direct adult supervision of the boys is needed for all away Year 7 and Year 8 matches.  We need a parent (Unfortunately only parents are permissible) to drive your son’s team (4 students including your son) to the away venue, be present during the games and drive the boys back to school.  Each parent would hopefully need only to be available once or twice for the season.

If adult supervision of Year 9, 10, 11 or 12 boys cannot be arranged for away games they will be allowed to travel unescorted on public transport.  Students will require their own Child/Youth Opal card with an adequate balance to pay for any public transport costs.  The College will provide maps, timetables and directions if required.

If you would like your son to participate in the Interschool Chess Competition then complete the Google form available at the link here by Wednesday 18 March. Further details and the draw will be made available in the first week of Term 2. 

Yours sincerely

Mrs Melinda Alvarez                                                              Mr David Foong
Assistant Principal                                                               Chess Coordinator

 

Reminder – Year 7 – Year 7 Camp

6 March 2026

Dear Parents/Carers

During Week 1 of Term 2, Year 7 will be attending an outdoor adventure camp at Sydney Academy of Sport, Narrabeen. School camp is compulsory for all students to attend and the benefits of participation are considered very valuable. The purpose of the camp is to provide an opportunity for students to:

  • Participate in challenging outdoor activities, which would not normally be available, such as canoeing, archery, raft building and low ropes.
  • Cooperate with teachers and peers outside the classroom environment.
  • Develop independence by being away from home but still in a safe environment.

The camp will take place from Monday 20 April to Wednesday 22 April (Term 2, Week 1). The centre offers great facilities in a wonderful setting. The program is well organised and very professionally and safely executed.

Details of the camp are as follows:

Departure Monday 20 April. Assemble in Flag raising lines in Champagnat Court at 8:30am. Travel to Camp by bus.
Return Wednesday 22 April by 2.50pm.
Accommodation Dorms (6-10 students to a room) with amenities.
Meals

All meals are provided. Please advise of special dietary requirements in the Compass Permission and the online registration for the Camp.

No nut products are to be brought to Camp. Students are also discouraged from bringing special treats.
Camp Activities All activities are supervised by fully qualified Camp instructors as well as MCE staff. Before each activity, students will be briefed by the Camp instructor and will have the opportunity to participate in the activity.
Online Registration form

Please complete the online registration form for Sydney Academy Sport, via this link. You are required to register and then login and complete the form. This is due by Friday 20 March.

Students will not be permitted to attend Camp if this form is incomplete.
Compass Permission Note To provide permission for Camp, please complete and submit the event permission note on Compass. This includes fully completing all questions required. The Compass Permission Note is due by Friday 20 March. Students will not be permitted to attend Camp if this form is incomplete. This will be sent out next week
Contact During Camp If you need to contact your son, please call the College on 9858 1644 or the Sydney Academy of Sport Narrabeen office on 9454 0222
Rules

All school rules apply on Camp. This includes the use of Mobile Phones.

Mobile phones are not to be used or visible on Camp. It is strongly advised that students do not bring devices including mobile phones.

The College accepts no responsibility for the loss of items, especially valuable items that are brought to camp.

Please also note that a Nurse from Kemp Recruitment has been appointed and will administer any medication students require.

Parents are reminded that the camp is a compulsory part of your son’s education. If your son is unable to attend camp, please contact your son’s Leader of Wellbeing Mr Stephen Flew as soon as possible. We are all looking forward to a wonderful camp experience. Thank you for entrusting your son to our care.

Yours sincerely,

Ms Linda Codamo                                                      Mr Stephen Flew
Director of Wellbeing                                               Leader of Wellbeing – Year 7

Reminder – Year 12 – 2026 Parent/Teacher and Student Conferences

Letter from the Director of Learning & Teaching

6 March 2026

Dear Year 12 Parents/Carers

Year 12 Parent/Teacher and Student Conferences

The Parent/Teacher and Student Conferences on Tuesday 31 March from 1:15pm-7:00pm will provide you the opportunity to discuss your son’s progress.  Parents can support their son through an honest conversation about his learning and ensure that specific strategies from their son’s teachers are applied in the home environment.

These Parent/Teacher and Student Conferences will be the last formal opportunity to meet with your son’s teachers to discuss his learning progress and they will be taking place face-to-face in the Montagne Centre.

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 and the steps needed to improve.  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 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 23 March at 8.30am and closes Monday 30 March at 8.00am.  To book interviews please login to Compass, select the Community tab (2 heads) and then select Conferences.

Yours sincerely

Ms Melissa Williams
Director of Learning & Teaching

 

Final Reminder – Year 7 2028 Enrolments Closing Soon

13 March 2028

Dear Parents/Carers,

Final Reminder: Year 7 2028 Enrolments Closing Soon

This is a final reminder that enrolments for Year 7 2028 at Marist College Eastwood will close on Friday 27 March 2026.

If you have not yet started your online application, please visit the link below to apply now:

Enrol Now – Marist College Eastwood

To assist you, the application portal includes detailed Instructions and FAQs. Should you require any further assistance or have questions regarding the process, please contact the Enrolment Office as soon as possible – enrolments@maristeastwood.catholic.edu.au

We look forward to receiving your application.

Kind regards

Mrs Varteny Khoudesian
Enrolment Secretary

Reminder- West Ryde Easter Celebrations

Good Morning,

City of Ryde’s Easter event – West Ryde Easter Celebrations is scheduled for Saturday 28 March 2026 at ANZAC Park.

https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Events/West-Ryde-Easter-Celebrations

Also to note that our competitions are now open with some great prizes to be won: https://www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/Events/West-Ryde-Easter-Celebrations/Competitions

  • Easter Bonnet Competition
  • Colouring-In Competition
  • Singing Competition

Please reach out if you have any questions.

Kind Regards
City of Ryde Events

City of Ryde Events  
   
   
E  CityofRydeEvents@ryde.nsw.gov.au
W  www.ryde.nsw.gov.au

 

Uniforms

2nd Hand Uniform Shop – Next open: Thursday, 26 March (Week 9) from 1.30pm-3.00pm. Located at the rear of Cottage 3 – entry via Gate 4 on Hillview Road. 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