From the Principal

Ms Silvana Rossetti

Term 2 began with a deeply moving ANZAC Day ceremony at ANZAC Park, where we honoured the courage and sacrifice of those who served our country. My sincere thanks to Ms Aladjadjian and the students who represented Marist College Eastwood with such dignity and respect.

Our Year 7 students launched into the term with an enriching camp experience, building strong connections with peers and teachers while learning new skills such as kayaking and damper-making. Despite the rain, the spirit of joy and camaraderie shared by students and staff was truly uplifting.

Throughout the term, we’ve come together for a range of celebrations and informative events that have strengthened our community bonds. The Mother’s Day Mass and breakfast were heartfelt tributes to the love and dedication of our mothers and carers. Families also gained valuable insights from sessions such as the Study Skills evening with Prue Salter, the Paul Dillon presentation, and a Zoom session with Dr Justin Coulson, who shared thoughtful advice on setting healthy boundaries with children. Our Term 2 Parents and Friends meeting offered a great opportunity to reflect on the year so far and look ahead with optimism.

We also celebrated World Support Staff Day with a morning tea to recognise the dedication of our support staff, whose behind-the-scenes efforts are vital to the life of our College.

One of our most cherished traditions, Champagnat Day, was a joyful celebration of our Marist identity. The day began with Mass and an assembly where we honoured students and staff with awards, followed by a festive afternoon of activities and a delicious lunch prepared by our staff and Hospitality students. Special thanks to Mr Ryan and Ms Wassef for coordinating the cooking—those burgers were a hit! I’m deeply grateful to all staff for their thoughtful planning and commitment to making the day a success. Photos and names of the Champagnat Award recipients can be found later in this publication.

Our Athletics Carnival was another highlight, showcasing the vibrant spirit of our community. Students, staff, and parents came together to cheer on our athletes in a day full of energy and encouragement. A special thank you to Mrs Khattar and Ms Stojic for their outstanding organisation. A detailed report is included later in this issue.

This term we held our inaugural Careers Evening which was held in the Montagne Centre. This opportunity saw many College Alumni alongside other guest professionals meet in an informal setting allowing our students the opportunity to ask questions about the reality of the profession they are interested in pursuing. A special thank you to Mrs Bianchi and Ms Condon who coordinated this event. 

Throughout the term, our students have continued to shine—whether through assessments, excursions, or co-curricular activities that bring learning to life. It was inspiring to see their enthusiasm in the SCS Eisteddfods, Spotlight on Learning assembly and after-school tutoring. The College’s co-curricular program continues to thrive, with strong participation in debating, chess and SCS sports, reflecting the Marist value of presence.

As we head into the holiday break, please keep our Year 12 students in your thoughts and prayers as they prepare for their upcoming trial examinations. I hope this publication brings you joy and inspiration, and I look forward to welcoming you back for Term 3.

Wishing you a restful and peaceful holiday.

Warm regards,

Silvana Rossetti

Principal

From the Assistant Principal

Mr Daniel Fallico

A Community of Consistency, Connectivity and Collaboration

As we conclude Semester 1, it is with great pride and gratitude that I reflect on the many moments that have shaped our journey so far this year. Our community continues to thrive through a shared commitment to consistency, connectivity and collaboration—values that underpin our Marist identity and guide our daily actions.

One of the most inspiring aspects of this semester has been the consistent approach demonstrated by our senior students. Their leadership, both in and beyond the classroom, has set a powerful example for their peers. Whether engaging with teachers, supporting younger students or welcoming guests to our College, their respectful interactions reflect the simplicity and strength of our Marist values lived out each day. Equally commendable is the way our Year 7 students have embraced College life. Their seamless transition into academic, spiritual and co-curricular domains speaks volumes about their resilience and the welcoming nature of our community.

Connectivity and engagement have been central to our learning environment this semester. At Marist, we believe that it is through doing that we learn—and through supporting one another in our goals, attempts, successes and setbacks that we grow. This has been evident in the vibrant participation across all areas of College life. From the spirited performances on the sporting field, to the enthusiastic involvement in co-curricular activities, our students have shown that a dynamic education is one that develops strong minds and gentle hearts. The collaboration seen daily in classrooms, playgrounds and beyond is a testament to the culture of encouragement and shared purpose we continue to nurture.

Our sense of community remains a cornerstone of the holistic development of our young men. This semester, we have seen this in action through meaningful engagement with families – whether at parent-teacher interviews, career nights, subject selection meetings or our athletics carnivals. Most notably, our Champagnat Day celebrations brought our faith, identity and community into sharp focus. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of working together to support the growth of our students – not just academically, but spiritually and emotionally.

As we look ahead to Semester 2, let us continue to build on these foundations. Together, as staff, students and families, we remain committed to fostering a community where consistency, connectivity and collaboration are not just ideals, but everyday realities.

Mr Daniel Fallico
Assistant Principal

Religious Education Coordinator

Mr Colm McCaughan

Term 2 was another wonderful Term in the RE Department as we go from strength to strength in spreading the good news.

Week 3 saw over 300 mothers attend our annual Mothers Day Mass and Morning Tea, with the video message put together by the students reflecting on how much their mums have done for them and how they want to commit to being better sons! Christian Yacou spoke brilliantly about his own mother – there were a few tears in the room!

Year 11 had a rollicking Reflection Day with Chris Doyle of Karis Ministries, looking at the theme of Discipleship in Life. Many of the boys commented that it was the most fun they’ve had at a Reflection Day in their time at Eastwood. The boys were loving how he pulled students and staff up to lead singing! Year 8 also had their Reflection Day with the SCS Mission Team supported by Sydney Catholic Youth. This was a powerful day examining the issue of being an authentic man of faith in the current age and how we should realise that our worth comes from being children of God, not how successful we are in the world. The day concluded with a powerful period of Adoration. I was so impressed by how prayerful and reverent the boys were for the entire period.

Our largest event of Term 2 was the feast of Marist founder, St Marcellin Champagnat, on 6 June. We were delighted that it was celebrated by Bishop Terry Brady, who used the occasion to bless our new altar built by Ms Erica Morse and our impressive new Marist Heart. The whole school Mass was a delightful affair, with the boys rising to the occasion and singing both the hymns and school song proudly. Our guests commented on what a wonderful feel and spirit there was in the hall.

Immediately following Champagnat Day, our staff had their annual Spirituality Day. We met at St Patrick’s Church Hill in Wynyard for an optional Mass at 8:00am, followed by a powerful testimony from Paul and Juliana Elarde about their miraculous healing at Lourdes. Br Tony Leon and David Bobkowski from Marist then led us in breaking down the Jubilee theme of Pilgrims of Hope. The staff then walked to Darling Harbour for communal lunch together, all in all, a great day!

In the Curriculum department, our Year 7’s have been examining Sacred Scripture and its place in our Church and lives. Year 8 looked at what it means to be ‘Alive in Christ’ through living out the Sacraments of Initiation. Year 9 spent the majority of the term examining the different types of Biblical literature whilst Year 10 worked towards an oral presentation on how Catholic Social Teaching is lived out in the world today.

As the boys learn more about their faith, we are delighted that we can reintroduce the Rite of Christian Initiation for 12 boys who wish to receive their sacraments. I am grateful to Fr Dan who has led this.

Long may these groups continue! Onwards to Term 3!

Colm McCaughan

REC

Champagnat Award Recipients

Congratulations to the following students and staff who received this prestigious Marist award.

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

Staff

Director of Curriculum and NESA Accreditation

Ms Monique Brame

Term 2 has seen continued momentum in the curriculum space, with key initiatives including the ongoing Stage 6 2026 Subject Selection process, structured support for Year 12 ahead of the HSC Trial Examinations and improved procedures to assist students managing assessment challenges.

Year 10 Subject Selection for Stage 6 2026

The subject selection process remains a vital milestone in shaping students’ senior pathways. Following the initial information sessions in Term 1, students are now undertaking one-on-one mentoring consultations to support informed and strategic decision making. Clear timelines have been communicated and all Year 10 students are expected to finalise and submit their subject preferences via Edval by the end of Term 2. This deadline supports the timely development of the 2026 senior timetable and ensures students are placed in subjects aligned with their goals.

Year 12 Preparation for HSC Trial Examinations

As Year 12 students prepare for the Trial Examinations in early Term 3 and HSC exams in October, the College has introduced targeted academic support. Thursday afternoon sport will be temporarily replaced with subject specific study sessions and supervised private study to maximise revision time. Students have received the official Trial Examination Timetable and instructions outlining exam protocols. We encourage all students to review these carefully. To support preparation, the College will also offer Mock Exams and subject workshops during the July holiday break.

Illness and Misadventure Application Process

To ensure greater accessibility and consistency, the Illness and Misadventure Application process is now available online for all students in Years 7–12. This process must be followed when a student is unable to complete or submit an assessment due to illness, misadventure, or other approved circumstances. To assist families, a one-page Assessment Procedures Guide has been developed in a question and answer format, outlining common scenarios, required documentation and the consequences of non-compliance. Key expectations include the submission of the online form within five school days of the task due date. For students in Years 7–8, a signed parent or carer note is sufficient; for Years 9–12, a doctor’s certificate or other official documentation is required. We thank families for their continued support in upholding fair and transparent assessment processes.

As the school year unfolds, our focus remains on nurturing each student’s growth by ensuring they have access to the right support, guidance and learning opportunities. We are committed to creating a learning environment where every student feels encouraged, valued and equipped to reach their full potential, both academically and personally.

Director of Learning and Teaching

Ms Melissa Williams

“The important thing is to not stop questioning.” —Albert Einstein

As Term 2 draws to a close, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the vibrant learning that has taken place across our classrooms. This term has been marked by curiosity, collaboration and a renewed focus on the power of questioning—an essential skill that drives deeper understanding and critical thinking.

Teachers and students alike have embraced a range of questioning techniques to enrich classroom discussions and promote active learning. From open-ended inquiries that spark debate to targeted questions that guide analysis, these strategies have helped students take ownership of their learning and explore concepts with greater depth. Whether in English, Science or Geography, the ability to ask thoughtful questions has proven to be just as important as finding the right answers.

Term 2 has also seen a burst of activity beyond the classroom, where excursions and assessments have kept everyone busy, but the energy and engagement has been inspiring. Amidst the hustle, students have demonstrated resilience and adaptability, showing that learning is not just about content, but about developing skills that will serve them well beyond school.

As we head into the holiday break, it’s important to celebrate the growth we’ve seen—not just in academic achievement, but in the way students are learning to think, question and connect ideas. Encouraging curiosity and fostering a classroom culture where questions are welcomed and valued will remain a priority as we look ahead to Term 3.

Mathematics

Ms Susan Turnbull – Leader of Learning

To paraphrase  a famous Australian cricket captain and broadcaster, “It’s all been happening” this term in MCE Mathematics! We wouldn’t want it any other way.

Students at all levels have been throwing themselves into their work.

Year 12 Mathematicians have now completed 3 tasks and 70% of their school-based assessment. All students will have the opportunity to sit a mock trial in the holidays in preparation for ‘the real thing’ in Week 3 of Term 3. The students in Standard 1 have been out honing their measurement and trigonometric skills, measuring angles and distances and intoning the old mnemonic SOH, CAH TOA to complete their third HSC task.

Year 11 and Year 10 students have both completed two tasks. The Year 11 cohort will be the last to be examined under the current syllabi as these have been rewritten for implementation with Year 11 2026. Year 10 will also complete practice Minimum Standards Test in Week 10, in preparation for their first attempt to pass in Week 3 of next term. The meeting of the Minimum Standard in Numeracy is a requirement for the awarding of the HSC.

Many of our best Mathematicians have been exercising their mathematical talents in numerous external tests.  More than 120  students sat the very difficult 3 hour UNSW Maths test and we eagerly await these results. Our Stage 4 Newman students have had their Maths Challenge results marked and Section 2 of the Maths Olympiad, also for our Stage 4 Newman Mathematicians has just been completed.

Marist Mathletes continue to meet on a Monday afternoon to investigate the marvels of mathematics under the direction of Ms Turnbull.

English

Ms Rachel Deligiorgakis – Leader of Learning

In English this semester all our students have been busy writing. Students in Year 7 all the way through to Year 12 have spent a great deal of time refining their imaginative and discursive writing, and learning how to adapt their writing to suit different situations. We are all proud of the way our students are developing into thoughtful and purposeful writers.

In addition to their writing units, our junior students have engaged in study of a range of different texts and concepts this semester. Year 7 enjoyed their reading of Tristan Bancks exciting novel Detention, and have learnt about how authors craft characters to give readers a new perspective on the world. Our Year 8 students proved themselves to be budding actors as well as writers, demonstrating great enthusiasm in acting out Honey Spot by Jack Davis. S.E. Hinton’s coming-of-age classic, The Outsiders, was a hit with Year 9, who now have a strong understanding of the bildungsroman genre and the literary value of young adult fiction, while Shakespeare’s Macbeth showed Year 10 the potentially tragic consequences of ambition and power.

Year 11 Studies, Standard and Advanced studied a wide range of texts from the autobiography of a boy soldier,  to an Australian true crime podcast, to Arthur Miller’s seminal 20th century play Death of a Salesman. Our Year 12 students have applied themselves diligently throughout the semester, attending tutoring in the library before and after school, submitting drafts to their teachers, setting goals and developing good study routines, and they are now ready to knuckle down for the final stretch before the HSC. 

Our junior and senior students have also benefited from some additional opportunities outside of their regular classrooms. Our Year 12 Advanced students attended the Sport for Jove symposium on The Tempest and Hag-Seed, a valuable experience involving live theatre and discussion that gave them new insights into their HSC texts. Our Year 8 students attended Riots and Revolutions, an informative performance from ‘Poetry in Action’ that complemented their Term 2 study of protest poetry, while our Year 10 students were lucky enough to watch a live performance of Macbeth. Finally, Year 7 concluded their study of Detention with a hands-on workshop on an upcoming theatre adaptation of the novel.

We look forward to another semester of literary adventures ahead!

Science

Mr Paul Malafiej – Assistant Leader of Learning

Term Two has been a dynamic and enriching period for science students across all stages. Stage 4 and 5 classes kicked off the term by diving into exciting new topics—Year 7 and Year 9 explored the principles of physics, while Year 8 and Year 10 delved into the fascinating world of chemistry. Teachers have supported students by commencing most lessons with content reviews, effective questioning techniques, providing feedback and ensuring a strong foundation for learning.

Midway through the term, students sat their examinations during Weeks 5 and 6. Feedback was provided in Weeks 7 and 8, helping students reflect on their progress and identify areas for improvement. This cycle of assessment and feedback has been instrumental in reinforcing key concepts and preparing students for future challenges.

Senior students have also been hard at work. Those studying preliminary science subjects completed their second assessment tasks and by the end of the term, will be two-thirds of the way through their courses. Meanwhile, Year 12 students have wrapped up their second assessments and received valuable feedback. They are now focused on completing their course content by early Term Three and gearing up for their HSC trial examinations.

A special highlight this term has been the involvement of Year 8 students Ivan, Kevin and Josh in the Robotics VEX V5 Competition, run by the Robotics Education Competition Foundation. These students have demonstrated impressive dedication, learning essential skills in metalworking, electrical techniques and coding. They have successfully designed and built their robot and are currently in the preparation phase for the competition. We wish them the very best of luck as they represent our school in this exciting challenge!

Term Two has truly showcased the curiosity, resilience and innovation of our science students. We look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Term Three.

Technology and Applied Studies

Ms Gail Willingham – Leader of Learning

Throughout 2025 the TAS Department has continued to evolve and expand our curriculum to meet the needs of 21st century learners.

The  Software Engineering course will be examined for the very first time in the HSC this year. This marks a significant milestone for students who will be completing their HSC Examination on computer. Our Year 12 students have engaged with real world programming challenges, agile development practices, and collaborative software design. We wish them all the best as they prepare to showcase their skills in this groundbreaking subject.

Also for the first time, Year 10 students have had the opportunity to study the Computing Technology course, a dynamic new course that introduces them to coding, data analysis, and digital systems. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with students embracing the opportunity to build their digital literacy and problem solving skills in a hands-on, future focused environment.

Our TAS teachers are already hard at work planning for the implementation of the new Stage 4 Technology course, set to launch in 2026. This updated curriculum will offer students a broader and more integrated experience across design, digital technologies, and applied innovation. Staff are engaging in professional learning and collaborative planning to ensure a smooth rollout next year.

Demonstrating sustainable design and creative reuse, Ms Morse has repurposed an old door to create a stunning new altar. This project not only preserves a piece of our school’s history but also highlights the values of craftsmanship and environmental responsibility that are central to our TAS philosophy.

Our students have been hard at work bringing creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills to life through a range of exciting projects:

• Year 10 Industrial Technology students have crafted elegant mantle clocks, showcasing precision woodworking and design flair.

• Year 9 Design and Technology students explored sustainability by recycling plastic waste into imaginative toys, combining environmental awareness with product design.
• Year 8 Engineering students took on the challenge of building bridges from paddle pop sticks, then tested them to see how much weight they could withstand—some held over 20kg!
• Year 7 Digital Technologies students have been exploring data and information systems, learning how digital tools can be used to collect, analyse, and present information in meaningful ways.

These projects reflect the diverse and engaging learning experiences that TAS offers, empowering students to think creatively and solve real world problems.

Human Society and Its Environment

Mr Adrian Brombal – Leader of Learning

The HSIE Juggernaut has not stopped having its biggest semester yet with the inclusion of two courses for the first time at Eastwood; Stage 5 Elective Geography and Stage 6 Society and Culture as well as a student enrolled to complete Stage 6 Aboriginal Studies online. In Year 7 our newest cohort sat in their first history classes which featured an introduction to archaeology and two case studies on ancient societies; Egypt and China. They studied the structure of those societies and the role of Geography in the establishment of two early civilisations which profoundly impacted our modern world. In Year 8 they continued this study of human history chronologically with the focus on Medieval Europe, Feudal Japan and The Black Death. 

In stage 5 the focus of Year 9 HSIE shifted locally towards the making of a modern Australia from Indigenous history, colonisation through to federation. In term two the boys explored Australia at War through a range of conflicts including campaigns at Gallipoli and Kokoda. Not only were the ANZACS studied in the classroom but were also commemorated at our College ANZAC Day service, our representation at the Ryde Council service as well as a commemorative service for Indigenous soldiers at War. 9 Elective History hosted an incursion with Courage to Care who had a Holocaust survivor speak to our historians.

Year 9 and 10 students  also entered in the National History Challenge, addressing the concepts of ‘Crisis and Response’ in addition to Years 7-11 participating in the National History and Australian Geography competitions where Year 9 student Thomas Cheung was awarded first place for Year 9 in Australia.

In Year 10 this semester, students continued the study of Australia during the Vietnam War period as well as an investigation into the changing rights and freedoms of Australians post the UN Declaration of Human Rights. Our Commerce students took great strides in understanding the nature of the business world through the Year 9 topics of Consumer and Financial Decisions and Promoting and Selling. Year 10 Commerce shifted its focus towards the legal and economic spheres with topics on Law, Society and Political Involvement and The Economic and Business Environment.

In Stage 6 the smorgasbord within HSIE department has seen our boys study two rebellions against the Romans and the life of Julius Caesar in Ancient History whilst in Modern History the rise of Dictatorships in 20th Century Europe and the downfall of the Romanov Dynasty. In Legal Studies our seniors investigated the wide ranging world of Crime whilst in Business Studies the boys gained an understanding of business operations and finance.

In Geography, our boys explored biophysical interactions and investigated ecosystems at risk. In Economics the Year 12 cohort explored Australia’s role in a global economy in addition to our Extension historians who developed an appreciation for historiography and moral relativism.

PDHPE

Mr Daniel DePasquale – Acting Leader of Learning

This year students have engaged in a variety of units across 7-12 PDHPE, Year 9-10 PASS electives, and Stage 6 courses HMS and SLR.

As an introduction to Year 7, students began Term 1 with ‘Transition and Personal Identity’ as they navigated a new experience by commencing high school. Term 2 saw progression into the practical space for the first time with engagement in a variety of ‘Striking Games’ which enabled learning and assessing movement skills as well as working together in teams.

Year 8 students began the year by learning about ‘Risk Taking’ with an emphasis on exploring first aid treatment and developing skills in performing CPR. This followed with learning about ‘Relationships’ in Term 2, where students investigated the necessary skills to communicate effectively with others and overcoming negative influences.

Year 9 PDHPE commenced the year with ‘Mental Health’ with students asked to consider their own mental health and strategies they could implement to ensure both themselves and the community can seek help. Term 2 saw the infamous ‘Nutrition’ assessment take place where students assisted cooking a family meal at home whilst considering nutritional information.

Students that chose PASS as an elective subject in Year 9 were introduced to ‘Sports for specific population groups’, such as learning about individuals living with disability. PASS students were able to then experience ‘wheelchair basketball’ during a Term 1 incursion. Following this, Term 2 saw ‘World Games’ practical unit become the focus with an emphasis on learning skills and playing modified games such as Australian Rules Football.

Year 10 began their learning adventure by engaging in the unit ‘The Party’ which focused on safe decision making in risk situations, such as drinking and drug use, as well as looking at the importance of road safety. This was then further linked to the Term 2 unit on ‘Healthy Relationships’ which addressed various types of relationships whilst emphasising the importance of sexual health and consent, whilst acknowledging the Catholic perspective.

PASS students within Year 10 commenced their learning journey through the unit ‘Body Systems’ which explored the musculoskeletal system, energy systems and efficient movement. In Term 2, this then progressed into ‘Issues in Physical Activity and Sport’ which investigated contemporary issues in sport, namely the use of performance enhancing drugs.

Stage 6 saw the introduction of a new course ‘Health and Movement Science’ (HMS) which is the rebranded PDHPE with students exploring the ‘Body and Mind in Motion’ and attending an excursion to the PhysXrehab facility which enabled investigation and analysis into Biomechanics. Term 2 then enabled students to experience a ‘Collaborative Investigation’ which provided a platform to positively interact and work with others on a common research question.

Year 12 PDHPE students enter their final year with the current syllabus, demonstrating continued strong results in formal assessment tasks that addressed ‘Factors Affecting Performance’ and ‘Sports Medicine’. These PDHPE scholars will begin preparing for their Trial HSC exams in Term 3.

Finally, Sports Lifestyle and Recreation (SLR) saw both 1 and 2 Unit classes in Year 11 begin the year with ‘Resistance Training’ where students created a gym program and implemented this within the College gym. Term 2 saw the introduction of ‘Coaching’ where tasks to work in groups and create a training session for a specific sport that included a warm-up, set drills and modified games for their peers to participate in. Similarly, Year 12 students furthered their studies by engaging in ‘Powerlifting’ during Term 1 and ‘Athletics’ in Term 2 – with pre-testing providing a platform to set personal goals and work towards them both in a theoretical and practical setting.

Creative and Performing Arts

Ms Claudia Howes – Leader of Learning

Visual Arts

The CAPA department has a busy Semester One with our students involved in a variety of activities both in and out of the classroom. Teachers have been working tirelessly with their students to build their knowledge in both the history of the creative arts and their practical skills. Year 7 Visual Arts students have been introduced to the world of Portraiture with a specific focus on Henri Matisse and Chuck Close. Students have explored both artist’s artmaking practice where they will now begin to create their own portraits using both the artist’s style. Year 8 Visual Arts students have been exploring the world of masks and have begun making their own recyclable mask that demonstrates their understanding of different cultures. Year 9 and 10 students have continued to develop their own artistic practices through realistic portraiture drawing and ceramic techniques. Year 9 had the opportunity to visit the prestigious Archibald Prize at the Art Gallery of NSW where they engaged with a range of pieces and explored the gallery to develop their understanding of the art world. Year 11 students have been experimenting with their chosen mediums whilst investigating the world of appropriation whilst Year 12 have been working tirelessly on their Major Works, continuously improving their practice and use the world as a source of ideas. Senior students also had an excursion to the Art Gallery of NSW to view the ARTExpress Exhibition, informing their own artmaking decisions and conceptual practice. 

Music

In Music, Year 7 and 8 have been engaging with the Amadeus Program to continue to develop their technical skills on their chosen instruments. Year 9 and 10 students have been investigating the world of Jazz and Australian Music whilst also increasing their performance and composition skills. Year 11 students have been developing their knowledge of music history as well as their aural and performance skills by engaging with a range of music genres and performance styles. Elective Music classes had the opportunity to visit ENCORE, the HSC Showcase at the Opera House, where they were able to experience exemplary performances from HSC students, allowing them to develop their understanding of performance techniques and technical skills. 

Outside of the classroom there have been some major achievements with three students successfully auditioning for SCS Ensembles and Choirs. 

• Jean L- Year 7: Ashfield Senior Ensemble on Clarinet
• Paddy S- Year 11: Ashfield Senior Ensemble on Flute
• Henson T- Year 7: Artist’s Evolution: Unleash your Voice

We are extremely proud of these students and wish them all the best. 

Photography and Digital Media

In Photography and Digital Media, students have been exploring the world of photography and film. Year 9 students have been exploring the theme of ‘Journey’ and have begun to develop their understanding of the history of film and have used this to create their own pieces whilst Year 10 students have been exploring Special FX, creating their own scenes that demonstrate their knowledge and technical skill. Year 11’s have been exploring three major case studies of Tracey Moffatt, Henri Cartier Bresson and Max Dupain to develop their understanding of composition, framing and lighting. Students have begun creating their own portfolio of work, demonstrating their own photographic skills.

All the work this semester could not have been done without the support, encouragement and dedication of the CAPA Department staff. We thank them for all the seen and unseen work they do for our students and the wider community. 

Vocational Education and Training

Ms Monique Brame – Leader of Learning

Many of our senior students continue to thrive in their Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways, with several undertaking studies at TAFE and Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood. These students are gaining real world experience through part-time employment and have successfully completed their Work Placement program across various industries in Sydney. Their commitment to practical learning is commendable and we wish our Year 12 students every success in their upcoming HSC Trial exams.

VET Hospitality

The Year 11 hospitality students started their first competency on Safety and Hygiene learning how to participate in safe work practices, use hygienic practices for work safely and participate in safe food handling practices. They learnt basic kitchen skills as well as culinary precision knife skills. They also began their second competency on The Sandwich Brigade. Students learnt about different types of sandwiches and wraps with the highlight of baking their own fresh focaccia bread to make Italian Pressed Paninis.

Year 12 continued with their competency 4 on Working Effectively in a Commercial Kitchen where students went out on their second placement at local restaurants and establishments. They learnt about different types of sandwiches and simple dishes as well as packaged foodstuffs. They also took part in service periods at school providing a variety of different foods to designated customers. These included a high tea, breakfast muffins and delistyle fresh focaccia panini varieties. 

One of the highlights for both hospitality classes was catering to Champagnat Day where selected students prepared, cooked and served chicken burgers to the entire student and staff population producing over 1100 chicken burgers.

VET Entertainment

Our Entertainment students continue to play a vital role in College life, with the MCE TV crew live streaming major events such as assemblies, carnivals, and masses. Year 11 and 12 students are currently completing their work placements, with Year 12 approaching their Trial exams and the final stages of their HSC course. Their technical skills and behind-the-scenes contributions enrich our school community and prepare them for future careers in the entertainment industry.

Year 11 students are focused on developing expertise in Technical Operations, which includes the full cycle of event production: planning, bump in (setting up), technical performance and bump out (packing down). Their work centres on key technical elements such as lighting, audio-visual systems and stage operations skills that are essential to delivering professional-standard events.

We have a large number of students undertaking other VET courses at Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood and various TAFEs in the area, with a view to go into a variety of trades after they complete school.

We wish our Year 12 students every success in their upcoming HSC Trials exams next term. 

Sports

Ms Monica Khattar – Sports Coordinator

The latest term at Eastwood has showcased the incredible spirit and diverse talents of our students across an array of sports! Our weekly competitions saw strong participation and fierce determination in Football, Rugby League and Mixed Netball.

Beyond the regular fixtures, our students enthusiastically embraced the challenge and camaraderie of our special Gala Days, competing skilfully in Chess and demonstrating impressive reflexes in Table Tennis.

A particular highlight was the highly anticipated College Athletics Carnival, where records were challenged and the roar of house pride echoed across the track and field. This event truly brought our community together, celebrating individual achievement and collective encouragement.

Whether on the pitch, court, or track, or around the board, sports this term have been a source of excitement, learning and immense pride. They’ve pushed boundaries, fostered teamwork and undoubtedly uplifted our Eastwood community, building character and lasting memories for all involved.

Term 2 Highlights

Football

Our football program demonstrated exceptional strength this term, with several teams pushing deep into their respective competitions. Our Intermediate B and Senior A Grade teams demonstrated skill, battling their way to the grand finals. While both teams ultimately faced tough opposition and finished as runners-up, their dedication and performance were truly commendable. Additionally, our Intermediate A and Junior B teams showcased their promising talent by reaching the semi-finals, where they also competed admirably. The effort and commitment displayed by all our football players this term were outstanding.

A special mention must also go to our dedicated student referees who officiated games at Meadowbank, ensuring fair play and contributing significantly to the smooth running of our competitions. Also special thanks to our coaches for this term: Mr Daniel DePasquale, Ms Claudia Howes, Mr Joshua Chasney, Mr Adrian Brombal, Mr Stephen McNamara, Mr Christopher Armstrong, Ms Tylah Fragiadakis, Ms Maryam Matti, Mr Daniel Viana, Mr Connor Landas and Ms Laura Cullen.

Mixed Netball

In Mixed Netball, our Intermediate A team also had a fantastic season, making it all the way to the semi final. Although they narrowly missed out on a spot in the final (by 2 points), their teamwork, determination and spirit throughout the competition were truly inspiring. We commend all students who participated in Mixed Netball for their hard work and commitment this term.

Special thanks to the coaching staff this term: Ms Grace Mathews and Ms Katie Stern.

Rugby League

Our Rugby League teams also performed strongly, with our Opens team reaching the quarter finals, demonstrating their competitive spirit and talent. We also extend our commendation to our Under 13’s and Under 15’s teams for their fantastic effort and enthusiastic participation throughout the season.

Special thanks to the coaching staff and managers this term: Mr Douglas Heywood, Mr Jack O’Halloran, Mr Chris Ure, Ms Erica Morse, Mr David Brancatisano and Ms Samantha Dreon.

Athletics

The College Athletics Carnival was a vibrant showcase of Eastwood’s athletic talent, featuring heart-pounding sprints and nail-biting finishes. A remarkable 196 students enthusiastically competed in various championship track and field events. 

A highlight was the eagerly awaited Eastwood Gift event, a handicap 100m sprint featuring our fastest runners. The race certainly lived up to expectations, with Robert Tannous as the back marker and our swift Under 13, Timothy Spadaro-Dutturi, starting an impressive 84m ahead.

Age Group	Name	Handicap	Start Line
U/15	Robert Tannous	100.00	0.00
U/17	Ashton Sawtell	98.05	1.05
Opens	Daniel Srour	98.05	1.05
Opens	Jacob Hasrouni	97.00	3.00
U/15	Manuel Lacson	96.05	3.05
Opens	Rocco Bragg	95.5	4.05
Opens	Zacariah Abood	95.5	4.05
U/16	Zachary O’Donoghue	95.05	5.00
U/13	Marco Sassen	88.00	12.00
U/13	Timothy Spadaro-Dutturi	84.00	16.00

The race is always tight as the back markers make their way to the line, getting closer with every stride. In 2025, Daniel Srour won in 11.50, Close 2nd Jacob Hasrouni in 11.68, close 3rd place Ashton Sawtell in 11.81.

Special congratulations to our new record holder in the Opens Discus, Michael Ajaka who broke the record from 2021 by throwing 38.1 m. 

A huge congratulations is also in order for our outstanding Age Champions at the Athletics Carnival. These students demonstrated exceptional dedication and athletic prowess across multiple events, earning top honours in their respective age divisions. Our 2025 Age Champions are as follows:

12s:

Runner Up: Ethan Glavin – Maloney

Champion: Jean Lim– Maloney

13s:

Runner Up: Thomas Bryant – Cusack

Champion: Jack Le Fevre – Leopold

14s:

Runner Up: Matthew Sevilla-Fok Maloney 

Champion: Michael Cullen – Elliot 

15s:

Runner Up: Macus Galeb – Leopold 

Champion: Robert Tannous – Leopold 

16s:

Runner Up: Jayden Villafranca – Cusack 

Champion: Alex Ye – Leopold

17s:

Runner Up: Ashton Sawtell – Leopold

Champion: Zachariah Abood – Maloney 

Opens:

Runner Up: William Stanger – Maloney 

Champion: Andrew Kalos – Leopold

Finally, we celebrate our House Champions for their incredible collective effort throughout the Athletics Carnival! The final points tally reflected outstanding participation and competitive spirit from all houses. A massive thank you to every student who competed, both in championship events and inclusive non-championship activities, for their dedication and invaluable contribution to their house’s total points. Your collective enthusiasm made the day a resounding success.

After all the dust had settled the final scores were as follows:

House Points:

Elliott

Maloney

Cusack

Leopold

1766	1894	1883	1934
4	2	3	1

Table Tennis Gala Day (Conference 2 and Sydney Championship)

In Table Tennis, we had a fantastic showing at the Conference 2 Gala Day, with a total of 18 students competing. Our Junior Team achieved a commendable third place overall. Even more impressively, our Intermediate and Senior Teams secured first place in our conference, bringing home the silverware! Both our Senior and Intermediate teams then progressed to represent the College at the Sydney Championship, where the Senior team finished a strong fifth overall and the Intermediate team achieved an outstanding second place.

Special thanks to Mr David Foong for his coaching and assistance on both days.

Chess Gala Day (Conference 2)

Congratulations also go to our Chess squad who performed brilliantly to take out top honours in all three divisions of the SCS Conference 2 Gala Day. Our Senior MCE31 team of Alex Gondo, Alex Han and Moriel Dabre achieved a clean sweep with 21 out of 21 points, becoming Senior Conference 2 Champions. Our second senior team, consisting of Matthew Ng, Aris Milan, and Nicholas Jin, also performed well to finish equal third.

Our Intermediate teams truly dominated their division with a commanding display, taking out the top three places. The Intermediate MCE21 team of Jayden Yuen, Sebastian Lee and Darren Soerodjo won convincingly with 19 points to become Conference 2 Champions. Not to be outdone, our Intermediate MCE22 team of Raydon Chen, Oliver Huang and Adrian Lau were also undefeated, achieving a fine score of 17 points to finish as Conference 2 runners-up. The Intermediate MCE23 team of Vincent Austria, Daniel Kluk and Matthew Sun also had a strong showing with 14.5 from 21 points, securing third place. 

Finally, our Junior teams acquitted themselves exceptionally well, finishing first and third in their divisions. Our Junior MCE11 team of Ryan He, Alvis Gan and Tae Sung Ha won every game to finish with 21 points and were crowned Conference 2 champions. Our Junior MCE12 team of Alvin Vincent, Ammaar Parpia and Liam Arroza performed well, winning third place with 14.5 points. We congratulate the entire Chess squad for their outstanding achievements and excellent sportsmanship on the day and we eagerly anticipate their performance in the SCS finals in Week 10.

Special thanks to Mr David Foong for his coaching and assistance throughout the year.

Cross Country 

45 students this year competed in Sydney Cross Country Championships. With Jacob Butler 705 debut in the multi-class division taking out the title as Conference Champion and equal first place overall progressing to NSWCCC cross country. In addition, the 16 years boys winning the trifecta in conference two taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. 

U/12		Conference Place	Overall Place	Time (3km)
Ethan	Glavin	1st	11th	0:13:41
U/13		Conference Place	Overall Place	Time (3km)
Jack	Le Fevre	4th	6th	0:11:44
U/15		Conference Place	Overall Place	Time (4km)
Oliver	Brown	1st	2nd	0:12:46
U/17		Conference Place	Overall Place	Time (6 km)
Jayden	Villafranca	1st	4th	0:23:59
U/17		Conference Place	Overall Place	Time (6km)
Julian	Smith	1st	2nd	0:22:42
Zacariah	Abood	2nd	3rd	0:24:00
Opens		Conference Place	Overall Place	Time (6km)
Harry	Coburn	1st	7th	0:32:45
MC		Conference Place	Overall Place
Jacob	Butler	1st	1st

The Learning Centre

Ms Sharyn Vogels – Leader of Learning

Study

Opening at 7:30am each morning and closing at 5:00pm (Monday – Wednesday) or 4:00pm (Thursday and Friday), many students use The Learning Centre before school, during recess and lunch breaks and also after school for study. Students have the opportunity to study collaboratively, alone or to make use of the additional tutors and Learning Support Officers.

All students are welcome to attend before and after school study, however we ask that you support us, ensuring that your son has a safe way home at closing time as there is no supervision after these times.

Book Clubs

Stage 4 students have read ‘Saltwater Boy‘ by Bradley Christmas and Stage 5 have completed a number of books including ‘Rumble Fish‘ by S.E Hinton and ‘Tuesdays with Morrie‘ by Mitch Albom.

New Book Clubs are scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. See Compass for further details.

Loyalty Card

An incentive to reading is that students receive a Bronze Award for every 5 books read and an entry into the draw for a book voucher. Our Term 1 book voucher winner was Year 9 student Arijit C. Congratulations Arijit for consistent reading.

Reading Challenges

Premier’s Reading Challenge and Read, Choose, Explore  

Over the coming months students can choose to complete the PRC if they choose, electing to read 20 books from the Premier’s Reading Challenge list. 

Alternatively, they can participate in the College Challenge—Read, Choose, Explore, by reading five books of their own choosing.

See Library staff or Compass for further details.

New Books

Each term, we purchase new books and are especially keen to select novels that spark strong interest among our students. Please use the suggestion box in the Learning Centre to nominate titles that you would like purchased.

Reading with St Kevin’s Students

This year Mr McNamara’s Year 11 English Studies class read with the students at St Kevin’s as part of the Primary School celebration of National Simultaneous Story Time on 21 May. Students from both schools shared their enjoyment of reading picture books and learnt a lot from each other.

Games Room

The Games Room continues to be very busy this year, with students playing chess, card games and dominoes. This room, off the side of the quieter library area, is a hub of chatter and noise at recess and lunch time as students share their wins and the enjoyment of a shared passion. In this area, students regularly mix across year groups, developing friendships based on shared interests rather than chronological age.

Marist Senior Forum

Six students from Year 11 attended the Senior Student Mission Forum, hosted by the Marist Youth Ministry team, a weekend retreat where students from Marist schools come together. They engaged with peers from various Marist schools, including one from Queensland, and participated in a discussion forum to unpack social issues that are relevant to them in their world. 

The senior students learned about St Oscar Romero as a voice for the oppressed, and participated in workshops on Fast Fashion, Equity in Education, and Overcoming Fear. On Sunday, they engaged in the forum on the topics of Climate change, Gender equality, and Homelessness. They spoke with empathy and compassion and were seeking practical solutions to the problems, and how they can be implemented in their own school or local communities. 

The retreat concluded with a closing liturgy, where students reflected on the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Each student was invited to choose one SDG that they felt passionate about and consider how they could contribute to achieving it in their local context. The boys shared that the experience deepened their understanding of social justice and strengthened their commitment to living out the Marist values as they continue to grow as Marist Men.

Chosen Retreat – Pope Francis Award Program

Fourteen students from Year 7 attended the Chosen Retreat, an initiative by Sydney Catholic Schools for students engaging in the Pope Francis Award Program to learn about the importance of service and share about what they have been doing to help those at school, in their local community, and their parish. The theme of the Retreat was that ‘We Are Chosen’, meaning we need to accept the call to share the joy of Jesus and build our relationship with Him. 

They spent the two days meeting with other students from SCS and hearing from speakers who shared the importance of service in the Catholic Church. The Retreat began with Mass to help us focus on God over the next two days and had opportunities for Reconciliation and Adoration. The students also had time to meet and interact with other Year 7 students, sharing their stories and experiences and playing games or exploring the facilities of Benedict XVI Retreat Centre. 

Parliament House Leadership Visit

Christian Y and Rocco B

The day began with a Q&A session with members of parliament. This session provided valuable insight into their roles and the paths they took to get there.

We then divided into small groups based off our Local Government Areas (LGAs), where we had the opportunity to discuss matters of parliament with MP Jordan Lane.

Next, we observed Question Time in both the Upper House (Legislative Council) and the Lower House (Legislative Assembly).

Later, we returned to the theatre for a presentation from the NSW Electoral Commission. They provided information on how elections operate and the impact of voting across different levels of government.

Afterwards, we enjoyed a scenic walk through the Botanical Gardens to Government House, where we received a guided tour.

To conclude the day, we met the Governor of NSW, Margaret Beazley AC, KC, who delivered an insightful talk about her responsibilities and the significance of her role. The session ended with an engaging Q&A, where students asked questions to deepen their understanding of her position.