From the Principal

Ms Silvana Rossetti

This Term I had the privilege of attending the Archbishop’s Award for Student Excellence ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral College. The Award for Student Excellence recognises those young people who give witness to their Christian values and actively contribute to the faith life of the school, Catholic parish and the wider Church community.  It is presented by His Grace, Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, to one Year 12 student in every secondary college in the Archdiocese of Sydney.  For 2024, Elie Baraz was the recipient of this award. Congratulations Elie!

In true Family Spirit, we were blessed to be able to come together throughout Term 3 for various celebrations and information evenings.  Our celebration of our fathers and carers at our Father’s Day Mass and breakfast was a wonderful affirmation of all fathers and what they do for us each day.  Throughout the Term, parents and students were able to learn together through various events including our “Debunking the HSC Myths” evening and Dr Justin Coulson webinars supporting one of our strategic plans’ focus on consistency as we all learned together.   We also gathered for our Term 3 Parents and Friends meeting which gave our P&F an opportunity to learn more about how and what their sons are learning in the classroom, also supporting a consistent message being delivered by all.  

The Comedy For a Cause fundraising event, organised by the P&F, was held in August.  It was a fantastic evening and it is fair to say that a good laugh was had by all! A special thank you to the P&F executive, Mr Damian Mousley, Mr Mark Hancock and Mrs Maria Costello for all the work behind the scenes as well as the generous parents who donated various items to be raffled or auctioned on the evening. 

Love of Work was clearly evident in both staff and students during our weekly HSC Study Evenings post Year 12 HSC trials. These evenings were a wonderful opportunity for students to collaborate with their teachers and peers as they prepared for their final HSC exams. At the conclusion of each evening, the students and staff were able to enjoy a meal together to bring the day to a close.  Our CAPA and TAS teachers worked tirelessly with our Visual Arts, Music, Industrial Technology and Design & Technology students as they completed their HSC Major works. Thank you to all of my amazing staff for their hard work and dedication to Year 12 and all of our students. 

As Term 3 draws to an end, I am grateful for the many opportunities that enabled both our young men and wider community to demonstrate the Marist characteristics of Love of Work, Family Spirit and Presence. Some of the highlights of Term 3 include the Stage 5 Visual Arts showcase evening, Year 12 HSC Visual Arts Virtual Showcase, Year 12 Reflection Day, Year 12 study evenings, Father’s Day Mass, Malloy Cup assembly, SCS Championship Athletics carnival and the Chess tournament to name a few! In addition to the many extra-curricular opportunities, students continued to be engaged in their learning, completing assessments and final exams and receiving valuable feedback to use to continue to improve upon results.

Last but not least, Term 3 marked the end of 13 years of schooling for the Class of 2024.  This is always a momentous occasion not only for the graduating class but for all of the community as we farewell those students we have spent the last 6 years with.  The Class of 2024 has been an exceptional year group who will be missed! We look forward to following their journeys as they make their way in the world.  

I hope you all enjoy the publication and I look forward to welcoming you all back to Term 4! Have a restful and peaceful holiday break.

Special Awards

Congratulations to the following Year 12 students on your outstanding achievements.

Assistant Principal

Mr Daniel Fallico

The College Vision Statement has been updated this year following our five year review. This review included all stakeholders within the College reflecting on our development and growth, concluding with setting clear direction and priorities for the next five years. The updated Vision Statement now reads:  

“A Daring Faith, A Dynamic Education, Developing Strong Minds and Gentle Hearts.” 

During the process of electing our 2025 Captain and Vice Captains, nominees were tasked with speaking in front of the entire College staff. They answered the question: “What does this vision mean to you and how will it shape your leadership of the College in 2025?”

All students spoke with passion, love for the College and a desire to serve the community. Our newly elected College Captain, Rocco Bragg, specifically shared his interpretation of these concepts and his hopes for what the College should prioritise from a student voice perspective. It is vital we give our young men a platform to inform change and be heard in the decision making process. Listening to our students leads to collaboration, which in turn fosters the development of an authentic community, which we hope, ultimately helps achieve our vision statement.

Excerpts from Rocco Bragg’s speech

Our College aims to develop Strong Minds through a Dynamic Education enabling our boys to think outside the box. A Dynamic Education. not strong education or perfect education, but dynamic. Dynamic is defined as ‘characterised by constant change, activity, or progress.’ Progress – that’s what struck me. What makes Marist’s education different from others, is the fact that we’re progressive, we don’t look for perfection, we look for constant improvement. 

Gentle hearts, through a Daring faith, allows our boys to be compassionate, caring and merciful. Daring is defined as bold and adventurous. I love that, because it encourages our boys to not just comply with what is taught through faith, but instead to actively seek for their character among their faith, to be bold. Building their hearts into something loving and gentle. 

My vision as a College Captain is to improve the Presence and Family Spirit among the community, as Strong Minds and Gentle Hearts are enhanced through human connection. This means having the courage to talk to new people. As the only way humans are able to progress is through exposure to new ideas. 

This vision and the desire of our future leadership team stem from the development and growth they have experienced during their time at the College, through their day-to-day interactions and full participation in College life. Leaders are developed through opportunities, and we are excited about the next chapter of our College, working with our students aligned to our collective vision.

Religious Education Coordinator

Mr Colm McCaughan

Religious Education is a unique subject in that it is both academic and spiritual. As a Faculty we are always challenged to see a deeper meaning behind the content that we are teaching and to allow for boys to have opportunities to experience God at both a Sacramental and prayer encounter level.

However, Term 3 can often be overwhelmingly academic, with the two juggernaut exam blocks of the Trial HSC and the Year 11 Preliminaries dominating the scene and often swamping the team with essays! Our boys performed admirably and we are praying for some outstanding results in the HSC proper next Term!

That being said, we had some wonderful moments of evangelisation this Term. September 6, we celebrated the Rite of Welcome for seven of our students who will be either received into the Catholic Church via Baptism or fully initiated into it through the Sacrament of Confirmation. Parents, Godparents and friends were invited to witness this first step on these boys’ spiritual journeys and it was very moving to see the level of support they felt from the entire community. They will officially receive their Sacraments on 27 October at St Kevin’s parish.

We hosted two Reflection Days this Term. Year 9 in Week 3 hosted by David Kobler from ‘Your Choicez’, who specialises in teaching teenagers about respectful relationships and what true masculinity in the sight of God looks like. The students engaged wonderfully in this topic and entered into some thought provoking discussion.

Year 12 Reflection Day’s theme was ‘A Future Full of Hope.’ These young men were asked to reminisce about their time at the College and how far they have come. They were encouraged to always turn to their faith and recognise it as a source of hope that they can use to be true Marist Men (Good Christians and Good Citizens) in the community. This was an excellent preparation for their Graduation Mass and Ceremony on 24 September, where they were sent out into the world, armed with the outstanding education they have received here, but also with a quiet, determined faith that will always bring hope to them and others.

It has been another exhausting Term, but when one is working for the Kingdom of God, one doesn’t work a day in their life!

Director of Learning and Teaching

Ms Melissa Williams

As we wrap up another Term of learning, it is time to reflect on the journey our students have undertaken. This Term has been particularly significant for our Year 12 students, who faced the rigorous HSC Trial exams, a crucial step in their academic journey. However, our Year 7 to Year 11 students have also experienced a term full of growth, learning and achievements.

For our younger students, the Term began with a focus on further developing their foundational knowledge and skills. Having  transitioned smoothly into secondary school life, Year 7 students adapted to new subjects and routines. Year 8 and Year 9 students delved deeper into their studies, exploring more complex topics and honing their critical thinking skills. Year 10 engaged in a subject selection process that saw them consider areas of interest and strength, demonstrating performance in each subject area as well as possible post-school pathways.

In recognition of the diverse needs of our students, we implemented various support systems across all year levels. Peer mentoring programs, Homework Club and afternoon Maths Club have been integral in helping students seek relevant support, manage stress and connect with other students from a range of year levels. Parents have been invaluable partners, providing encouragement and creating supportive home environments.

Co-curricular activities have continued to play a vital role in our students’ development. From sports teams to music ensembles, book clubs, chess and debating, students have had numerous opportunities to pursue their passions and develop new skills. These activities have not only provided a break from academic pressures but also fostered resilience, teamwork, and leadership.

As we move into the final Term, the focus will shift to preparing for end-of-year exams and assessments. Teachers will provide targeted revision sessions, and students will be encouraged to further develop effective study habits. For Year 12 students, the final HSC exams are on the horizon, and we are confident that with continued support from parents and teachers, they will approach their exams with confidence and determination.

In conclusion, this Semester has been a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, and parents. From Year 7 to Year 12, we have navigated the challenges and celebrated the successes together. We look forward to the final Term with optimism and hope, ready to support our students in achieving their best.

Acting Director of Wellbeing

Mr Tim Aussel

Term 3 in Pastoral Care has been a pivotal period, with a strong focus on supporting students as they navigate the demands of school life. Our primary emphasis has been on Year 12 students, who have recently completed their HSC trial exams and are preparing for their final HSC assessments and the transition to adulthood.

Year 12 engaged in presentations and key activities throughout the term, organised by Mr Fallico, Assistant Principal, with a key focus on ‘it all counts’ and getting the group to succeed. Mrs Bianchi our College Careers Advisor, provided valuable guidance on post-HSC pathways, helping students envision their next steps after graduation.

Additionally, Year 12 participated in a Reflection Day, a day dedicated to resetting and finding hope following the stress of the trial exams. This day aimed to help students regain their focus and motivation as they approach their final exams.

Year 11 students also had a productive Term as they finished their preliminary exams, and gearing up for their HSC courses starting in Term 4. They engaged in study skills sessions designed to refine their academic techniques in preparation for their upcoming preliminary exams. Moreover, Year 11 students participated in the RYDA (Rotary Youth Driver Awareness) excursion, which focused on driver education and safety. This initiative is especially crucial as many students are beginning to drive, and it is vital to address the risks associated with young male drivers—a group that is statistically overrepresented in driving incidents. By educating students on these issues, we aim to promote safer driving habits and responsible behavior on the road.

Year 10 were engaged in digital literacy lessons helping them understand the importance of their digital footprint. A key takeaway was the importance of managing their online presence carefully, as employers increasingly review digital profiles to assess potential candidates. These lessons served as a great lead in to Year 10 engaging in work experience in Week 10 of Term 3. One of the many steps in transitioning the students into the world as they gain insights into life beyond school and explore potential career paths.

Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 students are continuing on their Resilience Project journey. This program introduced them to thought provoking concepts such as the impact of words, the value of gratitude, understanding anxiety and recognising character strengths. Engaging with these ideas has been shown to enhance feelings of hope and life satisfaction. The enthusiasm with which the students are participating in the Resilience Project is evident and we are starting to see a positive shift in their language and interactions, reflecting increased gratitude and empathy.

Overall, Term 3 has been a time of significant growth and preparation for all year groups. Through various initiatives and activities, we have supported students in managing their current challenges and prepared them for future opportunities, fostering their personal and academic development.

Year 7 Leader of Wellbeing

Mr Elijah Carlin

Term 3 has been a bustling period for Year 7. With routines firmly established and the ‘new kid’ phase behind them, the focus has remained on Teaching and Learning, particularly with the transition in HSIE from History to Geography, leaving behind investigations of the ancient past in Egypt and China for inquiries into the formation and values of landscapes and landforms.

Our first Year group Mass was a truly wonderful experience, deepening our connection to the Catholic community and enhancing our understanding of what it means to be a Marist. It also provided a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the cohort’s love of singing, as the boys learnt the words to the Sub Tuum, the College’s song sung at every event.

The Amadeus program continues to enrich our students by providing a wide array of opportunities to excel in various musical endeavors. Through participation in bands and ensembles, students can develop their musical talents, collaborate with peers, and perform in a variety of settings. This program not only enhances their technical skills but also fosters a sense of community, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for music.

During Semester 2, our cohort has demonstrated remarkable engagement in a wide variety of sports, including football, rugby league, rugby 7s, AFL, tennis, baseball, and hockey. Their dedication and hard work have led to significant achievements and successes across these diverse activities.

The Resilience Project remains a cornerstone of our development, fostering Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness, and Emotional Literacy. Activities from the Resilience Project, integrated into Pastoral lessons and Homeroom time, have emphasised the importance of interpersonal skills and cultivating a sense of Gratitude that encourages our students to focus on “the donut, not the hole.”

As Term 3 draws to a close, I wanted to thank the Homeroom teachers for your hard work, patience and the positive impact you have made on our Year 7 students. I look forward to continuing this journey next term.

Year 8 Leader of Wellbeing

Mrs Sarah Davis

Semester 2 has begun on a high note for our Year 8 students. As a cohort, we took a moment to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of those who excelled during Semester 1. Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding Semester 1 reports and exceptional 100% attendance in Term 2 (including full and partial days):

Outstanding Semester 1 Reports: Lucas Ajaka, James Dearing, Yeshan Samarasinghe, Lucas Stulic, Jacob Taouk, Jeremy Diab, Alex Leung, Justin Biviano, Matthew Chandler, Abraam Hanna, Jayden James, Andrew Kang, Daksh Kumar, Kieran Lee, Daniel Wong, Marcus Galeb, Daniel Kearsley, Sharang Shejale, Adam Callaghan, Arijit Chakraborty, Jamie Qu, Matthew Sun, Kobi Cleary, Ben Finnane, Christopher Fletcher, Daniel Kluk, Ian Tai, Connor Hays, and Roy Kim.

100% Attendance in Term 2: Ethan Yi, Evan Sufianto, Kieran Lee, Jayden Elkorr, Elvis Jiang, Sharang Shejale, Alexander Clark, Jamie Qu, Joshua Hui, Daniel Kluk, Perry Cannons, Roy Kim, and Henry Noble.

Throughout the Term, our Year 8 students have excelled in all aspects of College life. Their hard work and dedication have been recognised with 34 Principal Awards and 61 Gold Awards.

Students actively participated in the Resilience Project, focusing on Gratitude and Appreciation. They also had the unique opportunity to experience ‘Poetry in Action’ and learn from young adult author Bradley Christmas, the author of Saltwater Boy.

Term 3 also provided students with a variety of activities and experiences ranging from the Deanery Youth Night, to the Maths Olympiad, R U OK week and the Father’s Day Mass and breakfast.

The Year 8 Homeroom team and I wish all students and their families a well deserved, relaxing and safe Term 3 holiday. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on the first day of Term with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Year 9 Leader of Wellbeing

Ms Emily Mattick

Reflecting on Term 3 with Year 9, it is clear they have embraced a host of new and exciting experiences. No longer the youngest in the school, they continue to step up and take on greater responsibilities in academics, sports, and extra-curricular activities. Their enthusiasm and commitment are truly impressive!

In particular, students gave consideration in choosing two elective subjects of their choice which included; Photographic & Digital Media (PDM), Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS), Commerce, History Elective, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Industrial Technology, Visual Arts, Music and  Food Technology. With these chosen electives, Year 9 was given more ‘freedom’ and the ability to be treated as more mature men, this came with opportunities not seen before by the cohort.

In these electives, students have taken part in a range of activities, incursions, excursions and stimulating classwork. For PASS, there was a wheelchair basketball incursion involving teaching the students firsthand how lucky they are and what sport in a wheelchair would be like. Students in History Elective had the chance to listen to a  Holocaust survivor describe the horrors of her time. Visual Arts students had an excursion to the Art Gallery of NSW, and had the chance to explore the 2024 Archibald entries which coincided with the Semester 1 portraiture study. Woodworking students dove into more advanced and elaborate projects. ICT taught students about important Excel functions and formulas to fast track calculating and data management of large data sets. It also taught students how to program their own website from scratch using HTML and CSS which are vital skills for people going into the realm of software development.

In sport, many of our Year 9 students have achieved exceeding results in sporting areas such as the swimming and athletics carnivals, cross country, SCS representative teams and selection for CCC teams, with quite a few winning awards for their respective sport at our recent Malloy Cup Assembly. Congratulations in particular to our European Handball team winning the Grand Final to be named SCS Champions. 

A smaller group of Year 9 students has been completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award and preparing for camp in early December, in which they need to undergo the required amount of hours in three categories (Skill, Physical Activity and Community Service). This has meant many students have been involved in learning new skills and community service such as participating in the St Vincent de Paul Society, in particular making sandwiches to distribute to the less forunate through the Vinnies Van. 

During recess and lunch, Year 9 students spent most of their time in the Cottage Yard, which has recently been renovated with marked lines and boundaries for both soccer and touch pitches. This group has transitioned from being the younger of the two sharing groups to now sharing the space with Year 8. This change has provided an excellent opportunity for students to build relationships with other year groups and develop leadership skills as they navigate the busy area.

Year 9 continue to share their gifts and talents in and out of the classroom and we look forward to a successful end of year as we prepare for Year 10.

Year 10 Leader of Wellbeing

Ms Linda Burland

Term 3 has been a notably busy period for our Year 10 students. The Term commenced with the critical task of submitting their final choices for the Higher School Certificate (HSC) in Week 1, alongside voting for Year 11 Leaders for 2025. Amid these significant responsibilities, the students’ primary focus was meeting the comprehensive requirements for their work experience, which had to be finalised by Week 7.

The upcoming work experience will offer students a rich array of opportunities. They will gain hands-on experience in diverse settings, including a building site, a science laboratory, a law firm, a zoo, an IT office, and more. This exposure is designed to provide practical insights into various career paths and enhance their understanding of the professional world.

In addition to their work experience preparations, Year 10 students participated in a Geography excursion to Calmsley Farm. This visit provided them with valuable insights into farm operations and the sustainability practices employed in modern agriculture.

During their Pastoral sessions, students engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on Digital Identity, examining how their online presence can influence their future. They also explored the significance of community service and volunteering, recognising how these activities can bolster future job and university applications.

The Enrichment period saw students completing their Minimum Standards tests for the HSC, marking an essential milestone in their academic journey.

Weeks 7 through 9 were particularly intense, with a flurry of assessments across all subjects.

As we approach the end of the Term, I eagerly anticipate hearing about their work experiences and the insights they will bring back in Week 10, at the start of next Term.

Year 11 Leader of Wellbeing

Mr Mark Barroccu

The focus of the Year 11 Pastoral Program remains centred on personal growth and the transition to adulthood. We concluded Term 2 with a refreshing morning walk to the Edna Hunt Sanctuary in Eastwood, which served as a reminder of the importance of relaxation and mindfulness.

Additionally, we wrapped up the significant process of selecting the College Leaders for 2025. This process included voting by both students and staff, a series of leadership workshops, and speeches delivered to both the group and staff to finalise the College Leadership team. Congratulations to all the students who were successful in their respective portfolios.

Art Night

Year 11 Visual Art students were challenged to create a body of work that addressed a personal contemporary issue and incorporated an appropriation of a significant artist’s style. The students showcased their work at Art Night, where their artist statements and artworks were celebrated by staff, parents and fellow students for their creativity and dedication. The event not only highlighted the students’ artistic growth but also showcased the diverse perspectives within the Marist College Eastwood community.

‘Scrollbound’ – Felix Li

RYDA Excursion

Year 11 attended the RYDA Road Safety workshop that gave them the opportunity to explore the dangers and importance of safe driving practices. Reflections from students below:

On Tuesday 10 September, Year 11 travelled to Cricket NSW Centre at Silverwater to participate in the RYDA safe driving workshop. On the day, students participated in six practical and powerful workshops that aimed to lay the foundation for safe road use throughout the students’ lives. 

The first workshop of the day was ‘​​Speed & Stopping’. Students made their way to a closed section of roadway at the venue where they observed the relationship between speed and stopping distance through a practical observation of a car hitting a test dummy. 

‘Drive S.O.S’ was the next workshop where students understood the role that vision plays when driving. Peripheral vision was a main focus, and it was demonstrated at what angle of our eyes we can see colour and how long it takes for an average person to process a visual stimulus, which helped students learn how to  “Drive So Others Survive”.

‘The ‘I’ in Drive’ was the next workshop. This workshop was a reflective session designed to show how certain personality traits including the ability to speak up, be risk aware, thinking socially and how self-control are important aspects of the total road safety equation.

‘Road choices’ involved a discussion led by a Police Officer, who explained the key risk areas for young drivers and passengers and the harsh consequences for drivers who partake in unsafe and illegal driving practices. 

In ‘Crash Investigators’, students were provided with the opportunity to speak with a crash survivor, learning about the specific factors that led to the incident occurring. These included road users, roads and roadsides, vehicles and speed.

The last workshop, ‘Mind Matters’ was focused on a true story about a teenage girl named Genevieve who tragically lost her life whilst going to a party in a state of over-excitement. Working in teams, students developed strategies to recognise and change harmful mind states and plan to avoid risk.

The RYDA excursion was engaging and effective for Year 11 students in developing driving skills at an age when they will begin to drive alone. 

James McNally and Ryan Nafranowicz

Preliminary Course Exams

This Term, Year 11 had their first experience with a full length exam block over two weeks for their preliminary exams. Students experience a glimpse of what to expect during the HSC trials and exams facing significant challenges due to the condensed exam schedule.

Sydney University Visit

Year 11 also had the opportunity to explore university life during a visit to the University of Sydney campus. Selected students were given a tour, where they could ask current university students about campus life, university operations and any specific questions they had about the institution. The visit included course specific workshops in areas such as Engineering and Law, offering insights into the study and structure of these fields. Through interactive activities, students gained a clearer understanding of the course content, which will help them make more informed decisions about their future university courses. Overall, the day was a valuable and enlightening experience.

As we wrap up the Term, Year 11 participated in a planning day for their Year 12 journey, working with staff to lay a solid foundation for the challenging year ahead. I wish all families a safe and restful Term break.

Year 12 Leader of Wellbeing

Mr Mark Holden

Term 3 is an exceptionally busy period for Year 12 students as they prepare for the trial HSC examinations and finalise their Major Works in Visual Art, Music and Industrial Technology Timber. The countless hours of preparation and planning are rewarded when students confidently complete their assessment tasks and submit their final major projects. The College has provided additional support throughout the Term, helping students maximise their rankings and grades in their chosen fields of study. Many students have also benefited from the post-trial workshops offered by the College, which focus on essential skills such as essay writing and investigative techniques in science.

The art room was a hub of activity as Year 12 students made their final adjustments to their Major Works. Bryson Mitchell’s sculpture stands out as an exceptional piece of art and should be considered a strong candidate for Art Express.

Once again, the Leaders set the tone for the Athletics carnival, with many students embracing the festive atmosphere of the occasion. Motivated by the leadership of Mina Moses, many students contributed to the spirit of the day by wearing a variety of costumes and themes.

Rishan Dias continues to put his legal knowledge into practice by working for Mr Tim James, the Minister for Small Business & Trade. Every Thursday afternoon, Rishan travels to Macquarie Street to assist Mr James in a bustling office dedicated to drafting new legislation and policy. His research skills have clearly improved through this experience, which will benefit him greatly as he pursues a potential career in the legal profession.

The highlight of the Term was the Year 12 Reflection Day. The College REC Mr Colm McCaughan guided students through a meaningful exploration of their faith journey. The day’s core philosophy was to help students appreciate their educational experience by reflecting on their early days at Marist College Eastwood. Small groups shared stories ranging from their first day of secondary school to their final term of Year 12. A common theme emerged from these reflections: the enduring friendships formed since Year 7.

Reflecting on their secondary education provided an excellent opportunity for students to discuss their educational journey. Throughout the Term, Year 12 students have been encouraged to recognise the power of prayer and the value of a moment of silence for their faith journey. They were advised to balance academic achievement, work, and family life to excel in their HSC.

Three students have embraced this advice by striving for excellence beyond Marist College Eastwood.

Asher Hogan has honed his dramatical skills by performing the principal role in Oklahoma and is currently involved in rehearsals for Kiss me Kate that takes place in October.

Matthew Costello has seen the fruits of his rigorous swimming practice, achieving numerous personal bests this year. A summary of his accomplishments includes:

School Sport Australia Nationals: Gold medal in the 50m backstroke, Silver medal in the 50m butterfly, and Bronze medal in the 100m freestyle

Australian Age Nationals: Bronze medal in the 50m butterfly

Xavier Redolfi, a modest and talented student, has been diligently rehearsing his major work, “Under the Bridge” by Red Hot Chili Peppers.

These achievements highlight Year 12’s talent, determination, and resilience in balancing education with external interests—qualities that will be invaluable in their future careers.

Recently, Year 12 completed their HSC Trial examinations. I was impressed by their dedication and enthusiasm in facing this challenging period. Many students took full advantage of the College facilities, remaining on campus to benefit from their teachers’ expertise. The Learning Centre and C9 room were bustling with activity as students revised past papers and notes. The personalised timetable allowed additional preparation time and reflection on academic goals established during their mentoring meetings at the beginning of the Term. This period was also crucial for completing major works in the art room and technics rooms.

Despite the pressures of the examinations, students maintained their sense of humor and approached each day with good spirits. This preparation will be invaluable as they return next Term to complete their HSC over five weeks. They will be well-supported, with Mr Lewis, the former Assistant Principal, serving as the HSC Presiding Officer for the 2024 examinations.

On Tuesday, 24 September, Year 12 graduated from Marist College Eastwood. Their academic, social, and spiritual achievements were acknowledged during the Graduation Liturgy at St Kevin’s Parish and the Graduation Assembly at the Montagne Centre. Each student was celebrated for their contributions, with the presence of their parents, grandparents, and siblings enhancing the occasion.

The Assembly concluded with various acknowledgements, culminating in the presentation of the College Dux and the Respice Finem Award. These awards represent the essence of the Marist Pillars: Hard Work and In the Way of Mary.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the Year 12 Homeroom team for their compassionate and empathetic pastoral care, understanding the pressures students face on their journey to the HSC.

Marist in the Media

Some of our amazing achievements made the media again this Term. Here are a few snippets of the stories that made the headlines;

Careers

Careers Advisor, Mrs Colleen Bianchi was recognised for her work by Careers Advisers Association of NSW and ACT.  Ms Rossetti, College Principal, praises Colleen’s remarkable work.  “Colleen serves as an invaluable resource for the boys, assisting them with subject selections, career decisions and entry into tertiary institutions.”  Ms Rossetti proudly shares that all 170 Year 10 students secured diverse job experience positions this year and each departing student leaves the College with a well-defined plan for their immediate future.

Physics

Physics teacher, Ms Sue Farroukh, recently returned from a trip to CERN in Geneva where she attended the prestigious residential two week International High School Teacher Program.  More than 60 Australian teachers applied for this program and Sue was one of only two teachers selected to attend.

Art

Year 12 student Zach Harm Nam was awarded the People’s Choice Senior Winner in the Staedtler Secondary Schools Artists Competition for 2024.  Zach submitted only one of his seven drawings for his Visual Arts HSC Body of Work.  The piece entitled “Holding Time” depicts the hands of his grandmother holding a timepiece that captures the challenges and hardships of migration. The watch highlights the time spent away from home, the struggle to adapt, and the anticipation of a better future.

Ex-Student

John Walker, who graduated from Marist College Eastwood in 1968 awarded the highest honour that the Holy Father gives to members of the Church clergy and laity for their services to the Church.  The award called Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice dates back to 1888 when it was established by Pope Leo XIII and was presented to him by the Bishop of Lismore.