A Year of Celebrations and Achievements at Marist College Eastwood
This year has been a remarkable one for our Marist College Eastwood community, filled with numerous opportunities to come together and celebrate our shared values and achievements. Throughout this term, we have participated in events such as the Granny Smith Festival, Wellbeing Month, the CAPA Showcase evening, the Newman Symposium and our end-of-year Mass and awards ceremony.
Our Year 12 students have successfully completed their HSC exams and are now eagerly awaiting their results. Meanwhile, our newly inducted 2025 Year 12 Student Leaders have already begun to exhibit the qualities of an outstanding leadership team. I am excited to witness their journey unfold in the coming year.
As we look ahead to 2025, we bid farewell to several staff members who will be moving on to new roles or stages in their lives. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and best wishes to:
Mrs Manuela Perkins
Mr Peter Kim
Mr Aidan O’Connor (Temporary contract completed)
Mrs Annette Magee (Temporary contract completed)
Mr Alex La Rossa (Temporary contract completed)
Additionally, we celebrate the retirement of Mrs Susan Jenkins after 16 dedicated years and Mr Michael Dawson after an impressive 28 years, both who have decided to enjoy some well deserved time with family and friends.
Earlier this term Mrs Jenkins was honoured for her exceptional service to Marist education, a fitting tribute to her dedication and impact. We also temporarily farewell Mr Mark Holden, Ms Catherine Rogers and Ms Alyssa Gatenby-Moore as they take leave for 2025. We wish all departing staff members the very best in their future endeavors.
This edition of Marist Musings is crafted by our Student Leaders, offering a unique perspective on the past year. Our Yearbook, Etchings, is already in progress and is expected to be ready for distribution early in 2025.
As we approach the festive season, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to you and your families. May this Christmas be filled with peace, health, happiness and prosperity. Let us also take a moment to express our gratitude for the blessings we have received. In the spirit of Christmas, let us remember the birth of Jesus Christ and the hope and joy He brings to our lives. May His love and light guide us through the coming year.
Stay safe and I look forward to welcoming you and our new families in 2025.
Message from the Assistant Principal
Mr Daniel Fallico
In Term 4 our newly elected Student Leadership team stepped into their new roles with the focus on building stronger connections with all in our community.
The month of November was dedicated to promoting individual wellbeing and also the wellbeing of those around us. A clear message was driven by our Student Leaders that wellbeing is holistic. Spiritual, social, emotional and physical dimensions were considered in our approach. Wellbeing activities included:
Disconnect Thursday – students put down devices every Thursday and the College provided increased learning experiences away from laptops.
Fresh Fruit Friday – promote the importance of what we eat and fuel our body with each day.
Sleep Diaries were sent home to each student, allowing our boys to reflect on their sleeping patterns and have conversations at home and with peers about the possible impact this is having on their wellbeing.
We also ran many sporting and academic competitions throughout the month to promote connectivity with peers and students from other year groups.
What stood out the most for me was the way our boys approached this initiative. It was evident to see how passionate, how happy and how engaged these students were. This strong sense of community is something I hope we never take for granted. It needs to be nourished, supported and protected.
I would like to make mention and thank our amazing Wellbeing Leaders, Mr Elijah Carlin, Mrs Sarah Davis, Ms Emily Mattick, Ms Linda Burland, Mr Mark Barroccu, Mr Mark Holden, Mr Stephen Flew, Mr Joshua Chasney and Ms Alyssa Gatenby-Moore who continually look to promote and support the wellbeing of our students. They are positive role models for our students and lead by example in their interactions with them.
Religious Education Coordinator
Mr Colm McCaughan
The students of our College have truly made us proud this term. Our Year 8 and Year 10 students participated in the Sydney Catholic Schools Religious Education Test, an online multiple choice exam comprising 50 questions. They competed against every Catholic Secondary School in the Sydney Catholic Schools system.
Year 8 achieved 11 High Distinctions and 62 Distinctions, placing us 6% above the Diocesan average. Year 10 earned 10 High Distinctions and 48 Distinctions, surpassing the Diocesan average by over 4%. These outstanding results are a testament to the boys’ efforts and the dedication of our Religious Education staff, whose daily and weekly reviews have significantly prepared our students for such success.
Beyond the classroom it has been another busy term for the Evangelisation team. Year 10 hosted Sam Clear from Walk4One for their Reflection Day, where they learned about putting their faith in God and to go out and seek unity with others. The boys were blown away and inspired by Sam’s story.
During Term 4 we hosted the Marist Connect, where nearly 100 students from Marist Schools across Sydney gathered for an afternoon of fun, games and preparation for Christmas. A significant turn out from our students (as well as a BBQ) ensured that this day was an enormous success and continues our reputation as a proud Marist school that loves to host others!
Most significantly, on the 2nd Sunday of Advent, we hosted our first Marist Mass with St Kevin’s Parish, Eastwood. At this Mass we baptised four students into the Church, whilst three others received their Confirmation. This is testament to the culture of Evangelisation within the College and a reflection of the dedication of our chaplain, Fr Dan Drum, who led the boys through the Rite of Christian Initiation process for the last few months. We hope that in future years many more boys will encounter Jesus in their time here at the College and embrace a relationship with Him.
Finally, our end of Year Mass for the College was a grand affair, mixing both Advent hymns and Christmas carols, as we prepared for the coming of Christ and celebrated and gave thanks for the blessings of 2024. We can only hope and pray that 2025 will be as spiritually enriching as 2024.
Extract of 2025 Captain’s Speech
Rocco Bragg
Each year, the Senior Leadership team is tasked with creating a vision for the school. This vision serves as the foundation for everything we do—it’s the purpose behind our actions, the beacon that guides us toward a greater goal. Last year, Ben and his team shared a vision focused on student life and connection. He spoke about immersing ourselves in all that Marist College Eastwood has to offer and fostering a sense of belonging and connection for every student.
When the current leadership team met to develop our vision we all had a shared desire to improve Marist College Eastwood’s community spirit, to improve everyone’s sense of belonging and connection. We realised that while we are all part of Marist College Eastwood, there is more work to be done in building a stronger, more connected school community—one where every student feels truly seen, valued and supported. Helping us build a vision statement built upon the community that builds Marist College Eastwood.
Our Vision Statement for 2025 is: “By stepping into discomfort, we shape a community where resilience strengthens us and hope leads us through the path that lies ahead.”
While forming our vision statement we selected key words and phrases which expressed our vision and hopes for the College.
“By stepping into discomfort” — This means we’re willing to face challenges, embrace new experiences and push beyond what’s comfortable to grow.
“We shape a community” — Every action we take contributes to building the supportive, connected Marist College Eastwood we envision.
“Where resilience strengthens us” — Resilience is what keeps us going through tough times. It’s our strength to overcome setbacks and continue forward.
“And hope leads us through” — Hope is the guiding force that keeps us looking forward, giving us confidence in a positive future.
“The path that lies ahead” — We’re all on a unique journey, but together, we’re creating a lasting path for ourselves and those who will follow.
But this Vision isn’t something that can be achieved by the leadership team alone. It’s going to take all of us. Every single student here has a role to play in shaping the culture and spirit of our College. Whether it’s by showing kindness to a new student, stepping up in co-curricular activities, or simply offering a word of encouragement to a classmate, we all have the power to contribute to this vision. Let hope lead us through.
This year, we aim to empower every student to take up the call to lead—whether that means showing kindness to someone new, participating actively in co-curriculars, or lending support to a friend in need. Each of us has a role in making Marist College Eastwood a place where everyone feels they belong. Where every step we take, every choice we make, helps us build a stronger, more united community.
I want to remind you that leadership in a Marist school is about humble service. It’s about stepping up when needed but also stepping aside to let others shine. It’s about being there for your peers—not just as captains or someone with a badge, but as friends who listen, support and care.
At Marist College Eastwood, leadership is grounded in humility, service and a deep sense of community. These values, drawn from the Marist pillar of Family Spirit, inspire us to lead not by power or authority, but by example, with compassion and integrity. To me, being a leader in this College means being a role model, a guide and someone who serves others—not for recognition, but because it’s the right thing to do.
As Marist men, help build a community that encourages a sense of belonging. Let hope lead us through.
Year 10 – Murgon-Cherbourg Immersion
The 2024 Murgon-Cherbourg Immersion provided students with a unique opportunity to connect with Indigenous culture, history and community while reflecting deeply on their own values and perspectives.
Cherbourg Ration Shed
The trip began with a visit to the Cherbourg Ration Shed, where students learned about the lasting impacts of protectionist policies on Indigenous communities. Jack described the experience as ‘eye-opening,’ sharing, “I found the trip to Cherbourg and St Joseph’s Murgon really impactful in its ability to convey the reality of intergenerational trauma—something you often hear about but don’t fully understand. The experience allowed me to truly acknowledge the ongoing effects of Colonisation.”
Lorenzo was similarly moved, stating, “I really thought before going to the Ration Shed that it was going to be another history lesson, but as soon as the Elder showed us the gruesome reality of what was happening… it became incredibly clear how protectionist policies led to such high rates of crime and poverty.”
Life at St Joseph’s Primary School
For four days, the students immersed themselves in life at St Joseph’s Primary School, sleeping on gym mats in the school library and taking part in the school’s daily routine. Despite the simplicity of their accommodations, the experience became a cherished highlight of the trip. Lucas reflected, “Even though we were sleeping on mats and spending our evenings in the library, it didn’t matter. Being together made everything special.”
Will added, “One thing that surprised me was how happy all the students were. Their energy and joy were infectious and it helped us stay positive throughout the trip.”
The group made regular trips to the local IGA for groceries, prepared dinners in cooking teams and spent evenings bonding over card and board games or sports in the schoolyard. These shared tasks and activities brought the group closer together, offering moments of reflection and strengthening their bonds.
Building Bonds at St Joseph’s Primary School
During the school day, students formed meaningful connections with the children at St Joseph’s through sports games, classroom activities and heartfelt conversations.
Thomas reflected on his bond with a young girl named June, “I met her at the start of the week. From helping her colour a Christmas card to building a LEGO farm together every day, our connection felt really special.”
Aarin shared a memorable moment during independent reading time, “A Year 2 student told me to sit next to him as he read, then handed me a second copy of the book so we could read together. That simple gesture showed the sense of community the kids have.”
Campbell recalled a deeply personal connection with a student named Shen’na, “She told me about struggling to make friends at her old school. It was humbling to hear her story and know she trusted me.”
Peter shared how meaningful the daily interactions were, “Playing handball with the kids every day after school created so many core memories. The excitement and competitiveness made every game special.”
These moments highlighted the openness and kindness of the St Joseph’s students, leaving a lasting impression on their visitors and fostering a profound sense of purpose.
A Day of Fun at Aussie World
Midway through the trip, the group joined the St Joseph’s students for a day of excitement at Aussie World. From rides to games, the shared laughter and joy made it a memorable highlight for everyone. Jack shared, “My favourite memory was having so many kids run to me to say goodbye as they left school in the afternoon. It was so touching and made me reconsider how much of an impact our actions can have.”
Lorenzo also reflected on the day, “It was fantastic to see how much the kids enjoyed every moment. Their smiles and energy reminded me that happiness isn’t about what you have but who you share your experiences with.”
Barambah Environmental Education Centre
The trip concluded with a visit to the Barambah Environmental Education Centre, where students learned about Indigenous tools, weapons and cultural practices. Campbell shared his excitement, “I really enjoyed learning and practising how to use the Indigenous tools and weapons. These tools were essential for Indigenous life and learning how to use them gave me a deeper understanding of their culture and way of life in Australia before colonisation.”
Will added, “Understanding the practicality of these tools gave me a whole new appreciation for how resourceful Indigenous Australians were and still are. It’s something I’ll carry with me.”
A Lasting Impact
The Murgon Immersion trip left students with memories and lessons that will stay with them for a lifetime. Lucas summed it up, “This was the best trip I’ve ever been on. I got a greater understanding of what it’s like to have a place in a community, where I could help out and put a smile on someone’s face, even if just for a brief moment.”
Peter added, “Hearing the kids’ stories and seeing their resilience taught me so much. I miss Murgon already.”
From the powerful stories at Cherbourg to the bonds formed at St Joseph’s and the cultural learning at Barambah, this trip was a testament to the power of connection, resilience and shared humanity.
Year 9 – Surf Ed
Justin Chiu
The Surf Educate day in Week 8 was an educationally beneficial and fun experience for students from Years 8 and Year 9 which was held at Manly Beach.
My peers and I participated in this event in 2023 and 2024, where we engaged in various activities designed to enhance our water safety and ocean skills, while enjoying time with friends. We learned how to surf, dolphin dive and tread water, gaining hands on experience that prepared us for future outings without parental supervision.
Importantly, the program also taught essential survival skills such as how to call for help if caught in a rip current and strategies to stay afloat. Given the unpredictable nature of the ocean where conditions can change rapidly and waves can sweep us off our feet, this knowledge is crucial for adolescents like us who often find ourselves on the beach.
We also learned to remain aware of our surroundings and be ready for any situation that might arise, emphasising the importance of caution even in family-friendly environments.
Overall, the day was filled with joy and education, making it a memorable experience. We are truly grateful to our teachers and the lifeguard staff who dedicated their time to ensuring we received this valuable training in ocean awareness.
Year 8 – Water World Excursion
By Roy Kim and Michael Lim
Year 8 embarked on an exciting Geography excursion to explore different parts of Eastwood, focusing on the themes of ‘Water, Place and Liveability’. The students walked through key areas, including Eastwood Oval and Terry’s Creek, examining how the suburb has transformed over the decades.
One highlight was exploring the site of the old brick pit which has now been redeveloped into a residential space and is connected to Terry’s Creek. Students observed the significant changes in urban and water features, reflecting on how these developments have enhanced the livability of Eastwood.
We also had the opportunity to engage in scientific testing and collect geographic data from Terry Creek using the turbidity test to measure the cloudiness of the water. This helped us understand the quality of the water and its impact on the local ecosystem.
In addition, we created a detailed field sketch of the detention basin, carefully noting its features such as the shape of the basin, the surrounding vegetation and any signs of wildlife. This hands on activity allowed us to analyse how these elements interact with each other and contribute to the overall health of the environment. By combining scientific testing with artistic observation, we gained a deeper appreciation for the natural landscape and its changes over time.
Through the development of infrastructure and other changes in Eastwood we feel that the livability of the area has improved. The livability has exponentially grown from when Eastwood had a low population with low vegetation and greenery. We believe that the changes have been positive because through the years Eastwood has developed into a place with a diverse culture, lots of recreational spaces and activities as well as good links to facilities and transport.
In summary, the positive changes in Eastwood is marked by improved infrastructure, cultural diversity and an abundant of recreational opportunities which have collectively contributed to a significant rise in livability, transforming it into a thriving community that meets the needs and aspirations of its residents.
Year 7 – Refugee Diaries
Thomas Bryant
Year 7 English classes travelled to the Seymour Centre to view the play ‘RefugeeDiaries’. This play has enlightened my views on the struggles that refugees face and their battle to overcome them. The actors shared their ordeals and the traumatic journeys they endured fleeing from war, violence, conflict and religious persecution. Each young member of the cast shared their stories, some being humorous and heartwarming and others were more upsetting.
Attending this Treehouse production has given me more insight on the importance of diversity and inclusion, as well as the resilience to the actors and their families. The refugees lacked necessary resources like food, water, education, health care and safety that we often take for granted. Regardless of the overwhelming challenges the young members of the cast overcame adversity. This was shown in the way the actors were able to not only survive but thrive in their new environment.
In conclusion, this play has truly impacted my life and broadened my perspective on the struggles of refugees. The stories that were told have taught me not to be prejudiced as we don’t know what situations they have been in prior to arriving in Australia. The ‘RefugeeDiaries’ has also made me reflect on the media and how they depict asylum seekers in a negative light and sometimes portray them as threats to our country. Ultimately the production makes us realise that Australia is truly the lucky country as people will risk everything including their lives to come here.
Marist in the Media
Some of our amazing achievements from students and alumni this Term. Click on the link to read their full story of success.
The Quiet Achiever
Old Boy Peter Ross has made an enormous difference to thousands of people over the years. Setting up the Manning Foundation which helps the displaced, needy and lonely people providing emergency food and clothing for these people.
Christian Tong has a passion for music and he has been selected as one of the finalist in the Ryde Shine Ability Competition. He is a very talented musician who has been playing the piano from the age of 7 years old. He also plays the baritone horn and cello and practises playing music every day.
Sebastian Lee has been crowned World Speedcubing Champion, his nearest competitor clocked 2.60 seconds. Sebastian’s time was 1.15 seconds. Sebastian practices 2 to 3 hours a day in preparation for the 2025 World Championships which will be held in Seattle.
Maxwell O’Donoghue was awarded the ACU Leadership Progam late last Term. He will be travelling to Rome and London for a 3 week immersion along with 15 other students from across Sydney Catholic Schools.
