From The Religious Education Coordinator
Advent is a season of preparation and reflection. A time to pause and look back on the year that has been and prepare for the year to come.
In this time of reflection it is important to acknowledge the people that you have come across, those you have loved, those you have lost, those that have challenged you and those who have picked you up and carried you when you needed it most.
At the close of 2025, I thank all of our students and families, our staff, our Parish Priests, Marist Sisters and community for the wonderful support of continuing to build faith formation throughout the year.
In 2026, we will focus on the value of the relationships we form. Our relationship with God and with others. The value of collaboration, the value of leaning on those when you need help, the value of guiding others and the value in reflecting.
I take this opportunity to wish each of you a joyous and peaceful Christmas, filled with the love offered to us in the coming of Christ. May we, individually and collectively, be people who put Jesus at the centre of our actions, who ensure that others are included in our communities, who work for justice and solidarity for all peoples and the earth, and who reflect our blessings and knowledge in the way we work to liberate others from hardship and oppression. May 2026 unite us on all that is good, and may God bless each of you.
World Youth Day 2027 Launch Mass
The launch mass on the 4th of December marked the beginning of the journey towards South Korea in 2027, World Youth Day. It not only identifies the global gathering, but also symbolises the return of the pilgrim cross and icon to Australia, where WYD was last hosted in 2008. This liturgy brought the community together in prayer and mission, reminding young people that they are part of a living tradition that transcends generations and nations. The cross and icon, entrusted to the youth of the world, serve as visible signs of Christ’s presence, connecting past celebrations with the future and inspiring a renewed commitment to witness the Gospel with joy and courage.
- Amelia Khoury and Ada Pessagno, Year 9 Students
Marist Sony Camp
From 3–5 December, ten of our Year 12 students had the opportunity to volunteer their time at the annual Marist Sony Camp. This overnight program provides three fun-filled days of activities for children aged 10–16 with special needs, while offering their families much-needed respite.
Our students worked alongside peer volunteers from St Joseph’s College and Loreto Normanhurst, building meaningful connections, developing leadership skills and embracing the spirit of service. Highlights of the camp included a colour run, pool activities, a magic show and a special visit from Santa.
We warmly acknowledge and congratulate the following students for their commitment and generosity:
Ulani Parnell , Valeria Cimillio, Alice Jones , Riley Caceres, Lana Brusek, Ellie Pondekas, Eve Annison, Audrey Williams, Sofia Vella and Bridget Butler
community Advent Mass
Fr Steve Drum celebrated the beginning of Advent with staff, parents and students in the chapel. The mass was a wonderful reminder of the period of waiting and preparation.
Advent Liturgy
The Marist Sisters’ College Community celebrated our Advent Liturgy this week. As a community we celebrated the coming of Jesus with a focus on reflection and renewal.
‘Christmas reminds us that even in the messiness of life, something beautiful can be born. Jesus came into a world that wasn’t perfect – but he came anyway. For us. To walk with us.’
We also farewelled our staff who will be leaving us this year:
Melinda Alvarez, Melissa Carson, Jeannie Scevity, Giulia Laurenzi Michelle Johns, Ryan Leonard, Irena Jajcevic, Philip Lamp, Dominique Powe, Alex La Rossa, Brittany Bray, Beatriz Ponte, Randall Magro, Cara Barilla, Haroula Panos and Mark Brooks.
We say ‘thank you’. You have provided expert guidance showing immense patience, generosity of your time and dedication to your students. Travelling alongside us in our secondary school journey, your passion for teaching and commitment has fostered a great sense of support that has inspired us to strive to achieve each day. Accept this gift as a sign of our gratitude for your lasting contribution to Marist Sisters’ College.
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
