The Eagle 27 October 2023
Principal's Report
Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,
Last week, we formally bid farewell to the Class of 2023 as they concluded their journey here at Marcellin College. It was a poignant moment that marked the end of an era and the start of a new chapter for our graduates. On Tuesday, we hosted our Year 12 Parent Breakfast, where many of our parents and guardians reminisced about how swiftly the passage of time has flown by. It was a moment to reflect on the journey that began with tying shoelaces and teaching these boys how to knot a tie to where they are now.
Our Valedictory Mass and Dinner on Wednesday celebrated the Class of 2023. My thanks to Fr John Silvano for leading our celebration at St Patrick's Cathedral and to our College Choir for what they added to our celebrations - they sounded amazing! We wish our Class of 2023 all the best as they begin their exams or enter into the workforce. We trust that their time at Marcellin College stands them in good stead for their future.
Class of 2023 Breakfast
Valedictory
As we celebrated this important milestone in the lives of our graduating students, I also had the privilege of celebrating another event with four of our most recent Principals who have played a pivotal role in shaping the legacy of Marcellin College. In the attached photo, you can see our four esteemed Principals:
Br John McMahon - 1982-1989
Mr Paul Herrick - 1989-2000
Dr Mark Merry - 2001-2008
Mr Mark Murphy - 2009-2019
These four individuals have each added their unique skills and abilities to the growth of our College as they each fostered a sense of community, nurturing our values and making us who we are. Each one of them has left a lasting legacy, and their collective leadership has paved the way for the education that our students receive today.
But our celebrations do not end there. We are proud to recognise one of our own- Mr Justin Abbott, for his exceptional dedication and service to Marcellin College. Mr Abbott has received the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Marist Education Award for his services to Marcellin College.
Justin Abbott, who has tirelessly dedicated his time, effort, and expertise, embodies the spirit of Marcellin College. His unwavering commitment to our students and our community has left an indelible mark on all who have had the privilege of working with him. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mr Abbott on this well-deserved recognition.
Marco Di Cesare
Principal
God of All,
Protector and Redeemer, watch over the people of the Middle East
As nations face struggle and strife, in these lands and on these borders.
Grant safety to citizens and residents, visitors and guests, during moments of unrest.
Grant wisdom and courage to national leaders throughout the region.
Grant insight to their advisors and understanding to their friends.
Lead them on a path towards justice, direct them on the road to freedom.
Guide them on the way to prosperity, make them all shining lights of peace.
Grant safety and security to all nations, so that harmony and blessings resound
from the four corners of the earth.
Amen.
Learning & Teaching
Good luck to all our Unit 3&4 students who started exams this week.
Exams are being held in our Functions Room, a reminder for students to check the seating plan on the evening prior to the exam – these are emailed daily. For students preparing for upcoming exams, don’t hesitate to reach out to your teachers if you have any questions.
Preparing for VCE in 2024 | Special Provision
Special Provision aims to provide students in defined circumstances with the opportunity to participate in and complete their secondary-level studies. It is available to students completing the VCE for classroom learning, school-based assessment and VCE external assessments.
Students may be eligible for Special Provision if they are adversely affected in a significant way by:
- an acute or chronic illness (physical or psychological),
- certain factors relating to personal circumstances, or
- an impairment or disability, including learning disorders.
Special Provision is granted by the Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA) to ensure equivalent, alternative arrangements for relevant students – it will not be given if deemed to confer an advantage to any student over other students.
The process for Special Provision requires significant and specific evidence, and we understand that the decisions around Special Provision can sometimes be confusing.
To support families as we prepare for 2024, the College is offering information sessions on VCE Special Provision for students entering VCE at Year 11 and Year 12 next year.
Sessions will run on Thursday, 9 November - with two times available:
- 5.30pm – 6.30pm, or
- 7.00pm – 8.00pm.
For most students, Special Provision will not be a part of their VCE but, if you are interested in learning more about this process please RSVP using the link below to secure your seat for one of our information sessions. RSVP: Special Provisions Information Night.
Suzanne Farley,
Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching
First Day VCE Exams
From our Learning Areas
News from the Library
This week the Placidus Resource Centre hosted two online sessions with author George Ivanoff for the Year 7 and 8 English classes. George’s books have been well-read throughout our reading classes and it was fantastic to be able to have him share some of his wisdom and experience around his writing process – especially as both year groups are currently creating their own stories in English. He also described how he created his popular “You Choose…”Choose your own adventure books with a wall of index cards. Until 5 November, copies of George’s books are available at a special rate via this link. The ordered books will be delivered via the Library.
Below are some of the comments from the students who attended:
“He was interesting” Ethan
“He mixed being serious with knowing when to have a laugh” Xavier
“He said ‘Rewrite, rewrite, rewrite’” Chris
Julian said he liked how George kept pursuing his dreams despite being bullied at school, while James found it interesting that George went from not liking writing to loving it. However, Sam enjoyed hearing about the professional writing processes and how important it is to get a reader hooked at the start of a story. Alex commented on how George had to rewrite to get the best version of his books, and Connor learnt about how to write a story and get ideas down and to work in little sessions to stay focused on an idea.
Rebecca Preedy, Information Service Leader
College Administration
Re-Enrolment for 2024
All families of current Year 7 to 11 students were recently sent communication via Compass to confirm the re-enrolment of your son for 2024. This is an important new process to assist with our planning for 2024. The process also requires parents and carers to acknowledge and accept a number of key documents regarding enrolment, code of conduct and student behaviour policy.
The College thanks those parents who have already completed the re-enrolment process. For those who have yet to complete the agreement, we request that this be done by 31 October 2023. The re-enrolment includes payment of a fee, with $400 being applied towards your 2024 tuition fees. Should you have any queries please contact the College.
Community News
2023 Alumni Reunion Evening
One month to go before we welcome back the graduating classes of 1973, 1983, 1993, 2003 and 2013 for a special reunion night that will include a trip down memory lane on Friday, 17 November.
Please share the flyer with anyone you know from the above year levels.
For further information and to book a ticket click here.
End of year Parents & Friends Social Event - Relax & Rewind
Get ready to sip on delicious cocktails and enjoy a variety of mouth-watering appetizers, all in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The Parents & Friends Group invite you to our second annual Relax & Rewind end-of-year celebration on Friday, 24 November from 7 pm in the Functions Room.
Tickets can be purchased here. The event is strictly for parents/carers only.
So, mark your calendars, gather your besties and meet parents/carers from your son's year level.
Follow us on Facebook!
Be sure to like and follow the College’s new Facebook page where you can view all things about College life including feature news, photos and upcoming events. Stay in the know with all the latest happenings!
Click here to access and follow our page.
Staff Profile
Hello, my name is John Zito and I have been the gardener at Marcellin College for 15 years. I really enjoy my time at work because of the positive impact I can make in the surroundings. I also enjoy the people in the Marcellin College community because of their kind and friendly nature, their dedication, and their incredible support of me.
I like spending my time away from work at my favourite nightspot...at home on the lounge. I volunteer at the Eltham Football Club and the L2P Driving Program. I like doing fun runs very, very slowly. I loyally follow Carlton through heartache and ecstasy. I love spending time with my two daughters when they have time in their schedule and wish I could've had more time with my son. I wish I could play the guitar like Jimmy Page... actually, I wish I could just play the guitar. And finally, if I could change the world it would be... world peace and stopping students running through the garden beds... not necessarily in that order.
John Zito, Gardener
Student Profile
Hi, my name is Jack and I’m in Year 9. What I love most about Marcellin College is the various opportunities that are offered, whether it is putting your hand up for an SCR role or participating in many co-curricular sports and interest groups.
When I’m not studying, I enjoy playing basketball & rugby. Recently I have enjoyed watching the Rugby World Cup despite Australia not doing that well!! I meet with friends on a regular basis at the local courts to shoot hoops and also enjoy taking the bike out for a ride. My dog Ivy is a golden lab and enjoys our daily walks and sniffs! In the future, I hope to find an occupation that makes me happy and keeps me motivated to not only help others but live a fulfilling life also.
Jack, Year 9 Redden House.Sport Report
Volleyball Captain - Joshua
Congratulations to Joshua who has been named Volleyball Captain for this season. Joshua went to St Kevins Primary School in Lower Templestowe before joining Marcellin College as a Mannes House student in 2020. Joshua joined the volleyball program in Year 8 and debuted for the 1st team the following year.
What has been your best achievements representing Marcellin College so far?
Coming second at the Volleyball Victoria Schools Cup.
What are you looking forward to as Captain?
Playing with the team and enjoying all the moments that volleyball brings. I’m excited to see how our AGSV season goes and how everyone develops and improves both individually and as a team.
What advice do you have for junior players?
My advice for junior players is to just give volleyball a go. When I began volleyball, I had no idea how to play or what was involved, but I enjoyed every moment of it. The coaches are so welcoming and will teach you all the tools no matter what skill level you have. All the training sessions are an opportunity to have fun, learn new skills and be involved in every moment.
What community club do you play for and at what level of competition?
Volleyball was not the sport I grew up playing. Instead, I changed sports a couple of years ago and I have recently been training with a volleyball academy. However, next year I want to join a state volleyball league.
What does your week of training and schoolwork normally look like? How do you ensure you fit all things in?
On Monday mornings, the 1sts volleyball team trains for an hour and a half before school. After school, I have an additional outside-of-school volleyball training session that lasts for the same duration. Tuesdays are reserved for catching up on schoolwork. Wednesday mornings before school, the 1sts volleyball team has another training session that lasts for an hour and a half, after which I spend Wednesday afternoons catching up on schoolwork. On Thursdays after school, I help out with four other volleyball team training, while on Fridays I focus on schoolwork. Saturdays are reserved for the Marcellin College volleyball game in the morning, while on Sundays, I prepare for the week ahead by catching up on schoolwork. I keep things organized by being motivated and following a strict routine. I try to maintain consistency, but I also find time to pursue my interests outside of school.
We wish Joshua and his team well for the season ahead.
1st XI Cricket Captain - Braydon
Congratulations to Braydon who has been elected as the 1st XI Cricket Captain for the season ahead. The Marhles House student has played cricket and football since joining us from St Martin of Tours primary school in 2019. When not representing Marcellin College on the cricket field Braydon is training and playing premier club cricket for Carlton Cricket Club.
What has been your best achievements representing Marcellin College so far?
Debuting for the 1st XI at the end of Year 7 in the AGSV Centenary Celebration round, co-captaining the side in Year 10 and Year 11, helping us to make the 1st XI grand final in the 2022/2023 season which has given us great confidence to take it a step further this year.
What are you most looking forward to as Captain?
Captaining a great group of boys and hopefully getting some premiership success to help build up the our cricket name.
What advice do you have for junior players?
Make sure you are involved in the College sporting community as it is one of the best programs you can be a part of, especially in cricket as we have a great cricket culture and a great environment. Make sure you take the opportunity to play for fun with your mates on a Saturday morning on some of the best sporting fields in the state.
What does your week of training and schoolwork normally look like? How do you ensure you fit all things in?
Training four nights a week for cricket and then playing on a Saturday, I try my hardest to complete all my work in class. Whenever I have spare time I will do a couple of hours of study after training or on my days off.
What is your vision for the year ahead?
My vision for the year ahead is for the 1st XI is have confidence in our talent and trust all the hard work we have put in to get redemption from last year (second in AGSV season) and to take the next step and win the AGSV premiership so Marcellin College can start being known as also a strong cricket school.
We wish Braydon and his team well for the season ahead.
Ben Reynolds, Head of Sport