The Eagle 17 November 2023
Principal's Report
Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,
I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Tim Naughton and David Leavold about our planned projects to improve our ovals over the coming months and years. Tim was here on the very first day when Marcellin College opened. In those days, we were located in Canterbury Road, Camberwell. David also commenced in Camberwell and they have both kept a strong and supportive connection with the College.
It was good to hear the stories and experiences that make up the fabric of our story as Marcellin College. We are a strong community that has always strived for the highest. Our history provides us with many experiences, triumphs, failures and invaluable lessons that form the bedrock of Marcellin College and our society's evolution.
Tim and David reminded me that as we continue our journey as a community that aims to strive for the highest, we must acknowledge that the responsibility of shaping the future extends beyond the confines of our college. Collaboration between students, educators, parents, alumni and the community at large is crucial in instilling a deep appreciation for history and a forward-thinking mindset in our students. Together, we strive to equip our students with the tools needed to navigate a rapidly changing world, instilling in them the values of empathy, resilience, and adaptability—values deeply rooted in our collective past and essential for a thriving future.
As the College Leadership Team began finalising our 4-year College Strategic Improvement Plan, we are cognisant of ensuring that we continue to reflect on the past while being audacious in our plans for the future.
St Marcellin Champagnat, pray for us
Mary our Good Mother, pray for us
And may we always remember to, pray for one another
Marco Di Cesare
Principal
A Prayer for Peace
God of compassion,
We turn to you with heavy hearts
As we consider the needs of your family.
Israelis and Palestinians, we are all your people.
Each of us is loved by you and called to live in peace and justice.
We lament the dreadful loss of life,
Destruction of property and loss of human dignity.
We are pained by so much suffering.
We beg you to bring healing to this ancient place.
Help your people find a way forward.
Enable everyone to look each other in the eye,
And embrace each other as sisters and brothers,
As they find your image in every face.
We ask that courage and grace
Will help create a wise and more gentle future
Where everyone has a home.
God of wisdom, come to our aid.
Amen
Michael McGirr, 2023
Faith & Mission
Praying for our Deceased Loved Ones
The Catholic Church dedicates the entire month of November to the remembrance of the deceased.
The month begins with the celebration of All Saints' Day on 1 November, a day dedicated to honouring all saints, known and unknown. This is followed by All Souls' Day on 2 November, a day specifically set aside to remember and pray for all the faithful departed. The entire month of November is seen as an extension of this remembrance, providing a focused time for us to offer prayers, Masses, and other spiritual exercises for the souls of the departed, seeking God's mercy and grace for them.
On Thursday, 7 December we will be celebrating our annual Mass for the Deceased in the Champagnat Chapel, commencing at 7.30 pm and followed by a light supper. All families are welcome, especially those who have lost a loved one throughout the year. The celebrant will be Fr. Gerry McKernan. All are welcome.
Remembrance Day Service
Last Friday, the College community gathered at 11.00 am for a Remembrance Day Service. Led by our Junior School Leaders, this moving service was held to celebrate and pray in honour of those who have suffered or died during all wars. During this time of war and conflict in many countries around the world, this was an opportune time to pray for peace in our time. We remember all those who suffer during war, those who return home scarred by warfare, those who wait anxiously at home, those who return wounded and disillusioned, those who mourn, and those communities that continue to be diminished and suffer loss.
Remembrance Day
Christmas Hamper Appeal - Spreading Joy and Kindness this Christmas!
This holiday season, our Game Changer students are orchestrating a Christmas Hamper Appeal, and we invite all students and their families to be part of this great initiative. As we celebrate the spirit of giving, we aim to create joy for those in need and spread the warmth of the season.
How Can You Contribute?
It's simple! We encourage everyone to contribute non-perishable food items and other donations that can help make someone's Christmas a little brighter. Students can bring their donations into their Pastoral Classes, where designated boxes will be available to collect your thoughtful contributions.
To ensure we have ample time to organise and deliver these gifts of kindness, we kindly request that all donations be brought in by Tuesday, December 5th.
All collected donations will be presented at our End of Year Student Mass to St Mary's House of Welcome, an organisation committed to supporting the disadvantaged and individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Your contributions will directly impact those in our community who need it most, providing them with the spirit of Christmas and a sense of care and support from our community.
This Christmas Hamper Appeal is more than a collection of items; it's an opportunity for our College community to come together and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Let's demonstrate the true meaning of the season by showing compassion, generosity, and solidarity.
Thank you for joining us in making this Christmas a little brighter for those in need. Together, we can be the change and spread the magic of the holidays.
Geralyn McCarthy
Deputy Principal Fatih & Mission
Student Wellbeing
Talking to your teenagers………. In the Car
As we move towards the end of a very busy year, we are all constantly reminded as parents that communication with our children is becoming more and more important in a world where we know many adolescents spend so much time looking at their phones. We also know as parents that communicating with our teenage children can be a real challenge as we compete not only with screens but also with friends, sports training, music rehearsals and just about anything else!
Dr Fred Peipman from Parenting Across the Gap has some insights for us all. His work has focussed on the art of conversation between parents and their children. He recommends using time in the car to talk to your child for the following reasons:
- You have a captive audience - your passenger cannot leave at any time (at least safely).
- It's less threatening beside or better yet, behind a parent, can feel less intimidating or less threatening to a child or adolescent.
- Car rides are limited in time unless you are on a longer drive, you have only a limited time to get your point across and engage in a dialogue.
- Distractions can be minimised-although you may still have to compete with a phone or music player, your child will have fewer other distractions.
Dr Peipman also recommends that parents ask open-ended questions (not those that require a yes or no answer) such as “What can you tell me about your day?” or discussion starters like “describe the most interesting thing that you learnt today”. Of course, not all of these conversations need to be about school.
I hope these tips help you on your way to enriching and intriguing conversations with your child!
Examinations
As we commence the examination period for students in Years 9-11, I would like to provide the following tips that were shared with our Year 12 students earlier this year by Dr. Michael Carr Gregg who is a renowned adolescent psychologist and also the author of numerous books that focus on approaching examination periods successfully.
- Ensure that your child is getting at least 8 hours of sleep before each examination.
- Study in chunks- 20 minutes, then have a 10-15 minute break.
- Encourage your child to tell you what they have learnt and “say it out loud”.
- Remind them that a little bit of stress is okay and can actually improve performance!
- Use Apps such as Freedom and Serene to block distractions from devices.
- Eat breakfast and stay hydrated.
We wish all of our students all the very best for their examinations!
Rocky Gentile,
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing
Learning & Teaching
As you read this, Unit 1&2 students are already halfway through their end-of-year exams. Year 9 and 10 students will complete their end-of-year exams in the coming week. The exams are a very clear reminder that we are so close to the end of the year.
As we embark on this final stretch of 2023, it is tempting to let our focus waver but, this is an important time of reflection and preparation. Our Head Start Program is designed to provide students with the best possible beginning to the upcoming academic year. It encourages personal reflection, goal setting, and foundation building.
2024 Book and Resource List
Information about the process for ordering textbooks and other resources for the 2024 school year is now available via Compass. The College, in association with Campion Education, provides an online book and resources list. If there are any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Orders must be completed by Wednesday, 13 December 2023, to ensure delivery in January 2024.
Head Start
Our Head Start Program will commence on Monday, 27 November and run until Thursday, 7 December 2023. (Year 12 2024 VM students will complete their work placement and commence a one-week Head Start program on Monday, 4 December 2023).
The curriculum delivered during Head Start will focus on essential concepts and skills that will form the foundations of the first units of work in 2024.
To participate fully in this program of classes, students will require their laptop computers, pens and writing materials for recording classwork. No specific textbooks are required for these lessons.
All students are required to attend Head Start in full summer uniform and in accordance with all of the expectations set out in our Personal Presentation Standards.
During Head Start classes, students entering Year 11 and Year 12 will receive home study activities to be completed over the coming Christmas break. While we recognise that balance and a chance to rejuvenate are important, we seek to ensure students have the best practices to set them up for success in the VCE. Students will be expected to have completed the home study work as outlined by their teachers and may be required to attend a supervised study session in their own time to catch up on incomplete work.
Move to Compass
Head Start will mark the move of learning and teaching information onto Compass. MyMC will be phased out during this time, and the application will be closed in January. All relevant teaching and College information will move to Compass.
Students and parents will be able to access their Head Start timetable on Compass from Friday, 24 November, and parents will be able to access lesson plans and class resources via Compass from Monday, 27 November.
If parents or carers need assistance with accessing Compass they can contact Gareth, our Compass support team member, via email on Gareth.Wells@marcellin.vic.edu.au. Please also refer to the Compass Parent Guide, click here to access it.
Suzanne Farley,
Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching
From our Learning Areas
Excellence in VET
2023 Year 12 student, Bailey, has just completed his Certificate 11 in Engineering Studies (22470VIC) at Ringwood Training Centre as part of his VCE Program. Recently attending their awards evening Bailey was awarded one of their Outstanding Student Awards – Most Creative Design. Bailey also won a drill set from one of the sponsoring companies.
His final project was chosen by the student, researched, design developed and completed as an applied learning assessment that provided evidence of all knowledge and skills that Bailey has learnt throughout his two-year VET qualification.
Bailey designed a tabletop BBQ that also doubled as a fire pit with a distinctive individually designed handle to manoeuvre the grate following OH&S specifications.
Techniques and skills Bailey presented in completing this project were plasma cutting, using a Trubend pan brake, lathe, and drill press, roll bending metals, metal grinding and welding.
Bailey has not only achieved a nationally accredited qualification in Engineering but also acquired skills and knowledge that will stay with him for life. We wish Bailey success and all the best for his future as he ventures from Marcellin College.
Congratulations to Bailey!
Fran Davey, Applied Learning & VET Leader
Join our 2024 China Immersion Program for Years 9-12
We're excited to offer a unique immersion program to China during the 2024 Term 1 holidays (28 March - 9 April) for our Year 9-12 students studying Chinese. This program features cultural and linguistic experiences across Beijing, Chengdu, and Xi'an. The information night is scheduled for Wednesday, 29 November at the Placidus Lecture Theatre, from 7 to 8pm. Please RSVP to Vanessa Zhang at vanessa.zhang@marcellin.vic.edu.au with your son's details if you'd like to attend the information night.
John Di Natale, Learning Leader Languages
Student Leadership
House Student Representative Council (SRC)
We are thrilled to announce that nominations for the 2024 House Student Representative Council (SRC) are now open until 21 November at 7:30pm. This presents a unique opportunity for students to become the voice of our House and school, actively shaping decisions and cultivating leadership skills for life beyond the classroom.
An SRC Representative role spans various aspects of College life, covering service, social justice, curriculum matters, student well-being, facilities, and the coordination of social co-curricular activities. Regular SRC meetings, chaired by students and House Leaders, address formal agendas and prioritise action items determined by the students.
To nominate, students are required to fill out the Google Form for their 2024-year level on Compass. The selection process involves an interview with their House Leader and the 2024 House Captain.
Do not miss out on this chance to make a meaningful impact and lead the way in 2024!
Adrian Tomada, Student Leadership Liaison
Careers News
Change of Preference
The ATARs will be released on Monday, 11 December, and students who are at risk of not receiving an offer for their preferred courses will be contacted to change their preferences during the Change of Preference period from December 11 to 13. The Marcellin Careers Team and tertiary providers will be available to provide support.
VCE study scores, ATAR, and VTAC Scaled Study Scores will be available to students on Monday, 11 December at 7:00 am via the Results and ATAR website and the Results and ATAR app. To receive your ATAR, you can register here.
Subject Changes
If you wish to change your subject and discuss your career and pathway opportunities, we encourage you to book a meeting with us. Parents are welcome to attend these meetings.
Lara Ingram and Andrew Belli are available to assist you.
Lara Ingram & Andrew Belli, Careers and Further Education
Community News
Bulleen Road Lane Closures
From 8pm on Friday, 24 November to 7pm on Tuesday, 5 December 2023 there will be closures of lanes in both directions on Bulleen Road. Access to the College via the Bulleen Road entrance will only be from the South (from the Eastern Freeway/Thompsons Road end).
Delays are expected and you should allow more time for your journey. We also encourage you to use the Sandra Street entrance. Buses will still access the College via Bulleen Road. The attached Fact Sheet provides further information.
Confirmation Classes - Parish of St Gregory the Great, Doncaster
Students who attend Marcellin College are invited by St Gregory the Great Parish, Doncaster, to participate in a program for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Could parents please contact the Parish Office on 9412 8425 or by email on DoncasterRE@cam.org.au.
The program will be conducted by Margaret O’Donnell on Tuesdays after school.
There will be an information evening on Tuesday, 20 February at 5.00 pm in St Gregory’s Parish Room.
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.
Sport Report
1st Tennis Captain - Oscar
Congratulations to Year 11 Redden House student Oscar who has been selected as the 1st Tennis Captain. Oscar attended St Charles Borromeo in Templestowe before coming to Marcellin College in 2019. He has also been elected Redden House Captain for 2024. This will be his second year representing the College at 1st tennis after making his debut last year. When not representing Marcellin College at tennis in the summer months you will find Oscar on the training courts of Templestowe Tennis Park Tennis Club or as a keen golfer, on the fairways of Rosebud Country Club. During the winter season, Oscar also represents the College in football whilst also playing for Banyule Football Club.
What have been your best achievements representing Marcellin so far?
Being appointed the captaincy itself. I am very thankful and proud of this opportunity.
What are you most looking forward to as Captain?
As Captain, I am most looking forward to leading my team this year as we take on the new season. I am also looking forward to being a role model, especially to the younger year levels and continuing on the great work of past 1st Captains.
What advice do you have for junior players?
To enjoy playing the sport and representing the school. The opportunity to do so is not something to take for granted. It is great to play with your mates, so make sure you make the most of it and learn to enjoy the game even when you may not be winning. To those younger players trying to play 1st level in the future, my advice would be to keep persisting with your tennis and I’m sure the improvements will come.
What is your vision for the year ahead?
To create a culture of teamwork and sportsmanship with the tennis program. I aim to lead by example and hopefully bring the team success on and off the court by supporting my teammates and the coaches involved in the program.
What does your week of training and schoolwork normally look like? How do you ensure you fit all things in?
I usually have two tennis training sessions per week along with other after-school commitments that I attend. Despite all these commitments, I can use my spare time after these trainings to get my schoolwork done by doing a couple hours of homework/revision each night. I am also undertaking Unit 3&4 Physical Education this year on top of my normal Year 11 subjects. I make sure to leave space for downtime so that I am not burnt out from training and schoolwork. This time is spent with mates.
We wish Oscar and his team well for the season ahead.
1st Basketball Captain- Harrison
Congratulations to Harrison who has been selected as Captain of the 1st Basketball team for this season. Harrison joined us from Sacred Heart Primary School in Kew and became a Chirat House student. This year he moved to Mannes House and his pastoral leader is Emma Morrison. Harrison is a member of the Knox Raiders Basketball Club and is also heavily involved in both state and national programs when not representing Marcellin College.
What are you most looking forward to as Captain?
Being able to lead my team and set an example for the younger players in both the 1st team and the other Marcellin College basketball teams
What advice do you have for junior players?
Work hard and have fun. Always be your best.
What have been your best achievements representing Marcellin College so far?
Winning three AGSV Premierships
What does your week of training and schoolwork normally look like? How do you ensure you fit all things in?
Monday training, Tuesday morning gym after-school basketball, Wednesday game, Thursday gym
Friday game, Sunday gym and training. I usually do my schoolwork on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays
We wish Harrison and his team well for the season ahead.
1st Squash Captain - Sebastian
Well done to Sebastian who will captain the squash team for the third straight season. He started playing squash and soccer in Year 7 after joining the College from St Gregory the Great Primary School in Doncaster and continues to play both sports. Sebastian is an Augustine House student who has Marina Sipos as his Pastoral leader.
What have been your best achievements representing Marcellin College so far?
Winning the league at the start of 2023 alongside my friends. Furthermore, watching each member of the College squash community progress and grow as a player, both on and off the court, has truly been inspirational and is the main reason why I have been playing squash for so long.
What are you most looking forward to as Captain?
In light of being Captain for the past 2 years, I have always looked forward to watching our players develop their skills at training and showing them off during their game. Additionally, I enjoy watching them have as much fun as possible and expressing themselves both on and off the court. Furthermore, I am also looking forward to partnering with Mr Faelis once again to further develop the spirit of the team.
What advice do you have for junior players?
My advice for junior players is to be comfortable with stepping outside your comfort zone, whether that be trying new experiences even if you are doubting yourself. Before I first stepped on the court in Year 7, I had never even held a squash racquet. I was looking for a new experience and squash gave me that opportunity and I have continued with it ever since.
What is your vision for the year ahead?
My vision for the year ahead involves captaining the 1st team to another win this season. Hopefully, we can also see the same result with our 2 Division 4 teams thanks to all the hard work and commitment of the players throughout this season.
What does your week of training and schoolwork normally look like? How do you ensure you fit all things in?
Squash training takes place every Thursday afternoon straight after school. However, since we do not have a squash court on school grounds, we make a 15-minute drive as a group to the Westerfolds Sports Centre located on Parker St in Templestowe. To ensure that I have finished all of my schoolwork/homework, I aim to finish as much work as possible in class and complete extra work on other nights. Not only does this make me more prepared for future classes, but it also takes away the stress of knowing that I have training on Thursdays.
We wish Sebastian and his team well for the season
Ben Reynolds, Head of Sport