The Eagle 13 October 2023
Principal's Report
Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,
Welcome back to Term 4. As our daylight hours lengthen and the weather improves, this time of the year brings an increased sense of well-being for many. It is also a time of transition as we see our Year 12 students move into their examination preparation period and ultimately the next chapter in their lives.
This week many of our Year 12 Parents joined us for a special presentation from Dr Michael Carr-Gregg on how best to study and prepare for exams. Dr Michael is well-recognised by many for his books, presentations, clinical practice and media appearances. His presentation was appreciated by all present and it was a privilege to have him at our College. As we come to the end of Year 12 classes, we will remain focused on ensuring that our students are well prepared for their examinations. Some of our students will soon experience oral and performance assessments and I am confident that many will attend the various tutorials and classes run by our Year 12 teachers once classes finish. I look forward to our Valedictory Mass and Dinner next week and know that this Year 12 group will make good choices about how they celebrate and conclude their time at the College.
This week saw a number of our boys participate in WheelTalk. WheelTalk is an interactive program that encourages students to think about diversity, acceptance and disability – with a primary focus on inclusion. They heard from those living with a disability and then had the opportunity to experience Wheelchair Basketball. It was an enriching experience and I thank Mr Carlson for creating this opportunity for our boys. There are some photos below.
WheelTalk
We also launched Arts Week culminating in our Create23 Art & Technology Exhibition. My thanks to all the students involved. It was a terrific celebration of our Arts and Technology areas and showcased the wonderful work that they do. I would like to acknowledge our teachers and especially our two Learning Leaders for Art and Design Technology - Ms Sipos and Ms McNamara - who created such a wonderful exhibition. Well done and thank you for your hard work.
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
CREATE 23 Opening Night
God, we humbly ask that during the VCE exam period, our students may feel your presence and closeness. We pray that you grant them calm hearts and quiet confidence, knowing that you hold them in the palm of your hand. Bless them with a sharp understanding and a strong memory. Enable them to comprehend things accurately, explain them precisely and express themselves clearly. We ask for their success but also remind them that true achievement is not measured only by scores but by the growth and character they have developed throughout their educational journey.
Bless them with your love, grace, and perseverance. May they shine brightly, illuminating the path to their future.
Amen.
Faith & Mission
Climate Change and Our Stewardship
Recently, Pope Francis wrote a new apostolic exhortation called Laudate Deum (“Praise God”), released on October 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Laudate Deum was written as an addendum to his ground-breaking encyclical, Laudato Si, written in 2015 which emphasised the need for ecological responsibility and the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues. In this new exhortation, written during a time when the planet is approaching a “point of no return,” Pope Francis laments that the world is not moving fast enough to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change.
At Marcellin College, through the leadership of our Sustainability Group, we actively seek to explore and educate about how we might look after the environment in line with the principles of Laudato Si. This year we have continued to raise awareness and understanding of ecological issues, promoted sustainability, developed Green initiatives, encouraged ethical consumption, and created spaces on our school grounds that promote biodiversity, like gardens and wildlife habitats, to teach the importance of preserving natural ecosystems.
We thank our Sustainability Group, ably led by our departing Sustainability Captain, Noah Hall and Sustainability Coordinator, Mr Hugh Holliday.
Geralyn McCarthy,
Deputy Principal Faith & Mission
Student Wellbeing
Child Safety
As parents and carers would be aware, Marcellin College maintains a strong commitment to child safety. Through constant review of our policies and practices, we seek to ensure that every student in our care is safe at all times. As part of our commitment to Child Safety, we endeavour to ensure that our parents and carers are equipped with the skills and knowledge to work with us in support of our students. Child safety policy and practice is constantly evolving and as such our staff also receive regular and updated training in the area. The document that is linked here from the Commission for Children and Young People may provide you with an introduction to the Child Safe Standards and provides some excellent tips to ensure that we can continue to work together to ensure the safety of our young people.
Student Mental Health- How Dads and Male Mentors Can Help
Coming out of the pandemic, we know that we need to continue to support our young people in the area of mental health. Recent work by Headspace shows that fathers and male mentors can contribute positively in this area. For more information and some beneficial hints, we invite you to read this article.
We wish all of our students all the very best for their examinations!
Rocky Gentile,
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing
Learning & Teaching
Create23 – Art & Technology Exhibition
Congratulations to our Art and Technology students and staff on the excellent Create23 Exhibition.
It was an absolute pleasure to see the wonderful collection of works on display not only from the VCE students but from students in Years 7-10. The talent and creativity of our students truly shone through, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
Compass Transition – Parent Guide
Last week I had the opportunity to address interested parents who attended one of the Compass Parent Information Night. Though certainly an initial overview of the changes that families will see as we move our learning and student communication to Compass, it was wonderful to have the opportunity to share the College vision and hear the questions and concerns of our families. My thanks to all who came out, despite the less-than-wonderful weather.
For those unable to attend, I presented families with a Parent Guide to Compass, click here to access the guide
At the moment, while Compass is accessible to all, we are only using a small proportion of what it can do. From January 2024, parents will be able to view details of our assessment and homework requirements in one place, and greater details of our lessons and academic programs.
I look forward to being able to speak further with families about this in the new year when so much more is available for all.
2024 Book & Resource Lists
The majority of our 2024 Book & Resource lists will be made available to families at the start of November. Our Early English booklist, however, is currently available for students entering Units 3&4 English and Literature in 2024.
The Early English Booklist means students can order and receive their required novels prior to our Christmas break. This allows pre-reading to occur before the start of the school year.
Writing an essay on one of these novels means knowing them very well, and students who receive the highest results in English will attest that reading the novels 2, 3 or more times assisted them greatly.
I encourage all students to get access to their English novels early and start reading. Please see Compass for more details on ordering Units 3 & 4 English and Literature novels.
Exams
Previously I provided some advice that I hope is useful for families in the lead up to end-of-year exams. This advice focused on supporting your child in their preparation for this, admittedly, very stressful time in their educational journey.
Stress is a natural human response and happens to everyone from time to time. A certain level of stress can be a good thing – it helps us meet our daily challenges and motivates us to reach our goals. But stress can also distract and impede our functioning.
Andrew Fuller is a clinical psychologist who works with many schools around Australia and internationally. He writes extensively about stress and how to support students in managing stress during their school life.
Fuller offers some advice on how students can manage stress in the lead-up to testing and exams. (see attachment)
If your child has ever reported going into a test or exam paper and thinking, “I know that I know this but I can't remember anything”, if they have stayed awake in the middle of the night worrying about a test the next day, if they have reported butterflies in the stomach or headaches whenever they have an upcoming test, perhaps some of the ideas in this document might help.
Suzanne Farley,
Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching
From our Learning Areas
Marcellin students excel in the Science Talent Search
The Science Talent Search is an annual science competition open to all primary and secondary students in Victoria. In 2023, six Marcellin College students submitted entries in the Science Photography section of this competition and their entries were judged amongst many from all over the state.
We can proudly announce that Angus B, Jacob S and Charles W were awarded a Minor Bursary in this competition. Congratulations also to Williem D, Jack R and Jim G who attained a Distinction in the competition. The students were adeptly guided by Ms Sandra Mancini and our 2023 Science Captain Cayleb Wilson. After our success in 2023, we will be inviting students in Term 1 of 2024 for next year’s competition.
Rajnesh Ram, Learning Leader Science
Educational Tour to Italy 2023
We are exceptionally delighted to share that we have all safely returned from our travels abroad in Italy. The Educational Tour to Italy was a wonderful three-week excursion filled with delicious food, beautiful art, developing language skills, and lots of walking.
Our twenty days overseas saw 24 boys and four staff members clock up to 20 km a day traversing the cities, towns, and countryside of wonderful Italy. From Rome to Milan, we visited 18 different locations including Sorrento, Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna and Venice. We immersed ourselves in Renaissance art and learned about the influential Medici family of the 14th and 15th centuries. We admired the coastline of Amalfi and ordered our dream car at Maranello’s Ferrari museum. We spent some time in prayer and reflection in the sacred town of Assisi. In Perugia, we tasted the many samples from the Baci Perugina factory and in Como, we took the funicular up to Brunate to enjoy a delicious meal.
The Italian students from Years 9 to 10 attended five mornings of language classes where they developed their conversational Italian, expanded their vocabulary and practised the many rules of Italian grammar. Meanwhile, the Visual Arts students explored a plethora of art and architectural locations within Florence including the Medici Chapels, Santa Croce, a climb of the Bell Tower, and a visit to a local street artist’s workshop.
Many thanks to the staff and families that allowed our students to experience this memorable tour.
John Di Natale, Learning Leader Languages
Italy Immersion Tour
Student Leadership
World's Greatest Shave
On Thursday, 14 September Marcellin College hosted a fundraising event for both the World's Greatest Shave and RUOK Day. The campaign program was long, but our noble shavers worked hard to raise well over $18,500 towards an extremely worthwhile cause. Many members of our Marcellin Community contributed valuable funds to the cause.
In particular, we want to thank our individual participants for their generous contributions. Nine members were able to raise over $1000, including Jakson Hall who contributed an impressive $4500, making him the largest contributor to our cause.
With the help of our four diligent hairdressers, more than 20 brave individuals had their heads shaved in front of a crowd of enthusiastic onlookers. This included two teachers, Mr Edwards and Mr Viola, who both courageously stepped up to the clippers. Many boys got colourful hairdos at the hairspray station, while others enjoyed the sausage sizzle and pizza lunch.
We were also able to celebrate RUOK day, with the incredible contributions of Ms Cammarano - with colourful cupcakes and stylish wristbands, encouraging the boys to reflect on Mental Health, and the importance of having conversations and remembering to check in on each other.
I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the event, and I hope we can exceed this year's total next year!
Socks 4 Mental Health
I'm thrilled to share the incredible achievement of Marcellin College earlier this year when we came together as a community to support a worthy cause. In a heart-warming display of solidarity, our school raised an impressive $586 for Banyule Community Health during our 'Socks 4 Mental Health Day' event.
This initiative was not just about raising funds; it was about fostering awareness and breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Our students and staff united in donning colourful and unique socks, sparking conversations that promoted mental health awareness and encouraged support for those who might be struggling. The compassion and empathy shown by our community were truly remarkable.
The success of this event showcases the power of unity and demonstrates our commitment to making a positive impact beyond the walls of our school. We are proud to have contributed to Banyule Community Health and hope to continue these meaningful efforts in the future.
Adrian Tomada, Student Leadership Liaison
Student Profile
Hi, my name is Damian and I’m in Year 12. What I love most about Marcellin College is the community and social setting the school is a part of. It's welcoming and embracing values and morals. I also love how much the school has to offer with its facilities, as well as its resources to explore different career options outside of school. My favourite subjects that I am currently studying, are Geography and Psychology, as they have interesting and valuable content. What I have gained from being at Marcellin College for the past 6 years is the endless friendships that you make, with both peers and also staff.
When I am not studying, I enjoy sports, mainly soccer, whether it's playing with my club or watching games with my friends and family. I also enjoy spending time with my family and close friends, as they are all such important figures in my life. In the future, I hope to attend Latrobe University, to study Sports and Exercise Science, in the hope of becoming either an owner of a physio clinic or a fitness and conditioning coach so I can work with high-end athletes in achieving their goals.
Damian, Year 12 Champagnat House Captain
Careers News
VTAC preferences and offer information
Year 12 students applying for courses are reminded to get their preferences in on VTAC. Please be aware that some courses may have additional entry criteria, such as folio tasks, auditions, interviews, or testing. Some courses do not accept new course applications after a certain date. Check the course description and selection criteria carefully before adding any courses to your preferences.
Subscribe to VTAC for updates
ATARs will be released at 7:00am on Monday, 11 December. Preferences can continue to be changed up until 4:00pm on Wednesday, 13 December.
Students must register to receive their ATAR.
It is anticipated that the majority of course offers will be made in the December and January offer rounds. Some courses, particularly those that take low numbers, or are otherwise competitive to get into, may fill up during these two rounds. It is important that students understand the need to decide on their ideal course and get their preferences in order in time for the December round to maximise their chance of getting an offer. All courses will make offers in the January round, but these may be limited if there is a large uptake of their December offers.
The careers team will be touching base with students throughout the change of preference period. Please keep checking emails, MyMC class pages, Compass news posts and the Careers website.
More information on offers here
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.
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
Congratulations to William Waters who has been elected 2024 Sport Captain. A Redden House student who attended St Martin of Tours Primary School, William has represented the College in cross country, cricket and athletics. When not representing Marcellin College on the cricket field he is representing Northcote Cricket Club in premier grade.
His achievements with our program so far are twice being selected in the AGSV Cross Country Representative team, two AGSV bronze year level medals at cross country, two AGSV Cricket Representative team selections and two Marcellin College 1st XI MVP awards. It is an outstanding list.
What are you most looking forward to as Captain?
I am very excited to have my own individual impact upon the Marcellin College sports program, in which I can collate all of my favourite aspects of my past sporting teams and experiences within different sports, to create an environment that is both highly enjoyable and competitive at all levels, for everybody involved. I am also very much looking forward to seeing all the boys within the College involving themselves in sports and enriching their experience and enjoyment of life within the Marcellin College community.
What advice do you have for junior players?
I strongly encourage all junior boys at the school to get involved in every sporting opportunity that they can, as this is a great way to meet new people, find new interests, and develop yourself as an individual and within a team setting.
What is your vision for the year ahead?
I am looking forward to a year in which the sports program at Marcellin College takes a huge leap forward, both in the successes on the field and the development of strong cultures within teams. I aim to guide this development of Marcellin Sport by working in cooperation with Mr Ben Reynolds, to implement change that will make Marcellin Sport something that everyone within the College community is proud to be a part of.
We wish William well for the year ahead
Ben Reynolds, Head of Sport