The Eagle 8 March 2024
Principal's Report
Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,
Earlier this week we received the sad news of the passing of our 2023 College Captain, Connor Whyte. Connor died peacefully at home. He was a much-loved former student who touched so many of our lives.
Connor's journey at Marcellin College was one marked by exemplary leadership, unwavering commitment, and a radiance that touched all facets of college life. In this time of profound sorrow, we extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to his family, assuring them of our collective support and prayers.
Connor embodied the spirit of Marcellin Champagnat with his hard work, respectfulness, and an infectious grin that illuminated every corner of our great community. As College Captain, Connor was distinguished not just by the roles he held but by the immeasurable impact he had on those around him—students, staff, and the wider community alike.
Connor remained deeply engaged with our college, not only in coaching basketball and refereeing for us; it was only last Thursday that he was here addressing our Year 12 parents and students. This came after he had helped us on our Year 12 retreats and Year 7 camps. It was clear that he loved this College. Sitting beside him last week, one could see that Marcellin was not just a school to Connor, but a home, a place where he thrived and inspired others to do the same.
Connor was more than just a student or Captain; he was a beacon of kindness, ambition, and generosity. The following message that I received from one of his teachers perfectly encapsulates his spirit: Connor was celebrated for his diligence, his constant quest for improvement, his humour, and his extraordinary capacity for empathy. He was a young man who, in his interactions, reflected the best of what we strive to cultivate in our community
To support our community, the Chapel was open to students with our counsellors offering support. We express our thanks to Assumption College who assisted us by sending two College Counsellors to support our students. On Thursday we hosted a memorial liturgy with the Class of 2023. We were honoured to have Connor’s family in attendance to join in the powerful showing of solidarity amongst a group of fine young people who mourn the loss of a dear friend. Throughout the week the boys were engaged in conversations and prayers for the Whyte family. I encourage you to continue to speak to your sons and to reach out to us should you feel the need for support.
As we remember Connor, let us draw comfort from each other and from the belief that his spirit will forever guide us. May St. Marcellin Champagnat and Mary, our Good Mother, watch over Connor’s family, and may his beautiful soul rest in peace.
God Bless
Marco Di Cesare
Principal
Loving God, your embrace supports us in life, your Spirit watches over us in death. We thank you for the assurance that, even in our sorrow, you love us with an everlasting love. You alone can turn the shadow of death into the light of a new day.
As a College community, we commend our 2023 College Captain, Connor Whyte, into your merciful and loving embrace. Comfort Connor’s family, friends and our College community at this time of loss. Lift us, we pray, into the joy and peace of your presence. Help us to wait upon you with believing hearts, trusting in your great promise to us through Jesus Christ our Lord - he who died that we might live, and who rose from the dead that we might never die.
Amen
St Marcellin Champagnat, Pray for us
Mary, our Good Mother, Pray for us
And let us always remember, To pray for one another
Faith & Mission
Year 7 Reflection Days
On Friday, 1 and 8 March, Year 7 students at the College engaged in their first Reflection Days. These sessions provided an opportunity for our Year 7 students to pause from regular classes and contemplate elements of the College's faith life and their personal faith journeys. New to the College, the students delved into the Marist charism with guest speakers Ronan Long and Tyler Barton, who shared their Marist journeys and how our Year 7 students might immerse themselves in the many opportunities available to them at the College. Students then participated in rotating workshops that explored different aspects of the life of Marcellin Champagnat and the Marist story. Both days concluded with a celebration of the Eucharist led by Fr Phuong Vu of the St Francis Xavier Parish in Box Hill and Fr Erick Niriyagira of the Passionist community in Templestowe.
Footsteps Program
One of the opportunities that the College provides for staff to deepen their understanding of what it means to work in a Marist school is the Footsteps program conducted by the Marist Life Team. Mali Robinson, our Faith in Action Coordinator, and Scott McNulty, the College’s Ministry Assistant, travelled to the Marist Retreat Centre at Mittagong in NSW for four days to participate in the program with educators and staff from Marist schools around Australia. The program enabled Mali and Scott to enrich their appreciation of the story and charism of St Marcellin Champagnat, explore how the story and charism informs their own personal faith journeys as well as their work in the school and to promote and encourage an ongoing connection with Marist life and mission. Through opportunities for prayer, reflection, group activities and quiet time, Mali and Scott were able to more deeply understand our mission of making Jesus Christ known and loved.
Geralyn McCarthy
Deputy Principal Fatih & Mission
Student Wellbeing
Child Safeguarding Programs
All children and young people who come to Marcellin College have a right to feel and be safe. We are committed to providing a child-safe and child-friendly environment, where children and young people are safe and feel safe, and can actively participate in decisions that affect their lives. Marcellin College has a zero tolerance for child abuse and other harm and is committed to acting in students’ best interests and keeping them safe from harm. We regard our safeguarding responsibilities with the utmost importance and as such, are committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure compliance with all relevant child protection laws and regulations and maintaining a child-safe culture.
Our Child Safeguarding Program is made up of work systems, practices, policies, and procedures designed to maintain a child-safe environment and to embed an organisational culture of child safety within the College community. These also include codes of conduct for adults and students to ensure the safety of all in our community. Additionally, we have a range of staff who receive extra training in the area of child safeguarding. These staff include Marco Di Cesare, Nicholas Moloney and Rocky Gentile as Chief Child Safeguarding Officers and Sarah Carmody, Simon Annett, Jennie Collins, Jesse McInnes, Trent Williams, Trent Carlson, Adrian Tomada and Liana Colaluca as Child Safeguarding Officers. As parents and carers, you are welcome to discuss any matters regarding Child Safeguarding with these members of our staff.
As well as our regular Child Safeguarding focussed meetings and reviews of our policies and practices, we would love to extend an open invitation to you to be involved in a Child Safeguarding Parent Consultation Evening. This evening will be held on Thursday, 18 April at 7pm in room H107 here at school. Please register your interest in this evening at this link.
Year 12 Parents and Carers Evening Discussing End of Year Activities
Thank you to 20 parents of our Year 12 students who worked with members of College Leadership and House Leaders to discuss and plan the Year 12 end-of-year celebration. The evening was filled with productive discussion in support of enabling our students to finish their final year of school in an enjoyable way.
Rocky Gentile
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing
Learning & Teaching
A reminder to families of Year 7 and Year 9 students that NAPLAN is almost upon us again.
In preparation for NAPLAN, earlier this week students participated in practice testing. The practice test allowed us to check student access to the online tests and gave students an opportunity to view the format and resources provided for the tests.
The NAPLAN test window in 2024 is between Wednesday, 13 March, and Monday, 25 March. At Marcellin College, the primary testing dates will be between Wednesday, 13 March and Friday, 22 March. The tests will be completed for all students onsite in the Functions Room or selected classrooms.
Testing will be scheduled to take place during the morning sessions (9am – 11am) or just after our lunch break. Specific details of the tests and testing times will be provided via Compass.
Catch-up tests will be available for students who are absent on testing days up to and including Monday, 25 March. Students will be contacted individually with details of any catch-up testing required.
For the NAPLAN tests, students must have a charged and functioning laptop and appropriate headphones that connect to their computer.
If your child has noticed any concerns with their laptop, such as problems charging, missing keys or a damaged screen, please encourage them to seek advice from our IT Helpdesk as soon as possible. The NAPLAN test browser does not allow students to use the keyboard on their screen so, a functioning keyboard is a must.
An appropriate headset is a book listed item and should be a part of student resources, please encourage your child to have them with them for school requirements such as the NAPLAN testing.
NAPLAN is the only national assessment for all Australian students and is compulsory for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The students will sit assessments in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
The NAPLAN results allow parents/carers and schools to evaluate student progress against the national standards. The College uses this data to help appraise and design curriculum programs, and it can be used as part of conversations with students and families about student academic progress and in pathway planning. While no specific study is required, we do urge all students to take the testing seriously and complete them to the best of their ability.
Parents are welcome to visit the NAPLAN information site for more information.
Suzanne Farley
Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching
From our Learning Areas
KickstART Excursion – VCE Art Creative Practice
Some of our very talented VCE Art Creative Practice students recently attended the KickstART folio preparation event held at the NGV. The event provided students with tips and advice on completing their folios. Students were able to network with each other, listen to high-scoring past students speak about their own experiences and see examples of benchmark folio work to inspire their own practice. Below are two students' reflections on the excursion.
At KickstArt, we saw three high achieving Art Creative Practice students, their work, and heard their advice for us and students from other schools about what we can do and how we could do it for Art Creative Practice. They each showed their portfolios, which was very helpful, as it gave me a guide on what I could do for my portfolio. I found it interesting how much effort and dedication each past student put into their whole portfolio. I enjoyed how they displayed their process, how connected they were to the audience and understood the audience's position, even though it has been a while since they were in our shoes. – Anthony, Year 11 student.
I think that the use of student examples with images of their Diary/Journal made it easier for me to understand the work we should be putting in. The students gave good advice like doing work at your own pace and when you have art block it’s ok and normal. The Q&A was a useful segment to have as it gave me some insight as to what other students and teachers were thinking. They also showed the wide variety of art forms we can use. They allowed us to see their diaries which gave me an insight into the different ways folios can be laid out. – Bailey, Year 12 student.
Placidus Resouce Centre News
We have got off to a great start with the Year 7 and 8 English classes coming through for their regular reading sessions. All students in these year groups are setting goals with their Reading Leader around pushing themselves to find more time to read, read a wider variety of books and maintain good reading habits. Parents are encouraged to have their own reading conversations with their sons by asking them about what they are reading and if they have been meeting their goals. Students are supported with borrowing books from our collection but are also welcome to bring in the books they are reading at home.
This year Marcellin College has been involved in an international bookmark swap project with a school in the northwest of India. Year 7 students all received a bookmark made by students at Adani Vidya Mandir and then made one in return, which was posted back to India last week.
Rebecca Preedy, Information Sevice Leader
Health Centre
Year 10 Immunisation
Every year the College facilitates a School Immunisation Program in partnership with the Manningham Council which is run here on site.
This year it has been scheduled for Tuesday, 19 March during periods 1 & 2. For your son to be immunised, parents and carers must give consent. This is now an online process (there are no longer cards that get lost in the bottom of school bags).
All information on the vaccine given and how to give consent was sent to Year 10 parents and students last week via Compass.
Please take a few minutes to complete and give consent by Friday, 15 March as your son will not receive the vaccination if no consent is provided.
Gaye Viney, College Nurse
Staff Profile
Hi, my name is Deepa Johney. This is my first year at Marcellin College so I am excited to learn more about the school and all it’s wonderful people. My role is that of a Mathematics teacher and I teach across multiple levels. What I enjoy most about the school is how supportive and welcoming everyone is – from the kindest staff to the most open and outgoing (loud) students.
When I’m not at the College I would be with friends and family trying out a new restaurant or a random fun activity – mystery picnics, scavenger hunts, boardgames or painting (not that I am any good).
Deepa Johney, Mathematics Teacher
Student Profile
Hello! my name is Brian, and I am in Year 10.
What I love most about Marcellin College is the immense support and opportunities you can get from the school, such as acceleration programs, extracurricular, wonderful mates and teachers, and special events like the swimming carnival. The highlights of my junior years were the camps in Years 7, 8, and 9, World’s Greatest Shave and Champagnat Day, gathering all the wins from debating, sport and academics. However, nothing can beat the memories of laughter, hardships, and special moments in the classrooms, except for the 10 Champagnat credits I got in one semester. If I were to change anything, I would have engaged in more opportunities, but at least I’m doing it now.
When I’m not studying, I love sports such as powerlifting, basketball and track, binge-watching shows, participating in the 10+ extracurriculars I’m in, eating spicy food, and making memories with my friends. In the future, I want to become the 2026 College Captain and College Dux so I can lead the school and honour Connor Whyte. I also hope to become an excellent engineer who deals with heavy maths. You can see me around the school a lot, but I play downball near student reception, or chill out at the library.
Brian, Year 10 student Kenny House
Community News
Year 7 Parents / Carers Social Night
Year 7 parents and carers are invited to attend a welcome to the community evening in our Functions Room on Saturday, 23 March from 6pm – 8pm. A BBQ will be cooked by the College Leadership team, along with salads and a welcome drink of your choice (beer, wine and soft drink). Additional drinks will be available to purchase on the night. It is FREE to register your attendance by clicking here.
Please note, this is strictly a parents/carers only event. See you there!
Volunteers Information Evening
Marcellin College values the integral role volunteers play in supporting our young men during their time at the College. The volunteers in our community have established a proud link between families, students and the College which continues to provide enormous benefits. Join us on Tuesday, 12 March at 7pm in the Hermitage Atrium for an information evening where you can learn more about how to get involved, as well as register to volunteer in 2024 and beyond. Register your attendance here.
Marcellin College invites past collegians to our annual Past Collegians Luncheon on Thursday, 11 April. Everyone who attended the College is more than welcome and we especially encourage those who attended from 1950 to 1973 to come along. It's a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with your peer group and share memories. You are welcome to get a table of mates together or just turn up alone. Everyone will be friendly.
The day will include a guest speaker and a two-course lunch with drinks. To book a seat and for further information click here.
Year 7 2026 Enrolments
Enrolments for Year 7 2026 are now open and will close on Friday, 16 August 2024. To submit an application and secure your place, please visit marcellin.vic.edu.au/enrolments.
If you have a child presently in Grade 6 and have not yet enrolled for Marcellin College in Year 7 2025, please do so using the above link.
Open Day
Help spread the word! Our 2024 Open Day is on Sunday, 17 March 11am – 2pm. Prospective families are invited to explore, discover and learn what makes Marcellin College a leader in boys’ education. For further information visit marcellin.vic.edu.au
Tune in to Kiis FM to listen to our Captains Anton and Andrew spruik our Open Day. You can listen to a recording here. Also, be sure to check out our banner and digital ads at Northland Shopping Centre, Westfield Doncaster and Box Hill Central. It’s a Marcellin College takeover!
Parents & Friends Group Yarra Valley Wine Tour
On Saturday,2 March a group of 17 Marcellin College parents and friends set off for a wonderful bus tour of the Yarra Valley. The tour was incredible starting with a fantastic and exuberant tasting of twelve delicious chocolates at the Yarra Valley Chocolatery. Also, good timing with Easter around the corner. Next wine tasting at Rochford Estate which was awesome. They have some award-winning wines to select from and we learnt a thing or two about different wines, regions, and blends.
A massive highlight of the day was Tokar Estate which had some incredible blends of wine… like Shiraz blended with Pinot, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Mmmm… the perfect hybrid selection for Italian and other Mediterranean meals. Can’t miss out on the food… a taste sensation for your palate….sensational does not do it justice. Two-course meal served on share platters with a glass of wine. Great company and wonderful conversations over a relaxed long lunch. If you have not been then I thoroughly recommend it, the views and atmosphere are incredible.
We finished off the day with a more casual vibe at the Watts River Brewing Company with a tasting of a selection of craft beers before heading back to Marcellin. Overall, a splendid day with fantastic people, new friendships and connections, beautiful weather, and indulging in great wine and food. What else can I say other than make sure you book next time and don’t miss out.
Pamela Frost, President Marcellin College Parents & Friends Group
Manningham Interchange Works
Please find attached information regarding the Manningham Road interchange and upcoming roadworks.
Follow us on Facebook & Instagram!
Be sure to like and follow the College’s Facebook and Instagram pages 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.
Careers News
Morrisby Testing
All Year 10 students have completed Morrisby vocational profiling. This is designed to assist students with understanding their options and pathways. Students are encouraged to share their results with their guardians via the landing page when they log into Morrisby.
Each student will have an individual career meeting to discuss their results. Meetings appear on the students' Compass schedules and will occur in the CLC Career Offices.
Work Experience
Work experience is a short-term and optional placement running over the school holidays from Monday, 24 June to Friday, 28 June. Interested Year 10 students are required to upload an expression of interest to the learning task drop box on the Year 10 Careers Compass page.
To express your interest, create a short video or PowerPoint or a written document answering the following:
1) Tell us a bit about yourself
Include your name and year level as well as any information about what makes you, you.
2) Tell us why you want to do work experience
Include your motivations, interests, and hobbies. What do you want to get out of work experience?
3) Tell us which industry/ job you want to do work experience in
Students are responsible for sourcing their own placement
Year 12 - Find Your Future Events
The Careers Team is currently organising careers events for Year 12 students in Term 2. We would like your insight on what events you would find helpful, and when you would like these to run.
Please complete this survey.
Kevin Kelly & Lara Ingram, Careers & Further Education
Camp, Sports and Excursions
Families holding a valid means-tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply. A Special Consideration category also exists. Schools can receive applications from families over terms one and two.
Families can list more than one student on the application form if they are attending the same school.
Please lodge the CSEF application form at the College. Closing Date is Friday, 28 June 2024.
Click here to access to application form. For more information about the CSEF visit.
Sport Report
2024 Swim Captain
Congratulations to Daniel for being selected as the 2024 Swimming Captain. Daniel attended St John's Primary School in Heidelberg before joining Marcellin College as a Year 7 student. Currently, he is a Year 12 student at Mannes House and also swims for Surrey Park Swim Club at a national level.
What does your week of training and schoolwork normally look like? How do you ensure you fit all things in?
I do eight swim sessions a week and also go to the gym. I prioritise my commitments whilst balancing my studies. I use the weekends and the few free afternoons to stay on top of my studies as best as I can.
What are you looking forward to as Captain?
Leading our team and motivating other students to do their best in reaching their potential and encouraging everyone to keep going with the sport.
What advice do you have for junior swimmers?
Stay focused and be disciplined. Set goals short term and long term which gives motivation to keep on going. Listen to coaches as they are there to help reach your potential and most of all have fun.
What is your vision for the year ahead?
To set the standard for what it takes to be an athlete. Also ensuring everyone in the team has fun and does their best at the AGSV competition as it is one of the highlights of the Marcellin College journey. It doesn’t matter where we finish as next year will always be better.
We wish Daniel and the swim team well for the AGSV Championships on 15 March.
Ben Reynolds, Head of Sport