The Eagle 19 April 2024

Principal's Report

Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,
A warm welcome back as we commence Term 2. I hope you had a very happy and Holy Easter and time with family and friends. It was wonderful to see our students arrive looking very smart in their ties and blazers earlier in the week.

Over the school break, staff and students were involved in numerous activities including several tours, both interstate and overseas. In the last week of Term 1, our 1sts Basketball Team travelled to Trinity College, Beenleigh to participate in the Marist Basketball Carnival. Our students represented themselves and the College with pride making the semi-finals and coming third overall.  

Members of our Rugby team also travelled to Queensland to participate in a pre-season training camp. They took part in a number of games and training sessions in preparation for the coming season. I am in awe of the commitment our students make in trying to be the best they can be on the sporting field.

Finally, a group of 16 students travelled to China for 12 days to immerse themselves in the culture and to learn more about Chinese customs and traditions. The tour provided countless opportunities for the boys to practice their language skills whilst taking in sights such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors and finally volunteering at the Chengdu Research Base looking after Giant Pandas. No doubt the memories forged on this tour will remain with these students for years to come. 

I am also aware of teachers undertaking holiday classes, and sports training, to mention a couple, in support of our students to Strive for the Highest. To our dedicated teachers, thank you for your unwavering support of our students, and for the commitment and time you take to get to know the students in your classes and prepare their learning journey. Thank you also to the staff who supported the co-curricular programs in Term 1; in many ways they also allow our students to flourish in their personal and inter-personal development.

Thank you also to all our Education Support Staff, the ones who often work behind the scenes, who respond to our community needs, complete the essential administrative tasks, maintain our facilities and infrastructure and prepare for the activities our students enjoy.

I look forward to a term filled with further opportunities where our students can Grow, Learn and Lead together.

Nicholas Moloney,
Acting Principal

Prayer for Anzac Day
God of love and liberty, we bring our thanks this day for the peace and security we enjoy, which was won for us through the courage and devotion of those who gave their lives in times of war. We pray that their labour and sacrifice may not be in vain, but that their spirit may live on in us and in generations to come. May the liberty, truth and justice which they sought to preserve be seen and known in all the nations upon earth. This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

St Marcellin Champagnat, pray for us
Mary our good mother, pray for us
And may we always remember to, pray for one another

Faith & Mission

ANZAC Day Assembly
Next week, the College community will gather for our annual ANZAC Day Assembly. As we approach 25 April, ANZAC Day, it is important to reflect on the evolving significance of this solemn occasion. As we know, ANZAC Day is a day of remembrance, honouring the sacrifice of Australian and New Zealand service men and women who have died in the service of our nations. It is a time to commemorate the courage and selflessness of those who have served, acknowledging the profound loss experienced by their families and communities.

This year, ANZAC Day takes on a unique resonance, framed against the backdrop of the growing unrest in the Middle East, the contemporary challenges experienced by people in Australia and overseas because of natural disasters, and, more recently, the mindless acts of violence and terrorism that we see daily on our screens. The harsh realities of these crises have underscored the fragility of our society and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. As we remember the sacrifices of the past, we must also acknowledge the ongoing struggles faced by many in the present.

In commemorating and honouring the memory of those who have fallen, we also recognise the sacrifices made by those who continue to serve. And we focus on the human cost of conflict and division, both past and present.

As we gather for our ANZAC Day Assembly next Wednesday, our students and staff will be encouraged to remember that the true essence of this day lies in honouring the courage and sacrifice of our service men and women and to remain united in our commitment to never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nations.

Below is a poem written by a past Marcellin College teacher, Mr John Telfer, who taught at the College during the 1970’s.

Geralyn McCarthy,
Deputy Principal Fatih & Mission

Student Wellbeing

As we begin a new term at Marcellin College, I extend a warm welcome back to each and every one of you. It’s a pleasure to see our school community bustling once again with the energy and enthusiasm that accompanies the start of a new term.

With the beginning of Term 2, it’s important to reiterate our expectations regarding uniforms and presentation. Our College prides itself on maintaining a high standard of appearance, reflecting our values and commitment to excellence. Therefore, I kindly remind parents and students alike of the importance of adhering to our Personal Presentation Standards, including guidelines regarding hair, jewellery, and the correct wearing of the uniform. Your support in ensuring that each student meets these expectations is greatly appreciated, as it fosters a sense of unity and pride within our community.

As we delve into the term ahead, there are a multitude of exciting events and initiatives planned to enrich the educational experience of our students. One of our primary focuses will be on wellbeing-related topics, with both Pastoral sessions and Respectful Relationships Days dedicated to exploring these important themes. Among the highlights will be our participation in the "World's Greatest Shave," where we come together to raise funds for young people battling cancer, as well as our celebrations of RUOK Day, emphasizing the importance of mental health and support networks within our community.

Additionally, our Year 12 students will have the opportunity to engage with the organisation Man Cave, delving into discussions about masculinity and what it means to be a man in today’s world. These initiatives are designed to empower our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern society with confidence and integrity.

On another note, we are aware of the challenges some students face with punctuality, particularly those who catch buses from Heidelberg Station. To address this issue, we would like to remind all students and parents/carers of the bus schedule. We have eight buses departing from Heidelberg Station each morning, with the majority leaving between 7:50 am and 8:12 am. It is essential for students to aim to arrive at the station as close to 8:00 am as possible to ensure timely boarding and arrival at school.

Finally, many parents and carers seek the support of the College in guiding them through conversations with their children about alcohol. We know that alcohol use rises during adolescence and that young people can be peer pressured into making silly choices around its use. With this in mind, I refer you to a great article from “DrinkWise” that highlights the importance of parents talking to their children about responsible alcohol use from a young age. The article provides some excellent tips and tricks for parents and carers navigating these delicate conversations. Please find the article linked here.

Wishing you a successful and fulfilling term ahead.

Rocky Gentile,
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

Learning & Teaching

Term 2 is a significant one in the area of Learning & Teaching. There will be exams for Year 10 and Year 11 students, the General Achievement Test (GAT) will be held in mid-June,– 18 June to be specific – and we will begin the process of subject selection for 2025.

While 2025 seems a long way off, the process of selecting a program of study is an important one and as such, requires appropriate time. For students currently in Years 9, 10 and 11, this decision lays important groundwork for their academic journey and potentially shapes their future endeavours. By investing time and effort into understanding each subject's requirements and career prospects, and to reflect on personal interests, students can make informed choices that align with their aspirations. It is never too early to start asking questions or seeking advice.

Soon our Year 11 students will have the opportunity to visit with tertiary providers (for example, at the upcoming Careers Expo), and Universities will shortly be advertising their Open Days. I encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities to find out more about potential future study pathways and what they need to do right now, to set them on their way.

Open Days are not only for our VCE students, and I encourage Year 10 students and their families to consider visiting one or some of these events. Universities are the best place to get information about pre-requisite VCE studies, required grades or results and application processes. These details will allow students to enter Year 11 and 12 feeling confident they have selected a program that will meet their goals.

I would be remiss not to mention, that Marcellin College Careers have their own website. The site contains a plethora of information, including dates for University Open Days and other information sessions. Click here to access the website there is also a link on Compass via the Favourites list.

Homework Club
With the relocation of our library to a temporary new home, the Homework Club will also be moving location. From this week, the Homework Club will be held in the Ardmara building.

Students are encouraged to come to A101 if they require assistance with their homework or would like some general help (tutoring) with their class content.

The Homework Club provides assistance and tutoring for students on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3.30 pm until 5 pm (now in Ardmara, A101). This term we have two new additions to our Homework Club staff.

Ms Ruth Taylor has joined the team and will be available on Tuesday afternoons. Ruth is a pre-service teacher and is currently studying at Australian Catholic University. She is available to assist students with any literacy, English or Humanities homework and study.

And, Mr Thomas Blasioli has joined our Thursday afternoon team. Thomas graduated from the College in 2023 with a 90+ ATAR and 40+ scores in Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. He is currently studying Computer and Network Engineering at RMIT. Any students requiring assistance with Science, Mathematics or IT work on Thursday afternoon are welcome to make their way to our Homework Club to see Thomas.

Suzanne Farley,
Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching

From our Learning Areas

News from the Music Department
Following a great start to the year, which saw our music students involved in many events such as the Induction Mass, High Achievers & Commencement Mass, Open Day, and our Easter Liturgy. Term 2 shifts our immediate focus to the upcoming ANZAC Day Assembly. During this event, staff and students from our senior concert band and choir will join members of the Australian Army Band Melbourne to provide musical support.

Over the holiday break, Mr McCusker and Mr Webster ran holiday rehearsals for our Jazz faculty as they prepare for Marcellin College's return to Generation in Jazz—an internationally renowned festival held each year in Mount Gambier. An important step in the lead-up to this competitive event will be our annual Jazz Night on Tuesday, 30 April before heading off to the Generations in Jazz festival on the morning of Friday, 3 May. Our two bands will compete in Divisions 3 and 5. We congratulate them on their dedication and hard work and wish them all the best. You can support them by purchasing a ticket to our Jazz Night, and/or by donating items for our silent auction. All funds raised from the night will go directly to support the trip to Mount Gambier.

Please send us an email to music@marcellin.vic.edu.au if you can help in any way.

Andrew Short, Head of Music

China Immersion Tour 2024
Hello, I am Jack the 2024 Language Captain, over the break, I was fortunate enough to join 15 other Chinese language students on an immersive 12-day trip to China. Our action-packed itinerary began in Beijing where we visited Tiananmen Square, the National Museum of China, and the Forbidden City on the first day. It was very interesting learning about the history of the locations, especially the Forbidden City which was the home of the emperor and his concubines during the Ming and Qing dynasties in China. On the same day, we also explored the Beijing Hutong area; a collection of narrow streets and ancient buildings, primarily used for housing. This area had a very intimate feeling as the narrow streets contrasted the busy main roads while the buildings were lively and homely.

In the following days, we visited the University of Foreign Language where we got to practice our Chinese speaking and listening, the Summer Palace which boasted beautiful gardens and scenery, the Great Wall of China which was surreal to walk along, and the Temple of Heaven where we learned about a few ancient Chinese belief systems. Of those activities though, walking along the Great Wall was definitely a highlight. We saw words engraved in the stones and felt thousands of years of history under our feet. We then made our way to our next city, Xi’an, via the bullet train. Here we saw many different sights including the Little and Big Wild Goose Pagodas, Xi’an Museum, the Banpo Museum and excavation site, Xi’an City Wall, the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, and the Terracotta Warriors. The terracotta warriors were especially amazing since they were both incredibly intricate but also vast.

After Xi’an, we caught another bullet train to our final city, Chengdu. Here there were many more parks around and we visited one after arriving, however it was very busy due to it being a public holiday on that day, marking the first day of a traditional Chinese festival. The main highlight of Chengdu was the day we helped to clean the pandas’ enclosures and prepare some bamboo for them. We were able to see the pandas up close and learn a bit about the conservation efforts of panda breeding programs.

In every city, we felt a strong sense of welcoming and accommodation. This was most noticeable when eating at restaurants since we were offered a large variety of dishes, all of which were delicious. I felt a strong sense of cultural immersion during my 12 days abroad and I felt my speaking and listening skills improve, especially in the many markets we visited. Lastly, I know myself and the other boys all strengthened and made new friendships and lifelong memories which I will certainly cherish forever. 

Jack M, Year 12 - Languages Captain

Architect talk – Year 9 Architecture
Students in Year 9 architecture were visited by David Noordhoff, a contemporary architect from Freeman Group Architects, who spoke about his design process and sustainability practices in current residential homes. He presented his work on the Pyrenees home (2020), discussing the importance of contextual considerations whilst building in Chewton, Victoria, an area prone to bushfires and filled with historical significance. Mr Noordhoff further explained the role of other design and industry specialists involved in the planning and construction of the Pyrenees house, looking closely at the land, extreme weather conditions and Indigenous cultural sensitivity.

Students were fascinated with the complexity of the design process for an architect, in particular, the length of time it took to complete a building from the initial design stage to the finished constructed building. Students will now analyse the work of Mr Noordhoff, inspiring them in their own architectural design process for Term 2.

I would like to thank Mr David Noordhoff for his time and work with the students and Ms Mali Robinson for her organisation of this event. 

Marina Sipos, The Arts Learning Leader

Staff Profile

Hello, my name is Scott McNulty. I have been a member of the Marcellin College community for a term, starting my time here at the beginning of 2024. My role is Ministry Assistant which involves supporting the faith life of the school. What I enjoy most about the College is the strong sense of community where I have felt very welcome and supported.

When I’m not at the College, I love travelling, dining out with friends, and enjoying a good coffee!

Scott McNulty, Ministry Assistant

Community News

Tickets on Sale!
The annual Marcellin College Parents & Friends Group Mother’s Day breakfasts will be held on Thursday, 9 and Friday, 10 May. Bookings are now open until sold out - get in early click here to secure your seat before it sells out.

Annual Past Collegians Lunch
During the recent holidays, Marcellin College was pleased to host our Annual Past Collegians Lunch. Despite the less-than-ideal weather, our alumni gathered enthusiastically to reminisce about their time at Marcellin College.

The day began with Mass conducted by Father Gerard at 11 am in the Champagnat Chapel. Following Mass, we convened in the Functions Room to enjoy some refreshments and lunch, with Father Peter leading us in Grace before we ate.

One of the highlights of the event was Richard Olive's engaging interview with Brian Greaves, formerly known as Brother Vincent. Brian immersed us with tales from his time teaching at Marcellin College and his subsequent impressive career in athletics, where he holds multiple world titles for 85 years and older.

Thank you also to John Walsh, who captured the day's moments and generously provided these photos for us to share with our community. You can see more images from the event by clicking here.

We look forward to hosting this event in the future and extend our gratitude to everyone who made their way to Marcellin College to celebrate this occasion.

Jack Buckingham, Community Engagement & Publications Officer

Business & Community Network Breakfast
Join us for this year’s inaugural Marcellin College Business & Community Network breakfast on Wednesday, 15 May at 7am in the Functions Room. Our featured speaker will be Kev Perry from Persec Services, a company dedicated to enhancing workplace safety through education and training.

With more than 30 years of combined experience in police and corporate training, Kev Perry is a seasoned expert in emergency and critical incident management. Specialising in personal safety and professional development, he ensures clients receive top-notch preparation and response strategies.

Kev is renowned for his proficiency in counter-terrorism and hostage negotiation, having safeguarded and trained high-profile figures such as prime ministers, presidents and ambassadors. His expertise lies in diffusing tense situations and prioritising the safety of all involved

The Marcellin College Business & Community Network serves as a valuable resource for support, advice, and networking opportunities. Whether you're a business owner or simply interested in expanding your connections, our events offer valuable insights and potential career advancements. Join us to learn, connect, and explore the possibilities that await. To book click here.

To learn more or to get involved in the Marcellin College Business & Community Network email businessandcommunity@marcellin.vic.edu.au

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.

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.

Health Centre

Fainting
We occasionally see fainting by the boys at school. Although fainting is not a serious event the consequences of falling can be a much bigger problem. We can see head injuries, broken noses, and dental issues to name a few.

Key facts

• Fainting is when you suddenly lose consciousness and become unresponsive for a few seconds.
• Before you faint, it is common to get warning signs such as weakness, dizziness, nausea, vision changes or anxiety.
• A faint can be caused by tiredness, dehydration, severe pain, anxiety, low blood pressure, low blood sugar levels, heart attack or stroke.
• If you feel you are about to faint, lie on the ground with your legs raised until the feeling passes.
• If someone near you has fainted and they are unconscious, begin fainting first aid (DRSABCD) — it could save their life.

So, if your friend looks pale, and says he feels lightheaded, please lie him down and call for help. This will prevent further injury.

Gaye Viney, College Nurse

Careers News

Find Your Future at Marcellin College Event Series
The Careers team will be running a series of optional events designed to help senior students navigate tertiary pathways, opportunities, and early entry.

Morning sessions for Year 12 students will be running in the Year 12 Common Room during their Thursday morning spare periods. Students are invited to meet in the Year 12 Common Room for a snack and hot drink before the session starts.

Please see the attached flyer for dates.
Lunchtime sessions will be running for all year levels in the PLT on the following dates.

Year 10 Work Experience
Thank you to the students who submitted their Expressions of Interest for work experience. Students are advised to check their emails for more details on the next steps.

Year 11 VCE and Careers Expo
On Friday, 3 May, all Year 11 students will be attending the VCE and Careers Expo at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Please ensure that you have consented on Compass, indicating transport to the event so we can book buses accordingly. This is a mandatory excursion and no classes for Year 11 students will run on this day.
More information about the event is available here. 

The Marcellin College Career Website
A reminder we have a separate career website for the College, which can be accessed on Compass under 'School Favourites' or via the following link: https://www.marcellincareers.com.au/. This website has the latest information on careers to help keep families informed.

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

Marist Basketball
This year’s Marist Basketball Carnival was hosted by Trinity College, Beenleigh. The opening mass and welcome dinner was held at Trinity College on day one, followed by four days of basketball at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre in Carrara.

Wins against St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill, Woodlawn College Lismore, Trinity College Beenleigh, Lavalla Catholic College Traralgon and Newman College Perth on the first two days, saw Marcellin College finish top of their pool. A nerve-wracking one-point quarter-final win over Sale Catholic College to start day three pushed us into a semi-final against St Gregs Gregory Hills later that day. Unfortunately, St Gregs were too good for us in the semi-final. A win against Assumption Kilmore in our last game saw us finish in third place for the carnival. Congratulations to St Gregs who beat Lavalla Catholic College Traralgon in the final.

Congratulations to Hans Mariner who was awarded our Most Valued Player for the carnival as well as being selected in the Allstar Marist Ten. Well done also to Rafferty Gorman who was awarded the Marcellin Champagnat Spirit Award.

All eyes now turn to March 2025 as Marcellin College will host the event, for the first time since 2000.

Winter Sport
Good luck to all students involved in the winter sports program especially our year seven boys and families entering their first season of AGSV or VSRU season. Training started this week with most teams commencing games on Saturday, 27 April. All information can be sourced via Compass team pages.

Ben Reynolds, Head of Sport