The Eagle 5 May 2023

Principal's Report

Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,

This week saw us gathering together to remember and acknowledge those who fought for our country's freedom and independence. Our liturgy and assembly allowed us to feel, hear and see that ANZAC Day is a time to remember and recognise service and sacrifice. We heard from Gerry Sexton, a former parent and long-time supporter of the College about his experiences of war.  Gerry, who is 101 years old, shared what serving Australia meant to him and I am grateful for his time and effort. You can watch a recording of his video here. The many  women and men who served our country, strived for the highest, risking their lives to protect our country and the values that we hold dear.

ANZAC Day is more than just a remembrance of the past. It is also a time that we can use to reflect on our own lives and how we can strive for the highest in our own endeavours. Whether it is in our studies, our involvement in the many offering of our cocurricular program or personal relationships, we can always push ourselves to be better and to achieve more. 

Over the term break, I had the privilege of going on a trip to Fiji with our College’s rugby team. It was an incredible experience and reminded me of the importance of teamwork, dedication and commitment in achieving our goals. The team worked together, supported each other, and pushed themselves to be the best that they could be. It wasn’t about who was the best, but rather, about how we could all work together to ensure that the team improved to be stronger and better. 

In the same way, we can all strive for the highest in our own lives by working together and committing ourselves to our goals. We can support each other, push ourselves, and never give up, even when things get tough. We can show the same dedication and commitment, the same heart that the Anzacs did, and honour their legacy by striving for the highest in our own lives.

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Faith & Mission

In this month of May, known traditionally as the month of Mary, may we continue to be inspired by Mary’s great model of discipleship. With Mary as our model, may we Marists imitate her faith response to God, sharing in her work of bringing Christ-life to birth and nurturing its growth in our young people.

St Marcellin Champagnat, pray for us                                                                                                Mary our good mother, pray for us                                                                                                              And let us all remember, to pray for one another

Over this past month, I have had the privilege of accompanying a group of Marist educators from around Australia on a Marist Pilgrimage, visiting the sacred sites of the Holy Land and Rome before spending the remainder of our time in the territory of Lyon and surrounding districts where Marcellin Champagnat’s great charism was birthed. 

We travelled to places which should sound familiar to our staff and students at Marcellin College:

• the Hermitage (Notre Dame De L’Hermitage, St Chamond) which was inspired by a way of living the Gospel and entrusted to us by Marcellin Champagnat– Presence, Simplicity, Family Spirit, Love of Work and following in The Way of Mary. Accordingly, this became our spiritual haven where we came to discover St Marcellin Champagnat anew.
• Lavalla-en-Gier, where Fr Marcellin was appointed curate after his ordination as a priest on 2 July 1816. La Valla became the birthplace of the Marist Brothers. Between 1817 and 1824, Marcellin started a primary school at La Valla which became a teacher training centre for his young Brothers.
• The hamlet of Le Rosey and the village of Marhles, where Marcellin Champagnat was born on May 20 1789.
• Fourviere, where, on 23 July 1816, the twelve Marist aspirants, priests and seminarians climbed the hill to the shrine of Our Lady of Fourviere (dedicated to Our Lady since 1170) and placed their promise to found the Society of Mary under the corporal on the altar whilst Mass was being celebrated. These men read out their declaration promising to devote themselves and all that they had to the foundation of the Society of Mary. As 21^st century Marists, we also renewed our own pledge at this sacred site.

During this pilgrimage, we were invited to take a path that would lead us to new places of discovery and moments of encounter. As a Marist community, we were able to bring our own stories and life experiences, and were drawn into what can only be described as a great spiritual adventure where we not only discovered St Marcellin Champagnat, but more importantly came to discover what Marcellin Champagnat himself discovered all those years ago. 

I look forward to sharing the gifts of this sacred journey with you in the coming months.

Geralyn McCathy
Deputy Principal Faith & Mission

The Hermitage, St Chamond, France

ANZAC Memorial in Templestowe

On Thursday, 27 April the Junior College Leaders took part in an ANZAC ceremony ran by the Templestowe RSL. It was an overcast day for a solemn occasion. The ceremony took place at the ANZAC Memorial on Foote Street. We arrived to see a congregation of schools, gathered around the memorial, grateful, like us, for the opportunity to pay their respects. The ceremony commenced with speeches from the Mayor of Manningham, Cr Michelle Kleinert, the President of the Rotary Club and the Hon. Keith Wolahan. One of the key takeaways from the ceremony was from Mr Wolahan’s speech outlining the sacrifice that the men and women of Templestowe made; leaving their families to defend Australia, and our freedoms… and not knowing if they will ever see their families again. But that didn’t condemn them because they knew that our country was worth the sacrifice. The wreath laying followed Mr Wolahan’s speech. With each wreath laid, the deeper Mr Wolahan’s words sunk into us all. When the familiar notes of the Last Post resonated through the gloomy air, we felt grateful for those local men and women who fought, and died, to enable us to live the way we do today. And when it was time to leave the special memorial, we felt proud to be Australian.

Ben, Year 9, Junior College Captain

Student Wellbeing

Champagnat Day

As well as celebrating our Marist charism and culture, Champagnat Day is a chance for us to come together as a community to celebrate and stand in solidarity with those most in need. It is a giving event that commemorates St. Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers and celebrates those who live out the Marist mission. This year, we will do this through a number of activities to be held on Wednesday, 24 May. These include a liturgy, assembly and a range of fun activities for the students to partake in on the day. In 2023, we will also introduce our Walkathon on our sporting fields. This activity has been designed to provide our community with an opportunity to come together to support Australian Marist Solidarity, a Marist charitable organisation that supports poor and vulnerable people across Australia and the world. We encourage you to speak to your son about the activities he will be doing in Pastoral to learn about this social justice community action. You can also donate to our campaign here.

Care for our students

As we move into Term Two, we know that students can begin to struggle managing their co-curricular and academic commitments. This second half of semester one is often associated with an increase in assessment tasks, especially at VCE level. We remind you therefore that our Pastoral and House Leaders, as well as our Counsellors can support students across a range of issues including mental health, organisation, goal setting, study skills and many more. We encourage you to get in touch with these key staff members if you feel that your son may require some support in these areas.

ThinkUKnow Cyber Safety

With the online environment that our young people are navigating each day become more and more complex and dangerous, we refer you to some excellent resources to support your discussions with your children at home. These discussions will support the work being done at the College in this area and can may lead to our students making safer decisions when they are interacting online. The resources can be found here. 

Research Partnership with Melbourne University

As many in our community would be aware, we recently launched our survey which marks the first step of our research partnership with Melbourne University. The uptake so far has been excellent and we encourage all members of our community (including parents and carers) to have their say in this important work that will inform our programs, policies and practices going forward. For those who have not yet done so and would like to take part in this work, the details have been emailed to you. If you have not reveieved these details, please contact Ms Sarah Moss-Holland.

Rocky Gentile
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

Staff News

Congratulations to Ms Fran Davey, who was recently recognised and awarded by the Victorian Curriculum & Assessment Authority (VCAA) for the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning Achievement Awards – the VCAA Chairs Award.

The VCAA Chair’s Award recognises outstanding achievement by an individual or organisation in the delivery and promotion of VCAL in their community or region.

This year’s award is presented to the VCAL Quality Assurance Panel Leaders of 2022. The award recognises their outstanding contribution and support towards the delivery and promotion of VCAL and applied learning across Victoria through coordination of the VCAL quality assurance (QA) process, and as champions of VCAL in their schools and communities.

On behalf of all the College community congratulations Fran on an outstanding achievement.

Nicholas Moloney
Deputy Principal Staff

Learning Area Reports

Science Beyond the Classroom - Science Talent Search

The Science Talent Search (STS) is an annual, school-based science competition open to students in Victoria and aligns closely with the Victorian Curriculum philosophy of teaching and learning. The sections in the competition are closely matched a with the Victorian Curriculum Learning Areas, Strands and Sub strands.

Students from Year 7 – 12 at Marcellin College are invited to express interest in the STS Science Photography Competition. In this section students are asked to submit photographs which record some scientific event or illustrate some scientific phenomenon. You may submit between three and six photographs, which must be linked by a common theme. Students wishing to take part in this competition can let their science teacher know. More details regarding this competition can be sought from your science teacher, the 2023 Science Captain, Cayleb or Ms Mancini and  Mr Ram.

VCE Science Olympiads

The Australian Science Olympiads are a staged science enrichment program for highly motivated students in Australian high schools. The goal of the Australian Science Olympiads is to select the team to represent Australia at the International Science Olympiads. Expressions of interest are now being sought from VCE Biology, Physics and Chemistry students who wish to take part in the first stage of this competition. In this stage the students will sit a two-hour long exam, which will cover content from the respective subjects. Year 11 and 12 students can express through their VCE science teachers or email me.

Rajnesh Ram, Science Learning Leader

Excursion to the NGV!

VCE students in Art Creative Practice enjoyed an inspirational excursion to Top Arts at the NGV. Whilst being captivated by the incredible artworks on display they also had an opportunity to view folios to assist their own learning. Art Creative Practice allows students to work on their own themes and develop practical skills in a number of mediums. Some themes our students are exploring this year include Music in Art, Alienation, Anxiety and Isolation and the differing perspectives of Humanism. In addition to seeing Top Arts, students viewed the Melbourne Now exhibition and were captivated by the many contemporary artworks created by local artists and designers.  

‘Viewing the topARTS 2023 and the Melbourne Now exhibitions opened my eyes to the wide range of creators in our wider Melbourne community. I found this especially at topARTS, witnessing the effort it takes for students (in their folio and in their final artwork) to be accepted into the exhibition; it’s a massive process. Being a part of this subject’s excursion has extremely motivated me in my personal Creative Practice.’ – Jonathan M

Marina Sipos, Arts Learning Leader

NGV Excursion

Languages Trivia Night

On behalf of John Di Natale and the Language department, a Trivia Night is planned to support the students attending the upcoming Italy Immersion Tour later this year. If you are able to contribute items for the silent auction or attend the evening which is going to be a fun night out - please click the flyer below for bookings and additional information.

Marcellin College Senior Debaters Excel

Senior debaters have commenced the 2023 Debating season with a victory (Round 1) and Best Speaker: Alessandro S, Year 11, Augustine House, (Round 2). In last week's Debate against Kew High School, the Adjudicator commented on how Alessandro navigated an argument in a way that she had “never seen done so well”! The topic was: That we regret the rise of artificial intelligence. Marcellin College argued the Affirmative case.

As the Adjudicator prepared feedback and score sheets, Debating Captain Jonathan, Christopher and Alessandro had an opportunity to chat with their opposing team members from Kew High – the buzz at Ivanhoe Girls Grammar School was vibrant tonight. I am pleased to again support the debaters in remaining steadfast with their research, teamwork and communal spirit. To witness the astounding development of our senior debaters who have been debating together since Year 7, was an immensely proud moment.

Fran Davey,  Applied Learning & VET Leader and Teacher In-Charge of Debating

Community News

The Eagle Has Soared

Welcome to our new look newsletter! The College has moved to a more interactive platform which allows us to bring you timely happenings around the College. You will notice a calendar of events listed along the side bar, as well as links to our website and social media from the top bar.

We hope you will continue to enjoy reading all about what's been happening at the College and more.

Richard Liistro, Director of College & Community Engagement

Come Rock with Us!

Opening night of the 2023 M² Theatre Company production of Rock of Ages is tonight!

Five shows only (5, 6, 11, 12, 13 May) at the Mercedes Hogan Theatre, Our Lady of Mercy (OLMC), Heidelberg

Support our Performing Arts by purchasing your tickets today. Scan the QR code or click here to book a night of great 80s music and much more...

Howzat!

Marcellin College’s Lyons Oval was awarded the second-best ground and wicket for the 2022 – 2023 season by the Eastern Cricket Association. The ovals are voted by official umpires and captains. It is a terrific reflection of our great facilities and the hard work of our facilities team in maintaining such beautiful ovals.

Year 7 2025 Enrolments

We are now accepting enrolments for Year 7 2025. Enrolments will close on 18 August this year. Please note that siblings will need to complete an application for enrolment to avoid missing out on a place. To submit an application, you can do so via our online portal. 

Bulleen Park & Ride Offically Open

The opening of Bulleen Park & Ride will result in some changes to Kinetic bus services. Please see the attached letter sent to the College on behalf of Kinetic bus Services.

Please also find attached a diagram to showing how to access the Bulleen Park & Ride bus platform safely.

Annual Past Collegians Lunch

The College was pleased to welcome 90 guests to the annual lunch for any student who is a past Collegian held during the school holidays in the Functions Room.

Not many schools can still claim living ‘first dayers’ at events and we are more than happy that many of the original 107 men who attended the Canterbury campus on that first day in 1950 still make an effort to come along.  We also welcomed many ‘new’ faces to the day with younger members of the past student cohort attending.

It is always a great day for our men to catch up with old mates, reconnect with others and the College and relax as they recount old stories. For a few guests it was the first time through the doors in 50 years!

The day was preceded by Mass celebrated by Fr Steve Rigo (Class of 1973) with Br Michael Herry (Class of 1962) providing the music. Our guests mingled on the balcony in glorious sunshine before taking their seats for lunch. Guest speaker was Alan O’Connor (Class of 1966) who spoke about his time in the Vietnam War and his extensive charity work since.

You can view a gallery of photos from the day here.  

Annual Past Collegians Lunch

Student Leadership

Last week, the Year 9 Leadership Team travelled to Whitefriars College in Donvale for a Networking Day which included ten different catholic schools. At the beginning of the day, we participated in a ‘getting to know you’ activity to learn about the other students we would be working with. This included an activity where we had to compare and debate different topics such as: ‘Should pineapple go on pizza?’

We then worked in groups to complete a set of tasks with a great selection of riddles, maps and brain twisters. Everybody had many different skills and gifts to offer and by working together we were able to benefit from these.

Later in the day, a guest speaker named Georgia joined us. She showed us how leaders consider different ideas and educated us on how to maximise the power of our brain to think more clearly, resulting in us being better leaders. Her speech involved many different stories about her personal life that she needed to be a leader in, to open our brain to different times we were leaders in our own life.

To finish off the day, we set our goals for what we would like to achieve this year to benefit Marcellin College. This was a great time to join back with our school again and chat about our day so far and what we had learnt. All of the ideas shared were great and will be put into action at the College. Finally, we shared our ideas with the other schools once more for more inspiration.

It was a valuable day to learn about ourselves and how to be a better leader, as a great leader is always learning. We cannot wait for the next Networking Day held later in the year at Catholic Ladies College in Eltham.

Charlie, Year 9, Augustine House

Staff Profile

Hello, my name is Marco Di Cesare. I have been a member of the Marcellin College community for 2.5 years. I am fortunate as principal of this great school to view it from many different lenses. This year I am enjoying my role as Pastoral Leader of Redden 1. I hope these boys are also enjoying their time together as a group. What I enjoy most about the College is the great sense of community among students, staff and families. I also really enjoy the challenge of realising our vision – to the leader in boys’ education. There is a sense of excitement in the air as we move forward with our master plan and changes to our learning and teaching programs to ensure our students do strive for their highest. When I’m not at the College, I enjoy spending time in my gardens with my chickens and various other animals. I also enjoy travelling down to the Peninsula for some time away with my wife. I have four children – twin boys here at the College and two older daughters who both graduated from Our Lady of Mercy College in Heidelberg.

Marco Di Cesare
Principal, Redden Pastoral Leader & Father of 4

Student Profile

Hi, my name is Lachlan and I’m in Year 9. What I love most about Marcellin College is the extra curricular activities and the opportunities to participate in lots of stuff. When I’m not studying, I enjoy watching TV. My favourite show at the moment is South Park. In the future I hope to become a farmer. During COVID I spent a lot of time at my grandparent’s farm and it exposed me to a lifestyle that I enjoyed. You can find me backstage at this year’s College musical, Rock of Ages.

Lachlan
Year 9 - Lavalla House

Careers & Pathways News

Last term, our Year 10 students completed the Morrisby Profile. The first weeks of Term 2 will be dedicated to follow up for students in anticipation for work experience, careers week and subject selection.

Work Experience expressions of interest need to be submitted by Friday, 5  May at the latest. We will meet with all students who have expressed interest in the coming weeks to finalise arrangement

FIND YOUR FUTURE: Lunchtime career sessions

In Term 2, the Careers Team is launching a series of lunchtime events all on the theme Find Your Future. Each event aims to make students aware of their pathways, options and opportunities after school. This week we hosted Deakin University and Deakin College, MedEntry, and Study and Play in the USA.

Please keep your eyes out for more events this term.

Coming up:

These events bring together a range of tertiary providers, employers, and other exhibitors. These are a great idea for Year 10, 11 and 12 students to attend with their families. The Careers Team is taking a small group of Year 11 students to the Victorian Careers Show. 

• VCE and Careers Expo: Thursday 4, Friday 5 and Saturday 6 May, 9am-3pm. Tickets available here: 
• Victorian Careers Show: Thursday 18, Friday 19, and Saturday 20 May, 9am-3pm. Tickets available here: 
• For the most up-to-date information visit Marcellin Careers Page
• Book an careers appointment :  Lara Ingram or Andrew Belli

Lara Ingram & Andrew Belli, Career Counsellors

Sport Report

Winter Season Commences

This Saturday sees round one of AGSV and VSRU commence. It will be pleasing to see boys involved in Hockey, Rugby, Football and Soccer on both our great grounds and at away venues. Best of luck to all boys. Special mention to our Year Seven teams who will be filled with boys representing Marcellin for the first time. A reminder that MyMC continues to be the platform for communication regarding sport and can be accessed via links on Compass. The AGSV Your Sport APP and the Rugby Xplorer APP also provide all match details and locations.

1^st Captains

Congratulations to the following boys who have been named Captain of their respective winter 1^st team. All have been selected into these positions because of wonderful leadership attributes on and off the field.

• Cross Country – Lockhart Brownlie
• Football – William Lorenz
• Hockey – Logan Wells
• Rugby – Wyatt Ballanger
• Soccer – Giacomo Luna

Welfare and Concussion Policy

Student welfare is the number one priority of the Sport Program at Marcellin College. Scientific research into the effects of concussion on the brain has revealed that even mild concussion can have serious consequences for young people unless it is carefully managed. Evidence from clinical studies has taught us that until a concussed brain is completely healed, the brain may be vulnerable to further injury. Where there is uncertainty about a student's recovery, always adopt a more conservative approach, "if in doubt sit them out."

All in our community are encouraged to familiarise themselves with our Welfare and Concussion Policy which can accessed here. 

Ben Reynolds, Head of Sports