The Eagle 14 June 2024

Principal's Report

Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,

As we approach the end of the term and the winter chill settles in, it is a good time to reflect on what we have learnt this semester and acknowledge the achievements of our students and staff. This break offers a much-needed opportunity for us all to recharge and prepare for Semester 2.

This week we hosted our Year 7 Night at the Museum. It was heart-warming to see so many parents turn out in support of their sons. The displays and costumes were exceptional, showcasing the hard work and creativity of our students. This event created memories that both students and parents will cherish for years to come. Your support and enthusiasm have made this event a tremendous success and we are deeply grateful.

Additionally, over the past fortnight, we have hosted several year-level based information nights, which provided valuable insights as we begin to navigate 2025 together. These sessions are crucial in ensuring that we are all aligned in our efforts to support the growth and development of our boys. Thank you to all the parents who attended and actively participated in these discussions.

Looking ahead, I am proud to share that Marcellin College will be presenting research at the International Boys' School Coalition (IBSC) conference in London over the term break. This is a significant opportunity for us to engage with the latest thinking and research on the development of young men. As we focus on what it means to be a male in our society, it is imperative that we remain informed and proactive in our approach to education.

We have received many positive responses from parents and students around our collaboration with Tomorrow Man and ManCave. These programs are designed to equip our boys with the skills and insights necessary to navigate the complexities of modern masculinity. Through workshops and discussions, we aim to inspire them to lead with a Marist HEART: Humility, Excellence, Acceptance, Resilience and Trust.  Please stay tuned to Compass as we begin to advertise some parent sessions.

I wish our community a restful break. Thank you for the support and dedication to our community. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence and nurture the potential of every student at Marcellin College to Grow, Learn, Lead.

God bless,

Marco Di Cesare
Principal

Heavenly Father,
As we remember the Feast Day of St. Marcellin Champagnat just celebrated, we thank you for the gift of St Marcellin’s life and his dedication to the education and care of children and young people. Inspired by his example, may we strive to nurture and guide our young ones with love, patience, and wisdom. Grant us the grace to follow in his footsteps, fostering a spirit of faith, compassion, and service in our community.

St. Marcellin, Pray for us.
Mary, our Good Mother, Pray for us
And let us always remember: To pray for one another

Faith & Mission

Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat
Last Thursday 6 June was the feast day of St Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers. This is an important event for Marist schools around the world and holds great significance celebrating Saint Marcellin's dedication to education, his commitment to the spiritual and academic development of young people and the values he instilled in the Marist educational tradition.

St Marcellin Champagnat was born in 1789 in France where he founded the Marist Brothers in 1817. His mission in the tumultuous years in which he grew up was to provide education and religious instruction to young people, especially those in rural areas and those who were marginalised.

The legacy that St Marcellin leaves us with includes the Marist characteristics which is evident around our College which comprise our educational philosophy and which our students are encouraged to emulate:

Presence: Marcellin College emphasises positive relationships within the community, founded on love. We seek to deepen the experience of God’s loving presence within others and themselves.

In the Way of Mary: Mary serves as a model for all Marist educators. Just as she journeyed in faith, students are encouraged to follow Jesus’ teachings. Mary’s tenderness, strength, and devotion inspire the community.

Family Spirit: Our College fosters a sense of family, where acceptance, belonging, trust, forgiveness, and reconciliation prevail. Jesus’ love for all humanity serves as the foundation for this spirit.

Love of Work: We encourage a strong work ethic. Students learn to appreciate the value of effort and dedication in their studies and other endeavours.

Simplicity: Simplicity is a core value. It encourages a straightforward approach to life, emphasising humility, authenticity, and a focus on what truly matters.

To support students’ faith journeys, Marcellin College offers faith-based opportunities, including Christian service and community outreach, that bring to life the spirituality and charism of St Marcellin Champagnat.

This year, our Champagnat Day celebrations will be occurring in Term 3. The day will commence with Mass in St Marcellin’s Hall and will be followed by whole-college activities including fund-raising for the Australian Marist Solidarity’s 2024 Campaign to support the Cambodian Marist missions. More information will become available next term.

Vinnies Winter Sleep Out
Last night, Marcellin College Game Changer students participated in the annual Vinnies Winter Sleepout. This event aimed to serve as a beacon of compassion, inspiring students to raise awareness about homelessness while also collecting essential funds for Vinnies.

Did you know: Alarmingly, there are over 122,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night? From couch surfing to living in an emergency shelter, homelessness can look different for everyone. In Australia, domestic and family violence remains a leading cause of homelessness.

Throughout the night, participating students and staff slept at the school premises and engaged in various activities in solidarity with the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness. 

Thank you to all those who contributed and encouraged the efforts of our students. Your contribution will make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need. Together, we can make a positive impact and work towards a more inclusive and compassionate community.

Geralyn McCarthy
Deputy Principal Faith & Mission

Student Wellbeing

On Tuesday, 21 May, the Year 7 and 8 students attended a Respectful Relationships morning facilitated by an external organisation, Project RockIt. Students heard real-world examples of how they can take action and make a difference in their school and beyond. The morning provided practical tips, strategies and tools to empower them to deal with complex situations. The students were given the opportunity to ask questions of the Keynote speaker.

The theme for the presentation was bullying and keeping safe online. Following the keynote address, the Year 7 and 8 students then worked with their House Leaders to unpack the themes of the presentation and devise concrete strategies that can be applied at school and beyond.

Rocky Gentile
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

Learning & Teaching

Reflecting on the Recent Exams: A Path to Academic Growth
As the dust settles from the recent round of exams, it is a crucial time for students to engage in thoughtful reflection on their performance. While the grades they receive are important, the deeper value lies in understanding the journey that led to those results.

Exam results will appear on Compass and on semester one reports by the end of the term. This timeline is tight and, though the results will make it onto reports, the return of papers will most likely take place at the beginning of Term 3.

When reviewing exams, we can be quick to focus on content; what facts the students did or didn’t remember or what definitions lost marks. We need to remember though, that the content will change, and for some students, they will not touch on that content again in their schooling life. Taking the time to reflect on how they studied and prepared, how they utilised the revision resources provided, and how they managed their time during the exams can pave the way for meaningful improvements, and the development of skills that can lift examination results, regardless of the material.

I thought I would share with families an ‘Examination Reflection Guide’. This might provide some discussion points for a conversation with your son about his exam experience.  

Exam Reflection Guide click here.

Remember, the process of reflection is not about dwelling on what went wrong but about identifying opportunities for growth.

For students in Year 11, the return of exam papers will occur in classes. Similarly, exam papers will be returned in Year 10 English and Mathematics classes, which will remain unchanged into the new semester. Students will be provided the opportunity to get feedback from teachers if their subjects do not continue into Semester 2.

Semester One Reports
Semester One reports will be released on Compass on Monday, 24 June. They will be available from 2pm.

These semester summary reports will take a new format for 2024. Alongside the usual information on learning behaviours, unit outcomes and Victorian Curriculum progression points, the updated format provides a more comprehensive summary of student results through the first half of the year.

Each subject will include the results of the summative assessment tasks completed, as well as the overall result achieved. This overall result is shown against the subject average. One example is below.

While these numerical results are just a snapshot, we hope that by including this greater detail in student reports we are able to provide families with a deeper understanding of academic performance and benchmarks and support the identification of academic strengths and areas for improvement, helping to guide future efforts and study strategies.

If families do have any questions about their child’s progress in any subject, please feel free to reach out to the subject teacher.

One last reminder …
To save the date for our Subject & Careers Expo.

During the Subject and Careers Expo students in Years 8-11 will have an opportunity to discuss their future pathways and subject choices for 2025 and beyond. We have approximately 20 universities that will be onsite to speak with students and families.

Date: Thursday, 18 July 2024
Time: 5.15pm – 8.15pm

To help stagger visitors and ensure that all students have a chance to speak with teachers and universities we recommend attendance at the following times:

• Year 8 students – between 5.15pm and 6.15pm
• Year 9 students – between 6.15pm and 7.15pm
• Year 10 students – between 7.15pm and 8.15pm

Year 11 students are welcome throughout the evening.

General Achievement Test (GAT)
All students undertaking a unit 3 & 4 sequence are required to complete the General Achievement Test (GAT), this includes students who are unscored or studying for a Vocational Major certificate. The GAT in 2024 is scheduled for Tuesday, 18 June. Click here to access additional information on the upcoming GAT.

Suzanne Farley
Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching

From our Learning Areas

Night at the Museum
Over the past few weeks, Year 7 Humanities students have delved into the fascinating world of Ancient Civilizations, engaging in a variety of research and learning activities that culminated in the 'Night at the Museum' event on Wednesday night.

Transporting attendees through time, students dressed as emperors, gladiators and pharaohs, and were surrounded by impressive posters and models of iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, the Great Wall of China and the Acropolis, to name but a few.

This interactive experience captivated family and friends, with students proudly presenting their projects and enthusiastically sharing their knowledge gained throughout the unit of study.

A heartfelt thank you to the incredible Year 7 Humanities teachers for their unwavering support and tireless dedication in preparing the students for this unforgettable event.

Simon Abrahams, Humanities Learning Leader

STEM In Aviation Program
The STEM In Aviation program has been introduced at Marcellin College to enhance the critical thinking and problem-solving skills among the science students. The Science learning area has introduced the program to provide 21st-century learning opportunities for students. The program focuses on investigating the physics of flight and provides an opportunity for students to design and test model aeroplanes. The program, which was designed by Immersive Education and co-funded by Marcellin College and Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools, is currently being implemented in the SOAR classes. The program will be expanded to other science classes in the future and will encourage our junior aviators to explore the area of aviation beyond the classroom.

Rajnesh Ram, Learning Leader Science

Cyber Challenge
The Marcellin College Australian Cyber Challenge team just missed out on making it to the third and final round of the Australian Cyber Challenge to be held in Brisbane on the 22 June. We placed fifth in round two, which placed us just outside of the top four teams. However, placing fifth out of a total of 53 competing schools with a total of 120 teams and a total of 500 students was quite an achievement.

For round two the Marcellin College team investigated a critical infrastructure attack by navigating simulated UNIX servers and tracking down clues and digital breadcrumbs left by the simulated hackers. With Cyber Security an integral part of the VCE Applied Computing curriculum participating in the Cyber Challenge has been invaluable experience for team members who are currently studying VCE Computing, and those who are considering it as a study or career option in the future. The overall team lead was Dean M with the other team members being Joshua A, Angus S, David J, Jake S, Toby D, Benjamin N and Daniel M.     

Nathan Hutchings, Digital Literacy Leader

SpaceLive Webinar
How do forces apply to a rocket launch? Do you see differences in acceleration when applying a force to objects of different mass? And does this change when up in space in no gravity?

Year 7 and 8 SOAR students, along with some senior Product Design students attended a SpaceLive interactive webinar on Friday, 7 June, delivered by a NASA educator live from the Space Centre in Houston Texas, where they learnt about how Newton’s Laws of Gravity work whilst on the International Space Station.

They had a chance to ask an expert on difficult space-related questions, such as the type of training that’s required to become an astronaut, how did they get the International Space Station into orbit, and most importantly, how do astronauts go to the toilet?

This event was a small introduction to an overseas opportunity that will be afforded to all Marcellin College students next in year in December 2025 with a Junior and Senior Space School experience, where they will engage in activities at the Space Centre in Houston, Texas over a 2-week period. More information in this space (pun definitely intended) will be sent out throughout the year.

David Bellis, Gifted and Talented Education Coordinator

Staff Profile

Hello, my name is Ben Reynolds. I am the Head of Sport at the College and have been a member of the community since 2002. My role as Head of Sport is to provide opportunities for all boys to be active in our Sport program. What I enjoy most about the College is connections with staff, students and families and seeing our students succeed in their chosen sport. I am also a passionate physical education teacher and enjoy teaching Year 12 VCE PE.

Over the years, I have witnessed many of our students going on to elite sporting pathways, but also find great joy knowing our sport program caters for all abilities. It is my hope that the experiences students have within our program drives them to continue to be active in sport after leaving the College.

When I’m not at the College, I am involved in my son’s activities, trying to get to the golf course and taking time to plan our next holiday.

Ben Reynolds, Head of Sport

Student Profile

Hi, my name is Anton, and I am one of the 2024 College Vice Captain. This year I have had the privilege to work alongside a fabulous group of leaders that have dedicated their time and effort to some amazing initiatives and events. Our largest to look forward to is The World’s Greatest Shave next week. Check out our TikTok for all the highlights and fun next week!

In early 2023, I began a Diploma of Aviation as part of VET. Since then, I have hit a few milestones. I have flown 6 solo flights, all before I can drive by myself, passed the aeronautical theory exam on my first attempt, and received the Air BP award for outstanding academic and flying performance. Currently, I am working on the final stages of the course, to obtain a Recreational Pilot’s License. (You can find a photo of me on the cover of the new 2025 Applied Learning course guide).

On Tuesday, Year 12 students and those undertaking a Unit 3/4 subject will be sitting the General Achievement Test (GAT), in two parts. Good luck to all the students!

It's not long until our final days at Marcellin College, with one more term ahead of us, I wish all the Year 12 students the best in their studies. The upcoming three weeks are a great time to wind down, refresh and catch up before the final sprint. Can’t forget some well-deserved rest! I wish our whole community a safe break and look forward to seeing everyone back in Term 3!

Anton, Year 12 - 2024 College Vice Captain

Student Leadership

World's Greatest Shave Fundraising
We are almost there!

The College Captains are excited to announce the World's Greatest Shave will be held next week!  As a College SRC Team, we have raised valuable funds each year for this important cause but we need your help to take it to the next level! Please use the following link or QR code to our donation page – whether small or large – any donation helps.

We have big goals this year so please share this link/QR code with your local sporting clubs, share it with your extended families, and any other neighbouring communities that could help us fundraise and make a difference.

Health Centre

Concussion
With the winter season and contact sport now being in full swing, The College is seeing many head knocks, with some resulting in concussion.
 
Marcellin College has implemented a new policy for managing concussions, showing a serious commitment to addressing these injuries. You can find the policy link below. Concussions can be challenging to diagnose and understand, making this policy an important resource for families.
 
I have also included a link to an article from The University of Queensland, which provides some very informative information on concussions and their impact on the brains of our young students. I hope you find it helpful for understanding concussions and their impact.
 
Link to new head knock and concussion policy.
Click on the link to access the article from the University of Queensland.

Gaye Viney, College Nurse

Community News

NELP Update
Work on the new access road to Marcellin College will commence over the term break. Access to the College will remain uninterrupted. However, to minimise disruption, major construction of the new road has been scheduled from 10pm Tuesday, 9 July until 6am Monday, 15 July. Vehicle and pedestrian access will remain open at all times throughout these works.

If you need to visit the College during the term break please use Sandra Street to avoid any delays.
The new access road will open in October. To learn more please refer to the PDF below. 

Parents & Friends Group
The Marcellin College Parents & Friends Group is keen to hear from you! Please take a moment to complete their survey and be in the running to win a very special hamper that includes some wines from the Nagambie region and other delicacies.

Click here to start the survey.

Marcellin Mums Mass & Luncheon
The annual past and present Marcellin Mums Mass & Luncheon will be held on Friday, 16 August. Mass will commence at 11:30am followed by a lunch in the Functions Rooms. Mums and grandmas, past and present, are welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you on the day.

To book your spot, please click here.

Marcellin Life
The wait is finally over! The latest issue of Marcellin Life, our alumni and community publication is out and can be read online here. Hear stories from our alumni and what’s been happening around the College and more.

If you wish to receive a hard copy, please email community@marcellin.vic.edu.au

Year 7 2026 Enrolments 

Enrolments for Year 7 2026 are now open. For those with sons in Grade 5 wishing to enrol, please do so before the closing date of Friday, 16 August this year. Places are filling up fast. Applications can be submitted online here.

Stay Connected
Marcellin College has an active social media presence including Facebook and Instagram pages. This year our Media Team, led by Year 12 student Anton Bulzomi and 2024 publications Captain Bailey, has launched our very own TikTok account. View some of the behind-the-scenes happenings at the College by visiting our socials.

Careers News

Year 12 Transition 
Term 3 is an exciting one for all Year 12 students as they finalise their transition from the College.  Below are a few resources and events to assist you with the next transition stage.

Tertiary Open Days 
Open Days for Tertiary providers are now available on our careers website here. 

Book a one-on-one meeting
A reminder that appointments can be made with a career staff member click here to book.  

VTAC Information Evening 
The VTAC information evening for parents and students will be held early in Term 3 on the evening of Wednesday,7 August. This will be for all students who are applying for further study next year. Additional details will be sent out next term. 

Separate sessions will run for students wishing to undertake an apprenticeship or go straight into the workforce. 

Subject and Career Expo 
The Subject and Career Expo is scheduled to take place during the first week of Term 3, on Wednesday, 18 July. Keep an eye out for our flyer, which will include a list of all the tertiary education and other representatives who will be visiting the College on that evening. 

The Melbourne Career Expo  
The Melbourne Career Expo is a free event held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, South Wharf between the 26-28 July.  This expo encompasses all career opportunities from employment to education and training in the trades, corporate and professional sectors. 

Free tickets can be picked up in the Careers offices or downloaded here: 

Kevin Kelly and Lara Ingram, Careers and 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.

Click here to access to application form. For more information about the CSEF click here.

Sport Report

Congratulations to Loki and William who have been named Cross Country Co-Captains for 2024.  
Please read about them and their vision for the cross-country team in the attached flyer.

Men’s Health Awareness Round
It is time to make your health a priority. What can you do to help you and your loved ones? 

The Sport program at Marcellin College prides itself on creating an environment that focuses on sportsmanship whilst developing physical, emotional and social skills of all our boys. This weekend all 1st teams will look to take the next step and make an impact on males within our community. Sport can be a fantastic vehicle to educate the broader community and this weekend we aim to highlight the importance on Men's Health, an issue that the Health and Physical Education department have promoted for many years. 

All boys representing Marcellin in Cross Country, 1st Football, 1st Hockey, 1st Rugby and 1st Soccer will all wear light blue socks to create a talking point for all players, officials and spectators.  Click here to access a short video message for the 1st Sport Captains.

The aim is for males to take more care of their everyday health by making simple changes in their behaviour. We want boys to educate males in their lives to:

• overcome the fear of visiting their GP and make an effort to visit them regularly.
• make physical activity a priority in their life
• eat healthy and reduce portion sizes.
• stop smoking
• reduce alcohol intake
• pick up the phone and talk to their mates. 

Change is always hard but is easier with the help of others. We encourage sons, fathers, uncles, grandfathers, wives, sisters, grandmothers and daughters to all support the males in their lives to make their health a priority. 

Ben Reynolds, Head of Sport