The Eagle 26 July 2024

Principal's Report

Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,

I enjoy seeing our students arrive at the College on these cold mornings, wearing their Marcellin College beanies and wrapping their scarves tightly around their necks to keep warm! Even so, there has been a warmth in our community as we start this semester. Students have returned energised from their break and I can confidently say that our staff are ready to begin their new subjects with a renewed optimism. 

We held our Mid-Year Awards Assembly this week.  As I said to the students, I enjoy the positive feel of this assembly as we hear from our College student leaders about their respective areas. Students come forward for awards and we acknowledge the many facets of daily life at Marcellin College and our many successes. My thanks to our musicians who always enhance our celebrations and to the many staff for their support and work in ensuring that it was a successful event.

Over the break, Marcellin College presented at the International Boys’ School Coalition Conference. Our research and presentation was titled Getting to the HEART of the Matter and focussed on the College values that we have developed with our current Year 9 students. My thanks to Mrs Sarah Moss-Holland and Mr Rocky Gentile for their work in promoting the importance of values in education and their continued work at making us an even better college.

At the end of last term, two students interviewed me about some of the new projects that are occurring at our College. My thanks to Emil and Anton for their work and preparation. Please view the video below.

God bless,

Marco Di Cesare
Principal

All-powerful God, you are present in the whole universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor, help us to rescue the abandoned and forgotten of this earth, so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives, that we may protect the world and not prey on it, that we may sow beauty, not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts of those who look only for gain at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing, to be filled with awe and contemplation, to recognise that we are profoundly united with every creature as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day. Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle for justice, love and peace.
AMEN

Faith & Mission

Staff Theology Day
On Friday, 19 July, Marcellin College hosted its annual Staff Theology Day, featuring Ernesto Valiente, Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. Dr Valiente delivered two keynote sessions and participated in a Q&A panel in the afternoon.

The first session, titled God’s Revelation and Christian Faith, explored the ways in which God reveals Godself to humanity and the human response to this revelation. Dr. Valiente posed thought-provoking questions such as, How can an infinite, transcendent God reveal Godself to finite human beings limited by time and space? What enables humans to 'hear' God's word? He also discussed the development of Christian faith in response to God's invitation.

In the second keynote, The Church, Pope Francis, and Synodality, Dr Valiente addressed the concept of synodality, a significant topic in the universal Church today. He traced the historical development of Church authority up to the Second Vatican Council and highlighted Pope Francis's efforts to cultivate a synodal Church characterised by communion, participation, and mission.

The staff found the day's sessions engaging and informative, offering them a solid grounding in contemporary theological questions and discussions within the Church.

Marist Youth Ministry Game-Changers Year 7 & 8 Retreat Day
Today, our Year 7 & 8 Game Changers participated in a Game Changers Retreat Day held at the College. The event brought together 130 enthusiastic students and staff from several Victorian Marist schools. The retreat provided an opportunity for our students to connect with their peers in a fun, inspiring, and nurturing environment. Through experiences in spiritual formation, prayer leadership, mentoring and social action, students were invited to encounter Jesus in a meaningful way beyond the regular school curriculum.

Game Changers is a community of like-minded young people committed to making a positive impact in their lives and the lives of others. Leadership within this group takes many forms: some lead confidently from the front, while others advocate for change, participate in ministry, or offer support in more subtle ways. Students who participate in Game Changers grow significantly in confidence and leadership skills. At Marcellin College, Game Changers are present in Years 7–12, often developing into well-rounded young men and strong leaders.

For more information on how your son can join Game Changers, please contact me.

Geralyn McCarthy
Deputy Principal Faith & Mission

Student Wellbeing

Student Wellbeing
Welcome back to Term 3. We look forward to another great term with a range of upcoming events for our students and families to look forward to. This term, our staff and students will be working with Your Choicez, Tomorrow Man and The Man Cave during our Respectful Relationships Days. These sessions have been well received in the first half of this year and we anticipate this continued opportunity for our students to develop their personal and social skills will again be engaging for them and provide many discussion starters around the dinner table. Term 3 also provides us with an opportunity to come together to celebrate our community on Champagnat Day. This compulsory school day, affords our staff and students a chance to take a break from their usual busy schedules and celebrate our Marist heritage.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to remind parents and carers of the many supports on offer here at Marcellin College for our students. These include our Pastoral and House Leaders, Careers Practitioners, Counsellors and our Learning Diversity Department. Please reach out to your House or Pastoral Leader at any time should you feel that your child is in need of any of these supports.

Personal Presentation
A reminder that our Personal Presentation Standards can be accessed on our website and that Term 3 requires all students to be in full winter uniform. Any student who is out of uniform for any reason should contact their House or Pastoral Leader with an explanatory note from home.

What to do about last semester’s report?
As parents and carers, sometimes it’s difficult to know how to discuss our child’s report with them or indeed what to do with it at all. The semester break also makes the report and last semester’s work seem a million miles away in the constantly updating newsfeed of our students lives. However, there is good evidence to support that a short chat about students’ objectives and the behaviours that they can continue or change to facilitate these is essential at home. The following quick tips, may assist you to do this with your child as they begin the second semester.

1. Discuss key learnings from last semester, set broad goals (academic and behavioural) for the new term, outline steps and timelines.
2. Establish necessary routines, and introduce fun rewards.
3. Set or reset boundaries for technology use, particularly limiting phone use to enhance concentration: no phones in bedrooms overnight and none during homework.
4. Plan the upcoming week and reinforce effective learning routines, adjusting as needed. Consider this a multi-week process, especially in a 10-week term.
5. The semester is full of opportunities for parental engagement through workshops, webinars, or subject selection evenings for secondary students. For further assistance, parents/carers are encouraged to contact the College.

Rocky Gentile
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

Parents and carers are warmly invited to a Night With the Folks on Tuesday, July 30 in the Functions Room. The evening commences at 7pm and concludes at 9pm, with light refreshments upon arrival.

The parent workshop is facilitated by Tomorrow Man, an external organisation that will explore how we as a community can deepen connections and strengthen relationships with our young men.

The expert presenters will also explore the impacts of gender stereotypes on adolescents today. To register your attedance please click here!

Ryder Jack provides a brief introduction about the evening here.

Hear testimonials from other parents who have attended this workshop here.

Christina Cammarano, Student Wellbeing Program Coordinator

Learning & Teaching

Premier’s VCE Awards
Congratulations to 2023 Year 12 students Alexander Sarmas and Jack Voulgaris, who have been recognised with a Premier’s VCE Award for their outstanding academic results.

Alexander received a Study Award for Outdoor and Environmental Studies. Alexander received a study score of 50 in the study and was one of 26 students at the College to receive an ATAR above 90.

Jack Voulgaris, our 2023 Dux, received a Premier’s VCE Award for being a Top All-Round VCE High Achiever. This award is given to students who achieved outstanding results in at least five of their subjects. Jack was one of just 23 Top All-Round VCE High Achievers who achieved study scores of 46 or higher out of 50 in at least five VCE subjects.

This year, 310 students were recognised at the Premier’s VCE Awards ceremony, including three international students and six students who completed the VCE Vocational Major program with distinction.

I congratulate Alexander and Jack on behalf of the entire College community.

To view the full Honour Roll and to read more about the Premier’s VCE Awards click here.

Semester 1 Academic Commendations
Congratulations to all students who were recognised as part of our Mid-Year Academic Assembly on Thursday, 25 July.

Our Mid-Year Awards Assembly provides a wonderful opportunity for the entire College community to gather and recognise the commitment and dedication of our students who strive for the highest every day; in their learning, in sport, in performing arts and in many other areas. 

Students from across all year levels were commended by their teachers for Academic Merit (Years 7-11) and Academic Endeavour (Years 7-12) at the conclusion of last term. From these commendations, our Principal selected students from every year level who have demonstrated a positive and diligent work ethic, and who have achieved improved results, across their learning program. Each of these students were presented a Principal’s Award for Academic Achievement. 

We acknowledged more than 100 students at the ceremony but, they were not all the students who were commended by their teachers.

All students who were given a commendation from one or more of their teachers have been recognised with a commendation certificate that can now be found on Compass. Through the Compass ‘Reporting’ tab, families can view student commendations.

Well done to all students on their achievements during Semester 1!!

Homework Club has resumed for Semester 2
A reminder that we do have tutors available through our Homework Club on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. During Term 3, we have mathematics support for students on both Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

Ms Foster is available to support students on Tuesdays, while Mr Wickramasinghe is now available on Thursdays. Mr Thomas Blasioli continues to offer his assistance to students in Mathematics, Chemistry, IT and computing, and Physics and is available on both Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Homework Club is held between 3.30pm and 5pm in our Ardmara Building (A101). All students are welcome.

Suzanne Farley
Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching

From our Learning Areas

News from the Music Department
During our first week back for Term 3, our community engagement team organised for our 2023 music captain, Riley Brennan, to perform at the Manningham Hotel for the Doncaster VIEW annual Christmas in July luncheon! We thank them for providing this opportunity and Riley for offering his time and talents.

Our department is looking forward to what is arguably our busiest term of the year. We welcome incoming Year 7 and 8 music classroom students who are now learning new instruments ranging from trumpet and trombone to violin, cello, flute, drums, guitar, bass guitar and piano. We also welcome our incoming music technology class in Year 9.

This week, our Senior Big Band will perform at the Mid-Year Awards Assembly on Thursday, 25 July. Next week, our core ensembles head to Upper Plenty for our annual 3-day music camp (July 31-Aug 2). In week 4, the Champagnat Choir will perform at VSMF (Wednesday, 7 Aug). In week 5, our music students will provide musical support for the Feast of the Assumption on Friday, 16 Aug. In week 7, our Intermediate Concert Band will perform at VSMF on Tuesday, 27 Aug. In week 8, our Senior Concert Band will perform at VSMF on Friday, 6 Sept, and in week 9, our music students will provide musical support for Campagnat Day. We are immensely proud of our music students and look forward to watching them continue to grow in confidence both individually and as a team.

(The first photo captures our Intermediate Concert Band squeezing in a quick stand-up rehearsal before heading in for their Beyond the Classroom photos)

Andrew Short, Head of Music

Beyond the Classroom - Debating Update
Debating Association of Victoria’s (DAV) debating season is well underway! Our debating teams worked rigorously at the end of last term with great success on the evening of  Thursday, 21 June.

Our Year 8 & 9 team were defeated by one point defending the negative too.

‘The Australian elections should be held online.’ A very challenging topic to win the negative in this technology-filled world.

Our Seniors walked into a blind topic, having only one hour to prepare and successfully won. Congratulations to Oliver Wright for being awarded Best Speaker.

We complete the season during the third term and are looking forward to commencing the junior season with our Year 7 & 8 students.

Fran Davey, Teacher-In-Charge of Debating

Staff Profile

Hello, my name is Sally-Anne Bristow.

I have been a member of the Marcellin College community for 15 years. I teach in the Visual Arts and RE learning areas and coach the Intermediate Volleyball team. What I enjoy most about the College is working with creative, enthusiastic students and friendly, supportive colleagues. The view from my office is pretty special too!

I am passionate about the arts, love going to see art exhibitions, the Bansky exhibition at the Docklands was amazing!  I love watermelon, spending time with my children, long walks in nature, journaling, painting, learning Arabic, watching Curb Your Enthusiasm and holidays.

Sally-Anne Bristow, Visual Arts & RE Teacher

Student Profile

Hi, my name is Ethan, I’m a Year 12 and the Lavalla House Captain for 2024. What I love most about Marcellin College are the teachers. Throughout my time at the College, I have been given many opportunities to excel and enjoy my high school years, none of which would be possible without the amazing staff, who are always ready to give up a lunchtime to help me achieve my goals in any way they can.

Outside of Marcellin College, I am a Cadet Warrant Officer in the Australian Airforce Cadets (AAFC). I have been a Cadet since Year 7 and have slowly been promoted to the highest rank in the organisation. In my current role, I am responsible for the training and development of around 100 cadets every Monday night when we gather at the Army Barracks in Ringwood.

After being a member of the AAFC for so long I have developed a passion for the Defence Force and in the future hope to become a logistics officer in the Navy. I love to help people and can’t wait for the future, where I will be part of many humanitarian missions in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia, hopefully improving the lives of many along the way.

So far Year 12 has been an amazing year for me. Recently I was able to compete in the Victorian All School’s Cross-Country Championships, where I and three other Year 12 students won a bronze medal for the College. This is something I have been dreaming about since I first joined the Marcellin Cross-Country Team in Year 7.

Despite the challenges of VCE, I have been able to stay focused and dedicated to my studies and can’t wait for the rest of the year.

Ethan, Year 12 Student & 2024 Lavalla House Captain

Health Centre

Reminder - Year 7 Immunisation
Immunisation for Year 7 students will take place on Tuesday, 30 July during periods 1 and 2. Please ensure that you have provided consent by Friday, 26 July. If we do not receive your consent, your son will not be immunised.

On the morning of the immunisation, make sure your son has eaten breakfast and has had plenty to drink. If your son has difficulty with group settings, he can see the nurse before school on Tuesday, 30 July.

Consent for the Year 7 immunisation is now completed online. The link for the Year 7 immunisation consent has been posted on Compass. Manningham Council requires parents to access the portal and indicate their consent or refusal. All vaccine information is available in the provided link. You will receive an email to confirm your decision. The deadline for online consent is Friday, 26 July.

Health Department Alert – Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
The Victorian Health Department recently issued a public notice in relation to an increasing number of cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in Victoria, particularly among children aged 10-12.

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness known for causing a cough and can lead to life-threatening infections in babies. Many babies who get pertussis catch it from older children and adults who might not even know they are infected. Pertussis usually begins with cold-like symptoms, such as a dry cough (occurring in bouts), characteristic 'whooping' sound when breathing in, tiredness, runny nose, and low-grade fever. Please consult your doctor (GP) and seek a diagnosis if your child exhibits any of these symptoms. Early identification and separation are crucial in preventing the spread to other children. Pertussis is mostly spread to other people by droplets from coughing or sneezing, so good hygiene practices and immunisations help prevent the spread. Immunisations are particularly important for infants and pregnant women. If pertussis is diagnosed, your GP will advise on appropriate treatments. If you have any questions, please speak to your GP. Read the full alert here.

Immunisation for whooping cough schedule: three doses are administered at 2, 4 & 6 months, with boosters at 18 months, 4 years of age and again at 11-17 years of age (Year 10 students). Seek medical advice if you are pregnant or around newborn babies.

Gaye Viney, College Nurse

College Events

Raising Fathers FREE event
St Martin of Tours School in Rosanna is excited to host Raising Fathers, an inspiring event for dads presented by menALIVE. This transformative evening will empower fathers with insights and strategies to enhance their parenting approach, positively impacting the entire family.

By participating, you'll help set your children on a path to becoming successful, well-balanced, caring, engaged and productive members of the community.

To learn more and to register for this FREE event, click here.

Community News

Have your say and be in the running to win a hamper
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. The survey will close on Friday, 2 August.

Click here to complete the survey.

Year 7 2026 Enrolments 
Enrolments for Year 7 2026 will close next month on Friday, 16 August. For those with sons in Grade 5 wishing to enrol, please do so before the closing date. Places are filling up fast. Applications can be submitted online here.

Wake Up Warmer Than Ever This Winter
The Marcellin Old Collegians Football Club (MOCFC) are pleased to offer family and friends a special 20% discount on the entire range of MicroCloud Bedding range.

MicroCloud Bedding was founded by a Marcellin College alumni and is an elite brand of exceptionally comfortable bedding for the Australian accommodation market. Their unique range consists of blissful pillows, sumptuous bed toppers, luxurious lightweight quits, ultra supportive and comfortable mattresses, mattress protectors and 'snuggle' robes. Use the code EAGLES20 to receive a 20% discount on their entire range until the 31 July. http://microcloudbedding.com.au

Marcellin Life
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

Second-Hand Uniform Shop
The second-hand uniform shop will be open for Term 3 on Friday, 2 August behind Marist House from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm.

Stock on those winter beanies and more!

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 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

Work Experience Year 10
In the first week of school holidays, several Year 10 students opted to undertake work experience.

The Student Perspective | Joshua B
Hi, my name is Joshua and I attended work experience at Slater & Gordon Lawyers. I really enjoyed my week at Slaters as I was exposed to new skills that allowed me to develop a good understanding of what the future may hold. Some things that I learnt on my work experience was how mediations operate and what they are. The most challenging part of my work experience was attending mediation and learning new legal terminology. One of the main highlights was meeting new people and conversing with many legal professionals. Overall, I found my work experience week to be extremely eventful and enjoyable and I would highly recommend all students to partake in the wonderful opportunity work experience offers.

Subject Selection and Careers Expo
Thursday, 18 July was the Subject Selection and Careers Expo. Students were able to speak with several external partners, attend evening presentations, and be supported by their teachers in choosing subjects. Students who want to check pre-requisite subjects for tertiary study can use the VCE Prerequisite Explorer tool. Year 10 students may also like to review the VTAC Guide for Year 10 students.

Coming Up: VTAC Applications
VTAC opens for tertiary admissions on 29 July. Our VTAC parent Information evening will be held on Wednesday, 7 August at 7pm. Students will be supported to apply during seminar time on Monday, 12 August. 

Before applying, students may like to familiarise themselves with the VTAC guide. To apply, students will need to have a USI number.

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.  

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

Sport Report

Harrison Beauchamp – National Selection and National Captain
Congratulations to Harrison who captained Australia at the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup in Turkey during the school holidays. This follows his success of representing Victoria at the Basketball Australia National Championships where he captained that team to victory.

His next commitment will be rejoining the Vic Metro team to travel to Shanghai in August for a Future Stars Tournament. We are so proud of Harrison who has always represented his school with pride whilst achieving so much outside of our program. He is a great role model for his peers and aspiring junior Marcellin College basketballers.

Harrison's reflections on his trip:

My time in Turkey representing the U17 Australian team was very interesting, to say the least, as we had limited preparation for the tournament. Our team travelled eight days prior to play practice matches in the four-nations tournament in Istanbul. We played against Turkey, New Zealand and Egypt winning two and losing one. Jet-lag from our long flight to Istanbul was a major issue.

Our hotel was 25 minutes away from the amazing 5000-seat capacity stadium. The tournament began and we faced Egypt in the first of our pool games. A very close game. It was great to come away with a tight 4-point win to start our World Cup campaign. Game two was against Germany who were tough as they were well coached. A 14-point win was our reward. Our last pool game was against Canada and we became the first Australian team to beat Canada ever at U17 level. We finished on top of the pool and we faced Italy, the second-best team in Europe in the round of 16. It was a close game and went to overtime. Sadly we lost and we found ourselves in the bottom half of the pool. The overtime loss really deflated us and losses to France and Guinea resulted. It was good to finish off the tournament with a win over the Philippines.

I look back on the tournament with great pride but a little bit of disappointment because of our results. It was the biggest event I’ve attended and certainly something I will remember for the rest of my life. 

It was so good to have my mum, dad and brother with me the whole trip. They were great support through the ups and downs. Thank you  for sharing this journey with me.

Ben Reynolds, Head of Sport