The Eagle 9 August 2024

Principal's Report

Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,

I begin this newsletter by congratulating our outstanding Cross Country Team for their spectacular performance in the AGSV championships. Their victory marks our 24th consecutive win, a testament to the dedication and hard work of our boys and their coaches. A special mention must go to Mr Meagher, our Teacher in Charge, and Mr Carlson, who have been unwavering in their support and guidance. Well done to all!

Speaking of remarkable achievements, I am thrilled to share that Mr John Meagher has recently set a new world best time in the M60 track 10,000m. With an incredible time of 33:32.09, John has surpassed the previous record by more than seven seconds. This is a phenomenal accomplishment, and we are incredibly proud to have such a dedicated and inspiring figure within our community. Congratulations John!

Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting our talented music students during their Music Camp in Upper Plenty. My thanks to the staff and students for their energy, enthusiasm and genuine good spirit! As I listened to our choir and the superb performances of our strings and wind ensembles I couldn’t help but feel proud of the work that our staff and students have put into the program. The hard work and passion for music are evident and it was a delight to witness their growth and camaraderie.

We recently hosted our Year 7 2026 enrolment information night and I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all who attended. The interest in our College is strong and our 2025 Year 7 numbers are looking very healthy. It is crucial that we continue to uphold our motto of striving for the highest, ensuring that every student at Marcellin College has the opportunity to excel and reach their full potential.

In addition to our enrolment night, we have hosted several valuable sessions for our parents, including the Tomorrow Man session and Tuning in Teens sessions. These events are essential in our shared goal of raising fine young men, and I am grateful to all who participated. Your involvement and commitment to your sons' development are appreciated. Further information can be found further below in the newsletter.

As we move forward, let us remember that excellence is not a destination but a continuous journey. Each achievement, no matter how small, brings us closer to our goals.

God bless,

Marco Di Cesare
Principal

Yesterday, we celebrated the feast day of Saint Mary Mackillop, who is Australia’s first and only saint. One of Mary MacKillop’s mottos was ‘Never see a need without doing something about it.’ Her simple life was lived in a way that provides inspiration for us today....

God, through the intercession of Mary MacKillop, we pray that the fire of your compassion will ignite many hearts. May Mary’s attentiveness to your dream inspire us.
May her energy to overcome injustice empower us. May we, like her, make manifest your Presence in our troubled world. We pray that the beacon of her holiness shines as a blessing for the universal Church and our world. We make this prayer in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Pray for us
St Marcellin Champagnat, Pray for us
Mary, our Good Mother, Pray for us
And let us always remember, To pray for one another

Faith & Mission

Year 8 Reflection Days
This year’s Year 8 Reflection Day, led by the Youth Mission Team, centred on faith-in-action. The program stressed the importance of recognising everyone's dignity and uniqueness. Students engaged in activities and discussions on social justice, aligning with our Respectful Relationships Program. They learned the impact of their words and actions on others and the significance of forgiveness.

The final session highlighted faith-in-action as a reflection of God's unconditional love. Pope Francis emphasised this at World Youth Day in Portugal, urging young people to find happiness in serving others.

Reflection Days complement our RE curriculum, reinforcing faith and mission and our Catholic Marist identity at Marcellin College.

We encourage students to embrace this journey to become well-rounded young men.

Sustainability at Marcellin College
Last week, I had the privilege of presenting at a workshop at the Marist Schools Australia Biennial Conference about Marcellin College's commitment to sustainability and care for creation. Since 2022, the College has appointed a Sustainability Coordinator, Mr Hugh Holliday, who, along with the Green Team of students, has implemented various initiatives aligned with Laudato Si’ to promote sustainability.

Key initiatives have included:

• Schools' Water Efficiency Program: Helps monitor and reduce water usage with access to an online portal for data and educational resources.
• Waste Audits: Conducted by Monash University researchers to improve waste management practices.
• Partnership with So-Eco: Under the ResourceSmart Schools program by Sustainability Victoria, So-Eco worked with our team to integrate sustainability into school operations, curriculum, and community engagement for one year.
• 2023 Rerum Novarum Award Application: Our project involved installing nesting boxes for local species to enhance biodiversity.
• National Tree Day: Planting trees to contribute to the environment on National Tree Planting Day
• Incorporating Sustainability into the Continuous School Improvement Plan: Aligns with Catholic Social Teachings and focuses on environmental stewardship.
• Development of a Laudato Si Action Plan Committee

Through these initiatives, Marcellin College aims to align sustainability with Catholic Social Teachings, contribute to strategic goals of sustainable practices, and create a comprehensive plan to reduce the school's carbon footprint and promote environmental education.

Geralyn McCarthy
Deputy Principal Faith & Mission

Student Wellbeing

As we move into the fourth week of Term 3, it's heartening to reflect on the myriad of well-being initiatives that have been flourishing across our school. Our commitment to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for all students remains steadfast, and recent programs have demonstrated the value of open dialogue and mutual respect.

Year 10 and 11: Tomorrow Man Our Year 10 and 11 students have had the opportunity to engage with Tomorrow Man, an organisation dedicated to guiding young men through the transition to adulthood. These sessions have sparked many wonderful and open discussions between staff and students, providing a safe space for young men to explore what it means to grow into respectful and self-aware individuals. On Wednesday, 31 July Tomorrow Man also ran a session for our parents. This evening was attended by over 80 parents and provided some insightful ideas about how to get the most out of our young people.

Year 12: Man Cave In a similar vein, our Year 12 students have been working with Man Cave, another initiative aimed at supporting the journey to manhood. The conversations that have emerged from these sessions have been incredibly impactful, fostering a sense of community and understanding among our senior students and their teachers.

Year 7 and 8: Respectful Relationships Meanwhile, our Year 7 and 8 students have been participating in sessions led by our dedicated House Leaders, focusing on the theme of respectful relationships. These programs have been instrumental in teaching our younger students the importance of respect, empathy, and the significant impact of their behaviours on others.

Year 9: Emotional Regulation Building on the foundational work done with our younger students, our Year 9 cohort has been engaged in a program centred on emotional regulation. They have been learning vital skills in managing their reactions to various situations, which is an essential component of their personal development and well-being.

Supporting Parental Involvement in Learning Many parents and carers often ask about how to increase their child's motivation to learn, a common challenge in many households. While we may not have all the answers, educational psychologist Andrew Fuller offers valuable strategies in his article, which we encourage you to read for practical advice and insights.

As always, we are incredibly proud of our students' participation and engagement in these programs. We believe these initiatives are crucial in helping them grow into well-rounded, respectful, and emotionally intelligent young adults. Thank you for your continued support in our collective journey towards fostering a positive and inclusive school community

Rocky Gentile
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

Tomorrow Man - Night with the Folks - 30 July
On Tuesday evening, the personable Ryder Jack of Tomorrow Man engaged parents and carers in an insightful workshop that was not to be missed. Parents were given the opportunity to create new and meaningful connections whilst exploring the program that is facilitated at the college during the Year 10 & 11 Respectful Relationships sessions. By participating in the same activities as the students, such as Step to the Line, Spotlight and How Are You? mums and dads were able to explore, challenge and contemplate the positive and limiting stereotypes of men in today's society, and how these affect their sons. In addition, parents took it in turns to take and hold space and to listen actively to understand rather than to respond. 

The feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive: below is some feedback from some parents who attended the evening.

• I found the Tomorrow Man presentation to be very informative and insightful. The potential difficulties and pitfalls our sons face on a day-to-day basis get amplified if we do not communicate openly. I would highly recommend this to all parents.
• I found the workshop really helpful in developing active listening skills - how to listen to understand, not to just respond, and to absorb what is being said.
• I was apprehensive at first but was glad I attended. It was great to talk about opening dialogue about the stereotypes of young men today.
• Tomorrow Man reminded me of the importance of opening up and that we are allowed as parents to share emotions with our children.

It was a wonderful evening for all involved to connect with the united objective of supporting the well-being and personal development of our young men. We hope that you will be able to join us as we continue to work with this wonderful organisation as a college community.

Christina Cammarano, Student Wellbeing Program Coordinator

Learning & Teaching

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

Music Camp
Early on Wednesday last week, music staff and students involved in our beyond-the-classroom ensembles headed to Upper Plenty for our annual three-day music camp. The attending ensembles included: Intermediate and Chamber Strings led by Mrs Tratt and Ms Wright, Junior Concert Band and Stage Band led by Mr Webster, Intermediate Concert Band led by Riley Brennan, Nathan Gilmore, and Angus Hood, Choir led by Mrs Carger, Drama and Public Speaking led by Mrs Salinas-Byrne, and Senior Concert Band and Senior Big Band led by Mr Short. We were also blessed to have Lisa Pilmer (from our music administration team) and Mr Nicholas Moloney (Deputy Principal, Staff) support the music team in delivering this fantastic event.

Each ensemble worked tirelessly on repertoire for the upcoming Victorian School Music Festival, our annual Spring Concert (11 October), and even Valedictory. On Wednesday night, Savindu Kannangara (Music Captain) and Daniel Perera (College Vice Captain) facilitated a very competitive quiz night, and on Thursday evening we embarked on a 1-hour night hike followed by a bonfire. After some final rehearsals on Friday morning, all ensembles then moved into the chapel for an in-house concert, allowing each ensemble an opportunity to perform their repertoire. During this time, we also presented three awards to students in each ensemble, including Most Improved Player, Best Attitude and Best Team Player.

Congratulations to all students and staff involved for your dedication, hard work, and tireless pursuit of excellence.

Andrew Short, Head of Music

Speed X Interviews
Marcellin College is very fortunate and proud to be in partnership with our local Gateway LLEN – Local Learning and Employment Network and the Manningham City Council.

Again in 2024, our Year 11 & 12 VCE VM and VPC students were fortunate to participate in the Manningham Speed X Interviews.

Our students were able to meet and interact with a large range of local businesses, infrastructure facilitators, and first responders who volunteered their time to help our students navigate the transition from Marcellin College to the wider world of study and employment.

I commend the students on their maturity, communication skills and their impressive presentation. Another valuable experience that only supports and builds the rigor of our applied learning pathways.

Fran Davey, Applied Learning and VET Coordinator

News from the Library
The colder days so far this term mean that the Library has become a popular place to be during break times and we are often at capacity. Those who have visited would have noticed our Olympic display. For those who haven’t made it in, we also have a display online here with links to highlight videos, a book list, some fun Kahoot quizzes and a Reading Challenge with prizes to be won.

The deadline for entry is 23 August.

Rebecca Preedy, Information Services Leader

National Science Week
National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of Science and Technology and will be celebrated at Marcellin College from 12 to 16 August. The theme for this year’s National Science Week is Species Survival- More Than Just Sustainability. The science learning area will be organising thought-provoking science activities to celebrate Science Week. A science pastoral quiz will be conducted during pastoral time and students will be provided opportunities to engage in the science week activities during their science classes.

Rajnesh Ram, Learning Leader Science

Staff Profile

Hello, my name is Heidi Lambrick. I have been a member of the Marcellin College community for two and a half years. My role is Learning Support Officer. My job is to assist the teacher in the classroom and help students in their learning and engagement. I am always learning something new myself in the classroom which makes my job extra satisfying.

What I enjoy most about the College is the strong sense of community and buzz of the school, experiencing the camaraderie amongst the students and staff.

When I’m not at the College, I am with my twin boys, loving them and annoying them (as parents do sometimes!!), studying teaching and enjoying fun times with family and friends. In a past life, I competed in the sport of fencing and represented Australia as a cadet (U17). My brother got me into fencing because I had to defend myself from his playful attacks at home!

Heidi Lambrick, Learning Support Officer

Student Profile

Hi, my name is Jett and I am a Year 11 student here at Marcellin College. I am also studying a Unit 3&4 subject, Religion and Society. What I like most about the College is a real sense of community and the great mates I have made.

When I’m not at school, I enjoy martial arts and bike riding. I have been learning karate for two years and enjoy getting together with my cousins who also do karate. It keeps you fit and active.

In the future, I hope to have a career in design – graphic or architecture. I really enjoy visual communication and drawing. I have a brother starting in Year 7 in 2025 and I hope he gets involved in as many activities as possible that the College provides.

Jett, Year 11, Champagnat House

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.

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 am 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.

Final seats left. Book today to secure a place, please click here.

I recently attended the first session of the Tuning into Teens workshop offered by Marcellin College for parents and found it genuinely interesting and engaging. Dr Christiane Kehoe from the University of Melbourne led the session, and her clear and engaging style and expertise made the topics she spoke about easy to understand. As a parent looking to strengthen my relationship with my boys, I found the workshop really valuable. I learned about the link between brain development and emotional maturity (looks like our boys still have a little while to go), strategies for supporting their emotional growth, different parenting styles and their impact on our relationships, and the concept of emotional coaching. On top of all that, it was great to meet a few new people and catch up with some familiar faces - almost like a social event with a side of parenting advice (or maybe the other way around). I’m looking forward to the next session on Monday, 19 August.

Maria Verrocchi, parent of Year 8 and 10 student

Community News

Parents & Friends Update
Congratulations to Jacinta Gracey on winning the hamper from the Parents & Friends Group survey!

Thank you to everyone who completed the survey. We received great feedback and we look forward to sharing these with you soon, perhaps over some drinks and cheese…

A reminder that P&F is all about you! We are always looking to increase our numbers and support for our events and community connection. To learn more about who we are and how you can get involved, click below.

Pamela Frost, President Parents & Friends Group

Year 7 2026 Enrolments 
Enrolments for Year 7 2026 must close next 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.

Young Men's Support Group
Manningham Youth Services is excited to launch the Young Men's Support Group. A fortnightly group session facilitated by MYS staff to support young men in finding and understanding their place in the world.

Click on the flyer below for further details and to book.

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

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

VTAC – YEAR 12
Earlier this week, we ran the VTAC information session for Year 12 families whose sons are looking at continuing further study.

VTAC is the tertiary admission centre for Victoria. All university and most TAFE applications for school leavers are made via VTAC. This session explained how students apply for courses. Also covered was the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) which recognises any difficulty or disruption a student may have experienced in Year 12 that impacted their studies. Students will be supported to create their VTAC accounts during seminar time on Monday, 12 August. 

If any parents missed this presentation, it will be sent out to all families shortly. As always, appointments for further support are available, click here to book a one-on-one meeting with either Kevin or Lara.

OPEN DAYS
Students should also be attending a minimum of three open days. A reminder you do not need to wait until Year 12 to do this. Students in Years 9-11 are also encouraged to access open dates. Details provided here.

US COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
Last week, the Careers Department, in conjunction with Marcellin College Sport, hosted The Gridiron Company, headed by former NFL Punter, Sav Rocca. An information session was followed by a practical kicking session with an emphasis on exploring US College pathways for Marcellin College students. The Gridiron company has already successfully placed former Marcellin College students at Colleges in America.
On the same day, we also hosted Carlton College who provided details of their coaching development and elite sports business diploma once students finish Year 12. 

Kevin Kelly and Lara Ingram, Careers and Further Education

Sport Report

Cross Country Premiership Success
Loki Fangmeier | Co-Captain

The Marcellin College Cross Country team has once again proven its prowess, achieving remarkable success throughout the season. This year was defined by exceptional teamwork and resilience, qualities that have become synonymous with our squad.

The season began with a fresh influx of talented runners, whose enthusiasm and dedication invigorated the team. Adjusting to the departure of a key senior runner, our boys quickly adapted and rose to the challenge with commendable spirit.

From the first race to the last, our team demonstrated relentless determination. Every competition was a fierce battle, with many races coming down to the final moments. Despite the intense rivalry, we emerged victorious, securing our 24th consecutive AGSV season win – a testament to our unwavering commitment and strategic excellence.

This season was also notable for the individual brilliance displayed by our athletes. Medals were won at prestigious events such as the Jells Relays, Princes Park Road Relays, and All Schools Championships at Bundoora. These achievements highlight the hard work and perseverance of our runners.

Our success this year would not have been possible without the exceptional guidance of our coaches, Trent Carlson and John Meagher. Their dedication, from meticulously planning training sessions to crafting race day strategies, played a crucial role in our triumphs.

A special thanks goes to the parents and supporters whose encouragement and presence at every meet fueled our drive to succeed.

As we celebrate this successful cross-country season, we look forward to carrying this momentum into the athletics season. With the same dedication and teamwork, we are confident in continuing our tradition of excellence.

Ben Reynolds, Head of Sport