The Eagle 18 October 2024

Principal's Report

Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,

After many years of loyal service to our College, it is with a mixture of both sadness and gratitude that I announce the resignation of Mr Nicholas Moloney, our respected Deputy Principal Staff. Nick’s journey at Marcellin began as a young Year 7 student and after a few years away for university, he returned as a member of our staff, remaining steadfast and committed for the next 31 years. Nicholas has watched many students, their families, staff and principals move through our College, contributing to and witnessing its growth and transformation over time.

As a dedicated Maths teacher, Nick worked his way through various roles within the College, contributing across student wellbeing, learning and teaching, and operations and logistics. His involvement in our community extended well beyond the classroom, supporting programs such as REMAR, Game Changers, football coaching, and Vinnies Winter Sleep Outs, to name a few. A committed Marist, Nick is also a proud member of the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat.

His decision to leave Marcellin College has been a difficult one and we know that this next step in his career—becoming Deputy Principal at Whitefriars College—will be met with the same passion and dedication that he has shown here. While we bid Nick farewell, we also know that his strong connection as an alumnus and a valued member of our community will ensure that his ties to Marcellin remain strong. We wish him nothing but the very best in this exciting new chapter.

As we look forward, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Phillip Kamay as our new Deputy Principal Staff, effective from January 2025. Phil is a highly regarded member of our Marcellin community, having served here for seven years across a number of roles. With an impressive background in education, leadership, and a deep commitment to the Marist values, Phil will bring his experience and dedication to this vital role.

Phil has demonstrated a passion for enhancing the education of young men and supporting our Marist and Catholic traditions. His leadership will help guide our College into the future, and I know you will join me in welcoming him into this new role. We look forward to re-introducing Phillip Kamay to our parent community and working together to continue building a bright future for Marcellin College.

Last Friday, our Spring Music Concert showcased outstanding performances across all year levels at Marcellin College. It was a celebration of the number of achievements they have attained this year at both local and Victorian competitions this year. Congratulations to all students and staff involved in delivering such a memorable event – thank you Mr Andrew Short for your leadership of this area.

Marcellin College recently hosted the annual Marist School Australia Annual Dinner. Two members of our community were highlighted on the night, Randall Bezaire and Melissa Mackellin. They were recognised for their outstanding contributions to Marist Education. Their dedication continues to inspire us all.

Our junior production rehearsals are well underway and I was able to see, firsthand, the enthusiasm and excitement shared between our students and the talented students from OLMC over the weekend. Please support them and book a ticket to A Christmas Carol.

This week had us welcoming our Year 7 2025 families to a Transition Information Evening. There was a fantastic turnout, with parents eager to hear about 2025. We are excited to welcome the new cohort and look forward to the journey ahead with them.

Wednesday night was the opening night of our annual art, design and technology showcase, Create24. It was a wonderful celebration of all things art and design technology. It highlighted the exceptional talents of our students across these learning areas. My thanks to Ms Marina Sipos and Ms Annie McNamara for a great night and for leading these two important areas of our College.

Finally, this week saw us farewelling our Year 12 students. In recent years we have created a new ritual as we farewell Year 12s with parents joining us for a breakfast on their last day. It was good to catch up with many of you and to celebrate both their sons and their journey through the College. Next week we will join together at the Cathedral and Valedictory Dinner to formally congratulate and farewell our Year 12 cohort. We wish them well as they continue to prepare for their final exams.

God bless,

Marco Di Cesare
Principal

A Prayer for Our Year 12 Students
Loving God,
We come before you with hearts full of gratitude for our Year 12 students as they conclude their final week at Marcellin College. We give thanks for the friendships, learning, and growth they have experienced during their time here.

Bless them in these final days as they reflect on their journey and prepare to step into the next chapter of their lives. Fill them with peace and confidence, knowing they have been shaped by the values of this Marist community.

May they carry with them the spirit of St. Marcellin Champagnat, living lives of humility, service, and love. Guide them as they make decisions for their future, and may they always strive to use their gifts to make the world a better place.

We pray for their families and teachers who have supported them along the way, and for the community that has nurtured them. May they continue to trust in Your plan and grow in faith, wisdom, and compassion.
Amen.

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

Mission Immersion Trip to Cambodia: A Return to Meaningful Service
After a break due to the pandemic, Marcellin College’s Mission Immersion Trip to Cambodia resumed this year, marking our first journey back since 2019. Five students and two staff members participated in this transformative experience, which was facilitated by Catholic Missions.

The trip provided a unique opportunity for our students not only to immerse themselves in Cambodian culture but also to reconnect with the Marist community in Pailin. For many years, our students have visited this community, teaching and engaging in activities with young students at the Marist Education Centre (MEC). It was heartening to see familiar faces, as two Cambodian staff members continue to teach there since our last visit.

Our students had the chance to witness the Marist Brothers’ global presence firsthand, as Brothers from countries such as India, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines were also present during this trip. This highlighted the interconnectedness of the Marist family worldwide.

Beyond Pailin, the group explored the rich history of Cambodia. They visited the Landmine Museum, the Killing Fields, and the Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh, gaining a deeper understanding of Cambodia’s tragic past and the resilience of its people. In Siem Reap, the group marvelled at the beauty of Angkor Wat at sunrise and reflected on the cultural and historical significance of the temples.

Throughout the trip, our students embraced the values of the Marist HEART: Humility, Excellence, Acceptance, Resilience, and Trust. Their growth was evident as they interacted confidently with locals, served communities, and took part in meaningful reflections.

We are filled with pride and gratitude for the experiences shared and the lessons learned. This immersion has not only strengthened our connection to Cambodia but also to the global Marist community. We look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.

Champagnat Global Week 2024
Did you know that Marist schools are present in over eighty countries around the world? This global network of Marist educational institutions is spread across all continents, emphasising the mission of educating young people, particularly the most vulnerable, in the spirit of St Marcellin Champagnat. These schools form part of a larger international Marist community, with a focus on fostering faith, community, and service across diverse cultures.

This week in the Marist world, we celebrated Champagnat Global Week 2024. As part of the celebrations, I had the occasion to be part of a Zoom meeting with other Marists around the world. This week is an international celebration of the Marist mission and values, with a focus on strengthening connections among Marist schools and communities around the world. It highlights the global network of Marist educational institutions founded by St. Marcellin Champagnat, emphasising shared values like solidarity, faith, and service. The aim of the week is to foster a sense of unity and collaboration, giving students and staff opportunities to reflect on their role in the broader Marist family.

To highlight the global presence of the Marists, Marcellin College has set up a stunning window display in the Hermitage during the holidays, showing all the countries where Marists are active. This helps students and staff understand how far-reaching the Marist network is, including where they have schools and run various Ministry outreach programs. 

Marcellin College can draw inspiration from the Champagnat Global Network by embracing its core aim of fostering a sense of unity, collaboration, and global belonging within the Marist family. Here are some ways Marcellin College could benefit:

• Global Collaboration: The network promotes the exchange of best practices, ideas, and experiences among Marist schools. By connecting with other schools across continents, Marcellin College, creates a platform for students and teachers to engage in meaningful academic and cultural exchanges.
• Innovation and Social Transformation: The Champagnat Global Network encourages innovation in education and social transformation. Participation in international academic projects, service initiatives, or technology-based collaborations that emphasise solidarity and justice, building on activities like the Cambodia Immersion trip, offer our students the opportunity to widen their perspective.
• Strengthening Marist Identity: By actively engaging in the network, the College will deepen its commitment to the values of simplicity, family spirit, and a love of work. This could be realised through shared global activities during Champagnat Global Week, enhancing the sense of belonging to the worldwide Marist family.

By embracing the spirit of Champagnat Global Week, Marcellin College strengthens its global Marist connections while empowering its community to live out the values of the Marist charism

Geralyn McCarthy
Deputy Principal Faith & Mission

Student Wellbeing

Pastoral Care 2025

Our new Pastoral structure for 2025 will be introduced at the commencement of Head Start on Monday, 25 November when our 2025 academic classes begin.

Our Leadership and Pastoral Care Teams have been working for many months to carefully structure a system to meet the distinct needs of our students through the different stages of their secondary education. The new pastoral classes will now be split across junior (Years 7 to 9) and senior (Years 10 to 12) to ensure that all students receive the guidance and care that they require to thrive in both the academic and wellbeing space.

As part of this structure, lunch and recess breaks will be aligned with the junior and senior pastoral groups and both junior and senior classes will be contained to respective areas of the College.

Your child will find out their 2025 Pastrol Group and Leader  in the coming week. We encourage parents to direct any questions regarding the new structure to their child’s Pastoral Leader.

Personal Presentation Standards

Please be aware that students are required to dress in full summer uniform for the commencement of their Head Start classes and we once again appreciate your attention to ensuring that you child adheres to the Personal Presentation Standards of the College.  This includes the requirements of wearing full College uniform (only shirt or blazer as top layer outside of the College) and to be clean shaven every day.

Once again, please direct any queries regarding uniform to your child’s Pastoral Leader.

We look forward to welcoming your child into their new 2025 Pastoral Group on Monday, 25 November.

Mr Rocky Gentile
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

Pat Cronin Foundation Workshop - Thursday, 7 November

During Extended Pastoral, the Year 9 cohort gathered in the Placidus Lecture Theatre to participate in the Be Wise presentation conducted by Martine, one of the facilitators from the Pat Cronin Foundation. The founder of the Pat Cronin foundation are the parents of a young man who was killed by a coward punch in 2016 while helping a friend who was being attacked. Pat Cronin's story highlights the worst possible outcome of social violence and the organisation serves to assist young people in recognising the consequences of impulsive decisions, particularly when acting in anger.

The theme of the presentation is Violence is Never OK: Outcomes of a Coward Punch and allowed for students to explore the importance of emotional regulation and anger management, as well as equipping them with strategies to manage in situations where violence may be escalating. 

We look forward to welcoming back the Pat Cronin Foundation in the future to continue to empower our students to make positive choices.

Ms Christina Cammarano
Student Wellbeing Program Coordinator

Learning & Teaching

Create24 – Art, Design & Technology Exhibition
Congratulations to our Art and Design Technology students and staff on another excellent Exhibition.

On Wednesday, Create24 opened with an awards presentation evening. However, those in our community who frequent Riddick Café may have already seen some of our student's work. Thank you so much to Riddick Café for displaying our student’s artwork for the past week.

It has been an absolute pleasure to see the wonderful collection of works on display not only from the VCE students, but from students in Years 7-10. The talent and creativity of our students truly shines through, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.

End-of-Year Exams
With each day, we draw closer and closer to the ‘dreaded’ exam period.

VCAA Unit 3&4 exams begin on Tuesday, 29 October, and these will be shortly followed by exams for Years 9, 10 and 11 students.

Students and families will shortly receive more information about the Year 9-11 exams, though a timetable can already be viewed on Compass. These exams run between Friday, 15 November and Thursday, 21 November.

Previously I provided some advice that I hope is useful for families in the lead up to end-of-year exams. This advice focused on student preparation and supporting your child in this, admittedly, very stressful time in their educational journey.

Stress is a natural human response and happens to everyone from time to time. A certain level of stress can be a good thing – it helps us meet our daily challenges and motivates us to reach our goals. But stress can also distract and impede our functioning.

Andrew Fuller is a clinical psychologist who works with many schools around Australia and internationally. He writes extensively about stress and how to support students in managing stress during their school life.

In the below document, Fuller offers some advice on how students can manage stress in the lead-up to testing and exams.

If your child has ever reported going into a test or exam paper and thinking, “I know that I know this but I can't remember anything”, if they have stayed awake in the middle of the night worrying about a test the next day, if they have reported butterflies in the stomach or headaches whenever they have an upcoming test, perhaps some of the ideas in this document might help.

Suzanne Farley
Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching

From our Learning Areas

Marcellin College Spring Concert and Year 12 Farewell
On Friday, 11 October, Marcellin College musicians wowed the audience at the Mercedes Hogan Theatre, OLMC, with an evening of diverse and passionate performances at the Spring Concert. From What the World Needs Now by the Senior Big Band to Pirates of the Caribbean by the Junior Concert Band, the night highlighted the range and talent of our students.

A special highlight was when composer Brian Hogg conducted the Senior Concert Band in his piece Wonder, a proud and memorable moment for all. Other standout performances included I See Fire by Music Captain Savi and the Champagnat Choir’s renditions of Titanium and Still. The concert ended with powerful combined performances of Climb Every Mountain and Come Alive, leaving the audience inspired.

On Tuesday, 15 October, we hosted a farewell breakfast for our Year 12 music students. We celebrated their contributions and thanked them for their leadership. Attendees included Principal Mr Marco Di Cesare, Deputy Principal Mr Nicholas Moloney, and music faculty. We bid farewell to Daniel Metallo, Bailey Hadaway, Sam Conlon, Jacob Amsing, and others, including Music Captain Savindu Kannangara. Best of luck to all our Year 12 students as they move forward!

Andrew Short, Head of Music

Join FOMPA: Support Our Music Program

Parents and friends, we invite you to join Friends of Music and Performing Arts (FOMPA). We are seeking help with fundraising for our ensembles to attend Generations in Jazz 2025 and The Mid-West Clinic 2026.

Please scan the QR code to learn more or click here.

2025 Education Tours
Are you ready to travel to Italy in 2025?

Marcellin College’s Educational Tour to Italy will be offered to students in Years 9 – 12 studying Italian language or Visual Communication Design.

An information evening will be held on Thursday, 31 October at 7 pm in the College’s Lecture Theatre. 
To register your attendance and learn more about this life-changing opportunity, please complete the following form.

John Di Natale, Languages Learning Leader

Blast off into Space!
In December 2025, Marcellin College will look to take 20 students aged 15 - 18 on a two-week academic NASA tour in the USA. Time will be spent at the Space Centre U in Houston (among other locations, including Orlando), where students will get to engage with interactive, project-based learning in innovation and product design, training to be an astronaut, multi-stage rocket design and much more.

To register your interest, please scan the QR code or click here, which will take you to a fully broken-down itinerary, including specific dates and costs associated with the tour. An information night will be held on Tuesday, 12 November at 7 pm in the Lecture Theatre for all those registered to gain a further in-depth understanding of what this exciting venture will in cooperate.

Duke of Edinburgh Award
Hi, I name is Brian, and I was part of the Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey Bronze Level.

The team comprised of seven boys from Years 9 to 11 and two teachers, divided into three groups of 2-3 students. We spent the day before the trip packing our hiking bags with food and supplies. After a long bus ride that allowed us to mentally prepare, we set off on our journey.

We began our hike from Castle Cove to Johanna Beach, where we encountered a snake, a koala, and wallabies. The scenic beach walk served as a nice warm-up for the days ahead. Upon arriving at the Johanna Beach GOW Campsite, we set up our tents, cooked dinner, and navigated some minor conflicts, but shared plenty of laughter. This felt like the calm before the storm.

On Day 2, Ryan and Henry led our group. Coordination was tough, causing us to start later than planned. This was the hardest day—14 km of intense heat and steep hills tested our limits, particularly for first-timers carrying heavy backpacks. Our biggest challenge was realizing we were only as strong as our weakest link, which slowed us down due to frequent stops. After about 100 "Are we there yet?" we finally reached Ryan’s Den. It was wilder than expected, plagued by leeches and mosquitoes, but the view was stunning. Group morale was low as we settled in quickly and quietly, hoping for a good night's sleep.

Day 3 brought my turn to lead alongside Matthias. Determined to improve from the previous day, we woke early and left an hour ahead of schedule. Learning from past mistakes, the group worked better together. We spotted a snake, an echidna, and various other wildlife. Despite detours, which offered breathtaking views, the most memorable was Wreck Beach, filled with artifacts from sunken ships. Climbing back was a challenge, described by Mr Cooper as “heart attack territory,” but we pushed on. By the time we arrived at Devil’s Kitchen after 15-16 km, we were delighted rather than exhausted. We settled in and shared laughs, deepening our bond as a group. It was heartwarming to see our progress, and despite an early start the next day, everyone stayed up late talking about life and our experiences.

On Day 4, Cathal, Callum, and Aiden led us from Devil’s Kitchen. I was tasked with waking Ryan and Henry, earning the nickname “Hurricane Brian.” Although we missed our planned sunrise walk, waking up early allowed us to return home sooner. Surprisingly, this day felt tougher than the last, with some feeling worn out or sick. However, group banter thrived, and we enjoyed chatting as a whole. The stunning views kept our spirits up, but the desire to go home was strong. We pushed through, eager for the promised trip to McDonald's, which fueled us further.

Finally, we reached the parking lot in Princetown, overjoyed to see the 12-person van. Big hugs and some tears marked our reunion. Before the trip, many of us barely knew each other. Seeing a real toilet and trash bins was satisfying after our adventure. We said bittersweet goodbyes to our walking sticks, changed clothes and hopped in the van.

The highlight was visiting the 12 Apostles, a beautiful sight that reminded us the true reward was the friendships we formed. Afterwards, we enjoyed McDonald's, savouring our long-awaited meal. Instead of napping, we stayed awake to enjoy each other's company on the ride home. Returning to school felt heavy, but I learned the importance of keeping one foot in front of the other and moving forward. A huge thank you to Ms Eldib, Mr Cooper, and my teammates for this unforgettable experience.

Brian, Year 10 - Marlhes House

Student Wellbeing

On Monday, eight students started a four-week Christmas cooking program. In the first session, they learned how to bake yo-yos, shortbread and stained glass cookies. Many of the baked goods seemed to disappear (i.e., eaten!) before they were packaged in cellophane ready for either gifting to charity or taking home for the family, but a lot of fun was had by all participants.

Thanks to Hilary and Ekko at the Manningham Uniting Church, where the cooking class is held.

Chris Lang and Rosemary  Chapple, College Counsellors

Staff Profile

I am thrilled to be appointed Deputy Principal Staff commencing in January 2025.

I have been a dedicated staff member for seven years and recently completed my Master of Business Administration (Executive) and hold a range of post-graduate qualifications.

Previously, I held various leadership positions at schools across Melbourne including Mathematics Achievement Leader, House Leader, Director of Campus and currently Director of Students.

I enjoy fostering a culture of improvement in the education of young men at Marcellin College. I am also a proud member of the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat.

I look forward to working with our great staff next year and beyond, understanding that our staff are vital to each young person’s success.

Phillip Kamay, Director of Students

Student Profile

Hi, my name is Sam. I am currently in Year 12 and looking forward to graduating from Marcellin College. Next year I hope to get into studying a bachelor of business at LaTrobe University. My six year journey at the College has been very exciting filled with heaps of opportunities to participate in co-curricular activities as well as spending time studying at home and having fun with my friends on weekends. I’ve had the privilege of being the 2024 Technology Captain. On Wednesday night we held the opening of our art, design and technology exhibition, Create24. I hope many of you got to see the terrific work on displays. I’ve been a member of the 1^st Basketball at the College and the 1st Football team. It’s been amazing to be a part of teams with people from various ages and building long-lasting friendships with these people.

Sam, Year 12 Lavalla House

College Events

A Christmas Carol

Tickets to the 2024 M² Theatre Company junior production, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, presented by Our Lady of Mercy College (OLMC) and Marcellin College are selling fast.

Ebenezer Scrooge's, the ultimate penny-pincher, life takes a wild turn when he's visited by the ghost of his old business partner and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Discover a tale where the cold-hearted miser faces the most unforgettable Christmas Eve of all!

With four shows only, you don’t want to miss this Christmas treat! Book your seat today.

2024 Alumni Reunion Evening

Step back in time and join us on Friday, 22 November for the 2024 Alumni Reunion Evening for the graduating classes of 1974, 1984, 1994, 2004 and 2014.

Relive memories, catch up with old mates and walk the halls of Marcellin College, Bulleen.

Welcome drink and canapes on arrival. Bar prices throughout the night. Partners are welcome to attend. Strict adults-only event.

Please share with those who attended the above years. Book your tickets today.

Community News

Second-Hand Uniform Shop

A reminder the Second-Hand Uniform Shop, located behind Marist House, is open the first Friday of every month. The shop will be open from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm on Friday, 1 November. This will be the last day of trading before the annual end-of-year sale on Tuesday, 10 December

Volunteering in 2025

Are you considering volunteering in 2025? There are many opportunities for you to get involved including:

• Canteen Volunteers
• Sports Officials
• Uniform Shop Attendants
• Parents & Friends Group
• Business & Community Network
• Rugby Support Group
• Friends of Music & Performing Arts
• General Volunteer

To apply for any of the above opportunities, please click here.

Marcellin College is turning 75!

In 2025, Marcellin College will celebrate its 75th anniversary. We have a number of activities planned, including a special evening for our community. More details will be announced early next year.

We are looking for stories, photos and any mementos to help bring this milestone celebration to life. Please email community@marcellin.vic.edu.au with any items you wish to donate or stories you wish to share in Marcellin Life and more.

Careers News

VTAC reminders for Year 12

Year 12 students are reminded that course preferences can be changed until Saturday, 14 December. Preferences should be listed in order of what you most want to do. We strongly encourage all students to have several backup options in their preference list. Support will be available during the Change of Preference dates. Students are still able to meet with us during this term to discuss preferences and pathway options.

Pathway tools: Students may find the following resources helpful to populate their preference list:

• Course Search: 
• Free TAFE for Victorians: 
• RMIT Pathways tool: 
• Swinburne Pathways tool: 
• La Trobe Pathway Finder: 
• Deakin Pathways Finder: 
• Monash University Entry pathways:
• Victoria University entry pathways: 
• ACU pathways: 

As always, appointments for further support are available, click here to book a one-on-one meeting with either Mr Kelly or Ms Ingram.

Kevin Kelly and Lara Ingram, Careers and Further Education

Sport Report

Summer Sport commencing this week

This Saturday will see many of our students hit the field for the first round of AGSV Summer Sport. They are certainly eager to showcase their talent, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Whether it's cricket, tennis, basketball, squash or volleyball, the spirit of competition at Marcellin College is always high. There's a special energy in the air, with students aiming to bring pride to their school and show the strength of the Marcellin sport program.

For many, this round marks the beginning of their journey in 1st level sport, while others look to build on past success. Regardless of experience, every player is united by the common goal of giving their all.

As the games begin, we wish all Marcellin College students the best of luck. May they play with passion, respect, and integrity, representing the values that define this great school.

2025 Sport Captain – Congratulations Charlie Cleary

Charlie, a proud member of Faulkner House and a student under the pastoral care of Ms Cammarano, has grown from his early days at St Martin of Tours into an excellent senior student at Marcellin College. His sporting journey has always been exciting, despite the challenges of starting Year 7 in lockdown during the Covid pandemic.

Charlie first donned the Marcellin colours in Year 8 for basketball and has since played both football and basketball for the College each year. He recently expanded his athletic repertoire by joining the athletics squad, which he highly recommends to other students. His debut for the 1st XVIII Football team came in 2024, marking a significant milestone in his sporting career. One of his proudest moments was securing the Bulleen Cup in a nail-biting 2-point victory over Trinity Grammar in round three.

Balancing academics and sport is no easy feat, but Charlie manages his 3½-hour weekly football training alongside basketball and pre-season fitness with ease. His secret? Staying productive in class and completing assignments promptly to avoid late-night study sessions. In addition to his sporting pursuits, Charlie is accelerating in Physical Education 3&4, showcasing his commitment to academic excellence.

As Sport Captain, Charlie looks forward to fostering a sense of unity and school spirit. His goal is for students to support or participate in as many sports as possible, emphasising the importance of camaraderie and shared experiences. Reflecting on his journey, his advice to younger students is simple: try out different sports to find the team you enjoy the most in your senior years.

Off the Marcellin sporting field, Charlie competes at the Division 1 Youth level for Beverly Hills Junior Football Club, further honing his skills. With a clear vision for the year ahead, Charlie is determined to uphold Marcellin’s sporting traditions while encouraging widespread participation. We wish Charlie well.

Ben Reynolds, Head of Sport