The Eagle 19 May 2023
Principal's Report
Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,
As we approach the midpoint of the term, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some recent celebrations and events that we have shared as a community.
Success of Rock of Ages Musical
I am delighted to announce the resounding success of the senior production of Rock of Ages. Each night was a sell-out as the cast and crew delivered a passionate performance. I enjoyed hearing the reviews from both Marcellin College families and Our Lady of Mercy (OLMC) families. Our heartfelt congratulations to all the students involved and our gratitude to the dedicated staff who supported them in bringing this amazing show to life.
A Friday Filled with 1sts and Great Atmosphere
Last Friday witnessed an impressive number of games, as our Soccer, Football and Rugby 1st teams showcased their skill and determination. We hosted the Soccer and Rugby with our Football team across the path at the Trinity Fields. The atmosphere was electric as parents, students, and staff gathered to cheer on our teams. It was testament to the spirit of our school community. It was an even better night as we won each game!
Faith & Mission
Year 11 Reflection Day
On Wednesday, our Year 11 students participated in a Reflection Day. Held off site at the Amberley Retreat Centre, the day was facilitated by Jonathan Doyle. Jonathan is a global Catholic speaker, author and broadcaster. He has spoken to more than 400,000 people on topics related to Catholic education around the world.
At our Reflection Day, Jonathan encouraged students to see that are created to live life fully. He helped them to see that there are so many forces in modern life that can hold them back but that that is not their destiny.
Over the course of the day, students explored three core questions that can help them to think deeply about their life in terms of “Who are you?,“Where are you going? and “Who do you want to take on that journey?” In students’ reflections on the day, it was evident that the Reflection day was a life-giving and hope-filled experience for them:
“The concept that God put us on earth and specifically created me the way I am, impacted me. It makes me feel that I now have to put 100% into everything I do.”
“I am going to surround myself with people who will help me grow into a better person.”
“Something I don’t want to do is to get old and become regretful because I didn’t fully live my life to the fullest and fulfil my dreams.”
“I feel I need to spend all of my time in life wisely and not to waste any, as it is a gift from God every day to live and be given an opportunity to see another day.”
“One major idea that impacted me from the session was that of the ‘Mona Lisa’ painting. Our inherent value comes from the scarcity of us being the only true version of us.”
“The human person is a blank slate for endless possibilities. I think I have value in my skills and talents.”
“I feel as if God is someone watching over me and the difficult moves and choices that I make, just making sure everything I do is ok."
Game Changers
The Game Changers program is a comprehensive Catholic ministry program for students in Marist schools from Years 7-12. The program forms students to become faith-filled leaders and agents of change in our school community. There are three tracks each related to the concept of following a journey. The tracks are grounded in the stories of Jesus, Mary and St Marcellin: ‘La Rosey’ for Year 7 and 8 students begins to form their identity and sense of community, ‘La Valla’ for Year 9 and 10 discerns the concepts of Christian leadership and service and ‘Hermitage’ for Year 11 and 12 works with concepts of solidarity and vocation. Regional Retreat Days are facilitated by Marist Youth Ministry giving our students an opportunity to spend time with students from other Marist schools from across Victoria that also participate in this program.
During the month of May, both the Year 10 and Year 12 students participated in the respective La Valla and Hermitage workshops here at Marcellin College. The Year 10 ‘La Valla’ track on 5 May had a strong focus on values and the students’ continued development as young Marists. The Year 12 ‘Hermitage’ track on 12 May concentrated on going forward into the world and living out the values developed during their time in secondary school. It was an emotional time for many of our Year 12 students who had come to an end of the program after being part of the program for many years. Both the Year 10 and Year 12 students warmly welcomed our visitors to Marcellin College and assisted with a guided tour.
There are three more retreat days scheduled this year and our Game Changers students are looking forward to participating in these days.
Geralyn McCarthy
Deputy Principal Faith & Mission
Game Changes
Student Wellbeing
Champagnat Day
As well as celebrating our Marist charism and culture, Champagnat Day is a chance for us to come together as a community to celebrate and stand in solidarity with those most in need. It is a giving event that commemorates St Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers and celebrates those who live out the Marist mission. This year, we will do this through a number of activities to be held next Wednesday,24 May. These include a liturgy, assembly and a range of activities for the students to partake in on the day. In 2023, we will also introduce a Walkathon on our sporting fields. This activity has been designed to provide our community with an opportunity to come together to support Australian Marist Solidarity, a Marist charitable organisation that supports poor and vulnerable people across Australia and the world. We encourage you to speak to your son about the activities he will be doing in Pastoral to learn about this social justice community action. You can also donate to our campaign here.
Care for our students
As we move further into the year, we know that students can begin to struggle managing their co-curricular and academic commitments. This second half of semester one is often associated with an increase in assessment tasks, especially at VCE level. We remind you therefore that our Pastoral and House Leaders, as well as our Counsellors can support students across a range of issues including mental health, organisation, goal setting, study skills and many more. We encourage you to get in touch with these key staff members if you feel that your son may require some support in these areas.
Rocky Gentile
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing
Learning & Teaching
It’s always amazing to me how quickly the year flies! We are only a few short weeks from the conclusion of semester one studies and this means that we will soon be turning our attention to mid-year examinations and planning for 2024.
Please look out for more information about the subject and program selection process for 2024. Parent information nights for current Year 9, 10 and 11 students will be held during the last two weeks of term. More information will made available via Compass and our next newsletter.
Semester 1 Examinations
Our semester 1 examination period will begin on Tuesday, 6 June.
This year, all Unit 1 subjects (Year 11 subjects) will have a semester exam. Students in Years 9 and 10 will also have exams, in English, Mathematics and Science. Their exams will run on Wednesday 7, Thursday 8, and Friday 9, June.
Details of the exam timetable and arrangements for all year levels can be found on Compass.
An exam is a very specific form of assessment, and practice is an important part of developing the skills and confidence to excel in this context.
Students will be provided study guides from their teachers but, some general exam preparation tips are provided here. It is important for students to start exam preparation early, to give themselves the best chance of retaining the information they need.
In their final year, at Unit 3 & 4 level, exams play an important part in determining a student’s final scores. In many subjects, the exam constitutes 50% towards the final result. As such, exam results can be an indicator of a student’s suitability for acceleration studies or undertaking some VCE studies. Exam results will be used by the College, to help counsel students on subject and program pathways.
The exam period will conclude with the General Achievement Test (GAT) on Thursday, 15 June.
GAT (General Achievement Test)
All students undertaking a Unit 3 & 4 sequence are required to complete the GAT, including students who are unscored or studying for a Vocational Major (VCE VM) certificate.
The GAT is a test of general knowledge and skills but, it plays an important role in the quality assurance of VCE assessments. It is utilised by the Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA) as part of the final check on external assessment scores, and in some studies, for statistical moderation. In both of these cases, it can influence student’s VCE scores.
Perhaps most importantly, the GAT is used to calculate a derived examination score (DES). Students may need to apply for a DES if they are unable to complete a written examination in one or more subjects.
In addition, since 2022 the GAT provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate they meet the Victorian Literacy and Numeracy Standards expected at a senior secondary level.
More information on the GAT will be provided in coming weeks.
Suzanne Farley
Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching
Learning Area Reports & News
Nadia Bonvicino, Learning Leader Mathematics
Languages Trivia Night
On behalf of John Di Natale and the Language department, a Trivia Night is planned to support the students attending the upcoming Italy Immersion Tour later this year. If you are able to contribute items for the silent auction or attend the evening which is going to be a fun night out - please click the flyer below for bookings and additional information.
Community News
Mother’s Day Breakfast
It was another successful event with our annual Mother’s Day Breakfasts held on Thursday, 11 May and Friday, 12 May being sell outs.
It was terrific to see so many new families attend as well as many of our Year 12 mums. As always, the video messages from your sons were a highlight. You can watch them here.
Congratulations to our raffles winners and thank you to our sponsors - Thalassea Gifts, Fernwood Fitness and Snap Fitness Gyms, Godfreys, Piccoli Portraits and Bulleen Art and Garden.
The winners were:
- Ferwood 6 month membership - Cate Waddell
- Piccoli Portrait Package - Atlanta Zwar
- Wertheim Evolution Max Stick Vacuum Cleaner - Claire Burke
- Thalassea Gifts - handbag and two sets of earrings - Kelly Gorman
- Snap Fitness - Mother and Son 3 month membership - Pezz
- Pamper Pack - Penny Ison
- Plant - Bulleen Gardens - Peta Stefanetti
You can download photos from the day here. Thursday, 11 May & Friday, 12 May
Year 7 2025 Enrolments
We are now accepting enrolments for Year 7 2025. Enrolments will close on 18 August this year. Please note that siblings will need to complete an application for enrolment to avoid missing out on a place. To submit an application, you can do so via our online portal.
Online Volunteer Information / Induction Evening
Join us for an online Volunteer Information / Induction Evening on Thursday, 25 May at 7pm for those wishing to volunteer in 2023 and beyond. There are many wonderful opportunities offered at Marcellin College for parents and carers participation and we would like to welcome you to join our enthusiastic cohort of volunteers.
The session is for those that could not make the volunteer evenings last term.
No sign up required. Simply access the following link .
Not sure about volunteering? Hear from some of our amazing volunteers about the benefits of getting involved - Click here.
Friends of Football Brunch
The College is excited to announce the resumption of the annual Friends of Football event.
In 2023 this will be celebrated with brunch prior to the match between the Marcellin College First XVIII and Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School First XVIII at 9:30am on Saturday, 3 June.
This is a great opportunity for families including grandparents, aunts and uncles to come along and get involved and for families of our younger players to come along and see how big they get in Year 12. Parents of boys playing other winter sports are also most welcome.
We will be entertained by a panel of AFL stars and will also meet the two Captains of both Marcellin and PEGS.
Brunch will be served and at half time we invite you back into the room for a lunch-time pie and sausage roll.
Book your seat here.
Year 7 2024 Family Trivia Night
More than 150 families attended our second annual Family Trivia Night for our newest members of the Marcellin College community. The evening was emceed by our College Captains and Director of Students, Mr Phil Kamay, who showed off his trivia master skills!
It was a fun night with a pizza dinner in between rounds. Congratulations to our winners!
The evening was also an opportunity for students and families to connect as they commence their journey with Marcellin College.
Staff Profile
Hello, my name is Colette Salerno and I have been a member of the Marcellin College community for just over a year. My role is the Professional Learning Leader and I also teach English Language and Humanities. What I love most about the College is the authentic and caring relationships between staff and students and its strong sense of community. I also really love the canteen!
When I’m not at the College, I enjoy spending time with Tilly, my spoodle, and taking road trips down the coast. I also enjoy travelling back to my home state of South Australia to see friends and family.
Colette Salerno
Professional Learning Leader
Student Profile
Hi, my name is Nathan and I’m in Year 12. What I love most about Marcellin College is the variety of opportunities it provides. This ranges from the sporting department to the music and performing arts program. Though beyond these activities, there is an extremely supportive network of staff who provide resources and assistance whenever required. This culture of presence at the College allows for each teacher to be a strong motivation and a significant part of every student’s journey at Marcellin College. This sense of presence is not only displayed in the classroom with assigned work, but even out in the yard. Any teacher will stop and have a chat with you and your peers to build on the Marist characteristic of family spirit.
When I’m not studying, I enjoy playing basketball with mates while also practicing the piano and saxophone as I have a strong interest in music. I also have an interest in theatre, from visiting musicals to performing in school productions. Anything musical-related, I’m in! In the future, I hope to pursue a career that is centred around biology while also not losing my passion for music which I plan to continue on the side.
Nathan
Year 12 - Redden House
Careers & Pathways News
Career Expo: You don’t know what you don’t know
The Careers Team is hosting an expo on the 13 June from 3:30pm-6.00pm. This flagship event features over 25 exhibitors from universities, Registered Training Organisation (RTOs), and industry to assist students in finding out what options and opportunities are available post-school. This is separate from the subject selection night and focuses specifically on pathways and transitions from high school.
We strongly advise all students in Year 10, 11 and 12 to attend. Parents are welcome.
Lunchtime events: Find your future series
During Term 2, the Careers Team is hosting a series of lunchtime events in the Placidus Lecture Theatre (PLT) aimed to provide students with information about post-school options. So far, we have welcomed Deakin University X Deakin College, MedEntry, and Study and Play in USA. On 30 and 31 May we welcome La Trobe University for discussions on early entry, pathways, and the elite athlete program. We strongly encourage all Year 11 and 12 students to attend.
Get involved:
The Careers Team is currently organising work experience for Year 10 students and an industry immersion day. If you would like to host a work experience student or speak to a group of Year 10s about your career, please email Lara.Ingram@marcellin.vic.edu.au.
For the most up-to-date information visit Marcellin College Careers page, or book a careers appointment with Lara Ingram or Andrew Belli
Lara Ingram & Andrew Belli, Career Counsellors
Sport Report
Marcellin College High Performance Program – A Student's Perspective
I can highly recommend our College’s High Performance Program.
Since being selected for involvement, I have been able to escalate my physical fitness through participation in Marcellin College’s High-Performance Program this year. It is demanding and professionally run. The program is delivered by Vida Fitness on site at the College two mornings each week. The highly skilled trainers are focussed on providing individual and group fitness targets for our group of twenty or so boys.
I enjoy participating as a dedicated athlete to improving my fitness for a range of sports teams representation at Marcellin College. The Vida trainers explain the exercise thoroughly and demonstrate how to do it, which is beneficial for everyone in the long term. We learn how to do exercises properly without injuring ourselves and gain the best outcome for our fitness goals. If we choose to continue gym training independently, we will know what the gym equipment looks like and how to use it safely. I also found it complimented by VCE Physical Education Unit 1 & 2 studies.
The sessions start at 7am on a Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and although it’s early, I enjoy my time being there and improving my fitness. I feel privileged to be selected as someone who ‘strives for the highest’ in my sporting field of AFL. Being a part of the group directly improves my performance in my sport. The program has improved my strength, agility and speed. I can say it’s really made a difference in my game; my confidence and I am thankful to the College for building this program in partnership with Vida. I encourage everyone to apply for this opportunity and participate fully in Marcellin’s winter or summer sports teams.
Charlie, Year 10 Faulkner House
Dino Faelis, Assistant Head of Sport
Congratuations to our 1st Captains
