The Eagle 29 November 2024

Principal's Report

Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,

As we enter the Season of Advent, we are invited to reflect deeply on its essence: a time of preparation, anticipation and hope. Advent reminds us to pause amid the busyness of life, to seek the quiet spaces where we can nurture our hearts and prepare for the joy of Christ’s coming. It is a call to align ourselves with the spirit of giving, compassion and love - qualities that resonate deeply within the fabric of our Marist community.

This last newsletter has made me reflect on the year and acknowledge the progress and achievements we have made as a community. Next week we will celebrate our Night of Excellence for those students (and their parents) receiving awards for their work during the year. This is also a good to reflect on the framework of our Continuous School Improvement Plan 2024-2027 (CSIP). Together, we have made significant strides across its key areas, each contributing to the vibrancy and excellence of our College. You can read more about it further below.

This week, we commenced Head Start and it has been a pleasure to witness our students adapting seamlessly to the new timetable and break schedules. Their adaptability and enthusiasm lay the foundation for an excellent 2025.

As we close the year, we are grateful for the many blessings we have shared as a community. Advent calls us to ready our hearts for the season of love, joy, and peace. Let us carry this spirit into our homes and families, cherishing the connections that make our College so special.

On behalf of all staff, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy and Holy Christmas and may New Year be prosperous. May this season bring you peace, hope, and joy as we look forward to a bright and promising 2025.

God bless,

Marco Di Cesare
Principal

Loving God,

As we near the end of 2024, we give thanks for the many blessings you have bestowed upon our Marcellin College community—the growth, challenges, and moments of joy that have shaped us this year.

As we enter this sacred season of Advent, may we find peace in the waiting, trusting that you are at work in ways we cannot yet see. Help us to carry the light of Christ into our lives and the world, bringing hope, love, and renewal to all we encounter.

May this Christmas season be a time of deep gratitude and joyful anticipation, as we welcome the birth of your Son and embrace the promise of new beginnings.

Amen.

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

Deputy Principal Strategy

2024 – Grow, Learn, Lead:
Becoming who are you meant to be

This year, we proudly launched our 2024–2027 Continuous School Improvement Plan (CSIP), a bold and forward-thinking roadmap designed to elevate every facet of Marcellin College. With a commitment to being courageously aspirational, we have set ambitious goals that challenge us to grow, learn and lead. Throughout the year, our staff, students and community have worked tirelessly to begin translating these aspirations into tangible actions and meaningful progress.

The CSIP serves as a reminder of the College's vision and dedication to excellence as we strive to shape a thriving, inclusive and dynamic learning environment over the next four years. It reflects our unwavering focus on enhancing academic success, nurturing personal growth and fostering a deep sense of community. This ambitious plan charts a course for continued improvement, ensuring that Marcellin remains a leader in education and a place where every student is empowered to become who they are meant to be.

Living our Catholic Marist Spirituality
With an audacious heart, we seek to celebrate and nurture our Catholic and Marist identity and history as we explore our spirituality through service, prayer and community

Inspiring our Learners
In cultivating life-long learners we seek to enhance our culture of excellence, inspiring our young people to strive for the highest

Empowering our Students
We seek to develop young people who are confident, resilient and equipped with the knowledge and skills required to face the future with hope

Strengthening our Professional Expertise
Recognising the expertise of our staff, we seek to continue enhancing their growth as professionals, working together for the advancement of our community

Securing our Future
We seek to develop an environment of strong stewardship of our resources through innovation, operational excellence and connection with our local and global community.

Throughout 2024 we met many of the targets we had set and identified opportunities for further growth and improvement. We have been impressed with the resilience, dedication and passion shown by all members of our community as we have continued to focus on our theme of ‘grow, learn, lead: becoming who you are meant to be’. Through the formation of working groups such as the Sustainability Committee, to the development of greater opportunities for parent and student feedback, and the outstanding progress in our masterplan works, we are proud of all that we have achieved. 2025 promises to be another exceptional year in our journey of continual review and enhancement.

Melissa Mackellin
Deputy Principal Strategy

Faith & Mission

Thank You to our Priests

As we near the conclusion of the academic year and the joyful season of Christmas, I w to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the priests from our local parishes and religious congregations, including the Passionists and the Missionary Society of St. Paul. Your unwavering support and commitment have been integral to the life of our College throughout the year.

Our priests play a pivotal role in nurturing the spiritual dimension of our school community. From celebrating College Masses and House liturgies to offering guidance and presence at key moments in our students' journeys, their contributions enrich the faith and Catholic identity of our College.

The partnership between Marcellin College and our local parishes lies at the heart of our Catholic identity, fostering a strong, connected faith community. This ecclesial connection strengthens our mission to provide a Catholic education that integrates faith, learning, and life. Together, we work to create a supportive, faith-filled environment for our students, inspiring them to grow spiritually and academically.

To all our priests, thank you for your dedication, generosity, and partnership in this vital mission. Your presence and ministry continue to be a source of inspiration and blessing for our College community.

Christmas Hamper Appeal

As in past years, this year Marcellin College will be donating Christmas hampers to the St Mary’s House of Welcome. St Mary’s House of Welcome provides basic essential services to people who are homeless and experiencing poverty, severe and persistent mental health issues, and those who are extremely isolated and socially marginalised.

The cost-of-living increases are pushing many individuals further into poverty this year. Can you help make a difference to these people?

We are seeking donations of non-perishable food items, new socks, beanies, scarves and toiletries which will be made up into Christmas hampers and donated to St Mary’s prior to Christmas.

Students and staff are invited to put their donations into baskets that will be collected during Pastoral classes and at visitor’s reception in Marist House. Families are also encouraged to donate items to this worthy appeal. No item is too small and is welcomed.

We especially thank our Game Changer students who have coordinated this Christmas Hamper appeal.

Spread joy this Christmas by giving a gift to our Marcellin College Christmas Hamper appeal.

Jubilee Year 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope

Next year, the Catholic Church will celebrate the Jubilee Year 2025, a global event marked every 25 years to renew faith and inspire unity. Pope Francis has chosen the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” for this Jubilee, calling all Catholics to embark on a spiritual journey grounded in renewal, forgiveness, and commitment to a hopeful future. This theme reflects the Church’s role in addressing contemporary challenges such as war, inequality, climate change, and post-pandemic healing​

This theme resonates deeply with our 2025 Marist theme: “Pilgrims of Hope, Look Beyond.”  St Marcellin Champagnat’s charism of bringing hope through education, compassion and a Christ-centred life, strives to bring hope to young people and communities, through the invitation to live out our Marist HEART values—Humility, Excellence, Acceptance, Resilience, and Trust—as tangible expressions of hope and faith.

As a Marist College community, we are called to embody this hope, journeying in faith and service to make Jesus known and loved.

Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord – Celebrating Advent

On Sunday we enter into the season of Advent, a time during which we wait in joyful hope for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Advent is a season of profound hope, inviting us to trust in God's ongoing work of renewal even when it remains unseen. This hope is not mere optimism but a deep faith that, even in darkness, God is bringing forth new possibilities. As we journey toward Christmas, Advent encourages us to carry this hope into our daily lives, reminding us that new beginnings are always unfolding, and God's promise of light continues to guide us forward.

May this Advent and Christmas season bring healing and hope to our world as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the coming of Christ. I wish you and your families a happy and holy Christmas as we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child.

Geralyn McCarthy
Deputy Principal Faith & Mission

Learning & Teaching

How quickly the year has gone! I hope it has been a year filled with meaningful learning, growth, and achievements that have inspired our students and enriched our school community.

Although the academic year is nearly over, these last few weeks have been far from dull and there is still a few significant things to come.

Head Start
Over the past two weeks, our Head Start program has provided students with an opportunity to preview key content and expectations for the year ahead. It has been encouraging to see so many students embracing this initiative with enthusiasm and focus. We encourage all boys to consolidate their learning by reviewing materials from the program and completing any assigned tasks over the break. This preparation will ensure a strong start to 2025, setting them up for success in their studies and co-curricular commitments.

Semester 2 Reports and Final Assessments
Semester 2 reports will be published on Compass at 4pm on Friday, 13 December.

These reports continue the new format introduced at the end of Semester 1. Alongside the usual information on learning behaviours, unit outcomes and Victorian Curriculum progression points, the updated format provides a more comprehensive summary of student results through the semester of work, including an overall result shown against the subject average.

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

Night of Excellence
Looking ahead, I am excited to celebrate the outstanding efforts and achievements of our students at our Night of Excellence.

This significant college event is being held on Wednesday, 4 December. By now student recipients and their families should have received their invitations. Please make sure to RSVP.

We look forward to sharing this occasion with our school community and celebrating the dedication, hard work and spirit of excellence that define our students.

And on that note, as the year draws to a close, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all students on the year that has been. As they reflect on the past academic year, I encourage all to take pride in their accomplishments, celebrate their unique talents and embrace the lessons that have been learned.

Wishing everyone a well-deserved break filled with joy, relaxation and moments of reflection.

Suzanne Farley
Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching

Student Wellbeing

Celebrating a Year of Success and Growth at Marcellin College

As the year draws to a close, it is with immense pride that we reflect on the achievements, growth, and sense of community that have defined 2024 at Marcellin College.

Every student has had the opportunity to engage in leadership and personal development activities, fostering resilience, confidence and collaboration. From student-led initiatives to community engagement projects, it has been inspiring to see our young men rise to the challenges, demonstrating the values of humility, excellence, acceptance, resilience and trust that lie at the heart of our Marist identity.

This year, we have been privileged to forge wonderful relationships with external organisations such as The Man Cave, Tomorrow Man and Elephant Education. Their expertise and passion have enriched our programs, offering students unique opportunities to explore identity, relationships, and mental well-being. We are excited to continue these partnerships in the coming year, working together to develop young men with a Marist Heart — compassionate, courageous, and ready to make a difference in the world.

A significant milestone this year was the successful transition to our new Pastoral Care System, where each student now belongs to a dedicated junior or senior pastoral group. This structure has already begun to enhance the sense of belonging, ensuring that every student feels known, supported, and loved. As we move forward, we are confident that this system will continue to strengthen the relationships and sense of care within our community.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our students, staff, families and broader community for their support and contributions throughout the year. May your holiday season be filled with joy, rest and the company of loved ones.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2025, ready to build on the successes of this year and continue to strive for excellence in all we do.

Wishing you a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

Rocky Gentile
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

2025 Wellbeing Program

The Pastoral Care team has worked diligently to secure a variety of innovative and engaging wellbeing experiences for our students for 2025.

Each workshop has been designed with a focus on respectful relationships, mental health, safe socialising, positive coping, stress management, respect for diversity and responsible citizenship. 

These activities and workshops are provided to students at appropriate stages in their development into young men and are intended to support optimal personal growth, and to encourage positive wellbeing practices as they continue to strive for the highest.

We look forward to welcoming the following external organisations to Marcellin College next year:

•  Head Space
•  R U OK?
•  Elephant Ed
•  Pat Cronin Foundation 
•  Metro Transport
•  Victoria Police

We are also fortunate to have Tomorrow Man and Man Cave return to the college to continue to work with our students and college community on building a positive wellbeing culture.

Christina Cammarano
Student Wellbeing Program Coordinator 

From our Learning Areas

Music

As our 2024 school year draws to a close, I want to acknowledge the great work, and outstanding achievements of both our music staff team, and students.

Each year our musicians contribute to the many liturgical events on our school calendar including Induction Mass, Easter Liturgy, ANZAC assembly, Feast of Assumption, Champagnat Day, Marist Schools Australia (MSA) Mass, Valedictory, and our fortnightly House Mass'. Add to that Open Day, Jazz night, Generations in Jazz, Music Camp, competing at the Victorian Schools Music Festival, and our annual Spring Concert. Our students work tirelessly and, led by our 2024 Music Captain Savindu Kannangara, have played a significant role in the evolution of our music culture. In 2025 we look forward to representing and celebrating the rich heritage of music at Marcellin over the past 75 years. We’re excited to return to Generations in Jazz in May, supporting the annual senior production ‘The Adams Family’, and presenting a 75th Anniversary ‘Generations in Music at Marcellin’ concert were we look forward to inviting back many of the past music students to join with our current band.

To each of our students, and staff team, have a Merryn Christmas and blessed new year.

Andrew Short
Head of Music

From the Library

The Placidus Resource Centre and Placidus the Penguin are getting into the festive spirit and using this time to look back on a great year.

The physical library might be closed over the holiday break but students are welcome to borrow books to get them through the holidays. We can renew any books that are still being read, too. The holidays can also be a good time to do a bit of a room tidy and find any stray books that may be hiding in cupboards or under the bed.

Ebooks and audiobooks are available 24/7 – just go through the Placidus Resource Centre page from Compassand click of the link here. Clickview and Newsbank links are there too – students can access movies, documentaries and newspapers for free so there’s plenty to keep everyone happy!

And if that’s not enough, be sure to check out your local council Libraries – most have Christmas and Summer holiday activities planned.

Boroondara - https://www.boroondara.vic.gov.au/services/libraries

Darebin - https://libraries.darebin.vic.gov.au/Home

Whitehorse Manningham - https://www.wml.vic.gov.au/Home

Yarra Plenty - https://www.yprl.vic.gov.au/

Have a great Christmas break from the whole PRC team

Staff Profile

Hi, my name is Nick Moloney and I am the Deputy Principal Staff. I have taught at Marcellin College for 31 years in the areas of Maths, Science and Religion. I am also an Old Collegian finishing in 1989, so 37 years of my life have been at Marcellin College! I often get asked why I have remained at the College for so many years. There are multiple reasons but the two most important to me are the Marist Charism and secondly the community.

St Marcellin had educating young people at the forefront of his mind and he was revolutionary in how he went about forming his Brothers. Today we still live by these values and characteristics. For me, In the Way of Mary resonates most strongly.

In my 31 years teaching I have built many friendships. Last week I attended the reunions for 2004 & 2014 and to have so many old collegians come and say hello and want to genuinely know about me and Marcellin College is a testament to the community we strive to build.

In 2025, I am looking forward to a new challenge as Deputy Principal of Whitefriars College. I am leaving Marcellin with some sadness and nervousness, however, knowing Marcellin will continue to thrive and grow.

Student Profile

Hi, my name is Finn and as of this week I am now in Year 8. What I love most about Marcellin College is hanging out with my friends, playing sport as well as partaking in the various academic opportunities offered – subjects like Chinese, Science and Digital Technology. When I’m not studying, I enjoy participating in cricket, for both club and school; playing golf, and playing basketball with my brothers. In the future I hope to use my skills for maths and science and undertake a career in engineering or science. This year, I have been supported by my teachers, who have pushed me to achieve my highest and have guided me to my achievements this year. Overall, I’m happy with my experiences at Marcellin College so far. It’s a place where I can grow academically, develop my sporting talents and make new friends. I’m excited for what’s to come as I continue my journey here and work toward my goals.

Finn, Year 8 2025
Faulkner 1

College Events

Mix & Mngle – Building Connections, One Sip at a Time

Start the year with fresh connections and insider tips! Join us for Mix & Mingle, a relaxed and vibrant evening where you can:

• Meet other parents from across the school
• Develop new relationships and build your network
• Get the inside scoop on how things work at school

Date: Saturday, 22 March 2025
Time: 7:30pm - late
Venue: Functions Room

Whether you’re a new parent eager to settle in or a returning parent looking to expand your circle, this is your chance to toast to new beginnings and set the tone for a great year ahead. Mix signature cocktails, mingle with fantastic people, and discover your place in our wonderful school community!

Book today by clicking here.

2024 Alumni Reunion Evening Wrap Up

Last Friday, the College came alive with nostalgia as we hosted the 2024 Alumni Reunion Evening. Graduates from the classes of 1974, 1984, 1994, 2004 and 2014 gathered to celebrate their shared history and the bonds that remain long after their school days.

The evening began with tours of the College, led by Principal Marco Di Cesare and Deputy Principal Nick Moloney. Alumni walked through familiar halls, revisiting classrooms and landmarks that held cherished memories. Many were thrilled to see how the College has grown over the years.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and made the event so special. As we look ahead to 2025, we eagerly anticipate welcoming graduates from the classes of 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005, and 2015. Don’t miss your chance to join the celebration!

Is your reunion approaching? Don’t miss out on your invitation! Update your contact information by visiting https://www.marcellin.vic.edu.au/community/alumni-archives.

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Community News

Key College Dates 2025

2025 Term Dates are now accessible and can be viewed by downloading the PDF below. Also, please note key College events and dates for Term 1. A reminder that dates may change throughout the year and to check Compass on a regular basis for any changes.

Marcellin Old Collegian Football Club: Under 19s Opportunity

Students in Year 11 and 12 in 2025, as well as those recently graduated, are eligible to play for the Marcellin Old Collegian Football (MOCFC) Under 19s team. 

The MOCFC have offered free registration for next year! This means playing kit, training kit, apparel and insurance fees will all be covered by the club. 

The Old Collegian Football Club has a long and valued history here at Marcellin. It is a wonderful extension of our Marist family and a great way to remain connected to friends and the school.

We would strongly recommend students and families consider this amazing opportunity for 2025. More information can be found on their website - Marcellin Old Collegians Football Club - Home of the Eagles.

Join Our Vibrant Community

Check out our dynamic new staff recruitment video, showcasing why Marcellin College is a leader in boys' education. Discover the energy of our vibrant community and take the first step toward a fulfilling career with us. Watch, like, and join us today!

Second-Hand Uniform Shop

A reminder the Second-Hand Uniform Shop, located behind Marist House, is open the first Friday of every month. The annual end-of-year sale will be on Tuesday, 10 December. Stock up for 2025!

St Bede’s Primary School Community Market

Friday, 29 November 5 – 9 pm. See flyer below for more details.

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

The VCAA have confirmed that with regards to the errors that impacted the 2024 VCE examinations, the release date for results is still Thursday 12 December - as originally planned. Please note if anything changes, we will let you know via Compass.

Year 12 – Results and ATAR service

VCE study scores, ATAR and VTAC Scaled Study Scores will be available to students via the Results and ATAR website and the Results and ATAR app on Thursday, 12 December 2024 at 7am.

Students will receive a statement of VCE study scores from the VCAA, and those who applied for courses through VTAC this year and have paid their VTAC processing fees, will be sent an ATAR statement in the mail.

Students who wish to receive their results online, will need to register at Results and ATAR before results are released.

Registrations are already open, and students are encouraged to register soon.

Note: To register, students need their VCAA student number and will be requested to choose a secure password on registering.

Change of Preference

Institutions will be facilitating change of preference events at this time, and students are encouraged to attend these events. Details for each of these events is at: Change of Preference Events

Marcellin College career staff will also be available after results come out. Students will have a window of opportunity to change their preferences at this time. Staff will be available Thursday, 12 through to Saturday, 14December.

Should you be concerned that you may not get a university offer based on your results, you can email:

Kevin.kelly@marcellin.vic.edu.au or lara.ingram@marcellin.vic.edu.au

Alternatively, make an appointment during this time with Kevin Kelly or Lara Ingram.

Sport Report

2024 Marist Cricket Carnival

Best of luck to our 1st XI cricket squad and their coach, Mr John Diano, as they travel to Saint Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill, to participate in the annual Marist Cricket Carnival. This year’s carnival holds special significance as it celebrates 50 years of competition, making it a milestone event in the Marist sporting calendar.

The carnival remains a cornerstone of Marist cricket, offering an exceptional opportunity for students to represent their schools while embracing the values and spirit of the Marist community.

The event’s guiding principles, established decades ago, highlight its profound purpose. The carnival aims to unite students across Marist schools, encouraging them to look beyond their local perspectives to connect with others who share similar ideals, traditions, and values. It fosters camaraderie among players, staff and families while strengthening the bonds of the broader Marist family.

On and off the field, the carnival provides a platform to forge friendships, celebrate sportsmanship and embody the Marist spirit of humility, support and teamwork. It is an enduring reminder of the unique privilege of belonging to the Marist network.

We extend our best wishes to the Marcellin College team and all those participating in this historic celebration of cricket and community.

National Basketball Championships

We extend our best wishes to our 1st Basketball Squad as they head to the Gold Coast to compete in the prestigious Basketball Australia Schools Championships. Under the guidance of coach Mr Brett Atley and assistant coach Mr Adrian Tomada, the team will face tough competition, playing games over five consecutive days.

The boys are thrilled about the opportunity to represent Marcellin College on the national stage. This achievement is a testament to their dedication and the countless hours of hard work they’ve put in over the years, particularly for our senior players.

We are confident that the team will give their all on the court and we look forward to celebrating their efforts and achievements. Best of luck to the players and coaches.

Ben Reynolds
Head of Sport