The Eagle 21 March 2024

Principal's Report

Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,

Over the past fortnight, our Years 7 and 9 boys have completed their NAPLAN assessments. These tests provide valuable insight into literacy and numeracy development, and we commend our students for the way they approached the challenge. While NAPLAN is just one measure of progress, it serves as a reminder that learning is a journey, and growth comes from persistence, effort, and a willingness to improve. We encourage all students to reflect on their experience and continue striving for the highest in their studies.

Open Day Success
Last Sunday, we welcomed large numbers of parents and future students to our Open Day. Despite the weather, the day was a great success, and I extend my gratitude to our staff for their energy and commitment. A highlight was the unveiling of our new Library, which was well received by our prospective families. Below is a video walkthrough, sharing many of the wonderful new learning spaces within the library.  We now eagerly await our final occupancy certificate and anticipate moving into the space within the next fortnight, with students gaining access from the beginning of Term 2. This facility will house all library and ICT services and marks a significant enhancement to our learning environment.

Looking ahead, we are excited about the next stage of development, with the construction of our flyover bridge set to commence in Term 2.

AGSV 1sts Cricket Premiership
Congratulations to our AGSV 1sts Cricket team on securing the Premiership after a 10-year hiatus! The team performed exceptionally well, and we are proud of their achievement. A special thank you to Mr John Diano for his dedication in coaching and supporting our boys throughout the season. More details can be found in the Sport section of this newsletter.

Parent-Student-Teacher Meetings
Over the past two days, we have held our Parent-Student-Teacher meetings. We trust that these conversations have provided valuable insights into each student's progress as we approach the halfway point of the semester. At Marcellin College, we set high expectations for our students, and by working together, we can ensure that each young man achieves his personal best.

Finishing the Term Well
As we enter the final fortnight of Term 1, I encourage all students to remain focused, organised, and engaged in their learning. This is a crucial time to consolidate understanding, complete assessments with diligence, and finish the term on a strong note. A well-earned break is on the horizon, but before then, we remind our students that the way they finish is just as important as the way they start.

Supporting Your Son’s Wellbeing & Learning Goals
As we approach the end of the term, it’s also a good time to remind students about the importance of balance. Academic effort is vital, but so is looking after their wellbeing—getting enough sleep, staying active, and making time for family and friends. Encouraging your son to reflect on his term, celebrate his progress, and set small goals for Term 2 can help him return with focus and motivation.

In Pastoral sessions, our boys have been working with their Pastoral Leaders to set learning goals for the year, with smaller term-based goals to guide their progress. I encourage you to chat with your son about his goals and how he plans to achieve them. These conversations can be a great way to support his growth, celebrate his efforts, and help him stay motivated as he moves forward.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

God bless,

Marco Di Cesare
Principal

God, help me navigate whatever challenges I encounter this day. 
Be my comfort and my rock. Guide me to do Your will and be an instrument of your peace today and each day. 

St Marcellin Champagnat.... pray for us
Mary Our Good Mother... pray for us
And Let us always remember to.... pray for one another

Amen.

Faith & Mission

Christian Service at Marcellin College:
Living the Call to Love with a Marist HEART
At Marcellin College, our commitment to Christian service is deeply rooted in the charism of St Marcellin Champagnat and the spirituality of the Marist tradition. St Marcellin believed in a faith expressed through action—responding with compassion, humility, and a willingness to serve those in need. Inspired by his example, we strive to be "Good Christians and Good Citizens," making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Each term, our College community focuses on supporting a Catholic charity, raising both funds and awareness for their important work. This term, we are proud to support Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion 2025—a campaign that calls us to stand in solidarity with the world’s most vulnerable. The theme for this year, “For All Future Generations”, reminds us that our acts of generosity today create lasting change for communities in need. Through education, sustainable development, and emergency relief, Caritas empowers people to build better lives, breaking the cycle of poverty and injustice.

As part of our fundraising efforts, students are engaging in a range of activities to support Project Compassion, fostering a spirit of service and solidarity. In the final week of term, we will also be holding our Easter Raffle, with all proceeds going towards this cause. We are currently seeking donations of Easter eggs to make this fundraiser a success.

How You Can Help...
If parents can assist, we would be incredibly grateful for any contributions of Easter eggs for our raffle prizes. Donations can be brought to the College at Marist House Reception and must be received by mid-next week.

Thank you for your generosity and for helping us live out the Marist values of presence, love of work, and service to those in need. Together, we can make a real impact in the lives of others, ensuring hope and dignity for all future generations.

Geralyn McCarthy
Deputy Principal Faith & Mission

Learning & Teaching

It’s Never Too Early to Start

In our last newsletter, I looked at the differences between Homework and Home Study, highlighting the importance of building effective study habits early. As we continue to support students in developing strong study routines, I am pleased to announce that Elevate Education will be returning to the College next week (Thursday, 27 March) to run workshops with our Year 10 and Year 11 students.

These workshops, titled Study Sensei, will provide students with practical strategies to embed study routines into their homework and home study planning. Elevate Education’s expert presenters will guide students through key study techniques, including:

• Utilising the curriculum to frame study
• Structuring and reviewing organised notes
• Conceptual learning to develop deep understanding
• Utilising practice exam papers
• Standing out through independent learning

With Semester 1 exams approaching for our Year 10 and Year 11 students, running from June 10 through to June 16, this is a timely opportunity for students to refine their study strategies and ensure they are well-prepared.

We encourage families to take an active role in supporting students by discussing what they learn in these workshops and helping them implement these techniques at home. Developing strong study habits now will not only assist in the upcoming exams but will also lay the foundation for future academic success.

We look forward to welcoming Elevate Education back to the College and seeing the positive impact these workshops will have on our students’ study routines.

NAPLAN 2025

I would like to take a moment to congratulate our Year 7 and Year 9 students on the way they worked with us and engaged in the recent NAPLAN testing. Their positive attitude and commitment to doing their best are commendable.

The large-scale NAPLAN testing was completed last week, though some students are now participating in individual catch-up sessions. We appreciate the support of families in ensuring students were prepared and engaged throughout this process.

It is important to remember that NAPLAN provides a snapshot of student learning. While it offers valuable data, we must always consider individual student growth and use a broader set of data to evaluate academic progress. Our focus remains on continuous learning and development, ensuring each student reaches their full potential.

Suzanne Farley
Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching

Student Wellbeing

As students progress through their teenage years, they will likely be invited to birthdays and other celebrations with their peers. Ensuring the safety of teenagers during social events is a priority for both parents and communities. By referencing reputable sources and implementing evidence-based strategies, we can promote safer partying environments for adolescents.

Understanding the Risks
Research indicates that certain social and situational factors are associated with increased alcohol consumption among adolescents at parties. Larger gatherings and events with predominantly male attendance have been linked to higher instances of excessive drinking. Such environments can lead to adverse outcomes, including memory blackouts, property damage, and physical altercations.

Safe Parties at Home
When planning a party for teenagers, consider the following guidelines:

• Set Clear Rules: Establish and communicate expectations regarding alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. For instance, implementing a no-substance policy and restricting re-entry after guests leave can help maintain order.
• Supervision: Ensure adequate adult supervision throughout the event. A recommended ratio is one adult for every 7-10 guests.
• Manage Invitations: Control the guest list by issuing formal invitations and monitoring entry points to prevent uninvited attendees. Limiting access points and securing alternative entrances can further enhance safety.
• Provide Alternatives: Offer a variety of non-alcoholic beverages and engaging activities to discourage substance use and promote a fun, inclusive atmosphere.

Preparing Your Teenager for Parties
Open communication is essential in preparing teenagers for attending social events:

• Discuss Safety Measures: Talk about the importance of staying with trusted friends, not accepting drinks from strangers, and avoiding isolated areas.
• Emergency Plans: Ensure your teenager knows how to contact you or another trusted adult if they feel unsafe or unwell. Keeping your phone accessible during the event is crucial.
• Peer Support: Encourage them to look out for their friends and make collective decisions to leave situations that feel uncomfortable or risky.

Community Resources
Several organisations offer resources to support parents and teenagers in promoting safe partying:

• Alcohol and Drug Foundation: Provides comprehensive guides on safer partying, including harm reduction tips and planning strategies. Alcohol and Drug Foundation
• Positive Choices: Offers evidence-based information on hosting teenage parties and ensuring safety. Positive Choices
• Kids Helpline: A confidential service offering advice on various issues, including party safety and peer pressure. Kids Helpline

By staying informed and proactive, parents can play a pivotal role in ensuring their teenagers navigate social events safely, fostering an environment where fun and safety coexist.

Rocky Gentile
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

From our Learning Areas

A small group of VCE VM & VPC students surprised our wonderful maintenance, grounds staff and our builders with a hearty sausage sizzle Monday morning.

The boys with the assistance of Ms Stephanie Murphy and Ms Linda Bourke, planned, purchased all of the requirements, and cooked and cleaned up a feast that all enjoyed. Eighty sausages in bread with onions were quickly consumed!!

Congratulations on completing such a lovely gesture.

Fran Davey, Applied Learning & VET Leader

Catholic Education Week Creative Arts Exhibition
This week we celebrate Catholic Education Week and I congratulate both Nathan D’Oca (Year 12, 2024) and Oscar Torresi (Year 12, 2024) for having their wonderful artworks accepted into the Creative Arts exhibition as part of the celebrations. It is a huge achievement to have your artworks selected for public display and I commend both students for showcasing their exceptional creativity, imagination and commitment to The Arts.

The exhibition will be open this week at the following times:

Celtic Hall, Catholic Leadership Centre, 576 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne 3002
(Entry via Victoria Parade or Albert Street)

• Friday, 21st March: 12:00 PM – 7:00 pm
• Saturday, 22nd March: 11:00 am– 4:00 pm

Bookings via TryBooking. 

Marina Sipos, The Arts Learning Leader

Staff Profile

Hello, my name is Jackson Graham. I recently moved to Melbourne from Perth. I drove across the country and saw the beauty of the Australian outback. I am thoroughly enjoying the culture and new experiences of the city!

I am a new member of the Marcellin College community. My role is an English teacher. I have always loved reading and the analysis of both traditional and contemporary literature. What I enjoy most about the College is the respectful, engaged students and supportive, welcoming staff. Since my first day, I have found everyone to be very positive and friendly. Marcellin is an excellent environment for student learning and strongly promotes the importance of mental and emotional well-being.

When I’m not at the College, I enjoy reading, exercise, playing chess, and spending time with friends and family. My favourite sports are AFL and basketball. I am a total nerd that loves novels, films, and videogames. I spent a lot of time travelling in my younger years and am ready to engage with the new and exciting steps of life here in Melbourne.

It is wonderful to be part of the friendly and inclusive community of Marcellin College and I look forward to doing what I can to promote the welcoming and fun learning environment that I have felt here. 

Jackson Graham, English Teacher

Student Profile

Hi, my name is Rob and I’m in Year 9. My goal for this year is to improve my time management skills and balance my extracurricular activities with my studies. What I love most about Marcellin College is the strong sense of community and the opportunities to get involved in various activities. When I’m not studying, I enjoy playing hockey, and I’m passionate about both the sport and the teamwork involved.

I’m also participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, which has helped me grow in confidence and develop new skills. Additionally, I’m part of the Air Force Cadets, where I’ve learned valuable leadership and discipline.

In the future, I hope to pursue a career in aviation through the ADF. My time at Marcellin College has been incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to continuing my journey here.

Rob, Year 9 - Junior Faith &Service Captain, Faulkner House

College Administration

Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF)
CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities. Families holding a valid means-tested concession card or temporary foster parents may be eligible for CSEF.

CSEF eligibility will be subject to the parent/legal guardian’s concession card being successfully validated with Centrelink on 28 January 2025 and/or 15 April 2025

• Please lodge a CSEF application form at the school.
• CESF payment amount – Secondary School $250.00 per year
• The CSEF program for 2025 closes at the end of term two 2025.

Click here to access the application form or for more information about the CSEF vist here.

Community News

Open Day

On Sunday, 16 March, the College showcased its facilities and learning programs at our Annual Open Day. Unfortunately, the weather was not particularly kind, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm to see and learn more about this great College. 

Prospective families had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at our newly completed library, which will be open for everyone to see and use in Term 2. It is a fantastic new development that students will thoroughly enjoy. 

To experience the College firsthand, don’t forget to book one of our morning tours. You'll get to explore, discover, and learn what makes us a leader in boys' education, and hear from the Principal, Marco Di Cesare.

Tours will be available in Term 2, and bookings can be made through our website.

Year 7 2027 Enrolments

Secure your child’s place at the College. Enrolments for Year 7 2027 are now open! Students in Grade 5 are required to enrol before the closing date on Friday, 15 August 2025. 

For more information and to apply online click here.

Easter Egg Donations Needed
We are in the process of organising an Easter raffle to raise much-needed funds for Project Compassion.

The 2025 theme, "Unite Against Poverty," emphasises collective action to address global poverty. Funds raised will support various programs, including education, health, and livelihood initiatives, aiming to empower vulnerable communities worldwide.

We are seeking donations of Easter eggs and chocolate as prizes for the raffle. If you would like to donate, please take donations to Marist House Reception by Wednesday, 25 March.

Marcellin College - 75th Anniversary

A look back at our uniform
From the very beginning, Marcellin College set high expectations for its students, including how they wore their uniform. So important was the uniform that it was Rule One of the 1969 College Regulations handbook:

"Boys must wear complete uniform coming from and going to School and on all public occasions connected with the School. Inter-school competitors may wear their blazers on sports days."

In this 1950 school photo, our first students proudly wear their blazers, ties, knee-high socks, and the distinctive maroon Marcellin College cap. This uniform, a symbol of tradition and identity, reflected the discipline and values of Marcellin College.

Today, a display of our old uniform is featured in Marist House, offering a glimpse into our history and the evolution of College attire. While the styles have changed, the pride in wearing the Marcellin College uniform remains a defining part of our College life.
#StriveForTheHighest #MC75 #ALookBack #Celebrating75Years

Second-Hand Uniform Shop
A reminder, the Second-Hand Uniform Shop, located behind Marist House, is open the first Friday of every month from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm.

The next store opening will be on Friday, 4 April (last day of term).

Good quality and clean second-hand uniform donations are happily accepted.

Changes to the Second-Hand Uniform Shop
Marcellin College is making important changes to the operation of our Second-Hand Uniform Shop. From Semester Two, the shop will move to a donations-only model.

This change will:

• Simplify processes and reduce administration
• Make uniforms more accessible for families in need
• Encourage community generosity and sustainability
• Ensure faster turnover and availability of uniform items

Families who currently have items on consignment will receive direct communication outlining their options. The consignment model will officially end in Week 5 of Term 2, after which all remaining items will become College donations.

We thank our community for supporting this positive transition, which reflects the Marist characteristics of Family Spirit and supporting others. 
For more information, please contact the Community Engagement Team at community@marcellin.vic.edu.au

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.

Careers News

Year 12 Meetings
Over Term 1, the Careers Team has offered all Year 12 students the opportunity to meet in their Pastoral groups. The purpose of these quick catch-ups was to provide a space for any questions about their transition from school and to gather information on what they are currently planning. The information from these sessions will be used to send targeted information to students about opportunities that are relevant to them.

In addition to this, we encourage all students to book a one-on-one meeting in Term 2. Parents are welcome to attend with their child, either on teams or in person.

Bookings can be made below.
Lara Ingram (Careers Counsellor) or Kevin Kelly (Careers Counsellor)

Morrisby Meetings
The Careers team has commenced Year 10 Morrisby meetings. Meetings will continue throughout Term 2. At the end of these meetings, students are provided with some actions to undertake to support their subject selection and pathway planning. Parents can view meeting notes on Compass via the “Year 10 Career Action Plan” Chronicle.

For some students, a follow-up meeting with a careers practitioner and their parents is recommended for Term 2.

Year 10 Work Experience Applications
Expressions of Interest for Work Experience are due by Thursday, 27 March. This is listed as a learning task which students access via Compass. More information about work experience will be provided to students after they have submitted their EOI.

April School Holiday Events Many institutions are running school holiday programs. View the flyer here.

Helpful Resources

• Marcellin Careers ‘Post-School Options ‘tab and ‘Senior School’ tab
• Morrisby
• VTAC Course Search
  

Kevin Kelly & Lara Ingram, Careers & Further Education

Sport Report

2025 House Swimming Carnival!

Under perfect blue skies, the 2025 House Swimming Carnival made a splash on Friday, 7 March at Boroondara Sports Complex. The atmosphere was electric as students roared in support of their houses, bringing energy, excitement, and fierce competition to one of the most anticipated events on the school calendar!

Click here to read the full article.

Marcellin Secures AGSV 1st XI Cricket Premiership in a Grand Final for the Ages!

In a season filled with determination, grit, and standout performances, the Marcellin 1st XI Cricket team etched their names into history by claiming the 2024-25 AGSV Premiership in a thrilling Grand Final against Ivanhoe. With soaring temperatures forcing a last-minute schedule change, the team adapted seamlessly, delivering a clinical performance at Chelsworth Park to secure the title.

Led by the inspirational Hayden Kenny, who capped off a record-breaking season with both bat and ball, the squad showcased incredible depth, resilience, and teamwork. Jack Allen’s five-wicket haul, a composed middle-order partnership, and a spectacular match-winning six from Hayden were just some of the highlights of a hard-fought victory. This triumph not only cements Marcellin’s dominance in AGSV cricket but also fuels their ambition for future success, with the upcoming UK tour offering another opportunity to build on this golden era

Click here to read the full article

Ben Reynolds, Head of Sport