The Eagle 2 June 2023
Principal's Report
Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,
As the crisp chill of winter settles upon us, I do enjoy my morning routine of sorting through my scarves! I also enjoy the change and sense of anticipation it brings. Just as nature undergoes a constant transformative process, our community is also called to embrace our own journey of self-discovery and development. Our Year 9– 11 boys will begin their exam period in the coming days. For our Year 9 students this can be a nervous time as they experience this process for the first time. Meanwhile, our Year 12 students enter into their GAT and this marks the beginning of a very different period for them. It is important that we continue to strive for the highest not just in their academic pursuits but also in their overall conduct and presentation. By doing so, our boys not only demonstrate their commitment to excellence but also honour the rich traditions and values that underpin Marcellin College. Together, our community can ensure that our students embrace the challenges ahead and emerge stronger, wiser, and more prepared for the path that lies before them.
Champagnat Day
We celebrated Champagnat Day a little earlier this year. It was a great day and the sun managed to shine through to ensure that our walk-a-thon was a great success. I joined my Pastoral Group, Redden 1, for the activity and there was a sense of community spirit as we walked the track. My thanks to all for your generosity with our fundraising.
Please read more on the day in Geralyn McCarthy's and Rocky Gentile's reports. Below I have shared some images of the wonderful day - which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
State Budget Shock
Many of you will have heard the announcement last week that in its 2023–24 budget, the Victorian Government will remove a longstanding payroll tax exemption for high-fee non-government schools from 1 July 2024. Non-government schools with Victorian taxable wages of over $10 million per annum will also be required to contribute to the mental health levy.
The change in tax arrangements was unexpected and there was no consultation prior to the government’s announcement. We will be one of the schools impacted by this decision should it go ahead. Parents already make a substantial contribution to your son’s education and this saves taxpayers millions of dollars and reduced pressure on the State budget. We are effectively being punished to help balance the State budget. All this comes about in a climate where the College is facing increasing energy, wage and associated costs.
My hope is that negotiations can occur between the State Government and the Catholic and Independent education sectors and that at a minimum, there is a significant lifting of the fee threshold at which schools become eligible for payroll tax.
Faith & Mission
Champagnat Day
On Wednesday, 24 May the College celebrated Champagnat Day, an annual celebration observed by Marist communities around the world. Honouring St Marcellin Champagnat who founded the Little Brothers of Mary in France in the early 19th century. The day commenced with our Champagnat Day Mass which served as a tribute to the life and legacy of Marcellin, who dedicated his life to educating young people, especially those most in need.
Celebrated by Fr Jude Pirotta mssp, the Mass provided an opportunity to honour St Marcellin’s vision, spirituality, and the enduring impact he made on education and the lives of countless individuals. By celebrating this day, we pay homage to the foundation laid by Saint Marcellin Champagnat and reaffirm our commitment to his charism. It was a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together to give thanks, seek guidance and renew our faith. It also helped foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Following the Mass, all students participated in a walk-a-thon; the proceeds of which have been donated to Australian Marist Solidarity. This day offered an opportunity to contemplate how we can follow the example set by St Marcellin Champagnat, by making Jesus Christ known and loved.
The Feast of Pentecost
Last Sunday, the Catholic Church celebrated the Feast of Pentecost. Occurring fifty days after Easter Sunday and marking the conclusion of the Easter Season, this is a significant celebration that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and disciples of Jesus. The feast derives its name from the Greek word Pentekoste, meaning fiftieth. For Christians, Pentecost represents the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, empowering the early disciples to spread the teachings of Jesus and establish the Church.
Pentecost reminds us of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live as faithful disciples, to discern God's will, and to bear witness to Christ's love and teachings.
Pentecost also highlights the unity of believers despite our diverse backgrounds. In the biblical account, people from various nations and languages gathered, and the Holy Spirit enabled them to understand each other. This reminds us of the value of unity in the midst of diversity. As Christians today, we are called to embrace and respect the diversity within the Church and society, fostering unity and harmony in our interactions.
The Holy Spirit bestowed upon the apostles the ability to boldly proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. May we be courageous in expressing our beliefs, and to be witnesses to the transformative power of Christ's message. May we be challenged to break barriers and reach out to others with love and compassion.
Through our Faith In Action Program, we offer opportunities to our students to be empowered to serve others and live a life of selflessness. As students in our Marist College, they are encouraged to use their gifts and talents for the greater good, to be agents of change in our communities, and to engage in acts of compassion, justice, and mercy. The Holy Spirit’s invitation to all of us is to be Christ's hands and feet in the world, sharing His love and serving those in need.
Geralyn McCarthy
Deputy Principal Faith & Mission
Student Wellbeing
Celebrating Our Namesake
After a number of years of not being able to run this event our 2023 Champagnat Day was a terrific success. Students began the day with the celebration of a liturgy and acknowledgement of two staff and two students from each year level who were recipients of our inaugural Champagnat Medal for their positive contributions to our College community. As a community we acknowledge the following staff and students award recipients:
Staff: Mr Namby Thillainadarajah and Ms Christina Cammarano
Students: Williem D, Cristiano C, Alex P, Charles W, Benjamin B, Gabriel F, Emil S, Callum G, Daniel P, Alessandro S, Jakson H, Charlie G.
The rest of Champagnat Day involved our staff and students participating in our solidarity walkathon, carnival rides and food stalls which proved very popular. The day concluded with Marcellin’s Got Talent where our students were treated to range of outstanding musical performances and even a guest appearance from an alumus who now works as a magician and illusionist. The day resulted in lots of fun and most importantly provided our community with an opportunity to come together to raise over $10K for Australian Marist Solidarity who will use these funds to support young people in need across the world.
Respectful Relationships Culture
As a Respectful Relationships school, Marcellin College remains committed to the physical, mental, social and psychological safety of our students. We know that in all schools, some students may need to reflect on their interactions with others to ensure that they learn from each experience. Assisting each student to feel safe and happy at school is also an essential ingredient for adolescents to reach their academic potential. Additionally, helping our students reflect on their errors of judgment can also be a powerful tool in recognising the harm felt by others because of their actions and indeed an opportunity for great personal growth. This article, which focusses on how students interact with each other provides some great strategies that all parents and carers can use at home to complement the many things being done in the area of respectful relationships here at the College.
Rocky Gentile
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing
Learning & Teaching
2024 Subject Selection Time
It is already time to start thinking about 2024! At the beginning of Term 3, students will be asked to consider and submit their subject selections for next year.
There are a number of opportunities, leading up to the final submission of selections, for students and families to learn more about our Year 9-12 programs. Two key events are our Parent Information Nights, and our Subject & Careers Expo.
The Parent Information Nights are being held at 7pm in the Functions Rooms:
- Year 11 2024 on Tuesday, 6 June 2023
- Year 9 2024 on Tuesday, 13 June 2023
- Year 10 2024 on Thursday, 15 June 2023
I have mentioned before that we have had a focus recently on our Year 9 and 10 curricula. While it is important to support students in building individual pathways, these middle years need to provide clear progression and scaffolds in the learning process and continuing opportunities to consolidate significant and essential skills. Families and students will notice some more emphasis on year level related studies and core subjects as we plan for 2024, particularly at Year 9.
Following the term break, families are also invited to attend our Subject & Careers Expo on Thursday, 13 July. During the Expo, students and their families will be able to talk to our different Learning Areas about the subjects on offer, and ask questions pertaining to their individual pathway plan. The Expo will run from 5:15pm until 8:15pm but, to assist with access to staff we have recommended arrival times for each year level. More information can be found via Compass.
Year 12 2024 students and their families are also welcome at the Subject & Careers Expo, throughout the event.
Exams
It is a very busy time for students in Years 9-11 at the moment, with the start of Semester 1 examinations in less than a week.
These exams offer a significant learning experience and opportunity for students, and I wish them good luck!
Unfortunately, with exams coming at this time in the Term, it will not be possible for all exam results to be part of our Semester 1 reports for Year 11 students. Families will instead receive an exam summary report at the beginning of Term 3.
The Year 12 students also have an exam coming up. A reminder that all students studying a Unit 3 & 4 sequence, including unscored students and those in the VCE Vocational Major, are required to take part in the General Achievement Test (GAT) on Thursday, 15 June.
For more details on Exams and the GAT please check Compass.
Compass Updates
During Terms 3 and 4, staff will be working to transition learning and teaching resources to Compass, in preparation for 2024. From then, learning resources, class notes and notifications, homework requirements and assessment tasks will all be reported directly on Compass. This will greatly improve access for families.
Semester 1 reports will be available via Compass from Friday, 16 June.
Compass Cards
A reminder to all families that students now have ID cards that are configured to the Compass system. These cards are supplied via Compass and there will be a delay in receiving a new card if one is required. While awaiting a card, students will not be able to access our canteen or photocopiers.
ID cards are not only required for use of our canteen and photocopiers, they are also used for identification purposes during events like the exams. All Unit 3&4 students will require their IDs for identification during the GAT and students in Years 9-11 will require them for their exams also. It is important that students keep their ID cards with them, and store and transport them carefully and securely.
Suzanne Farley
Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching
From our Learning Areas
Night at the Museum – Year 7 Students & Parents
Wednesday, 7 June 6:30pm | Hermitage Building
In Year 7, students have the opportunity to learn new skills and apply their learning across all subjects in various ways. In Humanities, students have focused on ‘Ancient Civilisations’ and have participated in a range of learning activities, using their research skills to develop and increase their knowledge of past civilisations.
This is an interactive experience whereby families and other guests can see many displays of student projects and have conversations with students about their learning throughout this unit.
A Night at the Museum is a wonderful opportunity for families to share in their son’s learning and acknowledge their achievements throughout this semester.
We look forward to seeing our Year 7 families there! There will be a coffee cart and a cupcake cart, so be sure to come along!
Samantha Carlson, Learning Leader Humanities
Music Feeds the Brain
As Semester 1 draws to a close, for both students and staff, busyness and tiredness seem only to increase. And, it’s often during these times that we each wrestle with the demands of all the things we committed to doing at the beginning of the year. I want to commend to you every one of our music students who remain committed to many, many early morning rehearsals, lunch time ensemble practices, sectionals and evening performances, in addition to lots of home practice!
Research tells us that engaging in the practice of music making is one of the few (only) things that literally activates every single area of the brain. So, coming to band, early on a winter’s morning, is like a HIIT (high intensity interval training)… for your brain. Research also tells us that almost everything we do following that music ‘HIIT’, benefits. Anita Collins, award-winning educator, researcher, and writer in the field of brain development and music learning states that “(insert any musical instrument here)…is a tool to train motor control. It will demand the co-ordination of motor and auditory processing. This will help you pay attention for longer” (Anita Collins).
So, if you’re feeling flat, and you have a musical instrument at home, take it out and play for 20-minutes. You’ll feel amazing!
Andrew Short, Head of Music
Community News
Business Lunch
The Marcellin College Business & Community Network, along with the Marcellin Old Collegians Football Club invite you to a special event on Friday, 23 June.
We are thrilled to announced AFL legend Nathan Buckley as guest speaker, along with comedian Dave O’Neill who will entertain guests throughout the afternoon.
For more information and to book tickets please contact Matthew Frost, Vice President, Marcellin Old Collegians Football Club on 0437 741 221 or email admin@marcellinocfc.com.au
Marcellin College Business & Community Network Update
After many years leading the Marcellin College Business & Community Network with Mark Cooper, we are sad to announce that Brett Guest will be stepping down from this role.
We thank him for his commitment to the group, as well as the College. Over the years Brett has been instrumental in putting together some of the best attended breakfast events and social evenings. Brett has also provided many work experience opportunities for our students via the Network and his business contacts,
We will miss you but know that you will always be a part of our College community.
Please join me in wishing Brett all the best as he continues in his role as Victorian State Manager for Infinity Commercial Furniture.
If anyone is interested in joining the Business & Community or any other volunteer opportunities, please submit your interest via the online platform.
Year 7 2025 Enrolments
A reminder that enrolments for Year 7 2025 will close on Friday, 18 August this year. 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.
Staff Profile
My name is Justin Abbott and I have been a member of the Marcellin College community for 32 years, as a staff member, and having attended as a student from Grade 5 in Camberwell and graduating in 1987. My current role is Learning Leader of Health and Physical Education which allows me to see a number of students excel in developing leadership, cooperation, physical skills proficiency and health knowledge and awareness. Prior to this role I was Head of Sport for a significant period of time and witnessed the development of a highly proficient and renowned school sporting program, which continues to be a part of the College that I thoroughly enjoy. I coach the 1sts Tennis team during the summer and have the role of Teacher in Charge of Tennis, in addition to coaching the Inter A Football team in the winter. I also greatly enjoy teaching VCE PE. All of these things allow me to develop positive relationships with those I encounter.
When I am not at the College, I enjoy spending time with my family, watching them play sport, holidaying at different beach locations, catching up with friends and playing with my grandson who is nearly three years old.
Justin Abbott
Learning Leader Health & PE
Student Profile
Hi, my name is Toby and I’m in Year 10. What I love most about Marcellin College is the people. I have made some great friendships here and I’m very grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to meet all types of people here at the College. I have also met some amazing teachers who are always willing to go above and beyond to make sure you’re getting the best education possible. My favourite subjects are Chemistry, Digital Technologies and Italian. I choose to study Italian because I love the language and I have Sicilian heritage, so I would love to be able to talk to my Nonno in his native language. When I’m not studying, I enjoy playing games, going out with mates and watching Netflix.
In the future I hope to become something that I can be proud of, a job that makes a difference in the world whilst still paying me a lot of money. I am not sure whether that means going to university or pursuing something different entirely, but I want to get the best ATAR I possibly can so I can have the option to choose.
Toby D
Year 10, Faulkner House
Careers & Pathways News
Career Expo: You don’t know what you don’t know
The Careers and Pathways team are currently assisting students who are looking to complete work experience in the coming weeks as well as putting the final touches on the 2023 Marcellin College Careers Expo which is being held on Tuesday, 13 June 3:30 – 6pm Hermitage Building.
Careers Expo is part of Careers Week and is open to all students. Simply turn up and meet as many exhibitors as you can. We strongly advise all students in Year 10, 11 and 12 to attend. Parents are welcome.
The Careers Team is hoping that all students can benefit from either attending careers week or completing work experience. Or even both on some occasions!
As we move into Term 3, for the most up-to-date careers information visit the Marcellin College Careers page as it is continually being updated, or book a careers appointment with Lara Ingram or Andrew Belli.
Lara Ingram & Andrew Belli, Career Counsellors
Sport Report
AGSV Invitational Golf Championships
On Wednesday, 4 May a Marcellin College team made up of three students participated in the Annual AGSV Invitational Golf Championship held at Spring Valley Golf Course. The team was made up two Year 12 students, Tom and Ben, and one Year 11 student Oscar. There was a wide range of schools who competed in the championship including schools from APS and BAS Associations. With the weather being ideal for golf and a relatively easy course setup, the boys were keen to shoot some low numbers and give themselves a chance at taking out the championship. A shotgun start meant competitors were scattered around the course teeing off on a number of different holes. The low marker of the team Tom teed off on the tricky par 3 10. With a low flighted wedge to the middle of the green he was able to 2 putt for par and would go on to shoot a steady 3 over par 39 through his first nine. Ben would also start well, being only 2 over through 6 holes. But with errant tee shots on hole 8 he would go on to close his front nine with a 10 over par 45. Oscar went one stroke better on the front nine clocking a 9 over 44 at the turn. With disappointing double bogeys on 10 and 11 he bounced with a par on the par 5 12th and would go to finish the day with a 92. Ben finished with a total of 98 strokes and Tom with a total of 79 which won him an invite to the Induvial State Final. The boys came 14th out of 21 schools losing to back to back champions Brighton Grammar.
Thomas
Year 12, Champagnat House