The Eagle 13 June 2025

Principal's Report

Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,

The crisp winter mornings have well and truly arrived at Marcellin College and with them, the perfect excuse for me to dust off my collection of scarves. While some may question just how many scarves one principal needs, I like to think of it as an exercise in adaptability and resilience - two qualities we continue to foster in our students!

As we near the end of what has been a full and enriching Term 2, I would like to share some of the highlights and happenings from the past fortnight.

Work Placements
Many of our VCE Vocational Major (VM) students have spent time over the past fortnight actively engaged in work placements across a wide variety of industries and workplaces. These experiences are a vital component of this pathway, giving our students the opportunity to apply their learning in real-world contexts, develop employability skills and explore future career options.

The feedback from employers has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising our students’ maturity, adaptability and commitment. I would like to acknowledge our dedicated staff who support this program under the leadership of Ms Fran Davey and thank the many parents who assist in preparing their sons for these important experiences.

National Men's Health Week
This week, we acknowledged National Men's Health Week. It is a timely opportunity for us to focus on the physical and mental well-being of the boys and men in our lives. Some key facts that are particularly relevant to our College community:

• Australian men, on average, live four years fewer than women, often due to preventable health issues
• Over 45% of Australian men will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime
• The leading cause of death among Australian men is coronary heart disease
• Encouragingly, the rate of young men engaging in regular exercise is rising

At Marcellin, we take the formation of young men seriously, ensuring they are not only academically capable but also equipped to care for their physical and emotional health. Through our Pastoral programs and Health & Physical Education (HPE) curriculum, we aim to continue promoting healthy lifestyles, positive relationships and help-seeking behaviours.

Year 10 and 11 Exams
Our Year 10 and 11 students recently completed their mid-year examinations. We commend them for the dedication and effort they demonstrated throughout this assessment period.

Exams provide important opportunities for students to develop study routines, time management and personal responsibility. They also allow teachers to gather valuable insights into each student’s learning progress and needs. I encourage all families to take time to discuss with their sons what they have learned, not only about the subject content but also about their own approaches to learning.

Primary School Taster Day
Today, we welcomed primary school students from a number of our feeder schools to Marcellin for our Primary School Taster Day. This is always a highlight in our calendar, providing young learners with a glimpse of life at secondary school.

Through fun and engaging sessions across various disciplines, these students experience firsthand the vibrant learning environment and community spirit that characterises Marcellin College. It is also an opportunity for them to meet our wonderful students and staff who embody our Marist HEART values of Acceptance and Trust in welcoming these guests to our College.

75th Anniversary Celebrations
This weekend, we will celebrate an extraordinary milestone, 75 years of Marcellin College. This is a time to honour the vision of the Marist Brothers who founded our school in 1950 and to give thanks for the generations of students, staff, families and old collegians who have contributed to our rich story.

Principal Conference
Last week, I had the privilege of participating in the PAVCSS Faith and Enrichment Conference, which this year explored the theme of Synodality: The Pilgrim's Compass. This was a valuable time of reflection and professional renewal, deepening my understanding of how we can foster a more synodal spirit within our school community - a spirit where listening, collaboration and walking together as ‘pilgrims of hope’ shapes our shared journey. As a parent, I know you share this aspiration for our young people as they grow not only in knowledge but also in heart, courage and faith.

As we approach the final weeks of Term 2, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support. It’s been a pleasure to witness the growth and achievements of our students, and I’m confident they will finish the term with the same energy and determination they’ve shown throughout.

God Bless,

Marco Di Cesare
Principal

Almighty God, we gather this weekend to celebrate 75 years of Marcellin College, a place of learning, growth, and community. We thank You for the wisdom and guidance that has shaped our school over the years, and for the contributions of those who have come before us. We also thank You for the current students, teachers, and staff who make our school such a vibrant and loving place. May Your blessing continue to rest upon us as we look forward to the future with hope and optimism. Guide us with Your wisdom, strengthen us with Your power, and fill our hearts with peace.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
St Marcellin Champagnat ... pray for us.
Mary, our Good Mother ... pray for us.
And let us always remember to ... pray for one another.

Learning & Teaching

Subject Selection and Future Pathways – Planning for 2026 and Beyond
A few weeks ago, I first raised the topic of subject selection and future pathways for students as we begin preparations for 2026 and beyond. These decisions are significant in shaping each student’s senior years and post-school options.

On Tuesday, 17 June, our Year 9 and Year 10 students will take part in one-on-one Subject / Pathway Conversations with their Pastoral Leader. These meetings are designed to begin the personalised discussion around subject selection and future directions for each student.

These important conversations will be guided by each student’s Morrisby Profile, a comprehensive tool that analyses interests, aptitudes, and personality to generate personalised career and study insights. Bookings are now open via Compass.

Please note:

• No Year 9 or Year 10 classes will run on this day; students are only required on-site for their interview.
• Students are required to attend in full school uniform.

The senior years offer many different options, and it’s important to understand that a scored VCE is just one of several valuable pathways. Applied learning pathways, such as the VCE Vocational Major (VM), provide excellent opportunities for students who:

• Thrive in practical and hands-on environments
• Prefer real-world, work-based learning experiences
• Are looking to move directly into the workforce, apprenticeships, or further vocational training

These programs can lead to rewarding careers in areas such as trades, healthcare, education support, community services, logistics, hospitality, and more.

We are also committed to supporting students who may benefit from a modified or unscored VCE pathway, and to working with families to build flexible programs that still support students in achieving their post-school goals.

New in 2026 | Sport & Business Leadership Pathway
I am very excited to take this opportunity to announce the launch of a new senior pathway option – Sport & Business Leadership – commencing with Year 11 in 2026 and continuing into Year 12 in 2027. This innovative program blends academic study with practical, industry-based experience, and can be pursued as a scored VCE, unscored VCE or Vocational Major.

This pathway is designed to bring together subjects and opportunities for students who are passionate about sport and business and will combine:

• VCE subjects such as English and Mathematics,
• Nationally recognised VET qualifications, and
• University-aligned modules

In partnership with La Trobe University and Carlton College of Sport, this pathway provides a strong foundation for future studies and careers in sports management, event planning, fitness, marketing, and leadership. We hope this exciting trial may serve as a model for future industry-aligned pathways in other fields.

If anyone would like to know more about this focused pathway, they are welcome to speak to Mr Jesse McInnes.

Coming Soon: 2026 Course Guides
I am pleased to share that our 2026 Course Guides will be released by the end of term, providing full details of all VCE, VET, VM, and new programs on offer.

We also invite parents to attend two important information sessions at the end of this term:

• Wednesday, 25 June
• VET Information Session | 6:00 – 6:45pm
• VCE Information Session and Year 10 2026 Information Session | 7:00 – 7:45pm

Looking ahead, subject and pathway selection will remain a key focus as we enter Term 3.

Save the Date:
Our annual Subject & Careers Expo will be held on Thursday, 24 July – a vital opportunity for students and families to explore all available options and speak with subject teachers, training providers and tertiary institutions.

We are proud to offer a range of pathways that reflect the diverse strengths and aspirations of our students. Every young person deserves a plan that works for them, and we are committed to supporting them at every step.

Suzanne Farley
Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching

News from Our Learning Leaders

On Wednesday, Marcellin College was transformed into a showcase of ancient wonders for our annual Night at the Museum! Our Year 7 students brought history to life through creative and well-researched displays on ancient civilisations. A big thank you to all the families who came along to support the evening.

Samantha Carlson - Learning Leader Humanities

Student Wellbeing

Supporting Our Students Through Assessment Season
As our Year 9 to 11 students begin preparing for their Semester One examinations and our Year 12 students finalise their Unit 3 assessments, it is a timely opportunity to remind families of the importance of balance, structure and self-care during this demanding period. While assessments provide important opportunities for students to demonstrate their learning and progress, the accompanying pressure and fatigue can build quickly if not managed well.

Effective preparation begins with a structured routine. Renowned adolescent psychologist Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, in his best-selling book Surviving Year 12, recommends that students establish a quiet, distraction-free space for study at home. This allows for better focus, reduces procrastination, and maximises the time spent at the desk (Carr-Gregg, 2011). In a world filled with constant digital stimuli, such an environment can be a game-changer for adolescent learners.

One of the more debated study habits among students is the use of music while revising. While many young people report feeling more relaxed or motivated when listening to music, particularly with lyrics, evidence suggests caution. A large-scale meta-analysis by Kämpfe, Sedlmeier and Renkewitz (2011) found a slight but significant detrimental effect of background music on memory tasks. The presence of lyrics or upbeat rhythms can divert cognitive resources, making it harder for students to retain information. Furthermore, when music is played through Bluetooth earbuds connected to mobile phones, students are also susceptible to constant notifications and digital distractions, further hampering productivity. Adolescent psychologist Andrew Fuller also speaks strongly on this topic, stating in his online article How to Increase Your Marks that mobile phones have no place in a productive study environment. For students to gain real value from their revision sessions, a firm boundary around phone use is essential.

Another critical pillar of exam preparation is sleep. Dr Matthew Walker, in his internationally acclaimed book Why We Sleep, underscores the importance of 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night for adolescents to support memory consolidation, focus, and emotional regulation (Walker, 2017). We encourage families to set strong boundaries around devices in bedrooms and to support their children in establishing consistent sleep routines, particularly in the lead-up to major assessments.

Nutrition and hydration also play a key role in supporting young people’s cognitive function and overall wellbeing. A balanced diet, regular meals, and avoiding high-sugar snacks or energy drinks can help stabilise energy levels and support concentration. Caffeine and stimulant-based products are not recommended and can negatively impact sleep and mental health. Food can be a great “in” for parents and regular stops into your child’s study environment accompanied by a healthy snack or two, can be a great conversation starter and a simple way to engage with your son about his studies.

Finally, please remember that no student should feel alone or unsupported. Our Pastoral Care Team, including Pastoral Leaders, House Leaders, and our dedicated Counselling staff, is here to provide assistance, guidance and care for any student who may be feeling overwhelmed during this time.

Let’s continue working in partnership to help our students not only perform to their potential but also develop healthy, sustainable study habits that will serve them well beyond the classroom.

References:
Carr-Gregg, M. (2011). Surviving Year 12: A sanity kit for parents and students. Penguin Books.
Kämpfe, J., Sedlmeier, P., & Renkewitz, F. (2011). The impact of background music on adult listeners: A meta-analysis. Psychology of Music, 39(4), 424–448. https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735610376261
Walker, M. (2017). Why we sleep: Unlocking the power of sleep and dreams. Scribner.

Rocky Gentile
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

Student Wellbeing Programs

Upcoming Webinar: Building Boys to be Loving, Happy and Strong

This webinar will provide timeless truths to help tender babies grow into caring men.

Join Steve Biddulph for a session hosted by Michelle Mitchell. For full details and to book your spot for this webinar scheduled for Wednesday, 23 July, at 7 pm, please click here.

Nicole Webster, Student Leadership Coordinator

Teen Mental Health Matters - For Parents & Carers
The Black Dog Institute have some resourceful information and practical strategies to support teen mental health, and how to tackle some of the many hurdles you may encounter along the way.

Teen Mental Health Matters: For Parents & Carers. Available directly to schools - a fantastic opportunity for parents and carers within your school community to learn how to better understand and support the mental health of their teenagers.

This 60-minute online webinar session, co-designed with parents and delivered by a clinical psychologist, offers insights into adolescent mental health and practical strategies to help them support and connect with their teens during challenging times. Click here to access this free webinar.

Rosemary Chapple, College Counsellor

Staff Profile

Hello, my name is Michele Mellas and I have been a proud member of the Marcellin College community for 10 years.

In my role as College Registrar, I have the privilege of guiding families through the enrolment process and helping them feel welcomed and supported as they begin their journey with us. One of the things I value most about working at Marcellin College is the strong sense of community among staff and their dedication to the wellbeing of each other and our students.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen and, more recently, trying my hand at gardening - although that’s still very much a work in progress!

I look forward to meeting many more families as we begin the enrolment process for Year 7 2027.

Michele Mellas, College Registrar

Student Profile

Hi, my name is Noah and I’m in Year 8. My goals for Year 8 and beyond is to be a school leader in my Marcellin journey.

What I love most about Marcellin College is the Cross Country program. In cross country, I like being able to run with all year levels as a team and no matter the ability, everyone is important to the team's success. When I’m not running, I enjoy studying, riding my bike, playing FC25 and watching the Tigers with my family. While I’m unsure about my future career, I’m currently interested in Accounting and Business Management.

This year, I am participating in the stage and intermediate bands, playing the trombone. We are currently getting ready for a Jazz tournament in August. In Cross Country, we are aiming to become AGSV champions for 25 years in a row. My Favourite subject is Humanities, as I like learning about geography. In Year 9, I look forward to choosing my subjects.

Noah, Year 8 Augustine House

College Administration

Applications close 4 July - final reminder for eligible families.

Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF)
The Victorian Government provides CSEF 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, visit here.

Parking In and Around the College

A reminder to families and our College community to please be considerate of our neighbours on Sandra Street and the surrounding streets. Recently, we have noticed that parking restrictions have not been followed and in some cases, cars have been blocking access to residents’ driveways. Please observe all parking signs to ensure our students' safety and allow residents clear access to their properties. Be aware that parking officers from Manningham Council are present at various times and do issue fines to drivers where restrictions apply, regardless of whether the driver is still in the car.

Parents and carers should also be aware that unless students are incapacitated (e,g., on crutches), they should not be dropped off near the College reception. Please only park in designated parking spaces on the College grounds and observe no parking signs, particularly along the main drive adjacent to the sporting grounds. This is for the safety of our students and the whole community. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

College Events

Save the Dates – upcoming events!

Year 7 2027 Information Evening
We invite prospective families to attend our Year 7 2027 Information Evening on Tuesday, 29 July from 7pm. The evening will showcase what makes Marcellin College a leader in boys’ education and provide important details about the enrolment process and key dates.

To register your attendance, click here.

Families who already have a child at the College are welcome to attend, though it is not required. However, please ensure your application for Year 7 2027 is submitted to avoid missing out on a place

Past and Present Mums Luncheon
Our annual Past and Present Mums’ Mass and Luncheon will take place on Thursday, 14 August in our newly renovated Champagnat Chapel and Functions Room.

Originally started by the Ladies Auxiliary, this cherished tradition celebrates the special bond between past and present members of our community and reflects the strong sense of connection and belonging at Marcellin College.

Tickets are now available and can be purchased here.

Term 3 2025 Key Dates
A reminder to regularly check Compass for key dates and events, as these are subject to change. Any updates will be communicated through the platform. You can also download the PDF below for the Term 3, 2025 Key Dates.

Community News

Marcellin College - 75th Anniversary

A look back at our milestone celebrations
Milestone anniversaries have always been a special time for the Marcellin College community. They are a chance to look back, come together, and celebrate a journey that began in 1950 with just 107 boys in Camberwell.

In 1975, our Silver Jubilee marked 25 years of growth. Brother Vincent Daly wrote in Ad Altissima of Marcellin’s “extraordinary growth” and its journey from paddocks to purpose-built classrooms, science labs, and playing fields. In that time, the College intake grew tenfold — from 107 in 1950 to 1070 in 1975. The growth of its buildings was even more spectacular, both at the original site, now the Junior section, and at Bulleen.

In 2000, the Golden Jubilee drew hundreds of students, staff, families, and Old Collegians for a weekend of celebrations, beginning with a Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, followed by a formal dinner at Melbourne Park.

Now in 2025, we prepare to celebrate our 75th Anniversary. This Sunday, we will gather once again, beginning with Mass in our newly refurbished Champagnat Chapel at 10.00 am, followed by a three-course lunch at Leonda by the Yarra.

We look forward to welcoming Old Collegians, families, and friends of the College to this very special day.

75^th Anniversary Commemorative Book
Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Marcellin College history! Pre-order The Legacy That Is Marcellin College: 75 Years, 75 Stories—our stunning 75th anniversary commemorative book.

This beautifully crafted coffee table book is more than a history; it’s a moving celebration of the people, events and moments that have shaped the spirit of Marcellin over the past 75 years. With only a limited number of copies available, secure yours today before they’re gone! Pre-order price $75 inc. GST and delivery.

To pre-order a copy, please email community@marcellin.vic.edu.au

Thank you from the cast and crew of The Addams Family
After two weeks of performances, this year’s M² Production of The Addams Family—a collaboration with Our Lady of Mercy College (OLMC)—wrapped up with a sold-out final show on Saturday, 31 May. The cast and crew would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along and supported the production.

A special thank you goes to our incredible production team—from our director, Mr Callum Byrne, to the talented teams behind set design, costumes, props and everyone working both front and back of house. You were all amazing!

Next up is our Junior Production later in the year. Auditions for students in Years 7–9 will be announced next term. This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the performing arts, whether you're keen to be on stage or work behind the scenes with industry professionals.

Grade 5 Taster Day
Today, we were delighted to welcome over 450 students from our feeder primary schools for our annual Taster Day. This exciting event gave students a first-hand experience of high school life at Marcellin College, with engaging sessions in Science, Art, Technology, Sport and Music. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to explore new subjects, meet new faces and build confidence as they begin to prepare for the transition to secondary school. The energy and enthusiasm across the campus made it a truly memorable day for all involved.

Winner of the signed cricket bat by Cameron Green

Congratulations to Chiara Tornese for winning the Cameron Green signed Gray Nicolls Prestige 2024/25 English Willow Cricket Bat, valued at $899.

Funds from the silent auction go towards our 2025 Italian Immersion Trip later in the year.

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.

Second-Hand Uniform Shop
A reminder, the Second-Hand Uniform Shop, located behind Marist House, is open the first Friday of every month from 9:30am to 12:30pm.

The first opening date for Term 3 will be Friday, 25 July. Pick up those winter warmers for your sons!

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

Careers News

OPEN DAYS 2025
Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 are encouraged to participate in Open Days for post-secondary institutions.
Most are held late July and August. Details have been posted on Compass and are available on our website. However, you are more than welcome to contact an institution to arrange a visit at any time.

What happens on an Open Day?
Visit an institution when it’s at its best. Everyone is there – academics, lecturers, current students, and information officers.

Who should attend an Open Day?
Anyone who is considering studying at a tertiary level in the next few years should attend. You do not need to wait until Year 12!

Why should you attend an Open Day?

1. You are going to feel more comfortable arriving at a university or TAFE institute on the first day of classes if you have been there before.
2. What is really involved in the course or courses you are interested in?
3. What does the place ‘feel’ like?
4. How are you going to get there? Is it close to public transport?

If you don’t know the answers to any of these questions, then you should attend an Open Day!

How to make the best of Open Days

1. Write down a list of questions you would like to ask about particular courses.
2. Be there early. Crowds tend to develop as the day progresses.
3. On arrival, get a map from a central point and ask for directions to the relevant faculties or schools.
4. Don’t spend the day collecting printed information only. Use the opportunity to speak directly with academics before applications close.

A reminder that the careers department has a dedicated website providing the latest information to help you make informed decisions about your future career and life beyond school. You can use this site to find universities, TAFE and other courses across Australia, and get information on VCE and much more. 

Feel free to drop into the Careers Office or book a meeting with either Lara Ingram or Kevin Kelly if you have any questions. 

Kevin Kelly & Lara Ingram, Careers & Further Education

Sport News

Winter Sport Photos
A reminder to families that winter sports photos will be taken over the next two Saturdays in the Functions Room. A schedule has been posted on Compass and coaches have been in contact with their teams.

Please ensure you arrive in your correct uniform and that you are punctual for your team photo.  

Any questions or concerns you may have, please direct these to your son's sports coach.