The Eagle 29 August 2025

Principal's Report

Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,

As we move through the final weeks of Term 3, I am once again struck by the richness of life at our College – a community that celebrates learning, faith, connection and the opportunities that shape our young men.

Building Works Update
Our College continues to grow and evolve with several exciting projects underway. The Gallery Flyover connecting the Hermitage and Ardmara buildings is progressing well, with works expected to be completed by the end of the year. Over the Christmas break, construction will commence on the new Champagnat Court, creating a vibrant central space for our community. At the same time, Ardmara will undergo a refurbishment to provide modern, purpose-designed facilities for our Year 7 students. These developments reflect our responsbility to creating inspiring and dynamic learning environments for all.

College Fees 2026
We remain committed to providing a learning environment that inspires excellence, resilience and the living out of our Marist HEART values. This requires continual investment in high-quality teaching, wellbeing programs and facilities that benefit every student.

In 2026, College fees will see an approximate 8% increase. While we aim to keep fees as low as we can, this adjustment reflects rising costs in the broader economy, a new Enterprise Agreement that is being negotiated, as well as our commitment to maintaining the standard of education and care that families rightly expect. Importantly, our fees continue to include the embedded $520 reduction introduced in 2025 when laptop charges for Year 7 and Year 10 families were removed from school fees and paid directly to an external provider.

This means that while families of Year 10 students in 2026 will continue to purchase laptops directly, the equivalent reduction remains part of the fee structure. We thank you for your ongoing support and partnership as we balance affordability with our mission to deliver an exceptional Catholic education.

Singapore Educational Tour
This term, our College was privileged to participate in the Singapore Educational Tour. Led by Mr Phil Kamay, our students and staff engaged with universities and schools, developing links that will enrich our global learning partnerships. It was especially encouraging to work alongside the Australian Catholic University, who partnered with us to introduce Singaporean educators to Australian practices using Marcellin College as a case study. Experiences such as these highlight the importance of international collaboration in preparing our boys for a world beyond the College gates.

Building Bridges with Our Primary Partners
Earlier this week we hosted our Catholic Primary Schools Principals’ Breakfast, a wonderful occasion where Year 7 representatives joined us in welcoming principals and staff from their former schools. This was a special opportunity to thank those who laid the foundations for our students’ learning journeys and to celebrate the partnerships that continue to support their growth.

Last weekend, we also welcomed many new families to our Year 7 2026 Testing Day. Meeting students who will soon join our College was both exciting and affirming. Their enthusiasm reminds us of the privilege we have in shaping the next generation of Marcellin men.

Exploring Irish Heritage and Beyond
I will be taking some Long Service Leave beginning next week and have the privilege of travelling with my wife and her siblings as they reconnect with their Irish heritage. We will journey through Ireland and Northern Ireland, before heading to Spain and finally Singapore to attend the Formula 1. It is a gift to be able to step aside briefly and spend this time with family, and I do so with gratitude for the strong leadership team who will continue to guide the College.

Looking Ahead
During my time away, Ms Suzanne Farley will serve as Acting Principal. I know that under her leadership the College will continue to flourish as we approach the final stretch of Term 3. I encourage all students and families to finish the term with energy and determination, embracing opportunities to grow in faith, learning and friendship.

Let us remember that even in the busiest of times, we are called to walk gently with one another, to encourage courage, and to be “10% braver” in the way we live our Marist HEART values each day.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and may this final part of the term be one of joy, resilience and shared achievement as we recharge our batteries over the break, ready for Term 4.

God Bless,
Marco Di Cesare
Principal

Loving God,
We give thanks for the gift of open hands.
Blessed are the open hands that embrace the poor and help them,
for they are hands that bring hope.
Blessed are the hands that reach beyond barriers of culture, religion, and nationality, bringing consolation to the wounds of humanity.
Blessed are the open hands that ask nothing in return,
for they call down Your blessing upon all our brothers and sisters.
Lord, help us to be people of open hands—
ready to serve, to comfort, and to love generously.
May our community always reflect Your compassion and mercy.
Amen.

Faith & Mission

Chapel Induction for Religious Education Classes
Over the past few weeks, I have been leading chapel induction sessions for all of our Religious Education classes, with sessions continuing into next term. Since the reopening of our newly renovated Champagnat Chapel, these inductions have been an important way for students and staff to appreciate the beauty and meaning of the new space.

The Chapel is more than just an architectural achievement; it is a sacred space filled with rich symbolism and art that invites prayer, reflection and encounter with God’s presence. From the flowing water feature that recalls St Marcellin Champagnat’s Hermitage in France, to the striking crucifix and cosmic windows that lift our eyes to the grandeur of God’s universe, each element carries deep spiritual meaning.

By introducing students to these artworks and symbols, we hope to foster a deeper connection to our  Catholic Marist tradition and encourage them to see the Chapel as a place of prayer, stillness and inspiration.

Year 11 Reflection Day
This week, our Year 11 students took part in their annual Reflection Day, facilitated by the Passionist Youth Team. The theme of the day invited students to consider the masks we wear—the different ways we present ourselves to the world and the importance of being authentic, vulnerable and true to who God calls us to be.

Through prayer, small group discussions and reflective activities, students had the opportunity to pause amidst the busyness of school life and look inward. The day was a meaningful reminder that faith grows not just in knowledge, but in honesty and openness with ourselves and others.

Champagnat Day – Connor Whyte Memorial Walkathon
On Tuesday, 9 September, we will gather as a whole school community to celebrate our annual Champagnat Day Mass and the Connor Whyte Memorial Walkathon that follows the mass and assembly. This much-loved tradition is not only a time of community spirit and remembrance, but also a vital fundraiser in support of Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS).

Funds raised will contribute to the 2025 AMS Campaign, which continues the Marist mission of education and solidarity with young people across the Asia-Pacific region. This includes initiatives such as building schools, supporting teacher training and providing opportunities for disadvantaged communities to access quality education. By walking together, our College community participates in a global Marist network that brings hope and transformation to the lives of young people in need.

Geralyn McCarthy
Deputy Principal Faith & Mission

Learning & Teaching

Over the Last Hurdle: Supporting Our Year 12 Students
As our senior students approach their Unit 3&4 Trial Examinations, it is easy to see this period as being all about revision timetables, practice essays and exam technique.

While these things are important, it is worth remembering that no student undertakes this journey alone. The experience of preparing for significant assessments is a shared one, with teachers, parents and peers all playing an important role in guiding, encouraging and supporting our Year 12 students.

How Families Can Help at Home
Parents and carers can play a vital role in this stage of preparation by encouraging and supporting their sons in practical ways, such as:

• Encouraging them to revise key content and practise applying knowledge.
• Asking simple questions about what they have been learning — having them explain it out loud strengthens memory.
• Supporting them to break study into manageable blocks with regular breaks.
• Reminding them to seek feedback from teachers and visit them for clarification.
• Reminding them to use Homework Club for structured study time or further support.
• Encouraging conversations with our Careers & Further Education Team about next steps.
• Reminding them of the value of peers — many a Year 12 Dux has thanked their classmates for support, encouragement and study help along the way.

While these exams are an important milestone, they are not the final destination. Whether our Year 12 students are aiming for university placements, apprenticeships or work opportunities, the habits they build now — discipline, perseverance and the willingness to seek support — will serve them well in whatever lies ahead.

Our community has always been a source of strength. Let us continue to encourage our Year 12 students to balance diligent study with rest, reflection and connection with those around them. With the support of their families, teachers and each other, they can face the weeks ahead not only with confidence in their preparation but also with hope and trust in the broader journey that lies beyond exams.

Further information and details about the Trial Examinations, including the full timetable, can be found on Compass.

VTAC Applications
We also encourage families to support their sons as they complete their VTAC applications.

The deadline will arrive quickly, amongst many other priorities for students, so our goal is for applications to be finalised by the end of this term. Prompt attention to this process will give students greater peace of mind and allow them to focus fully on their final assessments.

Any questions can be directed to Kevin and Lara in our Careers & Further Education Team, who are available to provide guidance and support.

Suzanne Farley
Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching

From our Learning Areas

Marcellin Live FM | Media Watch with Ralph Barba
Year 12 VCE VM & VPC Literacy participated in a four-day incursion learning the art of radio broadcasting, literacy commands, oral communication and interviewing skills.

They enjoyed learning about the technical side of the sound fixer as well as interviewing a range of interesting individuals, including staff, Ryan Hoffman, ABC Rugby League commentator and former player and the Australian actor and former Marcellin student, Stephen Curry.

The students certainly enjoyed themselves and were engaged in completing the Literacy curriculum through applied learning. A  couple of comments from our students below ....

I had a great time doing this interview and was very grateful for being selected. I had lots of fun asking Stephen plenty of questions and found him quite funny. I also loved how much he loved the College, which is something I would also love to do once I leave the school.
Archer 

Interviewing Stephen Curry was a great opportunity to gain insight into his journey as an Australian actor and a past Marcellin boy. He shared many interesting and funny stories highlighting his career and the challenges he faced. 
Billy 

Having this opportunity to interview Stephen Curry was really cool, Stephen had an interesting story and was great in allowing us to ask some questions about his career. This was an amazing experience for us VM boys and shows how VM is a great path in having plenty of cool opportunities.
Lachlan 

As part of our VM project for Term 3, we got the privilege to do a radio show with Ralph Barba from Live Media, called Marcellin Live  We had the honour to be able to bring in Ben Owens, a former army veteran who sustained a life-altering injury during service and is now disabled in a wheelchair. Ben now competes in the DOD Warrior Game as a paraplegic rugby player, archer and swimmer. We talked about his disability, and he was very open to talking about his personal life and his experience in the army. Furthermore, we also spoke about his day-to-day hardships and how he deals with them. Ben was a great guest as he openly spoke about his struggles and ended with his aspirations about himself, including his passion for hiking by himself and wanting to do very well in the sport (wheelchair rugby) he is competing in during 2027.

As a group, we learnt that:

• When dealing with someone who has a disability, it is always necessary to make them feel comfortable when asking personal questions.
• People who have disabilities don’t like to be treated like they are being wrapped up in cotton wool (Ben’s words), because they are still normal people; they just have to put in some extra effort in day-to-day activities.
• Hosting and presenting a live radio show is difficult yet very rewarding. It has its unique struggles, including all of the setting up and also ensuring we had no dead air when we are live, whilst also having our guest stay interested and comfortable.
• Going into a defence force job teaches you core skills that stay with you for life. For example, being on time to everything, well presented, looking after everyone around you, keeping everyone’s perspective in your mind, to be able to know how others around you are feeling.
• When faced with negative situations, it’s all about perspective and how you look at it, trying to make it into a good situation and not a negative one.

Jackson 

Ms Fran Davey, Applied Learning Leader &
Ms Liana Colaluca, Redden House Leader

Student Profile

Hi, my name is Williem and I’m a Year 9 SOAR student.

One of the things I really value about being at Marcellin College is the strong sense of community and the opportunities we are given to live out our values in meaningful ways. Through SOAR and other programs, I’ve been encouraged to step up, take action and make a positive difference in the world, and I’m grateful for that.

Williem, Year 9 SOAR student,  Junior Faith & Mission Captain

College Events

Parent & Son Cooking Classes – LAST CHANCE TO BOOK
Our popular Parent & Son Cooking Classes are back for Terms 3 and 4, proudly presented by the Parents & Friends Group.

Join us for an exciting evening of cultural cuisine:

Term 3 Spanish Cooking Classes
Monday, 1 September (7pm) & Tuesday, 2 September (4pm)

Spots are limited, and these sessions always fill up fast. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to bond, cook and create lasting memories together! Secure your places here.

Father’s Day Breakfast
Only a handful of tickets left for our annual Father’s Day breakfast on Friday, 5 September in the Functions Room. Be sure to mark your calendar and avoid missing out. Secure your tickets here.

P&F Father’s Day Fundraiser 2025
This Father’s Day, treat Dad (or yourself!) with a delicious selection of Andrew’s Choice smallgoods, proudly brought to you by the Parents & Friends Group.

How it works:
Pre-order your packs online via MySchoolConnect before Monday, 1 September.
Collect your order at the College on Thursday, 4 September 2025, between 2:45 – 3:45 pm from the Functions Room. Students can also collect on your behalf.

Menu & Pricing:

• Father’s Day Pack – $79.95
• Bacon – $9.99
• Kransky (3 pack) – $9.99
• Cabanossi (Chicken or Pork) – $9.95
• Build Your Own “Bag” – $8.95

All proceeds go towards supporting College initiatives through our P&F community. Stock up for Father’s Day and help make a difference at Marcellin!

75^th Anniversary Music Gala
Join us on Sunday, 12 October for an unforgettable night as we celebrate 75 years of music at Marcellin College! This special gala event will showcase the incredible musical talent that has filled our halls over the decades.

Enjoy music from reunited former Marcellin bands, show-stopping acts from our most accomplished musical alumni – including Sean Millis from The Voice and many more special performances!

A joyful, family-friendly evening honouring our rich musical heritage. Don't miss this milestone celebration of music, community and Marcellin spirit.

Tickets on sale until sold out and includes food and drinks (non-alcoholic). Book 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

75^th Anniversary Commemorative Book
Own a piece of Marcellin College history! Order The Legacy That Is Marcellin College: 75 Years, 75 Stories, our stunning 75^th 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 College over the past 75 years. With only a limited number of copies available, secure yours today before they’re gone! Click here to preview the book.

Order a copy for $90, including GST and delivery by emailing community@marcellin.vic.edu.au.

Marcellin Life

The latest edition of Marcellin Life, our biannual publication that celebrates and connects our past, present and future, is now out and can be read here.

In this edition, we look back at 75 years of our great College, featuring interviews with our alumni, as well as reports from our community groups.

If you would like a hard copy of Marcellin Life, please email community@marcellin.vic.edu.au

Year 7 2026 Academic Testing
Despite a few nerves early on, we were thrilled to welcome our incoming Year 7 students for 2026 on Saturday, 23 August, for their Allwell academic testing. It was wonderful to see so many of you interacting, making new friends, and strengthening existing ones. You should all be very proud, you did an excellent job! Thanks to Mr Edwards for looking after our newest students. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, 9 December, for Transition Day.

2025 Alumni Reunion Evening
Step back in time and join us for the 2025 Alumni Reunion Evening for the graduating classes of 1965, 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2015.

Relive memories, catch up with old mates and walk the halls of Marcellin College, Bulleen. For details and further information, please 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 next opening date for Term 3 will be Friday, 5 September. Pick up those summer shirts in preparation for Term 4.

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

Careers News

Year 10 Work Experience Reflections
Over the past few weeks, several of our Year 10 students have participated in work experience placements across a variety of industries. These opportunities have offered valuable insights into the world of work and helped students explore potential career pathways. See below for some of their reflections

I attended work experience at the MCG. During the week, I learnt a lot about the history of the MCG. My favourite experience was being able to sit in on the Sports Australia Hall of Fame induction and getting to meet Jason Dunstall, Dr. Peter Harcourt and Laura Geitz. It also allowed me to get up close to important pieces of Australia's sporting history, such as baggy greens, pieces of the original MCG grandstand from 1854, floats from the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the second-oldest cricket bat in existence.
Charlie

Year 12 Exit Meetings
Throughout Term 3, the Careers and Further Education team is meeting with all Year 12 students to ensure they have a clear plan for 2026. These meetings began this week, and we’ve been incredibly impressed by the thoughtful research, planning, and articulation of pathways shown by our students.

Apprenticeship Information Session
Students considering an apprenticeship—either post-Year 12 or through a school-based apprenticeship—will have the opportunity to attend an upcoming information session. This session will provide practical guidance and next steps. Keep an eye on Compass for further details.

Australian Defence Force (ADF) Presentation
This week, we welcomed representatives from the ADF to speak about career opportunities within the armed forces. Key takeaways included:

• A wide variety of career options are available, catering to diverse interests and skill sets.
• Some roles require minimal formal education and do not involve further trade training.

Need Support?
Students and families are always welcome to visit the Careers Office or book a meeting with Lara Ingram or Kevin Kelly for personalised advice and support.

Kevin Kelly & Lara Ingram, Careers & Further Education

Sports News

Herald Sun Shield Success
Report by Andrew Forrest, Lachlan Collard, Zachary Chondros

On Tuesday, 26 August, the Intermediate A Team had the privilege of participating in the Herald Sun Shield competition as representatives of the AGSV.

An early morning start saw us on the bus together at 7:45am, arriving in Altona for the day’s games. Our first match was against Covenant College. The conditions were tricky, with heavy winds favouring one end of the ground, making it a challenge for all teams throughout the day. We finished our opening game with a 69–0 win - a fantastic start.

Straight away, we faced St Ignatius College. This game was played on a much smaller ground, which, combined with the wind, made things very difficult. After a hard-fought contest, we came away with a 46–16 win.

Our third match was against Emmaus College. Knowing that a win here would take us into the finals undefeated, we lifted again and secured a comfortable 34–8 victory, giving us great momentum heading into the finals.

After some downtime and keeping our energy high, we faced our first final against Beaconhills College, a team from Pool B, so we weren’t sure what to expect. With the wind still a major factor, clean possession was difficult, but we managed well and ran out 55–7 winners, advancing to the grand final.

In the final, we once again came up against St Ignatius College, a tough and well-rounded team. With the wind blowing harder than it had all day, we knew it was going to be a battle. Kicking into the breeze in the first half, we went into halftime trailing 1–10, but we knew we had kept ourselves in the game, as they had only managed one goal with the strong wind behind them.

In the second half, we fought hard, kicking two goals to edge in front. There were some nervous moments late, but when the siren sounded, we had held on. We were premiers.

After an outstanding five-game series, Lachie Collard was presented with the Old Boys Award, while Oliver Flanagan was awarded the Best on Ground Medal for his terrific grand final performance.

Finally, we were presented with our medals and the Herald Sun Shield, celebrating with teammates, coaches, and family members who came to support us.

A big thank you to Mr Bosio and Miss Girolami for coaching and supporting us throughout the year.

Australian Cross Country Championships
Written by Oliver Peake

Last Saturday, the best runners from across the country gathered in Ballarat for a home edition of the Australian National Cross Country Championships. This annual event brings together high-calibre athletes representing their state in pursuit of both team and individual success.

From the Marcellin cross country team, Jack Terrill (Year 7), Jaiden Loza (Year 8), and Oliver Peake (Year 11) were selected to represent Victoria, while Angus Buchan (Year 9) and coach John Meagher also competed individually.

The event was extremely successful, with Jack securing a bronze medal, Jaiden placing 43rd (while bravely managing an ongoing injury), Angus finishing 26th, and Oliver placing 6th—each in their respective age-group races against the nation’s best runners. Jack and Oliver both contributed to their winning Victorian teams, placing in the top three and earning team gold medals. Mr Meagher also claimed victory in the Male 60+ division of the Masters race, adding yet another highlight to his distinguished career.

These results cap off a remarkable season for the Marcellin cross country team, which also included a 25th consecutive premiership and numerous state medals.

Overall, the championships marked one of Marcellin’s finest performances in recent years and provided a highly memorable and rewarding experience for all athletes involved.

Summer Season is fast approaching
The AGSV summer season is just around the corner, with fixtures for all teams commencing in Term Four. Families are asked to place the following dates in their calendars:

• November 8, 15, 22
• February 7, 14, 21, 28
• March 14, 21

1st Basketball and 1^st Cricket will also have games on October 18 and 25.

Training for all 1st teams will commence during Weeks Seven and Eight of Term Three. Non-1st teams will commence in Term Four in preparation for Round One. Specific pre-season information will be sent to students via our Teachers in Charge.

Summer Teachers in Charge
The Teacher in Charge of each sport not only oversees the 1st team but also supports the coaches of the junior teams. They play a critical role in supporting the entire sporting program. The 2025/2026 staff in these roles are:

• Brett Atley – Basketball
• John Diano – Cricket
• Justin Abbott – Tennis
• Patrick Benson – Volleyball

Communication
Each individual team coach will use Compass to contact players prior to the season commencing. Coaches will confirm training nights and pre-season expectations. Compass is a live platform where information can be checked at any time.

We encourage all boys to take responsibility for their involvement in the program. Students are expected to seek answers to questions by communicating directly with their coach and/or by checking the Sport Website Page or their individual team page. To support this approach, we ask parents to encourage their sons to contact their coach directly and to build independence in this area, rather than contacting staff themselves.

Ben Reynolds, Head of Sport