The Eagle 12 September 2025

Principal's Report

Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,

Over these past two weeks, it has been my privilege to walk alongside you as Acting Principal. It has been a busy time, but stepping into this role has allowed me to see our College from a slightly different perspective. I have enjoyed engaging with staff, students and families, sharing in the daily life of the school, and noticing in new ways the many strengths of our students and the values that guide them.

Father’s Day Breakfast
One of my first opportunities was to attend and speak at our annual Father’s Day Breakfast last week. It was wonderful to see so many fathers sharing this occasion with their sons. Events like this remind us of the importance of fathers in the lives of their children, not only through the support they provide but through the example they set.

Champagnat Day
Earlier this week, we celebrated Champagnat Day, the Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat and a highlight of the College year. It was a wonderful celebration from start to finish. Following our mass, we began with the walkathon and before continuing with a variety of activities on the ovals - from a dunk tank to a human soccer table. All before concluding with House challenges and a trivia competition that nearly saw our House Captains topple the seasoned duo of Mr John Diano and Mr Shun Wong.

This year, the celebration was particularly significant because we find ourselves in the College’s 75^th year. On this occasion we were reminded that Marcellin College is part of something much bigger – a charism and a history that has shaped generations and continues to shape our students today. In his homily, our celebrant Fr Mark challenged the boys to look beyond themselves with hope, to recognise that they too are part of this unfolding story, and to consider the difference they can make in the lives of others.

Marcellin College Hall of Fame
During our Champagnat Day assembly, in the absence of Mr Di Cesare, I had the honour of inducting a new member of our Hall of Fame. This year, we recognised Old Collegian Daniel Carison for his outstanding achievements as an international opera singer. A graduate of the class of 2011, and of The University of Melbourne, Daniel now has an impressive repertoire of more than 40 operas performed across Europe and Australia. Along the way he has been recognised with significant awards, among them the Sir Robert William Askin Operatic Scholarship through the Australian Council for the Arts. Beyond opera, he co-founded The Second Golden Age, a project celebrating forgotten English composers, which continues to reach audiences internationally.

Daniel’s journey reminds us that success is not just about talent, but about resilience, hard work and remaining grounded in the values nurtured here at Marcellin. His story is a powerful example for our young men of where their Marcellin education can take them when they carry these values into the wider world.

Transitions
In recent weeks, we have been meeting the next generation of Marcellin students through our enrolment interviews for the Year 7 Class of 2027. It is always a joy to meet families beginning their Marcellin journey and to hear the hopes and aspirations they hold for their sons.

These conversations naturally draw our attention to the other end of the school journey, as our Year 12 students enter their final weeks with us. For those completing VCE, this is the time to make the most of trial exams and feedback in preparation for their final assessments. For our Vocational Major (VM) students, the focus is now on exit interviews, folios and workplace learning. In my exit interviews, I have greatly enjoyed hearing about their experiences, the apprenticeships many are pursuing, and the plans they are putting in place for next year.

I encourage all students to finish well, knowing that their effort and persistence will serve them in these last important steps.

Together, these moments - from welcoming new Year 7 families to farewelling our graduating class - capture the same message we celebrated on Champagnat Day: that what makes Marcellin great is not only what happens here day to day, but what we are becoming together and the impact our young men will have when they look to the future with hope.

God Bless,

Suzanne Farley
Acting Principal
Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching

Loving and faithful God,
As we reach the end of this school term,
we give You thanks for all we have learned,
for the friendships we have deepened,
and for the challenges that have helped us grow.

We are grateful for our teachers, families, and all who support us.
May this time of rest renew our hearts and minds.

Inspired by the example of St Marcellin Champagnat,
may we continue to live with humility, simplicity, and love.
Help us to be people of compassion, always ready to serve others with a generous spirit.

Keep us safe over the break, and guide us as we prepare for the term ahead.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Faith & Mission

Champagnat Day 2025: A Celebration of Faith, Community and Solidarity
On Tuesday, 9 September, the Marcellin College community came together to celebrate Champagnat Day – a cornerstone of our College calendar that honours the vision and legacy of St Marcellin Champagnat. This year’s celebration carried special meaning as we also mark the College’s 75th anniversary, reflecting on three-quarters of a century of learning, faith, community and growth.

A Beautiful Celebration of the Eucharist
Our Champagnat Day began with a moving Mass celebrated by Fr Mark Reynolds, Episcopal Vicar for Catholic Schools and one of our College Chaplains. In the presence of Marist Brothers, staff, students and special guests, we gathered to remember and give thanks for St Marcellin, whose life was defined by humility, faith and an unwavering commitment to the education and care of young people.

The liturgy was marked by reverence, rich liturgical music, and the active participation of students, who served as readers, altar servers and cantors. Fr Mark’s homily reminded us that like St Marcellin, we are called to be “pilgrims of hope” – choosing kindness over indifference and courage over despair. At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr Mark blessed the Champagnat Medals with holy water from the rock of the Hermitage in France, symbolically connecting us to the birthplace of the Marist tradition

Walking in Solidarity: The Connor Whyte Memorial Walkathon
After Mass, our celebrations continued with the annual Connor Whyte Memorial Walkathon. This cherished tradition not only brings our community together in spirit and joy but also raises vital funds for Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS).

This year’s efforts contribute to the 2025 AMS Schools Campaign, supporting St Joseph’s College, Tenaru in the Solomon Islands. Founded by the Marist Brothers in the late 1940s, the school continues to be a beacon of academic excellence but is in urgent need of refurbishment and renewal. Our contributions will help create a safe and supportive learning environment for young people there, ensuring that Marcellin’s legacy of education and hope continues to flourish.

Beyond the Solomon Islands, AMS supports Marist schools and projects across Asia and the Pacific, including long-standing partnerships in Cambodia. These initiatives give young people access to education and opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. As our student ambassadors reminded us, each step of the walkathon is a step in solidarity - bringing hope and transforming lives.

Champagnat Day 2025 was not only a time to look back with gratitude on 75 years of Marcellin College but also a moment to look forward with renewed purpose. The Eucharist and the walkathon captured the heart of what it means to be Marist: faith in action, family spirit and a commitment to serving others.

As Acting Principal Suzanne Farley reminded us, our greatest achievement is not only in academic results or sporting victories, but in the strength of our community, our kindness, our faith and our willingness to be people of hope for each other and for the future.

Geralyn McCarthy
Deputy Principal Faith & Mission

Student Wellbeing

Champagnat Day
Following the celebration of Mass on Champagnat Day, our college community came together in solidarity for the annual Connor Whyte Memorial Walk. Held in memory of our 2023 College Captain, who tragically passed away last year, the event honours Connor’s legacy through action and generosity.

Students gathered on the ovals to participate in a 4km walk, not only a tribute to Connor's spirit and leadership but also a fundraising initiative to support Marist-affiliated charities. Thanks to the support and enthusiasm from students, staff, and families, the initiative raised over $8,500, a remarkable testament to the giving spirit of our college community. We are most grateful to Connor’s mum, Liz and sister, Talia who joined us to present the certificate to our highest fund-raising House, Faulkner. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Faulkner House under the leadership of Ms Jennie Collins, who really got behind this wonderful cause.

At the conclusion of the walkathon, the energy continued as students enjoyed a variety of activities across the college. The grounds were buzzing with games and entertainment. Some of the highlights were the old favourite,   “footy in the bin,” along with the dunk tank, where students took great pleasure in dunking our brave teacher volunteers. A special thanks to Mr Trent Carlson, Ms Sarah Carmody, Ms Georgia Carson and Mr Simon Annett, who showed great community spirit in braving the icy water on a not-so-warm day and (with a bit of convincing) I took the plunge myself. Our students also had the opportunity to purchase lunch from the variety of food trucks and stalls on offer.

The day concluded on a high in St Marcellin’s Hall with a brand-new addition to the Champagnat Day tradition: House Theatre Sports. This fun-filled and action-packed session brought lots of laughter and competition as students and teachers joined forces in a range of hilarious and interactive challenges. From eating donuts suspended on strings to devouring bowls of pasta without cutlery, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. Trivia tested general knowledge, while a Guess the Teacher baby photo competition caught quite a few of our students off guard.

One of the standout moments of the afternoon was a surprise musical performance by a band comprised of both teachers and students, who delivered a fabulous rendition of Stevie Wonder’s Superstition -  the perfect punctuation mark to a day that celebrated everything Marcellin.

Rocky Gentile
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

Student Wellbeing Programs

Join us on Monday, 13 October at 7pm in the Functions Room for a special presentation by one of Australia’s leading psychologists, Dr Michael Carr-Gregg.

In collaboration with OLMC and Marcellin College, this event offers parents invaluable insights into supporting young people’s wellbeing in today’s world. Michael’s engaging and practical approach has made him one of the nation’s most trusted voices on adolescent mental health, resilience and parenting.

This is a talk that no parent should miss if they want to better understand and support their child. Limited seats are available at $5 per ticket plus a small booking fee. Be sure to secure your seat now. Book here. 

Helping Families Prepare for the 16+ Social Media Age Delay
From 10 December 2025, social media platforms in Australia will be legally required to prevent under-16s from creating or maintaining accounts. This isn’t about punishment—it’s about protection. A national shift designed to give young people more time to grow, connect and build resilience before being handed over to systems designed for profit, not their wellbeing.

At CTRL+SHFT, we know change like this brings both relief and resistance. That’s why everything in this guide is designed to support parents, carers, educators and youth advocates as they navigate this digital transition with confidence and care. Whether you're starting tough conversations, looking for safer alternatives or helping your child build what comes next, you're in the right place.
Download this free resource now!

Rosemary Chapple & Chris Lang, College Counsellors

From our Learning Areas

Year 12 VCE VM & VPC
As we prepare to say goodbye to our Year 12 VCE VM & VPC students of 2025, we celebrated our first two of four days with an incursion featuring Chef Paul Le Noury from Eat Cook Learn Love Food from Carlton

Students enjoyed applied learning whilst dicing, chopping, creating, stirring and making their own risottos, learning cooking skills and meeting all studies in VCE VM of Literacy, Numeracy, WRS and PDS key knowledge and skills. There were many ‘Yes Chef’ comments as they learnt and enjoyed lifelong skills, as they all enjoy food!

Many thanks to Paul, Simon Annett and Liana Colaluca for driving this great activity.

I think the photos speak for themselves and may I add, families of Year 12 VCE VM & VPC students, there is no excuse that your son cannot provide a restaurant-quality meal for you all!.

 Fran Davey, Applied Learning & VET Leader 

Music Department News
Term 3 always seems to be the busiest in the Music Department. It seems like we have run events almost weekly!

Starting off, we need to celebrate the continued growth and excellence of our Champagnat Choir, who have performed for the Chapel Opening, Feast of the Assumption, Mother’s Day and Champagnat Day Masses. Thanks to Natalie Carger for her tireless efforts.

In Week 6, we took all of our ensembles to Upper Plenty for our much-loved Music Camp. Students across multiple year levels formed connections, enjoyed the beauty of nature and learnt the true meaning of the word, ‘practice!’ Permeating throughout were the two themes of family and excellence, which are values we especially want to instil in our students.

Following camp, our intermediate ensembles had the privilege of representing our College externally. Our Intermediate Concert Band made the long trek west to Ballarat to compete in the prestigious Royal South Street Eisteddfod, in which we received a Highly Commended award. The Stage Band (intermediate jazz) then performed at the Victorian School Music Festival (VSMF) in Hawthorn, being awarded a Silver. Well done to all of our performers!

And finally, I will remind you about our 75th Anniversary Music Gala Concert, taking place at The Centre, Ivanhoe on 12 October – a celebration of Marcellin music past and present. With alumni and students coming together on stage, it promises to be a night to remember.

Tim Webster, Acting Head of Music

Faulkner House Charity
On 28 August, Faulkner House students attended an assembly during the Pastoral period to learn about our new House charity, Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH). The presenter was Sister Joan, who has been a huge advocate for the charity for more than 20 years after experiencing human trafficking firsthand as a Principal at a high school in St Kilda many years ago. Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of people through force, fraud or deception and then they exploit them for profit. Sister Joan recounted her experience of human trafficking, which involved children being transported from New Zealand to Australia -we were all surprised to hear that human trafficking happens in our own country.

Many of us were also shocked to hear that our favourite chocolate brands use slave labour in third-world countries to harvest cocoa. To make your contribution in mitigating slavery, check the chocolate scorecard here for the most ethical brands to indulge in. The assembly touched so many of us - we now understand that these are the problems we may face as adults and hopefully, we will know how to act. Starting now, we will make a difference as a House, over the coming weeks, Faulkner Pastorals will collect donations for ACRATH to stop human trafficking and modern slavery. We would love to have your support as we take one step forward in eradicating this terrible issue. 

Aiden, Year 10 Faulkner SRC

Ciao a tutti!
On Friday, 29 August, the Year 11 Italian class went to Carlton for a fully immersive Italian culture and language experience. Upon arrival, the students were treated to traditional Sicilian-style ricotta cannoli and a hot drink at Brunetti's on Lygon Street, before heading to the Centre of Italian Studies, where native speaker Lorenzo ran a two-hour bespoke workshop tailored to the remaining units for the semester - technology and sustainability in Italy.

The students stepped out of their comfort zone as the entire lesson was delivered in Italian and they were expected to respond in Italian, utilising all of their prior vocabulary and grammar knowledge. It was impressive to see the students endeavour to sustain their answers and to engage positively throughout the entire lesson.

Their hard work was rewarded with a delicious pizza at Caffè Corretto and some dessert for those who felt like braving the cold to have a gelato.

The students are commended for living the College motto as they "strived for the highest" and represented the College beautifully. È stata una giornata fantastica - it was a fantastic day! A big "grazie" also to Signor Di Natale, who drove the College bus and supported the students in their language learning.

Christina Cammarano, Year 11 Italian Teacher

Staff Profile

Hello, my name is Tim Webster. I have been a member of the Marcellin College community for five years. I teach Music for Years 7 to 12 and have recently stepped into the role of Acting Head of Music. As a trombone player myself, I love how this role enables me to share my passion for music.

What I enjoy most about the College is the variety of opportunities for students to try new things, from sports, musical ensembles, productions, Game Changers, community service and the like. These are the things that create enduring memories for their time at school. I also love the sense of family spirit amongst the staff community.

When I’m not at the College, I am rehearsing or performing in brass bands, or I am involved at a local church with my lovely wife. These coming holidays, I am looking forward to getting away somewhere in nature, going on hikes and maybe some camping. 

Tim Webster, Acting Head of Music

Student Profile

Hi, my name is Ryan and I’m a Year 11 student at Marcellin College. I am currently studying Unit 3&4 Visual Communication Design, Mathematical Methods, General Mathematics, Chemistry, Religion and English. My goal for Year 12 and beyond is to achieve an ATAR that will allow me to pursue an engineering course.

What I love most about Marcellin College is the strong sense of community and support. The teachers genuinely care about our learning and growth and there are always opportunities to get involved in different activities, both academically and through sport.

When I’m not studying, I enjoy playing golf on the weekends and spending time with friends. In the future, I hope to achieve a 40+ study score in Visual Communication Design, with the goal of becoming dux of the subject. This aspiration has encouraged a healthy sense of competition with my classmates, which has motivated all of us to continue to improve throughout the year.

Ryan, Year 11 student, Faulkner House

College Events

NEW Parent & Son Cooking Classes – Japanese Cuisine
Our popular Parent & Son Cooking Classes are back for Term 4, proudly presented by the Parents & Friends Group. This time we are going Japanese! Join one of four sessions below:

Monday, 20 October & Tuesday, 21 October (4 pm and 7 pm) in the Functions Room

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

Thank you to those who attended the Spanish Cooking Classes last week. It was great to see so many families enjoying themselves and being able to enjoy a home-cooked meal together with your son.

Father’s Day Breakfast
Thank you to our fathers and carers for attending this year’s Father’s Day Breakfast on Friday, 5 September. It was another well-attended event, and we are grateful to have your continued support. A highlight of the day is always the videos from your son/s to our fathers. Click here to view these special clips. We hope you had a wonderful Father’s Day!

75^th Anniversary Music Gala
Seats are filling up fast!

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. To book your ticket, click here.

Term 4 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 4, 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

Have you read the latest edition of Marcellin College, our biannual publication that celebrates and connects our past, present and future? If not, you can do so 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

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 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.

The next opening date for Term 4 will be Friday, 10 October. 
Good quality and clean second-hand uniform donations are happily accepted.

Manningham Council are once again running its school holiday programs. Click here to see what exciting programs are on offer throughout the Spring Holidays. 
Activities include:

• squash, table tennis, volleyball, gymnastics, recreational running, footy skills
• Casual basketball shooting sessions are also available at Mullum Mullum Stadium and DISC.
• Green thumbs can Learn how to make seed bombs for the garden at our free workshop.
• The whole family can enjoy Active Manningham's $25 Family Swim Day at Aquarena.
• As part of the Birrarung Riverfest, we're hosting free learn to paddle sessions on the Yarra River with Paddle Victoria.

There are free bike checks for young people aged 12 to 25, and our All Abilities All Stars Basketball event will be a full day of basketball, mini games, free shooting and fun. The Abilities Unleashed Kids event is a come-and-try experience connecting young people with disability to local sport and recreational activities. Find more information on programming on their website.

North East Link Updates

Changes to College access (19 September – 6 October)
Please note that access to the College via Manningham Road will change between 19 September to 6 October. For students undertaking Unit 3&4 trial examinations, please take note of these changes and allow for additional travel time.
For further information and to view the detours during the closure, please click on the flyer below.

Careers News

Careers Update – VTAC, SEAS & Year 12 Planning 

Staff Access – School Holidays 
Please note that Careers staff will be unavailable during the upcoming school holidays. Year 12 students and families are encouraged to take note of the following key dates and resources: 

VTAC Applications  
All VTAC dates can be found here:  VTAC Key Dates 

• Students applying for university courses via VTAC must pay the $80 application fee. 
• After 29 September, the fee increases to $160, so early submission is strongly encouraged. 

SEAS & Scholarships
Applications for Equity Schemes (SEAS) and scholarships, including all supporting documentation, close on 10 October. Students are advised to apply well in advance to allow time for any required statements of support to be written. 

Appointments – Term 4
Students can continue to book appointments in Term 4 with: 

• Lara Ingram – Book with Lara 
• Kevin Kelly – Book with Kevin 

VTAC Application Walkthrough Videos
Videos are available to guide students through each step of the VTAC application process: 

• Registration 
• Personal details 
• Education history 
• Preferences
• Equity schemes 
• Providing evidence 
• Short overview video

Year 12 Exit Meetings  
Throughout Term 3, the Careers and Further Education team have endeavoured to meet with all Year 12 students to ensure they have a clear plan for 2026. We’ve been incredibly impressed by the thoughtful research, planning and articulation of pathways shown by our students. 

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

AGSV Athletics Carnival
On Wednesday, 10 September, the Marcellin College Athletics team proudly represented the College at the AGSV Athletics Carnival, held at the iconic Albert Park Lakeside Stadium. Under the enthusiastic leadership of our Captains, Ben Bodycoat & Charlie Gray, the squad approached the day with determination, energy and a strong sense of unity. The atmosphere was electric, with every event drawing plenty of excitement and close contests that had the crowd captivated right until the finish line.

Our athletes displayed exceptional resilience and competitive spirit across both track and field. From sprints to long-distance races and from jumps to throws, the team consistently pushed themselves to perform at their best. Many boys secured podium finishes, with several taking out first place in their events—a reflection of the dedication and effort shown during training throughout the season.

We especially acknowledge those who went above and beyond by competing in three or more events and those who filled in events on the day for those who were absent. Their willingness to step up for the team was a wonderful example of commitment to the Marcellin cause.

The track athletes impressed with their pace, stamina and grit, while the field competitors contributed vital points through skill and strength in their disciplines. Every performance, no matter the placing, added to the overall spirit and determination of the squad.

Marcellin College concluded the day in a strong 5th place overall with 404 points. Camberwell Grammar were crowned men’s champions with 466 points, while Yarra Valley Grammar claimed the women’s title. While our team didn’t secure top spot this year, the camaraderie, encouragement and sportsmanship shown by our athletes truly embodied the Marcellin spirit and made the day an outstanding success.

A sincere thank you goes to our coaches, staff and parents for their support and guidance, as well as to the organisers and competing schools for creating such a memorable event. With the solid foundation laid this season, we look forward with confidence and excitement to future carnivals.

Event Winners
Under 13:
Ronak Sandhu – Discus (24.49m)
Ronak Sandhu – Shot Put (9.70m)
Jack Terrill (4:42.87) & Oscar Clarke (4:55.27) – 1500m

Under 16:
Matt Hanslow – 400m (53.23)
Zach Pietryk – Long Jump (5.35m)

Under 17:
Ben Bodycoat – 800m (2:05.38)
Ben Boycoat – 1500m (4:18.31)

OPEN:
Oliver Peake (8:52.15), Liam Davies (9:06.09) & Tom Douglas (9:34.17) – 3000m

Ben Reynolds, Head of Sport