The Eagle 30 May 2025

Principal's Report

Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Marist Schools Australia Principal’s Conference in Sydney. It was a reflective and energising experience to gather with over 50 principals from around the country as we shared insights on best practice, leadership and the spiritual dimension of our work. Central to our conversations was the 2025 Marist theme - Pilgrims of Hope: Look Beyond, a timely reminder that our shared mission in Catholic education is one of accompaniment, vision and hope, especially during times of challenge and change.

A Celebration of Spirit
Yesterday, we held our annual Inter-House Athletics Carnival and it was an outstanding display of house spirit, determination and healthy competition. From the 100m sprint and the long jump pit to the 4x100m relays and the high jump mat, students gave their all, not just in performance but in supporting one another across the field.

Congratulations to Mannes House, who took out the overall title for 2025! Their efforts were not only consistent but also full of enthusiasm and pride. House Captain Zac Kondacos delivered a gracious and heartfelt acceptance speech that captured the spirit of friendly rivalry.

And I must add — Redden House did not come last this year... and those of us in Redden House are taking that as a win.

Supporting Your Son's Attendance and Learning
Recently, the College sent home letters to families with important updates about their sons' progress. One of the key focus areas was attendance, a vital contributor to learning success. Research shared in Teacher Magazine highlights that parents overwhelmingly recognise the importance of regular attendance, yet challenges such as illness, anxiety or family needs can sometimes impact a student's ability to attend school consistently.

The study emphasises that most parents want to support their child’s attendance but may need clearer communication from schools about expectations and how attendance is monitored. At Marcellin College, we continue to work in partnership with families to ensure students are present, engaged and supported. We have always been clear with our expectations around attendance, and all families can access real-time attendance data through Compass.

Resilience is a key part of a young man’s development. It is built not only through classroom challenges but also through their participation in community events, sport and whole-school activities. Yesterday’s Athletics Carnival was a wonderful celebration for most, but it was disappointing to see a noticeable number of families allowing early departures without medical or exceptional reasons. We understand that families are busy, but choosing to leave early from a full-day school event does not help students learn to commit, participate fully or develop perseverance. We ask for your support in helping your sons understand that being part of the community means showing up and staying engaged — even when the weather is cool, the schedule is full, or the event is outside their comfort zone.

We are, however, heartened that the overwhelming majority of families did support us in making the day a success. Your encouragement and alignment with our values make a genuine difference in your son's growth and in the culture of our College.

If attendance becomes a concern, we encourage open dialogue so we can work together to remove barriers and help your son thrive.

The Addams Family

A Spectacle of Talent
This fortnight, students from Marcellin and OLMC took to the stage for our M² Production of The Addams Family. I’m attending the performance tonight and, from all reports, it has been one of our finest productions yet. This classic tale of spooky fun has been brought to life with impressive direction, acting and musical flair. I look forward to seeing our students shine under the stage lights, especially in a story that celebrates family, difference, and, in a rather peculiar way, love. My thanks to our boys for their work and to Mr Callum Byrne and staff for overseeing this production. 

A Night to Remember
Last week, our Year 12 students gathered for their Formal – a night of celebration, style, and lasting memories. I am often amazed at how different our young men can look when they are out of their uniforms and in a suit and tie. I appreciated seeing our students mark this important milestone with such pride and maturity.

As we arrived at the halfway mark of Term 2, the days have turned noticeably colder, and the morning chill is now part of the daily routine. We know that winter can bring more than just a drop in temperature – it can impact our motivation and energy levels, too. I encourage all our young men (and all of us, really) to remain resilient, to seek warmth in routine, in community, and in purpose.

Let’s continue to strive for the highest and lift each other up as we journey through this term together.

God Bless,

Marco Di Cesare
Principal

Prayer for National Reconciliation Week

Loving Creator,
We come before You in a spirit of humility and hope,
remembering the stories, the strength, and the sacred connection
of the First Nations peoples of this land.
We give thanks for their custodianship of Country,
for their deep wisdom and enduring culture.
May we walk together in truth, acknowledging past wrongs and seeking healing with open hearts.
Give us the courage to speak honestly, to listen deeply, and to act justly.
Help us to be instruments of reconciliation,
building a future marked by respect, dignity, and unity.

Amen.

Faith & Mission

Pilgrims of Hope: A Day of Formation and Community for Marcellin Staff

On Friday, 23 May, Marcellin College staff came together for a powerful and enriching Marist Formation Professional Learning Day, centred on the 2025 Marist theme: Pilgrims of Hope, Look Beyond. The theme called us to reflect on our shared journey of faith, and to consider how we, as educators in a Catholic Marist community, can be signposts of hope for one another and for the young people in our care.

The day was facilitated by Mr Paul Harris and Mr Mark O’Farrell from the Marist Mission and Life Formation Team (MMLF Team), a dedicated group within Marist Schools Australia (MSA) that plays a central role in supporting and nurturing the Catholic Marist identity of schools across the country.

Throughout the day, staff were invited to engage deeply with the idea of pilgrimage, not as a destination, but as an “adventure of the soul.” Through prayer, reflection, and meaningful conversation, we explored what it means to walk in the footsteps of Marcellin Champagnat and to live as people of hope in a world that often leans toward despair.

A particular highlight of the day was the “Conversations in the Spirit” session, where staff engaged in a synodal-style dialogue, discerning how we might continue to build a living community of hope at Marcellin. These moments of shared wisdom and listening were a powerful reminder of the Spirit at work in our everyday encounters.

The afternoon concluded with a joyful and energising Marist Amazing Race—a team-building exercise designed not only to foster collaboration and camaraderie, but to embed and celebrate aspects of our Marist spirituality in a creative and active way. Staff raced across the College grounds, solving clues, engaging with Marist symbols, and embracing the spirit of fun, faith, and connection that characterises our community.

Days like this are a reminder that formation is not just for the classroom—it is for the heart. We give thanks for the opportunity to gather, to grow, and to look beyond together, as pilgrims of hope in the Marcellin tradition.

Standing in Solidarity: The Vinnies Winter Sleepout
The Vinnies Winter Sleepout evening is on Thursday, 5 June, students and staff will spend the night sleeping rough at the College to raise money and awareness for the plight of those experiencing homelessness. This initiative is more than a fundraiser—it’s a powerful act of solidarity with the vulnerable in our community.

Please donate to our winter sleepout now to help us achieve our fundraising goal, which will support Vinnies in providing assistance to those in our community who need it most. Click here to access our fundraising page.  We are also collecting period products to be donated to the Exodus community (West Heidelberg) - the donation box is located in Marist House. 

Together, let’s be a Marist community that keeps looking beyond ourselves and lives out the Gospel call to love and serve.

Geralyn McCarthy
Deputy Principal Faith & Mission

Learning & Teaching

Pathways and Subject Selection: Exploring the Possibilities

Vocational Education and Training (VET)
One of the real privileges of my role is walking alongside students as they plan their futures.

Subject selection is an important milestone in a student’s journey through secondary school. It’s a chance for them to reflect on what they enjoy, where their strengths lie, and what kind of learner they are. Whether students are aiming for university, an apprenticeship, or direct entry into the workforce, our role as educators and families is to help them feel supported and informed in choosing the pathway that suits them best.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is one of the numerous options available to our students in Years 10-12.

VET is particularly well-suited to students who enjoy practical, hands-on learning and are looking to develop skills that will translate directly into the workplace, though it does not preclude further study.

A standout feature of VET is the sheer range of study areas available. Students can explore everything from automotive, construction and engineering, to areas like business, sport and recreation, creative industries, health and child care. With such diversity, VET allows students to pursue their passions and gain nationally recognised qualifications while still at school. For many, it’s a pathway that builds confidence, real-world skills and a clear sense of direction for life beyond the classroom.

Over the coming weeks, parents and carers will notice a number of events designed to support thinking and planning for next year. These sessions reflect our commitment to supporting families and students during this important decision-making time.

One of these events is our VET Information Session for Year 9 and 10 parents and carers on Wednesday, 25 June, from 6pm to 6:45pm. We’ll outline the structure of VET, the courses on offer, and what to consider when selecting subjects for next year.

Following the VET session, we’ll be running our VCE Information Session for Year 10 parents/carers and our Year 10 2026 Information Session for Year 9 parents/carers. Both of these sessions will begin at 7pm. These sessions will focus on subject selection and the variety of pathways available for students in the senior years, beginning at Year 10 and within the VCE.

We hope you can join us at one or both of these events. It’s another step in the ongoing conversation about your child’s future and how we can work together to support their strengths, interests and aspirations.

Suzanne Farley
Deputy Principal Learning & Teaching

Student Wellbeing

Helping Our Boys Embrace Effort and Growth

In recent weeks, our students have had the opportunity to engage in a series of powerful wellbeing programs, including Elephant Ed, The Man Cave, and Tomorrow Man. These sessions have encouraged our young men to reflect on their identity, how they relate to others, and how they understand what it means to be a man in today’s world. These conversations are particularly timely as we approach a busy period of assessments and examinations, including our Year 12 VCE students finalising their Unit 3 SACs.

With this in mind, I’d like to share a reflection inspired by the book Boys Don’t Try? Rethinking Masculinity in Schools by Matt Pinkett and Mark Roberts. This compelling book challenges educators and parents to rethink outdated stereotypes around masculinity, learning, and effort. At its core, the authors argue that many boys aren’t held back by a lack of ability, but by a culture that discourages them from trying for fear of failure. Pinkett and Roberts highlight that some boys come to believe that real masculinity is about being effortlessly capable, never showing vulnerability, and appearing indifferent. They write, “Trying is seen by some boys as a weakness, because trying means risking failure.” As educators and parents, we know this couldn’t be further from the truth. True strength lies in perseverance, resilience, and the courage to try—even when success isn’t guaranteed. These are values we promote every day at Marcellin through our Pastoral and wellbeing programs.

The authors stress how critical it is for boys to hear, especially from their parents, that effort is not just acceptable; it’s expected. Success should be defined not by who appears the smartest, but by who continues to show up, work hard, and strive to improve. As Pinkett and Roberts powerfully note, “For every boy who tries to succeed, there is another who tried to fail.” Research by Emma Renold (2001) supports this, showing that up to two-thirds of boys across ability levels actively avoid challenging themselves in order to protect their self-image. We must work together as the adults in the lives of these young men to challenge this mindset. At Marcellin, we are reinforcing the value of effort by using an "Effort Scale" twice each term, which is shared with parents to help guide conversations at home. These conversations matter. Talking with your son about effort doesn’t need to be formal. Praise his persistence. Share your own experiences of setbacks and what you learned from them. Encourage him to view his schoolwork as an opportunity for growth and personal achievement, not just a test of ability. And remember, some boys find direct, face-to-face conversations confronting. The “shoulder-to-shoulder” method, chatting while driving or walking, can be a great way to connect without pressure.

As we move into exam season, your encouragement can make a real difference. Remind your son that giving his best is something to be proud of, no matter the result. Effort, struggle, and growth are part of becoming a strong, thoughtful, and capable young man. Books like Boys Don’t Try? shine a light on the subtle cultural messages that influence how boys approach learning and life. With your continued support, we can help reshape that narrative, one conversation at a time.

References:

• Pinkett, M., & Roberts, M. (2019). Boys don’t try? Rethinking masculinity in schools. Routledge.
• Renold, E. (2001). Learning the “Hard” Way: Boys, hegemonic masculinity and the negotiation of learner identities in the primary school. British Journal of Sociology of Education, 22(3), 369–385. https://doi.org/10.1080/01425690120067980

Rocky Gentile
Deputy Principal Student Wellbeing

House Social Justice

Faith In Action – Kenny House
Every child deserves to feel warm and comfortable. Unfortunately, many children in our community are living without the most basic necessities - warm clothing and bedding. This is where you come in! Big Group Hug has put out a call for support as they are in desperate need of winter jackets and coats to support young people in need.

We’re asking the community to donate new and pre-loved winter clothing and bed linen for children aged 1-16 (sizes 4-16 most needed) for distribution to the families we support in the cold winter months, and year-round.

Donations can be dropped off at main reception (Marist House) or via your son’s Pastoral Group.

Anna Bell
Faith In Action Coordinator

Student Wellbeing Programs

Elephant Ed Workshop
This week, the Year 9 Cohort engaged with  Elephant Ed for a second time this year, following their first workshop on Respectful Relationships and Consent on March 7. In this workshop, students were invited to explore crucial topics which affect young people today, including navigating uncomfortable situations, positions of power and coercive control, legalities surrounding the age of consent and effective communication.

These workshops that are facilitated at Marcellin are evidence-based, age-appropriate and are mapped to Victorian Curriculum guidelines. We are fortunate to have an ongoing relationship with this fantastic organisation that will continue to support our students within our wellbeing program. It is imperative that students are equipped with the skills required to make informed, positive and safe decisions about relationships and growing up.

The Man Cave
On Tuesday, 27 May, the  Man Cave came to visit the Year 12 cohort at Marcellin for a full-day workshop. For those who don’t know, The Man Cave are Australia's leading preventative mental health organisation that specialises in working with adolescent boys.  
Cooper shares his thoughts and an insight on the Man Cave workshop he participated in.....

I found my experience with The Mancave incursion to be really beneficial and constructive. I heard from people I wouldn’t normally talk to, share personal stories, such as the loss of a grandparent or moving to a new state. This not only helped me learn more about my cohort, but it also allowed me to reflect on my own personal hurdles and realise that some boys shared similar circumstances to myself. One workshop included discussing the emotions men hide from others, using the metaphor of rocks in a jar. The more we hide, the greater the weight becomes on our shoulders, highlighting that it’s ‘okay’ for men to let out these emotions and challenge societal norms. My highlight was when we had the opportunity to praise someone in the room. This allowed boys to show gratitude and appreciation for one another, something we were encouraged to do more often. My message to other boys and young men is that it's okay to speak out about your emotions and that there are people out there who share the same struggles as you. You’re not alone.

Cooper, Year 12 Marlhes House Captain

From Our Learning Leaders

Year 9 SOAR | Geography Excursion
As part of the Year 9 SOAR program focusing on Geography, students undertook a fieldwork investigation exploring differences in wellbeing between two contrasting locations: Camberwell, an established inner-eastern suburb of Melbourne, and Mornington, a coastal town on the Mornington Peninsula. The research focused on the question: How is wellbeing different in Camberwell to Mornington? Students developed a hypothesis that liveability and therefore wellbeing is better where services are more diverse, housing quality is high, and interconnection to other areas is great.

Throughout the fieldwork, students collected data on various indicators of wellbeing, including access to services, housing styles and maintenance, transport infrastructure, green spaces and general public amenity. By engaging in first-hand observations, surveys and mapping exercises, students were able to make evidence-based comparisons between the two locations. They critically analysed how these factors influence liveability and how this, in turn, affects residents’ wellbeing. The fieldwork provided students with an authentic opportunity to apply geographical skills and concepts in real-world settings, deepening their understanding of the complex interplay between place, liveability and human wellbeing. This experience not only enriched their geographical knowledge but also encouraged them to think critically about urban planning and social equity in different communities.

Samantha Carlson, Learning Leader Humanities

Top Designs & LEGO Star Wars exhibitions at Melbourne Museum!
Year 12 Visual Communication Design students attended both the Top Designs and LEGO Star Wars exhibitions at Melbourne Museum. Throughout the day, they were largely inspired by the top designs folios of 2024 and used these exemplars to guide their own work and conceptual ideas. Students also participated in a Visual Communication Design forum, analysing in depth the SAT folio criteria whilst having the opportunity to ask past student alumni of Top Designs about strategies they used to complete their outstanding folios.

The LEGO Star Wars exhibition allowed students to understand the innovation behind the builds of LEGO and the design process used to complete the complex sculptures. Students also visited the BOLIA showroom of Scandinavian interior design and spoke with professional designers about the innovation and concepts behind their furniture as part of Melbourne Design Week festivities.

“I was inspired by the way designers create unique and meaningful designs, and how they go through the design process using a variety of methods. I also found out how much work and effort goes into creating a design solution, and how people’s interests and passions can fuel their designs.” – Massimo V, Year 12   

“I found speaking to the previous students about their folio experiences and how they successfully applied for Top Designs really interesting. Furthermore, I found looking through their folios great inspiration for my own work.” – Charles G, Year 12

Marina Sipos, Learning Leader The Arts

Staff Profile

Hello, my name is Ben Betschel. I joined the Marcellin College community in Term 4, 2024 as a Music Teacher, working across classroom and instrumental music. I teach flute, piano and voice and I’m also involved as choir accompanist, mass and assembly pianist, and vocal coach for the current school production of The Addams Family.

What I’ve enjoyed most about the College is how welcoming and accepting the community has been. I felt at home very quickly — a testament to the strength of Marist values in action. It’s a privilege to support students as they develop their confidence and creativity through music.

When I’m not at the College, I’m usually out walking or hiking with headphones on, exploring a wide range of music. My listening tastes lean toward the eclectic and experimental — from progressive rock and jazz to electronic and classical — always with an ear for what’s new, surprising or expressive.

Ben Betschel, Music Teacher

Student Profile

Hi, my name is Luke and I’m in Year 12. My goal beyond Year 12 is to move into sales but also travel a bit after school. What I love most about Marcellin College is all the co-curricular activities that are available, like game changers and music. When I’m not studying, I enjoy singing, playing footy and hanging out with mates. In the future, I hope to become successful and determined in whatever I choose to become.

This year I have been privileged to be the 2025 Music Captain which has been an honour but also a challenge. I have cherished the opportunity though, as it has been a great way for me to gain leadership skills that I can take beyond Marcellin and carry with me wherever I go.

You can also see me perform in this year’s senior production, The Addams Family. It’s been a great experience and I hope to see many of you at our closing show this Saturday.

Luke, Year 12 Mannes House, 2025 Music Captain

College Administration

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

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

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

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

College Events

2025 Senior Production – The Addams Family – CLOSING NIGHT
Closing night of this year’s M² Theatre Company production of The Addams Family is this Saturday, 31 May at 7pm. Very few seats left. Don’t miss out on this popular production!

Book your tickets here.

75^th Anniversary Mass & Luncheon
Tickets are still available for current and past families to our 75^th anniversary mass and luncheon. Join us as we celebrate this historic occasion, bringing together the people who have played a vital role in shaping our community. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Sunday, 15 June 2025
Mass – 10am at Champagnat Chapel, Marcellin College
Luncheon – 12pm at Leonda by the Yarra, Hawthorn
Cost – $170 includes a three-course lunch and complimentary drinks

For further information and to book, please visit 

Term 2 2025 Key Dates
A reminder to check Compass for key dates and events. These are subject to change and we will notify you on any updates. Download the PDF below for Term 2 2025 Key Dates.

Community News

Marcellin College - 75th Anniversary

A look back at our Inter-House Athletics Carnivals
As we capped off another successful Inter-House Carnival yesterday, we look back at its earliest days. As noted in our first Ad Altissima in 1956, “Our first Athletic Carnival, held on Camberwell Oval, was very favourably commented upon, and reflected great credit on the organising ability of Brother Austin, the Sports Master.”

Some events have taken on a life of their own. The famous tug of war never fails to draw a crowd, the teachers race was always good for a laugh (and some surprising speed), and the House relays tend to bring the loudest support from the sidelines. To top it all off, it wouldn’t be the Athletics Carnival without the Year 12 students in their brilliantly bizarre costumes.

Fast forward to today, and it remains a day marked by energy, friendly rivalry, and strong House spirit. A huge congratulations to Mannes House for taking home the cup this year!

A look back at Inter-House Athletics

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Italian Trivia Night
On Saturday, 15 May we held our Italian Trivia Night to raise funds for students attending the immersion tour to Italy later in the year. To date, we have raised more than $6,000.

However, the bidding isn't over.
We have a specially signed by Cameron Green, Gray Nicolls Prestige 2024/25 English Willow Cricket Bat valued at $899.
Below is an opportunity for one lucky person to snatch this bat via a silent auction. Place your bid below.
Opening bid is $200.

The winner will be announced in the next issue of The Eagle.
Submit your winning bid here. 

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 next opening date for Term 2 will be Friday, 6 June.

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

Careers News

As we enter the midway point of Term 2, the focus now turns to subject selection for most of our students.
Here are some tips to help with subject selection:

• Start with the basics
  • At Year 10, English and Maths are compulsory. At Years 11 and 12, there are English options- in a VCE program, you must do at least one of these.
  • Year 10 students must also do a Science.
• Create opportunities
  • A broad range of subjects leaves you with more options post-school. In Year 10, use your elective spaces to explore new areas. There are lots of options, so why not investigate Photography and Filmmaking, Applied Computing or Commerce?
• Challenge yourself
  • Don’t just choose subjects you think are easy. Choose ones that are interesting to you. At Year 10, you might like to consider acceleration or doing a higher level of Maths. At Year 11, you might think about higher education studies in the VCE.
• Do what you love
  • It is important that you enjoy school, and generally, you perform best in subjects that interest you. So, if you have a passion for Sport, Art, Music or Language, make sure these subjects are in your program.
• Keep an open mind
  • In senior school, you have a lot more choice. If you try new things, apply yourself and keep an open mind, you could be rewarded with greater opportunities down the track. This might look like exploring industry-based VET programs or investigating a new learning area.

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 Report

Rugby Captain - Henry
Congratulations to Henry, who has been our 2025 Rugby First XV Captain. He joined us from St Martin of Tours Primary school and is a now a dedicated member of Augustine House. He has been a prominent figure in Marcellin’s sporting landscape since Year 8, representing the College in both rugby and cricket.

Henry’s passion for rugby began in Year 8 and has continued unwaveringly through to his final year at the College. He also contributed to the cricket program from Years 8 to 11. His dedication and performance earned him a debut in the prestigious First XV in 2024, where he quickly established himself as a leader on and off the field.

Senior Hockey Captain – Daniel 
Marcellin College proudly announces Daniel of Lavalla House as the Senior Hockey Captain for 2025. A dedicated student-athlete and current School Captain, Daniel brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and enthusiasm to his new role.

A former student of St Bernadette’s Primary School, Daniel has been a fixture in Marcellin sport since Year 7. His commitment is exceptional—he has played hockey every year as his chosen winter sport and has also represented the College in cricket since Year 7, making his 1st XI cricket debut in Year 11.

Ben Reynolds, Head of Sport