As a Marist College, May holds special significance for our community. It is a time to reflect deeply on one of our core Marist characteristics, “In the Way of Mary”, and to consider how we embody this in our daily lives. In this edition of the newsletter, our Director of Mission and Catholic Identity, Mr Stuart McClorey, shares further insights into this meaningful theme.
In connection with this focus, we are delighted to host a live stream of the Marian Lecture, a free event open to all members of our College community. We warmly invite you to join us for this special occasion. Light refreshments will be served following the lecture.
Please register your interest to attend
YourMove 鈥� Term 2 Update
Earlier this week, it was lovely to have Sonja Stemler, the Active Transport Project Manager from the City of Stirling visit the College. Sonja joined me on a tour, as we discussed the different initiatives that the College has in place and potential improvements to promote active transport in our community.
Sonja provided some invaluable insights into how the College can get the most out of the YourMove program. You can keep up to date with our journey
Winter Uniform and Presentation
It has been great to see students back on Campus this term in their Winter Academic Uniform. The Leaders of Wellbeing have been completing uniform checks over the week and have been pleased with the way most students are presenting. I would like to thank families and students for their continued support in maintaining 秀秀直播鈥檚 high presentation standards.
This month we celebrate May, a month that holds a very special and deep significance in our Catholic tradition, especially within our Marist community of 秀秀直播.
May is the month that we dedicate to Mary. It鈥檚 a time to reflect on her virtues, her faith, and her quiet strength. As Marists, Mary has an even more special significance鈥e see Mary not only as someone to honour, but as someone to imitate.
Marcellin Champagnat鈥檚 vision for educators was very simple 鈥� in order to educate children, you must love them and love them equally. How did he and his brothers show this love? Through the living out of the Marist characteristics 鈥� presence, simplicity, family spirit, love of work, and In the way of Mary. It is this last characteristic that can sometimes be the most difficult to fully understand.
So, as we begin the month of May, it is worth giving this some thought. What does it mean to live 鈥榠n the way of Mary鈥�?
To live in the way of Mary is a beautiful invitation to imitate Mary, not just in our actions, but in our attitude and spirit too. It means to follow Jesus just as she did; to act with humility, compassion, and trust in God. It means to be present to others, showing up especially in times of need; to saying yes with faith, even when things are hard or uncertain; to nurture and care for others, bringing out the best in those around us; and to act at all times with humility and love, seeking to 鈥榙o good quietly鈥�.
Taking Mary as our model means we reflect Mary in not only what we do but how we do it, with these notions of humility, compassion, presence, and a spirit of service front and centre. It is also a great reminder to us that Mary didn’t seek attention or status; she simply said 鈥榶es鈥� to God and walked alongside others with quiet courage and deep faith.
In the same way that Lent is a special time of spiritual nourishment so that we may become our best selves and grow closer to God, so too does the month of May allow us the opportunity to focus on how we can live out Mary鈥檚 qualities of faith, compassion, and quiet strength. Perhaps, you might like to choose one of Mary鈥檚 qualities you would like a little more of in your life鈥entleness, patience, humility鈥nd put this into place through your words, your spirit, and your actions.
Allow yourself the time to let your month of May be one of great purpose鈥n opportunity to walk in Mary鈥檚 footsteps, and in doing so, bring honour to her life and draw closer to her son, Jesus Christ.
Marian Lecture
The College is excited to host a live stream of the Marian Lecture. This is a free event, and we invite all members of our College community to join us. Light refreshments will be provided following the lecture. Please register your interest
Welcome back to the start of Term 2. I hope all families enjoyed some time together over the term break holidays. We are underway and fully back into the swing of College life and learning.
Prior to the students returning, our staff enjoyed a great day with the Marist Life and Formation Team, unpacking our Marist Theme for 2025, Pilgrims of Hope. As we enjoyed this deep dive into understanding Pilgrims of Hope, we were also grappling with the death of Pope Francis, and our community recognised his passing and leadership in our PCG and Class prayers throughout the first week of school. The impact of Francis鈥� leadership will be long experienced in the Church and the world. There are many lessons we take from his papacy but one in particular has sat with me for many years. Chris Lowney, a former Jesuit seminarian, wrote the book Pope Francis: Why He Leads the Way He Leads. Lowney wrote what we all came to understand about this leader in faith. Pope Francis was a pastoral leader, a leader deeply connected with the people and of the people. A particular image put forward by Lowney was of Francis dirty laundry, dusty shoes and monastery bells. As a supervisor of a Jesuit Seminary earlier in his priesthood, Fr Jorge Bergolio (Pope Francis) took it upon himself to do the laundry of the seminary. He was easily identifiable as a priest with his people as his shoes were always dirty with the dust of the roads and alleyways where he met and pastored to his parish and people. This earthiness, presence and focus on the human interaction with others was also coupled with Francis鈥� focus on looking up (monastery bells), leading his flock to a personal relationship with God. In these times where leadership seems to have lurched towards selfishness and division, we have lost a true leader who embodied the hope to look beyond and to the margins, but we will continue to be better for the example of true servant leadership he has left us. We now celebrate and pray for Pope Leo XIV.
In this moment of history and hope, we pause in prayer together as a Marist community. With hearts full of faith, we welcome the words spoken by our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV:
鈥楶eace be with you鈥�
Guild Spirit
Students on Marcellin campus enjoyed a great day of Guild spirit in last week鈥檚 Cross Country event. Along with the overall competition to take the shield, we had Guilds competing for the first time in the Guild Spirit shield. What we saw on the day was the dial shift even further to the right with a renewed energy around celebrating and competing as a Guild. Well done to all the students, Guild Co-ordinators and the Physical Education team for an uplifting and joyful carnival. Congratulations to the podium finishers in each race, Marcellin Guild for taking the Shield and to MacKillop and Thomas More who drew to become the first Guilds on the new Spirit Shield. Most importantly, well done to all our students for their great involvement on the day.
Mother鈥檚 Day
As the week drew to a close, we were delighted to welcome mothers, grandmothers and mother figures to the College for either the Mother鈥檚 Day Liturgy or Mass. The celebration of Mother鈥檚 Day is one of the most beautiful moments in any year; that outpouring expression of gratitude and thanks to our ever patient, strong, wise and amazing mothers.
We also take a moment to remember and honour the mothers who are no longer with us. Their love and legacy continue to live on in the hearts of those they nurtured.
On behalf of all in our community, I wish everyone a joyous Mother鈥檚 Day this Sunday.
Welcome back to Term Two. I hope that students enjoyed a restful break and are ready for the term ahead. As we begin the new term, we鈥檙e filled with hope for the opportunities ahead. Term Two is always a busy time in our College community, particularly for our Senior School students, as they prepare for their Externally Set Tasks and Semester One Exams.
This term we continue our focus on nurturing positive learning environments and supporting students in working to achieve excellence.
Parents, your continued support is greatly appreciated. From assisting your children with homework, attending school events or encouraging a high standard of behaviour, as well as uniform and personal appearance, your involvement and support makes a big difference.
This week Leaders of Wellbeing commenced uniform checks with Year 7 and 8 students. These checks will continue with the remaining cohorts over the next week. The purpose of this is to ensure that students are wearing their Winter Uniforms to a high standard. You will be notified if there are any concerns about your child鈥檚 uniform.
Guild Cross Country
Last Thursday, Year 7 鈥� 12 students participated in the Guild Cross Country Carnival. The day was filled with a high level of participation and Guild Spirit. This year was the first year that we had the entire school come out to watch and support our Year 12 students run their final Guild Cross Country race. Mr Watson joined the Year 12 students in their race, encouraging some friendly competition for Life Link! Mr Watson has donated $1 for each student who finished before him, and in turn, our Year 12 students who finished after him have also donated $1. A wonderful way to inspire kindness amongst the cohort!
Congratulations to Marcellin Guild, who have now taken out the Champion trophy for both Swimming and Cross Country! Congratulations also to MacKillop and Thomas More, who drew for the Guild Spirit award. A big thank you to our PE staff, Guild Coordinators and our Facilities team for making the day a great success!
Year Group
Female
Male
Year 7
1st
Mia Dorrington
Jackson Piccoli
2nd
Sami Fowler
Lachie Anderson
3rd
Amelia Scott
Julian Cameron
Year 8
1st
Allegra Clark
Taj Wester
2nd
Grace Taylor
Sebastian Hobson
3rd
Layla Bornmann
Stefan Moschopoulos
Year 9
1st
Ashlee Kruger
Deion Fernando
2nd
Raphi Fisher
Angus Timcke
3rd
Holly Hart
Cooper Warrick
Year 10
1st
Tayla Maloney
Bastion Dominguez Rubina
2nd
Jade Thorstensen
Zander Taylor
3rd
Sarah Scott
Fletcher Bell
Year 11
1st
Olivia Hilderbrandt
Henry Schwertfeger
2nd
Ava Stanley
Aston Thorpe
3rd
Hannah Seaborn
Ryan Lockyer
Year 12
1st
Sophia Nardi
Harrison Warrick
2nd
Ella Rose
Charlie Cossom
3rd
Amy Wilson
Flynn Morison
ANZAC Day Service
On Friday 2 May, Year 7 鈥� 12 students gathered on Founder鈥檚 Court for our ANZAC Day Service. Thank you to Mr McClorey, Mrs McCagh and Mr Smith for their organisation of the service and to all students who participated in the service. It was a touching service to commemorate those who have served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Mother鈥檚 Day
Thank you to families who joined our Community Mass, followed by our Mother鈥檚 Day celebrations yesterday. Wishing all the Mothers, Grandmothers, Aunts, Sisters and other women in our lives that care and love us unconditionally a Happy Mother鈥檚 Day this Sunday!
Upcoming Events:
Year 12 Externally Set Tasks (EST):
All Year 12 Students enrolled in a General Year 12 course are required to complete the externally set task developed by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority. The EST is compulsory and forms part of the school-based assessment for the pair of units.
The ESTs are administered in schools during designated weeks in Term 2 under standard test conditions. The EST will take 50 minutes. The timetable for the Year 12 ESTs can be found here.
Year 7 鈥� 12 Celebration Assembly
Our next Year 7 鈥� 12 Celebration Assembly will be held on Thursday 22 May. All students are expected to wear their College Winter Uniform with their blazer to the assembly. Students wearing the College skirt will be required to wear tights to this formal occasion.
Recognition Of State Representation
Congratulations to the following students for selection in the Western Australian teams in their respective sports:
Adam Szwedzicki – Adam represented WA in the Australian Junior Athletics Championships in Perth in April. He competed in Men鈥檚 U13 high jump.
Hannah Seaborn – Hannah captained the WA State U16鈥檚 Football squad and represented the state in the AFL National Development Championship which is part of the AFL鈥檚 Talent Pathway Program. WA competed against South Australia at Revo Stadium and the Gold Coast Academy in Queensland.
State Representation is an honour and an important stepping stone in an athlete鈥檚 journey. We commend these students for their dedication and commitment to their sport.
If your child has achieved state or national recognition in their sport or extra-curricular activity, we would love to hear about it so we can celebrate their success. Please let us know the details by filling out this form.
Mrs Carla Pastorelli
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL SECONDARY
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 10
Subject handbook open
Current Year 10 students and families can now access information about Year 11 subjects for 2026, using this link:
A reminder about the major subject selection event coming up in Term 2. It is expected that all students attend this event, accompanied by at least one parent or guardian.
Tuesday 24 June
Marist Auditorium, 秀秀直播
5pm to 6pm: Careers and Year 11 Subjects Expo.
6pm to 6.45pm: Year 10 Family Information Evening.
The Year 10 students have been listening to presentations about each Learning Area and their Year 11 offerings for 2026. A link to the presentations is available below:
Women in STEM
The Innovators鈥� Tea Party links successful women working and training in STEM with high school students through a range of engaging events. Our 500+ women in STEM mentors are selected from a variety of industries and backgrounds and are passionate about telling their stories and promoting their fields. Find out more and book in to attend an event here:
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 11
WACE (secondary graduation) requirements
In Year 11 and 12, students are progressing towards their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), otherwise known as their secondary graduation.
In order to achieve their WACE, students need to meet certain academic targets across Year 11 and 12. These are:
Demonstrate the minimum standard of literacy and numeracy (either in Year 9 NAPLAN or in Year 10-12 OLNA).
Be enrolled in English / Literature in Year 11 and 12.
Be enrolled in at least 1 鈥楲ist B鈥� (Maths / Science / Sport / Technology) subject.
Achieve at least 14 C grades, with at least 6 C grades in Year 12 subjects.
For students considering UniReady / UniPath in Year 12
A reminder to students on the General Pathway who are considering UniReady / UniPath in Year 12 next year. It is expected that students from the General Pathway would have participated in extra-curricular activities such as work experience, VET Certificates, Leadership, Service, and/or College sport. General Pathway students who have not participated in any of these extra-curricular activities may not be eligible for UniReady / UniPath.
For students thinking of attending University
TISC has a series of videos explaining things like ATAR calculation, prerequisite subjects, scaling, and preferences. You can find them here:
Here is a parents guide to University:
And here is the 鈥淔irst in Family鈥� resource, for students who might be the first in their family to attend University:
Are you thinking of attending a University Open Day? Dates are below. This blog might help you:
Apprenticeship Opportunities 2025
The March 2025 edition of the Apprenticeship Intake Guide has been published recently. This has details of dozens of apprenticeship opportunities with many major employers. You can access it here:
New Animal Care Certificate for Semester 2
There is an opportunity for interested students to apply for a 1-day-per-week Certificate II in Animal Care. This course will start in July and finish in December.
If interested, please contact Mr Farley.
Future Female Health Leaders Program
The Future Health Leaders Program is designed to inspire female high school students to enter a career in health and medical research, innovation and life sciences. The program will bring together twelve Year 11 science students from across Australia for a full-day event in Canberra in August 2025 to:
Showcase the diversity of career pathways in health and medical research
Inspire a passion for a career in health and medical research
Meet with exceptional female leaders in research, education, industry and government
Get some hands-on experience in world-class science facilities
Information and applications here:
Women in STEM
The Innovators鈥� Tea Party links successful women working and training in STEM with high school students through a range of engaging events. Our 500+ women in STEM mentors are selected from a variety of industries and backgrounds and are passionate about telling their stories and promoting their fields. Find out more and book in to attend an event here:
Defence Force Work Experience Opportunities
Navy
Navy Careers Experience 鈥� HMAS Stirling 鈥� 30 June 鈥� 02 July 2025
Applications close: 18 May 2025
Apply here:
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 12
WACE (secondary graduation) requirements
In Year 11 and 12, students are progressing towards their Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), otherwise known as their secondary graduation.
In order to achieve their WACE, students need to meet certain academic targets across Year 11 and 12. These are:
Demonstrate the minimum standard of literacy and numeracy (either in Year 9 NAPLAN or in Year 10-12 OLNA).
Be enrolled in English / Literature in Year 11 and 12.
Be enrolled in at least 1 鈥楲ist B鈥� (Maths / Science / Sport / Technology) subject.
Achieve at least 14 C grades, with at least 6 C grades in Year 12 subjects.
University Early Offer information
Please see below for the latest available Early Offer information.
Early Offers will open on 3 June 2025. Prior to this date, all Year 12 students will be provided with information about how to access the TISC system and enter preferences.
Curtin University
No details as yet.
Edith Cowan University
Full information and list of eligible courses at: Open to ATAR, Certificate IV, and UniReady students. Submit your Early Offer application by placing an eligible ECU course as your first TISC preference. First offers released to students on 2 September 2025.
Murdoch University
No details as yet.
Notre Dame University
Full information and list of eligible courses at: Opens 1 May 2025. First offers released to students on 1 September 2025. Apply via the Notre Dame online portal or via TISC. Open to ATAR Pathway students only. All offers are conditional offers.
University of WA
No details as yet.
University information
TISC has a series of videos explaining things like ATAR calculation, prerequisite subjects, scaling, and preferences. You can find them here:
Are you the first person in your family to attend University? This might assist:
Here are some useful tools to prepare students for the transition to University:
Here is a parents guide to University:
Thinking of studying Medicine or Dentistry in 2026?
All students who wish to enrol in Medicine or Dentistry in 2025 (including Assured Pathway at UWA) will need to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) this year.
Please see below for some important dates:
4 March 2025: UCAT bookings open
16 May 2025: Deadline to book your UCAT for 2025
11 June 2025: Deadline if you need to cancel your UCAT booking
1 July 2025: UCAT testing begins
5 August 2025: Last test date
September 2025: Results available
You can check for more information, tips and practice tests.
Also, students applying for Medicine at Curtin University are required to sit the CASPER Test. CASPER scores are valid only for the next available admissions year, so applicants should only complete the test in the year immediately preceding their planned year of admission.
The CASPER Test is held nationally and is sat online from home. Applicants are responsible for making their own arrangements to register for the CASPER Test.
You can find more information about this, and book your test, here:
UWA Medical entry handbook here (for Assured Pathway):
Curtin Medical entry handbook here:
Notre Dame Medicine program information is here:
University scholarships
Curtin University
Edith Cowan University (ECU)
Murdoch University
Notre Dame University
University of Western Australia (UWA)
Christian Leaders Scholarship
Gap year information
Students interested in taking a gap year in 2026 might find the following interesting:
Defence Force Gap Year:
Other gap year ideas:
And:
Also this Marist volunteering opportunity:
Apprenticeship Opportunities 2025
The March 2025 edition of the Apprenticeship Intake Guide has been published recently. This has details of dozens of apprenticeship opportunities with many major employers. You can access it here:
Women in STEM
The Innovators鈥� Tea Party links successful women working and training in STEM with high school students through a range of engaging events. Our 500+ women in STEM mentors are selected from a variety of industries and backgrounds and are passionate about telling their stories and promoting their fields. Find out more and book in to attend an event here:
Defence Force Work Experience Opportunities
Navy
Navy Careers Experience 鈥� HMAS Stirling 鈥� 30 June 鈥� 02 July 2025
Applications close: 18 May 2025
Apply here:
UPCOMING CAREERS EVENTS
EVENT
DATE
LINK
Perth Careers Expo
15-18 May
Notre Dame Open Day
24 May
Year 10 Information Evening (ECU Joondalup)
27 May
Teaching degrees information evening (ECU)
3 June
Engineering Information Evening (ECU)
4 June
Year 9 and 10 Parent Information Evening (Murdoch University)
4 June
Year 11 and 12 Parent Information Evening (Murdoch University)
4 June
Parent Information Evening for Year 12 students (ECU)
5 June
Psychology Information Evening (ECU)
10 June
Year 9-12 Information Evening (Curtin)
18 June
秀秀直播 Careers Expo and Year 10 Parent Evening
24 June Marist Auditorium
3.30pm to 4.30pm: Yr 11/12 Careers Expo 5.00pm to 6.00pm: Yr 10 Careers & Subject Expo 6.00pm to 6.45pm: Yr 10 Family Info Session
WAAPA Information Evening
29 July
Year 12 application support session (Murdoch)
29 July
Nursing Information Evening (Murdoch)
27 August
Health and Education Information Evening (Murdoch)
2 September
Science, IT, Engineering Information Evening (Murdoch)
3 September
Business and Law Information Evening (Murdoch)
4 September
Engineering Information Evening (ECU)
5 September
If you are thinking of attending a University Open Day, this blog might help you get the most out of it:
The end of Term 1 and so much has been achieved by our students, guided in their learning and care by our staff and supported through our families. In the week just gone, our community was enthralled by the performance of the cast and crew of the College production – Bugsy Malone. 秀秀直播 has a rich history of the highest quality performances and I can say that Bugsy Malone was up there with the best school musical events that I have seen. The immersive experience of the audience as guests in the nightclub within the performance, the visual presentation of the Marist Auditorium and the clever adaptations created to make this a family-friendly production, supported by outstanding acting, dancing, music and singing. Congratulations to Mrs Kathy La Brooy, her team, our students and parent helpers. This from a family who just recently joined 秀秀直播 highlights the Family Spirit shown by all involved:
鈥�We wanted to extend our heartfelt gratitude and congratulations, for a fantastic performance of Bugsy Malone. The time and effort it takes to go into making this special, not only for the students but also for the family and friends surrounding them is truly appreciated. I would also like to make special mention to all the lovely students who encouraged my daughter and made her feel a part of a team and through their own unique contributions, made this experience one to remember. The talent and team work of everyone shone through and created a memorable experience for all of us.鈥�
秀秀直播 First XI Win Graeme Wood Shield
Last week, we posted the exciting news of the First XI Cricket team鈥檚 win over Mazenod College at the WACA. The game showcased great teamwork, sportsmanship and individual talents of players on both sides. The 秀秀直播 Cricket program has gone from strength to strength with recent successes at the Marist Cricket Carnival and now this Shield. Congratulations to the students, Mr John Lucas and Mr Jake Goncalves.
Marist Basketball Carnival
Last week, our senior girls and boys basketball teams played in the Marist Basketball Carnival in Melbourne. Hosted by Marcellin College, both teams were a credit to 秀秀直播 and played great competitive games. Overall, we improved our positions in the final standings significantly from 2024. Congratulations to the players and thank you to our managers Mr Ben Goldie and Ms Jade Nicotra, and to our coaches Nick Vlahov and Brendan Gaunson.
A Milestone in Year 6
This week, College Captains Amelia Ng and Liam Stannard, along with the Year 6 Guild Captains, joined me in handing the Year 6 students their Celebration polo. This is another milestone in the Year 6 journey that culminates in our Mass and recognition of the end of the Primary journey in December. The students told me that the privilege of being able to wear the polos once a week, comes with the responsibility of being great leaders in the 秀秀直播 Norms and demonstration of the Marist Characteristics.
Mid-Year Break 鈥� Parent Survey
In recent years, momentum has developed in looking at the spread of school holidays across the year. This would not mean much adjustment to the length of the summer break and would have a similar pattern to the 2025 first days of term we experienced this year. The important consideration is to maintain the number of teaching days and hours that we need to meet our registration as a school. The reasons to entertain a change in break are communicated in the below survey, and it is most likely that we would look at any change for 2027. The staff and students will also be consulted for their view on any proposed change. We would appreciate you and encourage you to take the time to complete the below survey as your feedback is an integral part of this consultation process
听
I will keep families informed as we progress through this consideration.
Marcellin Celebration Assembly – When the ground trembles, character stands still
To end the term, Secondary gathered for a Celebration Assembly. We highlighted achievements of the term and I spoke to the students about a connection between the tragedy of the Myanmar earthquake recently and their everyday lives. I opened my talk with this quote that I read recently.
When the ground trembles, character stands still.
Many of us have seen the footage of hospital staff protecting newborn babies in the hospital nursery as the building shook and rubble fell. They did not run, they did not take a moment to consider any other action than to place their bodies across the basinets to hold and protect the babies in their care. Courage, leadership, presence. Victor Frankl, prominent in psychology and a survivor of the concentration camps of World War II referred to the space between stimulus and response. Frankl wrote:Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom. Faced with adversity or a wrong situation, what occupies that space in our thinking before we respond? Mr Stuart McClorey writes about it in his Ministry section. How can that relate to 秀秀直播 students today and in our context? There are many ways we can stand still, be present and act in the right way while facing something that is wrong, unkind, undignified or diminishing. I put to our students that I had seen in many of them this term their character standing still and firm, acting with the care of others as their first thought. I also put the challenge to them that they start Term 2 afresh with the desire to be steadfast, courageous and selfless in going out of their way to think of another, whether at school or elsewhere, in person or online, when the situation could easily be dismissed as too hard to face.
Easter
We are in the final stages of Lent and we look forward to Holy Week next week. The Easter Triduum extends from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday. Treated separately, they are liturgically one day unfolding the final time of Jesus鈥� early life and to his resurrection. I hope you have the chance to be involved in these moments of the Holy Week.
Winter uniforms will be worn from the beginning of next term unless we have an unseasonal hot spell. There will be communication with families and students if this is the case. Wishing all families a restful break together over Easter
