From the Principal – Term 2 Week 8

Jenni Vile on 20/06/2025

Today, the ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ community celebrated Champagnat Day. The Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat falls on 6 June every year. As this date always coincides with the Senior examination period, this week is our first opportunity back together as a full College Community to give thanks for the work of St Marcellin Champagnat and recognise in our school the great blessing of being a Marist community. Mass was celebrated across three venues, and the students were brought to reflect on the significance of Marcellin’s life and messages. Following Mass, we acknowledged long-standing staff who have served the College for 10, 20 and 25 years. A great feature of the day is awarding the Champagnat Awards to a student in each year, from Kindergarten to Year 12, and to staff whose example in our community reflects the Marist Characteristics and the legacy of St Marcellin Champagnat.  It is one of the most enjoyable moments in the school year. Congratulations to the students and staff who were acknowledged.  Along with the award, a certificate is presented with a beautiful citation on the reverse. The citations for students and staff are the real ‘gold’. Each highlights the way in which these community members lead in that very Marist way ‘Strong Minds, Gentle Hearts’.

A happy Feast of St Marcellin to us all!  Let us pray to Mary to know Jesus, remembering St Marcellin Champagnat’s words, “I can’t meet a young person without telling them how much God loves them. 

2025 Champagnat Award Winners

Year level Student 
Kindy Ruby Pember 
Pre-Primary Aurora Menzies 
Year 1 Caine Gallagher 
Year 2 Pia Martinovich 
Year 3   Finley Shephard 
Year 4   Mila Harris 
Year 5   Valentina Polizzi 
Year 6   Kyle Cowland 
Year 7   Samantha Fowler 
Year 8   Isla Kalebic 
Year 9   Angus Timcke 
Year 10   Sunny Ebert 
Year 11   Maya McIntyre-Llewellyn 
Year 12   Charlie Cossom 
Staff – Primary Lara Gray 
Staff – Secondary Anna Owen 
Staff – PK-12 Kate Robartson 

Connection in Faith 

Last Sunday, the Church celebrated Trinity Sunday. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are celebrated as one essence – this mystery of God: The Father’s love for his son, the son’s immense love for each one of us that he dies on a cross, and the Holy Spirit – the love and essence of God that he has left us through, with and in the world. The act of the Sign of the Cross is a recognition of this mystery and connection. We tap our forehead in recognition of God the Father, our hand placed on our chest is symbolic of the love of Jesus for us and touching each shoulder is our desire for the Holy Spirit to energise and guide our good works. It is a simple action where we make connection with God in what can be a pause through the busyness of the day.  

Connection in Community 

Tonight, we host the ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Community Quiz Night. Our ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Parent Forum were instrumental in returning a great community night in the Quiz last year, and we are proud to host tonight’s fun gathering. Along with developing connections and relationships, we gather tonight in support of the Marist Solidarity Australia and Youth Focus. All funds raised will go to these two groups. Thank you to Jenni Vile, Community Relations, Karla Nessfield-Thomas, Events Manager, Wes Carren-Auditorium Technician, for their assistance in organising the event, the many parents and businesses who have donated items for the raffle draws, prizes and silent auction, and to those who have volunteered their time for set up and pack up and, staff member, Mr Matthew Box for his role as MC and Quiz Master.  Stay tuned for another great community event, which is planned around the Performing Arts in late Term 3. 

Mr Andrew Watson

PRINCIPAL