I have noticed recently that my son, who is nine, can find it difficult to 鈥榞et over鈥� conflict with his sister. He holds onto feelings of frustration and anger, and although in time they often pass, it can take some gentle coaxing and conversation for him to reach this position. But that鈥檚 all ok 鈥� he is young, and he is learning.
Forgiving someone isn鈥檛 always easy 鈥� whether you鈥檙e 9 or 49, it can be a challenge. When someone hurts us, our first instincts are rarely to offer forgiveness. Instead, we might seek to retaliate or hold a grudge, or we might even hold on to the pain 鈥� replaying the moment in our minds, feeling the anger rise whenever we think about it. We might even believe that holding onto resentment gives us a sense of justice, as if our hurt proves that we were right. But the truth is, when we refuse to forgive, we鈥檙e the ones carrying the heaviest burden. This was the message shared with Year 8 students this week when we gathered as part of their Wellbeing program.
This week鈥檚 Gospel tells the story of the prodigal son – a young man who makes mistakes, squanders his father鈥檚 wealth, and then returns home with nothing. His father, rather than punishing him, welcomes him back with open arms, offering love and forgiveness. It鈥檚 a powerful lesson about the unconditional love and forgiveness offered to us by God. But there鈥檚 another character in the story who often gets overlooked – the older brother.
He鈥檚 the one who stayed. The one who followed the rules. Yet, when he sees his father celebrating his wayward brother鈥檚 return, he鈥檚 angry. He refuses to join the feast because he鈥檚 trapped in his own sense of injustice: Why should he be forgiven so easily? What about me?
Many of us can see ourselves in both sons in this story. Like the younger son, we鈥檝e all made mistakes or acted in ways we regret. And like the older son, we鈥檝e felt the sting of frustration or resentment toward others. But in clinging to his anger, the older brother shuts himself off from joy. He distances himself not only from his brother but also from his father too. This is what unforgiveness does to us – it builds walls. It keeps us stuck in the past when life is moving forward.
Letting go of resentment doesn鈥檛 mean pretending the hurt never happened. It doesn鈥檛 mean ignoring injustice, and it certainly doesn鈥檛 mean that what may have happened to us is ok. It means choosing to free ourselves from the weight of anger. It means making space for healing, for peace, and for the possibility of restored relationships.
Jesus calls us to love as He loves – not because it鈥檚 always easy, but because it鈥檚 what sets us free. In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus calls us to love our neighbour 鈥� a group that he later goes on to explain includes our enemies just as much as it does our friends.
You might like to take some time over these next few weeks to think about where there is space in your life for forgiveness 鈥� either for yourself or for others. What hurt, anger, or pain might you be holding onto, that deep down, you know is weighing you down? And what small steps might you take to allow these feelings to pass? These are some of the same questions we reflected on this week with our Year 8鈥檚.
Keep in mind, forgiveness isn鈥檛 always instant, and it鈥檚 not always easy. In fact, it rarely is, especially for young people who are still learning to explore and understand their emotions. But when we choose to let go – even in small ways – we open ourselves to a sense of peace and contentment, and the chance to move forward without the weight of resentment holding us back.
As we continue through Lent, may we find the courage to forgive, the humility to seek forgiveness, and the wisdom to embrace the healing that comes with both.
This morning, our Marist Basketball Teams departed for Marcellin College, Bulleen, Victoria, to compete in the Marist Basketball Carnival. Led by Ms Jade Nicotra and Mr Ben Goldie as well as coaches Nic Vlahov and Brendan Gaunson, our teams will take on fellow Marist schools from across the country in an exciting showcase of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
We wish them safe travels and a fantastic experience competing alongside our Marist friends.
Walk For Water
On Tuesday 1 April, our Year 4 and Year 11 students will take part in the Walk for Water, a meaningful initiative that highlights the challenges many children around the world face in accessing clean drinking water.
Students in Year 4 and Year 11 are encouraged to wear their Guild Uniform for the day. As an added incentive, the Guild that raises the most funds will earn the opportunity to wear their Guild Uniform on an additional chosen day.
All funds raised will be donated to Caritas Australia, supporting their vital work in providing water taps near homes and schools. This initiative helps reduce the burden on children who would otherwise walk over 6km daily to access clean water.
College Production Bugsy Malone
Excitement is building as we approach next Thursday鈥檚 opening night of our College Production, Bugsy Malone! This production has given students with a passion for the Arts a chance to 鈥榣et their light shine鈥�, showcasing their dedication and hard work in what promises to be a spectacular performance.
A huge thank you to Kathy La Brooy and the many staff members whose generosity of time, enthusiasm, and commitment have made this possible. Their dedication ensures that students have opportunities to grow, perform, and shine on stage.
With all four shows completely sold out, those lucky enough to have secured tickets are in for a fantastic night of entertainment. We can鈥檛 wait to share the magic of Bugsy Malone with you!
Your Move Update
On Thursday, 20 March, students from Pre-Kindy to Year 12 took part in our inaugural 鈥淗ands Up鈥� survey, an initiative of the program. This survey helps the College understand how students travel to school, providing valuable data to guide future initiatives.
With over 1,500 students participating, the results will serve as a baseline to measure the impact of programs aimed at promoting active travel, reducing traffic congestion, and supporting sustainability. We look forward to conducting the survey again at the end of the year to track our progress.
Year 2 Blue were excited to compare their results to the secondary school, to see if and how movement changes through schooling.
Carpark Flow Improvement at Lavalla Carpark
We are pleased to see a noticeable improvement in the afternoon traffic flow in and out of the Lavalla car park over the past few weeks. This has been made possible through the cooperation and patience of our parents, and we sincerely thank you for your efforts.
Some of the key behaviours contributing to this positive change include:
鈥� Arriving 5鈥�10 minutes after the final bell so students are ready for collection 鈥� Following the no standing or parking rule in the left 鈥楰iss N Drive鈥� lane 鈥� Moving forward promptly in the 鈥楰iss N Drive鈥� lane as spaces become available 鈥� Clearly displaying family names on dashboards for quick identification 鈥� Encouraging children to enter the car independently (where appropriate) without parents needing to exit their vehicle 鈥� Practising courteous and safe driving at all times
Your continued support in following these guidelines helps ensure a safer and more efficient pick-up experience for everyone. Thank you!
The College is still monitoring the arrival times of school specials and communicating with Transperth in the instance of late arrivals. Transperth is working on measures to prevent these instances. We appreciate the undue stress that this causes students and would like to assure parents and caregivers that their child should not be receiving penalisation if they arrive late due to the school special running late.
So that we may capture the specific days and routes that are arriving late, students are asked to present to the Student Reception if their bus arrives late. They will be asked to provide their bus route number and arrival time.
Year 12 Business Management & Enterprise
Our Year 12 Business Management and Enterprise students had an exciting opportunity to attend the Curtin Business School Challenge Day, applying their learning to real-world business scenarios. Through interactive activities and competitions, they developed critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. This hands-on experience enriched their understanding of business strategy while offering insights into university life and future career pathways.
Year 11 RAC bStreetsmart Road Safety Demonstration
On Tuesday 25 March, our Year 11 students, along with their EGT teachers, participated in a powerful and thought-provoking road safety event in collaboration with RAC, WA Police, Royal Perth Hospital, and St John of God.
The centrepiece of the program was a confronting car crash re-enactment, vividly illustrating the devastating consequences of risky driving behaviours such as alcohol consumption, distractions, and speeding. The scenario followed multiple perspectives, from the drivers and passengers to the first responders – including paramedics, police officers, and firefighters.
Students witnessed the harrowing reality of emergency response efforts, gaining insight into the critical work of surgeons and trauma teams who fight to repair the damage caused in just a few reckless moments. The re-enactment was designed to leave a lasting impression, reinforcing the message that road safety is a shared responsibility.
The event also featured deeply moving stories from individuals whose lives have been irrevocably changed by road trauma. Hearing first-hand from survivors added a personal and emotional layer to the experience. This immersive learning experience was an invaluable opportunity for our students to reflect on their own responsibilities as future drivers and passengers.
We encourage our students to take these lessons to heart, making safe choices every time they step into a vehicle.
Year 7 Immunisations
The School-Based Immunisation team will be visiting 秀秀直播 on Monday 31 March and Tuesday 1 April to administer the dTpa vaccine booster (diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough) and the HPV vaccination (human Papillomavirus) to all Year 7 students.
For this to occur, parental consent must be given. Please complete this as soon as possible to ensure that your child is able to receive their immunisation.
How to Give Consent
The preferred method of consent is via the VaccinateWA digital consent form, which can be accessed
If you are unable to provide consent using the digital form, please complete a Please sign and return to the School, even if consent is declined. Please note, Paper-based consent forms will be entered onto VaccinateWA and you will receive an email confirming this.
Schedule
Monday 31 March 鈥� Brigid, Camara, Catherine and Chisholm
Tuesday 1 April 鈥� MacKillop, Marcellin, Romero and Thomas More
Uniforms
Students are permitted to wear their Guild uniform on their scheduled immunisation day.
Year 7 鈥� 12 Guild Activities
Year 7 鈥� 12 students will be participating in guild activities on Wednesday 2 April. Students are permitted to wear their Guild uniform to and from school on this day.
Homework Club runs weekly in the St John Henry 秀秀直播 Learning Hub (Level 1) from 3.15 鈥� 5.00pm Monday to Thursday. Homework Club is a place where students can come to study, collaborate with their peers and complete homework or unfinished classwork. We are excited to announce that there are now eight Homework Club tutors working across Monday-Thursday. Most Homework Club Tutors are recent 秀秀直播 graduates and are all studying at university. This is in addition to our dedicated specialist teachers. You can access the updated Homework Club roster here.
Parents are kindly reminded to please present to the library reception when collecting your children from Homework Club and refrain from accessing the JHN Learning Hub in line with College’s child safeguarding procedures.
Marcellin Student Learning Conversations 鈥� Tuesday 29 April
In keeping with the College鈥檚 2025 Annual School Improvement Plan鈥檚 strategic priority to further improve student learning outcomes and growth, parent-teacher interviews scheduled for Tuesday 29 April have been rebranded as Student Learning Conversations. In preparation for Student Learning Conversations, students will be reflecting on their learning late Term One to ensure they are prepared to have meaningful conversations with their teachers and parents/guardians, articulating their celebrations and aspirations for their learning moving into Term Two. This small change is a proactive step in increasing student voice and agency as supported by research finding that achievement and engagement are higher at schools that allow students to voice their opinions in decision-making about their education.
Students must attend their Student Learning Conversations (both online and in person) in their academic uniform.
Oral Presentations
秀秀直播 strives to create inclusive environments that address the diverse needs of all students, including those with diagnosed mental health disabilities. The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA)’s Equitable Access Policy underscores the importance of ensuring fair opportunities for all students to demonstrate their abilities.
In keeping with SCSA鈥檚 Equitable Access to Assessment Policy, students wishing to access alternatives to oral presentations must provide to the College diagnostic evidence from a Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatrist, or Paediatrician stating their condition and associated F code, for example, Generalised Anxiety Disorder F41.1, and requesting accommodations for oral assessments be implemented for this condition. This documentation will be shared with the Leader of Learning Support to action a Curriculum Adjustment Plan and relevant assessment accommodations. A reasonable period of time between receiving the documentation and initiating accommodations will be observed, this may be up to a week. Such documentation will be valid for up to 24 months.
Mrs Sarah Pagett
ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL TEACHING & LEARNING PK-12
Pathways and Careers Information: Year 10
Try-A-Trade applications open
The Try-A-Trade program provides students with an opportunity to 鈥榟ave a go鈥� at various trades such as bricklaying, stone masonry, ceramic tiling, solid plastering, wall and ceiling lining, painting and decorating and carpentry in a real trade training environment. It is a three-day program that runs from either the Clarkson or Balga campus of North Metropolitan TAFE. Please note that the trades above are the only ones available from the Try-A-Trade Program.
If interested in applying, please contact Mr Farley.
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:
Bricklaying free course
The Bricklaying Job Ready Program is a FREE 4-week course designed for students eager to begin their journey in bricklaying. It offers the students a white card and experience in the bricklaying industry.
Course Dates: 1st Semester 2025:
Start date 5 May – North Metro TAFE Clarkson
Start date 2 June – South Metropolitan TAFE Thornlie
Apply NOW:
New Electrical pre-apprenticeship course
The College of Electrical Training is offering an Electrical pre-apprenticeship course (Certificate II Electrotechnology), commencing Semester 2. To be successful in your application, students will need good grades in Maths, Science, English and also NAPLAN.
Further information is available , and please contact me if you wish to apply.
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:
Defence Force Work Experience Opportunities
Army
A Day in the Life of a Soldier 鈥� Irwin Barracks 鈥� 22 May 2025
Applications close: 06 April 2025
Apply here:
A Day in the Life of a Soldier 鈥� Irwin Barracks 鈥� 19 June 2025
Applications close: 04 May 2025
Apply here:
Navy
Navy Careers Experience 鈥� HMAS Stirling 鈥� 30 June 鈥� 02 July 2025
Applications close: 18 May 2025
Apply here:
Air Force
Air Force Careers Day 鈥� RAAF Base Pearce 鈥� 24 June 2025
Applications close 11 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 2024
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:
Defence Force Work Experience Opportunities
Army
A Day in the Life of a Soldier 鈥� Irwin Barracks 鈥� 22 May 2025
Applications close: 06 April 2025
Apply here:
A Day in the Life of a Soldier 鈥� Irwin Barracks 鈥� 19 June 2025
Applications close: 04 May 2025
Apply here:
Navy
Navy Careers Experience 鈥� HMAS Stirling 鈥� 30 June 鈥� 02 July 2025
Applications close: 18 May 2025
Apply here:
Air Force
Air Force Careers Day 鈥� RAAF Base Pearce 鈥� 24 June 2025
Applications close 11 May 2025
Apply here:
UPCOMING CAREERS EVENTS
EVENT
DATE
LINK
UWA Open Day
30 March
Career Conversations: Free WA Government events for students and families
1 April (Wembley)
Career Conversations: Free WA Government events for students and families
2 April (Bentley)
Murdoch University Open Day
5 April
Curtin University Open Day
6 April
Sound and Engineering College Information Night
16 April
Engineering Open Evening (ECU Joondalup)
1 May
ECU Open Day (Mt Lawley)
4 May
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
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
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:
All things that are caught, rather than taught in good schools.
Most of all, perhaps, they help to create that indefinable atmosphere associated with all those things which are caught, rather than taught in good schools.
This was a quote from a member of a religious teaching order, documenting their efforts as they laboured to establish a new Catholic school in the 1960s. They referred to the elements that are not necessarily taught but are reinforced in the environment and the culture of the school. Some have referred to this as the hidden curriculum and associated it with the culture of the community in which young people learn and grow. Reggio Emilia also refers to the environment as a significant teacher and influencer on learning and formation.
We draw on an amazing store of the story that is 鈥榗aught鈥� in our 秀秀直播 community, both in the Marist tradition and the development of 秀秀直播. Strong Minds and Gentle Hearts, a very Marist phrase, is caught as much as it is taught. In our programs for supporting the development of young people in a faith community through Marist tradition, through wellbeing initiatives and our agile learning – the framework, knowledge and skills for young people鈥檚 toolboxes are taught, and this is fantastic. Complementary to this are the actions, words and involvement our children see in adults and their fellow students. Good standards for behaviour, for care, for respect and high expectations for involvement all play their part, alongside the valuable in-class learning that we strive to bring to the formation of our students. A measure for our current strategic directions should be observing what is caught by our children as much as what is taught.
Great Moments in a Day
During Tuesday afternoon this week, I had the most pleasant moment to break the hours in front of a screen and regular operational work in my role. Two of our Year 8 girls were eager to stop by my office and share with me the excitement of their group of three girls taking out the interschool competition for the Solar Car Challenge. They now move on to the finals at Murdoch University, which is sensational! More exciting was their absolute joy to share with me what had happened. Again, perhaps this is a 鈥榗aught鈥� and not 鈥榯aught鈥� moment where sharing learning and achievement comes naturally and without affect.
Year 12 Careers Breakfast
Last week, we hosted the annual Year 12 Careers Breakfast. Our Class of 2025 were tasked with being at school earlier than normal, and there they were, ready to soak up all the advice from the 25 秀秀直播 Alumni who gave of their time to discuss their professions and career journeys. The buzz around the room was fantastic and the event demonstrated our Family Spirit. So many generous and passionate past-students, from most recent, to 10 years, 20 and 30 years graduated, through to an alumnus from the 1960鈥檚. These past students dropped everything to be back at their school and to guide and mentor the next generation of 秀秀直播 graduates. What a blessing to have such invested and caring alumni – thank you!
What I learn as a Principal
Another fortnight has gone by, and great opportunities have come my way to walk alongside our students. I had the chance to read Alpacas with Maracas with two classes of Pre-Primary. Moving along the dial, I had some great times with Year 5 and Year 6 as we unpacked the 秀秀直播 Norms and, in the last week, I have started my annual morning teas with Year 12 students. What did I learn? Our Pre-Primary students love engaging with reading and relating stories to their own life. Year 5 and 6 students could have written the 秀秀直播 Norms themselves, such is their level of empathy and care. Year 12 students are our wider community leaders of the future, so they are perceptive in their feedback about the 秀秀直播 journey and ever-ready to make things better for those to come.
Some 秀秀直播 Moments听
Congratulations to the ACC Swimming Team for their hard-fought 4th place in the 10-team A Division competition this week. A highlight within the team鈥檚 performance was the first place for our Junior boys. On the same day, our First XI Cricket defeated Kent Street H.S. in the Graeme Wood Shield. They move to the Grand Final next Thursday to be played at the WACA ground against Mazenod College. All the best! Finally, we are all very excited for the opening show of the 秀秀直播 Production- Bugsy Malone. The first show is this Thursday evening. What a wonderful cast, crew and staff to bring to this production. Break a leg!听
As we move through Lent to Easter, there are so many important learning days still to come in the term. Please make sure our students are in class right through to the end of term.
Wishing you a great fortnight ahead until the next newsletter.
