LavallaThe staff journal of

Marist Schools Australia

Volume 20Number 2

July 2014Lavalla

INSIDE

• The Champagnat Journal

• Marist Youth Festival 2015

• Marist Youth Care

Contents3 Marist College Bendigo

4 Marist Youth Care

5 Marist Youth Care Centre, Brunswick

5 Mt Maria College Mitchelton

6 Sacred Heart College Middle School Mitchell Park

8 Marist College Ashgrove

10 Marist International News

12 Galen Catholic College

13 St Joseph’s Northam

14 St Gregory’s College Campbelltown

15 REMAR

15 Red Bend Catholic College

16 St Augustine's College, Cairns

18 St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill

20 Marist Solidarity

22 Formation for Marist Life and Mission

24 St Teresa’s Catholic College Noosaville

26 OLSH College Alice Springs

26 Marist Youth Festival

27 Newman College Churchlands

28 Marist Schools

26 Marist College Canberra

Editor: Br Tony Paterson, FMS

Contact details:Marist Schools AustraliaMarist Centre,PO Box 1247, MASCOT, NSW, 1460 AustraliaEmail: tony.paterson@marists.org.au

LavallaPublished by Marist Schools Australia

Design & ArtworkSydney Design Studio Pty Ltd • 02 9452 1967

Lavalla, the name given to this magazine is taken fromthe village in France whereSt Marcellin Champagnatestablished the world’sfirst Marist school in 1817.There are now Maristschools in 80 countries.

Cover: Students from TrinityCatholic College in Lismorein 'festive mood'. Back L-R: Andrew Hawthorne,Lachlan GordonFront L-R: Riley Koina,Sol Taylor, Tranan Burvill

EditorialDear Brothers,Friends and ColleaguesWhat’s in a name?

The founding Marists thought therewas quite a lot. And they were right.

When St Marcellin and his eleven companions climbed Fourvièrehill on a mid-summer morning 198 years ago this month, theydid so fired by the dreaming and the passion that are the mark ofthe young. And they brimmed with the certitude andunencumbered daring of the young. 23rd July, 1816. What wasin their hearts? What was in their heads? What churned in theirgut that morning?

They wanted to be “Marists”. It was something new for theChurch, self-consciously so. They had come up with the namethemselves, and they had been working out what it would mean.They had their ideas, their intuitions, and their conviction forwhat the Church needed to revitalise and to rebuild itself, and forwhich needs of people needed to be addressed by the Church.Being Marist was their best answer for all of that: to be sharing in“the work of Mary”, as they called it, of bringing Christ-life tobirth in people’s hearts and of maternally nurturing its growth inthem, and of doing so as Mary would do it, in her way. Theywanted to give people a sense of the mercy of God, a sense ofhope and purpose; they wanted them to feel at home once againin the Church. They did not believe that the most effective waysto do this were punitive, fearful or domineering, butunderstanding, welcoming and liberating.

It is no accident that before too long each of the branches of theMarist family found itself engaged in the work of education. Itwas a natural fit. For Marcellin, in particular, it was his principalmeans for sharing in the Marist dream to which he pledged hisallegiance that morning in the Chapel at Fourvière. He had aview of teachers that was quite different from the one thatprevailed in the rural and the poorer regions of his country. Hesaw nobility in teaching. It was a privilege to be a teacher, acalling of the highest order and one that required the mostdiligent exercise of care and responsibility. Like St Jean-Baptistede la Salle before him, he used the word “ministry” to describewhat teachers did.

What has unfolded in the two centuries since, and what is onceagain reflected in these pages of Lavalla, is the realisation of adream of what a name could mean. By and large, it is a story ofextraordinary heart and hope. But, like the first Marists, none ofus who bear the name is perfect. Indeed, like them, some amongus have proved to be quite unworthy of it. But the vision and theefficacy of being Marist are sourced in something bigger thanany individual. It is together as Marist family, with the grace ofGod, that we continue to present to young people a way of theGospel of Jesus that is accessible, compelling and inspiring.

Nisi Dominus

Brother Michael Green FMSNational DirectorMarist Schools Australia

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MARIST COLLEGE BENDIGO

Open Day on June 6

What a fitting day to host the first official ‘event’ ofthe new Marist College – the Founder’s Feast day! Theweather gods shone on us too. Our ‘hall’ a marquee,learning space 4 portables on a building site!!! CurrentYear 7 students (104 of them) who will be Year 8s inour first year hosted and interacted with 135prospective Year 7s during the morning. Among otherthings, groups did activities to help familiarise them withwhat goes where on the 37 acre site. Then approximately200 parents joined us for lunch and they also had anopportunity to get a clear view of the campus and thevision for the College. A session with the architect, thePrincipal and Site Manager was appreciated by everyone.

There is much activity on the site with the rammed earthwall now complete on Stage 1 of the building. The site isabout 8kms west of Bendigo’s CBD, in Maiden Gully whichis a growth area of the city.

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MARIST YOUTH CARE

Parramatta Marist High School (PMHS),like all other Marist schools, treasures thecharism of St Marcellin as it is expressedin the five characteristics of our way ofliving out the Gospel of Jesus (Presence,Simplicity, In the Way of Mary, FamilySpirit and Love of Work) and works toinstil these values in all members of itsschool community. It is in the currentYear 10 CathTech class however, that thestudent’s commitments particularly tothe value of Love of Work are beingchallenged and developed.

Every year Marist Youth Care (MYC)promotes their annual donation drive,with the purpose of raising as muchmoney as possible to help support at-riskyouth and their families. Although thecampaign is marketed around the July –August period, in 2014 the planning forthis campaign and its rollout to highschools started much earlier. In February,representatives from Marist

Youth Care and ParramattaMarist High School met to tryand formalise the part eachorganisation would play in the2014 donation drive. Unlike inprevious years, where schoolswere offered the opportunityto engage in donationcollections for MYC, this yearPMHS students were beinggiven the opportunity togenerate the main onlinepresence for the campaign –a fully operational website.

With MYC’s needs clearlyenumerated the project wasreleased to year 10students in their CathTechclasses (an integrated classfocusing on Catholicstudies and IST). Over 5weeks the students

worked intheir project teams todevelop the mostoutstanding, fun andeye-catching websitethat met the needs ofthe client andencouraged studentsfrom all other Maristschools to register andparticipate in MYC’s2014 DonationCreation project.

CathTech classesbecame places ofheated debate asgroups ‘discussed’the merits of onecolour scheme overanother, studentsworked tirelessly toconvert their initialideas and plansinto a website thatwas innovativewhilst alsooperational and

Marist Youth Care’s annual donation drive

teachers dedicated manyhours to providing advice and feedbackto the students regarding their onlinework. What was most rewarding by theconclusion of this work was the deeplevel of understanding and empathy thestudents had developed towards theprograms MYC offer and the individualsthey help. This was evident by thefeedback the student provided including

“[this project] was effective education ofan issue, through direct exposure”(Charles A), “[we should] take less, togive more to the homeless” (Peter A) and“[just because they are] homeless,doesn’t make them hopeless” (John R).

This year’s donation drive, aptly name“Donation Creation”, requires thestudent participants to create somethingfun based on the donations they receive,like Rube Goldberg machines. If you oryour school are interested inparticipating in the Donation Creationproject, check out this website –www.donationcreation.com.au

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The community of Mt Maria Collegecame together for the Feast Day of StMarcellin Champagnat on June 6th withtheir aptly named “Champagnat Day”celebrations. Mr Mark Stower, Principalcommented that the Marist hallmarks ofpresence and family spirit were evidenton the day.

A College Mass was celebrated by ParishPriest, Father Frank Lourigan; and BrotherMark Fordyce gave the keynote addresstitled: “Being a Young Marist Today”.

Following the Mass, membersof the faculty enjoyed astylish morning tea andbarbeque lunch as theyenjoyed the communityspirit of the day, while thestudents got involved in arange of activities includingjumping castles, buckingbull and the annualChampagnat Day Dash.

MT MARIA COLLEGE MITCHELTON

Feast Day of Saint Marcellin Champagnat

MYC Skills Development Centre worksclosely with at risk young people,providing innovative pre-employmenttraining and employment opportunitiesfor young people facing barriers to theemployment market. Our trainingprovides our participants with nationallyaccredited modules towards arecognised qualification, engages themin real life community projects, involvesthem with our healthy lunches initiativewhere they cook and eat togethereveryday, and also helps them developemployability skills. We have been luckyenough to also be able to provide themwith a ‘job in a box’, which is a fabuloustool kit for starting employment,including work clothes, boots, travelcards, haircuts and a range of otherextremely practical times which takesaway some of the anxiety of starting anew job.

Also, MYC has recently piloted a socialenterprise called Pink Lightning providingemployment and training to youngwomen in Melbourne. As mobile NailTechnicians we provide manicures to arange of clientele including: companies aspart of their employee wellbeingprograms, aged care facilities , socialgroups and Government departments

The photograph in this short article is ofthe recent graduates who undertook amodule in landscaping, the practicalwork being completed in the newlandscape lay-out at the rear of theMarist Centre in Brunswick.

Rachel BurnsSkills Development CentreCoordinator

MARIST YOUTH CARE CENTRE, BRUNSWICK

MYC Skills Development Centre

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SACRED HEART COLLEGE MIDDLE SCHOOL, MITCHELL PARK

National Sorry Day is an Australia-wide observance held onMay 26th each year, beginning National Reconciliation Week.SHCMS community gathered and joined with the voices ofpeople around Australia to speak out against injustice andspeak up for reconciliation. Students, both indigenous andnon-indigenous, were active leaders throughout the ceremony.

We remembered our large rock which was taken from theWillunga area of South Australia, now placed in our IndigenousGarden. The rock is symbolic of the Tjilbruke Dreaming. TheTjilbruke story centers around the Kaurna hunter, Tjilbruke, andhis journey along the South Australian coastline.

Sorry Day is a particularly important time to remember theinjustices done to the Stolen Generations. We remembered thesadness and damage the events from the past have had onAustralia’s First People. We were reminded that StolenGenerations refers to Indigenous Australians who were forciblyremoved from their families and communities. This pastcontinues to hurt many of Australia’s First Peoples today.

Sorry Day gives all people the chance to come together andshare the steps towards healing for the Stolen Generations,their families and their communities.

The theme of 2014 is Walk the Talk. In other words, give actionto our words.

We heard the familiar reading from Matthew, imbedded in thelife of the College throughout this year.

A Matthew 22:37-40

‘You shall love God with all your heart, and all your soul, andwith all your mind…You shall love your neighbour as you loveyourself.’ (Mt22:37-40)

The way we love is what matters.

We remembered our Marist theme for the year, serve oneanother, and recalled that the way we love is what mattersmost. The boys repeated the following as a way of committingto Walk the Talk.

• We will treat everyone fairly• We will respect the rights of others• We will be inclusive• We will speak out against injustice• We will be positive in our conversations

The Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian flags werebrought forward by our indigenous students accompanied bypeers and a staff member, walking forward together in a spiritof solidarity.

Sacred Heart College Middle School together with manyAustralians is actively working towards Reconciliation. MrAshleigh Bryans, Indigenous Education SHCMS, broughtforward the SHCMS Reconciliation Action Plan. Our planoutlines what we commit to do as a school to bring aboutReconciliation and understanding.

Reconciliation WeekSacred Heart College Middle School boys commit to ongoing reconciliation with each other and ourindigenous brothers and sisters by walking the talk!

Mr Ashleigh Bryans,Indigenous Ed Coordinator and Ms Rebecca Bond Yr9 teacher andmember of Indigenous Ed Committee, planting the native hibiscusinto soil brought forward by students and staff.

A representative from each section of the school broughtforward a bowl of soil, representing the many cultures thatmake up our school community.

We are individuals and yet we are connected to each other andtogether are responsible to bring about reconciliation andunderstanding of all people.

The soil was combined in a large container creating a bed for anative hibiscus plant. The flowers of the native hibiscus remindus that although much damage and unimaginable pain wasexperienced by Aboriginal communities as a result of theStolen Generation policies, the Aboriginal people havestrength, hope and resilience. Like the native hibiscus whichsurvives and flowers in the harshest of conditions, Aboriginalpeople continue to work for and hope for a better future. Theflowering hibiscus is a symbol of reconciliation, the floweringof hope and healing. The plant was later transplanted into theschools Indigenous Garden.

We were reminded of our call to Walk the Talk in the concludingprayer:

God of Love, we remember your love for IndigenousAustralians and we pray that all Australians work towardsreconciliation and understanding.

May we Walk the Talk in our conversations, our actions andour attitudes.

We make our prayer in Jesus name.

All: Amen

At the conclusion of the ceremony the boys were given a‘Walk the Talk’ sticker reminding them of theircommitment to action.

Jennifer CallananAssistant Principal – Religious Identity and Mission, -Sacred Heart College Middle School, Adelaide.

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Teancum Varcoe yr8 standing tall as SHCMS celebratesNational Reconciliation Week with fellow students

Tyson Newchurch,Yr 9 Jonas Varcoe Yr 7and Rashaun Stephenson yr 9proudly standing tall as we celebrate National Reconciliation

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On Friday 6 June College staff and students, along withBrothers, families and friends, gathered in the gym for thecelebration of our annual Champagnat Mass. The Masswas celebrated by Father John Boyd-Boland, ofm.

In this the year of “Serve One Another” we acknowledgethe way St Marcellin Champagnat used his life in serviceto others to bring all to a knowledge and love of Jesus. Inreflection of this we commenced our Mass by buildingthe Altar in the way that St Marcellin Champagnat builtthe Hermitage for community and Eucharist.

MARIST COLLEGE ASHGROVE

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St MarcellinDay Mass

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At the Mass each year Champagnat Day Awards arepresented to a parent, a staff member and astudent. This year’s awards were presented to:

Right: Mrs Joanne Collins with sons, James and William

Parent: Mrs Joanne Collins. Her commitment to theCollege community, to its spirit and life, is a most worthyreflection of this year’s theme of "Serve one another",something our recipient has done time and time again.

Mr Michael Druce with Superior of Brothers’ Communityat Marist College Ashgrove, Br Brendan Neily

Thomas McLean with Superior of Brothers’ Community at Marist CollegeAshgrove, Br Brendan Neily.

Staff Member: Mr Michael Druce, Head of the Juniorschool. Michael is well known and admired by theboys in the Junior school and by at least half of everycurrent secondary school Year group in the College.

Student: The qualities we see expressedin the life of St Marcellin and to which each of us might aspire, canbe found in our Year 12 student awardee, Thomas McLean.

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Boys from the Junior school at Marist College Ashgrove havebegun their work in the Mini Vinnies group this term. The firstmajor initiative that the boys have taken up is the annual St.Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. The boys have been busycollecting cans of food, jumpers, beanies, gloves and blankets.

The Year 7 students were responsible fordistributing baskets to each classroom for theitems to be placed. Each Friday, the boys fromMini Vinnies visit each classroom to empty thecollection baskets. Items are then taken back tothe Ministry Office to be sorted. The boys sortedthe clothing into different piles according to sizeand gender. During this process, the boys hadinteresting conversations about what it would belike to live on the streets during winter, and howthis winter appeal would help people who findthemselves in this situation.

At the end of the winter appeal, the boys willpresent all items collected to the members ofthe local St. Vincent de Paul conference for

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Mini Vinnies at Marist College Ashgrovedistribution. The boys are looking forward to handing theseitems over for distribution, and seeing the end result of theirhard work. The winter appeal has been a great way to involvethe boys in making a difference, and to raise awareness aboutthe issue of homelessness.

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MARIST INTERNATIONAL NEWS

The planning for the Conference beganin 2011. A number of educationalleaders in Marist schools hadparticipated in the Marist LeadershipInstitute in the United States, and all hadfound this an important and valuableexperience. Those who attended theLeadership Institute benefited frommeeting Marists from other schools, andtalked about it as a formative experiencethat deepened their own sense ofMaristness, and motivated them topromote Marist values in schools.

The Provincial Council decided that inorder to enable other members of staffto benefit from such an experience thatwe should organise a conference formembers of staff in our own province. Atfirst this involved teachers and School

Principals from Ireland and Germany,however, as planning for the conferencedeveloped, teachers and Principals inBelgium and Scotland expressed aninterest in being part of this event, andthose involved in projects in TheNetherlands and Scotland were alsoinvited to take part.

Br. Ronnie McEwan and Mr PaulCummings of Kinharvie Institute inGlasgow facilitated the Conference. TheKinharvie Institute trains people in

facilitative leadership, which sharessimilar values to Marist leadership. Theresult was that the programme andprocess of the Conference reflected theMarist values that we wish to promoteand pass on to others.

The Conference opened, appropriately,on the Feast of St Marcellin Champagnat.The two facilitators led the group in arange of exercises to help us to get toknow each other. We also established“Home groups” which became a space

where we cold touch basewith a group of peoplewhom we came to know inthe course of theconference. On Saturday,7th June, Br. Michael Greenand Mr Tony Clarke led themorning sessions withresearch and reflections onMarist values and leadership.

The Education Conference of the Province of West Central Europe took place in the Marist Centre inGuardamar, Spain, from 6th until 9th June 2014. There were 70 participants from the five countriesof the Province: Ireland, Scotland, The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany, along with presentersfrom Australia, The United States, Mexico, Brazil and the Netherlands. The participants weremembers of staff in Marist schools and projects, along with 20 Brothers. The aim of the Conferencewas to take practical steps to facilitate Marist leadership into the future.

Marist Education Conference –

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This presentation set the tone for theConference. Br. Michael and Tony Clarkeshared their experience of working withMarist leaders in Australia, theirknowledge of educational insights fromSt Marcellin and Br. Francois, andanalysis of contemporary culture inChurch and society, to create a space fora conversation and sharedunderstanding around the main themesof the Conference.

During the afternoon of Saturday, 7thJune, the participants were invited toparticipate in two of the following fiveworkshops:

• A Marian Church: Brother Richard VanHouten

• Marist leadership: Brother ErnestoSanchez, C.G.

• The inner journey: Liesbeth van Gool.

• A spirituality of presence: BerniceReijntiens

• Marist mission: Br. Joâo Carlos doPrado.

The workshops provided opportunitiesto reflect on different aspects of Maristleadership and values. They also providedopportunities to interact with presentersand participants at a deeper level.

The focus of the Conference shifted onthe morning of Pentecost to reflect onwhat practical steps we could take tofacilitate Marist Leadership into thefuture. Those who were present willremember the extraordinary energy thatwas released as the groups came up withvarious suggestions for taking this workforward. It was a tangible experience ofthe release of the Spirit. The followingmorning the participants met in school,project or national groups to look atspecific plans for the future.

There has been a great deal of reflectionin recent years on the characteristics ofMarist spirituality. When we look at thelife of St Marcellin, and the work of theBrothers throughout the history of theInstitute, it is clear that we arefundamentally practical men. StMarcellin was a worker who made use ofwhatever resources – human andspiritual - were at his disposal, in order tofurther his mission. This practical spiritwas evident on the Sunday and Mondaymornings when the groups identified arange of ways that the work of theConference could be continued.

The Marist Centre in Guardamar was

Guardamar, Spainideal for the conference. Theaccommodation is of a high standard andthe house is decorated with Marist postersand symbols, which reminded us of thefocus of our meeting. Prayer andspirituality were integrated into theprogramme through the work of AiveenMullaly, who prepared the liturgies inadvance. The participants spent anafternoon in Alicante on Sunday, 8th Juneand met together for a wonderful eveningmeal, which rounded off an enjoyable andsuccessful conference.

Many of the participants have sentfeedback about the conference and it hasall been very positive. The Conference waspromoted as a “New dawn” for Maristleadership in schools and projects. Thegood will, expertise, energy and sense ofcommitment that were evident at theconference provide a good foundation forplanning at local and Province level. Localgroups have already met to plan initiativesfor the year ahead. The Provincial Councilwill also discuss how to take thingsforward at the Provincial Council meetingthat will be held in early August.

Br. Brendan Geary, ProvincialProvince of West-Central Europe

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GALEN CATHOLIC COLLEGE

A team of six Galen students and three staff recently visitedTimor-Leste for the second time as part of an ongoingimmersion program. The selected students have fundraised aspart of the re-building project for the Abafala Primary School.As a result of last year’s fundraising attempts, the school nowhas new desks for Grades 1 and 2, and the rest of the schoolnow have new chairs that were sorely needed. The school hasonly just got electricity and the teachers are now equippedwith computers and they are looking forward to getting aphotocopier in the future. Our fundraising efforts are alsogoing towards regular school equipment such as basic books,pencils and stationery. At Galen we have also ensured thatmoney goes towards the wages of the teachers, who are notpaid and work in the fields after a full day of teaching so thatthey can feed their families.

The building project is immense and its completion will allowthe community to have students stay within the village up toYear 8, which will offer more employment opportunitieswithin the community.

Galen College are working in conjunction with Catholic CollegeSale and Notre Dame College, Shepparton on this ongoingproject.

Galen staff also are sponsoring a young university student,Jesuina (Jypo) Filipe, with her studies. Jypo was an aide for theGalen immersion trip in 2013, and her family were unable tosend her to university. Galen staff decided to sponsor her andshe has recently started her International Studies degree thissemester in Dili.

In order to assist with the Abafala school building project, theteam of six Galen students spent six months raising awarenessand $10,500 through fundraising activities including a TimorTrivia Night at Galen during Term 1. Galen College are verygrateful for the support of the many local Wangarattabusinesses, sponsors and families who have contributedtoward helping the people of Abafala.

Lyndel Petersen, Social Justice Coordinator

Galen students lend a helping handfor the people of Timor-Leste

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ST JOSEPH’S, NORTHAM

Students at St Joseph’s School arepreparing to celebrate 125 years ofcatholic education in Northam. TheSisters of St Joseph of the Apparitionestablished the first Catholic school inNortham, in 1889. The Marist Brothersopened St Paul’s, a boy’s College in 1948and in 1971 these two schools combinedto become a co-educational primary andsecondary school on two separatecampuses. The school has a 125 yearstradition of a caring environment andprides itself as a learning centre withprograms to cater for all students.

The students enjoyed creating theirpavement art last week as they decoratedthe playground in preparation forFounders’ Day. On June 12, the schoolwill celebrate Founders’ Day with a wholeschool Mass, followed by a day of funand activities as the students reflect onthose who worked hard to build a schooland community that is still vibrant today.

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Three generations of education at St Joseph’s School.Mrs Marie Chomiak (ex-student and current staff member) and her granddaughterAnnabelle Chomiak alongside Mrs Margaret Fraser (current staff member of 28 years) andher grandchildren, Aiden and Kate Gentle and Maisey Jones . They are enjoying the street artcreated by the students of St Joseph’s School on the primary campus.

Students of St Joseph’s School workingon their ‘125 years’ playground art.

As a special recognition of thismilestone, the school isencouraging past andpresent members of the StJoseph’s Community topurchase a personalisedbrick paver. These paverswill be laid on bothcampuses later on this year.Many past and currentstudents and staffmembers have contactedthe school to becomeinvolved in this projectand others areencouraged to contactthe school office for moreinformation.

Participants from St Joseph’s School in Northam, WA: Tanya Czernowski, Carmen Cox (Principal), Lachlan Patterson, Glen Dunkerton,Leon Temby, Steve Johnson.

#serve Northam

125 years of Catholic education in Northam

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ST GREGORY’S COLLEGE CAMPBELLTOWN

Western Front Tour

39 students and 5 staff began the trip ofa lifetime on the first day of last schoolholidays, exploring where pastgenerations had fought on the WesternFront. The journey began in Brussels,Belgium (via Singapore and Frankfurt)and concluded 12 days later in Paris,France.

The trip included many highlightsincluding being involved in the Last PostCeremony in Ypres to running our ownANZAC Service at the Australian NationalMemorial at Villers-Bretonneux. The boysresearched a fallen soldier, often a familymember, with many graves being found.

The group also had the privilege ofbeing a part of the Easter Sunday serviceat the Cathedral in Amiens said by the

local Bishop. One student, Patrick Cookeread the 2nd Reading in fluent French.The group also had a chance to visit thebeautiful cities of Brugges, Arras andParis, including visits to Versailles, theEiffel Tower and the magnificent SacreCoeur and also Notre Dame Cathedral.How many young Australians can alsoboast swimming at Dunkirk or visitingthe Battle of Waterloo!

Deputy Headmaster, Mr MatthewBrennan stated “As I reflect on theexperience , four things are standouts.Firstly, the outstanding behaviour of thestudents. As staff we received dailypositive comments at all places wevisited. Secondly, the importance of notletting the ANZAC story die or

underestimate how significant acontribution was made by earlygenerations of Australians. Thirdly, howyoung a country Australia is and howbeautiful Belgium and France are, fromthe landscape to the buildings; thepeople and the cuisine.

Mr Brennan also mentioned the amazingjob by Mrs Murdoch, head of the HSIEdepartment. The boys now have alifetime memory due to the vision of MrsMurdoch and the level of detail she hasput into the planning of each minute ofthe trip. Students, staff and parents oweher a debt of gratitude.

To read the blog go tohttp://stgregswft2014.wordpress.com/

REMAR

Opportunities and Development

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Remar is a school based program offeredto students all around Australia fromYears 10 to 12. The program draws onMarist spirituality to focus on building astrong and well developed communitywithin and beyond the school, growingand challenging students’ leadershipskills, their sense of Christian discipleship,and provides opportunities to minister tothose in need. Remar provided thebuilding blocks that assisted me andmany people I have met in our personaland faith development, and I lookforward to continued involvement formany years to come as a Young Marist.

Students, when they first becomeinterested in the program, might join forvarious reasons. The reason I joined wasto gain more confidence, so that I couldplay music in front of more than just themirror, without the fear of nerves ruiningmy performance. The community, a.k.a.‘Caravel’, that my peers built together,became a supportive second family thatencouraged self-growth, being strongindividuals and improving leadershipskills that I could apply in my everydaylife. The leadership skills and supportbecame a strong footing for my own self-confidence, which led me to do countlessperformances and assisted in myleadership position as the school’sperforming arts captain.

The thing that surprised me the mostabout this journey is how much resonatedwith me and my understanding of myself.Remar came around the time where I

in a time that you feel lost and hurt, isone to truly appreciate, so to be givenopportunities to serve others that maybe feeling the same feelings that I was, isgreater than no other. At the end of yourRemar journey more paths within MaristYouth Ministry, Marist Immersion andVolunteer programs, and MaristVocations Ministry, to name a few, assistpeople like me to do great things withtheir lives. It’s just a matter of gettinginvolved and taking action.

James Mein

didn’t value my own opinion, whichmade personal things, such as my faith,something I would just have, withoutthat much conviction or my ownunderstanding. This all changed afterspending time and meeting with peoplein Remar who have been in similarpositions and those who wanted to findspiritual truth that was real for them.

I chose to continue this journey as amember of the Remar Ministry Treambecause I have learnt that the feeling ofsomeone giving support and guidance,

Red Bend Catholic College SchoolCaptain Kurt Lovett will cap aremarkable year in hockey when he jetsto South Africa later this month withthe Australian Schoolboys team. Theyear 12 student will set off on hissecond international hockey tour onJune 28, with the national schoolboysopen team to play about seven gamesagainst South African teams. Kurt hasalso represented the Australian under18s boys team this year, and wasrecently selected in both the NSWunder 18s and under 21s squads.

RED BEND CATHOLIC COLLEGE

National Representative

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man relationship (rather than boy-to-man).How fortunate am I!

A huge thank you for organising theweekend. It was a powerful, moving andemotional weekend which both my son andI enjoyed immensely. The weekend was wellorganised, well run and very relevant. I wasso glad to hear you are planning to make itpart of the Saints calendar.

I thought it might be a good idea for myselfand my son. The weekend was very wellorganised and facilitated, and I wish tosincerely thank all those involved. I hopethese weekends are offered for many, manyyears into the future, and that generationsof fathers and sons attend for their andsociety’s benefit’.

The Growing Good Men weekend hasbecome one of the most anticipatedevents on the College calendar. Each yearmembers of the Pastoral Care Team of theCollege prepare and assist in the weekendand one of the real positives of the weekendexperience is the personal and professionaldevelopment received by those staffmembers who attend the weekend.

In 2015, in addition to hosting another“Growing Good Men w/e” the Collegewill host a Father and Son breakfastand a Mother and Son morning tea.

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ST AUGUSTINE'S COLLEGE, CAIRNS

As an all-boys College in the Maristtradition we are tasked with journeyingwith young men in what is often themost formative period of their lives.Each young man who graduates formthe College bears little resemblance tothe boy that he was at thecommencement of his time at Saints.There is very evident growth in allaspects of the young man’s life and in hisself-awareness. It really is the time tojourney from boyhood to thecommencement of manhood. Whilst theCollege plays an important part in thisjourney, the most profound relationshipfor most young men on this path is therelationship he has with his father.

The relationship between a father andhis son is one of the primary and mostcritical relationships a man will have,particularly in the teen years. The impactfathers have on their sons during thistime is defining for that young man.Every young man needs to believe in hisheart, that the person who he is, is goodenough in his father’s eyes and that hisactions, accomplishments and characterare worthy of his father’s approval.

In acknowledgement of this relationship,in 2012 St Augustine’s College partneredwith Men Alive in delivering a weekend

Saints celebrates father & son relationshipsfocussed on affirming and building thefather and son relationship. This event isnow in its third year and from Friday May30th – Sunday June 1st 2014 thirteenfathers and sons gathered for the thirdGrowing Good Men conference.

St Augustine's College chose Men Aliveto facilitate these weekends as theirpresentations are drawn from both theirexperience of being fathers as well assound research. Their relationalmethodology helps to quickly buildrapport with participants. Their “downto earth” and practical sessions providethe right environment for fathers andsons to engage, build and often mendtheir relationship.

The experience over the past three yearsof hosting Growing Good Men weekendshas been resoundingly positive. Thefollowing extracts are typical of thefeedback from fathers who haveattended past weekends:

When he was young, my son and I had avery close, fun relationship, but in recentyears we had become “passing ships”,involved in our own busy lives. Theweekend gave us the tool to re-invent ourrelationship with each other. At theend of the weekend I felt I had myson back in my life, but in a man-to-

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Growing Good Men presentations

Dads express their lovefor their sons

Sharing in the Eucharist

Presenting the staffof Manhood

Left: Blessing the dads

Recreational activities together

Orienteering togetherLeft: Father and Son bonding

Joeys in Bougainville

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ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE, HUNTERS HILL

The relationship between St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill and St Joseph’s School, Mabiri inBougainville, Papua New Guinea, continued to grow this year as another group of studentsand staff participated in the annual Bougainville Solidarity Immersion. The group, comprising eight studentsfrom Years 11 and 12 and three staff,travelled to Bougainville over the Easterbreak. Their first stop was Port Moresby,where they received a warm welcomefrom Joeys families and friends living inPNG. The families shared meals with thegroup and took them to see Australianwar graves at the War Cemetery andOwers Corner, the start (or finish) of theKokoda Track. Visiting these significanthistorical sites was a powerfulexperience, prompting soberingreflection about the great sacrifices anduntold hardships faced by Australiansoldiers so Australians may live a life offreedom and comfort.

From Port Moresby the group headed toBougainville and St Joseph’s brotherschool, St Joseph’s Mabiri. The boys fromHunters Hill quickly settled into islandlife, engaging with the Mabiri boys andquickly forming strong friendships withthem. The Mabiri students are so warmand generous and went out of their wayto welcome all their guests from StJoseph’s College and take particular careof the boys.

The SJC group spent four days at MaraiMission, located in the central highlandsof Bougainville, where they were giventhe rare opportunity to immerse withincommunities still living a subsistence life,relatively untouched by modern society.

Following are excerpts of reflectionstatements written by the boys whotravelled to Bougainville:

The boys of Mabiri and the people ofBougainville have shown me theimportance of putting others beforemyself…One of the Mabiri boys left anote in my journal, which I had left onmy bed. He wrote, “Thank you verymuch for what you have given to us. Iam so sorry I have nothingto give to you

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but as a Marist student what I can offeryou is much love always brother.” Matte Ager McConnell (Y12)

The most riveting experience was in myvillage at Marai. A little girl aged two-years-old came up to me and juststarted patting my leg for about twoto three minutes. She had never seena white person before and I think shethought I was an alien. Now that issomething I will remember andcherish for the rest of my life. James Cusack (Y11)

This experience will seriously impact mylife and there is not enough gratitude Ican offer to all the people that I havecome across. From the people whoopened their homes to us, the boys whogifted us their dorms and beds to thecomplete strangers who offered us awave and a smile as we rode by on theback of a ute, all of these people havehelped to make this a trip of a lifetime. Thomas Silva (Y12)

At St Josephs Mabiri

learningnew skills

Chapel

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“When I started attending the group... Irealised I was not the only disabled personin Baucau” Floriana, 15 Baucau, Timor-Leste

This is a common sentiment expressedby many parents of children withdisabilities who are supported by theKatilosa program, which is an AMSfunded partnership. It’s not often thatwe hear from the children themselves atKatilosa as many of them do not haveaccess to technology that enables themto communicate. So when we receivedFloriana’s short reflection on herexperience it was very special.

In Baucau, negative attitudes towardsdisability are still the biggest barrier forpersons with disabilities to accesseducation, vocational training andsubsequently, employment.Unfortunately this attitude is oftenpresent in parents, communitymembers, schools and teachers,government officials and even thechildren who have a disability. At the

household level, children with adisability and their families oftendevelop low self-esteem, hiding awayand shunning social interaction, whichcan lead directly to their exclusion fromeducation. Much of this was also true inFloriana’s experience prior to herinvolvement with Katilosa.

Several years ago Katilosa staff visitedFloriana’s community where localleaders were made aware of the supportthat could be provided for her as shewas deaf and unable to communicate.Many were skeptical of what waspossible and what Floriana was capableof doing. Floriana was all the moredetermined. The staff of Katilosa beganthe process of negotiating with theschool and the parents to assist inintegration into a mainstream school.Wanting the best for their daughter, butconcerned about how she would copewith school the parents eventuallyenrolled her in a school in Baucau,Timor-Leste.

Floriana worked hard and has adaptedvery well into school despite herdisability and her age. Her experienceand example has ultimately provided thenecessary shift in the way that the schooland her parents’ view disability and evenmore importantly the way that Florianaviews herself. Earlier this year she sharedher experience with the staff of Katilosaand supporters of the program.

“When I started attending the group set upby Katilosa in Baucau, I realized that I wasnot the only disabled person in Baucau. I’mnow taking part in the program of Katilosawhere disabled children like me try toconvince parents to send their disabledchildren to school. I have learned that wehave to raise our voices so that otherchildren will not stay at home and denytheir rights but they must go to school likeall children.”

Michael Coleman AMS DeskProject Coordinator – Timor-Leste

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In April, areas of the Solomon Islandswere hit by heavy rainfall, which causedwidespread flooding leaving 22 peopledead and over 50,000 people homeless.The worst hit areas were Honiara and the

low-lying plains to the East – includingTenaru where several Marist projects arelocated. Students and teachers wereevacuated from St Joseph’s High Schoolon the third day of rain and taken to

higher ground as close to 1000mm fell.St Martin’s Rural Training Centre, as wellas the Brother’s house, was inundatedwith muddy water and causedsignificant damage. The construction ofthe new Brother’s house has also beendelayed as a result of this naturaldisaster.

MSol is preparing to receive severalapplications for assistance in therebuilding efforts for this devastatedcommunity. With over 1000 people stillliving in evacuation centres and therebuild estimated to cost tens of millionsof dollars, there is still a long road torecovery for the affected people.

Ashley BulgarelliMVA CoordinatorProject Coordinator – Pacific Region

Preparing for rebuild after floods at Tenaru, Solomon Islands

The tea communities are home to someof the most vulnerable people ofBangladesh. They deserve specialattention of the State, not just equaltreatment. Unfortunately they continueto remain socially excluded, low-paid,overwhelmingly illiterate, deprived anddisconnected. They have also lost theiroriginal languages in most parts as wellas their culture, education and unity. Thepeople living in the tea gardens live withpoor housing conditions, low wages,long working hours and experiencesocial discrimination, and restrictions onmovement. These conditions deprivethem of many basic human needs andrights. This traps the children of teaworkers in an endless cycle of poverty.

The Marist Brothers are working toaddress this by starting a school that willprovide quality education for the

children in the tea gardens and thesurrounding region. As well as theofficial program of studies a major focuswill be placed on English, Ethics andComputer skills. These skills will give the

children a higher chance of gainingbetter paid skilled work later in life.

Br Brian KinsellaProject Coordinator

Education for the children of the Moulovibazar tea gardens, Bangladesh

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FORMATION FOR MARIST LIFE AND MISSIONFootsteps1 – Making Jesus Christ Known & Loved, 15 – 18 June 2014Participants: Cathy Atkinson andDianne Barrett (Marist College,Ashgrove); Chong Hin Law and DavidBlackman (Marcellin College, Bulleen);Adam Mueller and Gregory Bellerby (StAugustine's College, Cairns); BenjaminGrose and Duncan Pugh (NewmanCollege, Churchlands); Edwina Brennanand Sarah Hagarty (St Patrick’s MaristCollege, Dundas); Kelly Rumpand Monique Nelson (MaristCollege Emerald); BernardRyall (St Joseph's CollegeHunters Hill); Jessica Flavelland Michelle Jones(Assumption CollegeKilmore); Tonetta Iannelli (StFrancis de Sales RegionalCollege, Leeton); Nijel Vidler(Mt Maria CollegeMitchelton); Rochelle Eggins(Marist College North Shore);

Josephine Geer and Natalie Wagstaff(John Therry Catholic High School,Rosemeadow); Kurtis Harrison and SarahMelhuish (Sacred Heart College,Somerton Park); Alison Lawrence andGlen Bucklar (St Thomas More SunshineBeach); Jim Samon (Galen CatholicCollege, Wangaratta); Clinton Rodoredaand Brooke Nugent (Parramatta Marist,

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Westmead); Sally Dillon (Marist SchoolsAustralia, Sydney); Nehme Khattar(Marist Youth Ministry, Sydney); Melissade Sieno (Marist Youth Ministry,Melbourne).

Team: Br Michael Akers, ElizabethFalconer, Br Tony Paterson, Br HubertWilliams, Daniel Head and Frank Malloy.

Footsteps2 – Making Jesus Christ Known & Loved, 18 – 21 May 2014Participants: Cheryl Geck and MadonnaSpillane (Marist College, Ashgrove);Megan Pettiford and Kathleen Ward(Trinity College, Beenleigh); ColleenArmstrong and Maree Zanin (MarcellinCollege, Bulleen); Neil Gregory andChristopher Churchward (St Augustine'sCollege, Cairns); Therri Ellison and PaulQuigley (St Patrick’s Marist College,

Dundas); Catherine Rogers and AnnPalmer (Marist College Eastwood); BrettBenkenstein and Annamaria Liggieri(Assumption College, Kilmore); KathLittle and Sian Burke (Mt Maria College,Mitchelton); Christine Winderlich andJoanne Fellows (St Teresa's CatholicCollege, Noosaville); Kathleen McGrathand Jeffrey Davidson (Marist College

North Shore); Maryanne Davis andDamian Chase (Marcellin CollegeRandwick); Simon Abernethy andCatherine Waud (John TherryCatholic High School, Rosemeadow);John McLaverty and Sherie Killeen(Catholic College Sale); MeredithJones and Derek Leibbrandt (SacredHeart College, Somerton Park);

Catherine Brown andChardonnay Miller (MtCarmel Catholic HighSchool, Varroville);Corinne McPhee andPaul Harris (Marist CentreSydney); Jodi Isedale(The Hermitage,Mittagong); Br TerryCostello (Marist Brothers,Auckland).

Team: Br Michael Akers,Elizabeth Falconer, BrPeter Carroll, Br HubertWilliams, Ryan Gato andBr Michael Green.

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Marcellin WeekTrinity College Lismore Trinity Catholic College Lismore commemorated The Feastof Saint Marcellin Champagnat on Thursday 5 June 2014(A day early!). The theme of the prayers and reflectionscentered around the importance Marcellin placed on thethree virtues of Humility, Simplicity and Modesty. As partof the liturgy, the Principal, Br John Hilet, presented fourstaff with a certificate acknowledging 20 years ofservice to the Marist charism. The four staffrecognised were Mrs Karen Davies, Mrs LyndallSmith, Mrs Carmel Grace and Mr Tony Lovett. TheAssembly concluded with the commissioning ofthe Cambodian Immersion Group who will departlater in Term 2. It was a wonderful celebration ofthe life and legacy of Saint Marcellin Champagnat.

Tony Lovett (left) receiving theaward from Br John Hilet (right).

Marcellin Day Prayer Spaceat Trinity College Lismore.

The #serve program was very well received at the Burdekin Catholic High School in Ayr on June 27. Thirty-seven staff attended atwilight session. The Marist spirit is truly alive and well in the Burdekin.Participants included: Melanie Baxter, Marlene Bokma, Rhonda Callcott, Thomas and Jane Chitongo, Stephen Coutts, AntonellaDalle Cort, Jeananne Ellis, Keira Favale, Owen Flanagan, Brian Glover, Aliah Lennox, Sandra Reents, Heather Row, Renee Schlieff,Fiona Scott, Paula Sexton, Rosanna Smart, Madeline Thomson, Robus van Zyl, Daryl Wease, Lawrence Zanella, David Guy, StephenKeryk, Tom and Anne Kruger, Kelli Loizou, Leah McBryde, Darren Meinicke, Karl Meyer, Catherine Minchin, Kate Moore, Elisa Rigano,Angela Zukowski, Erica Arboit, Joanne Sherrington and Estelle Hildebrandt.

#serve EmeraldMrs Marie Martin, Principal of Marist College Emerald; teachersfrom Marist College Emerald; Mr Max Martin, Principal of StPatrick’s School and members of the local parish joinedtogether to engage with the #serve program in Emerald. Theybrought enthusiasm, awareness and insight as theyparticipated in the activities and reflections.Participants included: Bobby Bracken, Margaret Bailey, MoragHyslop, Leigh Murray, Nickie Birchall, Robyn Wright, ColetteCurtis, Marie Martin, Kelly Rump, Narelle Gruar, Dan Meehan,Monique Nelson, Chris Bracken, Brad Jarro, Peg Layton, Rodand Elma Devlin, Loy McKinlay, Max Martin, and Steve Melody.

#serve Ayr

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ST TERESA’S CATHOLIC COLLEGE, NOOSAVILLE

Sri Lanka Immersion 2014St. Marcellin Champagnat told us that“to educate young people, you mustlove them, and love them all equally”.This `Golden Rule' was never moreevident than in the young students whorepresented St Teresa’s Catholic College,Noosaville in our second successfulimmersion pilgrimage to the remotevillage of Kalpitiya in Sri Lanka in April.Eight year twelve students and twosupporting staff undertook a mission ofreaching out to the young people of thearea (and some not so young) throughthe providing of the opportunity to learnEnglish, but also to be witness to thecharacteristics of Marist ministry:Presence, Simplicity, Family Spirit, Loveof Work, and In the Way of Mary.

It has been…and will continue tobe…an experience which will shape thelives of our pilgrims as well as thosewhose lives we have touched.

The experience involved 12 days engagingwith the young people of Kalpitiya asfriends, mentors and as family. Thestudents were able to utilise theirextensive talents and touch the lives ofthose whom they encountered, whetherthat be through tuition, music, discussion,games or simply through listening andsharing in their everyday lives. It was anamazing opportunity for us as pilgrimsas much as it was for the people ofKalpitiya. The students involved wereChloe Hughes, Emily Morrish, TamiaKing, Madison Nitschke, Darcy Glassock,Max Cassar, Sophie Morrish and AbbeyFeutrill. Miss Amanda Rofe and Mr SimonLilley accompanied the students.

likely to find their ‘fortune’ in Sri Lanka,will be those who can command English.

Our visit to the local schools saw poorlyfunded institutions full to the brim withhappy, smiling and enthusiastic studentswho desired nothing more than to learnand achieve. Sadly, in this part of theworld, the number of teachers allocatedto accommodate for these children isnot great and a number of classes oftencan be unattended by teachers. Somedays see the disappointing sight ofstudents sitting, unable to do any qualitywork because no teacher was available.Some schools had six or seven classeswith only two teachers, plusvolunteers…and this is where we wereable to lend assistance…if only for a fewdays. This year we visited the CatholicTamil School, which had commenced theconstruction of a small administrationbuilding, paid for by funds raisedthrough the St Teresa’s community leadby the 2013 immersion students. It was aprivilege to be part of the foundationstone laying ceremony and be

The group departed on 3 April for SriLanka via Singapore (where wesweltered in our brief tour of the city),before embarking on our final sector andfirst evening in Negombo, Sri Lanka. Itwas here that we were thankful for thepeace of mind from the many pre-tripinjections and medications as weimmediately experienced the dreadedmosquitoes, bats, feral dogs and ofcourse…the donkeys. Negombo was agreat ‘dipping of the toe’ into Sri Lankanculture and enabled us to get anawakening to some of the issues facingpeople in impoverished surroundings.The further north we travelled towardsKalpitiya, the more we realised that thecomforts of our world on the SunshineCoast were far behind us now.

Kalpitiya is a remote fishing village ofaround 5000 people. Around half areChristian, a third are Muslim and the restare comprised of Hindu and Buddhistadherents. It is very evident how muchreligion shapes the lives of the people;just as it is evident how accepting andaccommodating people are of others…even if they are strangers in a new town.It is a fishing town where the vastmajority of the young people dream ofso much, but alas will follow the familytradition of subsistent fishing or smallbusiness, where a day’s business seesenough money earned to pay for localfare and not much more. Many peoplewithin the town function on less than$AUD100 a month. Some function onmuch less than that. It is a harsh realitythat those young people who are most

representing the wider St Teresa’scommunity in another country. This willenable an additional class room to bemade available for student learning. Wealso spent time at the Sinhala IslandSchool, were students would join useach day in their open air classroom forlearning activities and games.

Marist House in Kalpitiya has beenestablished to aid students of all ages,including adults, to further theireducation. Many students leave schoolat the end of the day and come straight

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to Marist House in order to get furthereducation, particularly in English. MaristHouse is run by Br. Lal Fonseka, abeautiful man whose life is dedicated tothe young people at Marist House and inhelping them in their dreams in reachingfor the stars. So dedicated is Br Lal to hismission that he rarely sets foot off theproperty in the ten days we were there,“as I am needed here by the people”. Thispresence, simplicity and love of his worktypifies the Marist charism. He is indeed arole model to the young people ofKalpitiya and also to those who visit himas we did. The fact that he is so loved bythe people (he is seen almost as areluctant royal in Kalpitiya) is a reflectionof how family spirit resonates throughhis work. It was here in the afternoonsand evenings that we were able to trulytouch the lives of the localchildren…and vice versa.

The students involved (and I must saythe staff as well) were transformed bythe experience of working with suchbeautiful children, who while living incircumstances which many wouldcringe at, were so welcoming of us

and eager to share their lives with us andshare their joy at being able to interactwith people who were prepared to bepresent to them. It was indeed a very sadoccasion when we had to say ourfarewells. It was more than just a tripwhere the locals gained from our visit,but we were able to take away so muchfor ourselves as a result. Much was saidwithin our little group about how luckywe are, how we tend to whinge aboutthings that really aren’t important…andhow great is our capacity to make adifference in the world…if we make thatour priority. Seeing the eight St Teresa’sstudents in discussion about what canbe done in the future (as we aim tocontinue a long lasting relationship withKalpitiya) simply demonstrates the impactsuch an experience has had on ourpilgrims. Future fundraising endeavourswill be undertaken in order to ensureMarist House is adequately resourced,furnished and capable of continuing itsvaluable works into the future.

The pilgrims were also able to engage insome important visits to Hindu Temples,Mosques, Buddhist Shrines as well as the

Shrine of St Ann, as well as share in theEaster preparations at mass with thelocals. There were opportunities to visitlocal sights, sing local songs, engagewith people of many different traditionsand circumstances…and eat the localfood, even if there was the occasionalFrench-fry, chicken nugget or hot-dog!Best of all; “How about that fried rice?”

The whole experience has been lifechanging for all of us. Credit must go toour eight students for their example toothers and in following in the way ofMary who calls us to `do good quietly'and to be aware of the gentle presenceof God in and through the ordinaryevents of everyday living.

However it is just the start of the processfor these students. To experience suchan enlightening is meaningless unlesswe continue to keep the people ofKalpitiya in our prayers, thoughts andin our actions. This is why this groupwill continue to work to support theyoung people who have touched ourlives.

Simon LilleySt Teresa’s Catholic College Noosaville

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MARIST YOUTH FESTIVALWe are excited to announce to you the news about our upcomingMarist Youth Festival, (#MYF15) to be held in Sydney on the 12-15January, 2015. The title of the Festival is “JUST living: Hearts withoutBorders”. The Festival will include Year 12 students (Class of 2015)from Marist schools across Australia, but its main target participationwill be young adults aged 18 to 25. Accommodation and meals forthe event will be provided by Sancta Sophia College with studentsform Marist schools to be accommodated at St John’s College, at theUniversity of Sydney.

A letter has been sent to all Principals of Marist schools aroundAustralia asking them to promote the festival and invite TWO Year12 students (Class of 2015) to the Festival.

The Festival will feature two international guest speakers: BrotherEmili Turu fms, Superior General of the Marist Brothers fromRome, and Fr Greg Boyle SJ, founder and Executive Director ofHomeboy Industries; as well as two prominent national speakers:Laura John, the Australian Youth Representative to the UnitedNations in 2014 and Fr Rob Galea, a singer, songwriter andfounder of Stronger Youth.

For more information please visit www.maristyouthfestival.com

The Structured Learning Centre is an exciting new developmentat the senior campus of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart CatholicCollege, Alice Springs. It was created to allow greater flexibilityand diversity in course selection and to accommodate studentsparticipating in alternative learning such as School BasedApprenticeships. Working in partnership with NTOEC(Northern Territory Open Education Centre) the SadadeenCampus, is now able to enrol students in a larger variety ofsubject areas. Courses previously not offered at the Collegeand senior classes that in the past would not have run due tosmall numbers, can now be accommodated and offered online.

Students attend classes through a video and/or telephoneconference with their NTOEC teacher and classmates once aweek. All other lesson time is independent learning spent inthe Structured Learning Centre, supervised by the administratorof the centre or another teacher who can offer assistance asrequired. The NTOEC teachers are never more than an email orphone call away and always willing to answer any questionsstudents may have between lessons.

Mrs Nikki QuesnelCurriculum Coordinator (Sadadeen Campus)

Structured, Independent, Online Learning

OLSH COLLEGE ALICE SPRINGS

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NEWMAN COLLEGE, CHURCHLANDS

Supporting the CommunityThe Newman Sports Association, which comprises eightsporting clubs made up predominantly of current and pastNewman College students, and which participate in localcommunity competitions, has a close symbiotic relationshipwith Newman College itself.  Over the past five or so years, theAssociation, in true Marist Spirit and with the support of theCollege, has conducted an annual fundraising luncheon, thepurpose of which is to support a family within the Communitywhich is in significant need of some special assistance.

Sophie Martin is 5 years old and attends pre-primary at one ofNewman’s surrounding Catholic primary schools. Sophie has asevere form of Epilepsy (known as Dravet Syndrome) andCerebral Palsy.  She therefore has extremely high supportneeds and can never be left alone.  Sophie is in a wheelchairfor most of the day and her parents require a customisedvehicle to enable Sophie to travel in her wheelchair. A newcustomised vehicle will also enable Sophie’s parents to carry

the necessary equipment usedfor Sophie’s continued learning.

This year’s event was held at alocal bowling club on Friday 27June with special guests,

singer/songwriter and Newman past student, Morgan Bain,and Mark Harvey, past Fremantle Dockers Coach.

Newman College’s theme for 2014 focuses on one of the fiveMarist Characteristics, In the Way of Mary. Examples such as theNSA Fundraising Luncheon brings to life the specialcharacteristics of Mary: Faith in God, Courage and Hope inAdversity, allcharacteristics lived outon a daily basis bySophie and her family.

SophieMartin

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Archdiocese of AdelaideMarcellin Technical College, Christies DownsSacred Heart College, Somerton ParkSacred Heart College Middle School, Mitchell Park

Archdiocese of BrisbaneMarist College, AshgroveMount Maria College, MitcheltonMt Maria College, PetrieSt Joseph’s School, MurgonSt Peter Claver College, RiverviewSt Teresa’s College, NoosavilleSt Thomas More School, Sunshine Beach Trinity College, Beenleigh

Diocese of DarwinLtyentye Apurte, Santa TeresaOur Lady of the Sacred Heart College,Alice Springs

Archdiocese of MelbourneAssumption College, KilmoreMarcellin College, Bulleen

Archdiocese of PerthNewman College, ChurchlandsSt Joseph’s School, Northam

Archdiocese of SydneyChampagnat Catholic College, PagewoodMarcellin College, Randwick Marist College, EastwoodMarist College, KogarahMarist College, North ShoreMarist College, Penshurst St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill

St Michael’s Primary School, Daceyville The John Berne School, Lewisham Trinity Catholic College,Auburn/Regents Park

Diocese of BunburyBunbury Catholic College

Diocese of CairnsSt Augustine’s College, Cairns

Archdiocese of Canberra/GoulburnMarist College, Canberra

Diocese of LismoreSt Mary’s Catholic College, Casino Trinity Catholic College, Lismore

Diocese of Maitland-NewcastleSt Francis Xavier’s College, HamiltonSt Peter’s Campus (All Saints College)Maitland

Diocese of ParramattaParramatta Marist High School,WestmeadSt Patrick’s Marist College, Dundas

Diocese of RockhamptonChanel College, GladstoneMarist College, Emerald

Diocese of SaleCatholic College, SaleLavalla Catholic College, TraralgonMarist-Sion College, Warragul

Diocese of SandhurstGalen Catholic College, WangarattaMarist College, BendigoNotre Dame College, Shepparton

Diocese of TownsvilleBurdekin Catholic High School, AyrSt Francis Xavier School, Ayr

Diocese of Wagga WaggaSt Francis de Sales College, Leeton

Diocese of Wilcannia-ForbesRed Bend Catholic College, Forbes

Diocese of WollongongJohn Therry High School, Rosemeadow Mount Carmel High School, VarrovilleSt Gregory’s College, Campbelltown

MARIST COLLEGE CANBERRA

During the April school holidays, a group ofeight Year 11 students and two staff fromMarist College Canberra participated in anImmersion at College de St Michel on theisland of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu. St Michel’sis a French co-educational secondaryboarding school. There is a lay staff assistedby Marist Brothers and a community of MaristMissionary Sisters.

The immersion aimed to give students theopportunity to experience life in a developingcountry and to gain an appreciation of thelife of the Vanuatu students.

The boys initially stayed in the St Michel’sboarding house where they studied, worked,played and prayed alongside the localstudents. With little French, the boys found

ways to communicatewith the locals despitethe language barrier,developing closefriendships they willvalue into the future.

Our studentsaccompanied local boysto their villages over the Easter weekend.They gained a new-found appreciationof the lives, work and values of the Ni-Vanuatu, their strong commitment totheir faith, and the importance of familyand community. All of the boys

were embraced by their host familiesand were wonderful ambassadors of ourCollege.

Our thanks and appreciation to allmembers of the St Michel’s schoolcommunity, in particular the MaristBrothers, who welcomed us so warmlyinto their environment and ensured ourstay was rich and rewarding.

Glenn Slater and Kylie Coll

Marcel Seilal, Angus Dryburghand Br Blaise Jai

Vanuatu Immersion 2014