今日吃瓜

As the Term draws to a close, it is the perfect opportunity to reflect on who we are, where we are and how we are going to move forward.

Across the life of the College, throughout our neighbourhoods and throughout the world, people are trying to make sense of the current situation. The excerpt taken from St Paul鈥檚 first letter to the Thessalonians is an example of how Christ calls us to act:

And we urge you brothers and sisters, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God鈥檚 will for you in Christ Jesus.
Thessalonians 5:14-18

Over the past few weeks, the Ministry Team have been developing resources and ideas in order to offer authentic faith experiences for our students, staff and families. These resources can be accessed via our College Website. (click here to access).

Our Website has the following resources available for families:

• Transforming Mission Web series
• Daily Prayer
• Prayer Resources that link to the season of the Church. Currently you can access a booklet that allows you to pray Holy Week at home
• Links to online worship from the Archdiocese of Perth and from Vatican City

I would like to thank all our families for their support of the Mission and Faith life of our College. The year started superbly with the PK-12 Family Mass and despite the strange conclusion, it has finished well with our Easter Liturgy. I particularly would like to thank families for the fundraising efforts for Caritas. This year our community was still able to raise a total of over $4000. This is a great effort considering the difficulties posed by Covid-19.

As we approach Easter, we are reminded that we are people of the resurrection and Christ鈥檚 resurrection points to hope. As Marists, we look to the example of Mary and Marcellin, and the Marist characteristic of Family Spirit. Let us share our hope with each other and remember to reach out to our wider family, particularly those most vulnerable and most in need. Have a holy and happy Easter and a safe holiday. I look forward to sharing our faith with you in Term 2.

Advocacy for Social Justice

We challenge our students during Lent to participate and contribute to Caritas Australia鈥檚 Project Compassion. Caritas Australia is the International Aid and Development Agency of the Catholic Church. Its work includes delivery of long-term development programs working with the poorest of the poor around the world.

Our students PK-12 have been involved in raising awareness and fundraising across each campus. Our Year 2 Green class led a beautiful reflection and prayer that raised the importance of water projects in developing countries. The children were incredible in their animation, empathy and solidarity, particularly on the impact of water projects in communities. Both Marian and Lavalla Campuses participated in 鈥榃alking for Water鈥� (in solidarity for those in need) and Lavalla campus also conducted a cake stall. This same empathy was reflected at the Year 12 Assembly that focused on the same justice and human rights issue. The indicators in 2020 are stark; 1 in 7 people still go hungry every day and 1.2 billion people do not have access to clean drinking water.

It is important that our students, regardless of age, consider and reflect on the notion of supporting and being of service to others. Building empathy, compassion and understanding is critical in their development as people as it is in providing a salient reason why faith and love underpin the Christian narrative.

As a fundraising and awareness-raising event, the College student leaders organised a Caritas Fast on the Marcellin Campus. Over 200 students fasted to promote the work of Caritas and to raise money for Project Compassion. Again, I was in awe of the commitment, agency and advocacy of our students and staff.

This Lent I urge all families to get to know more about the work of Caritas and support them through Project Compassion. to learn more.

Year 12 Mentor Program

The Year 12 theme for 2020 is #2020vision. At the core of this theme is how they will complete their final year through participation and leadership to the significant rite of passage events highlighted by their forthcoming ball. Integral to their final year is the Year 12 Mentor Program. Students have been assigned a teacher and or leader to meet with them regularly to work and provide support in their learning and wellbeing.

This week I met with the eight students who I will mentor throughout the year. Each student is really excited by what is ahead of them though anxious about the unknown. There are many support structures to assist students throughout the months ahead. Our Homework Club, for example, has been a great space for students and teachers to come together to learn and seek help. Course and subject counselling have also been critical to ensure students are on the right learning pathway.

The simple actions are often the most effective for success:

• take time to reflect and set goals
• give 100% in every class
• ask questions
• seek help always
• be present to each other
• have a positive attitude
• and enjoy the journey.

Marist Life Formation

Mark O鈥� Farrell from Marist Life Formation visited 今日吃瓜 last week.

“We are called to be Christ鈥檚 witnesses through a gift of the Spirit and not on account of our own merits.” Pope Francis

Year 10 Retreat Day

The day invited our students to reflect on their relationships with self, others and God. The focus of the day was integrity, service and leadership. As the students move into Senior School, how will they demonstrate their leadership skills which are the call of service to others? Led by the Youth Mission Team, students learnt valuable lessons through drama, video clips, small groups, games and personal sharings which challenged the students to be the best version of themselves as they navigate through their final years of Secondary School.

Student Reflections

“This experience was exemplary as it was a great day of reflection and focus on our future and our leadership.” Max Hobson

“It was a great day and I think it was a good idea to get away from school work and to get involved with other people.” Charlotte Ding

Primary Easter Raffle

In our efforts to raise funds for Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion appeal this Lent, we will be conducting our annual Primary Easter Raffle fundraiser at Lavalla and Marian Campuses on Thursday 9 April.

Tickets will be distributed to students on Monday 16 March and additional tickets will be available from the office on both campuses. Tickets are 50c each or 6 for $2.50.

Many thanks to the generous donations already made from our families. Further donations of eggs or baskets can be dropped at both the Marian or Lavalla offices.

It has been fantastic to see many families purchasing 鈥渟lavery free鈥� brands of chocolate. A few of the slavery free chocolate labels can be found below and are available from ALDI, Coles, Woolworths, OXFAM, Chocolatier, Green and Black and Whittakers.

REMAR Blue/Gold Embarkation Camp

Year 11 and 12 students in Remar undertook their Embarkation Camps between Thursday 5 March and Saturday 7 March. The primary aim of the Embarkation Camps is to allow students to form a Christian community, and grow as faith filled individuals. Both camps were highly successful in helping the students to come together as a caravel and prepare for the year ahead.

Year 12 Retreat Student Reflections

“I really enjoyed retreat for multiple reasons. Everyone really came out of their shell and went into it ready to learn new things, become better people and widen their beliefs and understandings. Everyone kind of moved away from their normal groups and instead came together as one. I learnt a lot about family, friends and religion. I鈥檓 truly grateful for that.” Eva Thomas

“The Year 12 retreat has to be a highlight of my Newman journey. As a year group, we became so close and I found that it was very beneficial in giving me somewhere to take some time out during a very busy time of year. I spent my time with people that I don’t often talk to and building strong relationships with the people in my Guild and the other Guilds that joined us.” Meg Hobson

Project Compassion Update

Shrove Tuesday

Our students came together across all campuses to sell/cook pancakes for Caritas in preparation for our Lenten period. A big thank you to our staff and students who came together to prepare and sell the pancakes and those that purchased them on the day. We were able to raise over $1100 for Caritas.

Walk for Water Marian/ Lavalla

There are many countries around the world who do not have access to clean running water. In some of the world鈥檚 poorest communities, it鈥檚 normal for women and children to walk for hours to collect water. In fact, 263 million people worldwide spend over 30 minutes per round trip to collect water from a safe source.

Today, Marian and Lavalla held a Walk for Water to raise awareness of the many wonderful water-based Caritas projects around the globe which are funded by Project Compassion. The main purpose of the event was to provide students with an opportunity to stand in solidarity with other children around the world who do not have easy access to safe drinking water.

The Kindergarten to Year 2 students at Marian Campus were challenged to Go Further Together, with each child walking a section of the oval with an empty bucket before being given the opportunity to have a second turn, this time carrying a full bucket. This symbolised the difficulties faced by many children around the world 鈥� having to leave their home, walk a long distance to a water source, and then carry a heavy bucket home.

The Years 3-6 students completed a relay event with classmates, carrying a bucket full of water to walk a cumulative total of 3km.

It was a terrific way to raise students’ awareness of issues that face many communities across the globe and discuss steps we can take to support them through Caritas during Lent.

Caritas Fast

On Wednesday, students in Years 7-12 were invited to participate in the Caritas Fast. Over 170 students participated which saw them forgo their usual meals through the school day. The students were given barley sugars at recess and a handful of cold, cooked rice at lunch and a muffin at the end of the day. This small amount of food aimed to help students appreciate how little some people in our world have to eat. It was a fantastic day which helped raise $2790 for Project Compassion. Thank you to all those who participated and a special thank you to the Ministry Team, Guild Coordinators, Guild Captains, Mrs McFadden and Mr Jones for their support in the lead up to and on the day of the event.

Community Mass

A reminder all parents, guardians and families across our PK-12 College are invited to attend the weekly Thursday morning Mass in the Champagnat Chapel, 8.10am 鈥� 8.35am. The Mass is an important way that we as a Catholic community seek to nourish and live-out our faith in community with one another.

Sacrament Reminder

Families are reminded to visit their relevant parish website for all information regarding 2020 Sacrament dates and registration. The enrolment dates vary, so please take the time to clearly understand the process for your parish. Students in Years 3, 4 and 6 will undertake preparatory work in class so they are able to receive the Sacrament in their local parish.