Mission Update – Term 3 Week 2
I was very fortunate last night to attend the Middle School production of Emil & The Detectives. I really enjoy these shows, and it is so heartwarming to see how well the students come together to produce something so amazing. One of the things I really enjoyed in the lead up to the show was reading the short biographies of all the students taking part. In their reflections on the show, many students spoke to the strong sense of belonging and connection opportunities like this bring. This is something that is so important to recognise.
For many students involved in the arts, shows like Emil & the Detectives are more than just giving a performance, they are moments to share their gifts, form strong friendships, and express themselves. Shows like this also help students build confidence and allow them to feel seen and valued for who they are, as well as the talents they bring to our community. Just as heartening for me, however, is the sight of so many students in the audience supporting and cheering on their peers. Their presence to each other reminds me of our great Marist sense of family spirit. In relating to each other in the same way as we would a loving family, it is a good reminder that we all have a part to play in building an inclusive, encouraging environment, where the value and worth of students can be uplifted as we share in each other’s successes and efforts.
As we come to the end of these first weeks of Term 3, I find myself in a space of deep gratitude for those staff, students, and families who support these endeavours. The P.E. staff preparing for a busy Athletics Carnival, our Game Changers mentors preparing for retreats, and of course our Arts team, who are constantly seeking new opportunities to build that sense of presence, family spirit, and love of work across our community. These are just some of the groups hard at work in our College, helping to shape our ‘Marist heart’. These experiences remind us of the importance of a holistic education that is not just about learning outcomes, but also about forming young people who are confident, connected, and compassionate. My sincere thanks to everyone who continues to bring this spirit to life in so many meaningful ways.
Assumption Day
On Friday 15 August, we will come together to celebrate Assumption Day, a significant day in the life of the Church, and especially for us as a Marist school. The Feast of the Assumption is also the Feast Day of the Marist Brothers, and it holds deep meaning for those of us seeking to walk in the footsteps of Marcellin Champagnat.
We will celebrate with mass across our primary and secondary campuses, before celebrating the afternoon with our annual fete day. Students will be able to pre-order their lunch for the fete this year and have the chance to buy tickets in $5, $10 and $20 denominations so they can take part in the fete activities. Links for preordering lunches and purchasing tickets will be provided closer to the date. Importantly, all funds raised on the day will be going toward Australian Marist Solidarity, an organisation that supports vulnerable communities across Asia and the Pacific through education. This includes some of the organisations we visit as part of our Philippines Immersion, which will occur in late November again this year.
We look forward to welcoming students to what should be a beautiful day.