Director of Missions

All loving God, cultivate in us a spirituality that flows out of Marian simplicity, humility and modesty.

- Marist Schools Australia

Our final term is upon us and although with so much still ahead it is important to take time and reflect as the days seem to increasingly fly past in a rapid manner. In this frenzy of occasions, celebrations and deadlines, having the first newsletter so early in the term allows me to shine a light on the little acts of simplicity, humility and modesty that can often go amiss. I would like to focus this weeks article by launching into the term with a mission moment from one of our students Natalia Salvestro. 

Natalia Salvestro is one of Marian’s Yr 7 students who was quietly sitting in her maths class when I approached her to investigate some of her recent acts of charity. Last term I highlighted a Yr 9 student Antoinette Galluzzo who had an extreme haircut and donated it to charity. When I was informed that other students were quietly doing it also, I felt compelled to shine a light on these acts of care and service.

In her modesty she simply stated that this ‘only’ the first time that she has done it and donated over 30cm in her recent haircut over the holidays. I was not the only one impressed by this as you will see in the photo below. Once her classmates were informed they were both equally fascinated in admiration and were happy to pose in celebration.

This was not done for fame or fortune. It was done because a student with a great heart thought “it would be a nice thing to do”.  In further discussions I was made aware that her sister Georgia Salvestro had also conducted the same act of charity when she was in year 5. Little did she know at the time the leadership qualities she was demonstrating for her sister who would replicate the generosity nearly 7 years later.

We are privileged to have a family of such values leading the way in our Marian community. I can only hope others will now be encouraged to perform, discover and celebrate these kind of achievements as a priority in their lives.

Well done ladies.

Up Coming Events

This term we have the Christmas hampers coming up. We will be encouraging students to give what they can so that they can change another families lives this year. We will be launching this in week 3 with more details on Sue Hone’s page.

We have Project Samoa taking off in a couple more weeks and the trip seems to be almost completely planned out and looking amazing. It is going to be life changing for those involved and we look forward to giving you more details as we get closer and upon our return.

Term 4 will also see some exciting new approaches to our fundraising as students continue to look at our community, see a need and act.

I hope you had a great holidays. My prayers and thoughts are with Yr 12 as they start their HSC and I am excited about a great term.

Remember feedback is always welcome so get in touch if you have any questions, queries or suggestions around how we can continue to enhance your Marian through Mission.

Kind Regards

Heath Neville

Director of Mission