AROUND THE COLLEGE & BEYOND

Three Violets Awards

Kris O'Farrell - Head of Year 11

The Three Violets Awards celebrate three essential Marist virtues that we seek to recognise and instil in our students. The Three Violets is a cherished symbol of the Marist Brothers and our wider Marist community, representing the virtues of modesty, humility and simplicity.

St Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers, urged his followers to “do good quietly”, embodying a spirit that shuns boasting, self-promotion and grandiosity. In medieval times, many flowers were named after Our Lady, and the violet was known as "Mary’s Modesty", symbolising the very essence of the Marist way. 

Simplicity: This student is genuine and authentic in his relationships; he is truthful and sincere with those around him and is free from deceit.

Modesty: This student is not vain, egotistical or boastful. He accepts success with dignity and does not seek the limelight or crave acknowledgment.

Humility: This student remains humble and grounded at all times. He exhibits a lack of false pride or arrogance and maintains a balanced and moderate opinion of himself.

These prestigious awards are presented annually to Year 11 students who have been nominated by their peers and homeroom teachers for consistently demonstrating gentle and respectful behaviours - qualities that may often go unnoticed but are deeply valued within our community.

Congratulations to Kaleb Howard, Cooper Meares and Charlie Lawrence.

Saints Students Have a Say at Cairns Regional Council's Youth Summit 

Jamal Goncalves, Finn Slade, Kadyn Marino and Lachlan Turner attended the Cairns Regional Council’s Youth Summit at Riley Crystalbrook. The students provided an insight to council on what the youth believe Cairns needs for the future. Various town planners and councillors spoke about the importance of planning for the future, with the city anticipating a population of 250,000 by 2050. 

The students spent the day with a town planner breaking down various activities with a view to the future. According to Year 10 student Finn Slade, “It was a cool experience and it’s good that council are providing the youth of Cairns with a voice.” Finn also attended the Cairns Regional Council Community Summit on Saturday 17 August, providing an insight into the findings of the youth summit.