Principal News

It matters not who or what you are,

all people can behold the Christmas Star.

For the Star that shone is shining still

in the hearts of everyone,

 of peace and goodwill.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,

and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence

Or take your Holy Spirit from me.

           Psalm 51:10-1

Today trim your life with an inner beauty. The Star shines for one and all.

Dear Parents, Students and Friends,

During the students’ final week at the College a number of significant Awards ceremonies were held. The worthy recipients have been published in this newsletter, whilst all events were livestreamed and have been recorded on our Facebook site for all to view. I mentioned in my address that twenty-seven percent of students received a Principal’s Award for Academic Achievement. This is a wonderful outcome for approximately 150 students. 

Success doesn’t come without hard work and commitment to studies. Putting learning first is our priority and this result also reflects the talented and dedicated teachers who are proud of everyone and I thank them for their hard work. Our Class of 2020 will also be receiving their HSC results on Friday. It has been a difficult year for them as well and we wish them well as they journey into the next stage of their lives.

On the theme of “journey” I want to acknowledge and thank staff who are leaving Marian Catholic College this year. Leader of Mission, Heath Neville has accepted a position on staff at Xavier High School, Albury. Mr Neville has had major influence in shaping the expressions of our key mission statements of Faith, Learning, Care, Service and Stewardship. Much of what we have achieved over the past three years, especially in our reconnection with the Marist Brothers and Sisters of Mercy is a credit to his commitment to his work. We wish him well and thank him for his  service to the College.

Others departing are, Mr Abou-nasr, Ms McMahon and Ms Covel, all joining the staff at St Francis, Leeton. Ms Suidgeest will be teaching at Wodonga Catholic College, Mrs Dhanoa is retiring after completing a successful  twenty years teaching at Marian, Ms Ellis returning to Wagga Wagga and Mrs Robertson to Coleambally. We also farewell Teacher Assistants Talissa Cerato and Ruben Sebastian and Canteen Manager Evelyn Cunial is retiring.  On behalf of the Marian Catholic College Community I thank all staff leaving for their dedication and caring service and we wish them every success in the future. We have replaced these talented people with new staff, equally talented and they will be introduced to the community early next year.

The College has had major building developments over the last term and this will continue for most of 2021. By the end of next year our school will look very different as many new facilities will be open. I am hoping to have something published and on our website early next year for everyone to see. I am working with the architects about a 3D walkthrough of all new spaces for all to enjoy.

Other changes for next year are the student and staff timetable. We are shifting to a two week timetable and lessons, whilst still five a day will be of one hour length with the day still starting at 8:55am but now finishing at 3:15pm. This should alleviate congestion at the pickup/dropoff carpark in Macarthur St. 

Finally, my thanks to everyone in our community as we close the school year. It has certainly been one we never will forget and whilst the Covid-19 challenges are still with us, we have learnt to live with the changes and developed some new ways to learn and grow. May your Christmas break be blessed with the joy of being with loved ones and the Lord keep everyone safe until we see each other again next year. Senior and Year 7 students commence on January 29, whilst Years 8-10 commence on Monday February 1.

Peace and Blessings

Alan Le Brocque 

Principal