Director of Mission

“Don’t cry because it is over, smile because it has happened.”

Dr Seuss

I have quoted many people in my time and I promised myself I would never use a clichéd Dr Seuss quote in my speeches or writing, but when the shoe fits! 

As I write my last newsletter for the year and as a Marian Catholic College staff member, this quote just seemed to sum it all up for me. I have been told the two hardest words you can say are hello for the first time and goodbye for the last and as I prepare for that last goodbye this Wednesday, I reminisce on how it will compare to when I first said hello. It was 2011, when as a nervous young teacher I first said hello to the Marian community and was welcomed with open arms. I can remember loving my first year and it makes me smile recalling my early experiences and how immediate my decision to move back to Griffith to work was pleasingly affirmed. 

10 years later, I smile thinking of all of the staff members that have helped me out along the way. They have all moulded me into who I am today. I smile when I think of the nearly 1000 kids that have graduated since I have been here and how being a part of their lives as a Marian teacher has been nothing short of a privilege and pleasure. I smile with the memories of canteen ladies always willing to make me a quick late lunch, the office ladies forgiving me daily with things I have forgotten to do and the irreplaceable library ladies whom wait patiently for the text books I promised I would return last term, every term. I smile knowing I have loved my time here with people such as this, in all the various roles and finally it has been an honour in doing my absolute best as Director of Mission. 

Marian is a place that grows on you quickly because it is all about family and helping each other out, we care about the person as a whole from heart to head. The colleagues on this journey so far have been second to none and this has been evident in the things Marian has accomplished in their collaborative efforts in my time here. For this newsletter, I will not delve into the past but simply recall the events of 2020. Marian not only survived the challenges that this year presented but thrived. 

We raised awareness for native flora and fauna with homerooms supporting Bees and Koalas and donating over $3000 to the relative causes in reaction to the bushfire crisis. This makes me smile, but not as much as how students were quick to adapt to online learning and life at home where they accepted our mission challenge of learning a new skill competition. We were flooded with short videos of staff and students who utilised lock down to learn. We saw art, sewing, sport, music, comedy and more as they demonstrated true Marian spirit in their willingness to be adventurous in their learning and support local business at the same time. 

I witnessed students wrap each other in love and care when tragedy reared its head with loss or illness. The effort to support the Bauit family this year makes me smile from ear to ear with admiration at the kindness that was shown to members of our Marian family. I was inspired by the work of colleagues and students with activities such as CAREVAN, which carried on through COVID. Not many schools can proudly say that staff and students work tirelessly to recycle bottles to pay for meals, which they then cook and deliver, which is then served in their community at night times by their own principal. This is what Marian is all about. 

We care from start to finish and how could we not when the likes of Sue Hone works alongside some of our finest students. Supporting Sue and the Community Action Team has continued to be one of my highlights in 2020 with iCare kits prominent once again in term 3. Knitting clubs, which even had me asking my mother in law for knitting lessons, had students and staff knitting squares that created blankets for local community services. I watched as students happily donated their recess time once a week to run a bin service for the legacy units across the road. Finally, I was blessed to assist with the 

Carols by the Canteen event last week that paraded the generosity of Marian by showcasing the plethora of Christmas hampers for St Vincent De Paul donated by our family for others. At the same time, students sang, danced and completed acts of service in a lunchtime which reminded me of the talent in skill and heart of our students. Once again, a true display of what it means to be Marian.

Our students have made 2020 full of moments to smile about and hold dear. They have focused on what we could do and never were halted by what we could not. This also inspired me to explore new forms of evangelisation by capturing the essence of this school spirit in new forms of artwork around the school grounds. 

I smile as 2020 saw the completion of the signs that now screen the entrance to our oval and feature artwork that encourages the equal opportunity of gender in sporting achievement and celebration. This was a salute to the efforts of our students and encouraged by the motto of ‘you will only be what you can see’. The spiritual hub of Marian also takes shape in the centre of our school with a new Marist and Mercy sculpture that stands proudly amongst our students. Our founding charisms of Marist and Mercy continued to grow prominently in 2020 with staff and students engaging in programs online and our Mercy sisters with their powerful presence and support.

It is bitter sweet to leave such a wonderful place as I look forward to exciting new opportunity for my growing family. While I recognise the benefits this move holds for my beautiful wife and newborn son, I am not naïve to the challenge of what I leave behind, my Marian family. Although, I smile in comfort that you will all support whoever takes on this role as Director of Mission building upon everything that makes Marian great as I have endeavoured to do. 

I would like to take this moment to thank you all for your acceptance, support, guidance and patience with all that I have attempted. Most importantly, I thank you for your trust in me to role model faith, teach what I am passionate about and with my sleeves rolled up, demonstrate that ideas need action to our students, your children. 

So for the last time, have a great week look after yourselves and most importantly look after each other. 

Wishing you all a very safe and merry Christmas!

I smile because it happened as I say, goodbye.

Heath Neville

Director of Mission