Wellbeing 

Welcome to our last Wellbeing report and newsletter for 2025. The year has absolutely flown by and as we near the end of Headstart, we are preparing to farewell the students for their summer break. Headstart has seen the community thriving in making new connections and finishing the year with purpose and resolve to start anew in 2026 with renewed vigour and sense of purpose. It is a very hectic time with many of our end of year rites of passage taking place, whilst reinventing ourselves for the next school year. I would like to thank all staff for their passion and energy in delivering a meaningful and engaging headstart program, whilst still meeting their responsibilities in completing the current school year. It is no mean feat!

Valedictory 

Those rites of passage began with our Valedictory dinner held on the 21st of November. For the first time we held our Mass and Valedictory presentations in the Bishop Phelan Stadium to the plaudits of many. Thank you to all involved who made contributions to the evening’s success. The dinner, again held at the Memorial Hall, was a lovely celebration of community as families, staff and students came together to break bread for the last time. We would like to take this opportunity to wish our senior cohort every success as they leave the college. We hope that they find their pathway and utilise some of the skills developed during their time at the College. We also encourage them to remember that they will always be members of our community and continue to have our support.

Year 7 Parent evening and Year 7 Orientation day

Whilst one journey ends another begins. We welcomed our Year 7 parents to an information session last week that outlined the supports for, and expectations of, our newest additions to the College. It was wonderful to see so many in attendance reinforcing this very important partnership. As we often say, “Villages raise children” and this is never more true or important than in today’s world.

The following day we welcomed the Year 7 cohort for 2026 and ushered them into the College with great fanfare. The students worked through several activities in their core groups for the day and hopefully found that connection that will last well into their adulthood. We know that belonging and connection are key factors in the growth and development of young people. Ms Julia Moulton has done a fantastic job as Formation and Transition Learning Leader during 2025 and is to be congratulated for her work with this year’s Year 7’s and organisation of the Orientation Program for next year‘s Year 7’s. Julia will be returning to a House Leaders position for 2026 and beyond, a role with which she is quite familiar.  We welcome Ms Cathy Sandeman to the Transition role for 2026. Cathy is a passionate educator whose background and knowledge of primary schools will assist her in meeting the needs of formation, induction and transition of our newest students. We look forward to their full-time entry to the College in 2026.

Uniform 

As we end the school year it is understandable that uniform is not the number one priority on our lists. Whilst we understand that families are waiting for the new year to purchase new items, could I ask all in the community to be prepared to return to school in the appropriate attire.  Hats and socks seem to be the major issue. These expectations speak volumes about our attitude to coming prepared to be an active and engaged learner at the College. It is attention to detail and the little things that will speak to our mindset and preparedness to enter fully into College life. Your support in this area is much appreciated. As always if there are any issues, please don’t hesitate to contact us or access the second-hand uniform shop. 

To submit a request for the second hand uniform shop, simply CLICK HERE and complete the ‘Uniform Shop Request’ form. We are introducing a new PE uniform that will be compulsory for all incoming Year 7 students in 2026. Further information, including details about the new PE uniform and blazer fitting dates, will be communicated to families soon, with fittings scheduled for around mid-January 2026.

School TV

A reminder of the wonderful resource available for all at the College through our PAM platform that is now back up and running. School TV provides a wealth of information that addresses a multitude of issues faced by families and our young people. Please see attached information regarding the use of School TV and some of the more recent additions to the service.

Social Media Ban – Under 16’s

The social media delay for those under sixteen will come into effect on 10 December 2025. This is a positive step toward promoting age-appropriate and balanced technology use. While this change is welcome, we must continue to guide young people in using social media responsibly and ensure they understand that technology should serve us—not control us. Maintaining healthy habits and balance is key.

For more information, please click here.

Marist Leadership Program Camp

Some of our senior leaders attended the Marist Youth Ministry Student Leaders Gathering at the end of November. Thanks to Michele Wakeham and Leo Freeman who escorted our leaders to the event. The report from the gathering was that our young people represented the College with great maturity and pride and made new connections with other young Marists. In talking to the students this week, they indicated that they were very grateful for the opportunity and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We are in good hands!

Marist Cricket

Our Marist Cricketers are currently representing the school at the Marist carnival in Lismore. We wish them every success and thank Josh Davis, Chris Smart and Jamie Murphy for accompanying the boys on their tour. There are several younger players in the squad which augurs well for the future of our First X1.

Finally, I would like to wish you all a Happy, Healthy, and Holy Christmas and holiday period. May this time be one of fun and family and joy for you all.

Anthony Robbins 

Deputy Principal Learning and Wellbeing