Learning and Teaching News

Marist Reading Night – Years 6, 7 and 8

In 2023 we held our first Father/Son Reading Night. It was a brilliant initiative which saw over 200 fathers and sons across Years 6, 7, and 8 gather to listen to an author and read alongside each other. The evening finished with shared pizza and drinks.

We are holding this event again on Tuesday 14 May at 6:00pm in the Champagnat Centre where Rupert McCall (OAM) will present. Tickets for the night are available here. 

Rupert McCall is an Australian poet of international renown. His tributes to special events and occasions have become highly sought-after and treasured for the indelible mark they’ve left on audiences everywhere.

He is the author of six anthologies of verse that have collectively sold over 120,000 copies. Equally at home in radio or on TV, his resume features hosting roles for CH7’s The Great South East, 4BC’s Sports Today program and CH9’s Weekend Extra. Rupert’s great passion for sport was on display when he was appointed commentator for CH10 at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France.

In 2005 he was awarded the honour of opening the Prelude to the Dawn Service in Gallipoli with his acclaimed and moving tribute NINETY YEARS AGO and, in 2011, he recited his poem A FIREFIGHTER’S DREAM at Ground Zero for the New York Fire Department on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11.

Rupert has also paid tribute to heroes and legends such as Roger Federer, Rod Laver, Don Bradman, Dawn Fraser, Greg Norman, John Eales, Jonathon Thurston, Black Caviar, Winx and The Royal Flying Doctors!

His popularity transcends all demographics and ages, from the schools he visits to the corporate and sporting functions that he entertains. He is a passionate Australian and his ability to share this enthusiasm with any audience is warmly received.

In 2013 as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, Rupert received a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia for services to the community, particularly as a poet.

Year 10 and 11 2025 Subject Information Night

Year 10 and 11 2025 subject information night originally scheduled for the evening of Monday 27 May will now occur on Tuesday 28 May.  All students should attend this event with a parent/carer. More information will be provided to current Years 9 and 10 students and their parents in the coming weeks.  

Our Year 10 students are currently working on the preliminary work for SET planning in their careers ASH lessons. I encourage parents/carers of our Year 10 students to engage in conversation with your young men, to assist their forward planning. The subject selection evening mentioned above will contribute to this process, but we encourage students and families to start investigating future pathways and what may need to happen to allow them to get there. Communication regarding the SET planning process will be released to Year 10 parents shortly. 

Year 12 Unit 3 Reports

Year 12 Unit 3 reports were released at the end of last week. This Report Card can be accessed via the Parent Portal (see instructions below) alongside any assessment completed and relevant feedback. Please use this opportunity to discuss your son’s progress to date and opportunities for improvement throughout Unit 4.

Academic Interviews for each Year 12 student will be held from Thursday 23 May where discussion around your son’s performance and progress will occur. More information about booking these interviews will be emailed in the coming weeks.

Year 11 Exam Block

The Year 11 Exam block commences on Monday 13 April. The schedule was released in week 2 and can be accessed on the portal. 

Year 11 students will be granted study leave (to study at home and only come to campus for scheduled assessments). Any Year 11 student not up to date with all required assessment items will not be granted study leave and must remain at school. This includes meeting checkpoints for modules in Certificate and Diploma courses.

Years 7 and 8 PAT Testing 

On Wednesday 15 May, our Years 7 and 8 boys will participate in ACER Mathematics PAT Testing. This external assessment will gauge your son’s progress in mathematics.

The Mathematics PAT testing will take place in the Champagnat Centre during Period 1 for Year 8 students and Period 4 for Year 7 students. Boys will only require a fully charged laptop for the test. 

It's essential to note that this assessment is not something your son needs to study for. The purpose of the Mathematics PAT testing is to assess your child's current understanding of mathematical concepts and identify areas where they may need additional support. 

Year 7 Tutoring 

There will be no Year 7 tutoring this week. Please keep an eye on the newsletter for upcoming initiatives from our Academic Captains for our students in years 7-9.

Old Boys Maths Tutoring 

It is wonderful that we are able to continue to offer Maths tutoring every morning in Room 402 from 7:40am-8:30am.  We have a wonderful group of Old Boys who return each morning to support our boys with their Maths. Any boy from Years 7-12 is welcome to attend.

Old Boys Tutoring List  

Please find here a list of Old Boys who are available to tutor your son outside of school hours.  This list can also be located on the parent portal or via this link.  Please note it is the parent’s responsibility to organise and liaise tutoring times with the Old Boys.   

School Tutoring Opportunities 

Tutoring is available for all students, and outlined below are faculties where you can receive assistance:

*Other faculties by appointment.

Year 12 Night Study Sessions   

The Night Study Sessions are weekly study times available to Year 12 students who wish to work in collaboration with their peers for assessment, complete revision, revisit classwork or work on external exam preparation.    

When: Every Wednesday during term time from 5:00pm-8:00pm

Where: Senior Library

Who: 2024 Year 12’s only

Requirements:   

• Current ID card is to be presented on arrival   
• All students must sign in and out of the library   
• All standard library rules are to be followed (including no eating)   
• Normal student behaviour expectations apply; if these cannot be met, boys will be prohibited from returning to future sessions   
• Students are free to wear full College uniform or plain clothes 
• Students are free to arrive and leave as they see fit. Supervision is only provided in the library between 5:00pm-8:00pm
• Students are to be in the library only. This is not a time for sport or social gatherings.

A librarian will be on duty from 5:00pm-8:00pm to assist if required; however, these are not tutoring sessions.