Principal News
Dear Marian Catholic College Community,
We are rapidly approaching the Winter Solstice for 2026 (June 20) and the shortest day of the year. Winter is traditionally a time for reflection and review. This traditional habit is perhaps encouraged by the longer evenings and the inclination to stay indoors and warm, once the day’s work, school and sports activities are done.
The Marian College whole staff team took the opportunity on Friday June 5th, to undertake a faith formation day, in the tradition of St Marcellin Champagnat. The day was expertly organised and facilitated by the Leader of Faith Formation and Mission, Gabriel Abdala, with guest presenters Brother Tony Clarke and David Bobowski from Marist Schools Australia. The school team reflected on the way of Mary (Marian spirituality) and an understanding of the spiritual meaning of this year’s Marist theme-which is of ‘Full of Grace’.
One aspect of grace, that resonated personally, was how an experience of God’s grace as a blessing usually also comes to us with a challenge-that of acceptance of our lives and concerns as a core part of that experience. The answer to prayer is not always the response or outcome that we most hope for. Instead it often comes as a gift of strength, stamina and the love that we need to face our most pressing concerns.
Thrive School Counsellor, Mrs Karen Surian has resigned from her position with Thrive and will be completing her work with the College in Week 10 of this term. In the five years that Karen has worked with the students, families and staff of the College, she has been an important and integral part of the team. Karen has provided support, compassion, guidance and skillful counselling to many Marian students during this time and has made a valuable contribution to their wellbeing. We thank Karen for her significant gift of service and care to our community and students and wish her all the best for the future.
Thrive Psychology is currently engaged in an active recruitment process for Marian for Term 3 of 2026. In the meantime, Thrive has partnered with CEDWW to ensure that there is a continuity of service delivery for school counselling support for our students. This includes services provided by Thrive counsellor Georgia Green, and additional support available through other counsellors working in diocesan schools and online specialist staff.
Also leaving Marian, after many years of dedicated service in a range of teaching and leader roles, is Mrs Angela Morris, who has taken up a position as Head Teacher at Western Riverina Community School, to commence in Term 3. We thank Angela for her generous and joyful service and dedication to education, the students and staff during her time at Marian.
Mrs Christie Talbot will be replacing Angela in the classroom during Term 3. Students in Stage 6 seeking additional one to one support for transitions and pathways in Term 3 will be invited to make time to consult with our Student Wellbeing Officer and Chaplain Mrs Susan Hone or to see Mr Seers for course guidance.
Mrs Fapioloa Uoifalelahi will be taking a period of parental leave from this Friday June 12th and we wish her many blessings and a wonderful period of leave during this time.
Sport injuries/accident/illness:
Please let us know if your young person experiences an injury or illness that might impact on their safety or access at school.
You need to do this by notifying the front office and the pastoral year leader/or the Leader of Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Care.
This will ensure that the school can follow up with any risk assessments and adjustments that might be required.
Sometimes, the injury or illness might seem minor when managed within the family home, but requires additional care when the student is navigating the school and different facilities and activities.
Ensuring that key teachers and school staff are fully informed about any access requirements or learning or environmental adjustments will ensure that your child’s time to heal goes to plan.
Dr Penny Ludicke
Principal