Deputy Head of College News

There is so much to celebrate within our College community, and much of it is made possible because people so generously give of themselves through their time, service, gifts and talents. It often takes great courage to showcase our skills in front of others, but having this courage is part of what it means to be Marist, in fact it is the very motto of our College.

In recent weeks, we have seen this clearly through the wonderful contribution of those involved in the Tower Art Show. The artists whose work was showcased, the musicians who entertained our guests and the students, staff and Tower Art Show Committee whose dedication and service brought the event to life.

So many staff have given significant time to term three sport to support a large number of students in having the opportunity to challenge themselves, develop new skills and work courageously in both victory and defeat. Sport teaches our young people many important lessons: discipline, perseverance, teamwork, humility and how to respond to both success and disappointment. Well done to all those students involved in term three sport, thank you to all the staff who made it possible and a BIG thank you to all the friends and family members who always came out to cheers on our students from the sidelines and grandstands.

Music also plays such an important role in the life of our College. It brings warmth and energy to significant occasions and helps create the sense of community that makes these events memorable. Last week we saw this at the Tower Art Show, and will see it again at our upcoming Grandparents Day and at the Soirée on Thursday evening, where the gifts, talents and dedication of our students will once again be on display. Music, and the arts more broadly, also teach us to listen, collaborate, practise with discipline, take creative risks and contribute something of ourselves for the enjoyment and enrichment of others. It takes significant courage to perform for others or display visual arts, where such vulnerability and openness is required. Our students in the arts do this all the time, and are so beautifully supported in doing so by our incredible music and arts staff. All the individual lessons, ensemble rehearsals and general practice sessions come to fruition when the culmination of these efforts can be performed for others, and we are grateful to have so many people in the audiences when our performers are on stage (and we will see many more this Thursday night!)

All of these opportunities remind us that every student has different gifts to offer, and every area of College life provides another way for those gifts to be developed and shared.

In the Marist tradition, we are called to recognise the value of quiet service and generous contribution. Whether through sport, music, the arts, fundraisers or the many other experiences that shape College life, we are fortunate to have staff, students and families who continue to give so much of themselves. So, as we enter into the term break, congratulations to all our students for what you have achieved this term. Thank you to the staff, without whom these opportunities would not be possible. Last, but certainly not least, thank YOU the parents, family members, carers and friends who provide the gentle encouragement, supportive ear, friendly face in the crowd and Marist presence that is so deeply valued across our community.