From our Principal
Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers
It is hard to believe that we have almost finished Term 1—a year when we celebrate a significant milestone in the life of the College, our 50 Year Anniversary.
Catholic Identity
We activate identity and mission through Catholic Social Teaching and affirming the dignity and inclusion of all.
Unveiling of the Sculpture Miriam – Celebrating 50 Years
Miriam is Hebrew for Mary. Miriam is an outward sign of our faith as a Catholic community – proudly serving Warragul and surrounds for the past 50 years.
Several parents have written to me asking if they could access the live stream of the unveiling of the Sculpture Miriam – Celebrating 50 Years.
Excerpt from Reflection on the Miriam Sculpture
We were privileged to work on this sculpture with Master Artist, Christine Sage and Studio Director, Regina Byrne of Hullabaloo Studios on this project. Christine worked with over 24 bags of clay to create this work before it was bronze cast. We hope will inspire future generations of artists at Marist-Sion College – and inspire faith.
As students walk past her each day, they will witness Miriam as the young, Jewish woman who courageously and selflessly said, “Yes!” to God. Her response to God’s call set her life off on an adventure into an unknown future. Her path was not traced out in advance.
Looking at this sculpture, I am aware – more than ever – of the profound reality that I am a Christian not because of anything I’ve done, but because a teenage girl living in occupied Palestine at one of the most dangerous moments in history said yes – yes to God … yes to a wholehearted call she could not possibly understand … yes to vulnerability in the face of societal judgment … yes to a vision for herself and her little boy of a mission that would bring down rulers and lift up the humble, that would turn away the rich and fill the hungry with good things, that would scatter the proud and gather the lowly, yes to a life that came with no guarantee of her safety or her son’s.
Miriam leaned into her patient God of Love, opened her hands and said, “Hineni. Here I am.”
Miriam’s garment is loose fitting and allows us to witness her pregnancy – the visibility of her faith and courage. She gave birth to Christ by being so totally open to God’s Spirit that the Christ child could be born. Miriam is shown with an open stance, an invitation to join her and rejoice in the new life she carries – Jesus.
Miriam symbolises hope and is the model of our Sion charism connecting our faith to the Jewish people through her son Jesus, who was raised in faith and devotion, so that we may be people in dialogue. Her strong and gentle presence is a constant in Jesus’ story. Miriam has a kind but strong expression on her face. Her eyes look straight at us in confidence with an invitation.
Miriam represents the pillars of our Marist charism – Family Spirit. Presence. Simplicity. Love of Work. She stands beside a table of rough-hewn wood. It is also a symbol of the Marist Table – a place where all in our community are known and loved – a table of inclusion, of welcome and family spirit. The table is a symbol of Miriam as a young mother to be, and of hospitality – it also references the place where the Last Supper will be held. Miriam has her sleeves rolled up and her head gear references her love of work.
Miriam is a model of listening, of love and service to others. You will notice that Miriam’s ear is exposed as a symbol of deep listening – Miriam is inviting us to dialogue with her on a deeper level with a heart that knows how to pause, love, learn and live.
Child Safety
We commit to sustaining and improving our child safe practices and culture.
House Athletics Carnival
The House Athletics Carnival was a massive success. Student attendance, participation and engagement was stronger than last year. A huge thanks must go to all competitors who braved the far from ideal conditions as well as all the staff who filled the ever-important event roles to make sure the day ran as smoothly as it did.
Stewardship of Resources
We provide a vibrant and sustainable future for generations to come.
College Masterplan – Covered Courts Consultation
On Monday, a delegation of staff and leaders met with the team from Greenline to scope out a plan for the double courts. A budget for the project has been agreed to. During the meeting, the Project Purpose and Success Factors were also discussed. In the coming week, we will receive the early design renders for feedback. Next, 3D renders and an initial high-level cost plan will be developed.
Save the Dates
2025 College Calendar
The 2025 College calendar is available on PAM in January; however, the following is a list of key dates to support your family. Further details will be published closer to the date of various events.
50 Years Anniversary Community Mass and College Open Day
We will hold a Mass at 10.30am and College Open Day 12.00pm – 4.00pm on Sunday 26 October 2025. Old Collegians, in particular, are welcome to come along to this event to reconnect with old friends and our learning community.
Old Collegian Mentor Breakfast for Year 12 Students
Old Collegian Mentor Breakfast for Year 12 Students will be held in Lesson 1 on Wednesday 4 June 2025. If you would like to be involved in this event, please contact Mrs Elly Martin (Careers and Pathways Leader).
Pilgrims of Hope – Look beyond.
Ms Lisa Harkin
Principal