MISSION CENTRAL

Marist Asia-Pacific Solidarity (MAPS) Appeal

Service Captain John Picco

MAPS is the first whole-school fundraiser every year, and it takes dedication from each homeroom to get together and fundraise. This year, the response was exceptional, with a wave of student initiatives in the final weeks of school leading to a powerful finish. 

I am proud to announce that the highest fundraising junior homeroom was that of Mrs Cristaudo-Jenkins (8.2) with $1,309.22, while Ms Fulton's (12.1) took the lead for the seniors with $675.50. This incredible effort culminated in a grand total of $10,679.08 raised over first term, a massive achievement in such a short period. I would also like to extend my gratitude to the admin staff, the boarding community and Mrs Cross for their vital contribution and support. By digging deep, you have provided essential aid to our brothers and sisters in the Asia Pacific, who are extremely grateful for your generosity. 

Reflections from the Fijian Immersion 

During the Easter break, eight students accompanied by three staff members spent eight days in Fiji. It was an amazing opportunity to build connections with the wider Marist family. To summarise the trip each participant has written a brief reflection. Their words build a strong picture of the experience, and the students will deliver a short speech at next week's Mother’s Day Assembly.  

Issac: Despite a cyclone limiting our visit to a school to just a single day we made the most of our trip by embracing the local culture through immersing ourselves in traditional Fijian ceremonies and authentic island practices. To pass time we enjoyed exploring Suva and playing a few rounds of golf.   

JJ Parsgaard: The warmth of a Fijian village was the ultimate perspective shift a student needed. Immersing myself in their culture and Bula spirit taught me more about community than any classroom ever could.  

Jack:  This trip was an eye opener to say the least. The people we met were so friendly and welcoming despite their circumstances. Overall, it was a once-in-a-lifetime trip.  ✌️  

Lucas: During my incredible trip to Fiji, I spent my days playing touch footy under the sun and laughing with the local kids. The whole experience had joyful energy that made every moment feel special.  

Nick: The Fijian trip had a bumpy start but our flexibility and adaptability allowed for a true immersion, nevertheless. It was a chance to see what the real Fiji is like through an educational lens and through my experiences with people in everyday life.  

Sam: This immersion was unique in that we experienced life and saw how a natural disaster affects a third-world country. Witnessing what a village had to contend with when flooding occurred and how they had to relocate and manage life regardless was nothing I had ever experienced before.     

Ziggy: The Fijian Immersion was memorable. Despite the ever-present adversities from day one, the trip proved to be more of an authentic experience than anticipated, battling natural disaster, school closures and constantly evolving plans. It was amazing to get a taste of the Fijian culture and engage with people whose individual circumstances were a world away from ours. Overall, it has left me with a deep sense of gratitude and a greater yearning to help those less fortunate.  

Ethan: Our immersion pushed us to become more empathetic and kinder. We were caught in a cyclone, forced to adapt fast, and later visited a school where students had far fewer resources than we do. Seeing their resilience and joy changed our perspective and made us appreciate what we have. It was an eye-opening, once-in-a-lifetime experience.  

Sacramental Program  

Thank you to the families who have expressed an interest in this program. If you would like your son to join our catch‑up sacramental program, please read on.

St Augustine’s offers this program for students who, with a parent's or carer's consent, wish to complete their sacraments of initiation into the Catholic faith namely Baptism, Reconciliation, First Eucharist and Confirmation. If your son is interested, please speak with him about this important step. 

To support him, email mmccormack@cns.catholic.edu.au Executive Assistant to the Leadership Team for further information.