From the Principal

Welcome to the 2026 school year at Marian College. As we begin 2026, I warmly welcome our Marian community to a new school year together. I extend a special welcome to our Year 7 students and their families, as well as to new students joining us across Years 8–12. We hope you quickly experience the hospitality of our community and feel a deep sense of belonging, care, and connection at Marian.

Over the break, our campus was a hive of activity as we refurbished the Administration Building, completed plastering and new carpets, and created the new Kildare Boardroom and Parent Meeting Rooms. You will also notice the separation of Main Reception and Student Reception. This update allows us to better support our families and visitors in a dedicated space, while ensuring our students receive timely assistance and supervision in an environment tailored specifically to their needs.

Our Opening School Mass brought the whole College together in prayer as we embraced our 2026 theme of Justice – making the needs of the vulnerable paramount. This theme invites us to look beyond ourselves, to notice those who need support, and to act with courage, compassion, and integrity in all that we do.

We also gathered for our Celebration of Excellence and Dux Assembly, honouring the achievements of the Class of 2025. Their dedication and perseverance continue to inspireus, reminding us that learning is both a privilege and a pathway to shaping a more just andhope-filled world. Congratulations again to all our high achievers and to our Dux of 2025.

A highlight of the early weeks has been the Investiture of our 2026 Student Leadership Executive Team. These young leaders have already begun their roles with enthusiasm and maturity. Their leadership is grounded in service, purpose, and a genuine desire to influence positive change within our community.

As a whole school, we then came together for Ash Wednesday, entering the season of Lent with reverence and reflection. This sacred time invites us to pause, reconsider our actions,and think deeply about how we walk alongside those who are most vulnerable. In the spirit of justice, we are reminded that even small acts, moments of patience, kindness, and understanding have the power to transform the lives of others.

Our Year 12 students have embraced the beginning of their final year with focus, optimism,and a generous spirit. Their leadership, grounded in respect and responsibility, is already shaping the tone of the school year. I are incredibly proud of the example they are setting.

Our Year 7 students, meanwhile, continue to settle beautifully into secondary school life. The transition can feel different for each young person, but with gentle guidance and the supportof staff, they are growing in confidence and finding their place within our Marian community.

Welcome to new staff

Vanessa Catania Meliek - Teacher

John Murphy - Teacher

Elena Demosthenous - Teacher

Kaitlyn Murphy - Teacher

Mathew Smith -Teacher

Michael Farrugia - Teacher

Liz Luke - Teacher

Vindhya Vasini Shatdarsanam - Teacher

Lily Gallus - Teacher

Ayesha Akter - Technician

Slade Ellis - LSO

Chloe Smedley – Trainee

Ivy Stevenson - Trainee

As we journey through Lent and continue to live out our theme of Justice—making the needs of the vulnerable paramount, we are invited into a season of reflection, humility,and renewal. Lent encourages us to pause and consider how our daily actions can bring hope, dignity, and compassion to others. Whether through small acts of kindness, momentsof generosity, or choosing words that uplift rather than divide, each of us has the capacity tomake a meaningful difference. This sacred season reminds us that justice begins with awareness and grows through the choices we make in how we treat one another.

Thankyou and I look forward to the year ahead as we grow together in learning, faith, andjustice.