Principal News

Dear Marian Catholic College Community,

In the first newsletter, I referred to core values of being a member of Marian Catholic College-particularly Faith, Learning, Care and Service . I would like to confirm how well students have settled into school and the strong focus on student participation in all four areas of our mission values. Since then, in addition to all of the teaching and learning taking place,  we have held a Valentine’s Day Fundraiser, an Ash Wednesday Mass, the Swimming Carnival, League Tag and Rugby League training. This week we are holding the Year 7 2027 Information Evening and next week Year 7 will have their community day on Friday March 6. It’s great to see how well our students have chosen to embrace Living the Marian Way in their start this year!

Catholic Youth Schools Ministry International (CYSMI)

On the 27-29th of February 5 students in Year 11 will travel to Canberra to attend Catholic Youth Schools Ministry International (CYSMI), with Mr Abdala and Miss Ponferrada. Student leaders from around Australia and their teachers have this marvellous opportunity to connect with each other and progress their faith journey and student youth ministry. If you are interested in knowing more about CYSMI, please look at the link and stay tuned for more information about how the Youth Ministry Program will operate at Marian in 2027.

Applying for Leave from School attendance exemptions

School attendance is vitally important to student wellbeing and learning growth and is compulsory for students from ages 6-17 in NSW. There are guidelines in place for approved leave from school that all schools need to follow. 

If families wish to apply for extended leave from school for special circumstances, they need to contact the Marian Administration team (front office) and complete the application form that applies to the type of leave requested before taking any form of leave.  We may organise a meeting with you to discuss arrangements or outcomes.

Sometimes leave is unable to be approved based on an assessment of the type of leave and our legal requirements. This includes considering the impact this might have on a student's overall educational outcomes or study pathway. In this situation, you will be notified in writing that the leave is not able to be approved and, if taken, will be recorded as an absence -’unjustified’ on the system. 

Community

If you are a parent or carer and would like to give back to the school community, we are currently seeking additional parents/carers to support our School Advisory Council and/or assist as a volunteer in the College canteen. 

• Volunteering in the canteen will only require food distribution and service during lunch or recess.
• The School Advisory Council meets 4 times a year each Monday Week 6 of Term from 6-7pm. 

To volunteer for either please contact the front office and ask to speak to Mrs Van Jaarsveld or Mrs O’Keeffe.

Griffith City Council Leadership Reception

Our 2026 Student leaders, Zara, Will, Anna and Ufi attended the Griffith City Council Leadership Reception yesterday. They were joined by leaders from all schools in Griffith and were inspired by local guest speakers regarding the impact and influence of leadership. It was a fantastic event and we enjoyed spending time with Year 6 leaders from St Mary's Yoogali and St Patrick's Primary School Griffith

Dr Penny Ludicke

Principal