Principal's Message

It has been great to have so many families coming on our school tours and looking for enrolment at the College. They have witnessed the many programs that we have available, experienced a sense of the relationships that develop between Marian students and inspected the fantastic facilities that contribute to the leaning and teaching program.

I normally begin the tour with an explanation of our history and tradition and I use the descriptor that defines us: A Kildare Ministries Catholic School for girls in the Brigidine Tradition. This line encapsulates our story in one single sentence. We are a Catholic school that was opened by the Brigidine Sisters in 1957. The Brigidine story is central to our existence and their traditions and values are shared with all those who have a relationship with our community. The significance of a girl’s education cannot be underestimated. Girls’ education strengthens economies and reduces inequality. It contributes to more stable, resilient societies that give all individuals – including boys and men – the opportunity to fulfil their potential. But education for girls is about more than access to school. It’s also about girls feeling safe in classrooms and supported in the subjects and careers they choose to pursue – including those in which they are often under-represented.

In the most recent past there has been the emergence of Kildare Ministries as a strong entity in education and community works and this Ministry has respectfully taken on the baton that has been passed on to them by the Brigidine and Presentation Sisters. We are all aware of the excellent work that has been done in the 10 Kildare Ministries schools across Australia. However, it is worth becoming more aware of the Community Works and the importance of their role in our Community. I have given you a summary of their mission below:

Saltbush, Balnarring Beach (formally Presentation Family Centre) is a Not for Profit charitable organisation that exists to provide holidays, retreats and programs to families and carers who need it most. Located at Balnarring Beach on the Mornington Peninsula, Saltbush has six self-contained houses, shared grounds with a playground and activity centre. Guests are primarily families and carers from across Victoria who find it difficult to access a holiday, retreat, or recreational or educational program. This may be due to a variety of reasons including financial stress, caring responsibilities, grief and loss, disability, illness, or other circumstances. Families and carers may be referred to Saltbush by other not for profit associations, government agencies, schools, community groups, or hospitals.

Wellsprings for Women provides a suite of programs designed in consultation with and in response to the needs of women in Dandenong, Casey and Cardinia. These include programs in:

Education: A range of classes in English literacy, computer literacy and vocational pathway programs to suit all levels. There is a Family Learning Partnership program and Literacy and Numeracy courses contextualised to aged care and child care industries
Women’s Support: Provides Case Management to women impacted by mental health, isolation, family violence , poverty and homelessness. The services include, safety plans, risk assessment, intake assessment, emergency relief, supported referrals, material aid, support in accessing other services and home visitation
Women’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing: Education on human rights, gender equality, prevention of family violence, parenting, self care, respectful relationships, mental health and physical wellbeing
Youth and Children’s Services: These programs support the skills and wellbeing of children and young women and include playgroups, study support, Girls on the Move,
Volunteering: The volunteering program includes student placements, work placements and general volunteering in all aspects of the organisation.
Employment Support: Wellsprings has a dedicated Employment Support Practitioner who assists women with their job seeking endeavours. They also have Cultural Cuisines which is a cooking social enterprise that supports women interested in earning an income by using their cooking skills.

The Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP) is a Melbourne-based initiative of the Brigidine Sisters which aims to:

Provide hospitality and practical support for people seeking asylum;
Actively network with like-minded individuals and groups who are working for justice for asylum seekers;
Promote advocacy for the rights of people seeking asylum;
Engage in education about asylum seekers’ issues.

We, at Marian College, wholeheartedly support these works either by providing physical assistance or through fundraising efforts. I ask you to enquire further about these Community Works and also find ways to contribute to their growth and development.

Raymond Pisani

Principal