An insight into one of our Ministries

Opening of the Brigidine Centre

On Friday the 20th July we officially opened our new Brigidine Centre. Dan Tehan, Minister for Social Services, together with our very own Sr. John unveiled the plaque that dedicated this new building to the Brigidine Sisters who have supported the Marian community over the last 130 years this November. The new centre provides open-planned learning opportunities for our Year 7 students as they transition into secondary college. The structure of the building is quite clever with four classrooms built around the original heritage building of St Mary’s hall. Staff and students have settled in well and are enjoying the new space.

Project Platypus

Over recent weeks as part of an environmental focus, students have been engaged with the local organisation Project Platypus to revegetate the link between the Black Ranges and Grampians mountain range. The intention is to build a corridor of bush land between the two ranges to support the wildlife and vegetation on land donated by local farmers. The students enjoyed the experience working with others of their age for cause that will have a lasting legacy for the area. Students do appreciate the wonderful opportunities the Grampians provide and our responsibility within creation to preserve and respect this environment for future generations.

Wakakirri

Each year thousands of students from across the country perform at various locations to tell their story in the Australian National Story Dance Festival - Wakakirri. ‘Wakakirri’ is an aboriginal word that means ‘to dance a story’. Creation of these original dramas involves students thoughts, ideas an aspiration to bring together drama, dance, music, lighting and creative movements in a 3-7 minute performance on a professional stage. This year, our students performed ‘The Last Dance’, their own account of dance through the last 100 years. Under the guidance and support of Drama teacher, Mrs Teresa Tonks, students performed with confidence and enthusiasm for a packed audience at the Clocktower in Essendon. We congratulate all students involved and Drama teacher Mrs Teresa Tonks.

USA bound Maths and Science Scholar

We congratulate Year 12 student Brianne Cole in being selected for the Michigan Mathematics and Science Scholars program (MMSS) at the University of Michigan in June this year. Brianne was one of forty Australian students selected to attend this two week program in America over the term break. Brianne has also attended the Australian National Youth Science Forum in Canberra, a residential program designed to give Year 12 students a broader understanding of the diverse study and career options available in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Living on-campus and with access to great facilities and very experienced professors was a wonderful way for Brianne to explore the world of Science and Mathematics with like-minded enthusiasts.

Colour Run to School in Bangladesh

One of the real highlights of late last term was the Marian College Colour Run organised by our Year 12 students to raise funds for the Fred Hyde Foundation. The Fred Hyde Foundation builds kindergartens and schools in Bhola, one of the poorest areas of Bangladesh. In our first year we raised sufficient funds to build a kindergarten. Since then, our College has provided the annual running costs. The intention is to provide and encourage basic primary education for these children. This year our student leaders showed real innovation in their approach to this project by engaging as many of the local businesses and organisations of the Grampians region as possible in their endeavours. On the day of the Colour Run, the HMAS Ararat crew, who were in town for a flying two day visit before their return to Darwin, arrived to either run the field with our students and parents, or provide moral support from the sidelines. This was a tremendous boost for our students. We are grateful for the very strong support across the community for this very worthwhile cause.

Staff Retreat

On the first day back Term 3 all staff were involved in the College Retreat. During the day staff explored what it means to be people of Hope and ‘bringing a sense of purpose’. Under the title ‘Hope is the Journey’, six teachers from the various age groups shared their life journey with staff, noting some of the key moments that had the greatest impact and insight for them. Hope was the recurring message for each stage of life and individual journey. The day ended with dinner together at the City Oval Hotel in Ballarat, sharing a few laughs and some very valuable time together as friends and colleagues.

Awakening the Hope We Share

Some photos from our biennial Conference