INSIDE• The Champagnat Journal• First students at Marist College Bendigo• Welcome to St Francis de Sales Regional College Leeton

LavallaThe staff journal of

Marist Schools Australia

Volume 20Number 1

April 2014Lavalla

INSIDE

• The Champagnat Journal

• Marist Vocations Ministry

• Welcome to St Francis de Sales Regional College Leeton

Contents3 The John Berne School Lewisham

4 Newman College Churchlands

6 St Francis De Sales Regional College Leeton

8 Marist College Ashgrove

10 Trinity Catholic College Lismore

12 Marist Vocations Ministry

14 Assumption College Kilmore

16 Red Bend Catholic College Forbes

18 Marist Solidarity

20 Marist College Canberra

21 Marist College Eastwood

22 Marist-Sion College Warragul

24 Marist Mission And Life

26 St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill

Editor: Br Tony Paterson, FMS

Contact details:Marist Schools AustraliaMarist Centre,PO Box 1247, MASCOT, NSW, 1460 AustraliaEmail: tony.paterson@marists.org.au

LavallaPublished by Marist Schools Australia

Design & ArtworkSydney Design Studio Pty Ltd • 02 9452 1967

Lavalla The name given to this magazine is taken fromthe village in France where StMarcellin Champagnatestablished the world’s firstMarist school in 1817.There are now Marist schoolsin 80 countries.

Cover: Senior students withtheir Deputy Principal in themain driveway at Red BendCatholic College in Forbes.Left to right: VincentUmbers, Kurt Lovett, IllieHewitt, Jessica Dwyer, Mr Stephen Dwyer, Declan Martin,Toby Nash, Meg Rice, Mireile Marks.

EditorialDear Brothers,Colleagues and FriendsTwelve months ago, at the time ofthe drafting the editorial for the firstissue of Lavalla for 2013, there was aConclave about to begin. I thereforeleft a blank space for the name of the yet-to-be-elected Pope,with the intention that the name could be inserted later, justbefore printing. A year on and the name “Francis” has doneimmensely more than fill a blank space on a page! It’scaptured a world’s imagination.

The “Francis effect” they are calling it. That description,however, misrepresents both him and the impact that hispastoral leadership is having on the Church. What he is doingand how he is doing it is not essentially about him at all. It’snot the Francis effect so much as the Jesus effect. He is doingno more or less than preaching the Gospel. And like hisnamesake, he is using words only if necessary.

The most candid and often most perceptive of judgementsoften come from young people. They have built-in antennaefor anything that smacks of hypocrisy, unfairness, orirrelevance. Francis displays none of those. He is real. Perhapsthat is why young people are warming to him or, moreimportantly, to his message and his witness. He speaks to whatis most authentic and most worthy in them.

Institutions and metanarratives do not find much traction inthe post-modern world that our young people inhabit. Thatcan make it difficult for the Church, and the Gospel for which itexists, and even more so when the past crimes of so manypeople who have purported to act in the name of the Churchare being belatedly and shamefully exposed. We thereforeneed people such as Pope Francis. But, more importantly forthe young people whose education and evangelisation havebeen entrusted to Marist schools in Australia, we needteachers, counsellors, coaches, supervisors, administrators,school officers, nurses, assistants, and other staff in schools,who are, like Francis, the genuine article. We need Marists whoare Gospel people.

The new Marist Association of St Marcellin to be launched thisterm will be one way of enhancing that for ourselves and so Iinvite you to consider joining it, simply to name and claim whoyou are, with whom you identify, and for why you come toschool each morning. It is just that: supporting each other onour way of the Gospel, a way that we know connects so readilywith young people. It’s putting a face on what we read inLavalla three times a year, and what we make happen each dayin our Marist schools.

Nisi Dominus

Brother Michael Green FMSNational DirectorMarist Schools Australia

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THE JOHN BERNE SCHOOL, LEWISHAM

The Belvoir Youth Express Program Belvoir’s Youth Express Program aims to engage young peopleat risk through drama in order to develop their communicationskills, self-esteem and social awareness.

The Youth Express program involves participation of two smallgroups of Year 10 students from John Berne School in a 16week series of drama workshops during which our studentswill work with a theatre director from Belvoir to devise theirown public performance. Involvement in the program will helpprovide our students with a forum to explore, express andreflect on their own stories and see the possibility for change.

The John Berne School’s first involvement with Belvoir’s YouthExpress Program began in Term 3, 2013 with a series of dramaworkshops held at Berne. Eight of our Year 10 students bravelyexplored the very tough topic of choice and change eachFriday under the tutelage and direction of program facilitator,James Winter. The program culminated with the performanceof a piece devised and performed by our Year 10 students TheIntervention – staged at Belvoir’s Downstairs Theatre. TheIntervention explored the theme of addressing one’s past inorder to change the course of the future.

Program facilitator, James Winter, who is once again workingwith two groups of our current Year 10 students in 2014,testifies to the significant value of the Youth Express program -the way it “bolsters those who follow through with theprogram, offering them an enhanced sense of self-belief andallowing them to develop resilience through facing the fear ofgoing on stage in front of a real audience”.

TyroneNarayan

(L to R) Lachlan Contarino, Lorenzo Ofria, Jake Agamemnonos,Luke Baillie, Tyrone Narayan, Lachlan Uyeda,

Blake Hunter, Partrick Nalty

LorenzoOfria

BlakeHunter

LachlanContarino

LachlanUyeda

Luke Baillie and Tyrone Narayan

NEWMAN COLLEGE, CHURCHLANDS

In the Way of Mary at Newman CollegeEach year at Newman College one of the characteristics ofMarist Education is chosen as a school wide focus. This yearthe characteristic is In the Way of Mary.

The aim is to have members of the school community, maleand female, seek to emulate the attributes of Mary’sdiscipleship. These include her faith and courage in the face ofconfusion and lack of understanding, her perseverance in theface of seemingly overwhelmingly obstacles, her compassionfor and nurturing of others.

Certain parts of this focus involve specifically directed activities

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as in having Art students present various images of Mary whichreflect cultural diversity and which move away from traditionalbut unrealistic artistic impressions, to those which are morecontemporary.

Other activities involve reflecting upon what is currently part ofday to day life at the College, particularly in responding to thespirit of St Marcellin, “We give preferential attention to thosewhose needs are greatest, who are most deprived, or who aregoing through hard times” In the Footsteps of MarcellinChampagnat #110.

Images of Mary produced by Teacher (centre image) and Year 11 students

Mainstream students interacting with students fromour Education Support Centre (Special Education)

Older students interacting with younger students

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Staffnurturingstudents

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ST FRANCIS DE SALES REGIONAL COLLEGE, LEETON

Over the last twelve months new building construction has takenplace at St Francis College. The Boarders’ dining room hasreceived a make-over, the boarding school kitchen is now stateof the art with new equipment, the canteen has a new look andwe now have the RetrEat cafe for senior students and staff. Thenew building, the Marcellin Learning Centre is made up of a newlibrary and new learning spaces known as the ARC (AcademicResource Centre). The library is bright, open and provides aflexible learning environment for students and staff. The ARCallows teachers and students to work together. Teachers are nolonger the source of all knowledge but are facilitators oflearning. Students need to work with the 21st Century skills ofcollaboration, using information, finding solutions, creativityand global citizenship. The ARC like the library is furnished toallow these skills to flourish for students and teachers.

The Marcellin Learning Centre was officially blessed andopened by Bishop Gerard Hanna, Bishop of the diocese ofWagga Wagga and Mr Michael McCormack, Federal memberfor Riverina on Friday 7th March 2014. This was a wonderfuloccasion where the College Community welcomed BrotherGreg McCrystal, the last Marist Brother Principal back to theCollege for the day. It was also a pleasure to have Mr FrankMolloy representing Marist Schools Australia present with uson this special day.

The key to good learning is quality teaching. Teachers at StFrancis always strive to deliver quality lessons which engageyoung people. Modern learning facilities will always helpengage students but as we so often hear from the students it isall about the teacher. The teachers who draw their students inwith their knowledge and expertise, their care andcompassion, high expectations about learning and regularfeedback is what students value at the St Francis College.

Learning is always at the centre of all we do at St FrancisCollege. Students are taught about their Catholic Faith and aregiven opportunities to bring their faith to life. We are always sovery proud of how our students work to raise funds to supportvarious Social Justice programs. They live the charisms of ourfounders St Marcellin Champagnat, St Mary of the CrossMacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods. Over the last yearstudents have raised just under $40,000. Working together inteams the student leaders have excelled in supporting socialjustice programs.

Brenda King, Principal

New building construction atSt Francis College

We welcome St Francis de Sales Regional College full membership of Marist Schools Australia as from the commencement of 2014.The Sisters of St Joseph from Goulburn and the Marist Brothers from Melbourne pioneered Catholic primary and secondaryeducation in Leeton in the twentieth century. Both religious institutes have since moved from Leeton, but the coeducationalcollege with 750 students including 200 weekly boarders is flourishing. Congratulations to the Principal, Brenda King, the staff,parents, care-givers and students who continue to walk in the footsteps of St Marcellin Champagnat.

The following extract from the Marist Archives recording the first Brothersarriving in Leeton may be of interest to readers...

WELCOME St Francis de Sales Regional College, Leeton

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From the Archives

The Brothers’ House A

nnals, held in the Tem

plestowe Archives,

document the hectic

activity that precede

d the opening of the

Marist Brothers Catho

lic College, Leeton, NS

W, in February 1956.

The preparations inclu

ded the challenge of

stripping and repaint

ing

a number of second-h

and hospital beds. (11

7 of these had been

bought at auction for

£90). …‘The spraying of the b

eds was a major

operation carried out

with great singleness

of purpose by Br Maje

lla

and Br Aquinas …. The mom

ent that the first bed

was enamelled

blue, a sudden gust o

f wind raised dust and

grass seeds from

everywhere and cove

red the bed. And on th

e day they were

finished, all of them b

eing out in the weath

er, a sudden

thunderstorm brough

t heavy rain to pit the

new enamel

terribly….But they looked quite

nice in general.’

Despite these and oth

er setbacks, the Colleg

e opened on 14

February with 140 boy

s (100 day pupils and

40 boarders). Br

Matthew Hopkins was

the Principal.

In 1967 St Joseph’s G

irls’ School (run by th

e Sisters of St Joseph)

was

located on the same g

rounds but operated s

eparately.

In 1970 co-education

began on a trial basis.

In 1983 the Brothers w

ithdrew, and the Siste

rs took over the

administration of the

college for some yea

rs prior to their depart

ure.

Dorothy Weekes, Arc

hivist Melbourne

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Archbishop Mark Coleridge as Chief Celebrant, together withCollege Chaplain, Fr Jim Hargrave and Priests fromsurrounding Parishes, joined with the College Community atthe Inaugural Mass on Thursday 13 February to dedicate the2014 academic year. The Senior Student Pledge andinvestiture of College Leaders during the Mass wasparticularly poignant in this Marist year of #serve oneanother. A large bowl of water, blessed by the Archbishop,and bringing to mind Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet,was the central motif of the Mass. Each of the Senior studentsin accepting his badge of leadership then made a sign of thecross with the blessed water.

MARIST COLLEGE ASHGROVE

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2014 College Captain Michael Barbera has his Captain’s badge pinned on byproud parents, Connie and John.

Archbishop Mark Coleridge,Archbishop of Brisbane

Archbishop Coleridge andconcelebrants at the Inaugural Mass

Headmaster Peter McLoughlinpouring water into the bowl for it to be blessed

by Archbishop Coleridge, the blessed water usedby Senior students to make the sign of the Crossas part of their pledge and commitment to be of

service to the College community in 2014.

2014 Inaugural Mass

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bursaries at the College. This year thereare 38 boys in receipt of part or fullbursaries. The College wishes toacknowledge the wonderful support ofQBE as our major sponsor of the lunch.

Special guests included Eric Rush, MarkElla, Michael O’Loughlin, Gorden Tallis,and Matthew Johns along with co-

The 10th Champagnat Trust Sport Lunchheld at the Brisbane Convention andExhibition Centre was another greatsuccess. Mr Peter McLoughlin and MrsPaula McLoughlin, along with PremierCampbell and Mrs Lisa Newman,together with 950 guests enjoyed topclass entertainment with all funds raisedgoing to The Champagnat Trust to fund

Patrons of The Champagnat Trust JohnEales and Matthew Hayden. All those inattendance enjoyed an afternoon of topclass entertainment and look forward tonext year’s lunch.

A special dinner was held at the Collegethe evening before the lunch with TheChampagnat Trust recipients. John Eales,Matthew Hayden and Jenni Smith fromQBE joined the Headmaster, PeterMcLoughlin for dinner with boyscurrently on bursaries. The evening wasa great success and will beheld annually, in linewith the Sport Lunch.

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2014 Champagnat Trust Sport LunchSpecial guests, left to right: Mr Mark Ella, Mr Matthew Hayden, Mr Eric Rush, Mr Michael O’Loughlin,

Mr Peter McLoughlin, Mr Gorden Tallis and Mr John Eales.

Headmaster Mr Peter McLoughlin, Mrs Paula McLoughlin, Mrs Lisa Newmanand Premier Campbell Newman

Mr Vince Sorrenti with Champagnat Trust Co-Patron, Mr John Eales

TRINITY CATHOLIC COLLEGE LISMORE

More than a million people in India aremillionaires yet most people live on lessthan two dollars a day. An estimated35% of India’s population lives below thepoverty line and we were to see thiscontrast for ourselves each day!

After the long trip and a short sleep, wetook a two hour bus ride to Morai, acommunity of 500 poor families who aremostly subsistent farmers. Three youngPresentation Sisters staff a school andmedical dispensary for the community.

We were unaccustomed to the kind ofwelcome we received! A bindi ceremonyfollowed by sandwiches, chips and coke,served with a smile in the humble homeof the Sisters. Many of the children arethe first generation to be educated andthe young people we met there stole ourhearts as they danced and shared with us.

During our 14-day journey wevolunteered with Presentation schoolsacross Chennai and New Delhi, as well asimmersing ourselves in the Indian

India Immersion28th November – 11th December 2013

At the end of Term 4 2013, the first Trinity Catholic College Lismore India Immersion Team left Brisbane bound forChennai and New Delhi with the aim of visiting and participating in the ministries of the Presentation Sisters in India.

culture. ‘A school within a school’ atSacred Heart Secondary in Chennai, theTamil School, caters for 800 Tamilstudents, many of whom wouldotherwise not receive an education.These young people and families live inpoverty, often on the fringes of society.As well as receiving an education we sawfirsthand how they are being given hopefor a brighter future through education.

Traditional and local delicacies quicklybecame favorites amongst the group

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and Naan was a necessity at every meal!We visited markets, temples, culturalmuseums, and renowned monumentssuch as the Jama Masjid (mosque) andRed Fort in Delhi. We enjoyed a rickshawride through Chandni Chowk, a mainmarketplace in Delhi. We visited the GandhiMuseum and the Raj Ghat in Delhi- thefinal resting place of Mahatma Gandhi.

Poverty is an ever present reality in Indiaand challenges us to respond withgenerosity and compassion, as Nanowould have done. We were pleased todonate to the Winter Appeal afterattending Mass in New Delhi. We hadbeen fundraising for some months andleft donations in each of the schoolswe visited, totalling $1500. These weremost graciously received and we couldnot depart from any place quietly!

We returned home with a newappreciation of our homeland and allthat we enjoy. The satisfaction ofknowing we have made a smalldifference in these young people's livesis carried in the hearts of all of us.

Written by Ella Swain, Allison Bingand Sister Mary Bruggy PBVM

INDIA IMMERSION TEAM: Allison Bing,Charlottte Borthwick, Meghan Correy,Ella Fitzalan, Natalie Foster, BridgetMulholland, Amy Murphy, Rebecca Pearce,Isobel Robinson, Ella Swain, Nikita Wu.

Staff: Mrs Clare Axman, Mr Rob Lynch,Ms Suzette Mackney and Sister MaryBruggy pbvm

SOME COMMENTS ABOUT IMMERSION

"The experience of Immersion to India hasbeen incredibly life changing for me, withthe smiles on the children’s faces that we

visited something that I will never forgetand which I will always remember fondly. Ithas changed my outlook on my life, makingme consider how truly grateful we all shouldbe for our lives every day."… Meg

Images of beautiful smiling faces willforever stay with me… Suzette

An Immersion to India is a life changingexperience… Charlotte

The best thing about our Immersion to Indiawas being able to experience such a diverseand beautiful culture along with asupportive team of staff and students! …Isobel

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MARIST VOCATIONS MINISTRY

Pope Francis’ address to mark this year’s World Day of Prayer forVocations (May 11), reminds us of a home-grown lesson all farmersknow; cultivation and constant nourishing produce a good harvest.“A vocation is a fruit that ripens in a well cultivated field of mutuallove that becomes mutual service … No vocation is born of itself orlives for itself. A vocation flows from the heart of God and blossomsin the good soil of faithful people, in the experience of fraternallove.” (Pope Francis, World Day of Prayer for Vocations, 2014)

“A vocation flows from the heart of Godand blossoms in the good soil of faithfulpeople, in the experience of fraternal love.”– Pope FrancisAffirming St Paul’s exhortation; ‘You are God’s field!’ (1 Cor 3:9),Pope Francis reminds us that while God sows and inspires thehearts of the young, vocations are grown and nurtured in thegood soil of supportive and faith-filled environments.

In visiting schools across the MSA network, Br Doug Walsh andmyself are amazed at the ‘good soil’ in which young people arebeing educated and formed, to be the generous men andwomen of tomorrow. We’re also delighted with the wonderfulwelcome and hospitality we receive as principals, staff andstudents welcome us into their unique Marist community.

Marist Life Mentors – tilling the Soil!I truly believe our Marist schools remain one of the privilegedplaces where students can be affirmed and supported inasking vocational questions. Along with our presentations toyear groups, the Vocations Team has conducted the Marist LifeMentor workshop with 76 staff in 12 MSA Schools. Thisprogram enables staff to confidently accompany seniorstudents in their ongoing faith lives at school, while invitingthem to consider future vocational pathways, as young LayMarists, Consecrated Religious and Priests.

May God’s grace continue to stir the vocational aspirations ofyoung people in the soil of our Australian Marist Communityand may we each be conscious of the gift and responsibility wehave been given as tillers in the Lord’s field!

Brother Greg McDonald, fms.Director of Vocations

School Visits during Term 1

The ‘Good Soil’ of our Marist Schools …

Assumption College Kilmore

Mt Maria College Mitchelton

Marist CollegeNorth Shore

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Red Bend College Forbes Healy House)

Marist College Ashgrove

Marist Life Mentors Workshops

Healy House, the new Marist House of Discernment foryoung men has opened in Eastwood, Sydney. This is aresidential place of discernment for young men aged20-35 wishing to explore their vocation to religious lifewhile maintaining their current employment or studentstatus. Residents might be studying at University, TAFEor employed in a full-time or part-time capacity. TheDiscernment Program supports them by providing anenvironment conducive to prayer, community andpastoral activity. The Director of Vocations co-ordinatesthe program and lives with the residents.

Know a young person who might be interested? Forfurther information, contact Br Greg McDonald.emai: greg.mcdonald@marists.org.au

Healy HouseOpens at Eastwood

13

Marist College AshgroveChampagnat Catholic College Pagewood

Red Bend Catholic College Forbes St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill

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ASSUMPTION COLLEGE KILMORE

Blessing and Opening ofthe New Boarding House

Br Michael Green, National Director ofMarist Schools Australia, officiallyopened the three new boarding housesat Assumption College Kilmore onSunday, March 30.

Beforehand, former boarder, Fr MichaelKelly CSsR, with assistance from Directorof Boarding Jeremy Holt and BoardingCaptains, Jesse Soulsby and RochelleShannon, blessed the houses.

They are named Redden, after Br Austin

Redden, the previous registrar and alearning enhancement teacher at theCollege; Mannes, after Gertrude Mannes,the first female teacher at ACK whotaught here for more than 30 years andwho was the sister of Br Sylvester Mannes,a former Assum ption principal; andO’Connor, after Eamonn O’Connor, aboarder from the class of 2011 and Captainof the First XVIII, who died last year.

Members of the O’Connor familyattended the ceremony along with MrPaul Herrick, Regional Director of MaristSchools Australia; Marist Brothers; staff,students, parents and many alumniincluding Damian Drum, VictorianMinister for Sports and Veterans Affairs.

During his address, Br Michael spokeabout the importance of “family spirit” in

Marist education. “This is the style ofboarding program that Marcellinwould have wonderfully applaudedbecause it’s human in its scale …itcreates family,” he said.

There is space for 24 boarders in eachhouse with a mixture of single, doubleand quad spaces. Each student has awardrobe, a personal desk and Wi-Fiaccess. There is also accommodationfor supervisors and their families.

Principal Michael Kenny said that it was“with genuine excitement” that hestood in front of the magnificent newboarding houses “which will provide ahome away from home for ruralstudents for many years to come”.

Stephen Calvert

Principal Michael Kenny thankingeveryone for attending and inviting themto look through the new houses at the endof the ceremony.

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Boarding staff and students, Br Michael Green and Principal Michael Kenny (recovering from knee surgery) in front of Mannes House.

Br Michael Green, assisted by Registrar BernardJephson, unveiling the plaque for O'Connor House.

Fr Michael preparing to bless the boarding houses withthe help of the Boarding Captains Rochelle Shannonand Jesse Soulsby and Director of Boarding Jeremy Holt.At the left is an image of Miss Gertrude Mannes.

Those gathered for the ceremony watchas Br Michael unveils the plaque for Redden House.

community and the officialceremony closed with prayer in thenewly refurbished and renamed Chapelof Mary: Our Good Mother. The Collegeis now entering another phase ofdevelopment in its learning facilitieswith the construction of a new multi-purpose hall including Sporting, Dramaand Music facilities. This project will becompleted in 2015.

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RED BEND CATHOLIC COLLEGE, FORBES

On Monday 7 April Red Bend CatholicCollege celebrated the Official Openingand Blessing of its new Hospitality TradeTraining Centre & Technology AppliedStudies Centre. The facilities wereofficially opened and blessed by HonJohn Cobb MP, FederalMember for Calare andBishop Michael KennedyDD, Apostolic Administratorof the Wilcannia ForbesDiocese. These projects tookaround 18 months tocomplete and funding wasreceived from the AustralianGovernment in order torealise the facilities. Theopening was well attendedand guests included ourNational Director Br MichaelGreen and Sydney RegionalDirector, Mr Frank Malloy and membersof the Catholic Education CommissionNSW, local government, parish clergyand the architect and builders. Officialguests were treated to a 2 course lunchprepared and served by seniorHospitality students and a tour of thefacilities following the official ceremony,

New facilities opened

which was attended by the wholeschool. The buildings were blessed andstudent leaders led the assembly inprayer. Br John Hilet, former Principal,and now Principal of Trinity CollegeLismore spoke about his time at RBCCduring the planning of these facilities. Itwas a wonderful celebration of Marist

Left: Hon John Cobb MP withstudents Danica Bartholomaeus andIllie Hewitt (School Captain)

New Technology Applied Studies Centre

Below: Bishop Michael Kennedy DD,Br Michael Green MSA, Br Michael

Flanagan, Principal

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School Leaders

New teaching staff to Red Bend Catholic College in 2014.Front from left: Penny Hewett, Christina Whitehead, Louise

Brown. Back from left: Alan Blyth, James Dumas, PeterNowland, Matthew Lee.

New Staff

2014 Student Leaders. Front Row: SchoolCaptains Illie Hewitt and Kurt Lovett withBr Michael, Principal and Stephen Dwyer,Deputy Principal. Back rows: BoardingCaptains, House Captains and LiturgyCaptains. Kurt Lovett has recently beenselected as a member of the AustralianYouth Olympic Hockey Team.

Cattle Team The College Cattle Team preparing tocompete at the Royal Canberra and

Royal Sydney Shows.

Indigenous Dancers

Indigenous Dance group performing at the National Multicultural Festival in Canberra.

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MSol’s Christmas Season of Solidarity flows into Lent

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MARIST SOLIDARITY

Following the Christmas gatherings with supporters of Marist Solidarity across Australiasupport continues to grow for the people of Asia and the Pacific.Last year’s Christmas gatherings inMelbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane andSydney have made a significant impacton the connection that AustralianMarists feel to the broader internationalMarist mission. As MSol staff visited thevarious regions we have heard time andtime again that it is wonderful to hear of,and be able to support, Marists on aninternational scale.

This energy has flowed on into 2014 withgreat strength and, now coming to theend of Lent, the growth in support fromMarists around Australia is obvious. Sincethe first of the Christmas gatheringsstarted late November last yearsupporters of MSol have ensured theprogress of each of the Christmas Appealprojects into 2014.

As public support builds for theseprojects, students in the Marist SchoolsAustralia network have begun to supportthe 2014 Marist Solidarity Campaign. This year’s theme resonates with theheart of MSol’s work and the reasonbehind the work that St MarcellinChampagnat continues to inspire. Anumber of the schools will also raiseawareness and support aroundChampagnat Day, the Feast of theAssumption or at other stagesthroughout the year.

Having met with a number of impressiveSocial Justice Captains in Canberra,Sydney and Brisbane the MSol team isexcited about the creativity and passionwith which they inspire great generosity

each year. They are a credit to theinternational community of Marists.

Our partners in Asia and the Pacificcontinue to express their gratitude forthe support that is provided throughouteach year, which is sustained by thecreative passion of Australian donorsand fundraisers, young and old. TheMSol team is committed to this lifechanging work and to bringing likeminds together in support of each other;minds that see the need for a change inthe world and wish to do somethingabout it.

MSol TeamBRISBANE

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Recently MSol received a request fromthe Marist Brothers primary andsecondary school at P.Udayupatti inSouthern India. This year they celebratetheir 25th anniversary and need supportfor the digging of a new bore and thepurchase and installation of a new borepump motor.

The schools are located on the outskirtsof Tiruchirappalli, know by the locals asTrichy, in Southern Tamil Nadu State.The school was built 25 years ago in adry rural village where the yearly rainfallis much less than the city of Trichy itself.During the last two years the monsoonhas failed to produce adequate rainfall.

In the first three months of2014 alone the rainfall isalready 32% below average.

The original 25 year old borewell on the school propertyis now drying out and theschool is struggling forwater that is safe fordrinking, preparing meals, washing andfor basic hygiene needs such as toilets.

In 2014 the 1515 students attending thesecondary and primary schools and thestaff of the schools will benefit from adeeper and more reliable well.

Br Brian Kinsella, Project Coordinator

If you wish to support this project pleasecontact us:

EMAIL | msol@marists.org.au PHONE |(07) 3354 0600

ABC Radio Reporter, Amy McCosker, reflects, CambodiaThe LaValla School in Cambodia recentlyhosted MVA volunteers Anneleise & AmyMcCosker. Amy, school captain of MaristCollege Emerald in 2006 now ABC Radiorural reporter, has blogged about hertime in LaValla. In an interview, MaristSolidarity Cambodia’s Director, Mr NimulOuch, explains the effect of strongBuddhist beliefs upon people with adisability.

“Buddhists believe in ‘karma’”, Nimulsays. “So they will say, ‘you do good inthe past life, you will receive good in thislife’.“People with disability - in ourculture - is the result of bad action in thepast life.

“When people see them [people with adisability], they ignore [them]... I havebeen faced with this myself, I have one

arm shorter thanthe other arm, atschool no onewas interested incoming to sayhello to me.”

Amy’s experienceprovides a realinsight into theresilience of thechildren of theLaValla School.To read moreabout Amy’sexperience andher interviews with LaValla students goto her ABC profile:https://open.abc.net.au/people/amy-mccosker-31ci0hh

Ashley Bulgarelli, MVA Coordinator

For more info on Marist volunteeringopportunities:

EMAIL | mva@marists.org.au PHONE |(07) 3354 0600

Supporting Water Security for School Children atP.Udayupatti, India

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MARIST COLLEGE CANBERRA

Ex-student now playing in the NBA Pat Mills, proud ex-student of Marist College Canberra, now playing in the NBA for the San Antonio Spurs.Pat Mills attended Marist College Canberra from Years 7-11before taking up a basketball scholarship at the AustralianInstitute of Sport. From 2007 to 2009, he attended St Mary’sCollege in California, USA, and soon gained the attention of theNational Basketball Association (NBA). In 2009, he commencedplaying with the Portland Trail Blazers and subsequently threeother teams in the USA, Australia and China before joining theSan Antonio Spurs in 2012.

On Tuesday 20 August 2013, Marist College Canberra playedhost to Old Boy Pat Mills, his coach and members of his familywhere he was presented with Full College Colours, the highestaccolade of the College. Pat was delighted to meet staff,members of the current crop of Marist Basketballers as well asAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 4–12.

The inaugural Marist College Canberra USA Basketball was heldin December- January this year. Two Marist Basketball teamswere involved and played in the 25th Annual Bank of Carolina’sJV Tournament. The first team finished in third position overall

with James Toohey collecting all-tournament honours andmost valued player.

The Marist boys were also Pat Mills’ guests in San Antoniowhilst on their basketball tour. Pat invited them to attend aSpurs training session and they were VIP guests at the localTexan derby between the Spurs and the Dallas Mavericks.

James Toohey, Pat Mills and hisniece, and Jack Bartholomeusz

Aidan Barnett, Pat Mills,Nick Cubit and Patrick Cross

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MARIST COLLEGE EASTWOOD

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At the recent Metropolitan Catholic SchoolsSwimming Championships held at the HomebushAquatic Centre, Marist College Eastwood securedtheir tenth straight championship with adominant performance against the other elevenMCS schools. Such was their performance that acomparison with last year’s results showed thatin 2013, the college was only 7 points aheadleading into the relays whereas this year, theywere 100 points ahead at the same stage. Wewere placed 1st in 5 relays including breakingthe U/17 Medley Relay record (Kai Glennie,Christopher Molloy, Liam Wood and Bryce Kowho smashed the record by 4 seconds) andthe U/14 Freestyle relay equalled the record(Brandon Dahdah, James Betpeara, Aaron Hanand Greg Yiasemedies). We placed 2nd in 8relays and 3rd in 1 relay.

This year they won all the silverware on offer, the Junior, Seniorand the Overall Championship shields to cement the college’splace in MCS swimming history.

The standout performances in an otherwise outstanding teameffort saw a number of records broken and they had 2individual record breakers break 4 records:

Kai Glennie in the 17+ yrs 100 Butterfly and 100 Backstroke(both of which he can swim next year) and Justin van Hulsen-Akouri in the 15-16 yrs 100 Breastroke (which he can swim innext year) and 15 Yrs 50 Breastroke (a record that had stoodsince 1991)

Kiyah Spinetti (U/12's) Justin van Hulsen-Akouri (U/15's) andKai Glennie (U/17's) were all runner up age champions in their

respective age groups.

12 students have now qualified for the next level, the NSWCombined Catholic Schools Championships:

Aaron Han, Justin van-Hulsen Akouri, Liam Wood, Kai Glennie,Greg Yiasemedies for individual events. James Betpeara,Brandon Dahdah, Christopher Molloy, Bryce Ko, Alex Wahbe,Connor Blaxall, Nicholas Harris all go through for theirrespective relays.

Swim coach Nathan Breen, and Principal Daniel Delmagepraised the squad indicating that the success of the swimmingteam epitomizes the effort staff at the college put in and thisculture has been built up over the years and shows howstudents respond when given such opportunities.

Decade of Dominance

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MARIST-SION COLLEGE WARRAGUL

Visit to East TimorAlternative Schoolies Immersion Trip 1st – 11th December 2013 The Immersion to Timor Leste was thefirst time that Marist-Sion College hadbeen involved in such a programorganised and operated throughCatholic Mission and in conjunction withSt Francis Xavier College Beaconsfield .Our College had 5 participants – 3 Year12 students Erin Farrell, Alex Kubale andLydia Fox and two staff members MarianKee and Fiona MacRae.

On arrival in Dili, we were overwhelmedby the humidity and heat. We were met

by our two drivers Emile and Emilio whomade our group complete with 14people. Our first stay over in Dili was atthe Dominican Orphanage at Bidauwhere we were met by the dedicatedand generous Sisters and beautifulchildren. The three nights at theOrphanage were an amazing and, attimes, overwhelming experience of joyand love, witnessing their simple andfaith filled lives. Our students spent timeplaying with the children, teaching them

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and sharing two trips to the beach for aswim.

Leaving the Orphanage was a sad timeas the Sisters and the orphans surprisedus by singing a farewell song for us ‘I hada dream’ and presenting us withtraditional Tais scarves.

From Dili we travelled East to ruralvillages and visited the ComoroKindergarten, Ahisaun Foundation, ahouse for young people with physical

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disabilities, St Damien’s Leprosy Clinicand the Ponta Leste Youth Centre andwe visited markets. We stayed in Bacauand met up with two Marist Brothers Br.Fons Van Rooj who is the Director of theMarist Teachers College in Bacau and BrTony Clarke who works with formationof brothers and immersions.

Our final days were spent in Balibowhere we visited the memorial for thefive journalists who were killed in Balibo.

We also visited the fort, the manysignificant buildings and sites that wereplaces of significance in the Indonesianinvasion of Timor Leste. We also visited ahealth clinic and spent time with Leanne,a Welsh Palms volunteer from Australia,who lived in the Balibo Convent wherewe stayed. The people of Timor Leste arefriendly, warm and welcoming. Theyhave so little yet they are very generous.

Marian Kee

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MARIST MISSION AND LIFE

Faith Formators Propose DirectionsFifty Faith Formators from Marist Schools across Australiagathered recently to reflect on the specific role of FaithFormators in Marist Schools today. The Colloquium was heldat the Hermitage in Mittagong from the 23rd to 25th March,2014. Keynote speakers were Kate Fogarty, Fr Chris Gleeson, BrMichael Green, Fr Rob Galea, Gail Coates, Br Graham Neist andBr Peter Carroll. Carole Wark and other members of theMission and Life Formation Team, facilitated the program.

Tony Clarke, National Director of the Team began the programon the opening night by asking ‘What are the edges for FaithFormators that we need to address over the next four years?Kate Fogarty, the first of the keynote speakers, suggested thatamidst the struggle for competing agendas, the role of theFaith Formator is ‘to create space for God to be God with thispeople, in this place, at this time’.

Fr Chris Glesson reminded us of Paul Tillich’s insight ‘he whoknows about depth, knows about God’. Armed with thisknowledge, Chris invited Faith Formators to go with Jesus tothe peripheries. Our approach can involve us in being ‘gracenamers’, highlighting where the ‘signature’ of Jesus is evident.

Br Michael Green stressed, that while evangelisation is in ourMarist DNA, we still need to ask ‘What would Mary do?’ Heencouraged us to be mystics and prophets – a mystic beingsomeone who comes into touch with the mind and heart ofGod and a prophet someone who brings that mind and heartto the world.

Fr Rob Galea, through his singing, reminded us that musictranscends the mind. He invited us to commit to liturgy, toknow what it is about, how it connects with our lives and toexpect a ‘God encounter’ whenever we participate. Herecalled the well known truth that the Eucharist is the sourceand summit of our faith. As a priest, he strives to beauthentically present to others, to prepare well for his prayerand to embrace silence.

Gail Coates and Br Graham Neist informed the FaithFormators about the emerging Marist Association of StMarcellin Champagnat. This will provide an opportunity forMarists, brothers and lay, to be co-responsible for the futurelife and mission of the Marist Institute.

Br Peter Carroll concluded the keynote addresses byhighlighting the importance of our being witnesses to ourfaith. The observation attributed to St Francis of Assisi:‘Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words’summarised Peter’s sentiments.

Throughout the colloquium, participants drew strength fromeach other, from the availability of Marist programs and fromtheir own prayer lives. They agreed on the importance ofbeing genuine and authentic people and of rememberingthat evangelisation takes place in relationship. A very richcolloquium concluded in communal prayer.

National Marist Faith Formators Colloquium 2014

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Footsteps 1 –Making Jesus ChristKnown and LovedThe Hermitage Mittagong

16-19 March 2014

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ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE, HUNTERS HILL

Joeys ensures Australia’s farmers ‘Never Walk Alone’Students at St Joseph’s College, HuntersHill, are encouraging schools to getbehind Australia’s struggling farmersafter they donated two full vans of foodto be distributed to families in need.

Led by Year 12 students, the boys at thecollege donated non-perishable fooditems to Australian charity AussieHelpers, who will distribute it to farmingfamilies experiencing hardship.

The donation was inspired by thecollege’s strong links to families from

rural and regional Australia, which date

back to its foundation in 1881.

Year 12 student, 17-year-old Maxwell

Knight, is from a property near Wee Waa

in northwest NSW, a region that is

drought declared. His family owns a

cotton farm and he spoke to the boys

and staff at the college about the

hardships involved in living on the land

during a drought. "Like the rest of the

community the drought is really taking

its toll," he said. “But farmers continue to

Students from St Joseph’s College with donations for farming families.

Another group of Mums with ladsat St Joseph’s College Hunters Hillgathered for 3 days April 1–3, atThe Hermitage, Mittagong for sometime-out and reflection, with goodcheer and great company to boot!

Learning more about Saint Marcellinand our Marist story were an addedbonus. Many thanks from all theMums to Brother Robert O’Connor forleading us through these days.

St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill Mothers April 2014 Retreat

battle on, working harder than ever intough conditions.”

Fellow Year 12 student, 17-year-oldJonathan Chow from Randwick, spokeabout the special connection the city boysshare with the country students and calledon the Joeys community to supportfarming families.

Maxwell and Jonathan are now visitingother schools around Sydney andencouraging them to get behindAustralia’s farmers through Aussie Helpers.

The SJC Mums at The Hermitage Mittagong April 2014Elly Murphy andMargaret Bryce

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Bishop-elect Columba Macbeth-GreenFormer Marist student…

Fr. Macbeth-Green is currently the Vicar Provincial in Australia ofthe Order of Saint Paul the First Hermit (Pauline Fathers) andRector of the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Marian Valley,Canungra, Queensland. He has also been the Police Chaplain forthe South Eastern Region, Queensland since 2011.

It has recently been announced that Fr Macbeth-Green has beenappointed seventh Bishop of the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes.Red Bend Catholic College is proud that Fr Columba is an ex-student of the College, having attended here from 1980 to1985.The whole community of Red Bend Catholic College wishFr Columba every happiness and success in his new role.

Parents Retreat: A Possibilityfor your School?We all know how busy parents are and how generously theyengage in our schools and ministries at so many levels.

Recent experience at St Joseph’s College Hunters Hill wouldsuggest there is also a great openness in parents to taking a littletime out for reflection and prayer.

The wonderful initiative of one mother Maggs Thompsett, in2013 saw an enthusiastic group of some 30 or more Mums cometogether at The Hermitage Mittagong for 2 days of learning moreabout our Marist story and Saint Marcellin; for some reflectionand prayer.

2014 has seen this initiative blossom into 2 such experiences!There Is planning afoot for something similar for the Dads.

Maybe a possibility at your place?

CATHOLIC COLLEGE SALE

Prestigious ScholarshipVictor Forcadela has recently been awarded the 2013 MemorialMalmo Scholarship for academic achievement and generalexcellence.

The Malmo Scholarship is open to Year 11 students throughoutthe district and is in memory of the late Sigurd Malmo, a localveterinarian, who died tragically as the result of a car accident.

Students were nominated by their schools and asked to submitan application, followed by a lengthy interview process.

Mr Malmo’s daughter, Margot Malmo-Carruthers presented thescholarship at a College assembly this week. Victor wasattending a school excursion on the day so the award wasaccepted by his father Mr Caesar Forcadela. Mrs Malmo-Carruthers congratulated Victor on his presentation at theinterview “Victor is a very worthy winner of the award and is anexcellent ambassador for the school.” she said.

Mr Caesar Forcadela accepting the Malmo award on behalf ofVictor Forcadela. Presented by Mrs Margot Malmo-Carruthers

Br Robert O’Connor Province Spiritual Director/Consultant

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Archdiocese of AdelaideMarcellin Technical College, Christies DownsSacred Heart College, Somerton ParkSacred Heart College Middle School, MitchellPark

Archdiocese of BrisbaneMarist College, AshgroveMount Maria College, MitcheltonMt Maria College, PetrieSt Joseph’s School, MurgonSt Peter Claver College, RiverviewSt Teresa’s College, NoosavilleSt Thomas More School, Sunshine Beach Trinity College, Beenleigh

Diocese of DarwinLtyentye Apurte, Santa TeresaOur Lady of the Sacred Heart College,Alice Springs

Archdiocese of MelbourneAssumption College, KilmoreMarcellin College, Bulleen

Archdiocese of PerthNewman College, ChurchlandsSt Joseph’s School, Northam

Archdiocese of SydneyMarcellin College, Randwick Marist College, Eastwood

Marist College, KogarahMarist College, North ShoreMarist College, PagewoodMarist College, Penshurst St Joseph’s College, Hunters HillSt Michael's School, Daceyville The John Berne School, Lewisham Trinity Catholic College, Auburn/RegentsPark

Diocese of BunburyBunbury Catholic College

Diocese of CairnsSt Augustine’s College, Cairns

Archdiocese of Canberra/GoulburnMarist College, Canberra

Diocese of LismoreSt Mary’s Catholic College, Casino Trinity Catholic College, Lismore

Diocese of Maitland-NewcastleSt Francis Xavier’s College, HamiltonSt Peter’s Campus (All Saints College)Maitland

Diocese of ParramattaParramatta Marist High School,WestmeadSt Patrick’s Marist College, Dundas

Diocese of RockhamptonChanel College, GladstoneMarist College, Emerald

Diocese of SaleCatholic College, SaleLavalla Catholic College, TraralgonMarist-Sion College, Warragul

Diocese of SandhurstGalen Catholic College, WangarattaMarist College, BendigoNotre Dame College, Shepparton

Diocese of TownsvilleBurdekin Catholic High School, AyrSt Francis Xavier School, Ayr

Diocese of Wagga WaggaSt Francis de Sales College, Leeton

Diocese of Wilcannia-ForbesRed Bend Catholic College, Forbes

Diocese of WollongongJohn Therry High School, Rosemeadow Mount Carmel High School, VarrovilleSt Gregory’s College, Campbelltown