AETERNA NON CADUCAThe Eternal not the Transitory

Marcellin College Randwick

continued over...

Number 15 - 17 October 2014

From the Year 12 Coordinator

The Graduating Class of 2014

My grandfather’s backyard had an impressive jasmine hedge. The path from the back of his house wove its way through this scented jungle before leading out to the massive block which was our cricket pitch. In my front yard I now have the same sort of jasmine shrub growing. It is currently in full bloom and every morning the mass of white flowers open up to spill their unmistakable fragrance into the air. For a few moments each day, just before I get in my car to head to work, the scent of these flowers takes me back to school holidays at my grandfather’s house. I am ten years old again, playing backyard cricket with my brothers, jumping over bindi patches on the lawn and trying desperately to stop the ball before it disappeared under the house. God knows what lurked under that house.

It’s funny how the mind makes associations with the seemingly trivial and obscure to trigger the most vivid of memories. Graduation Day this year was no exception for me in this respect. On this occasion, I found myself regularly drawn back in thought to a country I visited with other staff and students months earlier in the year. The country was France and the mental images that sprang forth were not of the landmarks and streetscapes of Paris but of ‘Champagnat country’ in southern France. More precisely, of a church in the little village of Marlhes, where Saint Marcellin was baptised and where today a unique sculpture of him stands in a side chapel. For me, this statue is emblematic of the Graduating Class of 2014.

www.marcellin.nsw.edu.au | mcr-secretary@syd.catholic.edu.au | Ph: (02) 9398 6355 | Fax: (02) 9398 9049

Some may rightly think it strange that a stone, inanimate sculpture should have anything to do with the finest group of young men I have worked with. To understand this association I need to explain how this sculpture came to be. It was 1954, a year before Marcellin Champagnat was to be beatified in Rome, the first stage in the process of Sainthood. To commemorate this occasion a sculptor named Monsieur Brun was commissioned by the Parish of Marlhes to create a statue of Marcellin. Accompanying the artist on his mission to source materials for his work was a local priest, still alive today and responsible for recording this story.

The two men set off into the hills to find the granite that would become the statue. Suddenly, pointing to a nondescript slab of rock covered in moss and wild brush, the artist Monsieur Brun spoke softly,“That’s him, there, Champagnat…here he is. Nothing for me to do there really. I am going to take away the material which is hiding him. He is in there. I am going to set him free.“

This year group was a wonderful cohort thanks to, not one, but many ‘sculptors’. Throughout their time at the College they have been shaped and refined by dozens of people including teachers, year coordinators, coaches, deputy headmasters, office staff, canteen volunteers, headmasters and of course each other. They were a unique group because of their willingness to comply and work with all who came into contact with them.

The tremendous role of their parents should rightly be at the forefront when reflecting on the strengths of this year group. Their

Photo: A sculpture of St Marcellin in the church of the French village of Marlhes.

“Nothing for me to do there really. I am going to take away the material

which is hiding him. He is in there. I am going to set him free.“

2 MARCELLIN COLLEGE RANDWICK NEWSLETTER

understanding of the school/home relationship, the trust they placed in the College, as well as the way they supported its aims and processes had a profound impact on shaping the outlook and attitudes of their sons. That is why, in terms of the character and approach to life, there was nothing ‘granite-like’ here, rather an easily identifiable willingness to make the most of the opportunities presented to them.

The Graduation Mass had a reading from the Gospel of Luke which superbly captures the trustful relationship that existed between parents and school and the outcome of this collaborative effort.

“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs are not gathered from thorns, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of the heart produces good…”

Indeed there was a great deal to celebrate on this Graduation Day, not the least of which was the efforts of staff across six years of schooling coupled with the unquantifiable work and love of the parents and family of the Class of 2014. Perhaps the most satisfying aspect of the day itself was watching these students express their gratitude to parents either directly through their words and hugs, or indirectly by way of the unmistakable body language of an adolescent male, supremely proud to share the day with the people he loves.

As many on this day would attest, the journey through school certainly wasn’t without its problems. For parents and teachers alike, patience was often tested and self-doubt tormented at times. However I’m sure Monsieur Brun would have waivered on occasion in his quiet, tiresome work creating the statue of St Marcellin.

Whilst the statue in the church at Marlhes will always evoke a plethora of memories, the Class of 2014 is for me the most tangible reminder that Saint Marcellin Champagnat’s vision and energy has crossed centuries, oceans and cultures. It lives on through people in all roles and positions in life. His legacy continues to enliven and animate our school community, so that collectively we can shape and sculpt the lives of all our students.

The words attributed to St Thomas More resonate loudly here. Not only do they draw many parallels with the life and accomplishments of St Marcellin himself but they also serve as a gentle reminder of how we should continue our own work in the future.

“The things good Lord we pray forGive us the grace to labour for.”

Warm RegardsMr Paul Daley - Year 12 Coordinator

For graduation photos, please see Pages 6-7 of this newsletter. A link to a gallery of all graduation photos will be provided shortly.

Farewell Br David

All members of the Marcellin College Community are invited to a Farewell Cocktail Party in honour of Br David on Thursday, 11 December from 6.30pm at Coogee Surf Lifesaving Club.

This is an adults only function and numbers are limited. Please email maryanne.davis@syd.catholic.edu.au if you would like to attend.

A “Wishing Well” will be available on the night should you wish to leave Br David a message, card or monetary gift.

315 AUGUST 2014

I would advise parents to look at what lies ahead this term in your son’s assessment schedule. Each student in Years 7-10 will have an exam block. Year 11 will have assessments and students need to be activating a good method of study every night. Preparation is the key to success in just about everything we do and exams are no exception. I would encourage parents to monitor this preparation and insist that study and revision be part of each night’s routine. If you have any questions or enquiries regarding this, please feel free to email your son’s Homeroom Teacher.

I have no doubt that part of South Sydney’s success was hard work and preparation by everyone involved. Perhaps this might motivate all of us to include these vital ingredients in order for success at school.

Enjoy Term Four.Mr Peter Buxton - Deputy Headmaster

From the Deputy Headmaster

Glory Glory to South Sydney!The NRL Grand Final weekend is one I will never forget. After 43 years, the trophy is finally ours. The pride and celebration was well deserved and the spirit in the community was infectious. To witness such joy on occasions like this reminds me of the importance of happiness. Even those who do not support the Rabbitohs were happy for those who do. If we can find some happiness in our lives, we are uplifted and inspire others with this joy. Congratulations South Sydney!

Please keep our HSC students in your prayers as they complete their HSC exams. No doubt these young men have been working hard in their preparation, however, the power of prayer is also needed. Please pray for someone in particular you know.

AETERNA NON CADUCAThe Eternal not the Transitory

photo: illawarramercury.com.au

Congratulations to the Rabbitohs on winning the 2014 NRL premiership

IMPORTANT CALENDAR EVENTSTERM 4

13 Oct - 7 Nov HSC examinations

Friday, 24 October Walkathon

Thursday, 13 November Staff Development Day (PM)

Friday, 14 November Staff Development Day

Monday, 8 December Headmaster’s Assembly Years 10 & 11 Prizegiving

Thursday, 11 December Br David Farewell (evening) Coogee Surf Club

Monday, 15 December Years 7-9 Picnic Day

Wednesday, 17 December Parent feedback interviews

Thursday, 18 December Term 4 concludes

College Yearbooks 2002 - 2013There are additional copies of the 2002-13 College Yearbooks.

Please contact the Front Office to collect a copy.

Student Detail Verification Forms

The Student Detail Verification forms have been posted to the residential guardian of all students.

The forms must be returned to the school by Friday, 31 October. Failure to do so will mean that your son will be billed as the first child in a Catholic school and may effect sibling discount entitlements.

For further information please contact me at the Front Office on 9398 6355.

Mrs Sharon Elliot - Bursar

4 MARCELLIN COLLEGE RANDWICK NEWSLETTER

Thomas WallerCAPTAIN

Joshua DeverVICE CAPTAIN

Mitchell LawSOLIDARITY

Noah SimpkinsMINISTRY

Pearse DolanSPORT

Rafael BruzzeseACADEMIC

Benjamin DavisANSELM HOUSE

Luke DeverBOWEN HOUSE

Joshua ParkerFALLON HOUSE

Declan WhiteIGNATIUS HOUSE

MARCELLIN COLLEGE Captains and Prefects 2015

Michael JenkinsCULTURAL

Thomas NicholasYEAR 7 PREFECT

Christopher DowneyYEAR 8 PREFECT

George SfinasYEAR 9 PREFECT

Austin VellaYEAR 10 PREFECT

Jake IrvineSPIRIT

515 AUGUST 2014

College Review of Safety Procedures

On 12 September 2014, on advice from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, the Australian Government raised the National Terrorism Public Alert level from ‘Medium’ to ‘High’.

With the safety and wellbeing of all members of our community being our highest priority, and in light of this revised rating, the Catholic Education Office has asked that each school review its normal safety procedures to reflect this revised rating.

This direction is precautionary only and in most cases, you will not notice anything different. Everyone who enters the school will be required to sign in and out. Office staff will be carefully checking the identification of all visitors. We will be reviewing our Critical Incident Response plan and conducting our normal emergency evacuation practice drills. In the main, it will simply be about being careful and vigilant.

If you have any questions or concerns about this matter, please contact the school.

Br David Hall FMS

Headmaster

We acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we stand. We walk on a land once occupied by the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. May we continue to love and respect the land as they have.

#serve

featuring Fr Rob Galea

presented byTRINITY CATHOLIC COLLEGE

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served,

but to serve MARK 10:45

““

Trinity Catholic College13 Park Rd, Auburn

Dress • CasualBBQ Provided

FREE ENTRY BY WRISTBAND

PROVIDED

Friday 7 November5.30pm–9.00pm

See your Youth Ministry Co-ordinator for further details

catechesis

2014 Annual College Walkathon - 24 October

The students have made an extraordinary effort so far pledging $55,000, but this still falls shy of our goal of $60,000. The funds raised are going towards the new facilities and rooms that students will soon use and enjoy at the College, so please keep pledging, knowing that your generosity will give you a better future with more opportunities at the College.

Just a reminder that each boy should be planning their costumes for next week as the best dressed in each year group will receive points which go towards their House. These points could be the difference between your House winning the day at Wet n’ Wild or spending the day at school. Please remember that all clothing and costumes are to be sensible and are not to cover the face.

Year colours: Year 7 - Blue, Year 8 - White, Year 9 - Green, Year 10 - Yellow, Year 11 - Red

Finally, thank you so much to the large number of parents and families who have committed to volunteering on the day. Such an event could not take place without your support!

Mr Matthew FitzgeraldWalkathon Coordinator

6 MARCELLIN COLLEGE RANDWICK NEWSLETTER

Graduation Day 2014

715 AUGUST 2014

Graduation Day 2014

A link to a gallery of all graduation photos will be provided shortly.

8 MARCELLIN COLLEGE RANDWICK NEWSLETTER

Uniform Shop Special Opening

Monday, 8 December 11.00am - 12.00pm

For purchase of 2015 Senior uniforms

From the Student Counsellor

WAYS Effective Parenting Course

WAYS will be conducting a free five week course, run on Monday nights. The course is facilitated by experienced clinicians specializing in adolescent development and behaviour and will assist parents to improve parent-child relationships and manage and understand their child’s behaviour during adolescent years. This is a skills building and educational program only, it is not therapy and is not designed to deal with parenting of serious behavioural or clinical problems.

TOPIC AREAS INCLUDE:• Understanding your son - adolescent development • Reflecting on various parenting styles and their impact• Setting limits and boundaries that stick• Effective communication and conflict resolution• Practical strategies for building resilience in your son• Special topics: alcohol and other drugs, sex, mental health and enhancing internal

regulation

DETAILS: Phone Olivia or Kelly on 9365 2500DATE: Mondays nights (10th November – 8th December)TIME: 6:00 - 8:00pm VENUE: WAYS Youth Services, 63a Wairoa Ave, Bondi Beach

Mr Carl BeattieCollege Counsellor

Headmaster’s Assembly

Year 10 - 11 Prizegiving

Monday, 8 December9.45am

Class of 1974 7 November 2014

6pm Mass in the College Chapel followed by dinner at Randwick Labor Club at 7pm.

Details: Michael Brydon : michael.brydon@health.

nsw.gov.au

Old Boys Reunion

BAKERYCheese & Bacon Rolls $2.40Tomato & Cheese Rolls $2.40Custard Tarts $3.20Muffins $3.20Chocolate / Strawberry Donuts $2.80Jam Donuts $3.20Other Assorted Pastries TBA

DRINKSWater 600ml $2.00Ice Teas - Peach,Mango $3.50Powerade $3.50Cans/Diet Cans $2.00Oak Flavoured Milk - 300ml $2.50 - 600ml $3.50Juices - 500ml $3.50

CONFECTIONARYChips - Red Rock/Smiths $2.20Chocolate Bars, Allens lollies $1.20Calipo $1.50Big Mouth Sushi $3.50

ROLLS & SANDWICHESChicken & Mayo $3.50Ham Cheese & Tomato $3.50Whole Egg & Lettuce $3.50Bacon & Egg Roll $3.20Roast Beef & Gravy $3.80

WRAPSChicken BLT $5.00Chicken Ceasar $5.00

HOT FOODHot Dog Cheese & Sauce $3.50Chicken Tenders Roll $4.00Chicken Meatballs $3.40Mini Frankfurt in Filo $3.00Tasty Tompson's Pies - Plain $3.80Sausage Rolls $3.20Spinach & Fetta Rolls $3.80Noodles Beef/Chicken $2.80

FRUIT/YOGHURTFruit $1.00Fruit Salad $4.00Yoghurts $3.20

Mobile Canteen Term 4 Menu

915 AUGUST 2014

7 BRIDGES WALK

The Cancer Council NSW’s annual community event will be held on Sunday 26 October and involves a 27km walk around

our spectacular Sydney Harbour.

It crosses seven iconic bridges including the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Pyrmont Bridge, ANZAC Bridge, Iron Cove

Bridge, Gladesville Bridge, Tarban Creek Bridge and Fig Tree Bridge.

Participants can walk some or all of the course and free

buses will be available to move people around the course.

Details: www.7bridgeswalk.com.au

RACE FOR THE KIDS

Sydney’s Most Fun 5Km Family Run3.00pm Saturday 18 October Centennial Park

Run, skip, walk with your dog, or pram a 5km route that ends with a fun family festival of ar ts & craf ts, food &

drink, music, jumping castles, a petting zoo,Captain Starlights and so much more including your

favourite spor ting stars and our amazing Ambassador Libby Trickett … all while you raise money to brighten the

lives of seriously ill children and their families.

Details: racefor thekids.com.au or phone 8425 5927

Capital Works Progress

Above: Construction of the new library, classrooms and canteen on 18 July (left), and 17 October (right). Completion is planned for later this term, with students using the facilities before the end of the year. Below: The former Year 7 area’s transformation into a multi-purpose space to be named the Greenstead Hall, on 22 August (left) and 17 October (right).

10 MARCELLIN COLLEGE RANDWICK NEWSLETTER

MCR Student Memorial Board

The College is in the process of placing a memorial board in the Prayer Room. This board is in memory of those boys who have passed away whilst being a student at MCR. To date, the College has the following details of their passing.

Frank Brennan 22/4/1934Bruce Bullivant 18/09/1936Douglas Hussey 28/12/1936Leo Wright 03/03/1938Jimmy Kenny ? 1939Will Ross 05/03/1943Gilbert Bocabarteille 25/04/1946Patrick O'Flaherty 25/12/1948Paul Casey ? (Dec 53-Jan 54)Graeme Cook ? 1958

Michael Wilkins 24/02/1968Greg Burg ? 1969Graham Corbett ? 1969Bill Carrigan 19/02/1971J.J. Summerhayes 17/04/1977Matthew Bain 08/09/1983Sam Capeleri 26/01/1991Cuong Do 12/08/1998Daniel Romeo 17/10/2013

If you find any inaccuracies in this information, or there are boys names missing, could you please email these details to me. I thank you for your assistance with this.

Mr Brian Vane-Tempest Director of Development & Communications

The College has very little in our archives from the earlier years. We are seeking relevant items from families who would like to donate such memorabilia to the College. Please contact us on 9398 6355. Thank you for your support. HARMONY WALK 2014

On Sunday 26 October 2014, Sydney will host the 3rd annual Harmony Walk – a celebration of Australia’s national, ethnic and

religious diversity. It brings together people from all walks of life who strive for an inclusive society around the principles of

fairness, harmony and respect.

It will be a fun day suitable for all the family, with multicultural food stalls, enter tainment, and of course the walk itself. The walk

is free and suitable all ages and abilities.

Details: www.harmonywalk.org.au

The Marcellin Graduate

3. A Sense of Community

He is an active member of the local community. He pursues the common good, not just his own. He participates in sporting and community clubs and cultural groups; he is a generous contributor to worthy causes. He seeks out ways to make lasting and significant contributions to the service of society, including politics, the Church, the judiciary and education. His personal integrity is of utmost importance to him and he values, with humility, the opportunities and privileges offered to him. He is proud to be a Marcellin Graduate and is acutely aware and appreciative of being a part of the College tradition; a tradition from which he benefits and to which he contributes.

1115 AUGUST 2014

From the DirectorSince June we have experienced a number of successes and the usual challenges that come with development work. Water tanks and bores have been installed to supplement school water supplies, facilities have been renovated across many projects and local programs continue to provide education for the young people we support. Alongside this new projects have commenced in Bangladesh, Bougainville, Cambodia, India and most recently in Vietnam with the tremendous support from our network of Marist donors and volunteers. Thank you!

In August we partnered with Marist Youth Ministry, Brisbane, for the inaugural Winter Conversation, where, for the first time, the Marist network in Brisbane got an insight into the real experiences of Marists in projects in Asia and the Pacific. We hope to do this again.

As we enter the last quarter of 2014 we begin preparations for our annual Christmas Gatherings and launch of the MSol Christmas appeal. We will soon be sending out invitations so if you would like to join us just let us know and we’ll make sure you get an invitation.

Sincerely,

Br Allen SherryExecutive Director, MSol

Tony McDonnell has had a long connection with the Marist Brothers as a teacher at Marist College North Shore since graduating from university in 1985. In June of last year Tony packed his bags to spend twelve months volunteering in Cambodia at LaValla School for children with disabilities. On his return Tony reflected with MSol on his experience. Here’s an excerpt from his reflections.

What was your prior involvement with Cambodia and what inspired you to return for twelve months?

Prior to my 12 months in Cambodia I had travelled with 10 immersion groups to Cambodia. I had also spent 3 months living in the LaValla community in 2012, whilst on long service leave. Since my very first visit to Cambodia I have had a great desire to spend a longer period with the LaValla community. I do not really know where that desire came from. The 12 months stay just seemed “meant to be”.

What was an average day at LaValla like and what motivated you each day?

I don’t know if I would call any day in Cambodia average! The enthusiasm and eagerness of the students certainly made the task at hand both easy and rewarding. Look at the kids… How could you say “I’m too tired to teach you the drums” when a boy with one prosthetic arm is asking the question with drum sticks in hand. The kids at the school are very special and they certainly provided the motivation.

What similarities are there between Marist College North Shore and LaValla School?

I have always believed Marist North Shore has a great Marist spirit but there is something even more authentic and real about the Marist spirit at LaValla. At both places the importance of relationship is paramount. Maybe because of the Khmer culture or maybe because all the teaching staff at LaValla are disabled but the relationship the teachers have with the students at LaValla is wonderful. They have

a very personal knowledge of each student in their care and seem to be so accessible and available to their students. They know the importance of their role in the life of a disabled person in Cambodia and embrace it.

Why have you chosen this accompanying picture?

I had literally thousands of photos to consider including with this article but I have decided to include a photo of Dara*. Dara has cerebral palsy. He is probably the most disabled person at LaValla. Because of his disability, Dara is in the special class, which means he has had no formal English lessons. But Dara is very bright and has learnt quite good English from his interactions with all the English speaking people who visit LaValla. Despite his disability Dara is one of the happiest people I have ever met and his excitement at greeting me each morning gave me a great handle on life’s realities each and every day. (*a ficticious name has been used for privacy reasons)

What would you say to teachers who are considering volunteering abroad for a term?

I would encourage anyone who thinks that volunteering sounds like them to find a way to explore that call. I also think that perhaps the term “volunteering” doesn’t really capture the experience I had – I prefer to speak of my time in Cambodia as a personal immersion. Why? Well, I think rather than just going to do good things (which is important in itself), the personal immersion is a journey where you take the time to stop, think, reflect and listen – something that seemed so much easier in Cambodia than in the “clutter” of daily life in Sydney.

For the full interview with Tony please visit our newsfeed:

www.maristsolidarity.net.au/newsfeed

Reflections from a Volunteer...

...Dara is one of the happiest people I

have ever met and his excitement at greeting

me each morning gave me a great handle on

life’s realities...Tony McDonnell

SEPTEMBER 2014

Christmas with the MSol Team 2014Partnering for school rebuild: TIMOR-LESTE New developments in Mabiri: BOUGAINVILLE

Reflections from a Volunteer... CAMBODIA New bore complete for school water: INDIAConstruction at Moulovibazar: BANGLADESH

Welcome to the third edition of solidaritymatters for 2014, the e-newsletter for the MSol office of the Marist Brothers Province of Australia. solidaritymatters

Dara and one of his classmates at the LaValla School, Cambodia.Read about Tony McDonnell’s experience as a volunteer working with the children at the LaValla Shool in the feature article.Photograph by Tony McDonnell

From the DirectorSince June we have experienced a number of successes and the usual challenges that come with development work. Water tanks and bores have been installed to supplement school water supplies, facilities have been renovated across many projects and local programs continue to provide education for the young people we support. Alongside this new projects have commenced in Bangladesh, Bougainville, Cambodia, India and most recently in Vietnam with the tremendous support from our network of Marist donors and volunteers. Thank you!

In August we partnered with Marist Youth Ministry, Brisbane, for the inaugural Winter Conversation, where, for the first time, the Marist network in Brisbane got an insight into the real experiences of Marists in projects in Asia and the Pacific. We hope to do this again.

As we enter the last quarter of 2014 we begin preparations for our annual Christmas Gatherings and launch of the MSol Christmas appeal. We will soon be sending out invitations so if you would like to join us just let us know and we’ll make sure you get an invitation.

Sincerely,

Br Allen SherryExecutive Director, MSol

Tony McDonnell has had a long connection with the Marist Brothers as a teacher at Marist College North Shore since graduating from university in 1985. In June of last year Tony packed his bags to spend twelve months volunteering in Cambodia at LaValla School for children with disabilities. On his return Tony reflected with MSol on his experience. Here’s an excerpt from his reflections.

What was your prior involvement with Cambodia and what inspired you to return for twelve months?

Prior to my 12 months in Cambodia I had travelled with 10 immersion groups to Cambodia. I had also spent 3 months living in the LaValla community in 2012, whilst on long service leave. Since my very first visit to Cambodia I have had a great desire to spend a longer period with the LaValla community. I do not really know where that desire came from. The 12 months stay just seemed “meant to be”.

What was an average day at LaValla like and what motivated you each day?

I don’t know if I would call any day in Cambodia average! The enthusiasm and eagerness of the students certainly made the task at hand both easy and rewarding. Look at the kids… How could you say “I’m too tired to teach you the drums” when a boy with one prosthetic arm is asking the question with drum sticks in hand. The kids at the school are very special and they certainly provided the motivation.

What similarities are there between Marist College North Shore and LaValla School?

I have always believed Marist North Shore has a great Marist spirit but there is something even more authentic and real about the Marist spirit at LaValla. At both places the importance of relationship is paramount. Maybe because of the Khmer culture or maybe because all the teaching staff at LaValla are disabled but the relationship the teachers have with the students at LaValla is wonderful. They have

a very personal knowledge of each student in their care and seem to be so accessible and available to their students. They know the importance of their role in the life of a disabled person in Cambodia and embrace it.

Why have you chosen this accompanying picture?

I had literally thousands of photos to consider including with this article but I have decided to include a photo of Dara*. Dara has cerebral palsy. He is probably the most disabled person at LaValla. Because of his disability, Dara is in the special class, which means he has had no formal English lessons. But Dara is very bright and has learnt quite good English from his interactions with all the English speaking people who visit LaValla. Despite his disability Dara is one of the happiest people I have ever met and his excitement at greeting me each morning gave me a great handle on life’s realities each and every day. (*a ficticious name has been used for privacy reasons)

What would you say to teachers who are considering volunteering abroad for a term?

I would encourage anyone who thinks that volunteering sounds like them to find a way to explore that call. I also think that perhaps the term “volunteering” doesn’t really capture the experience I had – I prefer to speak of my time in Cambodia as a personal immersion. Why? Well, I think rather than just going to do good things (which is important in itself), the personal immersion is a journey where you take the time to stop, think, reflect and listen – something that seemed so much easier in Cambodia than in the “clutter” of daily life in Sydney.

For the full interview with Tony please visit our newsfeed:

www.maristsolidarity.net.au/newsfeed

Reflections from a Volunteer...

...Dara is one of the happiest people I

have ever met and his excitement at greeting

me each morning gave me a great handle on

life’s realities...Tony McDonnell

In 1999 the Indonesian Military severely damaged or destroyed over 90% of schools in Timor-Leste. The under resourced Timorese school system cannot provide enough places for the young people to attend school. In Ossu damage to the school’s roof has rendered classrooms useless during the wet season with teachers having to send students home. The resulting water damage has left the building structurally unstable.

While state schools are supported with funding, many parish-run Catholic schools such as the one in Ossu are in

very poor condition. Ossu Community has now partnered with Burleigh Heads parish in Australia and Australian Marist Solidarity to support the renovation of 6 classrooms, a small library and an administration section.

We are looking forward to the contribution that this will make toward the educational opportunities available to young people in Timor-Leste.

Michael Coleman, Project Coordinator - Timor-Leste

We were very happy to receive the news that on the 25th of August 2014, the foundation stone of the Tea Gardens school and hostel project was laid and blessed. In his welcome Br Eugenio Sanz thanked the Marist Brothers worldwide for helping with funds to buy the land. He also thanked the NGOs, including Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS), that are providing funds for the construction of buildings.

Br Eugenio reiterated the aim of this project, which is to build a High School and hostels that will serve the Tea garden workers’ children. The school will be open to Muslim and Hindu students to ensure that all local children have the chance to escape poverty. Through this project and

new facilities the Brothers will assist with the formation of the teachers at primary and secondary level, while also continuing to support the Sreemongol parish program in the primary schools scattered throughout the tea gardens. It is also hoped that the school will become a focus, in the Diocese and in the Church of Bangladesh for developing awareness on Children’s Rights.

While the first move has been made this project still needs your support to succeed. Contact us today!

Br Brian Kinsella, Project Coordinator

Click here or Contact us to support St Teresinha today!(donat ions to this project are tax deduct ible)

In solidaritymatters in March 2014 we wrote about the water needs of the Marist Schools at P. Udayupatti in India. Great news came in August to say that the school had finished installing the bore.

The primary and secondary schools are located on the outskirts of Trichy in the south of Tamil Nadu. 1500 students were using the water supply every day when the 25 year old bore on the property failed. This, combined with the failure of the monsoon rains for the previous two years, left the school community in dire circumstances and struggling for safe drinking water, water for preparing meals, washing and for basic hygiene.

With the help of our donors, MSol was able to provide funds to dig a deeper and more reliable well and the necessary pump and filtration equipment. Recently Brother Chinna reported that the new bore is providing a steady flow of clean water and offered his thanks to the Australian Marists who supported this project.

We at MSol thank the schools and individuals who provide the funds to support the projects of the most marginalised in Asia and the Pacific.

Br Brian Kinsella, Project Coordinator

Contact us to support other projects in INDIA today!

Click here or Contact us to support this school today!(donat ions to this project are tax deduct ible)

School facilities construction to begin in Moulovibazar, BANGLADESH

Water flows for the students in P.Udayupatti, INDIA

Partnering to rebuild St Teresinha Catholic Junior High School, TIMOR-LESTE

We were very happy to receive the news that on the 25th of August 2014, the foundation stone of the Tea Gardens school and hostel project was laid and blessed. In his welcome Br Eugenio Sanz thanked the Marist Brothers worldwide for helping with funds to buy the land. He also thanked the NGOs, including Australian Marist Solidarity (AMS), that are providing funds for the construction of buildings.

Br Eugenio reiterated the aim of this project, which is to build a High School and hostels that will serve the Tea garden workers’ children. The school will be open to Muslim and Hindu students to ensure that all local children have the chance to escape poverty. Through this project and new facilities the Brothers will assist with the formation of the teachers at primary and secondary level, while also continuing to support the Sreemongol parish program in the primary schools scattered throughout the tea gardens. It is also hoped that the school will become a focus, in the Diocese and in the Church of Bangladesh for developing awareness on Children’s Rights.

While the first move has been made this project still needs your support to succeed. Contact us today!

Br Brian KinsellaProject Coordinator

School facilities construction to begin in Moulovilazar, BANGLADESH

12 MARCELLIN COLLEGE RANDWICK NEWSLETTER

MCC SUMMER SEASONThe MCC summer season got underway last week with a trial against Bankstown. The results from these matches were very much in Marcellin’s favour and this was a great way to begin the 2014/15 Summer campaign.

Round 1 was to be played yesterday against Ryde, however poor weather forced a cancellation of these matches. This round will now be played on Thursday, 27 November.

BASKETBALL – CHARITY EVENTOur A & B Grade basketball teams travelled to Cranbrook on Wednesday evening to take part in matches against their senior basketball teams as part of a charity event. Our junior basketballers went along to support and did a fantastic job.B Grade had a strong win 64-44, having led all the way. Alex Drury top-scored with 36 points and Travis Drummond (on debut) rebounded strongly. This was a great performance with five players having their first game in the senior grade.A Grade lost their match 74-58 against a very strong Cranbrook outfit who took an early lead which they never surrendered. Ben Davis was the standout performer on the night, along with Captain Luke McKaig who top scored with 20 points.

My thanks to Miss Dove, Mrs Spencer, Miss Clarke and Mr Lee for their support of the teams, as well as the junior players and all parents who attended.

REPRESENTATIVE SPORTMarcellin College has a proud sporting history, dating back many years. Over the decades that this College has been a member of the MCC competition, its reputation as a premier sporting school of the association could not be argued. Such strength in the sporting arena has been built on the back of a willingness of students (and staff coaches) to share their talents for the benefit of themselves, their team mates and the College. As a student of Marcellin College myself, it was always a great privilege to wear the ‘Cerise & Blue’ and I hope our boys today see it the same way.

As we embark on the 2014/2015 MCC sporting year, I thought this an opportune time to remind our boys that it is their willingness to share their talents which creates such a successful and positive sport culture.

In the ‘Confirmation of Enrolment’ documentation that all families sign when beginning at Marcellin College, it states:‘Students are enrolled on the understanding that they join in sports and other activities as required or requested. Students who have the ability and talent to represent the College in sport and other activities are expected to share these as one way of building up the college spirit’

I congratulate not only the boys who have represented the College, but all those who have attempted to do so. I hope that all boys embrace this attitude over the coming years to ensure that the outstanding Marcellin College tradition as a school of sporting excellence continues.

From the Sports Coordinator

Above: Congratulations to the B Grade basketball team, who were victorious in a charity game against Cranbrook.

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT – Abe Davis (Class of 2013)Abe Davis, who graduated from the College with the class of 2013, was recently selected by the Sydney Swans in the AFL draft. This is an outstanding achievement for Abe who has been progressing through the junior ranks of the Swans over the last few years.

Mr Luke MacNamara Sports Coordinator