Week 7 has witnessed a number of Community Building and Learning activities. Wednesday saw Year 10 attend the Macarthur careers Expo at Menangle Park. They were able to visit a range of displays that related to a range of career pathways: Apprenticeships, Traineeships, University and other Registered Training Organisations. The information gathered will be of great benefit to Year 10 students as they commence the process for selecting subjects for Stage 6 over the coming weeks. Thanks to all students for the manner in which they conducted themselves at the Expo and to the staff who assisted with organising and supervising the excursion.

Yesterday and today saw a large number of students recognised for a variety of achievements. At yesterday’s College Assembly over 40 Year 11 and 12 students were presented with Academic Effort & Achievement certificates for Semester One.  Our Senior Basketball team were officially recognised for their outstanding win at the National Marist Basketball Championships at the end of Term One and Howard were formally announced as the winners of the College Athletics Carnival.

Another significant part of our Assembly involved a presentation by Mr Michael Duong, who was a Vietnamese Refugee who arrived in Australia in December 1981 as a 15 year old who has since graduated from his HSC, has a degree in Computing Science and currently works for the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Michael shared his story and that of his family as a timely reminder of what people can achieve in the face of adversity and the fortune that we experience in Australia in terms of peace and living standards. We thank Michael immensely for his words, which are of a particular importance as we ready ourselves for Refugee Week between the 16 and 22 of June. I would also like to thank Ms Nguyen for organising with Michael to deliver his presentation and to our student community for the respect and reverence that they displayed during his speech.

Earlier today we also celebrated Champagnat Day Mass and Awards. Over 140 students received Champagnat Awards as an acknowledgement for their demonstration of the positive attributes and qualities possessed by Marcellin. Congratulations to all students for their awards and thanks for their efforts to “live the dream of Marcellin Champagnat”.

Finally, a couple of reminders for important upcoming events. Next Thursday, June 15 is scheduled for Year 10 and Year 7 catch-up vaccinations. Please click on the following link  Years 7 and 10 Immunisation Registration register your son or daughter for this important NSW Health initiative. The following week, June 22, sees our annual school photos taken. Please ensure that your son or daughter comply with the College’s Uniform and Grooming policy (pages 16-19 of the Student Diary) so that these photos can be taken on the day. Thanks for your ongoing support with your son or daughters Learning and Wellbeing.

All the best for the week ahead.

Mr Simon Huntly