Our celebration of Champagnat Day, inclusive of inadvertent weather, was an opportunity to reflect on the life of our founder and the contribution that he and other significant people throughout Christian and subsequent Catholic history have played in shaping not only our College but much of the world. My recent pilgrimage with members of our Australian Marist family provided me with the opportunity to make some strong connections with the work that St. John the Evangelist, St. Paul and Mary, Our Good Mother, performed to establish the early church. Their contributions as role models for future generations have ensured that the “First Light” of Christ still burns vividly, particularly here at Mount Carmel, courtesy of the establishment of the Marist Brothers by Marcellin Champagnat 207 years ago.

Thanks to all who attended our wonderful Mass and Awards ceremony this morning, where we again came together as a faith community to share the Eucharist and recognise those staff and students who have made significant contributions to Marist Education and our College Community. We were able to acknowledge years of service to Marist Education for nine staff. These being:

• 10 years - Mrs Candice Hills, Ms Diane Poulton, Mr David Teuma and Ms Rebecca Toogood
• 20 years - Mrs Rosetta Fitzgerald and Mr Simon Huntly
• 25 years - Mrs Therona Govender
• 30 years - Mrs Christine Meharg
• 40 years - Mrs Clare Murphy

In excess of 90 students in Years 8-12 were then presented with Champagnat Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards for their contributions to upholding the Marist Pillars of:

• In the way of Mary
• Love of Work
• Family Spirit
• Presence, and
• Simplicity

A special mention must go to Alexander Dutfield in Year 12 who was presented with a prestigious Platinum Award in recognition for his achievement of being nominated by staff for a Champagnat Award for each of his 5 years of eligibility. An outstanding achievement by Alexander and congratulations and thanks to all students for being recognised as living in the true spirit of Marcellin.

The Mass and Awards were then followed by fundraising revolving around stalls for food and activities conducted by Pastoral Classes and our Student Representative Council to raise valuable funds for charitable organisations. The day concluded with a whole school concrete where we were able to see the amazing creative talent of a number of our students. A huge thanks to all staff, students, families and carers for their planning, preparation and support of this wonderful day.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support with the Learning, Wellbeing and Faith development of our students. Please do not hesitate to contact the Office or your son or daughters respective Pastoral Advisor or Year Coordinator should you have any questions or require support.

Mr Simon Huntly