Dear College Community 

Tonight is opening night for our musical, School of Rock, and I am really looking forward to seeing our students take to the stage. School musicals provide students with so much more than an opportunity to perform. They build confidence, resilience, creativity and teamwork, while developing important skills in communication, collaboration and commitment. They also bring together students with a wide range of talents and interests, creating a strong sense of belonging and community. I would like to sincerely thank our students, staff, families and everyone who has contributed to bringing this wonderful production to life. I hope many of you will have the opportunity to come along, support our students and enjoy what promises to be a fantastic show. Tickets are still available. 

This week was Teacher Assistant Appreciation Week, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of our Teacher Assistants for their commitment and dedication to our students and for the support they provide to our teachers. The work they do each day is invaluable. They make a significant difference to the learning, wellbeing, and experience of our students, and we genuinely appreciate everything they do for our College and our community. 

With Father’s Day on Sunday, we take the opportunity to celebrate and thank the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers and father figures in our MRC community. Thank you for the love, encouragement, guidance and support you provide to your young people each day. We wish all our fathers and father figures a very happy Father’s Day and hope you enjoy a special day with your families. 

Last week, at our termly Principals’ gathering, Archbishop Tony reminded us that Catholic education is about both knowledge and love. Reflecting on the Gospel of the ten bridesmaids, he spoke about the oil as a metaphor for the love we instil in our young people. It is this love, care and guidance that helps prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter throughout their lives. 

Catholic education is about much more than imparting knowledge. We are called to educate the whole person, helping young people develop not only academically, but also in how they treat others, make decisions, respond to challenges and contribute positively to their community. Our hope is that students leave Marist equipped with knowledge, strong values and a genuine sense of responsibility for others. 

This is particularly important in a world where young people are surrounded by constant messages and opinions through their screens. While technology provides many opportunities, it can also expose young people to influences that promote individualism and division rather than compassion, community and the common good. As a Catholic community, we have an important role in helping our young people recognise what is good and true and to be guided by the light of Christ. 

At Marist, we are privileged to walk alongside our students as they grow and develop. Every interaction, every word of encouragement, every challenge and every act of kindness can make a difference in a young person’s life. Our responsibility is not simply to teach students what to know, but to help them become the people they are called to be.  

Warm regards, 

Shayne Kidd 

Principal