Dear Families 

Welcome to Term 4! It has been a fantastic start to the term, with many opportunities to celebrate the achievements of our students and recognise the people who make Marist Regional College such a wonderful community. 

Last Friday, it was wonderful to see so many families join us for our Year 12 Graduation Assembly. It was a fitting occasion to farewell our Year 12 students following a week of celebrations and acknowledge their contributions to the College. 

This week, we also recognised the completion of their final week of formal schooling. We began with a breakfast celebrating the work of our Student Representative Council, whose focus this year has been building community. Their initiatives, including R U OK? Day, The Big Freeze, the Thurgood Cup and our Feast Day celebrations, have brought students together and strengthened our sense of belonging. 

On Wednesday, members of the Leadership Team enjoyed sharing morning tea with our Year 12 students and hearing about their future plans. It was particularly encouraging to hear them reflect on their time at Marist and express their gratitude for the opportunities and experiences they have enjoyed. Our Vale Mass provided a meaningful opportunity for prayer, reflection and thanksgiving, followed by their final activities together on Thursday and our Graduation Ceremony on Friday. The Graduation Service and Function in a couple of weeks will bring these celebrations to a close. 

Our Year 12 students have been a wonderful group of young people and leaders. Over their time at Marist, we have watched them grow, develop and make their own contributions to our College community. They have formed friendships, created memories and, in many ways, helped shape the College we are today. While we are sad to see them leave, we are also excited about the opportunities and experiences that lie ahead. We wish those undertaking TASC examinations every success and those moving into employment, training or further study all the very best as they begin the next chapter of their lives.  

They will always be part of our Marist community, and we hope they look back on their time here with fondness and gratitude. With young people like these stepping into the world, our future is in good hands. 

TASC examinations continue over the coming weeks. We wish all students undertaking examinations well and ask families and visitors to be mindful of examination arrangements when visiting the College. 

Last Friday, we celebrated World Teachers’ Day. While the day recognises the important work of teachers, I also want to acknowledge and thank our entire team at Marist Regional College. Every staff member, regardless of their role, contributes to the learning, development and wellbeing of our young people. 

Education extends well beyond the classroom. It is reflected in the encouragement we offer, the relationships we build and the care we demonstrate each day. I am grateful for the commitment, compassion and professionalism of our staff and the many ways they go above and beyond for our students. Thank you for the difference you make in the lives of our young people and their families. 

Last Monday evening, we celebrated our students' sporting achievements at our annual Sports Awards. It has been a fantastic year, with many of our teams winning their respective competitions. While these achievements deserve recognition, I am equally proud of the way our students represent the College, demonstrating respect for opponents, teamwork, resilience and humility. Congratulations to all our award recipients and to everyone who represented Marist throughout the year. 

A reminder that Term 4 is summer uniform. However, our expectations remain unchanged. Students must wear their blazers to and from school, skirts must be no shorter than a hand's width above the knee, and only one single stud per ear is permitted. Students who do not meet the College's piercing expectations will be asked to remove additional piercings, with clear silicone retainers available if required. 

These are the same uniform expectations communicated and agreed to as part of enrolment at Marist Regional College. Thank you for your continued support in helping us maintain these standards. 

During the recent school holidays, Mr Yates and I were fortunate to participate in a pilgrimage to France, following in the footsteps of the founders of the Society of Mary and deepening our understanding of our Marist history and charism. 

The founders lived during a time of considerable social upheaval, division and hardship. Their response was to look to Mary as a model of humble leadership, faith and service. Mary did not seek recognition; rather, she responded to the needs of others with compassion and quiet determination. 

This message remains relevant today. Our Marist tradition calls us to build relationships, welcome others, stand up for justice and recognise the dignity of every person. We are reminded that creating a better society begins with our everyday choices: showing kindness, listening to others, supporting those who struggle and treating everyone with respect. 

As we move through the final term of the year, I encourage our students and families to reflect on how we can continue to live these values in our daily lives and make a positive difference to those around us. These small, everyday actions are at the heart of the Marist way. 

Thank you for your continued support of Marist Regional College. I wish all our students, staff and families a happy and productive Term 4. 

Shayne Kidd 

Principal