Dear Parents and Guardians, 

This week, the College is celebrating Harmony Week (16–22 March) with the theme “Everyone Belongs.” This aligns closely with our Student Representative Council’s 2026 theme of belonging. Marist Regional College is proud of the cultural diversity within our community, and Harmony Week provides a valuable opportunity to honour the many cultures, backgrounds and stories that enrich our College. 

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of listening to several parents and a student who shared aspects of their culture with our community. It was a powerful reminder of the tapestry of cultures that make up our College, and the importance of listening to and learning from one another. We are fortunate to live in a country that celebrates such rich cultural diversity. Thank you to Ms Ting and the SRC for their work in preparing activities throughout the week. 

Last week, I spoke with our students about International Women’s Day and shared the story of a young woman I once knew in Indonesia. At just 13, her family arranged for her to be married so they could receive a dowry and afford food. She ran away and was taken in by a woman who ensured she received an education and the opportunity to pursue her dreams. Today, she is a successful business owner and was a parent leader at a school where I previously served as Principal. I shared her story to highlight the profound value of education, something we can easily take for granted in Australia.

At Marist Regional College, your children are offered a high‑quality education, reflected in our ongoing academic success. Last year, 44% of our Year 12 students achieved results placing them in the top 20% nationally. Such achievements do not happen by chance; they result from high expectations, strong discipline, dedicated staff, supportive families, and students who are encouraged and challenged to give their best. 

As we prepare for our 2027 Year 7 Enrolment Information Evening on 24 March, we are mindful of the need to share not only the achievements of our College, but also the values and expectations that allow those achievements to flourish. When families enrol at Marist Regional College, they agree to support these shared expectations. Over time, however, we sometimes see small matters begin to challenge this understanding, such as uniform requirements not being followed, concerns when teachers expect students to strive for their personal best, family holidays taken during term time, or commitments to sporting teams not being upheld. While these may appear minor in isolation, collectively they relate to the culture of responsibility, respect and commitment that enables our community to thrive. 

For this success to continue, we rely on your ongoing support, ensuring your child follows our uniform policy, backing teachers as they encourage academic effort, and promoting participation in the wide range of opportunities available in sport, the arts, languages and public speaking. Ultimately, the success of our College is measured by the success and wellbeing of your child. By working together to uphold our shared values and expectations, we ensure every student can thrive both at school and beyond. 

Earlier this week, we were pleased to host Sam Kosch from The Resilience Project for a parent session on supporting the wellbeing of young people. This session, shared with families from Stella Maris, explored practical ways to build resilience through gratitude, empathy, and mindfulness. Staff also engaged in a professional learning session, further strengthening the wellbeing supports we provide for our students. Read more about the workshop.

Next week, members of our community are invited to participate in the annual School Effectiveness Survey. Students and staff will complete the survey at school, and families of students in Years 8 and 11 will receive a paper copy to complete at home. Your feedback plays an important role in guiding our planning and continuous improvement, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your insights. 

We are also pleased to announce the launch of our new College website. The updated site has been designed to provide clearer, more accessible information for families and the wider community. While the website is now live, we will continue refining and updating it, and we welcome your feedback. 

I wish you and your family a wonderful week ahead. 

Warm regards, 

Shayne Kidd 

Principal