College Newsletter - 11 April 2025

Principal’s Report

Dear Students, Parents, Staff and Marist Friends

As we come to the end of Term 1, I thank all those in our community for their support and energy to create wonderful memories and opportunities for our students to grow, learn and develop skills and knowledge to engage in our broader community.  I hope the holiday break brings time for rest and that we all enjoy the time for events, activities and connections that we sometimes miss during the busyness of a school term.

Opening Mass

Our school opening mass was delayed due to the Marist Centre being unavailable earlier in the term. Last Tuesday, we had a combined opening school mass with our Easter Liturgy.  My sincere thanks to Mrs Boskovski, Mr Ward, and our wonderful musicians for making this, my first MCK liturgy, a memorable experience. My address to the community centred on the power of prayer. As we journey through Lent and approach Holy Week, let us remember the importance of prayer in our lives. Let us also prepare our hearts and minds through prayer. Let us turn to God in times of need, seek God’s guidance, and trust in God’s plan for us. Through prayer, we can find the strength to overcome obstacles, the wisdom to make the right choices, and the peace to accept whatever comes our way.

Harmony Day Celebrations

Our community is blessed with its diversity. This diversity was beautifully expressed through our Harmony Day celebrations, which we celebrated with an assembly on Friday, 4 April. Our assembly was led by our student leaders. The key message within this celebration was to respect all people and embrace the great diversity that exists here in the College, and that everyone belongs. I share with you just a small snippet of the assembly that was expressed by Konstantinos Benetatos and Ryan Morton.

If you treat everyone with respect, ensure that people are included and take time to find out about other cultures, you can help the world to become a more peaceful place. Begin here at Marist College Kogarah and with your friendship group, then become a leader and take the values of compassion, respect and harmony out into the world with you. You can be responsible to make a better future for all of us.

My thanks to Mr Duff for his leadership of the assembly and to our music staff and talented students who added to the spirit of the day with some cultural music during the breaks.

Ken Sutcliffe Visit

Ms Gambian was able to source a school visit by renowned sports journalist Ken Sutcliffe to provide some inspiration and advice to the Year 9 Journalism students. The Year 9 Journalism class were outstanding ambassadors for the College and asked some thought-provoking questions that drew out some memories from a man who can craft an intriguing story from an amazing array of sporting events. I noted the following points Mr Sutcliffe made that are wonderful life lessons.

Some of his key points to our budding journalists;

• Never lose sight of the importance of the art of listening. Listening without prejudice allows you to know what questions to ask.
• His first writing award came at the age of 50. It can take time to craft a skill.
• Sport provides many lessons in life. The ups and down, the sportsmanship, the camaraderie, friendships, modesty, justice, success, and failure.
• Champions will knuckle down in hard times and come back from adversity.
• Journalism can take you anywhere.
• Everyone has a little magic. Go and find it.
• Always do your homework before an interview.
• He was connected to many of the best sporting and world celebrities because he earnt respect. By being respectful, you were treated with respect.

Mr Peter Fitzpatrick

Congratulations to Mr Fitzpatrick for being the winner of the Education Partner of the Year Award. This is awarded by Youth Partnerships in recognition of outstanding contributions for Vocational Education & Training. He was awarded in the Education Partners – Sydney Catholic Schools section. Well done, Mr Fitzpatrick.

Happy Easter

I pray that the Easter season brings joy, hope and a sense of new beginnings in the lives of our Marist families. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the pinnacle of our faith, and we celebrate and reflect on the sacrifice of Christ to provide us with optimism in spreading the Gospel values of forgiveness, peace, humility, and kindness.

Finis Coronat Opus. Take care and God Bless

Mr David Forrester
College Principal

Assistant Principal’s Report

Return to School - Term 2

Students will return to the College for Term 2 on Tuesday, 29 April, wearing their full winter uniform, including the College blazer. Please ensure that all blazers are labelled with the students name and ready for Term 2. Students should also be reminded of the College’s regulations around hair and grooming. Guidelines for hair and grooming are able to be found in the College Student Diary. Students who fail to adhere to these guidelines may be sent home.

Tutor Program

The College Tutor program was a great success this term. It was wonderful to see so many students attend for help and support in their studies. The Tutor program will begin again Term 2, Week 2 Monday, 5 May for all students to access on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons in the College Library from 3.00 pm to 5.00 pm. 

Students in Years 7 -10 are not required to book a tutor and should arrive at the library at 3.00 pm if they wish to seek help from a tutor.  Students in Years 11 and 12 may book a tutor. The tutor roster will be shared with them Week 1 of next term. Please encourage your son's to access this support.

A reminder to all parents to make suitable arrangements for your sons to get home after the Library closes at 5.00 pm. There is no supervision at the College from 5.00 pm and students are not to remain on the premises after this time.

Thank you to all families for your support of the College this term. I wish you a very happy and a holy Easter and a restful and enjoyable  school holidays with family and friends.

Mrs Catherine Roebuck
Assistant Principal

Religious Education Coordinator

Project Compassion 2025

Caritas Australia’s annual Lenten fundraising and awareness-raising appeal is an extraordinary, ongoing demonstration of the faith, love and generosity of the Catholic congregation and caring supporters throughout Australia to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.

The theme of Project Compassion 2025 is ‘Unite against poverty’. 

This year is an exciting time in the life of the Catholic Church. A Jubilee year only comes around once every quarter of a century, and it brings with it a special invitation for each one of us. That invitation is close to the theme of Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. The theme of Jubilee 2025 is Pilgrims of Hope. It is hope which calls us to come together and Unite Against Poverty. 

For over 56 years, Caritas Australia has worked together with many communities in Australia and around the world. It invites us to make the world a better place by working together now and finding long term solutions to global issues.    

As Lent draws to a close, I would like to thank the College community for their generosity of gifting to this year’s Project Compassion Appeal.  Project Compassion is Caritas Australia’s annual fundraising and awareness-raising appeal that brings thousands of Australians together in solidarity with the world's poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity. 

I thank you all for your contribution to this wonderful initiative. 

Night Patrol

On Tuesday, 1 April, Joseph Minns, Ryan May and Aaron Knight of Year 11 took part in Night Patrol, an initiative that proved to be a truly enriching experience. Venturing beyond the familiar confines of their academic pursuits, these students embraced the opportunity to connect with the broader community.

Throughout the night, they encountered a diverse array of individuals from various walks of life, each interaction providing a unique perspective and deepening their understanding of the world around them. The night patrol experience not only bolstered our students' commitment to community service but also underscored the importance of empathy, tolerance, and open-mindedness. As they shared stories, offered assistance, and built connections with fellow community members, our students found that the rewards of this endeavour were not just in ensuring safety but in fostering a stronger, more interconnected community.

Thank you to Mr Scali, Mrs Mihaljevic, Mrs Crehan and Mrs Rodgers for accompanying the students. 

If your son is 16 years old or more and is interested in this social justice initiative, please either contact myself or Mr Ziegenfusz for signing up information.

Archbishop Student Leadership Luncheon

On Wednesday, 2 April, Ryan Morton and Elio Fornasier, The College Vice Captain and Ministry Prefect represented the College at a student leadership luncheon with the Archbishop of Sydney, Most Rev Anthony Fisher OP. The event provided an opportunity for fellowship and discussion and, in particular, becoming virtuous leaders in a contemporary society. Students had a most enjoyable day. 

Wednesday Morning Mass (Representative Sport)

On Wednesday morning, 2 April, Fr Yacub, our Parish Priest celebrated the Eucharist with the Representative Sport teams and coaches. Each fortnight every cohort will have the opportunity to celebrate mass in the College Chapel at 8.10 am on a Wednesday, however all students are welcome to attend any service. Thank you again to Fr Yacub for always being available to our College Community and for being a model for staff and students. It was a lovely way to start the day especially during this season on Lent.

Opening School Mass / Easter Liturgy

On Tuesday, 8 April, we gathered as a Catholic community to share in the Eucharist with our College Parish Priest Fr Yacub. This year’s Mass combined both the opening school Mass as well as the Easter liturgy. This Mass gave students an opportunity to reflect upon the Lenten promises and Fr Yacub within his homily reminded students to be true to the faith in every aspect of their life. 

Many thanks to Mrs Lauren Boskovski, Mr Ryan Ziegenfusz, Mr Bill Kostovski and Mr James Flinn for their hard work and contribution to our Mass. A very special thank you to Mr Azar and Mrs Bulmer for participating in the Mass as well. 

Good Friday Stations of the Cross - St Joseph’s Parish Rockdale

On Good Friday each year some of our students come together to re-enact the Stations of the Cross for our local parishioners. The students do an outstanding job, and it truly is a commemorative and moving event. 

You are all most welcome to attend on Good Friday, April 18, at 10 am at St Joseph’s Parish Rockdale (Hot cross buns, tea and coffee are served after). 

Easter Mass Times

Please see below the Easter mass times for the parishes of St Mary MacKillop's Parish, Rockdale City and St Gabriel's Parish, Bexley.

I wish you and your families a very happy and a Holy Easter to come.

May the Risen Christ be hope for all.

Many thanks again to the Marist College community for arranging such a successful Lenten Appeal. Your support is deeply appreciated and will go towards providing much needed relief to many individuals and families. I wish you all a restful break and look forward to returning for Term 2.

Mr Mitchell Ward
Acting Religious Education Coordinator

Leader of Teaching and Learning

Debating Round 2

The College annual debating competition commenced this week, and our teams competed against Bethany College. Teams from both schools showcased their exceptional oratory and critical thinking skills, engaging in debates on a variety of thought-provoking topics.

Congratulations to all the teams for their hard work and dedication. Special recognition goes to our Year 7, 8 and senior teams who won their respective debates on the night.

The Year 7 team new to debating worked well as a team, demonstrating critical thinking skills and confident delivery for first time debaters. The Year 8 team demonstrated remarkable teamwork and strategic rebuttals, which earned them the win on the night. Our senior team, with their depth in knowledge and persuasive rhetoric, clinched a decisive win, showcasing the culmination of years honing their debating skills. 

I thank Miss Todeski, Mr Pentecost, Mr Steel, Ms Heeson for supporting and coaching our teams, also Ms Adamson for her coordination. Also, a thank you to Ms Ferre who adjudicated on the night. 

We wish our debating teams continued success next term!

Year 12 Sydney Catholic Schools HSC revision workshops

As the holiday break approaches, we hope you take this time to relax and recharge. The holidays are a time to spend time with family and celebrate Easter traditions. However, it is also a crucial period to review and revise and use the break wisely. Be sure to:

• Create a study schedule: plan your days to balance revision and relaxation. Allocate specific times for each subject.
• Practice past papers: use the time to familiarise yourself with exam format and types of questions by practising past papers. This will continue to develop your knowledge, skills, and time management.
• Stay active: incorporate physical activities and leisure activities into your routine. This can help reduce stress and improve concentration.
• Stay connected: work collaboratively with your peers and make time to relax with friends.

To support the revision of Year 12 students, Sydney Catholic Schools is offering online HSC revision workshops across a range of subjects, delivered by experienced HSC specialists. These sessions, which will be conducted via Zoom, provide an excellent opportunity to:

• Refresh your understanding of key content
• Develop skills in applying knowledge through scaffolded activities
• Work through HSC-style questions in an interactive environment

Please find here the SCS Year 12 Holiday Workshop schedule and registration information. 

In addition, students may wish to use the holiday break to revise and access the available resources on Canvas, in addition to SCS HSC revision workshops. To support students, Sydney Catholic Schools has developed a series of masterclasses as revision tools for various subjects.

These masterclasses are available on Canvas as pre-recorded workshops that all Year 12 students can access. Student Masterclasses include lessons targeted at different areas, such as, explaining key syllabus points, applying skills, reviewing content or deconstructing stimulus and examination style questions. These have been created by experienced teachers across the diocese. The course can be accessed through this Student Masterclass on canvas.

These classes are pre-recorded and can be accessed at any time. Simply click the link, then click the Dashboard icon where you will find a tab labelled “SCS Masterclasses”. Click this link, and all subjects with available classes will appear.

Exploring Beyond the classroom- Authentic Learning experiences in action

This term has been filled with remarkable achievements, engaging learning experiences and a wide array of excursions to enhance learning outside of the classroom. By stepping outside the traditional classroom, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in environments that stimulate their curiosity and foster critical thinking. These excursions are carefully curated experiences that align with our curriculum.

These excursions have proven to be invaluable in promoting students’ curiosity, critical thinking, and engagement. By connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences, students are able to see the relevance of their studies and are further inspired and engaged in their learning. The skills and knowledge gained from such experiences will undoubtedly contribute to their overall academic and personal growth. I thank our staff for their work in organising these authentic enriching experiences for our students.

This week's newsletter showcases some of the many excursions offered to students.

 I wish you all a Holy Easter and time with your families.

Mrs Gina Stavropoulos
Leader of Teaching and Learning

The Wide World of Sports…..Journalism

Students at Marist College Kogarah were treated to an inspiring and insightful session on Thursday, 3 April, with legendary sports journalist Ken Sutcliffe. With a career spanning decades in television and radio, Mr Sutcliffe shared his experiences covering some of the world’s biggest sporting events, from the Olympic Games to the FIFA World Cup. His visit provided a rare opportunity for students to gain firsthand knowledge of the fast paced and ever evolving world of sports journalism.

Throughout the session, Mr Sutcliffe spoke candidly about the rewards and challenges of the profession. He described the excitement of being on the sidelines of history, witnessing unforgettable sporting moments, and interviewing some of the biggest names in the industry. However, he also emphasized the demands of the job, tight deadlines, the pressure to remain objective, and the challenge of crafting compelling stories in an era dominated by digital media and instant reporting.

When discussing interview techniques, he underscored the value of active listening, explaining that the best interviews happen when journalists create a comfortable environment where interviewees feel encouraged to open up.

For many students, the most impactful lesson from Mr Sutcliffe’s visit was his perspective on the responsibility of journalists. He reminded them that journalism is about trust, integrity, and a commitment to telling the truth. Whether reporting on a local event or a global sports tournament, accuracy and fairness should always come first.

Mr Sutcliffe’s visit left a lasting impression on the aspiring journalists in the room, sparking enthusiasm for a career built on curiosity, storytelling, and a love for sports. His insights and advice will no doubt serve as inspiration for students looking to pursue careers in media and communication.

Justin Pont, Rhys Lau and Simon Berhe
Year 9

Year 12 Investigating Science – Gumaraa Aboriginal Experience

On Friday, 4 April 2025, the Year 12 Investigating Science class travelled to Bundeena to participate in the Gumaraa Aboriginal Experience with cultural practitioner, Tallara.

Tallara guided students through the traditions and practices of the Dharawal Nation, beginning with a Welcome Ceremony that included the application of ochre. The class then took part in a coastal bush tucker and medicine walk, where they explored the medicinal and practical uses of local native plants. For example, the Coastal Wattle (Acacia sophorae) can be crushed to create a natural bush soap, while the Flax Lily (Dianella sp.) was traditionally used as a snake whistle.

Students also learned traditional hunting techniques and were taught how to throw boomerangs and spears. The spears, made from local She-oak trees, demonstrated the deep ecological knowledge embedded in Aboriginal culture. The experience concluded with a weaving workshop, where students practised survival skills by crafting strong fishing lines from dried grasses.

The excursion provided students with a meaningful and hands-on insight into First Nations knowledge systems, particularly those related to the natural environment. It deepened their understanding of the ways Aboriginal science and technology align with scientific inquiry, sustainability, and resourcefulness. The experience enriched their scientific perspectives while fostering respect for the cultural heritage of the Dharawal people. 

Mr Christian Zilich
Science Teacher

Year 12 Biology visit Taronga Zoo

On Wednesday, 9 April, Year 12 Biology ventured to Taronga Zoo where students were given the opportunity to investigate how science is used to make predictions about the future changes to populations and explore the impact of biotechnology on biological assets.

They reviewed different reproduction methods of mammals and were exposed to a range of species, many of which are reliant on human intervention for the maintenance of their population.

Mrs Jackie Cordwell
Leader of Learning Science

Art Club 2025

This term, students have participated in Art Club as part of the College's ‘What's on Tuesday’ Program. Students have had the opportunity to work on collaborative and individual projects, continue working on their assessment tasks, experiment with new materials and explore their creativity through a variety of artmaking techniques. Art Club is a fantastic opportunity to express yourself, make friendships and try something new.

If you're interested in participating in Term 2, please see Ms Kirk or Ms Appleyard for further details.

Ms Sophie Kirk
Visual Arts Teacher

Leader of Student Wellbeing

This month on SchoolTV - Cybersafety

Young people today are growing up in an increasingly connected world where technology is part of their everyday lives –for learning, socialising, and entertainment. While the digital world offers enormous benefits, it also comes with serious risks. From cyberbullying and online predators to inappropriate content and screen time concerns, navigating the online environment can be challenging for young people and their families.

Cybersafety is not just about blocking access– it's about empowering young people with the knowledge and skills they need to use technology responsibly and safely. This includes understanding privacy settings, recognising scams, and developing healthy digital habits. At the same time, it's important for parents and caregivers to stay informed, have open and judgement-free conversations with their children, and lead by example through positive online behaviour.

In today's digital age, safeguarding a child's wellbeing must also include protecting their online life. This edition of SchoolTV will help you better understand the digital landscape your child is navigating and offer practical strategies to help them stay safe, confident and in control online.

Here is the link to your Edition

Benson - Wellbeing Dog

Benson is now 7 months old and doing really well! He came to school for another orientation day early this week and appeared to love it! We are looking to have Benson onsite next term, progressively increasing the amount of time he spends at MCK.

Remember the 3 expectations:

1. Talk to the person in charge of Benson first!
2. Give Benson space
3. Avoid stopping to stare at Benson

At the beginning of Term 2, a short survey will be sent to all families that will ask about known allergies and also potential dog phobias. This will assist us in ensuring that all students are safe and not put in uncomfortable situations with Benson.

Wishing you a very happy and holy Easter.

Mr Shane Duff
Leader of Student Wellbeing

Peaceful Kids

For over four years, Peaceful Kids has been running with Year 7 students at MCK, and Term 1 saw it successfully completed again. The ‘Peaceful Kids’ program is a mindfulness and positive psychology-based program to lessen anxiety and stress and increase resilience in children. This program helps students to build their emotional resilience, so they are better equipped to deal with the day-to-day stresses that life brings them. The program also involves parental involvement and commitment to supporting the strategies at home.

The aims of Peaceful Kids include:

• To minimize the symptoms of anxiety and stress.
• To build emotional resilience.
• To empower students to manage their anxiety.
• To teach students mindfulness exercises they can use for life.
• To build a reservoir of ‘strength’ to enable students to cope with life more effectively.
• To minimize anxiety symptoms occurring in the future.
• To teach students to use a range of effective coping strategies.
• To teach students to self-calm.
• To develop emotional intelligence skills.
• To teach students life-long skills to manage stress and prevent stress build up.
• To support students so they know that they are not alone with suffering from anxiety.

If you would like further information about Peaceful Kids, or you would like your son to participate in Term 2, please don’t hesitate to email me on amy.drury001@syd.catholic.edu.au 

“It has helped me to control my feelings”.
- Charlie

“It helped me by teaching me new coping strategies”.
- George

“It has helped me to know ways to cope with stress or worriedness”.
- Christian

Ms Amy Drury
College Counsellor

Sports Report

What a Term that’s been for MCK representative sport! On Thursday 3rd April we had every single representative team compete in SCS Conference 3 Finals, such a fabulous achievement! Along with this, three of our students represented Sydney Catholic Schools at the NSWCCC Swimming/Diving Championships and our Senior Basketball team competed in the annual Marist Basketball Carnival down in Victoria! Let’s hear from our coaches.

Touch Football

Senior Team

The Senior Touch team came fourth in the regular season meaning they came up against first placed St Pats Sutherland. This was always going to be a challenge particularly with a few players out. The boys did themselves and the College proud. The first half was tight with Makaiden Ilievski scoring two tries to send us to half time down 5-2. Unfortunately, in the second half St Pats put a few late tries on us to run out 10-4 winners. A big thank you to the boys for an enjoyable season.

Mr Jake Gallagher and Mr Ryan Ziegenfusz
Coaches

Intermediate Team

The MCK Intermediate Touch team came into the semi-finals with their confidence sky high after a tough win in the final round of the season. The team played against first place De La Salle Caringbah who are always fierce opposition and came out of the blocks firing. Caringbah raced out to an early lead and the team never recovered from the slow start - in what was a disappointing end to the season. Overall, though, the team showed great character and resilience throughout the course of the season, continually working for one another in attack and defence. Some great tries were scored by wingers Justin Lui, Simon Berhe and Billy Mastrogiannis. These tries came from the silky-smooth skills of Jayden Tuione, Alexander Borg, Adrian Lamproglou and Jarryd Reyes. I am sure that this Intermediate team will continue to succeed and push for a title in the years to come. 

Mr Chris Raptis
Coach

Junior Team

In a thrilling semi-final match, our team narrowly lost to Aquinas Catholic College Menai with a score of 4-3. Despite the defeat, Leo Ndaira was outstanding and earned the Man of the Match title for his exceptional performance. The game was intense and showcased the team's determination and skill. We look forward to coming back stronger in the next season.

Mr Kevin Pham and Mr Klayton Kilpatrick
Coaches

Basketball

Senior Team

The Senior Basketball team had a fantastic regular season in Term 1. Unfortunately, the annual Marist Basketball carnival clashed with the semi/grand finals dates of SCS Conference 3, meaning that all regular starters were absent. A big thank you to the following students who stepped up in replacement of the Seniors and gave it their all last Thursday against St John Bosco Engadine:

• Zak Bogdanovski
• Leo Kafarakis
• Dominic Briscas
• Mel Koinis
• Monty Flinn
• Nicholas Kimovski
• Daniel Anezis
• Nikolas Tsouris

Unfortunately, the result didn’t go in favour of MCK but our boys ensured it was a competitive semi-final which was much appreciated by SCS.

Mr George Kazanis and Mr Thomas Saludo
Coaches

Intermediate Team

Kogarah came up against a strong Penshurst team in last week’s semi-final. Jose Garcia sinking baskets when we needed him, with strong defensive form from Cooper Alexander who essentially shut down their enormous centre. We claimed a 54-50 point win, with Owen Cheng coming through with some sneaky steals and banking in the final moments of the game, alongside Jose's finesse in driving and drawing the fouls made the difference.

We ended up facing last year’s champions. Aquinas Menai in the grand final. A close match to the final quarter, Kogarah was in it until the very end. A couple of banked 3's from newcomer Kristian Lorens, and super plucky performance driving to the paint from Jose Garcia. Owen Cheng's support and rebounding and Captain Cooper Alexander's consistent defensive leadership kept the pressure on a very strong Aquinas team. Runners up for the 2025 season. Very proud of the intermediates who played some very fine, skilful and intelligent basketball.

Mrs Tracey Adamson
Coach

Junior Team

The Junior MCK Basketball team had a tough semi-final match against De La Salle Revesby. There was an extremely tense first 10 minutes, with the scores tied with only one basket scored from each team, as both teams defended as if the fate of their season depended on it. Finally, the deadlock was broken and the battle to the grand final saw both teams displaying moments of brilliance, but unfortunately Kogarah went down 41-32.

Captain Alex Shen was awarded the Players’ Payer medal for his man-of-the-match performance. 

The 2025 season was overall a success with awesome talent on display, evenly matched teams and loads of close results. Looking forward to the 2026 season.

Mr Christian Zilich
Coach

Marist Basketball Carnival – Melbourne 2025

The Annual Marist Basketball Carnival 2025 once again proved to be a celebration of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and excellence as schools from across the country converged in Melbourne for a week of spirited competition.

Round 1 saw the Marist College Kogarah boys open their campaign against last year’s carnival champions, St Gregory’s College. Despite a determined effort, the boys were outmatched by the reigning title holders, falling 39–93.

Round 2 featured a tightly contested game against Marist College Bendigo. The boys battled hard and stayed within reach until the final whistle, eventually going down 54–59 in a nail-biting finish.

Round 3 was another close encounter against Trinity Catholic College Lismore. A gritty performance saw the boys narrowly edged out 47–52 in a game filled with fast breaks and defensive hustle.

Round 4 had the team face Cardijn College Adelaide in a physical and fast-paced match. Despite their best efforts, Kogarah went down 42–59 but continued to display admirable spirit and determination throughout.

In the Finals Series, the boys faced Mount Carmel Catholic College Varroville in the opening round and pushed hard before falling 36–44. The second fixture against Marist Sion College Warragul ended in a 32–56 result, though the boys never gave up and continued to compete with intensity and integrity.

The final game of the carnival, Finals Round 3, was a high note, with the boys delivering an inspired 67–47 win over Good Council College Innisfail. A fantastic way to close out the week, with sharp shooting and disciplined defence setting the tone.

What stood out beyond the scores was the team’s resilient spirit—despite facing several narrow losses early in the week, the boys remained positive, focused, and committed. They refused to let results dampen their enthusiasm or their effort, continuing to play each game with heart and composure. Their ability to pick themselves up, support one another, and maintain exceptional sportsmanship was a true reflection of the Marist spirit.

Individually, several players stood out:

• Kaleb Brealey, playing in the forward position, led by example throughout the week. With a tournament-high 67 total points, he was also awarded the Champagnat Award at the presentation dinner for exemplifying Marist spirit, sportsmanship, and commitment on and off the court.
• Jayden Dimagmaliw, also in the forward role, showcased his scoring ability and attacking presence, finishing the week with an impressive 62 total points.
• Lewis Gardner, commanding the centre position, anchored the team defensively with countless rebounds, forced turnovers, and second-chance points, finishing with 59 total points. His leadership on the court earned him the team’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the presentation dinner.

Special mention to all players who represented the College with pride:

• Jayden Dimagmaliw
• Dyon Kafarakis
• Kaleb Brealey
• Jonas Shanahan
• Daniel Di Napoli
• Lewis Gardner
• Samuel Gold
• Marcus Edwards
• Tate Finnegan
• And Raphael Ventura proudly serving as team captain throughout the tournament.

While the results may not have gone their way, the resilience, growth, and unity displayed by the team were the true highlights of the trip—making the 2025 Marist Basketball Carnival an unforgettable experience for all involved.

Mr George Kazanis and Mr Thomas Saludo
Coaches

All Abilities European Handball

The MCK All Ability European Handball team arrived at Condell Park with determination, ready to take on Aquinas Menai in the battle for third place. The boys were riding high from their recent successes over the past couple of weeks and were brimming with confidence as they approached this crucial match.

The game began with a palpable tension in the air, as neither team wanted to make any mistakes. It was a nervous start for the MCK team, with simple errors such as dropping the ball and wayward passes putting them under early pressure. Despite these setbacks, the first half was an evenly matched contest, with both teams going goal for goal. The keepers on both sides were exceptional, making crucial saves to keep their teams in the game. At half-time, the score was a tight 10-9 in favour of MCK.

During the half-time break, the boys took the opportunity to reflect on their performance. They recognised their mistakes and discussed how they had been playing nervous handball, a style that was opposite to their confident play in the previous two weeks. This moment of self-awareness was pivotal, as it allowed them to regroup and refocus.

The second half saw a transformed MCK team take to the field. The boys played with renewed confidence and no fear, showcasing their attacking flair. The goals started to flow in, and the opposition struggled to keep up with the relentless pace. The final score was an impressive 23-16, securing the bronze medal for MCK.

This team's journey is a testament to the power of hard work and unity. In the first week of the competition, MCK faced heavy defeats, but the boys never gave up. Each week, they returned more determined and focused, leading to consistent improvement in their performance. Their efforts did not go unnoticed, as other schools recognised their progress. Clancy College emerged as the eventual winners of the competition, losing only one game. Remarkably, that one loss was against MCK just two weeks ago.

Mr James Drahalivas, Mrs Kristina Rodgers and Mrs Cathy Crehan
Coaches

NSWCCC Swimming/Diving Championships

Three students from MCK represented Sydney Catholic Schools at the NSWCCC Swimming and Diving Championships on Thursday, 3 April at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. 

Ethan Siu of Year 9 swam the 50m Breaststroke in 35.52 seconds and came 9th.

Matias Soca came 4th in the 50m Butterfly and 3rd in the 100m Butterfly.

Dominic Briscas claimed silver in his platform and springboard events and has now secured a spot in the NSWCCC Diving team. 

Fantastic achievement from these young men!!

Mr Jason Booth
Sports Coordinator

Career Corner

HSC and Careers EXPO 2025

The HSC and Careers Expo 2025 is back, celebrating 17 years in 2025! With over 12,000 attendees expected, the Expo will be held over three days – Thursday 29 May, Friday 30 May and Saturday 31 May, 9.00 am-3.00 pm at The Winx Stand, Royal Randwick Racecourse. This year, the Expo will host over 90 exhibitors and include seminars on a wide variety of topics, covering:

• HSC subjects including English and Maths
• UAC and ATAR information for Year 11 and 12 students
• Subject selection advice for Year 10 students
• NESA information for students
• Tertiary courses
• Careers
• Employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities
• Study advice

The Sutherland Shire & St George Vocation Expo

Educational Access Scheme

Who can apply for EAS?
To apply for EAS, you must be able to demonstrate that, as a result of circumstances beyond your control or choosing, your studies were negatively affected during Year 11 and/or Year 12.

Elite athletes and performers:
The impact of your sporting or performance commitments (eg being absent from school to train or compete or completing some or all studies by distance education due to training, practice or performance commitments) cannot be considered under EAS. To have these commitments considered, contact the institution.

How EAS work?
If you’re considered under EAS and your ATAR is below the required selection rank for one or more of your course preferences, institutions can increase your selection rank for those courses and make you more competitive for a place. But you are not guaranteed a place: you still have to compete against other applicants.

How to apply.
Before starting your application, check the eligibility criteria and documents required for each EAS category. Refer to the EAS Application Guide attached.

For further information go to Educational Access Scheme

Careers Newsletter

Mr Peter Fitzpatrick
Careers/VET Leader of Learning

Community Announcements

Flag Football School Holiday Tournaments

• Secondary Flag Football Tournaments are suitable for participants aged 12 - 17 years and will be a competition-based event in which the participants will learn the rules of the game and tactical game play in a fun competitive format.
• Girls and boys
• No experience necessary

DATES ANE VENUES

• Tuesday, 15 April at Baulkham Hills High School, 419A Windsor Rd, Baulkham Hills
• Wednesday, 16 April at Woolooware High School, 2 Woolooware Rd, Woolooware

School Holiday Cricket Clinic

Train with cricket greats Steve Waugh & Hayden Kerr! Local cricket clinics are happening in Western Sydney for kids aged 8–16, featuring:

 * Steve Waugh – April 13 @ Raby Sports Complex, Campbelltown
 * Hayden Kerr – April 22 @ Howell Oval, Penrith

 Each participant receives a personal media package with professional photos and videos.

 Register via the QR codes below.

PCYC & TSZYU Fight Club