Alumni Newsletter October 2025
Welcome
Dear Alumni and Marist Friends
As Term 4 begins, I am delighted to share with you the many moments of growth, achievement, and celebration that have shaped our College community over the past few months. These highlights reflect the strength of our Marist spirit and the vibrant life of our school. Your legacy lives on in the achievements of our students and the values we uphold.
Sporting Success
Congratulations to our Intermediate A Football team, crowned Sydney Catholic Schools Champions—a remarkable achievement that places them at the pinnacle of Catholic school football in Sydney. We acknowledge Mr Paul O’Brien and his team for their hard work and perseverance.
Our Under 13 Rugby League team also played with heart and determination in a nail-biting semi-final against Holy Cross Ryde. Though narrowly defeated, their performance was courageous and commendable.
Celebrating Our Community
Last term, we had several events that brought our community together in joyful and meaningful ways.
The HSC Showcase Evening, was a vibrant celebration of creativity and commitment. Our HSC students presented work that reflected both academic rigour and artistic flair—an inspiring evening for all who attended.
Our Father’s Day Mass and Breakfast, prepared by Mr Ward and the Hospitality Team, welcomed over 200 guests for a morning of liturgy and connection. It was heart-warming to witness the strong bonds between our boys and their fathers, with the spirit of family clearly on display.
At the Marist Oratory, held at St Joseph’s, Hunters Hill, our students performed with distinction. Congratulations to Andre, Matteo, Dominic, Joseph and Ryan who represented the College at the competition. A special congratulations to Matteo, who won the Year 8 Division—cementing his reputation as one of the finest public speakers in Catholic schools.
Science Week, led by Ms Cordwell and Ms Hesson, was a dynamic celebration of inquiry and innovation. From hands-on Lego masterpieces to engaging challenges, students embraced the spirit of discovery with enthusiasm.
Our Catholic identity continues to thrive. Students from Years 7–9 attended the SCS Evangelisation Day, engaging in faith formation and community building. Year 8 students also led preparations for the Mass celebrating the Feast of the Assumption—moments that remind us of the spiritual foundation that guides our work.
Celebrating Excellence
We proudly congratulate Adam Paraginog from Year 12 on receiving the prestigious Archbishop of Sydney Award for Student Excellence. Adam’s quiet leadership and deep commitment to his faith have been a source of inspiration. He was honoured at a special ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral.
A special congratulations also goes to Mr Chris Kalodikis (Class of 2001 and current MCK teacher) who received his Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher (HALT) medal from Mr Greg Warren MP at the NSW State Library. After a full week at Year 9 camp, Chris made it to the ceremony with the help of his wife, Tina, and a quick change of clothes—an inspiring testament to his professionalism and passion.
Year 12 – Trials, Conversations, and Farewells
A special mention must go to our Year 12 students, who finished school with great determination and maturity. This milestone was celebrated joyously with families and staff, and we sent our graduates forth with pride and hope. We hold all of our Year 12 students in our prayers as they complete their examinations and enter into their next chapter.
I’ve had the privilege of interviewing every Year 12 student, engaging in meaningful conversations about their interests, hobbies, and aspirations. These discussions were deeply enriching and reminded me of the importance of career education in shaping the future of our young men. It has inspired me to tap into the wonderful resources from our alumni for our graduating students.
As we look ahead into Term 4, I am reminded of the strength and unity of our College community. To our alumni, thank you for your continued support and connection. We look forward to hosting you at our Alumni event on Friday 14th November. It will be a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, remember and witness the growth of the MCK community.
Finis Coronat Opus
David Forrester - Principal
Over the Decades
The College farewelled the HSC class of 2025 on Monday 22 September and the HSC exams are now well underway. The Graduation was more than a farewell; it was a rite of passage that honoured the relationships and achievements that have shaped their time at Kogarah Marist. Our Graduation celebrations prompted reflection on the experiences of Year 12 over the decades. We took a look at the Red and White from the 1940s until now and noticed that while the haircuts may have changed, the Kogarah Marist spirit has stayed the same. Please enjoy a pictorial trip down memory lane.
Class of 1945 and 1955
Class of 1965 and 1975
Class of 1985
Class of 1995
Class of 2005
Class of 2015
We are always looking to add to our records. At present, we do not have a copy of the Red and White from 1965 or 1975. If you or someone you know can help fill the gaps, please get in touch at alumni@mckogarah.catholic.edu.au or contact the College on 9587 3211.
Beyond Kogarah
We asked David LoRusso, HSC class of 1990, to share his reflections on his experiences at Kogarah Marist and where life has taken him after graduating.
Friends, faith and a fierce rivalry
I will never forget my arrival at Kogarah in 1985 being the only student from my primary school to go to KMH. I met another student in the same position, Shane Duff, and quickly we bonded and in a short time established what it meant to beat our arch rivals, Marcellin Randwick.
We soon got used to life at KMH - the weekly mass in the Chapel and praying to a God that I knew a little about. And instilling the values of serving others in our community. Little did I know year by year, a faith grew in my heart. Yet every year we would come close to winning.
Not until our final year at school, after endless torturous tackle bag sessions, sacrifice and a million prayers, did we finally triumph over our arch rivals Marcellin Randwick, winning the A Grade Premiership 20-6.
35 years on, I have been blessed with a family, an enduring faith, leading a national retirement living business serving older Australians as they enter the later stages of their lives.
Shane, other mates and I still bond over footy, our faith and the brilliant memories we made together in the classroom, school yards and sporting fields.
Just a couple of scrappers willing to work hard, give everything a red hot go and serve others in our community.
I am proud to be a graduate of Kogarah Marist – it’s an amazing breeding ground for talent - it has produced Premiers, Priests, CEOs and international sports stars.
Kogarah Marist, I’m proud to say, instilled in me the things that matter in life; life-long friends, a faith in God that brings you an eternal peace and a fierce perseverance to triumph over adversity.
I Look forward to seeing the next generation of Kogarah Marist talent make their mark on the world.
David LoRusso (KMH 1990)
Alumni BBQ
Please join us for the 2025 Alumni BBQ. All ex-students and their guests are welcome to attend. Please see the details on the flyer and follow the link to RSVP. We hope to see you there!
Stay in touch
Do you have a story to share?
Please send it to alumni@mckogarah.catholic.edu.au