Vol. 39 No. 10 22nd April 2010 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ One of the group commented that Br. Louis appeared Dear members of the Marcellin College family, to really appreciate this particular representation of Marcellin. His response provided a meaningful insight It is great to be back at Marcellin after three weeks of into his understanding of Champagnat. He pointed out immersion in the work of the Marist Brothers around that the body of the statue was very roughly carved out the world. Our pilgrimage began in France where we of the granite. This he suggested, represented the tough spent time walking in the footsteps of Marcellin exterior of Marcellin – the strength and determination Champagnat. It is one thing to read the stories and of the man, his ability to withstand the harsh and reflect on the Charism, it is another altogether to difficult environment in which he lived and the many experience the places, spaces and environment that the obstacles he faced in providing education and faith founder of the Marist Brothers lived and worked in as understanding to the youth of his time. Br. Louis also he began his mission of supporting and educating pointed to the smoothness of the face in the statue. youth 200 years ago. Being in places with names that This, he said, symbolises the warm, tender, are familiar to us such as Le Rosey, Marhles, La Valla compassionate and caring aspect of the man and his and Lè Hermitage led me to an understanding of the love for young people particularly those in greatest harsh reality of life in post revolutionary rural France. need. Carving out an existence was difficult enough in this time and space, let alone devoting one’s life to This was just one of the many insights, stories and providing education and faith experiences to those who understandings we received as 24 people from Marist had the least access to these opportunities. Those who schools journeyed together for 22 days to discover an lived and still live in this part of the world are poor understanding of Marcellin the man and also his legacy farmers. The countryside is harsh and mountainous left behind in supporting those in greatest need where long cold winters give way to hot summers. throughout the world. After spending time in Europe Marcellin Champagnat was obviously a man of great the pilgrimage group headed to Guatemala and El fortitude, faith and courage who rose to the challenges Salvador to observe, first-hand the continuation of the of this environment to provide for those in greatest work of St. Marcellin amongst some of the poorest and need. most oppressed people on earth. More about that next week….. We were fortunate enough to have as our hosts and guides the Marist Brothers themselves who are living I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Peter witnesses to the work of Champagnat and who Houlihan for his work as acting Principal during my demonstrated a deep love of and commitment to their absence. I would also like to thank Mr. Mark Ashmore work in the tradition of St. Marcellin. Our main guide acting Assistant Principal – Student Wellbeing, Mr. in France was Brother Louis, a spritely 78 year old Michael Callanan acting Director of Students – Years who had lived and worked as a Marist Brother for over 7-9 and Miss Melissa Rapinett acting Faulkner House sixty years. He spoke with great passion and authority Coordinator who provided great support to the College about the life of Marcellin and his work in establishing during Mr. Di Prato’s absence in Term One. It is very the Marist Brothers. comforting to know that the College has many people who can step into various positions of leadership and At one stage in our journey Brother Louis took us to carry out the roles with such competence and energy. the Church at Marhles where Marcellin was baptised. As we wondered around the church I noticed Br. Louis Yours sincerely, standing next to a granite statue of St. Marcellin near the entrance. As I approached him I could see Br. Louis gently patting the arm of the statue as if he were Mark Murphy tenderly greeting a long time friend. Principal REFLECTION DEPUTY PRINCIPAL Mr. Adriano Di Prato Lord Jesus, Let nothing stop us from doing what we ought to do And from being where we ought to be. Give us the grace to conquer:- Laziness, which paralyses out mind, will and heart, Fear which may deter us from taking a public stand about what we know ought to be said and done. Selfishness, which prevents us from caring for and sharing with others, Even though we know how much better off we are. We ask this grace for ourselves. We ask it also for our community and our nation. May despair not make us stop trying. May discouragement not make us give up. May pessimism not take away our hope. 12 Angry Men Marcellin VCE Theatre Studies students are presenting Give us the grace of perseverance and discipline, a one night only performance of 12 Angry Men. Foresight and wisdom and true devotion of heart. Amen. Where: Marcellin College Lecture Theatre When: Wednesday 28th April - 7.00pm Bookings: Mrs. C Wales - Marcellin Music Office Cost: $5 USED UNIFORM SHOP Located at the rear of the Functions Room I encourage the Marcellin community to come along and support our senior boys with this production. Year 8 Camp The Year 8 Camp is at Anglesea, involving two and half days of surfing, kayaking, mountain biking riding, beach walking and fun at the Eumeralla Scout Camp. Will be open again on Tuesday 4 ththth May from “I enjoyed surfing and mountain bike riding as they 11.30 am ––– 2.00 pm. were fun and challenging activities. I had never surfed before so it was enjoyable when I achieved standing Anyone wishing to sell items of clothing can leave them up.” at Main Reception with your name, Daniel Schieven, Mannes House address and phone number attached. All items that are offered for sale MUST be “At camp I learnt how to use a compass and map t freshly laundered. guide ourselves around an orienteering course. I really Any uniform ‘donations’ are gratefully accepted. enjoyed surfing because I learnt to stand up on the board making it a great experience.” *Please be aware that any purchases are to be made by Gianni Falzon, Augustine House cash or cheque only.* Year 8 Study Skills Day The Study Skills Program has been designed to focus in on thinking skills, organisational skills and effective use of the resource centre. “Today I learnt about the thinking hats and how it can their children. The program has a whole range of help me in learning and problem solving tasks. In delightful surprises that include carefully guided groups we also learnt the benefits of balancing our interactions with parents and their boys. health and academic life.” Anthony Berlangieri, Kenny House The evenings are compulsory for the boys and a member of their family or a mentor as we believe it is “We learnt how to effectively use a study skill an important aspect of the Marcellin College technique called a GBB where we assess the Good, the curriculum. Bad and the Better options available to a problem.” Sebastian Scotta, Kenny House Year 7 Mother – Son Evening - Tuesday 18 th May 7.30pm St Marcellin’s Hall “I learned how to research by using Google in a different way.” Year 8 Father - Son Evening - Tuesday 25 th Nicholas Colaiacovo, Kenny House May 7.30pm St Marcellin’s Hall AGSV/APS Golf Championship We know that families come in all shapes and sizes. If The following four students represented the College at a mum or dad is not around a grandparent, auntie or the annual AGSV/APS Golf Championships held at uncle, or another mentor is welcome. Royal Melbourne last Friday. Justin Ispanovic, James Rush, Trent Williams and Tom Burt represented the College with distinction finishing second to a very DIRECTOR OF LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES strong Haileybury College team. Mr. Patrick Green Student – Parent – Teacher Interviews ICT Issues: GAMING To help our boys and their families in the reflective Computer gaming can be addictive, emotionally learning process the College has formulated Interim involving and expensive. It can also provide Reports, whilst the Student – Parent - Teacher entertainment, develop problem solving strategies and Interviews are in Week 3 Term 2: be fun. If you'd like to learn more about how parents Tuesday 27 th April A-K can deal with the gaming issue visit the Learning Thursday 29 th April L-Z Technologies web page accessible via the College web It is important that your son attends the interviews to site - see below. Feel free to join the discussion forum understand what achievements have been made and so to ask further questions or offer others advice on what further improvements can be achieved. strategies parents and students can use to ensure boys have a safe and fun time with computer games. CHAMPAGNAT What is Gaming? DAY 2010 Why are computer games useful/beneficial? How do they work and how do students know how to play? On Thursday 6th May 2010, the College will be celebrating Champagnat Day. This is a significant What do parents need to keep in mind if their child is event in our Marist calendar as we celebrate the feast playing electronic games? day of our founder St. Marcellin Champagnat. What advice would you give parents about the type of games children or teens play? All students are expected to contribute $10 donation What can parents do to learn more about gaming? which will be collected early Term 2.