Newsletter 15: 6 November 2019
Dear Colleagues
In these final six weeks of the 2019 academic year the usual intensity of final assessment and reporting will be a common feature in all schools. For Marist educators it is also a time when we reflect upon the efficacy of our own work with the young people in our care. In the Footsteps of Marcellin Champagnat, clearly describes the goals of a Marist education for young people. At this stage of the year, the following points pose questions for us to collectively and individually reflect upon. As our students conclude a year of learning and formation in a Marist school, much of what we seek to influence, and guide is not readily measured. However, there are indicators of success and progress in all of the characteristics listed below, and I would suggest abundantly evident in our schools this year. Paragraph 77 of the Footsteps document posits that with the active co-operation of young people themselves, Marist educators seek creative ways to teach students:
− to develop their self-esteem and inner capacity to give direction to their lives.
− to provide an education of body, mind and heart, appropriate to the age, personal talents and needs of each one and to the social context.
− to encourage them to care for others and for God’s creation.
− to educate them to be agents of social change, for greater justice towards all citizens in their own society, and for more awareness of the interdependence of nations.
− to nurture their faith and commitment as disciples of Jesus and apostles to other youth.
− to awaken their critical consciousness and assist them to make choices based on Gospel values.
(In the Footsteps of Marcellin Champagnat, paragraph 77)
I have had the privilege of attending a number of school graduations over the past month and these characteristics have been consistently promoted and celebrated in various ways and words. For our newest school, Marist College Bendigo, it was certainly the case at their very first Year 12 graduation. Over these past six years the growing reputation of this College has been a marvel to behold. New schools often take time to establish themselves. Marist College Bendigo, under the capable leadership of Mr Darren McGregor, and with the essential support of Monsignor Frank Marriott, Bishop Les Tomlinson, Mr Paul Desmond, Brother Mark Needham, Brother Kevin Langley, the committed staff and a host of parents, has quickly established the reputation of the College as a quality Catholic school in Bendigo, Victoria and nationally. The graduating class of 2019 has played a critical role in the College’s growth and success. Their stories of enrolling in a “paddock with a few sheds” captured the immense trust parents and students placed in the founding community. The resilience, good humour, and determined purpose of the graduating students was highlighted by newly ordained Bishop Shane Mackinlay during Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo. Bishop Shane highlighted the gift of a Marist education, and challenged the graduates to make many contributions in the years ahead for the common good of our society. It was an historic occasion, and long may our newest Marist College flourish.