Newsletter 11: 11 August 2020
Dear Colleagues,
This week two schools were formally accepted as new members of Marist Schools Australia, bringing our membership to 56 schools nationwide. On behalf of all Marist educators, Saint Patrick’s Primary School in Kilmore and Carmel College Thornlands are welcomed to the family of schools united in our desire to make Jesus known and loved through quality Catholic education in the Marist way.
Saint Patrick’s Parish in Kilmore has long held a close relationship with the Marists, since the arrival of the Brothers there and the foundation of Assumption College in 1893. Saint Patrick’s Parish and its school have a rich history extending back to 1844. Whilst the Parish was formally established in 1849, there exist references to a rudimentary Catholic school for boys and girls as early as 1844. Many Catholic families settled in that part of the country, and Saint Patrick’s was among the first Parishes to be established between 1839 and 1849 in the southern part of the colony of New South Wales, that is now Victoria. The Parishes of Melbourne, Geelong and Kilmore represent the three oldest Parishes in the Archdiocese of Melbourne. Throughout its history the school has been supported by the Priests, parishioners and parents, under the leadership of the Sisters of Mercy, committed lay teachers and Principals. The current Principal Mr Michael Bourne has strengthened the relationship with the Marists in recent times through close collaboration with Assumption College Principal Ms Kate Fogarty, the Regional Director Ms Julie Ryan and the MLF team in a variety of ways including staff formation.
Carmel College Thornlands, was established by the Brisbane Catholic Education Office in 1993. Carmel College is a secondary co-educational school with a student enrolment of over 1250. Over the past 6 years, Carmel College under the leadership of Principal Mr Stephen Adair have engaged in numerous Marist staff formation opportunities with the strong support of Ms Pam Betts, the Executive Director for Brisbane Catholic Education. This collaboration, now formalised, will strengthen the capacity of both the College and MSA in fulfilling our mission and vision for Catholic education in the Marist way. In welcoming Carmel College as a formal member of Marist Schools Australia, the work of Brother Neville Solomon, Ms Liz Falconer, and Mr Mark Elliott is also acknowledged with appreciation.
It is fitting that we welcome these two fine schools to the Marist family in the week of the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady. To assist us in reflecting upon and celebrating this significant Feast, Brother Neville Solomon and the Mission and Life Formation Team have prepared some excellent resources which are commended to you - Assumption Resources
As the world continues to meet the many challenges faced due to COVID-19, we are acutely aware of the particular pressures on our school communities in Victoria. Whilst the constant bad news of growing numbers of infected people across the globe can manifest a sense of despair, we Marists are people of hope. In solidarity during this time of crisis, schools are invited to join across the country in prayer each Friday at midday. The simple prayer is also able to be shared in print or electronically - The Angelus