A distinctive feature of our Marist family is a strong sense of belonging. When working with Brother David Hall some years ago in Africa, the bond of fellow Marists was keenly felt. Brother David had been invited to collaboratively design with Marist school leaders from across Africa a significant and sustainable leadership programme, which was named New Horizons. At one point during the critical preparatory phase, a few members of the organising committee shared some concerns about the possible reluctance of some participants to engage with a few of the presenters who were not from Africa nor intimately familiar with its context. The “risk” was respectfully considered, and the overwhelming sentiment of the committee was to proceed with confidence, for in their words “We are all Marists!” The reality of what is universally identified as our Marist way of living the Gospel through education and care for young people transcends cultures and countries. In a world riven by so many polemics and armed conflicts, our Marist family is a rare and wonderful gift that echoes Pope Francis’ Encyclical Fratelli Tutti in which peoples of the world are called to live in a spirit of fraternity and social friendship.
Read MoreAs we commence the 2025 school year, it is vital in these first weeks that structured time is spent between teachers and students setting goals and discussing aspirations for the months and years ahead. As is custom, during the recent Australia Day long weekend, the Australian of the Year, as well as the Young and Senior Australians of the Year were announced. Awardees are always worth highlighting with our young people as role models whose achievements are examples of service, generosity, and leadership. This year the awards are particularly pertinent for Marist and Catholic educators.
Read MoreAs we Marists enter this Advent season and prepare for Christmas, remembering those who are close to us in work and personal lives will be marked with Christmas Cards and greetings that most often among the faithful, wish upon the other the peace of Christ.
Read MoreIn this final four weeks of the 2024 school year, we are invited by Australian Marist Solidarity to “share the light of Christmas” through the 2024 Christmas Appeal to support Marist Champagnat Institute, Fiji with much needed vocational and educational resources. The Marist Champagnat Institute remains the only school in Fiji that provides support to youth who live with a learning or physical disability.
Read MoreAmid the clamour in the lead up to the US Presidential Election, which reached its crescendo last week after months of antagonistic rhetoric, the prophetic voice of Pope Francis through his most recent encyclical, provided a well timed message to people throughout the world. Whilst the US Election campaign seemed to be light on policy from both sides and at times heavy with invective and personal insult, Dilexit nos – He Loved Us speaks of the love Christ has for all of us.
Read MoreThe recent nomination by Pope Francis of Bishop Mykoloa Bychok to become Australia’s next Cardinal has been welcomed by the Chair of the Australian Bishops Conference, Archbishop Tim Costello of Perth.
Read MoreRecently at the MSA Biennial Conference, Professor David de Carvalho gave a key note speech sharing reflections on Australian education and assessment. David is the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education, Philosophy and Theology at the University of Notre Dame, former CEO of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, and current Director on the MSA Ltd Board. A key provocation by David was, “Not everything that matters can be measured, and not everything that can be measured matters!”. In the coming weeks many teachers and staff will be finalising all manner of matters with our Year 12 students as they enter this final phase of their school journey and the public examination period in most States and Territories. Whilst comprehensive revision, practice exams, and ongoing learning dominate the precious time left, there is a valuable gift being quietly and thoughtfully prepared and finalised behind the scenes, the student reference.
Read MoreYou may recall Pope Francis in January this year making this plea to the people of the world.
“A global ceasefire is urgent: either we do not realise it or we are pretending not to see
that we are on the brink of the abyss.”
Last week the Australian Bishop’s Conference released their 2024 Social Justice Statement,
Truth and Peace - A Gospel word in a violent world.
Read MoreAs many would be aware, last week the Australian Government released the detail of the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement (BFSA) which is a 10-year agreement developed with state and territory governments, non-government peak education bodies including the National Catholic Education Commission, and First Nations education representatives
Read MoreThis week the Marist Schools Australia Biennial Conference was held in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and Ltyente Apurte (Santa Teresa), with 168 delegates from across the country gathering to explore:
- Catholic Indigenous Australian insights and perspectives on Christian spirituality;
- the imperative for Catholic education to identify, value, and explain robust measures of student growth to students, parents, the wider community and Australian Governments.
Read MoreLast Friday, Pope Francis held a special audience with more than 100 celebrity comedians, in what
was titled “A Meeting with Artists from the world of humour”. It was a remarkable gathering, quite
unlike anything initiated by a Pope or indeed other Church leader.
Read MoreIn a speech last week at the Sydney Catholic Business Network Lunch, Archbishop Anthony Fisher, who is also Chair of the Bishops Commission for Catholic Education in Australia, prospered some important perspectives on the draft religious freedom legislation currently being considered by the Federal Parliament. Archbishop Anthony articulated concerns similar to those expressed by Father Frank Brennan SJ and former Prime Minister, John Howard.
Read MoreEarlier this week the Assistant Principals of Marist Schools throughout the country gathered at The Hermitage in Mittagong for their annual Conference. We were privileged to have as the keynote speakers Miss Pam Betts, the former CEO of Brisbane Catholic Education, and a current Board member for Marist Schools Australia Ltd and Reverend Shane Mackinlay, Bishop of Sandhurst.
Read MoreWhen speaking with a parent at one of our schools in recent weeks, a reflection was shared that captured the essence of our purpose as Marist educators in our enthusiastic embrace of all things cocurricular. Having asked this young father how his son was enjoying school, he smiled and said, “It’s really a wonderful education and as important, great formation!”
Read MoreThere has been much commentary in recent times regarding teacher and school leader shortages in Australia. Whilst some of the trends are showing signs of improvement, the country’s predicted continued growth in population will ensure this challenge remains for some time. Over the past 8 weeks, it has been a privilege to work closely with almost all of our Marist Principals across the country in various settings and to have the opportunity to speak with other current and emerging Catholic school leaders in the Archdiocese of Sydney. The calibre, quality, and commitment of the people encountered inspired hope and gratitude.
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