Senior School
House Groups
The House system provides a structure within the College which allows students to be known more closely and therefore cared for more effectively. It is a way of fostering sound pastoral care in a large secondary school.
Each House consists of approximately one hundred and sixty students and ten staff. Students may be cared for by the same House Dean and staff for their entire time at the College. Consequently, staff are able to know them, and their families well. The students are further grouped into six tutor groups (one per year group), under the care of one or two tutors. Tutors are most immediately responsible for the academic and general progress of the students and may stay with a group for some time as they move through the College.
The system has encouraged a sense of belonging and continuity among College families and staff. Loyalty and commitment to a particular group are fostered over time.
Conway House
Motto: History: Conway was established in 1986 and named after Fr Ailbe Conway, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Pearce. He was Patron of the College and a special friend of Marist. House Dean: Br Paul Creevey House Charity: Canberra Blind Society House colours: Red and White Heraldic Information: The house crest was originally designed by the boys and depicts five symbols The eagle: a bird of majestic beauty, strength, tenacity, power and
survival. The house motto is rooted in the quality of perseverance. In Latin it is Nil Desperandum which may be translated as "Never give up." Prayer: Dear Lord, help me:
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Crispin House
Motto: History: Established in 1986 and named after Brother Crispin – Director of the first Canberra Marist Community and first Headmaster. House Dean: Mrs Denise Hodge House Charity: SIDS – Red Nose Day House colours: Red and Gold Heraldic Information: The Crispin House crest incorporates symbols which inspire Crispin House students. The Southern Cross Constellation reminds us of our Australian values such as mateship and loyalty. The lion represents courage and strength. The Latin cross symbolises our faith and the constant presence of God in our lives. Prayer: Lord, our help and guide Help me:
Brother Crispin |
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Darlinghurst House
House Motto: History: House Dean: Mr Glenn Slater House Charity: Epilepsy Association House colours: Red and Navy Blue Prayer: Darlinghurst House Prayer Dear Lord Help us to seek wisdom. Amen. The Darlinghurst House Prayer was proposed by Br Mark May who was Headmaster of Marist College Canberra from 1970 to 1973. |
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Haydon House
Motto: History: Haydon was established in 1988 and named after Monsignor Haydon an early priest of the Canberra-Goulburn diocese. House Dean: Mr Joe Ciccarone House Charity: Marymead House colours: Dark Blue / Green Heraldic Information: "Four months more and then comes the harvest’ The reaper is already being rewarded and getting in a harvest for eternal life, so that both sower and reaper may be glad together" John 4:35-36 The crest combines symbols of Canberra’s history and geography along with our patron, Monsignor Haydon. Prayer: God, our Father |
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McMahon House
Motto: History: Established in 1988 and named after Br Joseph McMahon, Deputy Headmaster 1974, then Headmaster until 1982. The Motto reflects Br Joseph’s ethic of encouraging boys to work hard at studies, respect their teachers and participate in all the College had to offer. House Dean: Mr Mark Winchester House Charity: Legacy House Colours: Pale Blue / White Heraldic Information: The crest is suggested to capture the essence of the McMahon House. The crest comprises aspects of the McMahon Family Crest, our allegiance to Mary, and our desire to follow the cross of Christ. The armoured hand, taken from the McMahon Family crest, symbolises the strength, honour, loyalty and chivalry of the code of Knighthood. It is seen holding a cross, displaying our willingness to defend, serve, honour and uphold the ideals of our faith. The Madonna Lily was selected to display our devotion to our Lady and the Marist Brothers. Prayer: The Memorare A favourite prayer of Saint Marcellin Champagnat, Founder of the Marist Brothers. Remember, Amen |
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Mark House
Motto: History: Mark House was established in 1986 and named after Br Mark May – second Headmaster of the College, who oversaw the introduction of secondary classes in 1972 for Year 7 and Year 8. House Dean: Mr Glen Seivers House Charity: Red Shield Appeal House colours: Gold and Royal Blue Heraldic Information: The Winged Lion is a symbol of St Mark which serves as a reminder of the determination that we encourage; The Bible symbolises the word of God and in particular the Gospel of St Mark. It is a reminder that we should learn through Christ’s teachings; The Hammer and Trowel symbolise the work of Br Mark. The tools serve as a reminder that we should always endeavour to build and improve ourselves and the House. The Interwoven A and M crowned with stars is a Marial symbol which represent our part in Marist College. The motto Quae Seminaveris Metes is taken from St Mark’s account of the parable of the sower (Chapter 4), the translation of which is "As you sow so shall you reap." In more modern terms this could be translated in "You get out of life what you put into it". Prayer: Teach Me, O Lord |
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Othmar House
Motto: History: Established in 1986 and named after Br Othmar Weldon, Provincial of Sydney and former Headmaster. House Dean: Mr Jason Ward House Charity: St Vincent de Paul - Badge Appeal House colours: Gold / Black Heraldic Information: The Phoenix is a Greek mythical bird, fabled to be the only one of its kind and to live for up to 600 years, after which it burnt itself to ashes in a fire ignited by the sun and fanned by its own wings. It is then said to rise from the ashes with renewed youth to live another cycle. With the book, representing scholarship, the phoenix denotes determination and resilience, an ability to rise to the challenges of life. Prayer: God of all knowledge and wisdom |
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Patrick House
Motto: History: Established in 1986, Patrick House is named after the first school opened by the Marist Brothers in Australia, St Patrick’s Church Hill in the Rocks area of Sydney. House Dean: Br Anthony Robertson House Charity: CanTeen - Bandana Day, St Vincent de Paul - Christmas Appeal and the Parkinsons Association House colours: Green / Gold Heraldic Information: The Celtic cross, combining the central symbol of Christianity and the circle, a core element in the renewal beliefs of the Celts. The crozier represents St Patrick, the first bishop to the Gael, while the snake is often found in fables of Patrick. Prayer: The Irish Blessing |
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