In every generation, someone promises that technology will ‘revolutionise’ education. First it was computers, then phones, then online learning. Now, some are suggesting artificial intelligence will finally replace the teacher, personalise every lesson and upend the classroom.
In reality, education rarely changes in revolutions. It evolves. Slowly. Carefully. Schools are not machines, they are ecosystems of people, relationships and communities. Nevertheless, generative AI is powerful. From co-writing essays to tutoring in multiple languages, it can personalise practice, provide feedback and support learners in ways we could not have imagined 18 months ago.
In my own Mathematics classroom, I encourage students to use AI to generate revision exams tailored to topics they find difficult; complete with worked solutions. I have also used it to help plan lessons that build on prior learning and to uncover common misconceptions before they arise. These are examples of how technology, when used with purpose and discernment, can amplify good teaching and deepen learning.
Yet, we know that when used uncritically, AI can undermine genuine learning. It risks narrowing student thinking, reducing the value of sustained effort and turning assessment into a hollow exercise. In the worst-case scenario, perhaps one we are already facing, students go through the motions of writing essays and teachers go through the motions of marking them, with neither fully engaged in meaningful learning!
The skill our boys need is not just how to use AI, but how to think with it: ethically, discerningly, creatively. So rather than proclaim another revolution, let us keep a watching brief. Let us stay curious. AI will not save education, nor will it sink it. If we are wise, however, it may help us shape its next chapter, gently, purposefully, in service of learning that remains, at its heart, profoundly human.
Matthew Hutchison Headmaster
Walking in Marcellin’s Footsteps—Together
Next week, our College community will come together to celebrate the Feast Day of St Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers and the heart behind our shared mission. It will be a special moment to pause, reflect and give thanks for the Marist spirit that continues to shape our community.
We will begin the day with a whole-school liturgy, where we will honour Marcellin’s bold vision to “make Jesus known and loved” through the education and formation of young people. His dream has flourished into a remarkable reality including 55 Marist schools across Australia and a global network of over 600 Marist schools in more than 80 countries, spanning five continents.
During the liturgy, we will present the Champagnat Medals, recognising students who are growing into the qualities of a Marist Graduate:
Le Rosey Medal (Years 4–6) Awarded to students who are learning to live with gratitude and joy, showing empathy and forgiveness and caring for creation.
Lavalla Medal (Years 7–9) Recognising those who reach out to the least, the lost and the lonely, who are grounded in reflection and committed to learning.
Hermitage Medal (Years 10–12) Honouring students who are seeking God, embracing mystery and looking ahead with hope and courage.
Each recipient will be a sign of the living Marist spirit among us; young men being formed with strong minds and gentle hearts.
Following the liturgy, the whole College will take part in the Walkathon, a joyful celebration of community and spirit. It promises to be a day filled with faith, fun and friendship.
At Marist Canberra, we continue to walk in the footsteps of Marcellin, forming fine young men who embrace the mystery of God, who look to the future with hope and audacity, and live with purpose and serve others generously.
May our celebration next week renew our commitment to this mission.
St Marcellin Champagnat – pray for us.
Matthew Hutchison Headmaster
Faith Formation
It’s time to go the extra mile
MacKillop House recently celebrated their 5th birthday and since 2020 they have helped 192 women, and 60 children access safe temporary housing in Canberra. Marist College has been an important partner in Marymead CatholicCare’s mission to build a compassionate, caring society. The Marist missionary heart looks out and sees people, not sad statistics, and looks for solutions. At the College Walkathon launch, CEO Anne Kirwan said, “on behalf of those currently homeless in our beautiful capital city – as we head towards another cold winter… ‘thank you’ for walking that extra mile for Marymead CatholicCare this year”. You can read Anne’s speech and learn more about MINOSA and MacKillop House here.
First Nations Week 2025
During First Nations Week, our school community came together to celebrate and learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as part of our commitment to reconciliation. The week began with the Marian Lecture, where Professor Stan Grant, a Wiradjuri, Kamilaroi and Dharrawal man, spoke about finding hope through faith and culture. His message encouraged us to “look beyond” and seek God in all things.
On Wednesday, students enjoyed cultural games and art activities with our Junior School, learning about the significance of boomerangs, message sticks, and traditional games like Kai, Nanyima, and Bowitgee. These experiences helped us connect through ancient stories and shared creativity.
To end the week, our NATSICC plaque was blessed and placed in our Chapel. It honours the deep connection between First Nations spirituality and Catholic faith, and acknowledges the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples’ long-standing relationship with this land. It was a meaningful and inspiring week for all.
Brigid Cooney Indigenous Relations Officer
MYM Mission Forum
Year 12 students Atticus Jackson and Geordie English attended the Senior Student Mission Forum from the 16 - 18 May, a weekend run by Marist Youth Ministry at Marist Retreat Centre, Mittagong. The event encouraged students to speak out against injustice, inspired by St Oscar Romero and St Marcellin Champagnat.
Supported by Mr. Brendan Bergin, Religious Education teacher and Co-ordinator of the Marist Association, the students took part in workshops and discussions on fast fashion, fair education, facing fear, climate change, gender equality and homelessness. They explored real-world issues and shared thoughtful, local solutions, especially in the climate change session where they stood out.
Reflecting on the weekend, Atticus said, “The Forum was a highlight of my year. It helped me grow and understand social justice in a deeper way. I’d recommend it to any Marist student who wants to make a difference.” Mr Bergin acknowledged the strong witness and engagement of our two Marist College students, a contribution remarked upon by the Marist Youth Ministry team, ‘Geordie and Atticus shared generously of their time, talent, musical, debating skills and embracing Marian spirituality. Their participation reflected their deep concern for environmental issues, climate change and wider issues of social justice affecting young people in Marist schools.’
John Watkins Head of Ministry and Solidarity
Laudato Si’ Week Celebrations
The Marist Justice and Solidarity Group hosted a party to celebrate 10 years since the release of the Laudato Si encyclical by Pope Francis which calls each of us to deeper commitment to integral ecology. In Pope Francis' 2023 apostolic exhortation Laudate Deum, he warned about urgent action to address the climate crisis, encouraging individuals and societies to embrace integral ecology and make significant changes in their lifestyles and systems. Practical ideas include reducing waste, conserving energy, adopting sustainable dietary habits, supporting biodiversity, engaging in community advocacy, and advocating for policy changes.
Archdiocesan Marriage and Family Event
On Sunday 1 June, 11am-1pm, the Archdiocese is celebrating the World Jubilee of Families, Children, Grandparents and the Elderly at St Christopher’s Cathedral, Manuka It will be followed by light refreshments and an event in the Haydon Hall.
The Archbishop has offered to pray over families as part of the celebration and give a short input. Children’s activities will be available.
Join us as we come together to celebrate Champagnat Day 2025, honouring the life and legacy of St Marcellin Champagnat, the founder of the Marist Brothers. This special day is a reminder of the values of service, humility, and community, which are at the heart of our Marist tradition.
The day will begin with a whole-school Mass led by Fr Emil Milat and Fr Peter Day, followed by the presentation of the Champagnat Medals, recognising students and staff who embody the spirit of Marcellin through their actions and service.
We look forward to celebrating this important day as a community, united in faith and commitment to living out Marist values.
Date: Friday 6 June 2025 Time: 9.00am Location: Marcellin Hall
All are welcome to join us for this special celebration!
You’re invited join us for An Evening of Dialogue 2025 as we explore what it means to be Pilgrims of Hope in today’s world and discover a simpler way to live - without fear, without excess.
Date: Tuesday 30 July 2025 Time: 7:00 - 8:30pm Location: Marist College Canberra Cost free: Click here to secure your seat
This year’s keynote speaker is acclaimed filmmaker and author Bill Bennett, whose spiritual journey on the Camino inspired his award-winning film The Way, My Way. Bill will share how walking the Camino revealed a new way of living - simpler, freer, and more hopeful.
Spaces are limited, book now to be part of the conversation.
From the Head of Student Wellbeing - Junior School
Year 6 Camp
At the time of writing, Year 6 is halfway through camp at Narrabeen on Sydney’s northern beaches. The boys and staff have been enjoying canoeing, stand up paddle boarding, rafting, fire building, damper making and a host of team building activities. Good luck to the boys for the remainder of their camp and thank you to the wonderful staff for making these opportunities possible for the boys.
Reminder: Year 6 Group Photo Day – Tuesday 3 June
All Year 6 boys are required to wear their full winter uniform to school for the day.
Champagnat Day
Information regarding Champagnat Day and College Walkathon will be communicated to families next week.
Craig McMahon Head of Student Wellbeing - Junior School
From the Head of Learning and Teaching - Junior School
Children’s Literature Quiz
We recently recognised our four Marist teams and 16 talented students who showcased their literary prowess at the annual Children's Literature Quiz. This event, held at Merici College, brought together young readers from across the region and saw fierce competition among some of the brightest young minds.
A huge congratulations to the Junior School students who were part of the team that emerged victorious in the ACT round. Ajmer Singh, Lachlan Power, and Declan Canfield demonstrated exceptional teamwork and a deep understanding of children’s literature, securing their place in the National Final, which will be held in Sydney on Monday 2 June.
Rostrum
A huge congratulations to our Year 5 and 6 students who all presented their Rostrum speeches this term. Speaking in front of peers is no easy feat- even for many adults. At Marist, we are committed to including public speaking within our curriculum, helping to develop students’ self-confidence, communication skills, and resilience when faced with challenging learning opportunities.
On Wednesday 21 May, we held our Marist School Final, where 12 boys presented their speeches to students from Years 4 to 6. While all the boys should be extremely proud of their efforts, we would like to especially congratulate Henry Bayada who will represent Marist at the upcoming Quarter Final.
ANZAC Essay Writing Competition
We recently acknowledged Navilan Ganesh who won the ANZAC Day Essay Competition, facilitated through the Woden Valley RSL. Presenting the award of $250 and medallion was Greg Kennett from the RSL, speaking to the emotion and empathy that Navilan expressed, moving the judges.
What ANZAC means to me By Navilan Ganesh
To me, ANZAC means bravery, sacrifice, and friendship. When I think about the many lives lost in the wars the ANZACs fought, I feel sad, but I also admire their courage. Even in tough times, good things happened, like how penicillin was mass produced during World War II which saved lives.
One of my favourite ANZACs is Private John Simpson Kirkpatrick. He was a stretcher bearer who used a donkey to carry wounded soldiers to safety so they could receive medical help. Even though he was in danger, he kept going, helping as many people as he could. He believed he would survive the war and return to England, where he was born. His story shows the true ANZAC spirit - courage, selflessness, and determination.
I feel sorry for the families who lost loved ones. It must have been heartbreaking to receive the news that a family member had died. The phrase "They gave their today for your tomorrow" reminds me why soldiers fought—for the future of their country and for the generations to come. The people who signed up for war were incredibly brave, knowing they might never come home. Being an ANZAC meant having courage, endurance, and friendship - qualities that helped them get through the war.
ANZAC Day is important because we remember all Australians who have served and died in war. At first, ANZAC Day was just about the Gallipoli landing in 1915, but now it honours all Australians who have served in any war. I think this change was important because it allows us to recognise every soldier’s sacrifice.
When the ANZACs arrived at Gallipoli, they realised the enemy was stronger than expected. But they did not retreat. Instead, they fought with everything they had, showing great bravery and determination. Many soldiers were wounded or killed, but the ANZACs never gave up. They believed fighting for their country was the right thing to do, and I believe they made a courageous choice.
Sometimes, I try to imagine what it would have been like to be an ANZAC on the battlefield. I think the soldiers would have felt many emotions - sadness, fear, and hope. They would have been sad because they missed their families and friends. They would have felt fear because they knew they could be hurt or even lose their lives. They would have felt hope because they knew there was a chance that they could return home. But through it all, they supported each other, and that is what makes the ANZAC spirit so special.
ANZAC Day is not just about remembering the past - it reminds us to live by the values of bravery, sacrifice, and friendship every day.
Emma Darcy Head of Learning and Teaching - Junior School
Junior School Sport
Congratulations to the following boys who received awards from our recent Junior School Cross Country Carnival in Week 12. These 20 boys will represent the College at the South Weston Cross Country on June 3.
Age Group
Age Champion 1st Place
Runner Up 2nd Place
3rd Place
4th Place
5th Place
9
Kanoa Fatnowna
Nathaniel Melvin
Austin Rodgers
Michael Dempsey
Austin Faulks
10
Henry Caboche
Ezra Gray
George Loader
Caleb Koegelenberg
Xander Woods
11
Fletcher Wood
Hardy Norton-Knight
Flynn Walters
Matthew Macmillan
Joseph McGrath
12
Owen Hickey
Roux La Brooy
Jairus Dass
Jack Tough
Kai Mitchell
Overall House Placings in Junior School Cross Country
Join us for a night of dancing, music, and fun and an opportunity to meet new friends from Girls Grammar, Merici College and St Clare's College. Music will be provided by Toucan_Music.
Tickets are limited and will sell out, so get in fast!
The night is also an opportunity to raise funds for Australian Marist Solidarity projects in the Solomon Islands.
Walkathon 2025
The countdown is on for the 2025 Marist College Walkathon. The Walkathon is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community and raise funds for some worthy local causes.
More school photographs are scheduled to be taken by Advanced Life Photography this term on the following days:
Tuesday 3 June 2025 – Senior School Hall
Individual portraits taken of students in Year 9, 10, 11 & 12.
This will be a catch-up day for any students who were absent on 26 May.
Year 6 cohort, Year 12 cohort and Sons of Old Boys group photo
Sibling photos – 2.10pm
Thursday 5 June – Senior School Hall – Catch up Day
Catch up day for any students that missed having their individual photo and sibling photos
Students must wear full school winter uniform. Hair is to be neat, tidy and above the collar, be out of the eyes, of even grade and no shorter than a hairdresser’s No. 3 comb. Hair should not be tied or pinned up. Boys are to be clean shaven, and sideburns should not extend beyond the middle of the ear.
Orders for packages and sibling photographs can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using the College’s unique nine-digit code: CPV 34T QBM. Payment can be made using Visa, Mastercard or PayPal. For more info on ordering group or sibling photos, please click here.
The preference is for ordering and payment to be completed online to reduce administration and potential security issues related to the return of cash and envelopes on photo day.
Should you wish to purchase a sibling photograph online, the order must be placed no later than Sunday 1 June 2025. Sibling photographs will only be taken if an order has been placed.
2025 ACT South Canberra Secondary School Chess Championship
On Friday 16 May, MCC Chess Club participated in the ACT Secondary Schools Chess Competition for the South Canberra zone.
The competition was incredibly tough, but our students competed very well. Congratulations on a great tournament Harry Phillips, Abhinav Vangala, Julian Maguire, Masaki Horikawa, Alex Moore, Oscar Moore, Tristan Brown, Tomoki Horikawa, Aarav Jain.
In Term 3, two Marist teams will be invited to the next round after their recent success. If our teams perform well again, MCC will qualify for sending a team to the next National round.
