Dear Marist Regional College Families, 

As we come to the end of another Term, please find this edition of the Marist Star.  

French Language and History Trip 

We are thrilled to share with you that our Year 10 French and HaSS students are jet-setting to France for the school holiday period.  This enriching adventure will allow students to immerse themselves in French culture and history while exploring iconic landmarks and engaging in memorable activities. 

Highlights of the trip will include, but not limited to:  

  • Eiffel Tower and Seine Cruise: Students will experience breathtaking views of Paris from the Eiffel Tower and enjoy a scenic cruise along the Seine. 
  • Paris Bike Tour: Starting in the picturesque Marais district, this tour will take students through the charming back streets and local neighbourhoods of central Paris, providing a unique perspective of the city’s history and culture. 
  • Montmartre and Basilica Sacré-Coeur: A visit to the iconic Montmartre district, where students will explore the stunning Basilica Sacré-Coeur and other nearby attractions. 
  • Disneyland Paris: A day of fun and adventure at Disneyland Paris is sure to create lasting memories! 
  • Historical Visits: Students will deepen their understanding of WWI with visits to the Sir John Monash Centre, Australian Museum, and the Somme, including a stop at the Museum at Ecole Victoria. 

We look forward to this incredible opportunity for our students to learn and grow while exploring one of the most beautiful and historically significant countries in the world. We can’t wait to hear from the staff and students upon their return.  

Senior College Students  

Many of our Year 11 and 12 students will be taking some time to prepare for their exams over the break. We wish them well during the next month as they firstly take some time to rest, before full immersing themselves in their studies and major assessments.  

All parents of Senior College are asked to carefully read all correspondence relating to arrangements for our Year 11 and 12s so that important conversations held at school are reiterated at home.  

Thank you and Best Wishes, Hal Douglas!  

Mr Hal Douglas, our IT Manager, will be resigning from his position, effective Friday, 11 October 2024, after over 26 years of dedicated service to our College. Over his tenure, the technological transformation of the College has been profound, and Hal’s leadership has been pivotal in ensuring we stayed at the forefront of these changes. Hal has been very much part of the MRC “furniture” over the years.  

Looking forward, our ICT Strategic Plan will build on the foundations Hal helped to establish. The plan focuses on enhancing learning, operational efficiency, and pastoral care through innovative technology and best practices.  

Very best wishes to you and your family, Hal. Thanks again for your dedicated service.  

Best Wishes, Carolyn Winchcombe  

Mrs Carolyn Winchcombe has submitted her resignation, effective at the end of 2024. As Carolyn is due for Long Service Leave, she will be taking this leave next Term, meaning she has now concluded her classes. Carolyn and her family are planning to relocate interstate in 2025.  

Carolyn has made a significant impact in the College over the last ~11 years. Carolyn’s impact in the development of the Global Connections Curriculum, an integrated approach to English/Humanities in the Middle Years has been a labour of love and a significant celebration for the College. Carolyn’s work has been celebrated within Catholic Education Tasmania.  

 

 

Good Luck, April Saltmarsh  

April recently submitted her resignation as College Psychologist. April has had the vision of establishing her own practice for some time which is something she is pursuing locally. We thank April for her guidance through some very challenging situations at the College and share her gifts which have been valued by many.  April’s last day was yesterday, Thursday 26 September.   

Capital Works: Technology Centre Project 

Mr Andrew Leary, our Business Manager, has provided an exciting and comprehensive contribution in this Marist Star. Please see what is unfolding at this time. I look forward to returning in 2025 for the official opening of these brilliant initiatives.   

Marist Regional College Principalship from 2025 

The Principalship of Marist Regional College has now been advertised, commencing in the new year. Catholic Education Tasmania will take the opportunity to utilise the recent staff, student and family survey data to assist in the selection process.  

I would again like to thank those of you who have sent me well-wishes over the last few weeks. However, it seems that my resignation has sparked a few wild rumours about my current circumstances and future!  

I look forward to the remainder of the year, celebrating the achievements of our staff, students and those broadly of the College. Best wishes to our students and staff for some quiet time over the next fortnight.  

With a Marian Spirit  

Gregg Sharman
Principal

Have your say on the future of Tasmania’s education system 

Did you know, the Tasmanian Government has established an Independent Review of Tasmania’s Education System? The Review is being undertaken to provide advice to the Tasmanian Government on how to improve our education system over the next 10 years. 

The Review wants to hear from every Tasmanian, including children and young people of all ages, families, those working in the education sector and members of the community. 

There are multiple ways you can get involved.  

  1. Respond to the public Consultation Paper
  2. Complete the survey for educators, families and the community
  3. Complete the short survey for students, and/or
  4. Specifically for children and young people, submit a creative response to the question 

Imagine yourself at the end of school, what have you learned, what have you achieved and who do you want to be? 

You can answer this question by providing an image of a piece of artwork you have done (with a short explanation), or something written – a short story, a sentence, a paragraph, a poem – the choice is up to you! 

Creative submissions, including which year level you are in, can be sent to the Review  

  • by email contact@ier.tas.gov.au or
  • posted to GPO Box 104, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia 7000 – Attention: Independent Education Review.

Submissions responding to the Consultation Paper must be lodged by Sunday 13 October 2024, and all other consultation opportunities will close on Sunday 27 October.  

Visit www.ier.tas.gov.au today, to learn more and have your say!