At the Headmaster’s Assembly on 8 February 2024, we marked the solemn occasion of the Feast Day of St Josephine Bakhita, honouring the patron saint of victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. The Assembly was a call to raise awareness and a prayer for solidarity as Liam (Y12) led the gathered staff, students and parents in prayer, echoing Pope Francis’s sentiments on the right to freedom and security. Thomas (Y12) lit a symbolic candle, joining hands with a global community committed to combating human trafficking.
Insightful reflection
Headmaster, Mr Michael Blake, provided a poignant perspective, juxtaposing Australia’s blessed situation against the stark reality of human trafficking victims worldwide, which roughly equals 80 per cent of Australia’s population of 25 million people.
Mr Blake also reflected on a recent letter and article he received from an Old Boy’s wife, drawing a parallel between a past Duke of Westminster’s speech and the College’s ethos. The article’s words on friendship, community, integrity and the unseen, yet vital, moral fibres align closely with our College Prayer, serving as a guide for students past, present and future. “We live in a world which increasingly believes that the things you might touch and see are all that really matter. But the things that really matter are … humour, courage, loyalty, steadfastness and above all, integrity. Integrity of the mind is the quality without which all others are diminished. It means setting your sights even higher … it implies service, not for a reward, but because service in itself is a fine thing. And finally, harmony – the quality that makes the intolerable tolerable and puts everything in perspective,” stated Mr Blake.
Fostering creativity in learning
A yearly highlight for Year 7 is the “Joeys Oscars”. Ms Linda Roden, Head of Library, congratulated the inventive Year 7 students who crafted compelling iMovie trailers based on their favourite books. The award for last year’s cohort went to Flynn, Benjamin, Samson and Jonathan (pictured below) for their gripping trailer of “The Hunger Games”, which showcased their innovative storytelling skills.
Sport and co-curricular achievements
The Assembly also served as a platform to honour numerous students on their recent co-curricular and sporting successes. Year 12 students who supported the younger cohorts last year at the Colo Outdoor Education Centre were awarded certificates in recognition of their outstanding stewardship and leadership, as they accompanied each year group and assisted with the running of the camps.
Year 12 students awarded for their commitment to supporting the Colo Outdoor Education Centre.
Recent sporting achievements and awards include:
- Athletics: Billy (Y12) smashed state records in the U17 100m (10.64s) and 110m hurdles (13.41s) at the Little Athletics Region Championships.
At the NSW Senior State Age Swimming Championships, Maximilian (Y8), William (Y11) and Cooper (Y12) made waves with top finishes in multiple events:
- Maximilian placed second in 12 & Over 50m backstroke and third in 12 & Over 100m freestyle;
- William placed second in the 15 & Over 800m freestyle; second in 15 & Over 1500m freestyle and third in the 15s–17s 400m freestyle; and
- Cooper placed first in the 12s–18s 400m medley relay; first in the 15s–17s 200m medley relay; third in 12s–18s 400m freestyle relay; third in the 15s–17s 200m individual medley; and third in the 15s–17s 200m butterfly.
William (Y11), Cooper (Y12) and Maximilian (Y8) (left) and Billy (Y12) (right) with Mr Michael Blake.
In cricket, the Ray Lindwall Trophy was awarded to the triumphant Marist Cricket Carnival Team as well as the following individual awards: Hamish (Y12) received a Champagnat Award for the player who best exemplified the spirit of St Marcellin Champagnat during the Carnival; Jack (Y12), Max (Y11), Angus (Y12) and Hamish (Y12) were selected in the Combined Marist XI (team of the Carnival); Angus was also selected as captain of the Combined Marist XI and presented with the Br Crispin O’Sullivan Trophy; and First XI Coach Mr Ash Squire was selected as Coach of the Combined Marist XI team.
Individual performances in cricket were also highlighted, including:
- Jack’s 152 runs in the match against Lavalla Catholic College Traralgon (Marist Cricket Carnival) and his 103 run performance in partnership with Callum (Y12) (54 runs not out) against the NSW Under 16s (25 January 2024);
- Frederick’s (Y12) 104 runs in the game against Catholic College Sale (Marist Cricket Carnival);
- Archie’s (Y11) 5-wicket haul against St Pius X for the Second XI team; and
- Hugo (Y9) (58 runs) and Jonah’s (Y9) (52 runs not out) impressive 110 run partnership for the 15B team against Scots (21 October 2023).
The First XI cricket team receiving the Ray Lindwall Trophy for their undefeated win at the Marist Cricket Carnival, with captain Angus (Y12) accepting the trophy from Mr Michael Blake.
The Assembly ended on a musical note with the Year 11 Rock Band’s spirited rendition of “Are You Gonna Go My Way” by Lenny Kravitz. Celebrating these recent sporting and co-curricular pursuits and successes reinforces the College’s values and inspires Joeys boys to approach each day with integrity, compassion, creativity and excellence.
Headmaster’s Assembly – 8 February 2024
