Mary's Way - Volume 1, Edition #1 - July 2018

‘Mary’s Way’
IN THIS EDITION:
New Beginnings, Student Achievement, Sporting News, Alumni and more.
‘Mary’s Way’ | July 2018 | Volume 1 Edition 1

www.marymede.vic.edu.au
From the Principal
At the start of every year, I welcome our new students to Marymede. I encourage them to
involve themselves in as many aspects of school life as possible. Our College continues to see
education broadly, encompassing academic, spiritual, social, cultural and physical learning
experiences. We urge our students to ‘have a go’ at as many different activities as possible
and to enjoy all of the various opportunities which are presented to them here. The fact that
so many of them see no internal contradiction in playing sport with as much passion as they
perform in our Musical production, sing in the Choir or fundraise for our school charities is
evidence that our encouragement is working.
As Principal, I gain great satisfaction from attending many of the activities highlighted in this
edition and the one common denominator between them all is a genuine sense of enthusiasm,
engagement and pride in Marymede that comes from taking part.
We now have wonderful facilities and with the addition of a new Early Learning Centre aesthetically, our College is
second-to-none. However, what makes Marymede great is its people and the sense of community that our school
provides for our staff, so many students and their families.
Our College is in a strong position and with the opening of the Mernda Rail Extension next month, will become even
stronger.
I commend to you Mary’s Way and congratulate our Registrar, Matthew Luczek, for his work in capturing the fullness of
life at our College over the past six months.
Mr. Michael Kenny
Principal
In This Edition
Pg. 2 - 2017 High Achievers & Philippines Immersion
A look back at the outstandning achievements of our Class of 2017 and our Philippines Immersion Tour.
Pg. 3-4 - New Beginnings
New friends, new faces, new adventures!
Pg. 5 - Xanadu
Marymede students embraced the bright lights and big stage in our 2018 College Production.
Pg. 6 - Marymede Early Learning Centre
The newest members of the Marymede Community have arrived!
Pg. 7-9 - Our Students
We take a look at some key highlights inside and outside of the classroom throughout Semester 1.
Pg. 10-12 - Sporting News
Around the grounds with Team Marymede!
Pg. 13 - Meet the Teachers
In this edition we learn more about Ms. Gaff and Mr. Gestautas.
Pg. 14 - Alumni News
Where are they now?
Pg. 14 - 2018 Colour Run
We re-visit our inaugural Colour Run.
Pg. 15-18 - Snapshot
A look back at Semester 2 in photos.
Page 1

2017 High Achievers
Looking Back on a Great 2017
The commencement of each School year sees the acknowledgement of the previous year’s graduating class
along with the celebration of our VCE High Achievers.
2017 saw our students receive some outstanding results, with our median study score rising even further
above the state median and the College recording its highest ever average ATAR – 65.31. We were honoured
to welcome back our 2017 College Dux Steven Azzopardi along with our 2017 Study Score Dux Jordyn
Cullen to our High Achievers Assembly in Term 1.
Mr. Kenny spent some time with Steven to discuss his achievements and future academic goals.
Congratulations Steven.
Left: 2017 College Dux -
Steven Azzopardi.
Centre: Mr. Kenny and Steven
prior to our High Achievers
Celebration Morning.
Right: 2017 Study Score Dux -
Jordyn Cullen.
In late 2017, Marymede Catholic College saw some remarkable
Year 11 students and staff embark on our Immersion Tour to the
Philippines. Now in its second year, this trip sees a group of senior
students visit disadvantaged Schools and Communities in the
Philippines in order to develop an understanding and appreciation
of the history, culture and traditions of the Philippines whilst being of
service to some of the most disadvantaged people in this part of the
world. The Philippines Immersion Trip is a life changing experience
to all those involved.
2017 Philippines Immersion
“The Philippines Immersion Trip was an experience I will hold close to my heart and cherish forever. During
this experience we met some very strong and inspiring people who have really changed my perspective on
life and the way I live it.” - Alexandria Verdi (Year 11)
Page 2

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New Beginnings
A New Journey Awaits
Term 1 this year saw the beginning of many exciting
new journeys with both our Year 7 students and new
Prep students commencing their Secondary and
Primary School adventures respectively, in addition to
several new students across Years 1-6 and 8-12.
The yards at Marymede Catholic College saw lots of
smiles, cuddles, and even some tears as parents sent
their children off on new adventures and exciting new
experiences began.
Our Year 7 students were busy learning their new
timetables with the asisstance of Senior students and
also enjoying a raft of new subjects, whilst our Prep
students began a whole new journey altogether -
making new friends and experiencing the adventures
of Primary School for the first time.
It is always a pleasure to welcome new families into
the Marymede Community and Semester 1 provided
many opportunties for these families to fully immerse
themselves within the life of the College with Morning
Teas, Information Evenings, our House BBQ’s and
more
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New Beginnings
We are proud to extend a warm Marymede welcome to the following students and their families:
Kavel Adhikary, Artin Agry, Beau Ah-Kiau, Grace Al Machtoub, Zoe Alberti, Alexander Aleksovski, Chloe Almrott, Ava Angerosa,
Ethan Arnell, Reigan Arnell, Anishka Arora, Caylum Arthur, Amalia Arvantis, Jad Assaad, Isaac Attard, Mia Ayass, Jane Babu,
Alexander Baltovski, Matilda Barrett, Zoe Bax-Vitacca, Emily Beckett, Jesse Benders, Amy Bergamin, Sukhvir Singh Bhardwaj,
Matthew Bibis, Natalija Blazevski, Xavier Bocevski, Nethmi Bopage, Anahat Brar, Sehajkirat Kaur Brar, Nathanuel Brennan, Emily
Brullo, Bishar Burale, Riley Burnett, Peyton Burns, Matthew Butler, Chase Calleja, Leigha Caminiti, Max Campbell, Grace Carton-
Rigney, Loretta Caruana, Olivia Cataldo, Aarav Chahal, James Champlin, Charlotte Charles, Mia Chikurunhe, Laura Chikurunhe,
James Chirisa, Harrison Coombes, Sebastian Arturo Corona Dominguez, Anthonie Crupi, Alyssa Cutajar, Jasmine Czuba, Oliver
Daher, Alexander De Nittis, Alana De Santo, Ethan Deboo, Marco Del Pizzo, Aayan Dhanda, Ibrahim Diallo, Tahnee Doulos,
Aleczandar Doulos, Carol Elkomos, Levi Fenton, Hayley Fitzgerald, Amy Flint, Adam Forte, Monique Fragale, Analise Freeman,
Maddison George, Rafael Gerard, Joseph Ghali, Jaiveer Singh Gill, Kobe Ginimalage, Radhvi Gor, Noah Gosstray, Maneet Grewal,
Gabriella Grillo, Aria Gueli, Isla Hanlan, Joshua Harris, Makayla Harris, Joel Harris, Glen Hawi, Reece Hayden, Jorja Hayden, Rory
Henderson, Danai Hlatywayo, Ethan Holland, Erika Horsburgh, Jordan Hoyek, Brodie Huggins, Lily Itsines, Allyson Jardine, William
Johnston, Garvan Jones, Ronn Joseph, Mason Josevski, Claudia Juka, Gursimar Kalsi, Sofya Kalyana, Saavi Kang, Maison Kaos,
Mia Kaos, Lucas Katavic, Saakhi Kaur, Manseerat Kaur, Janelle Kauseni, Zachary Kauseni, Noah Kelly, Ashton Kenovski, Stephanie
Kittikhoun, Maddie Kleyn, James Kocovski, Brooklyn Komene, Isabel Kotoski, Jonathan Kounelakis, Seth Kumarasena, Alyssa La
Rosa, Hamish Lambert, Thomas Lambert, Samara Latif, Bianca Lazzara, Shawn Ling, Jane Liu, Francis Llaguno, Ava Rose Lloyd,
Alyssa Loutas, Damion Lumani, Emily Ma, Milos Majinovic, Seerit Malhi, Jedd Manning, Zoe Manoukian, Kristian Marmagelos,
Maria Biju Mathew, Anna Mathew, Carla Matta, Victoria Mazzeo, Charlie McDougall, Aila McMackin, Aidan McMahon, Theoren
Meli, Jackson Meli, Joshua Monar, Jack Morley, Kaitlyn Moss, Tess Motley, Makayla Mounsey, Monique Muir, Tadiwa Gil Mukuruva,
Panashe Mukuruva, Aerick Nag, Arshia Nagarajan, Yash Nand, Dylan Nand, Ishika Nanda, Julia Natalizio, Mackenzie Nativo,
Jonathan Newton, Mary Ngangira, Tyler Nhemachena, Michael Nick, Matteo Novakovic, Holly O’Loughlin, Bryce O’Neill, Owen
Onyango, Joshua Opasinov, Kristian Oslic, Oscar Papasotiriou, Rohan Patney, Rehan Perera, Lila Petrides, Georgia Phillips,
Heath Phillips, Tenishya Phipps-Papadopoulos, Kai Phipps-Papadopoulos, Yasmin Pinto, Siena Pivesso, Anastacia Pivesso, Torres
Priyambada, Amal Pulickal, Dhiliana Ramanah, Marcus Rambaldi, Jessica Ramsden, Aaron Rathnasiri, Zane Rickhuss, Ashleigh
Rogers, Paramveer Singh Saini, Josh Karn Sandhu, Aryav Sangha, Samuel Sansonetti, Jack Sapardanis, Alessia Scalora, Gabriel
Sedky, Nethuli Seneviratne, Ava Shahsavari, Matelda Shany, Andrew Shibu, Shamsheer Sidhu, Adam Silwany, Edward Simiane,
Ronpreet Singh, Angad Singh, Amber Singh, Karan Singh, Matthew Somerville, Jack Spiteri, Gargeyi Srinivas, Katia Stefanile, Ivy
Stella, Liam Stojanovski, Oliver Sunu, Levi Sutton, Courtney Tambolash, Christopher Tasevski, Malia Tauafao’Ale, Evelyn Tawadros,
Chogkyi Tenzin, Mannat Thakur, Xavier Tiberii, Ella Tjoeka, Zoe Topouzis, Jacob Tran, Thomas Trotman, Ayden Tutuaitu, Jed
Tyrrell, Risa Valder, Kai Van Kuyk, Ethan Vargas Cruz, Jake Velianis, Sehas Virk, Valentino Volpe, Cormac Warde, Alex Whewell, Jack
Williams, Paige Williams, Nancy Xing, Mahika Yadav, Christian Yazagi, Alice Zhu
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www.marymede.vic.edu.au
A Place Where Nobody Dared to Go!
Our 2018 Production of ‘Xanadu’ performed to sold out crowds
across May 24-26 at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention
Centre. Putting on a show on this scale is a huge effort, and the
three outstanding performances were the results of months of
planning and hard work by over 100 staff and students.
We were extremely proud to present the following awards in
recognition of students who went above and beyond in the
rehearsal and performance process.
Director’s Excellence Awards:
Benjamin Cole (Year 12) and Jarnai Brancaleone (Year 9)
Best Newcomer Award:
Harrison Coombes (Year 11)
Director’s Awards:
Adam Argyros (Year 11)
Angelina Pavlovski (Year 8)
Daniela Maiorana (Year 8)
Ebony Perera (Year 9)
Ella Rudge (Year 9)
Emma Beel (Year 12)
Helsen Cross (Year 12)
Madison Ackland (Year 7)
Nuwin Fernando (Year 9)
Tess Motley (Year 7)
Vironnica Mudaliar (Year 8)
Stage Manager’s Awards:
James Gurtler (Year 9) and Naomi Petrovska (Year 12)
2018 College Production:
Xanadu
Article Courtesy of: Northern Weekly - May, 2018
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Marymede Early Learning Centre
New Kids on the Block
In an exciting development for the local Community, we were proud to open
the doors to Marymede Early Learning Centre in May this year.
Offering 3 and 4 year old Kindergarten programs, and in partnership with
our College, the Centre aims to enhance and expand the opportunities and
resources available to each child enrolled whilst ensuring an ideal transition
into Primary School; supporting children to be independent thinkers, socially
confident, and excited to learn.
The newest members of the Marymede Community have been enjoying a range
of new experiences, with regular trips to specialist areas here at the College
along with fun, interactive and engaging learning experiences in Arts, Science,
Music, Italian and more!
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Our Students
Science Success
This semester we congratulated James Manoussakis (Year
12) on recently being announced as one of only 4 students
from Australia and approximately 20 students across the
world to be invited to the the XLAB International Science
Camp held at the George August University in Gottingen,
Germany.
James will head over to Germany this August and recieves
this opportunity via winning a place at the National Youth
Science Forum this past January.
The National Youth Science Forum Year 12 Program is a
12-day residential program designed to expose students
to the diverse study and career options available in STEM
fields. The Program includes lectures, workshops and
labs run by established scientists, facility tours, social
events, skills building activities and so much more. The
Program took place in January this year in Canberra
(Australian National University) and Brisbane (University
of Queensland).
We wish James all the very best in his future scientific
endevaours.
Article Courtesy of: Whittlesea Leader - May, 2018
Astro Joins the Team @ Marymede
In Term 2 we welcomed Astro into the College Community.
Astro is an almost 3-year-old purebred Border Collie who is a
certified Therapy Dog trained through K9 Support. He will be
working with our Student Wellbeing/Psychology Team as the
College’s official Therapy Dog.
Astro has already begun work in assisting students to develop
communication and social skills, increase empathy, lower
anxiety, and reduce aggression. Therapy dogs offer comfort and
non-judgmental support with studies showing that even a short
time with a dog can lower stress and improve mood.
Sacraments @ Marymede Catholic
College
Semester 1 saw students in Year 6 take part in their Sacrament of
Confirmation whilst our Year 3 students shared in the Sacrament
of Reconciliation. We are looking forward to celebrating our
Sacarament of Eucharist with Year 4 students in Semester 2.
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Our Students
VCAL Students Leave Their Legacy
Each year, students studying VCAL undertake a major project
as part of their ‘Personal Development Skills’ topic. In 2018,
the VCAL students at Marymede Catholic College have
worked toward leaving a legacy that lasts long beyond their
graduation date in 4 months time through the conception
of their ‘Garden Makeover Project’. The Garden Makeover
Project was designed as a means to transform the Wetlands
Garden Area behind House 7 at the College into a sustainable
food garden which can be used by future cohorts for a range
of causes, predominately charity based. The VCAL students
reflect on their experience below:
What are your long term goals for the garden?
Long term, we hope that our plants continue grow and that
regular harvesting can occur so that items can be donated
to those less fortunate. We also hope that future cohorts
will continue to provide maintenance in the garden area to
ensure that the Garden Beds remain in great condition for
the foreseeable future. We hope that this project will work
to create a long lasting tradition between the VCAL students
and Year 4 Team – working together in the garden.
Why did you choose to include Year 4 students in this
Project?
We chose to work with the Year 4 students because we wanted
to see the garden from a younger person’s point of view and
we worked with them previously in some of our Literacy tasks.
We tried to design a garden that would benefit the whole
School community so it was great to get the perspective of
some of our younger students in addition to our own ideas.
They were great to work with - kind, respectful and a lot of
fun. We would love to work with them again.
What advice would you give to young students in Year 10
or below who might be considering VCAL as a pathway in
2019 or beyond?
Well for starters, VCAL offers opportunities that VCE does
not. VCAL is not just for students who do not want to learn
academically or do not ‘like’ school; VCAL is a great option
for all students who find it better to learn in a hands-on
environment. We would recommend that anyone who is
considering VCAL as a pathway contact the College to discuss
further because it is a great alternative.
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www.marymede.vic.edu.au
Our Students
#NoFilter
Term 2 saw the introduction of our inaugural #nofilter
Year 9 Photography Exhibition.
The Foyer of our Calthorpe Resource Centre was
transformed with a colourful display of photographs
produced by Year 9 Media class. Our students worked
hard in curating and installing the exhibition throughout
the Term. Titled ‘#nofilter’, the exhibition featured
experimental photos and photographic narratives in a
range of genres, all taken with manual camera settings
and without any filters. One of many great exhibitions
throughout the year, #nofilter was an excellent
opportunity to showcase the artistic talents of our Media
students here at Marymede Catholic College.
Celebrating the Month of Mary
National Reconcilation Week
As part of Reconciliation Week this year, all students
participated in a special P-12 Liturgy, honouring the
oldest continuous living culture in the world.
Wurundjeri Elder, Uncle Ian Hunter, led a smoking
ceremony and the children bore witness to
Indigenous Dancers imitating the kangaroo, emu and
Bunjil, the Wedge-tailed Eagle.
The liturgy and smoking ceremony acknowledged
the hurt of the past and hope for the future.
Throughout May our College celebrated the month of Mary both in prayer and within our Religous Education
classes. The Year 1 students worked on creating their own images of Mary and discussing her significance
within our School Community.
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Sporting News
Year 7 Boys Cap Off An Undefeated Season with Premiership
A special congratulations to our Year 7 Boys Premier League AFL Team successfully claiming their first ever
Premiership in the Year 7 SACCSS Premier League Competition. Mr. Brownjohn’s team went undefeated
throught the season claiming victory in the Grand Final this past June. Well done boys!
Team Marymede Earns the Futsal Double
Outstanding achievements by both our Male and Female Futsal Squads who were crowned Champions
at the Australian Futsal Association School Championships. Their recent victories have earnt both teams a
place in the National Championships to be held on the Gold Coast later in the year.
Page 10

www.marymede.vic.edu.au
Sporting News
Green Time @ the ‘Mede
Both our Upper Primary and Secondary House Athletics Carnivals took
place early in Term 2 with the later treated to a very special guest host
in the form of Channel 7 media personality Brian Taylor.
Brian’s commentary throughout the day proved a highlight in addition
to the bright, colourful costumes on display from our Year 12 students.
In the end it would be the mighty ‘Green Dragons’ of Chisholm House
who would claim the Championship crowns in both the Primary and
Secondary divisions for 2018.
Panther Perfection in the Pool
Our sporting year commenced in Term 1 with our annual House
Swimming Carnival as Marcellin House sought to continue their
winning streak in the pool.
The College was blessed with vast sunshine and warm weather
throughout the day. Competition was fierce as students participated
with pride for their respective Houses.
The day would end with Ms. Esposito and her ‘Purple Panthers’
claiming victory - ending Mr. Doherty and Marcellin’s winning streak.
Around the Grounds
Semester 1 saw a raft of sporting successes for Team Marymede
including Grand Final appearances in Netball, Cricket, Volleyball,
Soccer, AFL and Futsal. Students represent our College with pride as
our sporting legacy grows stronger each year. Well done to all students
who continue participate in our co-curricular programs with effort and
enthusiasm at every opportunity.
Page 11

Sporting News
Students Make the Grade
Year 5 student Alexis Madin was a proud
participant in the School Sports Victoria
Regional Swimming Chmapionships -
representing our College with pride.
Alexis placed 2nd in the 50m Backstoke,
4th in the Freestyle Relay event and swam
a Personal Best in the 50m Freestyle
event. Meanwhile, Jamie-Lee Mathews
(Year 9) was also selected to represent
the ‘School Sport Victoria’ Under 17’s
Girls Softball Team at the School Sport
Australia Championships in Queensland
which took place in May.
Swim Skills & A Superstar Visit
Team Marymede participated in large numbers at the Primary
Bridge Inn Swimming Carnival and were crowned overall
Champions on the day with many students moving on to the next
round of competition.
In other news, our Primary Girls Football (Aussie Rules) team
competed in the Girls Bridge Inn South Football Carnival and
successfully captured the Premiership on the day. Interest in
Women’s Football has been strong at Marymede Catholic College
and students were also treated to a special visit from AFLW star
Chloe Molloy early in Term 2.
We look forward to a number of exciting sporting opportunities at
the College in Semester 2.
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Meet the Teachers
Melissa Gaff – melissa.gaff@marymede.vic.edu.au
What is your role at the College?
This year I am one of the Tutor Teachers for Chisholm 2. I am teaching Year 8
Italian, Year 8 Skills and Year 12 VCAL Personal Development Skills.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a Teacher?
Having a Tutor Group when you get to see your students from Year 7 grow and
develop into young adults by the time they reach Year 12. After being in your
Tutor Group for 6 years, it is wonderful to see how much they achieve over the
years and the joy they feel when graduating. It’s quite a journey and I enjoy
being part of it and helping them along the way.
Fast Five:
Favourite Food: Pizza and Chocolate
Favourite Movie/TV Show: Old time favourite would be ‘Friends’ and current
favourite is ‘Game of Thrones’.
Hidden Talent or Something We May Not Know About You: I enjoy sewing
dresses for my two-year-old twin daughters.
Favourite Sporting Team: Richmond Tigers! I have been a member since I was 12
years old and going to the Grand Final last year was a dream come true.
If You Could Pick Any 3 People as Dinner Guests, Who Would They Be and
Why?:
Alex Rance – he seems like a lovely guy with great morals and he would be good
for a laugh.
My Father in Law – he passed away before we had our children. He would have
been an amazing loving and caring Grandfather and I wish they got to meet.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) – she seems like a genuine
person, considering that she is a royal, and I admire all the charity work she does.
Callum Gestautas – callum.gestautas@marymede.vic.edu.au
What is your role at the College?
I’m lucky enough to be a part of the fantastic Year 3 Teaching Team.
This year I’m teaching Year 3.1 as well as our Technologies specialist
class.
What is the most rewarding aspect of being a Teacher?
There is always a moment during the year where you get to witness
things just ‘click’ with students. It’s so satisfying to be able to look back
at the year with a student as they recognise how much growth they
have made and what they have achieved.
Fast Five:
Favourite Food: Gnocchi
Favourite Movie/TV Show: The Office (US Series)
Hidden Talent or Something We May Not Know About You: I like to
build things - Over the last six months I’ve built an enormous hardwood
dining table for our home.
Favourite Sporting Team: Roo Boys! So glad we’ll be joining the AFLW
in 2019 (hopefully we have more luck there!)
If You Could Pick Any 3 People as Dinner Guests, Who Would They Be
and Why?:
Tough one! I’m really not sure, though they would have to enjoy pork
belly – that’s my go to ‘impressive’ dish.
Page 13

Alumni News
AFL Debut for Class of 2017 Graduate
Congratulations to Class of 2017 graduate Jack Petrucelle who
made his Senior AFL debut for the West Coast Eagles this season.
Jack was an integral member of McAuley House from 2011 - 2017
and spent his final year at the College at McAuley House Captain.
We wish him all the very best for a long and prosperous career.
Graduates Return for Media Masterclass
It was a great pleasure to recently welcome back three of our
Class of 2017 graduates: Breanna Dimitrievski (Chanel), Angelique
Milevski (Chanel) and Jacinta Costanzo (McAuley) to the classroom
for a special ‘Media Masterclass’ session with Mr. Guzman. The
girls took time out of their busy schedules to work with current
VCE Media students on a range of study-related topics.
Inaugural Colour Run
The College was awash with colour on the afternoon of Friday April
20 as families took part in our inaugural ‘Colour Run’ - a fundraising
initiative arranged by our passionate Parents & Friends Committee.
We are thankful for some amazing support by our local Community
with the CFA and Victoria Police providing their asisstance along with
Montague Apples who were on hand to pass out some tasty treats for
students following their run.
In addition to being a great community event - the Parents’ & Friends
Committee were able to raise funds for the College which go towards
provide our students with new resources and addiitonal exciting
opportunities.
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www.marymede.vic.edu.au
Snapshot
A Look Back at Semester 1, 2018!
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Snapshot
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www.marymede.vic.edu.au
Snapshot
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Snapshot
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‘Mary’s Way’
Marymede Catholic College
60 Williamsons Road, South Morang 3752
www.marymede.vic.edu.au