Mary's Way July 2021

Mary’s Way
JULY 2021 EDITION
In this edition:
2020 High Achievers
Meet the 2021 Captains
House Picnics and Feast Days
New Co-Curricular Initiatives
www.marymede.vic.edu.au

Welcome
So far, 2021 has been a busy year in the life of our
College. We have had to restructure our calendar
in order to finalise our normal annual events, as
well as some of those that did not occur last year
due to the COVID-19 lockdowns.
One of my favourite events of each year is our
Opening School Mass. This was a very special
occasion and I am pleased that our students
view this in such a respectful manner.
Contents
2020 High Achievers 4
2021 Commencement 5
Open Day 6
Primary Parents Back on Campus 7
From the ELC 8
Faith and Mission 9
Year 7 Confirmation 10
Year 5 First Eucharist 10
Blessing of the Design Technology Building 11
Game Changers Formation Camp 11
Meet the New Primary Teachers 12
Performing Arts 15
Swimming & Athletics Carnival 16
Sports Stars 17
House Picnics 18
House Feast Days 18
Romero Feast Day 19
Chanel Feast Day 19
Year 7 and 8 Camps 20
Year 12 Retreat 21
Languages Week 22
Humanities Week 22
Meet the 2021 Captains 23
Marymede News 25
Bush Tucker Garden 26
Sharing our Knowledge 27
Unfortunately, the 2020 lockdowns meant
last year’s Year 4 First Eucharist and Year 6
Confirmation had to be postponed. I was so
pleased that these two significant celebrations
could be held for our now Years 5 and 7 cohorts
in Semester 1, 2021. Thank you to the staff who
supported these celebrations.
It was wonderful to be able to welcome our
Prep parents to the College early in Term 1 for
the annual Prep Sundowner event. We also held
our Year 7 Camp which was a great way for our
students to get to know each other.
Our Year 8 students attended a Camp at
Marysville, having missed out on this experience
last year due to the lockdowns. We managed to
hold both our Secondary House and Athletics
Carnivals this year for which we are thankful. Once
again, media personality Brian ‘BT’ Taylor was our
commentator at the Athletics Carnival. I would
like to particularly thank BT for giving his time to
support this annual event.
We had to be creative in relation to the annual
House BBQs this year due to COVID-19
restrictions. To that end, this year we held House
Picnics at the beginning of the year which were
well supported by parents.
We had a large number of parents and
grandparents attend our Prep – Year 2 Mother’s
Day celebrations. It is my belief that holding
events such as these builds on an already strong
community connection, not only with our families,
but also with the College staff.
I now look forward to the commencement of
Semester 2 and am particularly excited to watch
our Years 5 – 9 students in their upcoming Junior
School Musical, Moana Jr., later in Term 3.
I am proud of the way our community supported
each other through such unprecedented times
last year. My wish as always is that our Marymede
Community continues to build their connections
through the life of the College going forward.
Mr Michael Kenny, Principal

High2020
Achievers
2021
Commencement
The 2021 school year began with our annual
High Achievers Assembly which sees the College
acknowledge those who have achieved significant
results from the previous graduating year. In the
most challenging of years, the Class of 2020
showed great commitment, resilience and strength
of character and we commend them on their
contribution to the College and outstanding results.
Congratulations to College Dux Chloe Falzon who
achieved an ATAR of 99.45 and perfect 50 study
score in Health and Human Development. The
College echoes sentiments expressed in Chloe’s
memorable speech at this assembly:
“It fills me with immense pride to be able to
recognise the efforts and achievements of the
entire 2020 graduate class amidst a tumultuous
year…an unprecedented year. I’m so proud of
us all for making it through. Our outstanding
results are testament to great persistence,
dedication and hard work”
The College also congratulates Kaiya Camilleri,
current Year 12 student, who achieved a perfect
50 study score in VCE/VET Dance in 2020.
Kaiya was selected to perform her A+ achieving
Contemporary Dance Solo at both Top Class
Dance and Top Acts this year. These concerts
celebrate outstanding performances from the
previous school year and it is a great honour
and accomplishment to be involved.
Being selected to perform at Top Acts is
a particularly incredible achievement as it is
a celebration of amazing work presented by
performers from Top Class Drama, Theatre
Studies, Dance, Sound and Music, as well as
a few highlights from Top Screen and Top Arts.
At the commencement of 2021, Marymede
welcomed 127 Preps and over 80 new Year 7
students as well as an unprecedented 65 new
students across other year levels. It was wonderful
to see so many beaming faces along with a few
nervous smiles. We were grateful that COVID
restrictions enabled new parents to enter campus
to farewell their children as they embarked upon
a new learning journey.
The Prep Sundowner evening allowed parents an
opportunity to celebrate their children’s start to
school and see the campus, as many had been
unable to do so with school tours cancelled due
to COVID restrictions in 2020. It was wonderful
to see friendships forming between parents and
families as they have between children: supportive
relationships to last throughout their entire
13 years of schooling.
Whether coming from Marymede Grade 6
classes or external primary schools, all Year 7s
were challenged to learn their new timetable,
experience new subjects and meet new teachers
and friends. We are proud of the maturity,
enthusiasm and respect with which our students
have tackled the commencement of their
secondary school years.
The College also congratulates Courtney
Spencer, whose artwork ‘Gasmask – The Impact
of COVID-19’, won the MACS Creative Arts
Exhibition 2021 People’s Choice Award (Secondary
Category). Courtney and her Studio Arts teacher,
Liam McCormack, are highly commended for this
fantastic achievement.
Marymede extends a warm welcome to all new
members of our College community and trust
you have had a great start to 2021.
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5

Marymede staff and student volunteers
welcomed almost 700 visitors for our 2021
Open Day. It was a wonderful opportunity for
families to explore the College and gain an
insight into life at Marymede.
Although the day ran a little differently from
previous years to ensure COVID-safety, there was
no shortage of fun activities and displays in which
visitors could participate and observe. Cupcake
decorating, woodwork and taking a photo with a
cardboard cut-out of Mr Kenny were just some of
the ways visitors enjoyed their day at Marymede.
Over 100 students proudly represented the
College as Tour Guides and running information
stalls and activities. We look forward to many of
the visiting families joining our College community
in 2021 and beyond.
Open
Day
Primary parents
back on campus
Marymede was excited to welcome parents back
on campus for several events this semester. The
Prep Sundowner event run in early Term 1 was
a great opportunity to meet families new to
Marymede, many of whom had not yet seen the
College grounds. We extend thanks to the Prep
and Grade 1 parents who helped their children
create wonderful, whimsical hats for our Easter
Bonnet Parade and came to watch the students
model their creations on the catwalk.
Similarly, it was truly heart-warming to see the
number of mothers, grandmothers and other
special friends who attended our Prep – Year 2
Mother’s Day celebrations. The College has always
had a strong connection to its families and we
hope eased restrictions will continue to allow us to
share special events with families later in the year.
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7

From the
ELC
With 165 children enrolled at the Marymede
Early Learning Centre across 3 and 4 Year Old
programs, there is never a minute of quiet.
From day one, children have walked in the
doors buzzing with energy and enthusiasm.
The classrooms have been alight with the
excitement of learning and new friendships
being formed throughout Semester 1 2021.
Faith
It was a blessing to gather as a whole school
community to celebrate mass for the opening of
the 2021 school year. The College community
Mission
assembled in the Fitness centre with College
Chaplain Fr Martin Ashe, who delivered a beautiful
service. Our 2021 Primary and Secondary student
leaders were acknowledged and blessed as they
embarked on a new journey leading the student
body in 2021. New staff were also acknowledged
and blessed as official members of the Marymede
College community. The 2021 Opening School
Mass was a wonderful, spiritual experience for all
&staff and students.
The beautiful May weather accompanying our
Mother’s Day celebrations allowed the children
to spend quality time with their mums, some of
whom had never seen the kindergarten before,
due to COVID-19 restrictions preventing tours.
Our 3YO groups had a pizza afternoon tea at
the end of their class whilst our 4YO mums were
invited to a twilight BBQ at the kinder.
Our caterpillar class pet exhibit has been a big
hit with the children counting down the days until
the big transformation into a butterfly occurs. Our
learning of lifecycles tied in nicely with our Merri
Creek incursion where the children learnt about
the different water bugs that live in our area, whilst
also learning about how pollution can affect not
only the bugs but also our waterways.
Linking to our topic of identity, and in addition
to protecting our environment, the children have
been learning about the importance of protecting
ourselves and our own feelings. We have delved
into what it means to be a friend and why it is
important to show others the respect that we want
to be shown. For family week we celebrated how
families come in different shapes and sizes and
how we each have our own celebrations, traditions
and interests. The children investigated the
different communities we belong to and focussed
on what makes each of those communities special
and important to us.
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9

Year 7
COVID restrictions resulted in our Grade 6 Class
of 2020 being previously unable to make their
Confirmation. Thankfully, in February 2021,
these now Year 7 students were able to make
the Sacrament of Confirmation at The Chapel
of the Annunciation here at Marymede.
The Chapel provided an intimate environment and
a sense of community amongst students, families
and staff. Despite limited numbers, families and
friends of the candidates gathered with a sense
of relief and joy as their children were finally able
to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The students showed great respect and reverence.
Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne the Most Reverend
Terry Curtin, Fr Anthony Girolami and our
College Chaplain Fr Martin Ashe celebrated this
memorable occasion while Alumni student Damon
Rudge and Game Changer students captured this
milestone on camera.
Confirmation
The College received very positive feedback for
having the celebration at our own College Chapel
and this is something we will consider when
planning future Sacramental masses. May our
students continue to grow in the love of Christ and
be filled with the Holy Spirit on their faith journey.
Blessing of the
Materials and Design Technology Building
After the completion of our new Materials and
Design Technology Building in Term 2 2020,
we were thrilled to have this latest addition to
Marymede blessed and officially opened.
The College was honoured to have Auxiliary
Bishop of Melbourne the Most Reverend Terry
Curtin, Fr John Murphy and our College Chaplain
Fr Martin Ashe present for this memorable and
significant occasion. The Liturgy, held in the new
building, was attended by student leaders, special
guests and others who contributed to its fruition.
The College Choir graced attendees with
beautiful harmonies led by Deputy Principal
David Broadbent. At the conclusion of the Liturgy,
College Principal Michael Kenny and Bishop
Terry moved from room to room throughout the
building as Bishop Terry blessed each crucifix
beautifully handcrafted by our own Mr Mark
Chapman.
We give thanks for those whose minds, hands,
dedication and hard work have contributed to
the construction of our Materials and Design
Technology Building. We trust their vision of
enabling unlimited possibilities for students
to create will be honoured by our students’
commitment and passion.
Year 5
First
Eucharist
On the weekend of March 20 - 21, Year 5 Students
received the Sacrament of First Eucharist.
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the students
having to wait a year for this to occur; however,
the event proved to be worth the wait.
Our College Chapel of the Annunciation provided
a sacred and intimate atmosphere as Fr Anthony
Girolami and Fr Martin Ashe welcomed the
students to the table of the Lord. Families and
friends, although limited in numbers by COVID
restrictions, were able to join in the celebration.
The students showed great respect as they
presented themselves to receive this sacrament.
There was a great buzz in the air as each group
left to continue celebrations with their families
and friends. We pray for these students as they
continue their faith journey.
Game Changers
Formation Camp
Game Changers is a unique Catholic Youth
Ministry program, available for all secondary
students across Marist schools in Australia. It
provides students with the opportunity to grow in
their respective beliefs, create relationships and
enhance their leadership skills. Game Changers
Formation Camp is always filled with love, laughter
and growth: a time where senior Game Changer
students welcome the new Year 10s into the Game
Changers family.
Students spent two days in February gathered at
Holy Cross Centre in Templestowe. Unfortunately,
due to the snap lockdown, students and staff
had to return home a day earlier than intended.
Nonetheless, during their time away students were
able to discuss the values and themes of their
respective Game Changers Track, recommitting
themselves to another year of learning, loving
and doing, guided in the way of St Marcellin
Champagnat and our blessed and loving Mother
Mary. We take this time to appreciate all the time
and effort our Game Changer mentors put in to
develop and support the growth of our Game
Changer students.
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Meet the New
Primary Teachers
Ashlee Ramaekers
Year 3 Classroom Teacher
Mimma Roach
Year 2 Classroom Teacher
Why did you choose to become a teacher?
During school I had some fantastic teachers who
made a positive impact on my learning. These
teachers changed the way I approached learning.
I felt safe when I stepped into their classroom and
always wanted to do my best. I hope that
by becoming a teacher I can have a positive
impact on students’ lives. I hope students feel
valued and respected when in my classroom and
develop a passion for learning like I did.
What was your favourite subject at school?
My favourite subject at school was Studio Art and
Communication Design. I really enjoyed having
the opportunity to be creative by responding to
design briefs and creating artwork that I was
proud of!
Were you involved in any extra-curricular
activities during your school days?
At school I enjoyed participating in sports such
as rowing, netball, and basketball. I also loved
being involved in Drama and Music. I have fond
memories of having percussion music lessons and
performing in our Annual Music Concert playing in
the concert band and percussion ensemble.
What country outside of Australia would
you most like to visit?
I would love to visit Japan, especially during
springtime to see the cherry blossom trees!
Why did you choose to become a teacher?
Ever since I was little I knew there was no other
career I wanted to pursue than teaching. My
motivation to become a teacher was heavily
influenced by my own positive school experiences
as I loved my time at both primary and high
school. I wanted to be able to provide my future
students with a school experience that was
fulfilling, just like mine.
I love making a difference in the lives of children.
I love the relationships you get to build. I love
sharing my love of learning and I love that I walk
into school with the biggest smile on my face and
leave the same way.
What was your favourite subject at school?
My favourite subject at school was Health and
Human Development (HHD). I studied HHD as a
VCE subject. This was my favourite as I enjoyed
the content that was being taught. I was interested
in learning about the factors that influence
individual health and the diversity of health/health
care worldwide. HHD went on to be my best
subject in Year 12.
Summer or Winter?
I prefer Summer. Over the Summer holidays my
family and I spend over four weeks at our caravan
park, and it is my favourite time of the year. My
caravan is in a small country town and is situated
on a lake. We have a boat and spend our days
water skiing, knee boarding, paddle boarding and
going on the tube. Our caravan park is private
which only has 40 onsite caravans. We have been
going to this place since I was six years old, so
we have grown up with the other members of the
park – they are practically family.
What country outside of Australia
would you most like to visit?
The USA. In 2018 I travelled overseas to the USA
with my Mum and sister for an international dance
opportunity with the dance school I attended.
The first place we visited was New York, and
I fell in love with NYC instantly. We then travelled
to L.A. where we performed on Hollywood
Boulevard, Universal Studios and Disneyland.
I loved L.A. and the entire experience was
amazing. However, I would love to travel back
to the U.S.A and spend more time exploring
other states.
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Monique Du Toit
Year 6 Classroom Teacher
Why did you choose to become a teacher?
Every student has a right to receive both a positive
and a rich education. It is my goal to work hard
in order to ensure that the students I teach
throughout my career have this experience in the
classroom. I also value all the relationships I have
had with my teachers in the past so highly and
love that I have the opportunity to also build these
relationships with my students.
What do you like most about teaching?
My favourite part of teaching has been the
development of professional and rich relationships
with my students and teaching staff. It has been a
privilege to get to know them and to see the shifts
in my students’ attitudes as we have continued to
build a good rapport in the classroom.
Performing
Arts
The Marymede Performing Arts Department has
had a very busy and exciting start to 2021. New
music bands, the return of Primary Choir and
Dance Club as well as rehearsals beginning for
the Middle Years Production of Moana Jr. have
provided a multitude of opportunities for
our students to get involved and show their
creative side.
Primary Choir remains our most popular
Performing Arts co-curricular activity with 134
students across Years 1 – 6 attending rehearsal
every Wednesday after school. The students
practice popular music as well as songs that are
staples at College masses and assemblies. ‘Cover
me in Sunshine’ by P!NK and her daughter Willow
was a highlight sung beautifully by our students
this semester.
At the beginning of Term 2, the Senior School
Play Antigone was performed by talented
students from Years 10 – 12. Antigone is a
Greek tragedy by Sophocles. The play deals
with Antigone’s burial of her brother Polynices
in defiance of the laws of Creon and the state
and the tragic repercussions of her act of civil
disobedience. The cast performed four shows over
two nights to an audience of family, friends and
numerous teachers and staff members who came
along to support our students.
Towards the end of Term 1, auditions were held for
our 2021 Production: Moana Jr. We were amazed
by the talent of students across Years 5 – 9 who
sang, danced and strutted their stuff in front of
the audition panel. It was incredible to see so
many students brave enough to stand up and
perform, especially our Primary students. We are
very excited to now have a full cast of 87 students
who will be bringing this much loved and popular
Disney movie to life and cannot wait to share the
students’ hard work on stage in September.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Economics
What was your least favourite
subject at school?
Chemistry
Summer or Winter?
Summer because I absolutely love the beach.
What country outside of Australia
would you most like to visit?
Italy because I love the food, I love the
beaches, I love the sense of community
and I love the history.
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15

Swimming
Carnival
Sports Stars
Although the 5-day lockdown in February caused
the Marymede House Swimming Carnival to be
postponed and run at reduced capacity, it was still
enjoyed by all who attended the event at Whittlesea
Pools. Chisholm House retained their victorious title
thanks to the strong efforts of individuals and a high
overall participation rate.
Congratulations to the following Year Level
Champions:
Year 7: Alec D’este and Tahlia Trenevska
Year 8: Julian Spiteri, Alexis Madin and Leah Crisp
Year 9: Christian Petlevski and Caitlin Vendhardt
Year 10: Harley Fraumano and Kaitlyn Moss
Athletics
Carnival
Staff and students were excited to have media
personality Brian (BT) Taylor commentating
throughout the Secondary House Athletics
Carnival. The competition was tough as students
participated in track, field and novelty events
supporting their Houses, with Chanel ultimately
prevailing as the winning House. Chanel students
put immense effort into every event and are
commended for a well-deserved win.
Congratulations to the following Year Level
Champions:
Year 7: Campbell Brooks, Abby Mueller, Georgia
De Lange and Samantha Talevski
Year 8: Ivan Chunihin and Makayla Bennett
Year 9: Dean Sergakis, Julian Guzzardi and
Sophie Filippopoulus
Year 10: Tobenna Obani and Hayley Fitzgerald
Year 11: Jonathan Sevas, Shante Pisani and
Isabelle Spiteri
Year 12: Dallin Stewart and Grace Wake
Marymede has had a fantastic first semester in sport!
Here is a snapshot of some of our students’ sports
accomplishments in Semester 1 2021.
Swimming
Marymede won the Division 2 titles at the SACCSS
Swimming Sports for Junior Girls, Intermediate
Overall, Intermediate Girls, and Intermediate Boys,
earning a promotion to Division 1 in 2022. Special
congratulations to age group champions Caitlyn
Vendhardt & Alexis Madin (U15), Bianca Bothma (U16),
and Molly Wright (Multiclass).
Senior Netball
A determined effort saw the Marymede Girls Senior
Netball Team prevail in the SACCSS Senior Netball
Division 2 Grand Final. The team beat St Monica’s
Epping 27-23 in a long-awaited win after remaining
undefeated in the 2020 season, cut short due to
COVID. Well done to Team Captain and MVP Grace
Wake and the entire team who are now moving up to
Division 1.
SACCSS Senior Sports Day
Francesco Zaccari triumphed as champion of the Senior
Boys Tennis Competition at the SACCSS Senior Sports
Day. The Girls Volleyball team scored another highlight
of the day, coming Runner-Up in the Grand Final with
Jarnai Brancaleone awarded Player of the Match.
Premier League Premiers
With the score tied after overtime, the Year 10 Boys
Soccer Team played a spectacular game ultimately
winning in a penalty shootout and taking home the
championship.
Primary Interschool Sports
Primary students had great fun and proved strong
competitors in the Bridge Inn District Interschool Sport
Competition. Well done to the Girls Cricket Team
and both Boys and Girls European Handball Teams:
undefeated all season and Premiers in the District
Grand Final! Special mention to the Boys A and B
Cricket Teams and the Boys Soccer Teams who
came Runners-Up.
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17

House
Picnics
The House Picnics were a great
opportunity for families from Prep
to Year 12 to connect with each
other and share a social evening
with teachers and staff. After so long
apart, it was wonderful to welcome
parents onto campus and strengthen
the relationship between families and
the College.
The traditional barbeque was
exchanged for a COVID-safe BYO
picnic dinner complete with chips,
popcorn and soft drink provided
for all to enjoy. Great weather and
old-school Aussie rock music playing
through the speakers made for
thoroughly enjoyable evenings!
House
Feast Days
On the Feast Day of their patron
saint, students in each of the six
Marymede Houses traditionally
gather to pay homage to their
respective patrons and reflect on
how to embody and embrace
their messages and teachings in
everyday life. This semester, Romero
and Chanel Houses celebrated
their Feast Day masses and House
activities, while the June snap
lockdown meant Marcellin students
reflected through a virtual prayer.
Romero
Feast Day
A week after their House picnic, Romero primary
and secondary students gathered to celebrate
the Feast Day of their patron, Saint Oscar
Romero. At the mass, there was a sea of purple
shirts filling the Fitness Centre, with students
showing a sense of pride and belonging to their
House. The focus for the day was to try and live
out Saint Oscar Romero’s mantra: “Ask not to
have more, but to be more”. The Romero Footy
Tipping Competition was launched, with funds
raised going to the Romero House Charity St.
Mary’s House of Welcome. This, in addition to the
donations collected by the Year 12 VCAL group,
will go a long way to helping the homeless people
of Melbourne feel the dignity that they deserve.
Romero students continue to show kindness
and generosity and be role models within the
Marymede community.
Chanel
Feast Day
Chanel students and staff have had a busy and
successful Semester 1. Chanel students worked
extremely hard at the House Athletics Carnival and
were victorious as the House winning the most
points on the day. As stated by Chanel Captains
Christy Dimovski and Megha Das, “Chanel has
become a united team which was a key reason
for our success. The sense of community amongst
the House continues to grow and we couldn’t be
more proud to be part of the Chanel family. As
we reflect on our achievements, it is clear that
Chanel has grown stronger and built a community
that not only strives to win, but forms connections
with each other.” The celebration of Saint Peter
Chanel’s Feast Day began with primary and
secondary Chanel staff and students gathering in
the Chapel for a mass. The sea of orange shirts
filling the room was a wonderful sight to behold.
Chanel House Captains later put together an allorange
themed lunchtime gathering. The sense
of togetherness and pride felt during the day
demonstrates the strong sense of community that
continues to flourish within Chanel House.
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19

In 2021, beautiful Camp Marysville
was visited by our Year 7 cohort in
Term 1 and Year 8 cohort in Term 2,
who missed out on attending in 2020.
Here’s what some of the students had
to say about their camp experiences:
“At camp I had a lot of fun! We did canoeing,
rock climbing and more! I really enjoyed the movie
night we had and the cabins. I learnt how to make
pizzas and how to rock climb! I made a lot of
friends because I had other people in my cabin
that I really didn’t know and then I got to know
them. It was all really fun!” – Christian Cavar
Year 7 & 8
Camps
Retreat is traditionally a significant
highlight for our Year 12 students.
Although COVID restrictions meant
the entire cohort could not be
together, a joyous spirit was felt
at all venues as students gathered
with their House groups and staff.
Students were grateful for the chance
to create fond memories, take a brief
reprieve from the various pressures in
their lives, and strengthen the bonds
they have developed over their up
to 13 years at Marymede with each
other, staff and their faith.
Year 12
Retreat
20
“I enjoyed Year 7 camp at Marysville
tremendously because of the fun activities,
the cabins as well as spending time with all of
my friends and the overwhelming support and
generosity of the camp staff.” – Sasha Bajric
“My most favourite out of all the activities was
the long bush walk to the town of Marysville. I
reckon that was a good way to really connect to
the people and the nature there. It was also good
because I got to spend time in the mountains
and looking at the amazing views. Some things I
learned during the camp was how to make a fire
and a shelter out of wood if I ever got stranded
or got lost in the woods somewhere. The year 7
camp was extremely fun and I will never forget it.”
– Mia Lazzara
“This year we had year 7 camp. I was so happy to
hear that we were having a camp so soon! I found
out about the backstory of the camp we visited
in Marysville. I was in shock! There were so many
people who lost their homes due to a fire and that
fire was one of the most dangerous fires in history.
I couldn’t believe it. My favourite activities in camp
were the canoeing, rock climbing and the town
walk/visit. I learnt a lot about cooking, survival
techniques and many more.” – Parneet Saini
“My favourite activity was grow it, cook it. I will
never forget Camp. It’s my favourite memory
ever. I went out of my comfort zone and tried
my best of my ability I possibly could.”
– Ishika Nanda
“Year 12 Retreat was a very enriching and positive
experience for me. I particularly enjoyed discussions
in our small groups because we all had different
things to share and I got to know people that I
hadn’t known before. All the sessions and activities
were also really engaging, and it was nice to get
to connect with not only my peers, but also my
teachers.” – Claudia Pironi
“I found the year 12 Retreat to be a wonderful
experience filled with many eye-opening and
enjoyable activities. My favourite part of the year
12 Retreat was one of the final sessions in which we
received letters from our parents, it was an experience
that was very personal and comforting. I also enjoyed
the many sessions in which the teachers shared
their life journeys and opened up about their own
experiences to us. The retreat allowed me to feel
more connected and closer to my peers as well as my
teachers, which has had a positive impact on my year
12 year so far.” – Annrose Gigimon
“Year 12 retreat proved to be an amazing
experience for everyone who got involved, the
various activities both strengthened the relationships
of friends, classmates and teachers, but also
challenged you to think and discuss topics that
perhaps one may have felt was out of bounds. It was
a rollercoaster of emotions, from laughter, sadness
and understanding, alongside the many workshops
that all taught me many new things about faith,
relations and myself.” – Kristen Lando

Languages Week
Meet the 2021 College Captains
Languages Week was a great success, thanks in
large part to our Languages Team who organised
great activities for students as well as staff.
Japanese Drummers proved a highlight through
their demonstration and workshop for Years 9 and
10 students. Later in the week, a visiting Japanese
artist gave students the opportunity to practise
their script writing. In addition, VCE Japanese
students appreciated the privilege of visiting the
Japanese Consulate followed by a delicious lunch
at a Japanese Restaurant in Melbourne.
The fun wasn’t limited to students; staff had the
chance to participate in two competitions. Mr
David Broadbent and Miss Emily Selar were the
victors of the Where am I? competition in which
staff had to guess where photos of one another
had been taken around the world. Mrs Joanne
Cheer celebrated as prize-winner for dressing in
her ‘Cultural Colours’ for a day.
Nuwin, how long have you been a student
at Marymede? I have been a student at
Marymede for 13 years, since Prep in 2009.
What will you miss most after graduating from
Marymede? I will miss seeing all my friends in one
place, being involved in co-curricular activities,
the faith life of the College and being a part of the
community we have at Marymede the most. Also,
Marymede has made a significant difference in my
life and has become my second home throughout
these 13 years.
22
Italian students enjoyed a range of in-class
activities from watching films, to playing tombola
(bingo), to learning to play the traditional Italian
pastimes of scopa and briscola: two card games
that are essential to Italian culture. Year 2 and year
3 students learned how to draw like Michelangelo:
under the tables and on the walls and windows (on
paper of course!).
Humanities
Week
From May 24 – 27, there could be no mistaking
that Humanities was at the forefront of our
minds with the display of two spectacular new
banners heralding a fun-filled week. Our feast of
activities saw high participation rates with students
celebrating everything Humanities at Marymede.
Congratulations to Ciara Ennis, Lucy Pegoraro
and Ria Valder who proved victorious over many
entries in the Name the Landmark Competition.
Our Business Logo contest and Famous Faces at
a Dinner Party quiz also attracted great interest
from the students and we congratulate respective
winners Christian Melchiorre and Angelica Kunwar.
Each morning during Tutor, students were
challenged to rack their brains for answers to
Humanities trivia questions. Meanwhile, the
Humanities Staff Treasure Hunt drew out the
competitive nature of some of our staff who
were eager to score a prize.
Whilst the Year 7 Ancient Day incursions were
postponed due to a snap lockdown, we look
forward to conducting them later this year. A big
thank you to Humanities staff for organising this
week’s activities and showcasing Humanities
at Marymede.
Jarnai Brancaleone
Jarnai, how long have you been a student
at Marymede? I have been a student at
Marymede since Prep, so 13 years.
What will you miss most after graduating
from Marymede? I will probably miss seeing all
the people, whether that be friends, students or
teachers on a regular basis once graduating from
Marymede. Our school is one big community
and I think I will miss being a part of it the most.
What are you most looking forward to in the
second half of the year? I am mostly looking
forward to Marymede Day as that is a great day for
the school to come together and celebrate how
amazing it is, as well as the Year 12 Parade as it
is a good opportunity to have a laugh and enjoy
time with your peers.
What are you hoping to achieve as College
Captain in 2021? So far, our Leadership Team
has been able to organise and plan some
amazing things such as the opening of the Year
12 Common Room, a cheerleading competition
between Houses and the introduction of a study
space in the library for senior secondary students
outside of class time. For the second half of the
year, I hope to organise a great Marymede Day
for the students to enjoy, as well as continue to
send the message of community spirit and pride
to everyone.
Tell us something that surprises people when
they get to know you. Something that surprise
people when they get to know me is that I am
allergic to Nurofen. A bit ironic.
What are you most looking forward to in the
second half of the year? I am really looking
forward to Marymede Day because it is always the
best day of the year where the whole Marymede
community celebrate and enjoy an array of
activities together. Also, after not having it last
year we are going to make sure it is special and
memorable for everyone, especially the Year 12s.
What are you hoping to achieve as College
Captain in 2021? I am hoping to leave my mark
at Marymede, ensuring I have fulfilled this role to
make sure I do the best I can to make a difference
across the College and also within the community
through Game Changers. So far, I am very happy
to say that we have achieved great things as
Captains with the help of our amazing Leadership
Team which have already been successful and are
ongoing throughout this year and hopefully next
year and beyond.
Tell us something that surprises people when
they get to know you. Something that surprises
people when they get to know me is that I was
born in Italy and at the age of about only
3 months I was given a 10% chance to live.
Nuwin Fernando 23

Meet the 2021
Primary Captains
Karthik, do you have any siblings? I have
a younger brother named Harri who will be
joining Marymede in 2023. He is creative,
aware and notices changes straight away.
What is your favourite subject? In school
I have a few favourite subjects which include
Mathematics, Science and Sport. The reason why
I love Mathematics is because it involves a lot of
critical thinking, which boosts my problem solving
and pattern making. Science involves a lot of
chemical reactions, Biology I love to study and
experiment on and finally Sport helps keep me fit
and strengthens my muscles.
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Anna Mathew
Anna, do you have any siblings? Yes I do,
I have three siblings. My older brother is sixteen,
my younger sister is eight and my youngest sister
is five. They all attend Marymede.
What is your favourite subject? This question
is hard since I love many subjects. My favourite
would have to be between English, Japanese
and Science.
Are you involved in any extra curricular
activities at Marymede? Yes I am. I am involved
with the Primary Choir, which takes place every
Wednesday after school. In term 1 I was a part of
the girls soccer team.
Describe your role/responsibilities as Primary
Leader. My responsibility as a Primary Leader is to
be a role model for everyone. I take pride in doing
this every day. I also contribute to preparations
for whole school events and masses, which take a
lot of care and patience. I also make sure to help
where I can in all sorts of situations whether it is in
the yard or in class.
How you are feeling about being in your final
year of Primary school? Overall, I am feeling
sad to finish as I built so many good memories in
Primary school with all my wonderful classmates
and teachers over the years.
Are you involved in any extra curricular
activities at Marymede? I have taken part in many
extra-curricular activities including Tournament of
Minds (2019 and 2020), Interschool sports (cricket
and football) and College Tours. I have also been
the SRC for my class in 2020, these all brought to
me an idea for leadership and being a role-model
and inspired me to become a School Captain.
Describe your role/responsibilities as Primary
Leader. My roles as a School Captain are to take
part in College Tours, assemblies, meetings, House
gatherings and discussions based on ideas to
improve the College. I act as a role-model to the
Preps and younger year levels as well as caring for
our College grounds.
How you are feeling about being in your final
year of Primary school? To be honest, I think it’s
a pretty big achievement to be in your final year of
primary school. If you reflect on the previous years,
all the staff you’ve met and the friends you’ve
made and all the excursions you’ve been on, it’s
just amazing to plainly think about. I hope this year
brings many joyous memories to remember and to
treasure.
Karthik Arumugam
Marymede News was born when the 2021 student
leaders approached Mr Jeremy Guzman, Visual
Arts Domain Leader, with the idea for a school
news program created by students. Supported
by Mr Guzman, these students produced a pilot
episode at the end of 2020 and after receiving
positive feedback, committed to producing
and distributing a new episode every fortnight.
Episodes of Marymede News are ‘broadcasted’ on
SIMON and the College Facebook page.
The Marymede News Team consists of students
from Years 5-12 who meet weekly for the cocurricular
activity ‘Film & TV School’. It has
been terrific to see students connect through
their passion for Media and collaborate in a
professional setting which simulates a television
studio environment.
The students are always excited and enthusiastic
for the opportunity to use various equipment
and specialise in roles such as a news anchor,
camera operator and head editor. As producer,
Mr Guzman facilitates the media production
process for each episode, from developing and
researching news stories to distributing the
program online.
We hope that Film & TV School continues to be a
training ground for students who wish to pursue
further studies or a career in media and journalism
industries. As students gain more experience and
build their production skills, they will be able to
mentor future students who join the program.
Marymede News is in its first season in 2021 – with
its success thus far, we look forward to many more
seasons being produced in the future!
25

Bush Tucker
Garden
During 2020, Marymede was fortunate to receive
a $5000 Junior Landcare Grant to plant a ‘Birds,
Bees and Butterflies’ garden as well as a ‘Bush
Tucker’ garden. We would like to acknowledge
and pay respect to the Wurundjeri people, the
original custodians of this land on which our
garden will be created.
Students across various year levels have
contributed to these green endeavours, learning
about bush tucker in their classes and making
beautiful signs for the edible plants. Year 11 VCAL
students were busy clearing the site and putting
up a fence to protect the plants while Year 10 Vista
students did a great job of mulching the site in
preparation for planting.
Year 5s enjoyed a visit from Angela Foley of
the Merri Creek Management Committee, who
spoke beautifully about the importance of caring
for country and growing Indigenous plants for
biodiversity, then later helped the students begin
planting our gardens.
Having access to this natural resource will facilitate
the ability to create a deeper understanding of
indigenous plants, their use in cooking, and their
ability to create habitat for our native fauna. It will
also provide a quiet green space that can be used
for reflection, and an area that can be used as an
outdoor classroom. We look forward to watching
our gardens continue to grow and change in
Semester 2 and beyond.
Sharing our Knowledge
At Marymede, we love to see our students
sharing their learning with one another.
During the 2020 lockdown, VCAL students Alessia
Lauretta, Charlotte Large, Grace Demarte and
Sarah Mason created a project to use recycled
materials to teach sustainability and basic sewing
skills to Year 4 students. Upon return to face-toface
learning, the girls ran their program over two
lessons with approximately 50 students. Their
extremely successful project ‘Mini Me Teach It
Sustainably’ won the Hume Whittlesea Award
and the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment
Authorities VCAL Season of Excellence
Intermediate Team Award. It is an incredible
honour for these four girls to not only be one
of 50 schools state-wide nominated, but also to
have won this prestigious award.
Collaboration between Primary and Secondary
students continued into 2021, with Grade 4
students curious about our Veggie Patch. Year
11 VCAL students proudly taught the younger
Marymede students all about the corn, carrots and
beans currently growing, as well as all the quirky
little bugs that call our garden home.
26
It isn’t always the Senior students teaching
Junior! Marymede Year 4s had a wonderful time
explaining to Year 8 students how they use Edison
Robots to investigate perimeter as part of their
Mathematics studies.
What great examples of Marymede
students working together to learn,
create and grow!
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60 Williamsons Road, South Morang VIC 3752 | 03 9407 9000
www.marymede.vic.edu.au | info@marymede.vic.edu.au