Newsletter 13: 18 October 2022
Dear Colleagues,
Late last term it was announced Mr Wayne Marshall, currently the Principal at John Therry Catholic College, Rosemeadow has been appointed as the new Principal of St John the Evangelist Catholic High School, Nowra, commencing in 2023. We extend our sincere congratulations to Wayne on this appointment. Wayne commenced his teaching career in the Archdiocese of Sydney at the renowned Benedict Senior College Auburn, which was established by the Marist Brothers in 1942. He soon assumed senior leadership roles, including Assistant Principalship in three Sydney schools from 1997. For a number of years Wayne also provided vital leadership at a system level in Sydney, in the development and efficacy of Pastoral Coordinators across 10 secondary schools in the Inner Western Region of the Archdiocese. In 2012, Wayne was appointed Principal at Mount Carmel Catholic College, Varroville, and in 2018 assumed the Principalship of John Therry Catholic College, Rosemeadow. Wayne’s leadership of these Marist schools over the last decade has been outstanding. Born of his own rich personal faith, Wayne’s leadership is characterised by a deep connection to each community, practical common sense and commitment to improved learning outcomes for all students. Not only has Wayne contributed to Marist life through his distinguished leadership of two Marist schools, but through his close relationships with Marists across the country and overseas, his insightful encouragement of the growth of the Marist Association, and his generous support of Marist ministries. Wayne’s genuine commitment to the enlivening of Marist life and spirituality is evident to all, most especially through his own example and commitment to the good of others. We wish Wayne every success in his new role, happiness in the next stage of his life and the assurance of the prayers, connection and support of our Marist family into the future.
With the final term commencing for 2022, Year 12 students across the country are in their final weeks of school life and facing the challenges of their final examinations. This cohort was in Year 10 when the Covid 19 pandemic emerged in early March 2020. They have endured significant disruption in these final three years and one can only admire their collective resilience in persevering with such constancy throughout this time. Teachers and Principals are consistent in their admiration for the class of 2022. They speak of their support for one another, their maturity, their understated strength of character, and their faith. Let us all keep these young people in our prayers as they make the transition from school over these coming months, asking God to help them reflect with gratitude and satisfaction for all they have achieved as school students over the past 13 years.
In the next 6 weeks, all three Regions will host their annual Marist Schools Australia Mass and Dinner. These will occur at Saint Joseph’s College Hunters Hill in Sydney, Marist College Ashgrove in Brisbane, and Marcellin College Bulleen in Melbourne. Like so many other gatherings, this important one has been unable to occur in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. The major features of each evening are the celebration of the Eucharist and the Appreciation Awards, which honour those who have made remarkable contributions to Marist education and have been nominated by their school and MSA. We look forward to sharing in these important celebrations.
During this month of October which is dedicated among the faithful to praying the Rosary, many of our Marist schools are providing opportunities for staff and students to share in this ancient prayer with the particular intention for Peace in the world and especially in Ukraine. The following prayer is commended to you.
For Peace
God, you sent your son to reconcile all people to you.
Grant the gifts of peace and unity to the peoples and nations of the world.
Take from our midst the scourge of war, and from our hearts
the pride, dissension, envy, and uncharity which are causes of war.
Forgive us when we prevent Christ’s peace, and give us that peace to share with the world.