News Foundation ISSUE 08 AUTUMN 2020 - Marcellin College Foundation
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Foundation
news
ISSUE 08 AUTUMN 2020
COMMUNITY / CONNECTING / SUPPORTING
TH
board welcome
COMMUNITY / CONNECTING / SUPPORTING – We Journey with you for life
ONCE A MARCELLIN BOY,
FOUNDATION Meet Julie Ryan
In this year’s Australia Day Honours Awards, ALWAYS A MARCELLIN BOY.
Marcellin Foundation Board Director, Julie Ryan,
was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia At the time Elie Ayoub was graduating from Marcellin College, Jurassic Park was killing it “
(OAM) for service to secondary education.
at the box office, the first presidential baby boomer in Bill Clinton was being sworn into There was
office and Janet Jackson was crooning soulfully to us about “That’s the Way Love Goes”.
Julie has made significant contributions to
Fast forward to 2020 and Elie and John Cassar (both 1993 graduates) are the successful
a real sense
Catholic Education for many years and this is a
partners of Invictus Finance Solutions in Kew and provide an exemplar which we never of family and
richly deserved award. These Awards celebrate
inspirational people who provide generous
tire of hearing about in the Marcellin Foundation - hard work, facing challenges with community at
family support, being backed by a much-loved Community (which they in turn have
service and leadership to their communities. tirelessly supported), and Old Boys maintaining their school ties well into adulthood. the College.
A summary of Julie’s achievements include: “
• Principalship of OLMC (2005–2017) and of BY ELIE AYOUB (ALUMNUS 1993)
St Columba’s College, Essendon (2000–2004); I started my high school life in the Marist Whilst she had support
• Executive and now life membership of the system, attending years 7 and 8 at Redden of family around her, she
Principals Association of Victorian Catholic College Preston. would often remind me and
Secondary Schools (PAVCSS), inclusive of her My first contact with Marcellin College was encourage me to strive for
early in 1989 meeting the then Principal Mr the highest… (the funny
role as President of the PAVCSS (2012–2014);
Paul Herrick, at the Bulleen campus to be thing is, I’m not sure to this
DR BERNIE CRIMMINS OAM MAUREEN HEGARTY JOHN HICKEY • Role as President of the Australasian Mercy
Director and Chairperson Executive Director Director and College Principal interviewed as part of my application to day if she knows that is
Secondary School Association (2014 – 2017); the College motto). She’d
MBBS Grad Dip HNutr MPH (Nutrition),
(Alumnus 1974)
BAppSci, BA (Hons) BEd, DipTeach, DipRE, attend the College commencing Year 9 in
GradCertRE, MEdL
• Current educational leadership as Regional the upcoming 1990 year. If walking through especially like the virtue
Director of Marist Schools Australia in Victoria, the corridors of Marcellin wasn’t impressive part too – nothing would
South Australia and Western Australia. enough for a 14 year old, what really struck give her more pride as when
me was the tour of the grounds and ovals Fr John Carnie (RIP) would
Julie’s association with Marist Education call her or even pop in to
has included teaching as a new graduate at with Mr Herrick. My first thought was trying
to reconcile the sheer scale and size of the say hi and update her on Elie and his family (Joseph, Miriam, Elie and Joshua)
St Colman’s College (now Notre Dame College) how I had helped him with
College and its pristine surrounds. There
in Shepparton and in later years, teaching the weekly Mass service.
was a real sense of family and community College: Love of work, keep things simple
at Marcellin College in Bulleen. As a Marist
at the college. Immediately my mind was From my mother, I have learnt many
and above all maintain the Spirit of Family.
Community we celebrate Julie’s achievements inspired with all sorts of possibilities and valuable lessons which the spiritual life of
and congratulate her on her continued Marcellin also reinforced to us, including My commitment and belief in Marcellin
opportunities that Marcellin could offer.
commitment to Marist education. witnessing the presence and love of God College has extended to Miriam and I
My very first day at Marcellin was in in our daily experiences. choosing to enrol our two sons there.
February 1990, and it had me pack a bag We are only too happy to give back to
BR JOHN MCMAHON FMS JULIE RYAN PAUL BURNS Today as I continue to grow my business
Director Director Director for a week of camp: new school, new Marcellin what it gave to me. Moreso for
teachers, unknown faces of new students. and develop ever more client relationships,
BSc (Hons) BTheol MEd PhD BachelorComm, DipEd, GradDipRE, LLB BJuris (Alumnus 1981) me personally, is giving a little more back
(Alumnus 1963) M.Ed, FACEL(Vic), Regional Director,
Moving schools at any time is challenging the lessons I have learnt from having had
Marist Schools Australia, to the Foundation, as I am sure there were
but leaving home for a Marist education
times during my education at Marcellin,
the first time, for a week have been first and
where assistance was granted to my
with absolute strangers foremost is the ‘The
mother. My close relationship with the
MARCELLIN FOUNDATION whom you have never Spirit of Family’. In a
Marcellin community is deeply grounded
ABN 74 857 223 525 seen or met before was family, everyone has a
DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE? in the relationships I have with many of
160 Bulleen Road Bulleen VIC 3105 Australia scary to say the least. At sense of being valued,
the Old Boys - some are continued through
If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact us in the Foundation t +61 3 9851 1464 the forefront of my mind trusted and believed
our mutual business connections, some
e foundation@marcellin.vic.edu.au at this time was also the in. My business and
Office on +61 3 9851 1464 or email foundation@marcellin.vic.edu.au through social relationships.
www.marcellinfoundation.org.au confusion of the preceding our team works closely
Listen to all our audio interviews at www.soundcloud.com/marcellinfoundation with each client to The initiatives the Foundation run in
4-5 months where a once Elie in Year 9 Elie in Year 12
clearly understand their engaging with the whole Marcellin
close-knit family of 5 was
personal financial goals, and then work Community are great. I am also
shattered by the separation of my parents.
towards achieving those goals together. excited about some of the more recent
Fair to say 1989/1990 was a challenging year We want our clients to feel empowered – to developments including the Marcellin
for me personally and for our family. Coming be in a position to make educated decisions Business Network events - everyone needs
from my home life which included 2 siblings, at each step of their financial journey. a job and what better way to get one than to
both younger than me, and my parents, capitalise on the support of the community
ADVERTISE WITH US. Marcellin taught us to strive for integrity and
who were themselves facing personal you know, love and are part of.
If you wish to advertise with us, please contact the Foundation Office MARIST ASSOCIATION challenges in their relationship, there was transparency; and in work we treat all our
interactions with the motto of: We Listen, As John and I continue in Invictus Finance
on +61 3 9851 1464 or email foundation@marcellin.vic.edu.au 1 Dawson Street Brunswick VIC 3056 Australia an immediate realisation that I had to step
We Deliver. In listening first, we believe that Solutions often coming across connections
t +61 3 9389 3100 up and be the responsible male figure of
e marist.association@marists.org.au the household. we place our clients and their specific needs to Marcellin, be it Old Boys or their family
at the centre of our obligations. members, I often reflect on our Community
My mother has always been an inspiration ties and our old school. Once a Marcellin
to me throughout my life but was especially This is also something I have impressed on
boy, always a Marcellin boy.
so during my years spent at Marcellin. my boys who both have attended Marcellin
2 / FO U N DAT I O N N E W S AU T U M N 2 0 2 0 / 3
strive for the highest
COMMUNITY / CONNECTING / SUPPORTING – We Journey with you for life
EXCELLENCE IN ACHIEVEMENT
Nathan & Nicholas (Alumni 2015) legal issues. He likes the fact that these Now that Nicholas is doing his Honours It is interesting to note that Nicholas and the collaboration they shared. Nowadays attributes some of their success to the
programs enhance access to justice across year, he is undertaking a research project Nathan Cheng at the completion of Year they might vent to each other but lead cohort and feels that they were buoyed by
BY PRUE O’SHANNESSY all communities. investigating the cognitive functioning of 12 made a conscious decision to go their much more separate lives. Nicholas likes their peers.
Nathan looks fondly back on his time at individuals at ultra-high risk of psychosis. separate ways to see if they could achieve to run and has achieved success in a few Nicholas hopes that his achievements
In 2015 two boys This is a collaboration between the success independently. It was time to half marathons (including one in France).
remarkably duxed Marcellin and is especially proud of his 2015 will hopefully inspire other Marcellin
Year 12 cohort. He says that whilst being University of Melbourne and Orygen (a explore their separateness, even though He also connects with some of the boys he boys to think outside the box and
the Year 12 cohort clinical research organisation specialised they attribute a lot of their VCE success to went to school with, and in fact, like Nathan
with the exact College Dux was a significant personal follow their dreams.
achievement, it was still only one puzzle in youth mental health). With interests
same score. Even in clinical, developmental and health
more amazing piece of a much bigger picture that year.
“We could really strive for the highest psychology, he hopes his research will help
is the fact that
these two boys are and achieve something much bigger than improve the way psychiatric disorders are We find the long-lost John Rodda (Alumnus 1957)
ourselves,” he said. “Marcellin won just classified, diagnosed and treated. He will
twins. Meet Nathan be assessed by a 9000-word thesis which BY RICHARD OLIVE (ALUMNUS 1959) John Rodda 1957
and Nicholas Cheng, about every AGSV championship that year;
parallels with his course work. Nicholas
Marcellin’s 2015 duces. in cricket, footy, soccer...” Hardly any Marcellin event has occurred year Science, which His light reading tastes
envisages working as a lab assistant at
We wish Nathan well in his studies and these last 30 years or so without a together with his two embrace science fiction and
the end of his course and then possibly
look forward to hearing what contributions Canterbury Roader asking, “Whatever years in Engineering detective stories, but more
I met up with Nathan at Monash University pursuing a PhD eventually.
he continues to make in the community happened to John Rodda?” The curiosity earned him a BSc likely he is to be found reading
where uni was yet to officially begin for Meanwhile (like brother Nathan) Nicholas
legal field. is understandable, for John was surely degree in Metallurgy. philosophers, particularly
2020. Although campus was quiet at that seems to do a lot of voluntary work in his one of the most brilliant – maybe the most John smiles as he relates the great theologians. Saints
time of the year, Nathan was in the middle ‘spare’ time. He volunteers at Uni as a Peer brilliant – and individualistic students this journey, which he Augustine and Thomas Aquinas, as
of completing his placement at Monash health Advocate. This is a program adopting ever to grace Marcellin. describes as his “exploratory phase”. well as G. K. Chesterton, are among his
Law Clinics and was on campus three a ‘student-to-student’ approach to health
The next few years saw him teaching favourites. He reads the Bible extensively.
days a week! John came to Marcellin in 1953 from
promotion, where volunteers from all
Nauru, of all places. His parents piano to private students, and teaching In his spare time John actively cultivates
faculties actively design and run campaigns
were both teachers, of Anglo-Irish Senior Physics at Our Lady of Sion at the property, growing fruit and vegetables
for mental health, run healthy food tours,
backgrounds from Corryong in Northern Box Hill. Then followed a five year stay in and running some sheep ‘to keep the
and conduct nutrition audits on campus.
Victoria. It was at Corryong that John London where he taught Mathematics and grass down’. Now approaching 80, he is
They feel they are directly relevant and
The good thing about meeting up with started his education, but most of his Physics while studying the piano further, currently in the throes of downsizing
assist with things like sexual health ensuring
Nicholas Cheng in a crowded part of primary schooling was at Ouyen. Then which was the main purpose of his trip. from the property.
that contraception on campus is free.
Melbourne Uni was that having already his parents took up a 3-year assignment A long five-month drive back to Australia He remains loyal to the Catholic faith
met with his twin, Nathan, I pretty much In 2017, Nicholas volunteered as a at Nauru, where the Victorian Education in a beat-up motorvan, across Europe of his youth, and serves as a Eucharist
knew what he would look like! mentor with CHASE (Community Health Department then operated the schools. and Asia, followed. Minister and Reader at the Pakenham
Advancement and Student Engagement).
Nicholas took a completely different path He immediately made his mark at Once back home, John joined the parish. He maintains a keen interest in
Driving the idea of ‘pay-it-forward’, he would
to his brother on completion of his VCE in Marcellin as something of an intellectual RAAF in a civilian role, utilising his history and politics, where he simply
go into a low socio-economic area every two
2015 at Marcellin. He attends the University prodigy across all subjects, but excelling education in Metallurgy and Physics. follows Christian principles.
weeks and teach students about various
of Melbourne, where he completed a in mathematics and the sciences. Outside He spent the next 15 years at the RAAF’s From his Marcellin days he remembers
health topics – including drug and alcohol
Bachelor of Arts in four years, majoring in of school he was accomplished on the laboratory at Highett, the “Aeronautical fellow students John Murphy, Kevin
Nathan Cheng at Monash Uni safety, mental health, nutrition – and then
Psychology. Nicholas had already studied piano. In his Matriculation year (Year 12), Engineering Support Facility”, responsible Doyle, Hillary Duignan, and
help students create their own educational
Psychology as an accelerated VCE subject 1957, he obtained First Class Honours in for metallurgical testing and others for whom he needs
health campaign.
After finishing year 12 at Marcellin, in year 11, and his interest only grew every subject he attempted, was ranked investigation, including failure a little memory jog.
Nathan dove straight into a double from there. And not stopping there with his second in Victoria, and obtained the Julia analysis and occasional From amongst
degree in Law/Arts at Monash University. volunteering, Nicholas interned at the Flynn Memorial Prize, awarded to the very crash investigations.
During Nicholas’ third year, he spent one the Brothers,
Now in his fifth year, he says he’s doing Melbourne School of Psychological top student from any Catholic school. In
semester abroad in Reims, France where John then commenced it is especially
well in his course but he’s also quick to Science’s FEEL (Functions of Emotions today’s jargon, he would no doubt be a
he studied French and travelled around evening part-time Brothers Eustace
point out that it’s a much bigger ‘pond’ in Everyday Life) Laboratory during his 99.95 student.
Europe. He says it was his favourite year. teaching of the and Roger
at Monash than Marcellin. undergraduate years, assisting with data
His old classmate, John Paphazy, and your five common non- who retain his
collection, literature reviews and compiling
Nathan envisages a career as a lawyer in correspondent, Richard Olive, recently destructive testing affection.
questionnaires. The lab focuses on using
the community legal sector. He currently shared lunch with John to discover what (NDT) methods in the John ponders
‘ecological momentary assessments’ to
volunteers at Fitzroy Legal Service as a had happened in the intervening 63 years. TAFE section of RMIT the question of
investigate emotion regulation, cognition,
paralegal where he particularly enjoys After Marcellin, John enrolled in University. Following this whether he would
and social psychology and how they
working with young people at the outreach Metallurgical Engineering at the University he conducted six full-time make different
influence daily mental wellbeing.
service at Northland Youth Centre. He of Melbourne. To the surprise of no-one, courses in NDT in a number of choices if he had his life
also volunteers as a paralegal at the AED Finally, he also works as a research SE Asian countries as part of a UN
he topped his year in Engineering in all over again. He doesn’t
Legal Centre which specialises in disability volunteer at the Murdoch Children’s development programme. He also John with wife Odette
both first and second years. But then his feel that he was one who
discrimination casework. Research Institute whereby he helps recruit prepared a training manual on Eddy
direction did an abrupt turn. Uncertain quickly fell into a pre-
participants for research investigating Current Testing for the UN.
With a passion for community legal that his future lay in Engineering, he ordained role, but “I now feel that I am
persisting post-concussion symptoms
education, Nathan also spends his time switched to the Arts Faculty, to pursue a During this time he met and later married approaching to where I should be.” And
amongst youths. This gives him the
coordinating Monash Law Students’ BA major in Fine Arts. After another year, Odette. They bought an acreage outside he quotes Proverbs, 20:24. A man’s steps
opportunity to attend lab meetings,
Society’s Street Law Program. Nathan is another change, this time to the Faculty of Pakenham, where they raised three are directed by the Lord.
explore the research environment and
involved with setting up workshops at of Music. He obtained a Diploma of Music children. They now have two grand- How then can anyone understand
stay connected with his passion for
schools and community centres to keep but at the same time completed third daughters with another on the way. his own way?
developmental psychology.
people informed about the law and current Nicholas Cheng amongst the busy crowd
4 / ISS U E 8 AU T U M N 2 0 2 0 / 5
strive for
COMMUNITY / CONNECTING / SUPPORTING – We Journey with you for life
Samuel Chung (Alumnus 2017)
Samuel Chung is a graduate from the
Marcellin Class of 2017. He is currently
EXCELLENCE IN ACHIEVEMENT studying a Bachelor of Laws/International
Relations and a Diploma of Chinese at La
Trobe University and was recently made
Peter Grant (Alumnus 1970) Commonwealth in the 400m hurdles. beneficial to be working with the Head of a recipient of a 2020 New Colombo Plan
1980 saw Peter start out with a view to Department there who was looked on as Scholarship. The Scholarship provides
BY PRUE O’SHANNESSY a doyenne in this area. He then returned
competing in the 1980 Olympics Australian undergraduates the opportunity
being 1 of 5 athletes who to Melbourne in 1999 and was Head of to study, intern and live in the Indo-Pacific
How many times do we
had achieved an automatic Department at the Mercy for 19 years. for up to 19 months.
hear of a student who had
qualifying time, but found he During this time there were major changes (L) Samuel (R) From left: Alex, Dad Vincent, Samuel and Xavier
no idea what he wanted Although a multitude of factors contributed
could not take another year in surgical procedures and chemotherapy
to do when he finished to my achievement of this scholarship, my
off without compromising options for many of the cancers managed community service and purposeful living. After university, I hope to amalgamate
school and ended up time at Marcellin was definitely instrumental
his career. So the next years in the Department and the workload my areas of interest – law, international
selecting a course due in establishing many of the ‘soft’ skills I am positive that these skills will be
saw him studying Surgery and increased by more than 50%. In 2018 he relations and Chinese. I would like to work
more to his marks than required of scholarship recipients. My roles further refined while I study and intern
then specialising in Obstetrics decided to step down from the 60 hour a at an international law firm, government
his desires? Peter Grant as Debating Captain and Mannes House overseas. I have chosen Singapore as my
and Gynaecology, finally week regime, resigned as Head, took Long department or in parliament. I hope to
is a classic example of this. Captain in Year 12 enabled me to develop host location because Mandarin is one of
completing his training in 1988. Service Leave and has returned newly increase the number of Australian Mandarin
After a happy and busy time at Peter, recently at work crucial time management, leadership and the country’s official languages, which is
refreshed and committed as a clinician speakers in law and politics, which would
Marcellin, Peter was set to take From 1985 until 1988, Peter public speaking skills. Many hours spent indispensable for business relations in
without the administrative load. aid Australia in properly negotiating
up a cadetship in Chemical Engineering and his family spent a very happy, and performing in school musicals and bands the Indo-Pacific. The ‘Singapore Model’,
at Melbourne Uni sponsored by Shell, busy time in Halifax, Canada doing a He also continues to be involved in improved my presentational and creative which drives the city’s political stability, international treaties and drafting foreign
however when he received his (then HSC) training fellowship in Gynaecological clinical research and medical training problem-solving skills. My participation economic growth and social order, is a policy agreements with Asian superpowers
and is on several national cancer advisory in the 2020s and beyond.
dux
results, decided to apply for Medicine Oncology on a scholarship from the in the Remar program (now called ‘Game concept I would love to explore.
instead. There would be many people University of Melbourne. After returning and research boards. Changers’) developed my passion for
happy and grateful that this is the path from Canada his medical and research In his spare time, Peter enjoys keeping
he took, including himself. practice has been in the subspeciality fit. He is a keen bike rider with his wife
on weekends and is happy to report that
DUX
For the moment though, let’s back track area of Gynaecological Cancer. to. I also appreciated the occasional piece of own ways, I hope that
to Peter’s time at Marcellin where as The attraction of this area to Peter is that he can sometimes beat her on the steep wisdom from the older students in pastoral we will not forget
ASSEMBLY
well as doing well in his studies, he was he is able to follow his patient’s care right mountain climbs. Most days he will get and hopefully, in turn, my fellow classmates the relationships
also a member of the famous Athletics through from diagnosis. He is able to do to the gym but hasn’t been over a hurdle and I were able to pass on some helpful and personal
2019
team which won the shield in 1969. Peter advanced surgery if required and provide since 1980. Other spare time is spent advice to the new students. connections we
excelled at athletics and particularly a continuity of care through the whole appreciating music and of course with formed here.
his beautiful grandchildren (one of whom To my teachers over the years - your
hurdles, participating as well in the 100m cancer journey. This journey may involve
and 200m sprints the long jump and chemotherapy, radiotherapy, clinical lives in Utrecht requiring regular visits and 2019 VCE Dux Recipient guidance, encouragement and dedication And now, it
one who lives just 800 metres away). has been invaluable both in the classroom comes to that
relays. research trials and in some situations end Stephen Catsamas time where I am
and in co-curricular and extension activities.
Upon leaving Marcellin Peter went of life care. He is also happy to report that Thank goodness that all those years ago, to give some form of
in his 31 years, cure rates have improved, fate decided that Peter would follow this I come to speak today to the Marcellin To my Year 12 teachers, thank you for
straight to Melbourne University to study advice to the Class
treatment options have expanded and career. He has summed up his career as community at the conclusion of six years guiding us through our final year. Mr Stephen making his
Medicine, whilst maintaining his interest of 2020 and beyond. speech at the 2019
improved enormously, quality of life has “It has been a great privilege to be part since I was welcomed into it. These six years Wickramasinghe, your calm and patient
in athletics. He found that he was able to As each school day Dux assembly
of so many lives at difficult times and feel approach to teaching Specialist Maths is
combine the study and training fairly well, improved, and there have been enormous have included incredible opportunities and goes by, it may seem
steps in cancer prevention. that I have been able to help in some way. experiences and I can only conclude that it something which I have been fortunate
however he did take a couple of years off that any one of them may be irrelevant in
You never know what opportunity may was because of the insight and hard work to experience. Your encouragement of all
interspersed with study to concentrate In this time, Peter worked as the Deputy the broader picture- there are so many after
be there for you to grab”. of the Marcellin community that I was able the boys to embody the Marcellin motto
on doing his best in the Athletics field, Head of Department in the Royal Hospital all. But instead I encourage you, if to do
to participate and be enriched by these of Striving for the Highest was a welcome
though feels to do his training real justice in Sydney for five years where he found it nothing else, to reflect on what you hope
experiences to such an extent. I therefore boost during the busy SAC times of the year.
he would have taken more time off. to achieve and to make each day count
feel it is appropriate and necessary to Your willingness to go the extra mile for our
Regardless, Peter became a member learning was also much appreciated, and towards this. Even actions and tasks that at
recognise and give thanks for this generosity. times seem insignificant or irrelevant have a
of the 1976 squad and then went onto I’m sure quite apparent in all the revision
I realise, of course, that this support has way of contributing towards your personal
compete at the Montreal Olympics. It printouts we received. To Mr Doolan, your
stemmed from many in this community aspirations. And remember that the measure
was his first international event and he relaxed approach to teaching English
and any attempt at acknowledgement here of your success is that which you personally
achieved some success, going out in the Language was well-suited to developing
would at best be incomplete. And so, I hope wish to achieve, even if it is a path less
first round of the hurdles, but getting our independent learning skills while
to be able to deliver a few words which travelled by.
through a few rounds of the 400m flat. still being there when needed to go over
are representative and symbolic of the
In 1977 Peter graduated and was also message I wish to convey. our drafts and assisting us with plenty of Today is an assembly which recognises the
selected as part of the Commonwealth unique language samples. I’d also just like academic achievements of the College. It is a
To my family, I thank you for your to make a formal apology for subjecting celebration of the hard work and dedication
Games team for the 1978 Games, however
unwavering commitment to my education you to my handwriting, which I can now which each of these young men has placed
he found that working 90+ hours a week
and development, and for inspiring in assure you is being worked on. And to Mr in their studies and they are awarded with
as an intern was not conducive to a
me a love of learning. Your love and the Viola, the atmosphere of camaraderie and plaques and certificates as a token of this.
good training regime and consequently
provision of a calm and steadfast home collaboration you created in our Chemistry However in the coming days and weeks,
withdrew from the team. In 1979 he
environment in which I am able to explore class was always one to look forward to and as those certificates have completed their
decided to take a year off to train and
my interests is, on reflection, the most this assisted us greatly in focusing on our rounds on the kitchen fridge, it is valuable
compete in Europe. In this year he ran in
valuable asset I have received. studies. I’m sure our class will agree PV = RT. to remember that our time at Marcellin has
the World Cup 400m hurdles, coming 5th
and competed in Europe for 3 months To my pastoral leader Mr Getson, your To the Class of 2019, you are a diverse bunch, not only focused on lessons academic in
on the Grand Prix circuit. During this concern and interest in the lives of each and I will remember this most because it nature but also lessons about friendship,
year he was ranked Number One in the Peter Grant on the Athletics Winning Team 1969 of the students created an atmosphere of has made the times we have had as a cohort commitment and integrity. And I truly hope
mateship amongst us. The pastoral Super very interesting. We accomplished much, it is these lessons that I remember into the
Quiz was something I always looked forward and as we all leave the College and go our future. Thank you.
6 / ISS U E 8 AU T U M N 2 0 2 0 / 7
dux strive for th
COMMUNITY / CONNECTING / SUPPORTING – We Journey with you for life
EXCELLENCE IN ACHIEVEMENT EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS
covers the many caricatures he has done of AFL identities over the
Paul Harvey (Alumnus 1982) – Harvs Design years. It was launched in July 2019 in the MCG library, hosted by Ian
2019 VCAL Dux Recipient interaction, or the BY PRUE O’SHANNESSY Cover of the the Coodabeens and cartoonist legend John Spooner.
perception that some There was a second launch for the general public at the London
Aury Tomasoni may have. Paul Harvey is one of Australia’s best known cartoonists and Tavern, where Mark Knight interviewed Harvs over a few pints of
caricaturists. He is also an illustrator and author and has turned beer. He has another coming out in 2020.
I am humbled and honoured to receive I encourage anyone who
his hand to many different pursuits over the years.
Dux of VCAL for 2019, as it’s a testament does VCAL, to remember Harv’s other big claim to fame is being responsible for the annual
the benefits of it. It won’t Even when attending Marcellin College, he would be found sitting Brownlow illuminated address. These take an incredible two weeks
to the work that I have put in during the
suit everyone, but it in class drawing caricatures of teachers on old scraps of paper, to do by hand as they are very intricate and beautiful. He has been
year. I am here today to speak in front of
some of which survive today, but perhaps best remain hidden doing these since 2002, although in 2019 he had to produce 34
all of you about my journey through the will suit the needs of
to protect the innocent! (needless to say ‘missing’ certificates for the winners from 1965-1973. These were
VCAL program. some of you who are
it was a drawing of the teachers in a all presented to the recipients at a black-tie ceremony prior to the
driven to succeed in your
I started the VCAL program in year compromising situation that was 2019 Brownlow to which Harvs was also invited.
chosen career. Don’t
11 knowing I had a passion for cars. confiscated from good friend and
be discouraged, follow Harvs has also been prolific in the book department, being involved
Becoming a VCAL student assisted fellow student, Andy Maher).
through on your goals and with around 60 books as the illustrator and in fact has written and
me to pursue a career in what I loved Best known as ‘Harvs’ in his illustrated two children’s books of his own ‘The Mighty Bunyips’
your beliefs and you will
and in doing so I achieved my goal working life, he has had work and ‘The Invincible Bunyips’.
find that the VCAL course
of becoming an apprentice motor published in a myriad of different
will have a positive impact Harvs has been presented with awards recognising his talent over
mechanic. As part of my school-based Aury accepting his award formats from newspapers, to
on your life after school. the years and these have included the Australian Caricaturist of
apprenticeship I worked at Ray Molloy magazines and in a wide range
assessment that I have Aspergers, the Year from the Australian Cartoonist Association (the ACA),
Motors in Alphington twice a week to While this is an individual award, I could of books. He works in oils, acrylics,
and while this was hard for me to do, and the Best Illustration Award for Australian Golf from the Media
learn more skills and gain experience. not have achieved this without the support ink, pen, watercolours and brush
Association.
To further my studies I attended TAFE it allowed my class to gain a deeper of various people. I would like to thank Mr. which is testament to his ability to cover
understanding of my situation. Baldwin my VCAL coordinator, Mr Carlson many bases and be adaptive. He has also Harvs has a great attitude to life, and is lucky to have a loving and
at Kangan Institute in Docklands during
my House coordinator, Mrs Marchese my Paul with wife Caroline produced work of many sizes, from postage supportive family who also help out in the business with wife
my term breaks. Being involved in the VCAL allowed me to follow my chosen
pastoral leader, Marian House and my
and children
stamp size, to murals 20 metres long. Caroline doing the administration and the kids helping out when
VCAL program, I was able to experience career while undertaking study and
needed. He modestly reckons he is “just the guy who could draw
what it was like to work long hours in a being part of the work force at the same pastoral group Marlhes 03. Without all After Harvs left Marcellin in 1982, he spent a year getting a folio
heads” and feels that he has always been lucky. He is always busy.
workplace, improve my communications time. I would encourage any student your support, I would not have been able of his work together at a T.O.P Course in Brighton, and then headed
“With hard work I managed to turn a hobby into a career which I
skills in general and with customers. to follow their passion through their to accomplish all that I have today. off to Swinburne where he gained a degree in Graphic Design. His
suppose – is the dream.”
studies whether it be VCAL, VET or VCE. Lastly I would like to give a big thank you first job was with J. Walter Thompson Advertising where he worked
The journey through school life presents
For those of you who choose the VCAL to my parents. For supporting me through for three years followed by a stint overseas from which he came
many challenges, from making friends,
program, you will find it rewarding as it all my years of schooling, for putting back freelancing as an illustrator/designer.
trying out for sport teams and achieving
your study goals. Having Aspergers made will teach you many life skills. You will up with me and for helping me achieve His boss from J. Walter Thompson, pinched
me more determined to prove to myself learn much about work environment, my career goal. I wouldn’t have done it a client and started his own agency. Harvs
colleagues and customers. without both of you. I wish you all the answered the S.O.S and came on board,
and others what I was capable of. I was
best for the 2020 school year. quickly learning the ropes as Creative
able to share my life experiences with Doing VCAL will present some challenges,
Director whilst maintaining his own
my VCAL class through a work it may be your school work, your social
business on the side.
By 1997 he had assembled an extensive
portfolio of his own work and decided to
go out on his own, starting his office in their
front bedroom, followed by an upstairs room
SPECIAL GUEST PRESENTERS and finally a studio out the back which is where
he still works. And can I tell you, there is an absolute Paul at work
Paul (R) with Ian Cover at his 2019 Book Launch
AT THE 2019 DUX ASSEMBLY treasure trove of paraphernalia in there. I wouldn’t
want to be the one cleaning it up, but I’m willing to bet there are
some wonderful finds to be had!
On 6 February, The Marcellin 2020 Dux Martin Ron These days, Harvs gets most of his work through word of mouth
Assembly was celebrated to recognize which is testament to his skill. He also is very generous with his
the excellence in achievement of the
Pollard Stasiuk
time, especially for the Marcellin Old Collegian Football club,
2019 Year Twelve students. The assembly College Dux in 1956, Martin studied Law Ron was College Dux in 1964. He where his son Tom plays, donating his time to do live caricatures
also welcomed into the College family, part-time at Melbourne University while studied Medicine at Monash University, at events. Harvs is one of the best live caricaturists in Australia. He
the students beginning their journey working full-time for the Commonwealth, specialising in Ophthalmology. Ron has also been producing the Record of Academic Achievement for Paul with his AFL player watercolours for footy cards
here at Marcellin. and qualified as a Barrister and Solicitor. established the Eye Clinic at Maroondah ten years for Marcellin College.
He became a specialist in marine Hospital and was a founding partner of, He is probably best known for the Select Australia set of Footy
We were also very privileged to welcome
transport law and helped establish the and now in private practice in, Vision cards he does every year. Each team is represented by four players
back two of our Old Collegian Duces to
Australian Maritime College. Martin also Eye Institute. He has also been involved which are chosen for him. It’s always exciting to see who’s head he
assist in the presentation of the 2019
worked overseas in India before he in community work with clinics and gets to kick around each year. Harvs is a footy nut so it’s a labour of
VCAL and VCE Duces.
retired in 2005. hospitals in Australia and overseas. love. Each watercolour painting takes him about 5 hours and there
are 72 of them annually.
He has recently had a big coffee table book released by Wilkinson
Publishing called Harv’s Footy Stars – 30 Years of Caricature, which
Paul with wife Caroline and children
8 / ISS U E 8 AU T U M N 2 0 2 0 / 9
strive for the highest
COMMUNITY / CONNECTING / SUPPORTING – We Journey with you for life
EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS
Luca Zarik (Alumnus 2016)
BY PRUE O’SHANNESSY
I first met Luca when he volunteered his
time to assist the current 2020 Design
students with their portfolios. His
connected with a great network of
people, and this has assisted him to
get work via word of mouth.
and in drawing classes and feels that
he has learnt a lot. He also does a lot of
animation in his free time and has his
own tablet. Marc has visited Japan a few
times and is inspired by Japanese anime
and comics. His passion is 2D animation.
He hopes to send this out to various
studios but is also happy to freelance.
He also plans on building his on-line
presence and is open to working overseas
(especially France where animation is
big). Ideally he would love to eventually
enthusiasm was inspiring for Even when he was a student at be working on 2D animated features.
Marc will complete his course at the end
the boys and being young
they were more than
“ Marcellin, he was working as of this year and will see him producing We wish Marc luck with his passion and
an editor at a Wedding and
happy to listen to him. Since Commercial Studio, and,
a short film with a group and then he hope that following this life long interest
When we met again, leaving by 2019, in his words was Luca 2020
will be working on his own portfolio. will lead to happiness and success.
Luca discussed how Marcellin in making the “Maccas of
designer, and advertising campaign
One of Marc’s animations
he was momentarily 2016, Luca has wedding videos” hence his
for Target, then he may be filming high
enticed to follow pursued his decision to launch his own
end luxury real estate, and then on the
the course of being a
passion. business which concentrates
weekend, a wedding. He also does a lot
stockbroker, (or similar), on fashion shoots and
of freelance work given his own business
ADRIAN McCARNEY (Alumnus 2014) the time of his course, with expertise in
to make lots of money ” wedding videos.
is still relatively young. BY PRUE O’SHANNESSY
sketching, as well as physical and digital
but in the end his love of film 3D modelling.
Luca’s point of difference in his
and film-making won out. It doesn’t leave much time for other Immediately after completing University,
work is telling a story with his film, rather When Adrian
pursuits but as Luca says his hobby is his Adrian was approached by one of the
Since leaving Marcellin in 2016, Luca has than just photographing weddings or McCarney
work and vice versa. His life is film and we lecturers to work on designing a greener
pursued his passion. He briefly attended fashion models. This is evident when exhibited his
hope to see him in the future achieving alternative for Victoria’s public transport
Swinburne to do a Diploma of Film and you see his work. portfolio piece
his dreams of becoming a Director or system. Processes and design thinking that
Television but realised it was not the Currently, during a typical week Luca at Marcellin’s
getting into cinematography. Stay tuned Adrian had developed from industry-led
course for him. Instead, he self-taught will be working on a dress campaign in Art Show,
to see where this enthusiastic and likable teaching equipped him with the relevant
himself by watching YouTube videos and collaboration possibly with a jewellery everyone
young man ends up! skillset to start work right away.
experimenting. Whilst at Swinburne, he remembered
From here, Adrian stepped straight into Adrian’s model Ford
his work.
Adrian made a working in his current position as a Digital
portrait comprised Modeller for Ford on the recommendation are selected, the sketches then become
Marc Agosta (Alumnus 2012) Marc 2020
of 1525 Rubik’s of one of his lecturers. He was joined by 3D. This is where Adrian’s skillset comes
Adrian 2020
BY PRUE O’SHANNESSY Cubes, manipulated another two from his cohort - one joining into play. Digital models are created
term effects he decided the medium of animation and arranged to complete the picture, a him in digital modelling and the other in under the watchful eye of the designer,
At the completion of Year 12, in of working and the stories it tells, was the interest daunting prospect for most! The piece creative interiors. who provide real-time feedback while
which he had studied Maths Methods, with chemicals that he was going to pursue. was then leased by the Department of It all begins with a sketch, where even watching their vision become reality.
Physics, Software Development, Art was probably Marc then took half a year off with the Education for a year in 2015, but still has the most left-of-field concepts are To fully understand their vision, full-size
and English Language, Marc Agosta not conducive intention of teaching himself. He found its home there so take note in the foyer considered. At the forefront of the models which are milled by computer
headed off to do a double degree in both to good health. it a bit demoralising as he wasn’t even if ever visiting there. designer’s mind is the knowledge that and refined by hand are created and
Science and Nanotechnology. He began He had always loved at the standard he’d been in year 10, this is a car for the future; what are presented within the studio, providing
On completion of his VCE, Adrian started
his studies at RMIT and after a year moved drawing (and in fact did external Art and, he had never animated before. So people going to appreciate in four years’ a sense of scale. These models create
Industrial Design at Monash completing
to Latrobe University where he completed classes up until Year 10) but had felt that he applied for Animation at both RMIT time, as it rolls off the production line discussion, and this reciprocation
his course with Honours in 2018.
his Bachelor of Science majoring in there was no money in Art. His decision and Swinburne and was accepted into and into dealerships? After a few themes between digital and physical modelling
Chemistry and Nanotechnology. to study Science was partly because he Swinburne. He initially attempted to Whilst still at University Adrian and all continues until the car has been fully
didn’t know what else to do. Once he continue working and studying but other design students received an email resolved.
During Marc’s course he also started a inviting them to submit an application
Cadetship in a Chemistry laboratory made the decision to look at other study/ realised he needed to give the course Adrian is very happy with Ford, he feels
work options, he realised that he really his full attention. He is now in his final to work on a one-off project car for a
- with Electromold who specialise in very lucky to have the talents to work in
liked animation a lot. Although he had year of a three year course. client, alongside Holden’s former Chief
Defence, Aerospace and commercial a job that he loves.
stopped drawing whilst doing his degree, of Design, who was responsible for iconic
related processing and surface coatings. He now spends his days at lectures Australian cars such as the Monaro and Outside of work, Adrian still maintains a
Marc was responsible for analysing Torana. Adrian was chosen to participate friendship with his Marcellin mates. When
chemical concentrations of baths used as he possessed the required skill set. He not at work, he plays basketball with
for the process of anodising, alongside worked on the project and continued his them and also goes to the gym. Reflecting
monitoring the baths’ temperatures and studies, gaining valuable insight into the on his time at Marcellin, Adrian found
pH levels. This started out as a summer job design process used in the automotive that the relaxed and happy environment
for Marc, but he ended up staying for three industry. This project was then able to of the Art and Technology rooms
years working one or two days a week. form the basis of Adrian’s thesis as it fed encouraged him to do well. The fact that
However, as time progressed, various into his course work and future career by VCE everybody wants to be there and
factors made Marc rethink his decision prospects. challenge themselves is conducive to
about following a career in Science. He everyone achieving.
Students of Monash are fortunate enough
was finding his lack of ability in Math was to communicate with and be educated by We look forward to seeing what amazing
catching up on him and he began looking Designers from various industries. Adrian designs Adrian produces over the years.
for a way out. He also felt that the long had lecturers involved in car design over
Adrian’s Rubiks Cube Portrait
One of Marc’s animations
10 / I SS UE 8 AU T U M N 2 0 2 0 / 1 1
strive for the highest
COMMUNITY / CONNECTING / SUPPORTING – We Journey with you for life
Joseph Allinson (Alumnus 2011)
BY PRUE O’SHANNESSY
It would be safe to say that Joseph didn’t
exactly fit the mold when he attended
Marcellin. He found that with his passion
for diversity and creativity, he didn’t really
fit in with the mainstream model.
The time came however when Joseph
could no longer bear to walk down those
forbidden pink aisles so instead of buying
new clothes for his barbies, he started
making his own instead. In hindsight this
discomfort led Joseph to becoming self
taught in learning to fit proportions of the
Most of all Joseph feels it’s important to be
out there, providing an example to younger
students who also may have different
interests to the norm, and at times feel or
have felt out of place.
“High school brings with it, on a varied
spectrum, the desire to feel accepted and
I was alienated early on because I had
nothing left to lose by just being my
authentic self. I think it’s necessary to
play the game within reason, but I would
hope, and stress to students that other
passions, personal interests and individual
development are invested in as well,
body, materials, hand sewing, fastenings to belong, and sometimes masks might because that’s what will be waiting for
Through sheer tenacity and determination, and how to dress a 3D form. you on the other side.”
seem to be the safest way to assimilate, to
Joseph managed to come out the other side
It’s amusing to hear Joseph say “It was establish a sense of Identity in a group and Nowadays, Joseph is content with what he
with clear direction to find his purpose.
amazing what you could do with black make it through the years unscathed.” has achieved thus far and with no intention
With the support of teachers, especially One of Joseph’s recent artworks
duct tape at that time: “thigh high boots, “As I have gotten older, I see that even the of slowing down, he’s eager to continue
Sally Anne Bristow, in the Art Department, corsets…the list was endless for Barbie!” his journey and keep looking ahead to the
In 2014, Joseph was accepted into the After 12 tumultuous most successful facades don’t seem to last.
Joseph was able to navigate his time and next chapter. We look forward to seeing
Whitehouse Institute of Design and upon months he was Over time, mannequins, models and real Back then I knew it was a game of survival,
stay true to himself. Joseph found refuge in where his talents take him.
completion of three years of intensive study, appointed Head life people have now become his Barbies. and in some sense it was fortunate that
turning inward, to work on establishing his
artistic voice; a voice that would help him he attained a Bachelor of Fashion Design. Designer and
express himself during this difficult time. Over these three years Joseph really came Creative Director ,
into his own creativity, and was able to creating custom
During his final year in 2011, Fashion pieces for clients,
Design was not part of the Art curriculum at fine tune his unique design aesthetic and TYRON TRAN (Alumnus 2019) Betrayed, Calm, Carried Away, Patience
gain skills that would enable him to better designing Mens and Joseph in costume and Waiting For Father series 2017
Marcellin College. His body of Women’s lines for the BY PRUE O’SHANNESSY
work was produced execute his designs and navigate through
his creative processes. label and producing product for both
under the guise of Congratulations to the 2019 Visual Arts
Melbourne and Sydney stores. Joseph
Sculpture and Each semester would bring with it the Captain Tyron Tran on his most recent
is still in this role.
Photography opportunity for Joseph to not only create achievement of having two of his Year 12
instead. The designs but exercise his ideas in a more It’s interesting to hear about Joseph’s art pieces, Untitled and Door 2019 selected
concept of his holistic way. He would create worlds in his early years and what inspired him even to exhibit at Melbourne
graduate work mind that fed his creativity, and provide as a very young boy. University’s The Dax
explored the some kind of baring to the concepts, He was captivated by the 1995 series Centre Exhibition
aesthetics and messages he wanted ‘Xena-Warrior Princess’ from a very ‘From Heart +
idea of breaking
to express through his collection, and early age, and feels those costumes Mind’, showcasing
free, and in doing
ultimately the pieces. undoubtedly imprinted on his own new works by
so, transforming
aesthetic as a designer. Around this time, multidisciplinary
Joseph at into a somewhat After graduating in 2017, Joseph knew the artists exploring
a recent event primitive being, finally next step was to attain industry production he traded his truck for Barbie and would
mental health,
free of one’s inhibitions. experience and secure a placement in a play outside for hours on end with his
neuro-diversity,
After winning the 2011 Principal’s choice design studio or production house. These dolls. Any world could be imagined and
gender and identity.
award, the final photograph of his trilogy, days, the chances of finding work in design no adventure was too big. Modern God Series 2018
Tyron used vibrant colours
titled ‘Desire’, was purchased by the College. or garment construction is diminishing As time went by, Joseph began to realise Tyron with his teacher
to create works inspired by
Sally-Ann Bristow As an active member of the creative arts
In 2012 upon leaving Marcellin, Joseph due to overseas manufacturers and fast that no other boys ventured down those dreams, emotional tensions since 2014 at the College, Tyron has enjoyed
studied Fashion Design at TAFE followed by fashion demands. pink aisles. Looks would linger and and notions of identity. an array of experiences and achievements;
an attempt in 2013 to secure placement at He knew he needed to aim for niche. His discomfort would set in.
Tyron’s proud mum Paula and I visited the • Photograph Yarra Stream being selected and
RMIT for their Bachelor of ‘Fashion Design’ previous collections combined with his His Mum would settle him by asking, (Just exhibition recently, and it was pleasing to featured in the Manningham 2017 Calendar
Degree which unfortunately skills in leather craftsmanship landed him loud enough for anyone nearby to hear), speak with the educator Julia whom shared
a role as a manufacturer for an Australian “Now Bubby, which one do you think we • Archibshop’s Highly Commended Award -
was unsuccessful. with us, that many of their young visitors have CEM Visual Arts Exhibition 2017 - betrayed,
This led to a few internships which Joseph Fetish label. should buy for your sister?” And he would related to the notions of Tyron’s painting. calm, carried away, patience and waiting
found too monotonous to endure. choose his new doll.
for father series
Around this time, Channel 7 were hosting • People’s Choice Award - CEM Visual Arts
a competition for the costume design Exhibition 2018 - Modern Gods series Tyron at the 2019 AGSV Athletics Championships at
to be worn by Miss Australia in the Miss Lakeside Stadium to unveil the AGSV Centenary design
• 2018 Studio Arts - Endeavour Award as part of launching the Centenary Celebration.
Universe contest. Joseph entered this, and
• 2019 VisCom - Excellence Award
a few weeks later he received a call from
the event organisers, letting him know • 2019 Art - Excellence Award in 2019 where they won the final. He also took
he had been selected as one of the top • 2019 Dux - Visual Communication & Design on the role of filming and editing their year 12
four finalist designers across Australia. He • 2019 Dux - Art Formal video while studying year 12.
had 6 weeks to create the design he had • AGSV Centenary Logo Competition Winner Tyron is very grateful for all the opportunities,
sketched and submitted, and would be
experiences, friendships and the support he
flown to the ‘Sunrise’ studios in Sydney, to During his time at the College, Tyron has also
has had from all, including the wonderful
be interviewed live on air to sell his design embraced many other opportunities on offer.
teachers at Marcellin College.
to the Australian public. He was an active member in Remar, played
soccer from year 7 to 11, joined the swimming Earlier this year, Tyron returned to take part
Although he didn’t win, his design did well
team year 7 to 12 and enthusiastically signed as an old collegian in the senior retreats and
and despite mixed reviews, at that stage,
Mum Paula with Tyron’s work ‘Door’ 2019 up for Waterpolo, Marcellin’s first ever team thoroughly enjoyed it.
industry exposure was first and foremost. Joseph’s recent work
12 / I SS UE 8 AU T U M N 2 0 2 0 / 1 3
past student priests and brothers
COMMUNITY / CONNECTING / SUPPORTING – We Journey with you for life
PAST STUDENT PRIESTS & BROTHERS Queensland Timor-Leste and Cambodia.
This year (2019), I was appointed to Sydney as the Province
had the advantage of providing
plenty of cover amongst the
Administrator and Province Bursar. Looking back to my school pine-trees for the smokers.
“
Fr Ken Boland (Alumnus 1955) of the then little town. Instead of flying, I
I doubt I days, firstly at Camberwell and then at Bulleen, I have lasting Ah well.
became connected with the local Cavers,
Marcellin in 1950, under the caring leadership of Brother Nilus, memories of having had very good teachers, particularly in the area After matric in 1958 I entered
rapidly gaining another interest. would have survived
remains a positive and supportive memory, and I was honoured of Mathematics. No doubt it was the passion of those teachers for the Marist Fathers Novitiate in
to be asked to be the presider at Brother’s Eventually I returned to Melbourne, the great changes their subject that led me to major in Maths at tertiary level and to Sydney and was ordained in
funeral. Perhaps aware of subsequent however by then I had developed a without the support enjoy my years teaching Maths in the classroom. The Brothers were 1965. My family returned to
developments, he remarked to me, method of flying with a small aircraft prominent in all spheres of school life at Marcellin in those days – Brisbane and my two brothers
to search large areas of remote cave afforded by my own
shortly before his death, that he teaching, sport coaching, administration … Their genuine interest completed their secondary
“hoped we weren’t too hard on you”. territory in basic exploration. Beginning Community in the welfare of young people impressed me and was instrumental education at Marist Brothers
I have already written my memories in 1999, a small team of usually twelve in me deciding to explore the vocation as a Marist Brother. Ashgrove. My own contact with Michael at the 70th Anniversary Mass
“
of the early years, as have many has spent a month each year, resulting in Marcellin ex-students has been
In 2021 I will celebrate my Golden Jubilee as a Marist Brother. It’s
others, and I am pleased to leave it over three thousand new known features. Many sporadic, largely due to my various postings throughout my
been a wonderful journey with so many opportunities, experiences,
be, other than to say that my own of these have been previously unknown caves, and some have priestly life. However I do recall meeting up with Eugene Dwyer
ministries, memories, places and people.
early experiences can now be seen as contained remains of ancient animals such as the ‘marsupial lion’, FMS in New York years ago, John Zika, John Tilley, Pat Harvey
a valuable preparation for my life as a Australia’s one-time top predator. Much assistance has come from and that Christmas card stalwart Peter Ditchburn in Canada.
priest in a religious community, ministering the universities and museums who takeover from our efforts. Fr Michael Mullins (Alumnus 1958) These men always bring back to me a special time in my
Father Ken Boland
to a wide variety of people in a city, many At 81 I am ‘a little bit retired’, still fit and active, however I am Remembering Marcellin in the 1950’s. life – a time for which I will always be grateful.
of whom are wounded people. aware of the saying in the world of speleology: ‘old cavers never Melbourne was basking in the glow
die….they just begin to calcify’. And amongst glider pilots; ‘…they
Leaving Canterbury Road without a pass in Latin meant that I could
just go into final-glide’
of the Olympic Games when we Br Michael Sexton (Alumnus 1974)
not immediately enter the Seminary to begin priestly training for arrived from Brisbane in late
The arrival of Brother Steve Bugg as Principal in 1974 (my last
Diocesan ministry, a normal process at that time. So I set myself to December 1956. My father had
year there) was a breath of fresh air for
achieve this requirement by private tuition at night, while getting a Br Paul Kane (Alumnus 1970) been transferred to Australian
everyone after the preceding rather
job in the electronics industry, an area where I was competent, and Army H.Q which was then
during this period received an invitation to join the Congregation
After completing Year 12 at Marcellin
situated at St. Kilda Road. So my
chaotic years. His personable “
College in 1970, I entered the Marist nature built on the good I remember
in which I have spent my life. The change was precipitated by an two younger brothers and I were
accident during a long bushwalk through the alps when I managed
Brothers’ novitiate at Macedon to
looking for a new school after being
relationships students had particularly John
commence a time of discernment and with so many teachers was Morgan Tony Box
to be shot. Dare one say God can take desperate measures to at Marist Brothers Ashgrove. Marcellin
initial formation as a Marist Brother. very welcomed. I remember
lead his way!
Following those two years of novitiate
Canterbury Road at Camberwell was a Michael at home particularly John Morgan,
Anne Henderson and
So in 1956 I ended up in Toowoomba at the Novitiate of the Blessed logical choice. Dad and I went off to an Brother Ken Harris. John
formation, I went on to Monash University, Tony Box, Anne Henderson
Sacrament Congregation, not really knowing what I wanted, but interview with the Principal, Brother Ludovic in his office in
Clayton, to study Science and Education. Most
Ardmara. It went off smoothly enough and I was duly enrolled
and Brother Ken Harris. Telfer was a wonderful
accepted amongst strangers with a common purpose. And the of my active ministry, since graduating in 1976 has John Telfer was a wonderful
Novitiate was a gutted old pub. Today I live in a community of in the Leaving Certificate class for 1957. It was a bit of a culture motivator...
been spent in schools at Shepparton (1977-1980), motivator and mentor for those
sixteen, in the city of Melbourne. We come from eight different Kilmore (1984-1988 and 1991-1996), Bendigo (1998-2003)
shock after the laid- back regime at Ashgrove: walking up the
of us involved in athletics and Pop
“
countries, with a core of Asians, and only a couple of Aussies, and driveway, cap jammed on one’s head, the conservatory on the
and Sale (2004 – 2010). Campbell didn’t really know much
I know this is more appropriate for me than living on my own as a right and the school bell hanging from a tree on the left. It rained
I was Principal of Assumption about hockey but his pipe-smoking,
Diocesan priest. It was during the nine years of training prior to a lot and the footy was a bit of a challenge to a Queenslander.
College, Kilmore, Catholic anti-establishment persona was enough for us.
priestly ordination that the Second Vatican Council took place, For teachers we had Brother Ludovic for English and Latin
College Bendigo and Catholic After leaving Marcellin I spent a few years around Melbourne in
and I doubt I would have survived the great changes without the (Catullus : “Da mi basia mille…” – very pagan boys!), Brother
College Sale in the years from formation and studies (Monash and Mercy). After that, teaching
support afforded by my own Community. Roger taught us Chemistry, Brother Evangelist Geography and
1991 to 2010. Given the audience in Perth, Bendigo and Traralgon; youth ministry in the Sandhurst
Most of my life has been spent the meticulous Brother Eustace gave us a good grounding in
of this brief profile for an Alma Diocese of Northern Victoria; a spell as chaplain to Melbourne Uni.
in City Ministry, the first two Physics and Maths. Classes were small and there was a friendly
Mater publication, I hesitate to Sent to India in 1991, I discovered a latent talent for languages and
years in Sydney, then about spirit amongst the students. Extra -curricular activities were
say that the eleven years I had have since learnt a number as the need arose – Tamil, Spanish,
ten in Melbourne during which limited although I do remember the occasional social at Siena
at Assumption College Kilmore French, Arabic. It’s been a wonderful privilege to live and work in
I was Chaplain to three inner (better forgotten now). Then there were the swimming carnivals
did affect my AGS allegiance! many different settings: India, Sri Lanka, Fiji, Spain, France and
city hospitals as well. City at the new Olympic Pool (did 50 yards ever look so long?) and
In the years when not stationed Algeria. I love the richness and originality of each culture and
Ministry is rich and busy, and the rallies at the same venue for the founder of the YCW,
in schools, I did retreat work
Paul on one of his visits to Timor Leste people even when there are aspects that I will never adopt.
always has surprises to keep Cardinal Joseph Cardijn.
with senior school students These last thirteen years I have been in Algeria, North Africa,
one challenged. During this In those days the great Labour ferment was working its way
and ran programs for young adults (1981-1983). I held the role of a fascinating region marked as it has been by Islamic
period I came to see that life through the Catholic tribe and the DLP was busily attracting
Province Vocations Director (1989-1990) and was involved in the fundamentalism, the Arab Spring. Marist involvement there
was a little bit too narrow in supporters. On St. Patrick’s Day we marched up Bourke Street
formation of young Brothers (2011-2012 and again this year). needs to be very discreet – I worked in a medical library as
vision and purpose and was where we acknowledged the presence of Archbishop Mannix
Over the years, I have served in Province leadership – twenty- well as teaching
advised to develop in other sitting in an open car outside Parliament House. We sang lustily
six years as a Provincial Councilor and at various times as Vice English – but the
directions. A tiny advertisement “We stand for God”. Seemingly we were on the winning side.
Provincial and Acting Provincial. In the course of my ongoing effort to maintain
in the newspaper caught my Looking back, institutional Catholicism was a very important
Ken, on one of his caving adventures formation, I had the opportunity to do studies in Educational basic relationships
eye : “always wanted to fly and ingredient in Marcellin’s educational mix. There were many very
Administration and opportunities for personal renewal, at between Christians
thought you couldn’t afford it? active religious groups in the school: the Sodality of Our Lady,
various times, in Italy, Ireland and the United States. and Muslims is
Try Gliding”. Telling nobody whatever, I disappeared for a week the St. Vincent de Paul Society (Bill Clancy), the YCS, as well as essential in a world
long course, and life has never been the same since, and I still fly Since the formation of the Province of Australia, from the the live-in retreats. Rosary after lunch in the chapel. In 1957 which often rejects
regularly. rejoining of the Melbourne and Sydney Marist Provinces, in at La Verna in Kew I remember watching the newly- launched difference.
The next stint was in Bunbury, WA. and was definitely just what 2013, I spent much of that time based in Brisbane and pastorally Sputnik float eerily through the night sky. The following year we
I did not want at all. However after settling-in I liked the warmth supporting Marists – Brothers and Lay – across Northern NSW, experienced the austerity of the Jesuit house at Watsonia which Michael in Algeria
14 / FO U N DAT I O N N E W S AU T U M N 2 0 2 0 / 1 5
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