A short note I received yesterday after 40 of our fine young men helped out at the L’Arche Open Garden day.

The boys were INCREDIBLE! Thank you again so much for allowing them to be part of the day. It is not just that they are friendly, helpful and courteous; it is also the initiative they show when help is needed. They all thought quickly on their feet and did what was required with very little instruction and absolutely no fuss.

I personally loved seeing them and I think so many older people enjoyed saying a quick hello as well. The boys selling raffle tickets did it with gusto, the boys assisting the frail did it with patience and care, and all the boys were responsive and cheerful and very respectful when spoken to (“Yes Miss”, “Thank you Miss”, “Let me help you Sir”).

Many many thanks again – please do tell the boys they were wonderful in very hot and bothered conditions!

Student Account 1

The leaders camp was extremely beneficial as it allowed us students involved to both connect with other Marist schools and gain insight into the

different ways in which leadership is conducted at their schools as well as being able to develop leadership skills that we can apply at Joeys now.

On the forum, we were involved in activities in large and small groups that focused on leadership skills such as communication, cooperation, and

teamwork. We left the camp having made lots of friends from the Marist schools across NSW and a new mind-set in which to approach the leadership

that all boys are responsible for in the senior years.

Student Account 2

The Marist leadership camp was a very good experience. During this camp, we got to participate in different activities with other Marist schools around the state. When we arrived, we were spilt up into small groups with the other students. This was good as it allowed for us to get to meet the other students and find out what role they play in their school. After this we sat down in our groups and had lunch together. The first session was presentations where each school had to stand up and present a power point on their school’s culture and spirit. I found this very interesting getting to get to learn about the different schools and how they are different from our own. During the free time, we got to go out onto the ovals and play touch footy and tennis on the courts. There were also a couple good games of around the world table tennis played. We stayed the night in large dorms which was good as it was another opportunity to get to know the other boys. On the last night of the camp we got to have a sit-down dinner with Br Anthony and Mr Reading where we also discussed some ideas we had for the school in the future. After the dinner, we had a talent show were each group had a chance to perform a talent. This was a great way to end the night with some funny acts being performed. On the last day, we had our last session which was held in the chapel and as groups we all got to right down what we thought of each person in our group and how they display the characteristics of a leader. I found this session pretty special as you got to read each person’s own opinion of you and how they think you are a good leader. To finish off the camp we had a closing Liturgy and then we said our goodbyes and headed back to Joeys. Overall, I really enjoyed the experience and getting to make some new friends.

Student Account 1

On Wednesday the 17^th of October a group of 39 boys were chosen to become the schools 2019 Acolytes and attended a preparation day. This day was held to deepen our understandings of the roles and the importance of acolytes. The day began with an early Mass that Father Gavin and a few previous year 12 Acolytes were involved in. The preparation session began with a talk from Father, Brother Anthony and Mrs Maher about the significance of Acolytes in the college as they act as role models for the rest of the school. After the talks, the acolytes were each given a booklet with multiple activities to help remember the names of the items used to conduct a mass. The acolytes were also taught multiple stories about the reasons we do certain things during mass. I believe I speak for the rest of the acolytes when I say that we are all excited to get stuck into our new roles.

 Student Account 2 

We started off with the morning mass first of the term, from there we had pastoral . After pastoral started the acolyte incursion and started to run through all the different roles of the priest and the acolytes. Then father began to explain the significant cultural and historical significance of the chapel and to the religious life of the school. The coolest part about it was the meaning and history of the stain glass windows, and how they have lasted so long. Within the session were times of meditation and calmness and other times asking and answering any questions.