Cardijn Connect W5, T4 2023

Students across all three Cardijn College campuses commemorated Remembrance Day over the last week, reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces.

In addition to the services held on campus, a number of our students participated in local community services to represent our College in the wider community. Students laid wreaths to honour fallen heroes, while others took part in community events that paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of veterans.

Through these collective efforts, our students demonstrated a profound understanding of the significance of Remembrance Day. Their involvement in both school-based activities and community services showcased a commitment to remembering and honouring the sacrifices of those who have served our country.

We extend our gratitude to our students, teachers, and staff for their active participation in Remembrance Day activities, fostering a culture of remembrance and appreciation within the Cardijn College community.

Lest we forget.

This week we celebrated the official opening of Tangka, a gathering space on the Marian Campus. This special occasion was marked by a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and Didgeridoo performance by Uncle Robert Taylor, providing the event with cultural significance and reverence.
 
Student Central  has been renamed Tangka which is the Kaurna word for ‘heart’ representing that this space at the heart of our school. The Kaurna people have a rich cultural heritage and their language is special to our school and the wider community. Tangka is a word that stands for love, compassion, unity and represents the fact that everything is connected. It also offers a unique outdoor environment for College celebrations and activities.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all those who played a role in bringing Tangka to fruition and participated in the opening ceremony.

Last week the Marian Campus Gym was transformed into a tropical paradise for this year's Year 7 and 8 Spring Fling. The vibrant event, filled with laughter, music and tropical vibes, provided a fun and memorable evening for our students.

The tropical theme was evident from the moment students entered, greeted by bright tinsel decorations, leis and a colourful balloon garland. Students got into the spirit by wearing Hawaiian shirts, flower crowns and tropical-themed accessories.

On 7 November, Cardijn College hosted the much-anticipated Term 4 Solo Music Night in the Cardijn Music Performance Suite. 

Fourteen students grabbed the opportunity to showcase their musical talents, demonstrating the results of their hard work and dedication in rehearsing their respective instruments. For some of our students, it was their first experience performing in public, making the evening even more special.

One stand-out performance came from Year 12 student Thomas, who started learning the piano this year and made his public debut with Erik Satie's famous piece, Gymnopédie 1. His dedication and progress were evident to all in attendance. Another standout was another Year 12 student Jesse, an experienced solo performer who wowed the audience with a memorable drum performance of I'm a Scary Tiger.

Solo Music Night continues to be a testament to the flourishing musical talent within Cardijn College, and it is a platform for students to express themselves, grow as performers, and share their passion for music with their peers and loved ones.

Marian Campus recently had the pleasure of hosting Leah Grant, an accomplished South Australian visual artist. Leah, a versatile artist, potter, street artist and dedicated educator, brought her vibrant passion for creativity to our students.

Leah's artistic style is a stunning fusion of colour and pattern, often drawing inspiration from native Australian plants. With over a decade of experience as a high school art teacher, she now travels across Australia, serving as an artist in residence. Her mission is to inspire both students and teachers alike to value the arts as a means of self-expression and exploration.

During her incursion at Cardijn, Leah shared her wealth of knowledge and artistic expertise with our students. Drawing from her strong Christian faith, she seamlessly integrated her values, beliefs, and morals into her teaching, providing a unique perspective on the intersection of faith and art.

Senior school and Marist Centre students had the opportunity to learn various techniques under Leah's guidance. The collaborative efforts resulted in the development of mural ideas, with each student contributing their creativity and personal touch to the project.

We extend our gratitude to Leah for sharing her expertise and passion with us, and we look forward to displaying the vibrant murals created through this fantastic collaboration.

Over the past two weeks, we hosted two Year 9 Reflection Days centred around the theme 'Act: Serve-Us!'. True to its name, the objective of these days was to inspire action and foster an understanding of service in our community. 

The Year 9 Reflection Day program provided a unique opportunity for our students and staff to actively engage with our local community. Specifically, it allowed them to explore firsthand the realms of service and volunteering whilst contributing in tangible and meaningful ways.

Throughout these days, our Year 9 students ventured into various communities/organisations, offering hands-on support and gaining valuable insights into some incredible places and people in our broader community. We express our gratitude for the privilege of collaborating with the following groups: Adopt a Spot, Antonio Catholic Primary School, Cardijn College Galilee Campus, Kalyra Woodcroft, Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), Saint John the Apostle Primary School, Vinnies (Fred’s Van), Wardli Youth Centre and Woodcroft Morphett Vale Neighbourhood Centre.

At the conclusion of these days, our students were provided with an opportunity to reflect on their experiences. Many shared profound insights into the significance of these organisations and the impactful work they do. These days were not only about learning from and aiding our community but also gave our Year 9 students the chance to learn about themselves and the world around them.

We are so proud of all our Year 9 students who attended – thank you for all your hard work on these days. 

We're thrilled to share our results from the recent SACPSSA Athletics Carnival hosted at the SA Athletics Stadium. Our talented students from Years 3-6 proudly represented Galilee, showcasing their skills and sportsmanship on the field.

Our girls finished an impressive 2nd place overall, and our boys secured a commendable 4th place. A special acknowledgement goes to our outstanding Year 5 girls for taking out the age division award!

Many of our students earned well-deserved ribbons for their outstanding performances in various events. It's heartening to see our students' hard work pay off and their dedication shine through.

A big thank you to Sean Laffin, one of our parent helpers, and a special acknowledgement to Year 9 student Ollie who both endured the heat as marshalls throughout the day. Your support made a world of difference!

We appreciate the fantastic teamwork and spirit from our parent community. Your encouragement on the sidelines means the world to our athletes.

Stay tuned for more updates on the incredible achievements of our Galilee stars. We can't wait to share more successes with you!

Last Friday, our Galilee tennis enthusiasts showed incredible resilience as they embraced the heat at the McLaren Vale Tennis Club for the Tennis Hot Shots Carnival.

Three of our dedicated teams gave it their all on the courts, displaying impressive skills and true sportsmanship. We're thrilled to announce that one of our teams has successfully advanced to the state final, scheduled later this term at Memorial Drive.

Congratulations to our talented players who demonstrated determination and skill on the day. We couldn't be prouder of their efforts.

The Marcellin Campus community gathered last Thursday evening to celebrate the remarkable achievements and growth of our graduating students at the Marcellin Graduation and Awards Night. The evening was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our graduating class of 2023.

Impressively, 58 out of 65 students are into a pathway next year with apprenticeships across 18 different industries, with one student commencing University study.

Families, friends, and staff gathered to honour the accomplishments of our graduates, marking a significant milestone in their educational journey.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of awards, recognising excellence across various trade areas, Australian Defence Force, Government and community awards as well as acknowledging those students who embody the five Marist Characteristics.

We were thrilled to announce Liam Toft as the recipient of the Apprentice of the Year Award. Liam is studying a Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology (Heavy Diesel Fitter) and is employed by Cross Diesel Services and Line Boring Repairs. We also thank our major event sponsor REDARC for their continued support of Marcellin Campus. We were fortunate to welcome Owner and Managing Director Anthony Kittel to present the night's most significant award.

We extend our sincere congratulations to the Class of 2023 and express our gratitude to the teachers, trainers and families who have played a crucial role in shaping the educational journey of our graduates. The Marcellin Graduation and Awards Night was a memorable occasion that celebrated not only the end of one chapter but the beginning of many exciting possibilities.

Best wishes to our graduates as they step into the next chapter of their lives!

Photos from the evening are now available to view and purchase at: https://tinyurl.com/3hkdefbd.

The recent Marcellin Year 10 Business Fair brought a dose of entrepreneurial spirit to the Marcellin Auditorium. Students set up stalls to present their product ideas, offering a practical glimpse into the world of business.

The fair featured a variety of offerings, from sustainability inventions to tech solutions, showcasing the diverse talents and creative thinking of our Year 10 students. Visitors had the opportunity to explore and interact with the different projects, witnessing firsthand the results of the students' hard work.

Collaboration was a notable theme, highlighting the importance of teamwork in business endeavours. Teachers and parents observed the professionalism displayed by the students, recognizing the potential impact of these experiences on their future careers.

Students presented their ideas with thoughtful business pitches, with the aim of attracting investment in their enterprise. The results have been tallied and we are pleased to announce the following winners:

1st place - Hydro Inc
Cameron Woods, Tait Prosser, Harrison Alexander and Harrison Piscopo

2nd place - Super Sucker
Kirrily Edmonds, Noah Duffield, Kayden Ackerley

3rd place - Circle Flow Co
Cameron Bartlett, Amber Van Rooyen, Bella Goerecke, Tahlia Stanton

Our winning team, Hydro Inc, will enjoy a free lunch sponsored by local business Champion Takeaway.

Congratulations to all the Year 10 participants and a thank you to the teachers and staff who guided them through the process.

Marcellin's Naomi Perea has had an impressive year, successfully completing both Years 11 and 12. Not only that, but she has also stood out in her chosen trade by completing a Cert II in Construction. Naomi demonstrated a remarkable level of skill, particularly in building wall frames and working on the pergola construction project for Marcellin and Galilee.

Naomi, who recently graduated a year ahead of her cohort, concluded the year by completing the final project of the Cert II in Construction Pathways. This advanced project required students to utilise a wide range of power tools and equipment while working within very small tolerances and maintaining a high level of precision to craft a TV unit. Naomi's accomplishment speaks volumes about her commitment to excellence and proficiency in construction. Congratulations on a job well done!

In an exploration of hands-on learning, the Year 10 Immersion Program recently engaged students in a variety of practical skills, ranging from construction to electrical work.

One aspect of the program involved tiling a wall, where students engaged in frame making using drop saws and first-fix nail guns. The hands-on experience continued as they cut cement sheeting and affixed it to the frames, delving into the intricacies of tiling.

The program also incorporated learning the fundamentals of electricity through the creation of a basic lighting and power circuit. Students gained practical knowledge by mastering skills such as cable stripping, termination and soldering.

As part of the program, students actively participated in building the circuit, then energised and tested its operation using multimeters and 12v LED test lights. This practical application allowed them to see firsthand how their electrical knowledge translated into a functioning system.

This hands-on experience not only equips them with valuable skills but also provides a real-world understanding of the subjects they explore.

Cardijn College recently celebrated three class reunions, bringing together alumni from the classes of 1993, 2003 and 2013. The collective attendance at these reunions reached an impressive 151 individuals, marking the largest reunion turnout in Cardijn's history.

As we approach Cardijn College’s 40-year anniversary, it is essential to keep your contact details up to date to stay informed about the upcoming festivities. Anticipate an array of exciting events, merchandise for sale, and a host of other surprises in store. This milestone anniversary promises to be a celebration like no other, and you won't want to miss out on the chance to reconnect with old classmates and create lasting memories.

Stay tuned for more details as the anniversary approaches, and make sure to stay connected for what is sure to be a memorable and joyous occasion.