Cardijn Connect - a source of news and information for the Cardijn community. The blog will be published every Thursday during the school term with past editions always accessible from the menu.

• Academic Achievement in SACE or VET
• Marist Characteristics
• Employability Skills
• Attendance

“I really enjoyed the Marist Basketball Carnival because of the opportunity to play a lot of games against good competition, which helped my confidence and development as a player. The off-court experience was also great, because we got to spend a lot of time together as a team.” - Nathaniel, Year 11 student.

 

“The Marist Basketball Carnival was a very exciting experience to be a part of, and I feel privileged to be invited to represent Cardijn. The carnival connected over 20 different schools across Australia that are a part of the Marist community. The carnival gave me the opportunity to make new connections, strengthen friendships, and connect better with our Marist way of life. Most importantly, as a Year 12 student, it allowed me to reflect on my basketball journey with Cardijn and the improvements I've made along the way. It has created a lasting impression that I will be able to look back on as a highlight of my time at Cardijn.” - Nelson, Year 12 student.

 

“Marist Basketball was a great way to connect with our fellow Marist schools from across the country in friendly competition. Cardijn placed 4th in the Girls division, which is the highest the college has ever placed. The boys finished 6th, which was a great effort. Basketball aside, we had a great trip as a team and shared many wholesome moments together, exploring Perth, shopping and sharing meals together. The Marist Basketball carnival experience was a great way to round out my experience of Basketball at Cardijn.” - Grace, Year 12 student.

Student Sports Achievements

Year 6 Galilee students Ollie and Lui recently represented Onkaparinga South Districts in boys’ softball, finishing 1st in Division 2.

Their team won 7 out of 8 games, with both boys contributing strongly at bat and making it home multiple times each match.

Ollie performed well as a pitcher, making several key catches, including in the final. Lui played strongly at third base and in the outfield, completing multiple double plays and taking some great catches.

Both boys showed strong skill and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Well done, Ollie and Lui!

Well done to Galilee students Harriet (Year 5) and Alexander (Year 6) who represented the Onkaparinga South Districts in Swimming! 

Harriet put in a great effort, and Alexander also did well, placing 2nd in the 50m Freestyle Relay.

• Kaitlin, who placed 2nd; Alexander, who placed 3rd; and AJ, who finished a very close 4th in the 1500m event.
• Edie, for an impressive performance: 1st place in High Jump and 2nd in the Girls 100m Final.
• Lyla, for securing 3rd place in the 100m Final.

• Jayden completed work experience at Roof and Render.
• Ashlee gained experience at RJE Global.
• Ashton completed work experience at Eblen Subaru.

We are grateful to the businesses and organisations that welcomed our students and guided them through meaningful, hands-on experiences.

This week our Year 10 and 11 students heard from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) about the benefits of signing up for a CITB number, which gives students access to funded training, industry programs and financial support across the building and construction sector.

CITB supports a wide range of trades, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, bricklaying, concreting, tiling, painting, plastering, civil construction, plant operations, and other core construction pathways through endorsed training and subsidies.

Students also learned about Career Driven, which provides up to $600 in funded driving lessons, a huge help for young people preparing for work placement or apprenticeships.

We encourage any student considering a construction pathway to apply for their CITB number and make the most of these opportunities.

Visit doorways2construction.org.au/funding-programs/career-driven/ for more information.

On Monday, Ms. Woolcock, Ms. Lekkas, and Ms. Hart represented the College at the Marist Schools Australia National First Nations Symposium in Mascot, Sydney. First Nations Focus Teachers from across the country gathered to share their insights and experiences regarding the learning of First Nations students.

The symposium provided a valuable platform for focus teachers and support staff to discuss the successes and challenges faced by young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Key topics included student learning, whole school community, culture and identity, and staff formation.

Significant goals identified included increasing the visibility of culture within schools, enhancing Elder presence, and fostering meaningful, authentic celebrations. Professional learning and immersion days were designed to equip teachers with culturally safe and respectful practices. Additional priorities included further activation of School Reconciliation Action Plans and strengthening family and community connections to support student learning.

Overall, the symposium was a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and connect with educators dedicated to enhancing outcomes for First Nations students in both regional and urban contexts.

Is your child currently in Year 5 and wanting to start high school at Marian?

This is a friendly reminder that enrolments close for Year 7 2028 on Friday, 10 April 2026.

Please note: If you have a child already enrolled at Cardijn, you still need to submit an application for any other siblings wishing to start Year 7 in 2028.

Start the enrolment process here: https://www.cardijn.catholic.edu.au/how-to-apply/

As we come to the end of Term 1, we take this opportunity to reflect with gratitude on all that has been achieved across the Cardijn College community. It has been a busy and rewarding start to the year, filled with learning, growth, connection and many moments of shared achievement.

Our students have embraced new opportunities with enthusiasm, our staff have continued to guide and support with dedication, and our families have played an important role in helping make this first term such a positive beginning to the year. As we now pause for the Easter break, it is a valuable time to rest, recharge and spend time with loved ones.

At Easter, we are reminded of the enduring message at the heart of our faith: that even in times of uncertainty, challenge and disruption, hope remains. In the Resurrection of Christ, we see the promise that light overcomes darkness, and love triumphs over fear.

In a world where many continue to face hardship, conflict and uncertainty, the hope of Easter remains both powerful and deeply needed. As a faith-filled community, we are called to be people of compassion, peace and encouragement, bringing hope to others through our words, actions and care for one another.

Please see Archbishop O'Regan's 2026 Easter Message:

Wishing all members of the Cardijn College community a safe, restful and blessed Easter weekend and holiday break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 2.

Kate Bawden
Deputy Principal