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.

The Year 12 Production ‘Wisdom’ opened on Tuesday night, celebrating the hard work of the Year 12 Drama students as performers, designers and technicians of this production.

Limited tickets remain for tonight's 7pm performance – don’t miss the opportunity to see these outstanding students in action!

🎫 SECURE YOUR TICKETS for the last show of 'Wisdom'

Last week, we welcomed Tenison Woods College to Marian Campus for the 37th annual exchange. Well done to Tenison who took the overall win, with a close 5–6 result.

Congratulations to Myah and Bailey (Year 10 students), who were awarded Cardijn’s Most Valuable Female and Male Athletes for the Exchange.

Results and Award Winners:

⭐𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗮𝗹: Tenison win 5–4
MVP – Ruby, Year 8 student
Sportsmanship – Gabrielle, Year 9 student

⭐𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗮𝗹: Cardijn win 11–3
MVP – Justin, Year 11 student
Sportsmanship – Mackenzie, Year 11 student

⭐𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹: Tenison win, 2 sets to 0
MVP – Freya, Year 9 student
Sportsmanship – Bianca, Year 11 student

⭐𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹: Cardijn win, 2 sets to 0
MVP – Max, Year 10 student
Sportsmanship – Bailey, Year 10 student

⭐𝗗𝗲𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲: Cardijn win (arguing for the negative)
MVS (Most Valuable Speaker) – Hayley, Year 11 student

⭐𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗔: Tenison win, 54–27
MVP – Paige, Year 9 student
Sportsmanship – Scarlett, Year 11 student

⭐𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗕: Tenison win, 55–17
MVP – Grace, Year 11 student
Sportsmanship – Eva, Year 9 student

⭐𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹: Cardijn win, 39–15
MVP – Madison, Year 10 student
Sportsmanship – Imogen, Year 11 student

⭐𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹: Tenison win, 24–18
MVP – Hayden, Year 11 student
Sportsmanship – Bailey, Year 10 student

⭐𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹: Tenison win, 46–33
Luke Schenscher Award – Myah, Year 10 students
Sportsmanship – Leni, Year 8 student

⭐𝗕𝗼𝘆𝘀 B𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹: Cardijn win, 55–30
Luke Schenscher Award – Harrison, Year 11 student
Sportsmanship – Nelson, Year 11 student

View more photos on our Facebook page: Cardijn-Tenison Exchange Facebook Album

This week, Galilee introduced ‘The Marvellous Milo Award'. At the end of each term, students who have demonstrated exceptional resilience, determination, growth, and perseverance will be selected for this honour.

Chosen students will enjoy a Milo drink with Ms Gould (Head of Campus) and Milo (our wellbeing dog), followed by a game with him! Every student will receive a 'Marvellous Milo Proud Award' during the Galilee Gathers event.

This initiative supports our Wellbeing Team's commitment to improving learning and wellbeing, and it aims to acknowledge our students' hard work and dedication.

Last Thursday night, on 19 June, three of our Year 12 student leaders Erin, Maria, and Tan proudly represented Cardijn College at a civic reception hosted by the City of Onkaparinga.

The event took place at the Base 10 Youth Centre and celebrated the contributions of student leadership groups from across the region. It encouraged young people to share their ideas for the future of our community.

Here is a reflection from our Year 12 student leader, Maria:

"Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to represent the College at a community leadership recognition event, alongside my fellow student leaders Tan and Erin. It was a proud moment for us as we gathered with student leaders from other schools to celebrate the impact young people can have in our communities.

During the event, we had the chance to meet Mayor Moira and listen to some inspiring speeches from other student leaders. A common theme throughout the night was the power of student voice, and how important it is that we speak up about the issues that matter to us.

We also had the opportunity to share how Cardijn faces challenges head-on and continues to grow as a school that values leadership, resilience, and compassion. Connecting with leaders from other schools gave us new insights into different approaches to leadership and reminded us that while each school is different, we all share a commitment to making a positive difference.

This experience was both inspiring and meaningful, and I’m grateful to have had the honour of representing the College."

We congratulate the following Galilee Middle School students who have received a Marist Strength Award for their efforts this term.

These awards recognise students who embody the Marist Characteristics, making a positive contribution to our community and learning environments through their actions, attitude, and example.

⭐Year 9 students:
Ailani
Amelia
Annabelle
Charlotte
Christian
Noah
Poppy

⭐Year 8 students:
Chelsea
Ethan
Esther
Max
Poppy
Siena

⭐Year 7 students:
Ethan
Flynn
Koa
Molly

Three of our dedicated teachers from Marian recently volunteered at the Emmaus STEM Fair, where they set up a 'Science World' space to engage Emmaus students and their parents with various exciting chemistry demonstrations.

The response was fantastic, with children expressing great curiosity and excitement, while parents and caregivers seemed equally captivated. Our teachers shared how rewarding it felt to share their knowledge and enthusiasm, and hope their contribution made a positive impact on the Emmaus community.

We look forward to the opportunity to participate in this event again next year and explore additional ways to collaborate with Emmaus in the future.

On Monday morning, 23 June, Marian welcomed an engaging incursion from Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries for Year 8 Virtual Worlds classes.

Presenters Bailee and Sharon, brought a wealth of knowledge about marine sciences, captivating our students with insights into the local and global challenges we face regarding our oceans.

The students were fully immersed in the experience, using specialised headsets to enjoy 360-degree virtual reality videos. They were amazed by the opportunity to see and interact with incredible marine life, all without getting wet.

We are proud to have recently hosted the Port Adelaide Football Club's 'Power to End Violence Against Women' (PTEVAW) program at Marcellin Campus.

This important initiative encourages young people—especially young men—to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and understand their role in preventing violence against women.

It goes beyond mere conversation; it aims to create lasting change. Thank you to the team at PAFC for empowering our students with this vital message.

Onkaparinga South District SAPSASA

Congratulations to Year 6 students Indigo and Tessa, who represented the Onkaparinga South District SAPSASA netball team. It was a fantastic three days of netball, with one team finishing equal 1st and the other placing 3rd. Well done, girls!

Will Represents SA in U16 Water Polo and Brings Home a Silver Medal

We are thrilled to announce that Year 10 student Will has represented South Australia in the U16 Water Polo state team at the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships held in Perth. We're proud to share that the team secured a silver medal! Congratulations Will on your outstanding achievement!

Thomas Steps on Adelaide Oval and Meets His Carlton Football Heroes!

Year 8 Marian student, Thomas had his dream come true earlier this year when he stepped onto Adelaide Oval as part of the Guard of Honour for the Carlton Football Club.

As a passionate Carlton supporter, Thomas sent a heartfelt video to the club (with help from his support worker) asking if he could meet his football heroes.

The club responded with a special invitation to attend a training session and take part in welcoming the team onto the field before their clash against the Crows.

What an incredible moment for Thomas and his Dad!

Galilee Girls Dominate SAPSASA Netball Knockout, Scoring 104 Goals!

A group of our Year 5 & 6 girls proudly represented Galilee in the SAPSASA Netball school knockout competition, hosted at Aldinga Payinthi.

The team delivered a great performance, winning all their matches and advancing to the next round.

One of the standout aspects was their strong communication and support for one another, especially impressive given it was their first time playing together as a team.

They also achieved an incredible total of 104 goals across just three games!

3rd Place in the Girls Knockout Basketball Competition

Nine Marian students represented Cardijn today (Thursday, 26 June) at the Girls Knockout Basketball Competition at the State Basketball Centre in Wayville. The girls secured an impressive 3rd place!

We are excited to announce that Max, Year 12 student has been signed up for an Electrical apprenticeship with Electro Careers & Apprenticeships. Max will be working towards completing his Certificate III Electrotechnology. We can’t wait for Max to learn all about the amazing possibilities in this field.

For the second consecutive year, our Year 8 students created colourful, handmade capes for children in hospitals, donating them to the Capes4Kids charity.

"We worked diligently, using our sewing, cutting, and designing abilities to make each cape unique and filled with care.

Every student demonstrated great effort and teamwork, ensuring that the capes would bring joy and comfort to the children who receive them. This creative and meaningful project allowed us to give back in a powerful way, utilising second-hand quilts to promote sustainability.

Over the term, we completed this task and are all proud to send the capes to the Capes4Kids Charity. We extend a big thank you to the charity for giving us the opportunity to help make sick kids feel better."
-Scarlett, Year 8 Student

Congratulations to the cast of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: the Musical who performed in Week 6 at Futures Church South. The cast and crew worked incredibly hard on this performance and we are so proud to have such exceptional students to represent the Performing Arts at the College.

As part of their Science studies, Year 7 students took part in an exciting incursion at Marian with Animals Anonymous, where they had the opportunity to hold, pat, and learn about a range of Australian native animals, including pythons, a baby crocodile, a possum, and more.

The session was highly engaging, with students asking thoughtful questions and learning about the importance of conservation. This experience supported their understanding of how scientists classify living things, linking directly to the curriculum focus of investigating the role of classification in organising the diversity of life on Earth.

On Friday Galilee celebrated a joyful liturgy with our new mid-year Reception children and their families. The celebration centred on the message that God loves each of us deeply and that we are all unique and special.

As part of the liturgy, the children created heart symbols to represent God's love, and enthusiastically joined in singing and doing the actions to “If I Were a Butterfly.” It was a heartwarming celebration and a wonderful way to conclude our transition visits.

We are excited to welcome our newest Receptions into the Galilee community next term and look forward to the journey ahead together.

Our Marcellin Year 11 students have been out on work experience, gaining valuable skills and exploring their future career paths:

• Angus – completing his placement with Page Brick & Stone, learning about bricklaying and stone masonry.
• Presley – pictured with Darryl from Kingys Constructions, gaining experience in the building and construction industry.
• Riley – pictured with Joel from Smith Automotive, getting involved in mechanical work and workshop operations.
• Asher – working with Plastech Electrical, currently active on the new building site at Cardijn’s Marian Campus; pictured with Norm, one of our Marcellin Electrotechnology trainers.

These placements are an excellent opportunity for our students to build practical skills, explore trade pathways, and gain insight into real-world workplaces.

Earlier this term, our Marian Year 7 students engaged in their Reflection Days – a meaningful experience for our students as they began their faith journey at Cardijn.

Held at the Hackham Football Club and led by the Mission Engagement Team, the program centred on the theme of Seeing vs Looking and invited students to reflect more deeply on how they view the world around them – our Catholic faith, Cardijn College, and themselves.

Students participated in a variety of engaging and thoughtful activities throughout the day. These included making their own rosary beads, crafting stained glass windows, building with Lego figures, and creating origami.

Lunch offered a time of hospitality and fun, featuring complimentary pizza and opportunities to enjoy the company of new friends.

These days were a tremendous success, and we are excited to continue nurturing the relationships and insights developed during this special time.

We are just over a month away from the 2025 Pathways and Subject Expo , the most valuable evening of the year for students and families planning their next steps.

Whether your child is selecting subjects, considering a Vocational Education and Training (VET) course, exploring university or training options, seeking NDIS support services or considering full or part- time employment, apprenticeships or traineeships, this expo provides the perfect setting to gather information, ask questions and connect with experts who can help guide their next steps with confidence.

The MarValla Café will be open throughout the expo, serving barista-made hot drinks – a perfect opportunity to relax and connect while exploring future options.

Event Details
🗓️Date: Wednesday 30 July
🕒Time: 2.45pm – 5.00pm
📍Location: Cardijn College Gym, Marian Campus
🗨️Presentations: (located in the Music Performance Suite)
      3.00pm – NDIS and Post-School Supports
      3.30pm – Incorporating VET into your SACE Program
      4.00pm – Understanding SACE and Subject Selection

Please note that due to the student-free week in Week 10, all offices across campuses will be closed on Friday, 4 July for Staff Formation Day.

Holiday Office Hours:

• Marian: Open during Week 1 of the school holidays, closed in Week 2
• Marcellin & Galilee: Closed for the entire school holiday period

‘Wisdom’ and Term 2 Concludes

Last night members of College Leadership attended ‘Wisdom’ (by David Burton), the 2025 Year 12 Drama production. In her ‘Director’s Notes’ Ms Ruby Pinkerton (Arts Curriculum Leader) describes the play as being ‘…about young people who want to be heard. It is a play that questions what makes us qualified to make the ‘big’ decisions and the consequences for those whose voices are silenced.’

Ms Pinkerton also reflects on her journey with these students from her first year at Cardijn when these students were in Year 7: ‘… What a privilege it has been to see them grow into young adults who question, critique, and think about the world they live in. Moreover, they care deeply, smile and laugh easily, and lead with kindness and empathy – and it is that which gives hope as they step into the world beyond school.’

Needless to say, the production was excellent and the students’ performances on stage and behind were outstanding. The students encapsulated the sentiments and themes above in a dynamic, dramatic presentation. The Performing Arts at Cardijn has long been a potent learning experience for our drama students whose individual and collective sense of purpose, creativity, confidence, communication skills, emotional development and cultural understanding are significantly enhanced by such productions. Congratulations to Ms Pinkerton and the Year 12 Drama students!

I would like to thank all members of the Cardijn Community for their contributions to Semester 1, 2025. As staff transition into Professional Learning mode next week and reports are distributed, I encourage families to take some time to reflect on what has been and to set plans and goals for the future. Enjoy the mid-year break!

Steve Byrne,
Principal