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Cardijn Connect W8, T3 2025
Calendar

Please remember to check our College Calendar for all the updated information regarding events.

The calendar can be accessed from the newsletter by clicking the Calendar button at the top of the newsletter.

Important Dates
Friday 26 September
Galilee: Marist Formation Fundraiser (Casual Clothes Day)
Friday 26 September
Last Day of Term 3
Friday 26 September
Marian: Athon Day
Wednesday 24 September
Marcellin: Year 11 Street Smart High
Tuesday 23 September
Marian: Year 10 RAA Street Smart High
Monday 22 September
Marian: Cardijn Future Anything Showcase
Sunday 21 September
Galilee: City to Bay Fun Run
Friday 19 September
Galilee Gathers 9am
Wednesday 17 September
Judith Locke Parent Presentation (Marian)
Tuesday 16 September
Judith Locke Parent Presentation (Galilee)
Tuesday 16 September
Cardijn Rocks
Monday 15 September
Marcellin: Year 10 Work Experience Crews L & M (15-19 Sep)
Monday 15 September
Marian: Year 11 Drama Performances (15-19 Sep)
Friday 12 September
Galilee: Year 6 Carnival Day
Thursday 11 September
Marcellin: Year 12 Simon Lucus Student Mentoring
Thursday 11 September
R U OK DAY

Welcome to Cardijn Connect

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.

Student Leadership Appointments for 2026

College and Mission Captains

We congratulate Andile and Jacinta on their appointment as College Captains and Noah and Shaylea, who have been appointed Mission Captains.

We look forward to witnessing your leadership and service to the College in 2026.

Middle Years Captains and Mission Captains

We congratulate Billie and Will on their appointment as Middle Years Captains and Faith and Zach, who have been appointed Middle Years Mission Captains.

We extend our best wishes to them as they begin their meaningful journey of leadership and service within our College community.

Sports Presentation Night: Cardijn’s Biggest Winter Sports Celebration Yet!

On Wednesday 3 September, our community gathered for a record-breaking Winter Sports Presentation Night which became the largest sporting celebration in Cardijn's history!

Over 700 guests filled Tangka for a BBQ before moving to the Gym for our awards ceremony, creating an incredible atmosphere to cap off the winter season.
 
This year, Cardijn entered 39 teams across Basketball, Netball, Football, and Soccer, competing in SAAS, SACSSGSA, and SSSA. The evening recognised the dedication, achievements, and sportsmanship of every team, while also celebrating the individual athletes who stood out this season.

We were privileged to welcome special guests Tyler Orr (London Pulse Netball Club), Dylan Holmes and Fiona Worts (Adelaide United Women’s Team), who inspired our students with their stories of hard work and resilience. 
 
Thank you to the parents, guardians, coaches, officials, and staff who helped out this winter sports season. Your ongoing support is what makes our sporting program possible. 

Marcellin Year 12 Commissioning Ceremony Celebrates Student Achievement and New Beginnings

Marcellin proudly celebrated the achievements of our Year 12 students with a meaningful Commissioning Ceremony this week.

The morning began with a beautiful liturgy, followed by the presentation of Academic Subject Awards and a shared lunch to mark the completion of their SACE journey.

A special thank you to our Year 10 and 11 students who formed a guard of honour to send off our seniors.

We wish our graduating students every success as they take their next steps beyond school. You will always be part of the Marcellin story.

Marian Year 12s Welcomed as Lifelong Members in Marist Heart Ceremony

Our Marian Year 12 students recently participated in the Marist Heart Ceremony, a Cardijn tradition that recognises Year 12 students as lifelong members of the Marist family.

This tradition traces back to St Marcellin Champagnat, who honoured Marist Brothers serving far from home by writing their names on pieces of paper and placing them inside a bronze heart, which was kept at the Hermitage in France, the Marist Brothers’ home. This act symbolised his deep care and enduring connection to those working in distant places.

In that same spirit, each Year 12 student's name was entrusted to Mr Byrne and placed inside the Marist Heart. These scrolls will remain there until just before the Year 12 Graduation Dinner, when they will be immersed in water to dissolve. The resulting water will be poured into the Joseph Cardijn Welcome Garden, continuing to nourish the garden and symbolising the life and legacy the Class of 2025 has given to our community.

Join Us for the Future Anything Cardijn Showcase!

We are excited for the Future Anything Cardijn Showcase which is happening on Monday 22 September from 11:15am - 12:40pm

Students have been working on creative solutions to tackle one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and will share their ideas through market-style stalls in the Marian Gym.

Come along and celebrate their hard work and innovation. Families are warmly invited to attend!

Year 8 Reflection Day at Aldinga Institute Hall

On Friday, our Year 8 Galilee students attended a memorable Reflection Day at the Aldinga Institute Hall.
 
Throughout the day, students engaged with three core Marist characteristics: In the Way of Mary, Family Spirit, and Simplicity. They reflected on the words of Marcellin, “All to Jesus through Mary, all to Mary for Jesus,” considering its deeper significance and how it can guide their lives.
 
As part of their activities, students set thoughtful goals for demonstrating Family Spirit as a Year 8 cohort, with an eye towards their future roles as school leaders in Year 9. The focus on Simplicity encouraged everyone to embrace their authentic selves and to offer heartfelt affirmations, expressing appreciation and admiration for one another.
 
Morning tea was a special treat, featuring delicious goods from a local bakery. At lunchtime, students participated in activities on the Aldinga Oval, helping them connect as a group.

Marian Students Celebrate Community Spirit at Catholic Charities Thanksgiving Mass and Expo

On Tuesday 9 September, a group of Marian students and staff attended the annual Catholic Charities Thanksgiving Mass and Expo at St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral. They joined students from Catholic schools across the state to celebrate and learn more about the work of our local Catholic Charities.
 
Students had the opportunity to meet agency representatives, hear about their impact, and also see how other schools in SA are supporting Catholic Charities. At Cardijn, we are proud to support many local charities through our ongoing fundraising efforts, particularly in the lead up to Athon Day.

Quiz for a Cause: Support Timor-Leste Immersion

 
Join us for Quiz For A Cause to help support the Year 11 Pilgrims of Hope Immersion to Timor-Leste!
 
📅 Tuesday, 23 September (Week 10)
⏰ 6:30 pm
📍 Cardijn College, Marian Campus, Kolbe (formerly known as Lower Chavoin)

Gather your friends and form a table of ten—tickets are just $10 per person.


On the night:
• Silent auction (cash only)
• Non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase
• Bring along a share plate for your table

Every dollar raised will directly support our students as they travel to Timor-Leste for an incredible experience of culture, service, and community.
 
Tickets are available for purchase on Humanitix: Quiz For A Cause

Student Achievements

Violet Represents Galilee in Youth SALA Mentorship Exhibition

Year 5 Galilee student Violet was one of five young people selected by the City of Onkaparinga Council to participate in their Youth SALA Mentorship Program which was held from 8 to 16 August.

Through this opportunity, Violet presented an exhibition at the Port Noarlunga Arts Centre as part of the SALA Festival. The program aims to nurture and support young, emerging artists.

Violet exhibited five mixed-media artworks exploring themes of identity, mental health, disability, and the impact we have on the environment.

All-Australian Honour for Bethany After Gold Medal Win

Year 9 Marian student Bethany proudly represented Cardijn in the School Sport U15 Netball team in the City of Moreton Bay, Brisbane.

The team achieved an impressive 7-1 record, securing the gold medal for South Australia, and was named in the 2025 School Sport Australia All-Australian Netball Team.

Congratulations to Bethany and her teammates on this outstanding accomplishment!

Ollie Wins State Motocross Championship

Over the weekend, Year 3 Galilee student Ollie won the South Australian State Motocross Championship, finishing first in both the 50cc and 65cc classes.
 
Ollie will represent South Australia at the Australian Junior Motocross Nationals in three weeks. Well done, Ollie, and good luck at the Nationals!

Samantha Selected for Shooting Australia's National Pathway Squad

Year 11 Marian student Samantha has been invited to the National Pathway Squad Training Camp and Competition conducted by Shooting Australia, which will be held in Brisbane during October.
 
Samantha began her journey with the Reynella Smallbore and Air Rifle Club at just 10 years old and has since progressed from 10-metre supported air rifle to free-standing air rifle and 50-metre prone, using a .22 rimfire rifle. Her dedication has also given her the opportunity to compete alongside Olympians at major competitions across South Australia and interstate.
 
So far in 2025 competitions, Samantha secured bronze in B Grade Air Rifle, silver and gold in C Grade 50-Metre Prone, and two silver medals in the Air Rifle Team event.

Apprenticeship Sign-Up with Smith Automotive

Congratulations to Year 11 student Riley, who has secured an apprenticeship with Smith Automotive where he is working towards his Certificate III in Automotive – Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology.
 
Pictured with Riley is Joel from Smith Automotive. Congratulations Riley on this exciting career milestone!
 

Don't miss Dr Judith Locke at Cardijn Next Week!

Just one week until clinical psychologist and best-selling author, Dr Judith Locke shares her expert advice on modern parenting, family wellbeing, and academic environments.

Please register to attend the Junior session at Galilee or the Middle/Senior session at Marian.

Year 10 Marian Art Students Explore Charcoal Techniques Inspired by Local Artists

Inspired by the work of local artists Brooke Walker and Yanni Floros, Year 10 Art students have explored a range of charcoal techniques to produce small, highly realistic studies.

They skilfully built up layers of charcoal to develop texture, value, and form. As a result, students have gained greater confidence in using charcoal to produce detailed and expressive artworks.

Currently, our students are taking on the exciting challenge of large-scale charcoal drawings in class, and we look forward to seeing the impressive results of their creativity.

Cardijn Rocks is Back!

 
Get ready for an epic night of live music! Cardijn Rocks returns on Tuesday, 16 September with this year’s theme: ‘From Fire We Rise’
 
Catch performances from our Advanced and Intermediate Rock Ensemble, HOPE, plus incredible student-led bands and solo acts!
 
Grab your free tickets on Humanitix: https://events.humanitix.com/cardijnrocks2025

Marian Student Leaders Visit Government House and Parliament House

“Last week, six of our Cardijn student leaders had the privilege of being invited by our local Members of Parliament, Nat Cook, Katrine Hildyard, and Chris Picton, to visit Government House and Parliament House. The day was designed to give us an insight into leadership at a state level and to inspire us in our own leadership journeys.
 
We began our experience at Government House, where we were given a guided tour through the historic building of the Governor of South Australia. As we walked through the formal rooms, we were shown many of the paintings that decorate the house, each with a story behind it. We learnt about how the Governor’s role has evolved over time, while still being a vital part of the state, which gave us a real appreciation for the history contained within its walls.
 
After this, we made our way to Parliament House, where we were warmly welcomed and shared party food with Nat, Katrine, and Chris. This created an opportunity to chat informally and take some group photos. We also met student leaders from other schools in our area. Nat, Chris, and Katrine then spoke about their own leadership journeys, sharing their motivations, their ‘why,’ and what leadership means to them.
 
Our tour then took us through the main chambers. We first entered the Legislative Council Chamber, often described as the “upper house.” Built during a time when South Australia was a wealthy state, the chamber is filled with ornate carvings, grand paintings, and detailed timberwork, a reflection of the prosperity of the era. In contrast, many years later, when the state’s finances were stretched, the House of Assembly Chamber (the “lower house”) was constructed. Its style is much simpler and less decorative, reflecting the changes in both time and economy.
 
Learning about the history and purpose of each room gave us a deeper understanding of how laws are debated and passed. And after this, we were lucky enough to be able to sit in the President's Chair (the Speaker) which was in the Legislative Council, which was definitely a highlight for us all. Along the way, we were shown more artwork, including portraits of past leaders, which added to the sense of tradition and continuity.
 
One of the most memorable aspects of the day was the MPs' genuine interest in us personally. They asked about our goals beyond school and what careers we might want to pursue. Their encouragement and support reminded us that leadership is about investing in people and helping them to grow.”
 
Reflections from our student leaders:
  • “The paintings were so big and detailed, it felt like they told the whole history of South Australia just by looking at them.”
  • “Walking into the upper house chamber was breathtaking. The carvings, the size of the paintings, and the level of detail within the room were unbelievable.”
  • “It was really encouraging to see leaders who are approachable and supportive, as it reminded us that leadership doesn’t have to be formal or intimidating.”
  • “Sharing food with the MPs at the start made the whole experience feel welcoming. It was great to speak with them in such a relaxed setting.”
  • “It was amazing to see where such important decisions are made and to learn about the history behind both chambers.”
  • “I loved being able to take photos in the chamber as it felt like such a special moment to be in the same space where so much history has taken place.”

- Reflection from College Captain, Tan, and Marian student leaders

Apprenticeship Sign-Up with Tend Electrics

Congratulations to Year 11 Marcellin student Lucas, who has recently secured an apprenticeship with Tend Electrics.
 
Lucas will be completing his Certificate III in Electrotechnology as part of this wonderful opportunity.

Returning to Cardijn College in 2026

Each year, families are asked to confirm their intentions for their child/children’s enrolment for the following school year.

A survey will be emailed to all families via Consent2Go, requiring you to respond YES if your child’s enrolment will continue at Cardijn College in 2026. Please also respond with YES if your child is transferring between campuses as their enrolment at the College will continue.

Please respond NO if your child will not be attending any campus of Cardijn College in 2026 and a member of our enrolments team will be in touch for further information.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Message from the Deputy Principal

National Child Protection Week

At Cardijn, we are committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment for every student. From our youngest in Reception to our graduating Year 12s, we all have a role to play in promoting the safety and well-being of children and young people. 

This year, National Child Protection Week runs from the 7th to the 13th of September. The 2025 theme, "Every conversation matters; shifting conversation to action", reminds us that while talking about child safety is important, it’s through real, intentional actions that lasting change occurs. 

Whether it's teaching students how to speak up, listening carefully when they do, or creating policies that support and protect them, we are constantly working to ensure every student feels valued, supported and safe. 

At Cardijn, safeguarding our students is not just a responsibility—it’s part of our mission. We believe every child has the right to feel safe and to access not just the basics, but the fullness of life, including quality education, friendship, faith and opportunity. 

During this week and always, we are reminded that child protection is a shared responsibility. Every teacher, parent, carer and student contributes to a culture where children can thrive. 

We partner with you to continue to turn important conversations into meaningful action, because every child deserves to be safe, heard and supported. 

Kate Bawden
Deputy Principal