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.

On Monday night, Year 9 students, along with their parents, carers, and guests, gathered to celebrate the conclusion of The Rite Journey program with the Homecoming Ceremony. The evening featured an inspiring talk by guest speaker Jed Altschwager, a Paralympic gold medallist. His personal story resonated with the key themes explored throughout the year: courage, gratitude, perseverance, resilience, and purpose.

After the address, students met with their Rite Journey classes, where each teacher shared a personalised affirmation that recognised the unique strengths and remarkable growth observed in every student over the year. In a touching moment, each student delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing their gratitude, reflecting on their journey, and sharing the virtues they aspire to carry into adulthood.

The evening concluded on a sweet note with shared ice cream, marking a memorable end to a transformative experience.

Student Reflection:

“The Rite Journey has taught us so much, not just about ourselves, but also about each other. We have gained a deeper understanding of who we are, built meaningful connections, and developed the confidence to embrace the future. It has been a challenging yet rewarding experience, and we should all feel proud of how far we’ve come.” -Year 9 Student, Twyla

In a recent article by Weld Australia highlighting the exceptional work of South Australia's welding industry, the organization quotes: "MTC has earned a reputation for producing job-ready graduates who thrive in the fast-evolving engineering sector, with the campus recognised for its outstanding contributions to workforce development." – Weld Australia

Last Wednesday, November 27th, our community gathered to celebrate a fantastic year of after-school sports at our annual Sports Awards Night. It was a beautiful evening, filled with a warm and welcoming atmosphere as our winter sports students and their families arrived for the presentations.

After the formal proceedings, attendees mingled in Tangka, enjoying catering and reflecting on the past season. We concluded the event with the summer sports award presentations.

The highlights of the evening included recognising individual excellence, team success, and outstanding contributions to our growing sporting community.

Special thanks to our inspiring guest speakers:

⭐Dylan Klaassen-Thomas (Old Scholar, Elite Junior Soccer Player)
⭐Matilda Garrett (2x SSN Premiership Player/Australian Diamond)
⭐Sam Skinner (Past AFL Player, Current SANFL Player)

They shared their stories and offered valuable insights to our attendees. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the parents and families for their support throughout the year. Without you, these experiences would not have been possible for our students, so THANK YOU!

It was a night of celebration, connection, and inspiration, marking the end of a truly memorable year! Congratulations to all award recipients and to everyone who participated in sports throughout 2024.

We look forward to building on this success in the years to come.

Our 2025 Advanced Rock Ensemble, First Light, has been busy in the recording studio over the past few weeks, working on a cover version of Somebody Told Me by The Killers. This song was a relatively late addition to their repertoire this year, but it was a fast favourite, and the obvious choice when deciding which song to record.

Credits:
・Keira Lowe - Vocals
・Eliza Jackson - Vocals
・James May - Guitar
・Lewi Millington Williams - Guitar
・Eddison Sterna - Bass
・Lachlan Rayner - Drums
・Mr. Whitworth - Production and additional instruments
・Written by Brandon Flowers, Mark Stoermer, Dave Keuning, and Ronnie Vannucci Jr.

Galilee recently held the annual Thanksgiving Mass, a time to express gratitude for the many blessings that this year has brought. We celebrated how we have shared our light with others throughout 2024. The Gospel chosen by our Year 9 students was from Matthew 5:14-16, which reminds us that we are like a light for the whole world and that Jesus asks us to share this light and let it shine for others.

During this celebration, we also bid farewell to our Year 9 students, who will be moving on to new communities next year. They were blessed using the Sand, Water, Vine, and Light blessing rituals, an important part of our school tradition. The students shared some of their memories, and we heard from their teachers about their learning, achievements, and the positive impact they made in the Galilee community during their time here. We extend our heartfelt blessings to these students and their families as they prepare for the next steps in their educational journeys.

Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches” (John 15:5).

May you all be held in God’s love, remembering that Jesus is always with you, and may your light shine for all to see!

Current casual employment opportunities exist for Old Scholars who are studying Education (primary or secondary), Disability Studies, Occupational Therapy or Speech Pathology in the following areas:

- Curriculum support ESO

- Supporting school camps and excursions

- Front office and administration relief work

- Casual employment in Out of School Hours Care

For more information, please visit https://cardijncollege.bamboohr.com/careers/200.

We welcome applications from all Cardijn graduates studying in other fields, however an interest in Education is highly favourable.

Gratitude in Action: Share the Joy

As we approach the end of the year, we invite you to take a moment to reflect on the people who have made a difference in your child’s educational journey at Cardijn College.

Whether it’s a teacher, staff member, department, or the College as a whole, this is your opportunity to send a message of gratitude and thanks.

Your words of appreciation mean so much and are a wonderful way to celebrate the dedication and care that shape our vibrant Cardijn community.

Simply visit the Cardijn Gratitude Project page and complete the form below to share your message.

The Marist Centre recently hosted a festive Christmas concert and celebration, bringing together our families, staff, and students to reflect on a year of achievements and bid heartfelt farewells.

The evening showcased our students' courage and creativity, as they shared insights into the programs and activities that made 2024 a standout year for the Marist Centre.

One of the evening's standout moments was the Chemistry-themed Magic Show, put on by our talented Marist Centre Science class. Over 200 guests were amazed as the students blended science with magic through a series of impressive experiments. Their confidence and enthusiasm shone through, making it a proud moment for all involved.

Here’s what some of our ‘magicians’ had to say:

• “The Magic Show was so much fun! I’d definitely do it again.” – Abe
• “It was great for families to see the experiments we’ve been working on in Science this semester.” – Kaiden
• “It was brilliant to trick our families and teachers with all the magic experiments!” – Jayden

In addition to the magic, the evening featured a lively performance of Walking on Sunshine by our MC music students, followed by a heart warming group rendition of Snow is Falling All Around Me.

A memorable part of the evening was the farewell to six Year 12 students and two cherished ESO staff members. Ebony Darling is moving on to new opportunities, while Margaret Harding retires after an extraordinary 20 years of dedicated service to the College.

This celebration highlighted the dedication and community spirit of the Marist Centre at Cardijn.

Our Marian Year 12 student, Teagan McClure, has been featured in The Advertiser as one of South Australia’s next generation of young entrepreneurs!

Teagan is the creative force behind Sassy Scrunchies, offering hand-sewn scrunchies, bags, key rings, and more.

📰 Read the article HERE and check out her vibrant designs: @sassy_scrunchiestm

Congratulations to Year 11 student Phoebe, who competed in the National “Cheer Con” All Abilities Cheerleading Competition in Sydney last weekend. Phoebe and her team performed brilliantly, placing 5th overall. Well done, Phoebe, on this fantastic achievement!

Each Friday at recess, the Marist Centre transforms into the MarValla Café, where our staff can enjoy a fresh coffee and a homemade treat entirely run by our MC students.

From cooking during the week to serving behind the counter, our students develop valuable life and work skills that will benefit them beyond school. The café is also a force for good, with all profits going directly to charity. This year alone, MarValla Café has proudly donated over $5,000 to causes including:

• Sammy D Foundation
• Diabetes SA
• Kids Helpline
• Beyond Blue
• Share the Dignity
• Kidney Health Australia
• Guide Dogs SA
• St Luke’s Parish Wishing Tree
• Zai Burns (Year 9 student fundraising for Movember)

The students' dedication and generosity shine through every cup and every treat. Thank you to our staff for supporting the café and helping our students make a difference!

Galilee's Mid-Year Reception class recently went on an excursion to Harvest the Fleurieu in Mount Compass for a strawberry-picking experience!

Inspired by seeing strawberries in the students' lunch boxes, Miss Way organised this outing as a special end-of-year activity. The students had the opportunity to pick fresh strawberries, learn about farming, and enjoy the harvest. It was a simple and enjoyable way to wrap up the year.

Our Year 8 Textiles students at Marian have completed a heartwarming term project: creating handmade superhero capes for the Capes4Kids charity.

Throughout the term, these talented students not only improved their sewing skills but also learned the importance of giving back by making something meaningful for others.

The capes will soon be distributed to hospitals across Australia, where they will be given to children facing serious illnesses. These vibrant designs symbolise strength, courage, and hope, helping young patients feel like the superheroes they truly are.

A big congratulations to our students for their hard work and generosity. Your efforts are sure to bring smiles and a sense of bravery to children who need it most.

The Italian Immersion students have been immersed in a whirlwind of history, art, and unforgettable experiences!

In Florence, they had the opportunity to visit the Palazzo Vecchio, where they participated in a fresco workshop, learning the traditional techniques behind this ancient art form. The students even tried their hand at creating their own frescos, testing their skills against the masters. They also explored the Uffizi Gallery, home to iconic works like Botticelli's The Birth of Spring, Michelangelo's Sacra Famiglia, and Da Vinci's L'Annunciazione, as well as impressive Greek and Roman sculptures.

Next, the group ventured to Venice, where they toured the stunning Doge’s Palace and delved into Venice’s fascinating history as a Republic. The visit included a walk through the prisons and across the famous Bridge of Sighs. They also marvelled at the 12th-century mosaics in St Mark’s Basilica and, of course, enjoyed the must-do Gondola ride through Venice’s picturesque canals.

On Saturday, the group explored Verona, the home of Romeo and Juliet, and climbed to St Peter’s Piazza for a breath taking view of the city. They’ve now arrived in Milan and are excited to visit the Duomo and take in the beauty of Lake Como in the coming days.

Over the past 3 weeks, our Year 9 Football Academy classes have completed a training program at Bio Fit, designed specifically to improve football performance.

Students have learnt about different training methods and how to best apply them to enhance their performance throughout the football season.

We thank Bio Fit owner and Cardijn Old Scholar David Craggs ('06) for his work with our students, passing on his wealth of knowledge to help improve our young footballers. 

Our Little Galileans Playgroup wrapped up the school year with a festive shared picnic, offering a wonderful opportunity for families to come together and enjoy each other's company.

Throughout the year, the children engaged in a variety of fun activities like free play, crafts, group games, story time, and outdoor play, all of which helped them develop social, emotional, and physical skills.

The picnic was a perfect way to celebrate a year of growth, fun, and connection, as families reflected on the memorable moments shared at Playgroup.

Nature Play SA visited Galilee this week to run an outdoor learning program for our Year 2 students.

The program, aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework and Australian Curriculum, focused on building outdoor skills, connecting with nature, promoting sustainability, and encouraging healthy, active lifestyles!

On Tuesday night, Galilee families gathered to celebrate, pray for, and bless our Year 6 students as they reached the final stage of their primary school journey.

The evening honoured all the individuals who have supported our students along the way and provided an opportunity to reflect on the Gospel message of caring for one another.

We celebrated the students' learning journeys and this significant milestone, sending them forth into the wider community with a blessing to follow the example of Jesus in their lives.

Students participating in our Arch D Program and CC Radio Program were invited to attend this year’s Arch D Awards. Alongside their families and staff, our students were nominated in several categories, with the following individuals honoured for their achievements:

- Team of the Year (Senior): Savannah (Year 7), Jessica (Year 10), and Amye (Year 10).
- Most Creative Podcast (in a team with students from various schools): Sienna (Year 10).

Out of 900 students in the program across Adelaide this year, our small group of approximately 10 felt privileged to attend and be recognised for all their hard work. We are excited about what the upcoming year holds!

This term, Galilee introduced its inaugural Year 3/4 Robotics Club, MOVE, igniting a passion for innovation among our young learners. Using LEGO Spike Prime kits, students delved into the fundamentals of construction and coding, setting the stage for future robotics success.

Each week, participants brought their creativity to life by designing, building, and programming unique robots to move and make decisions. This hands-on approach combined problem-solving with collaborative learning, making every session both educational and fun.

The club was an overwhelming success, with students showcasing impressive designs and inventive ideas while thoroughly enjoying the process. We can’t wait to see how their robotics journey unfolds in the future!

Our Galilee tennis students represented Galilee at the Tennis Hotshots State Final at Peake Gardens Tennis Club, where regional and metropolitan teams competed.

Competing in the metropolitan section, Galilee placed 6th out of 18 teams—a strong result and an improvement from last year. Adding to the excitement, our team had the special opportunity to take a photo with the winners' trophies for the upcoming Adelaide International Tennis tournament in January!

Thank you to Stacey Hill and Miao He for assisting with transport on the day.

Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents. It means your children are growing up!

However, transitioning is an ongoing process. It can continue long after students have entered their new environment and may encounter difficulties at a number of different stages. These stressors may appear as anxiety and frustration and result in negative or disruptive behaviours. Such behaviours can become problematic making the transitioning process even more difficult for children and parents.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn practical strategies to assist your child during the transition process and reduce stress and anxiety levels.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to the School Transitions edition of SchoolTV
https://cardijn.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-transitions

Last night, I had the privilege of sharing a few words at the Marian Campus Valedictory Ceremony.

This provided me with a wonderful opportunity to reflect on my time at Cardijn and, in doing so, feel an incredible sense of gratitude for what the Cardijn community has offered me. As I said last night, we could speak endlessly about academic results, co-curricular outcomes, buildings, enrolments, etc., but for me what I think is most special about Cardijn is the people.

I truly believe that when you join the Cardijn community you are welcomed with open arms and treated as family, and this has certainly been my experience. We care for, respect, and value each person for who they are, and when you wear the Cardijn uniform, you are afforded the same opportunities as every other person, regardless of your background. This is our Cardijn Way, as a Catholic School in the Marist Tradition.

To the families of Cardijn, thank you. Thank you for your partnership and ongoing support. The education of a young person only works when the school and the family are in partnership, and we are so grateful for you trusting us with the important responsibility of educating your child.

To the staff of Cardijn, thank you. The generosity you show to the students in our community is remarkable. To our teaching staff who constantly go above and beyond for the young people in their care and show such commitment and dedication to our students, you are outstanding! To the educational support staff, the group of people who often get forgotten but are often working tirelessly behind the scenes to make Cardijn the place that it is - thank you. You are so committed to your work and the way you share your talents for the betterment of our community shows true humility and grace. Please know that we are incredibly grateful.

Finally, to the students of Cardijn, thank you. It has been a privilege to be a member of the Cardijn community for the past nine years. I have loved watching you grow and develop from nervous kids to confident and capable young adults, ready to make a positive difference in the world around you. I am reminded that the beauty really is in the journey, and to journey with you, your families, and the staff of Cardijn while you undertake your schooling has been a privilege and a blessing. I can’t wait to hear and see all of the incredible things you will go on to achieve.

Cardijn is a remarkable place and I know it will continue to be a place that provides the opportunity for every young person to thrive. It’s the Cardijn Way!

Patrick Harmer
Deputy Principal