Read all about the USA Science Tour on page 12.
MARIST COLLEGE CANBERRA
SPORT
FOUNDATION
OLD BOYS
Accompaniment on the ‘Pilgrimage of Hope’
“To accompany a young man on this pilgrimage is a sacred task. As teachers, we are called to walk alongside our boys, attending to them with ‘the ear of the heart’...”
Raising Good Men
boys are shaped “in every second of every day”
Staff Farewells
Kirsty Bell
Mary Kennedy
exceptional service and wishes her every happiness in the years ahead. Thank you, Mary, for your outstanding contribution and for inspiring generations through your dedication to Science and education.
Michele Izzard
much. Thank you so very much - I am truly grateful.”
We wish Sarah all the best as she embarks on a new chapter.
Sarah Grimes
Christine White
Servant Leadership
Celebrating Student Wellbeing
At Marist, wellbeing isn’t just a program, it’s who we are. It’s how our boys greet one another each morning, how they support each other through challenges, and how they strive to live with gratitude, empathy and hope.
Farewell to the Class of 2025
2025 USA Science Tour
It was an adventure in learning. One that expanded minds, built friendships, and reminded every participant that science truly is a journey without limits.
Br François Medal
Recipient Dedicated to Global Service
“I was eager to understand how I could make an impact on a broader scale,”
‘how can I impact more than one person at one time?’”
Cambodia Immersion
“The things we saw, the experiences we've had, they have certainly opened my eyes to the world around us”
- Miles Baseby (Year
11)
Year 11 student Miles Baseby, in his address to the Senior School, captured eloquently his experience of the Cambodia Immersion. “The things we saw, the experiences we've had, they have certainly opened my eyes to the world around us,” he said.
“Every moment from planting trees, dancing and even something as simple as kicking a ball with the kids has changed how I see the world.
“Seeing the kids and being around them at the Marist schools was really special. It really puts it all into perspective.
“We think of going to school as a right, but all these kids have the privilege to go to school and just having that mindset completely changes everything. School for some is all they have.
“I remember speaking with one of the younger boys. He was asking me about my family. Then I asked about his. He paused for a moment, then pointed to the group of kids nearby and said, “Them.” That was his family. His friends, his school mates.
“He was an orphan. But he wasn’t alone. The Marist Brothers had given him not only an education, but a place to belong. And there is something so beautiful about that.
“It's that moment that's really stuck with me and made me realise the things we so often take for granted other people dream of having.
“That's what this immersion has done, it's inspired, and it's changed us, every single person has taken something different away from it.”
Solomon Islands Immersion
In 2025 the library was once again a busy and welcoming hub, supporting learning, creativity, and community across the College
From early morning until late afternoon the space was filled with students and staff engaged in research, reading, study, and collaborative projects.
Teaching and Learning
Junior School students continued to enjoy two library lessons each week: one focused on research and digital literacy, the other on literature engagement. Boys learned how to create bibliographies, locate information in a variety of sources, write research notes, use digital tools effectively and evaluate online sources for credibility. They were also introduced to a wide range of new authors and series, sparking enthusiasm and broadening reading choices.
Senior School students took part in fortnightly Wide Reading lessons. Year 7 classes participated in Read with a Mate, where boys paired up and selected books for each other based on reading preferences. Year 8 engaged in Stories Connect Us, forming small groups to read the same novel and then discuss it together. These programs were designed using a behavioural science approach, acknowledging the sequence of behaviours in the reading journey. A particular focus was placed on reflection and sharing, with boys encouraged to see conversation as a vital part of the reading experience.
Reading Culture
Junior School students once again embraced the Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge, with most boys reading more than 30 books during the year. Cocurricular groups also thrived, with Readers Café (Years 7–8) and Novel Bunch (Years 4–6) growing in size and enthusiasm as boys explored a variety of genres and authors.
Centre Stage
With laughter still fresh, we boarded the bus for home, grateful, inspired, and energised by the experience. Special thanks go to Mrs Bettison and Mr Mennie for their support, and to Mrs Johnson for her meticulous planning. This was a camp none of us will ever forget.
Dead Poets Society
Sydney Drama Camp
It reflected the vibrant spirit of Marist’s Performing Arts program, where students learn to perform, take risks, support each other, and embrace the joy of theatre.
Bugsy Malone
Into the Wild
to life stripped of the conveniences they often take for granted.
While the challenges are real, Trek’s value lies in the growth that happens through them. Boys learn to rely on one another, to offer support, and to recognise the strength that comes from working together.
The experience stays with them long after they pack away their tents and hiking boots, shaping how they respond to challenges and connect with others.
This year’s group rose to the challenge with spirit and good humour. Whether it was helping another boy with a heavy pack, offering reassurance after a capsize, or finding laughter on the difficult trails, they showed what it means to face challenges together.
Outdoor education remains a central part of the Marist experience. Trek continues to offer boys the chance to slow down, reflect, and understand the rewards of perseverance.
It’s an experience that leaves a mark - one that continues to influence how they approach their senior years and the lives they will lead beyond the College.
Congratulations to the Year 10 cohort on completing this significant milestone, and a huge thanks to the many staff who supported and guided them along the way.
Competing Among the World’s Best
Australian Football Report
Basketball Report
Football Report
Hockey Report
Rugby Report
From the C
Caring Together
From the Director of Advancement
A Chance that Changes Everything
“The lottery of birth, not unlike the privilege of a good education, can set a young person on a pathway before they even know they’re on it.”
Christine’s Legacy
“Christine believed deeply in education as a force for good, not just for academic achievement, but for forming decent, compassionate young men.”
MCCOBA
From the Chair
Are your details up to date?
Registering and keeping up to date takes only a few minutes and helps us to know how to reach you Visit the MCCOBA website at mccoba.org.au or via the QR code:
Do you know a Marist Old Boy who isn’t in contact with the College?
Please let them know about the MCCOBA website so they can register and keep in touch too!
ensures the enduring connection, service, and support for the next generation of Marist men remains at the heart of our Association.
Servo Fidem
Wall of Honour
The Marist College Canberra Wall of Honour is the highest honour bestowed on Old Boys of the College.
The Wall of Honour exists to highlight the successes of our Old Boys, and those on the Wall of Honour serve as inspirational role models for the current students, as their achievements reflect the influence and value of a Marist education and the legacy of the Marist tradition.
Our 2025 inductees are:
Colonel Gerard Kearns CSC (2000) - Defence Force
Gerard has served in the Army since graduating from Marist and has commanded at every rank level in the Royal Australian Regiment, responsible for preparing forces for war. He has served in Papua New Guinea, Afghanistan and the Middle East. He was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC) in 2022.
David Bryant (1979) - Business
David Bryant is a respected figure in the business world, having founded Rural Funds Management (RFM), a fund and farm management company, in 1997. RFM manages $2.6 billion for 22,000 predominantly Australian investors with 63 farms located across four states and employing 260 staff.
Duke Didier (2006) - Sport
Duke is a celebrated martial artist, winning multiple national titles and international medals at the US Open, Asian Open and the 2016 Oceania Championships as part of the Australian Judo Team. He has also represented Australia at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, three World Championships held at Rio, Tokyo and Kazakhstan, and was a reserve for the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympics.
Michael Barlow (2015) - Sport
After spotting a recruitment poster for junior Aussie Rules umpires in year seven, Michael embarked on a journey which has seen him officiate 150 AFL games. Despite only umpiring for seven years at the top level, Michael has been selected to officiate four AFL grand finals and in 2024 was selected as an All-Australian Boundary Umpire.
Reuben Keane (2016) - Sport
Reuben is an accomplished rugby referee and has travelled the world officiating at the highest level since signing his first professional contract in 2022. Some of his highlights include the HSBC World Sevens Series (2022-2024), the 2024 Olympic Games semi-final between France and South Africa, the first Super Rugby Pacific match between the ACT Brumbies and Fijian Drua in 2022. In 2024 he became Australia’s 63 International Test Referee when he took charge of Hong Kong China v Brazil. rd
We congratulate our five new inductees – all exceptional Old Boys whose accomplishments in diverse fields illustrate the values instilled through a Marist education. These role models inspire current students, showing the lasting impact of a Marist foundation on lifelong success and service.
Where are they Now?
We
love hearing what
our Old Boys and former staff are up to.
Each edition we invite Old Boys to share some of their Marist memories and life beyond Marist College Canberra.
If you are an Old Boy, former staff member or former College family and would like to share your story, please contact news@mcc act edu au
NITI PRASAD (2011)
I joined the Junior School in 2005 and graduated from Year 12 (Mark House) in 2011.
My fondest memories include the 2010 French Study Tour, Year 10 Outward Bound, and playing footy and cricket with my mates. I’m proud to remain close with many of the boys I shared classrooms and footy fields with.
After Marist, I joined the Australian Defence Force Academy in 2012, completing military training in 2014 and an undergraduate degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 2015. I was then posted to Newcastle, working with the F/A-18 Classic Hornets as a Professional Development and Training Engineer.
In 2017, I moved to East Sale, Victoria, working in the structures section for the PC-9/A training aircraft. In 2019, I became Officer in Charge of Airframe Structures, overseeing the platform’s disposal.
In 2020, I was posted to the KC-30A Air-to-Air Refuelling Tanker Squadron in Brisbane, deploying to the Middle East and participating in Ex Cope North 2021 in Guam. In 2022, I joined Headquarters 86 Wing, supporting the Continuing Airworthiness Manager for the KC30A, C-17A, BBJ, and Falcon F7X.
I was later selected to attend Purdue University, Indiana, USA, completing a Masters in Aircraft Structural Integrity. My research project, in consultation with Defence Science and Technology, resulted in a published paper on Carbon-Carbon composites.
Returning to Australia in 2024, I was posted to the Defence Aviation Safety Authority, where I am currently Officer in Charge of the Aircraft Structural Integrity team, supporting RAAF Heavy Air Lift assets.
I would never have joined the RAAF or pursued engineering without the lessons learned at Marist, both inside and outside the classroom. I sincerely thank all the staff, particularly Mr. and Mrs. Lofthouse, Mr. Folan, Mr. Bhatnagar, and Mrs. Van der Kolk. I also thank my mates from Marist and my wife, Lydia Downe, for their support. The relationships forged at school truly go the distance.
Alex Toohey: My first few years after leaving Marist were spent at the AIS, furthering my basketball development away from the MCC basketball club. From there, I moved into the NBL, playing for the Sydney Kings for two years. Most recently, I’ve signed with the Golden State Warriors following the 2025 NBA Draft.
M: What has been keeping you busy lately?
A: I’ve been travelling around the USA completing workouts with different teams in the lead-up to the draft. In my downtime, I’ve been enjoying board games. Now I’m looking forward to heading home for some rest and quality time with family.
M: Do you have a favourite memory from school?
A: Year 9 camp in Sydney and the Year 10 trek with my Conway classmates were some of the best times of my life. Another fond memory was singing Great Man of God with half of our cohort in the bathrooms on my last day in Year 10. Although our show of pride was quickly broken up with detentions!
Marist Brothers High School
Darlinghurst Old Boys in Profile
How One Small School
Produced Three Sydney Lord Mayors
