History of the Carnival

HISTORY OF THE CARNIVAL

The concept of the national carnivals bringing Marist schools together began in the mid-1970s with cricket. It didn’t take long for all sports to decide they wanted to be a part of something bigger than themselves and to link up with like-minded Marist schools across Australia. Basketball carnivals for boys were a feature of the 1980s and, as schools developed their co-educational programs, netball and girls’ basketball were soon up and running. Since the establishment of a more formal Marist network under the auspices of Marist Schools Australia in the last few years, it’s difficult to imagine a life without these celebrations. All staff and students seem to love competing in the Marist way, under the patronage of Mary Our Good Mother and with the inspiration of St Marcellin Champagnat’s educational and spiritual insight. Basketball now incorporates competitions for both young men and women, usually the senior years. Carnivals respect the fine traditions of Marist life with an opening Mass, social networking, a celebratory final liturgy and family dinner and, of course, hard fought but respectful competition. St Marcellin’s educational style is best presented in five characteristics well practiced across the network of Australian schools:

PRESENCE

SIMPLICITY

FAMILY SPIRIT

A LOVE OF YOUR WORK

IN THE WAY OF MARY