RABSEB Case for Support

TheRondaandArthurBoyd SpecialEducationBursary

Walking Forward with Audacity and Hope

At Marist College Canberra, we understand that education is not simply about academic success It is about formation The formation of boys into young men of strong minds and gentle hearts, equipped to lead lives of meaning, service and integrity.

Every school is an expression of hope, and every boy deserves to belong At Marist, we strive to be not just a place of learning, but a second home A place where boys are known and valued, where kindness is not an aspiration but a daily practice, and where a young man’s dignity is at the heart of every decision we make

The Ronda and Arthur Boyd Special Education Bursary ensures that boys with additional learning needs or disability are supported to access a Marist education These bursaries open the way for families who face greater burdens, yet hold the same hopes for their sons; that they will flourish, belong and contribute with confidence.

Why Bursaries Matter

For families of boys with learning difficulties or disability, the journey of education often comes with added challenges. Specialist support, therapies, and resources can place a heavy financial strain on households. Parents juggle not only the cost of education, but also the emotional load of advocacy and care.

A bursary relieves some of this burden. It ensures that a boy’s education is not determined by what his family can afford, but by what he needs to thrive.

The transformation this makes possible cannot be overstated. With the right support, boys with disability and learning needs discover their strengths, grow in independence, and contribute fully to the life of the College. They are not defined by their challenges, but celebrated for their gifts.

A Fund Rooted in Mission and Compassion

Named in honour of Ronda and Arthur Boyd, whose lives were marked by a deep commitment to creativity, inclusion and humanity, this bursary exists to:

Provide a Marist education to boys with learning difficulties or disability whose families are in financial need

Ensure that specialist support and resources are available for those who require them

Enrich the College community by welcoming boys whose gifts may be expressed in different ways

Honour the inherent dignity of every child, regardless of ability

These bursaries are not handouts They are a hand extended, affirming that every boy has a place at Marist and the opportunity to fulfil his potential 3

A Community Strengthened by Inclusion

"WE OFFER BURSARIES NOT BECAUSE WE KNOW WHAT A BOY WILL ACHIEVE BUT BECAUSE WE BELIEVE IN WHO HE CAN BECOME."

Boys with learning difficulties or disability bring resilience, creativity and perspective. Their presence shapes the culture of the College, reminding us that every member enriches the whole. By supporting this bursary, you ensure that their stories are woven into the life of our community.

The Impact of Your Generosity

Your support transforms lives Every dollar given becomes part of a powerful ripple effect:

It provides access to specialist programs and facilities for boys with learning needs

It eases the financial and emotional burden on families carrying the weight of additional challenges

It ensures that every boy can take his place in the classroom, on the sporting field and in the chapel

It strengthens our community by celebrating the contributions of boys of all abilities

Reflecting the Marist Spirit in the World

A Marist education does not just prepare young men for academic success or career achievement It prepares them to be a reflection of the Marist spirit in the wider world, anchored in faith, compassion, humility and a quiet commitment to serve others.

Supporting this bursary ensures that boys of all abilities are given the chance to grow in confidence, independence and dignity, carrying their gifts into society with strength and pride

Help Us Open the Door with an Open Heart

Every year, families seek the support of the Br Mark May Bursary Fund so that their sons with learning needs can access the full richness of a Marist education

Your generosity ensures that we do not have to turn these families away It ensures that the light of a Marist education continues to reach those who need it most

WE INVITE YOU TO BE PART OF THIS MISSION:

Make a one off or recurring donation

Pledge support over a number of years

Leave a bequest to the Foundation in your will Or share this story with someone who may wish to help

All donations over two dollars are tax deductible More importantly, every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference