Young Sam Hale is just one of the many boys at Marist Eastwood that have the wonderful opportunity to get a taste of the working world beyond the school gates. Each year, our wonderful Careers Advisor, Colleen Bianchi, places up to 180 boys in work placements for a week, across various industries including construction, business, radio, law, physiotherapy and many more.
Sam was so happy with his work placement that he took pen to paper and shared his experience with Principal, Silvana Rossetti.
During my work placement at Riverside Theatres, I was fortunate to gain hands-on experience working in a professional entertainment industry environment. What made my experience stand out was not just the incredible venue, but the preparation and support I received beforehand, particularly from Mr. Mooney.
Thanks to Mr. Mooney’s extensive knowledge of the entertainment industry, I entered the placement with a solid understanding of lighting, and audio-visual equipment. His guidance gave me the confidence to contribute more actively than many of the other students were able to. I wasn’t just observing, I was assisting with tasks, troubleshooting equipment issues and offering ideas. While many of the other work placement students spent time making props, I was rigging lights 30 metres up in the roof, gaining experience with real technical setups.
The equipment we have access to at Marist College Eastwood also played a major role. Being familiar with industry-standard tools before stepping into Riverside Theatres meant I could adapt quickly to their systems and workflows. 
This head start allowed me to make the most of the experience, and it confirmed my desire to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Since returning, I have tried to bring what I learned at Riverside back into the school through assemblies and school events.
This work placement opportunity showed me that with the right teachers and equipment, it’s possible to turn a passion into a profession. I am now more motivated than ever to follow this path and I owe a big part of that to the opportunities and support I received at school and to Mr Mooney.
Ms Rossetti comments, “I was absolutely thrilled to hear yet more fabulous feedback about the work placement program and in this case how the facilities we provide here at the College have helped shape our boys’ future. Marist Eastwood is extremely student centred – every decision we make is centred around the wellbeing of the young men who are entrusted into our care. I am sure Sam has a wonderful future ahead of him.”