Principal's Blog

11 November 2022

Principal's Blog

Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,

It has been a wonderful fortnight of showcasing the musical and dramatic talents of our students. On Thursday, 3 November we were treated to an outstanding Summer Music Concert at the Hawthorn Arts Centre. Our College Ensembles, led by our Head of Music Mr Andrew Short and his passionate team, together with the Australian Army Band Melbourne, put on a spectacular two-hour concert. Music at Marcellin College has always been an important part of our young men’s learning. Given these last few years have seen us unable to perform to large crowds, it was terrific to see so many families and friends attend. We have some photos of the night below in Mr Short’s report.

This week we were also treated to a cleverly produced Italian language play by our Year 10 Italian students. Mr Di Natale and Ms Bottari, along with the Languages Team, took many of us down memory lane with a story about Italian grandmothers and growing up as a migrant in Australia. Students performed the play in Italian and it was wonderful to see so many from different cultural backgrounds speaking the language. Our thanks to the boys for that entertaining and energetic performance.

We recently concluded our interview and voting process for 2023 College Captain and Vice Captain roles. We saw a larger than usual number of young men apply for positions this year and I am sure this reflects the dedication and hard work of Mr Tomada as our Student Leadership Liaison. Congratulations to Connor Whyte who will lead as the 2023 College Captain and to James Stefanvoski and Callum Stewart who be our 2023 Vice Captains.

This week I met with representatives from our Parents and Friends Group as we look towards 2023 with renewed optimism. We are all keen to recommence the strong family-school partnership activities that paused during the pandemic. I hope to see many of you at our Parent & Friends Group end-of-year social event – Rewind & Relax next Friday, 18 November from 6:30pm. Gathering as a community is so important to Marcellin College and we are committed to ensuring our families feel connected through the many opportunities provided. Booking details can be found further below.

As we start to look towards the 2023 school year, I reflect on what it is to be a Marist school. We are a community with a firm foundation in the development of best practice in boys’ education. Our philosophy is founded on the five Characteristics of Marist education – Presence, Simplicity, Family Spirit, Love of Work and In the Way of Mary.

These characteristics provide a solid framework to guide learning and teaching at Marcellin College. More importantly, these ideas deeply influence every interaction between all members of our College family.

It is my hope and prayer that in partnership with each other, we can support your son as he strives for the highest with virtue and courage here at the College.

Thank you for the trust and confidence you have bestowed on our College and I look forward to our journey continuing in 2023.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them 

Marco Di Cesare
Principal