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Secondary boys college Est. in 1950
News
Principal's Update 12 June 2026
Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,
Over recent weeks, a number of media outlets have featured discussions about masculinity, the pressures facing boys and young men, and the challenges of growing up in today's world. I was particularly proud that several Marcellin College students were invited to contribute to these conversations.
They represented themselves, their families and our College with maturity, insight and honesty. Listening to them speak reminded me that behind many of the headlines and public debates are young people simply trying to navigate adolescence in an increasingly complex world.
Our boys are growing up in a time of constant scrutiny and often conflicting expectations. They are told to be confident but humble, strong but sensitive, independent yet connected. Social media, online influencers and the fast pace of modern life can amplify these pressures and create unrealistic standards of what success or masculinity should look like.
As educators and parents, we must be careful not to reduce boys to stereotypes or view them only through the lens of problems to be solved. They are young people still learning, growing, making mistakes and discovering who they hope to become.
What gives me great confidence is that every day at Marcellin I see boys demonstrating kindness, courage, empathy and resilience. I see young men supporting their mates, contributing to their communities, challenging themselves in the classroom and stepping forward when others need help. These moments rarely make headlines, but they tell a far more accurate story about the next generation.
The students who recently represented Marcellin in these public conversations gave us every reason to remain hopeful. They spoke thoughtfully about the opportunities and challenges facing young men today and reminded us that the future is in capable hands.
The Flyover Gallery: A Pathway of Growth
Last week, we officially opened the Flyover Gallery with our Year 7 students. It was wonderful to witness their enthusiasm and excitement as they walked through this new building for the first time.
The Flyover Gallery is much more than a physical connection between buildings. It represents a journey that every Marcellin student undertakes. Beginning alongside our youngest students in the Ardmara Building and extending towards our senior learning spaces in the Hermitage Building, the walkway symbolises growth, learning and transformation. It reminds us that education is not simply about moving from one classroom to another, but about the gradual formation of young people into capable and compassionate young men.
The gallery itself provides a stunning new space to showcase student artwork and celebrate creativity within our community. I would like to thank our student leaders and College leaders who helped officially open the building and acknowledge the many staff and contractors whose work has brought this vision to life.
When you are next visiting the College, I encourage you to take a walk through the Flyover Gallery and appreciate both the artwork on display and the thoughtful architectural design that has created such a unique addition to our campus.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The past fortnight has been a busy and enriching period for our students. Alongside their regular classes, many boys have participated in Reflection Days, Structured Workplace Learning placements and presentations from a range of guest speakers.
These experiences are an important reminder that education extends well beyond the classroom. Reflection Days provide students with opportunities to consider their values, relationships and personal growth. Workplace Learning allows students to explore future pathways and gain valuable insights into the world of work. Visiting speakers challenge our thinking, broaden perspectives and help students connect their learning with the wider community.
Together, these opportunities help form well-rounded young men who are prepared not only for academic success but also for life beyond school.
Examinations and Building Resilience
This week has seen our Year 10 and VCE students continue their examination period. For some students, exams are approached with confidence and ease. For others, they can be a source of significant challenge and anxiety.
Learning how to prepare for, manage and respond to examinations is an important part of a student's development. Examinations require organisation, perseverance and resilience. They provide students with opportunities to demonstrate their learning, but they also teach valuable lessons about preparation, responsibility and responding positively when things do not go exactly as planned.
For many of our Year 10 students, this is the first time they have undertaken examinations across most of their subjects. It is an important milestone as they prepare for the senior years ahead. We encourage all students to focus on doing their personal best, recognising that growth often comes not only through success but through the effort invested in the process itself.
Looking Ahead
As we approach the end of Term 2 next week, I would like to thank our students, staff and families for what has been a productive and rewarding semester. The coming three-week break provides an important opportunity for our boys to rest, spend time with family and friends, pursue their interests and return refreshed for the challenges and opportunities of Term 3.
During the break, a group of Marcellin students will participate in the Kokoda Education Tour. This promises to be a transformative experience as students walk in the footsteps of those who served our nation, learning important lessons about courage, sacrifice, leadership and resilience.
We wish all participating students every success on this remarkable journey and extend our best wishes to Mr Phillip Kamay, Mr Paul Cooper and Mr Steven Woodburn, who will accompany and support the group throughout the tour. We look forward to hearing about their experiences upon their return.
A Final Reflection
As I reflect on the past fortnight, a common theme emerges: growth. Whether it is young men speaking thoughtfully about the challenges they face, Year 7 students taking their first steps through the Flyover Gallery, students engaging in workplace learning, preparing for examinations or embarking on the Kokoda Track, each experience forms part of a much larger journey.
At Marcellin College, we are privileged to accompany our boys on that journey. While the world often focuses on the challenges facing young people today, we continue to see reasons for optimism every day. We see young men developing character, building resilience, caring for others and striving to become the very best versions of themselves.
As we conclude Term 2, I thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. Together, we continue to nurture young men of faith, learning and service, and we remain hopeful about the contribution they will make to our world in the years ahead.
Marco Di Cesare
Principal
