Principal's Update 14 November 2025

Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,

As we move through November, I think we can all agree the weather has been a little less than desirable. Cold mornings, grey skies and that persistent drizzle have tested even the most optimistic among us. Finally, it appears that the sun has begun to peek through, reminding us that brighter days are ahead. There is something hopeful about those short bursts of blue sky and they seem to mirror where we are as a College right now: emerging from the winter chill of the year and preparing with purpose for 2026.

Over the past week we have begun our Year Level Assemblies as part of our transition into the new academic year. These assemblies are designed to keep our boys focused and to clearly outline our expectations for 2026. Next year marks an important evolution in our Pastoral Care structure. As our community grows and changes, it is vital that our Wellbeing Framework remains a pillar of the student experience - strong, responsive and grounded in our Marist tradition.

From 2026, we will move from eight House Leaders to six Year Level Leaders. Our Houses and Pastoral Groups remain unchanged and your child's Pastoral Leader will continue to be your primary point of contact. However, when matters require escalation, they will now move to the relevant Year Level Leader. This shift will allow us to respond more effectively to age-specific needs and ensure that the right supports and conversations happen at the right time. We are proud that other Colleges continue to visit us to learn from our Pastoral model and we remain committed to reviewing and refining our structures each year so that they remain aligned with the needs of our students and families. As is our usual process, we will provide further information through as we move into the 2026 school year.

Tonight also marks the opening of our 2026 junior production, Into the Woods Jr. For those familiar with the show, you will know it is a musical that reminds us that every wish comes with responsibility, every path has its twists and, if you wander off the track, you may encounter the occasional wolf … or two. I am pleased to confirm that our boys have avoided wolves throughout rehearsals, although plenty of unexpected plot twists, last-minute costume dramas and mysterious missing props have certainly kept everyone on their toes. We wish our performers, crew and staff all the very best for opening night.