_HR%20(1).webp)
Secondary boys college Est. in 1950
News
Principal's Update 20 March 2026
Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,
Earlier this week I had the opportunity to walk around the College and spend some time observing our Year 7 students as they participated in their Reflection Day. Moments like these provide a wonderful reminder of why schools such as ours exist to help young people understand the community they belong to and the story they are now becoming part of.
Listening to the boys reminded me again of the richness of the Marist story that we inherit. From the humble beginnings of the Marist Brothers in France in 1817, when Saint Marcellin Champagnat began gathering brothers to educate young people, through to their arrival in Australia in 1872, the Marist story has always been about faith, community and care for young people. It is a story that continues to unfold here each day at Marcellin College.
Our Year 7 students learnt about the idea that “it takes a village to raise a child”, reflecting on the village on the hill that is Marcellin College. They explored our Marist HEART values, learnt about the significance of our Chapel and the symbolism of the running water, discovered why their names are placed within our Marist HEART and reflected on the meaning behind the art and quotes within the Chapel.
The day invited them to see that our College is not simply buildings and classrooms, but a living community shaped by history, faith and hope for the future. These experiences always bring great energy to our College and I was particularly impressed by the engagement and focus of the boys throughout the day. It is wonderful to see our newest students beginning their journey as members of the Marcellin community.
Open Day
Over the weekend, we welcomed many prospective families to the College for our annual Open Day. It was a glorious day with the sun shining across the site as visitors explored our facilities, spoke with staff and students and experienced the spirit of our community.
My sincere thanks to Mr Richard Liistro and Ms Michele Mellas for their outstanding work in organising the day, along with the many staff and students who generously volunteered their time. Our students were outstanding ambassadors for the College and represented the Marcellin spirit with great pride.
International Women’s Day
Last week we recognised International Women’s Day. As a boys’ school, it is important that we continue to educate young men who respect, value and recognise the contribution of women in our families, communities and workplaces.
We are deeply grateful for the many women who shape the life of our College, as mothers, carers, leaders, staff members and supporters of our community. Their influence is profound and their example plays an important role in forming the young men we seek to educate at Marcellin.
NAPLAN
Across the past week our students have been participating in NAPLAN testing. While there were some widely reported technical difficulties experienced across Victoria on the first day, our students approached the assessments calmly and completed their tests with maturity and focus.
While NAPLAN is only one snapshot of learning, the information gathered assists us in continuing to support each student’s growth and development.
AGSV Sport
I had the opportunity to watch our 1st Volleyball team play their final match of the season at the State Volleyball Centre over the weekend. What struck me most was the teamwork, encouragement and support the boys showed one another throughout the match.
These qualities are one of the strengths of our sporting program. While winning is always enjoyable, the way we play and the spirit in which we compete often says much more about who we are as a team and as a College. My thanks to our Head of Sport, Mr Ben Reynolds, for the leadership and organisation he provides in supporting such a strong and positive sporting culture at Marcellin College.
That said, we head into this weekend with two exciting AGSV premiership opportunities in Basketball and Cricket. Both teams have worked incredibly hard throughout the season and will carry the strong support of our Marcellin College community with them. We wish them every success.
Regardless of the result, we will be proud of the way they represent the College, although I suspect the boys would still very much enjoy bringing the silverware back up the hill to Marcellin!
Parent-Student-Teacher (PST) Conferences
This week, we will hold our PST conferences. These meetings are an important part of the partnership that exists between families and the College.
Education works best when schools and families work together and these conversations provide an opportunity to reflect on each student’s progress while identifying ways we can continue to support their learning and growth.
Marist Basketball Carnival
This weekend, a group of our students will travel to Perth to represent us at the Marist Basketball Carnival. We attend as the reigning premiers and look forward to another outstanding tournament.
We wish Mr Brett Atley, Mr Adrian Tomada, Mr Ben Reynolds and our players every success as they represent the College. I will also travel to Perth to join them for the opening Mass and hope to watch a number of games before returning.
Old Collegians’ Coterie Group
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of joining members of our alumni community for dinner with the Old Collegians’ Coterie group.
I would particularly like to acknowledge the work of Mr Phil Toohey (Class of 1976) and Mr Michael Boyce (Class of 1977) for their steadfast commitment in establishing this group and raising funds to support our Old Collegians Football program. Their dedication is a wonderful example of the enduring connection many alumni continue to have with Marcellin College.
As I reflect on the many events of recent weeks, from our Year 7 Reflection Day through to sport, learning and the continued support of our alumni, I am reminded that our College is truly a living and evolving community. Each generation of students, families and staff contributes something to the story of Marcellin College. In the Marist tradition, we continue the vision of Saint Marcellin Champagnat: to create communities where young people are known, supported and inspired to become good Christians and good citizens.
God bless.
Marco Di Cesare
Principal
