Principal's Update 30 May 2025

Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the Marist Schools Australia Principal’s Conference in Sydney. It was a reflective and energising experience to gather with over 50 principals from around the country as we shared insights on best practice, leadership and the spiritual dimension of our work. Central to our conversations was the 2025 Marist theme - Pilgrims of Hope: Look Beyond, a timely reminder that our shared mission in Catholic education is one of accompaniment, vision and hope, especially during times of challenge and change.

A Celebration of Spirit
Yesterday, we held our annual Inter-House Athletics Carnival and it was an outstanding display of House spirit, determination and healthy competition. From the 100m sprint and the long jump pit to the 4x100m relays and the high jump mat, students gave their all - not just in performance but in supporting one another across the field.

Congratulations to Mannes House who took out the overall title for 2025! Their efforts were not only consistent but full of enthusiasm and pride. House Captain Zac delivered a gracious and heartfelt acceptance speech that captured the spirit of friendly rivalry.

And I must add — Redden House did not come last this year... and those of us in Redden House are taking that as a win!

‍Supporting Your Son's Attendance and Learning
Recently, the College sent home letters to families with important updates about their sons' progress. One of the key focus areas was attendance, a vital contributor to learning success. Research shared in Teacher Magazine highlights that parents overwhelmingly recognise the importance of regular attendance, yet challenges such as illness, anxiety or family needs can sometimes impact a student's ability to attend school consistently.

The study emphasises that most parents want to support their child’s attendance but may need clearer communication from schools about expectations and how attendance is monitored. At Marcellin College, we continue to work in partnership with families to ensure students are present, engaged and supported. We have always been clear with our expectations around attendance, and all families can access real-time attendance data through Compass.

Resilience is a key part of a young man’s development. It is built not only through classroom challenges but also through their participation in community events, sport and whole-school activities. Yesterday’s Athletics Carnival was a wonderful celebration for most, but it was disappointing to see a noticeable number of families allowing early departures without medical or exceptional reasons. We understand that families are busy, but choosing to leave early from a full-day school event does not help students learn to commit, participate fully or develop perseverance. We ask for your support in helping your sons understand that being part of the community means showing up and staying engaged — even when the weather is cool, the schedule is full, or the event is outside their comfort zone.

We are, however, heartened that the overwhelming majority of families did support us in making the day a success. Your encouragement and alignment with our values make a genuine difference in your son's growth and in the culture of our College.

If attendance becomes a concern, we encourage open dialogue so we can work together to remove barriers and help your son thrive.