Principal's Update 30 October 2026

Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,

Celebrating the Class of 2026
As we approach the end of October, our Year 12 students have entered the next stage of their journey. For the majority, this means sitting their VCE examinations, while others have already commenced employment, work placements or apprenticeships. Whatever pathway they have chosen, I want to wish each of our young men every success as they take these important next steps.

Last week, we gathered as a College community to celebrate the Class of 2026 at their final Valedictory Mass and Dinner. It was a wonderful occasion, filled with pride, gratitude and, understandably, a little emotion. It was an opportunity to recognise not only what these young men have achieved over their six years at Marcellin, but perhaps more importantly, the people they have become.

A Journey We Began Together
This particular group of Year 12 students holds a special place for me. You see, the Class of 2026 and I have something in common. We started at Marcellin College together in 2021.

For many of these young men, their first year of secondary school was anything but ordinary. COVID restrictions, remote learning and interrupted opportunities to connect with one another made those early years challenging. Yet, through it all, they demonstrated resilience, adaptability and a willingness to make the most of the opportunities before them.

Over the years, I have watched them grow from young boys finding their feet into confident young men, ready to take their place in the world. They have contributed to our College through their learning, leadership, sport, music, the arts and service, but perhaps most importantly, through the friendships and relationships they have formed.

It has been a privilege to share this journey with them.

Becoming Who You Are Meant to Be
One of the messages I shared with our Year 12 students at their Valedictory was that their time at Marcellin has never been simply about academic results, sporting achievements or the awards they might receive.

Of course, these things matter and we should celebrate them. But what matters far more is the kind of person each young man becomes.

Our Marist HEART virtues of Humility, Excellence, Acceptance, Resilience and Trust are not simply words displayed around our College. They are qualities we hope our young men carry with them long after they leave us.

My hope is that they will be young men who show kindness and compassion, who have the courage to stand up for what is right, who recognise the dignity of others and who understand that true success is measured not only by what we achieve, but by the difference we make in the lives of others.

As I reminded them, their journey of becoming who they are meant to be does not finish when they leave Marcellin. In many ways, it is only just beginning.

Recognising Excellence – Our Valedictory Awards
Our Valedictory celebrations also provided an opportunity to recognise a number of outstanding young men through our annual awards.

I congratulate all our award recipients, whose achievements reflect their commitment, dedication and contribution to the life of our College. These awards recognise excellence in its many forms, including academic achievement, leadership, service and character.

A special congratulations goes to Angus Richings, recipient of the J.J. Boyd Award, one of the College's most significant honours. This award recognises the qualities and contributions we value so highly in a Marcellin young man, and Angus is a very worthy recipient.

Congratulations to Angus and to all our award winners. We look forward to sharing photographs of these young men and celebrating their achievements with our wider College community.

Once Marcellin, Always Marcellin
As our Year 12 students now focus on their examinations, employment and the opportunities that lie ahead, I encourage them to approach this next chapter with confidence and optimism.

To those sitting examinations, trust in the preparation you have undertaken and give your very best. To those beginning apprenticeships, work or other pathways, embrace the opportunities to learn, grow and contribute.

To our parents and carers, thank you for the trust you have placed in us over these past six years. It has been a privilege to share in your sons' journeys.

And to our Class of 2026, thank you for all that you have contributed to Marcellin College. You leave behind friendships, memories and a legacy that will remain part of our College story.

Remember that you will always be part of the Marcellin family.