Principal's Update 4 September 2026

Dear Members of the Marcellin College Community,

This morning, it was wonderful to welcome so many fathers, grandfathers and significant men in the lives of our boys at our Father’s Day Breakfast. There was a real sense of warmth in the room and, more importantly, a reminder of the significant role that good men play in the formation of our young people.

In speaking with fathers this morning, I reflected on one of our Marist Characteristics - Presence. For St Marcellin Champagnat, presence was not simply about being physically there. It was about taking the time to know young people, to listen to them, to walk alongside them and to demonstrate through our actions that they matter.

I am reminded of this in my own life. My father will soon turn 89 and he still regularly offers me advice. I suspect the major difference these days is that I am much more likely to listen to it! Perhaps one of the gifts of getting older is discovering that some of the things our fathers told us years ago actually made quite a bit of sense. His continued interest in what I am doing reminds me that being a father, and being present, does not end when your children become adults.

As parents, educators, coaches, mentors and significant adults, we sometimes underestimate just how closely young people watch us. The virtues we hope to see in our boys are often first modelled by the adults around them. We see this when a student quietly steps in to help someone who is struggling, includes someone who might otherwise be left out, offers encouragement to a mate or simply notices that something needs doing and lends a hand.

These small actions speak strongly of our Marist way. They reflect Family Spirit, where we look out for one another; Simplicity, where goodness does not need recognition; and Presence, where we make time for others. They are also reflected in our College Marist HEART virtues of Humility, Excellence, Acceptance, Resilience and Trust - qualities that we hope increasingly become part of who our young men are.

There continues to be considerable discussion in our community about boys, young men and masculinity. While some of that conversation understandably focuses on the challenges, at Marcellin College we also want to focus on the possibilities and the young men we want our boys to become.

This is where our challenge to be 10% Better and 10% Braver matters. Being 10% better might mean showing a little more kindness, listening more carefully or making the effort to include someone. Being 10% braver might mean asking for help, speaking up when something is not right, apologising when we get it wrong or standing alongside someone who needs support.

We want our boys to understand that strength and kindness belong together; that confidence does not require putting others down; and that courage can be found in vulnerability as much as determination. These are not signs of weakness. They are virtues of good men.

Our young men need good examples around them. This morning was a wonderful reminder that they have many.

As we celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, I thank all the fathers, grandfathers, carers, mentors, staff and significant men who are present in the lives of our boys. Through that presence, and through the example you provide each day, you are helping our boys become 10% Better, 10% Braver and, ultimately, the good men they are called to be.

God Bless,

Marco Di Cesare
Principal

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