Dear members of the Marcellin College family,

Have you ever wondered about all the factors that are representative of student achievement? Educational experts spend a lot of time researching the main influences on students achieving success in their time at school. Teachers at Marcellin devote a great deal of time reflecting on the sources of variance in student performance in a bid to ensure that every boy is able to reach his academic potential.

There was a time not so long ago when the experts of the day believed that the individual capacities of the students were the only substantive factor in determining student achievement. There is no doubt that a student’s individual capabilities and commitment to doing his best says much when it comes to their level of achievement, however, we know that it is not the only source. We now believe that there is an array of factors which can influence a student’s academic performance to varying degrees.

It is clear that the physical environment of the school including buildings, facilities and other educational resources play their part in supporting student achievement as does the home environment with regard to physical spaces conducive to study as well as the support and guidance offered by parents. Influence of peers has also been seen by some researchers to be a factor which can enhance as well as detract from overall student performance. However important we know these factors to be, educational researchers suggest that they are not as crucial as two other factors I would like to mention, namely, effective school leadership and teacher quality.

School leadership in its many forms, including the role of Principal, has been clearly demonstrated to be a major factor in student achievement. It is individuals such as these who help to set the vision and direction of the school and who give guidance and licence to teachers to perform their role in the classroom. School leadership which demonstrates a clear vision and expectation and which builds strong relationships based on mutual trust and responsibility is innovative and displays a strong understanding of emerging educational trends and programs which can greatly influence student outcomes in schools.

It will be my task over time to articulate a vision for Marcellin College which is informed by sound educational thinking as well as by the needs of this particular community, students, parents and staff within the Marist Catholic context.

The other vital characteristic which has been well documented of late in regard to its influence on student achievement is the quality of teaching which takes place in a school everyday. Teachers who display passion for and a strong knowledge of their subjects; who demonstrate innovative and thoughtful teaching approaches, are reflective on their practice and who present themselves as models of lifelong learning, and most importantly, who build strong, appropriate and positive relationships with students are the ones who will have a tremendous impact on the achievement of the students in their care.

Everyday at Marcellin our teachers are constantly striving for these things. Led by their faculty heads and more particularly by Mr. Peter Houlihan (Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning) teachers engage in such activities as constant internal and external professional learning, peer observation, involvement in professional associations, VCE examination marking and numerous faculty meetings to mention but a few. Many teachers are also engaged in formal post graduate study and the College has a very active Project for the Enhancement of Effective Learning (PEEL) group.

As one way of supporting teachers in their continued growth as professionals over the coming weeks all Marcellin staff will be engaged in Annual Review Meetings. These meetings provide an opportunity for teachers to review and reflect on their year at Marcellin as well as supporting them to develop professional goals for the coming year. This is a valuable experience as it reminds us all of the need to be constantly striving to develop best practice as educators supporting the boys of Marcellin College to achieve their highest.

I have spoken before about the tremendous benefits to be had through involvement in the Remar Ministry and Leadership program conducted here at Marcellin.

Last week 31 boys attended the Remar Red Embarkation camp over three days at Gembrook. The Camp was led by Mr. Mario Frazzetto (Remar Coordinator) and Mr. Edward Doyle (Red Helmsperson) ably assisted by Mr. Renato Malisani. It is very encouraging to see so many boys avail themselves of this opportunity. I look forward to watching them progress through the Remar Program over the next three years.

Yours sincerely,



Mark Murphy
Principal

Dear members of the Marcellin College family,

Last week Marcellin College was privileged to welcome Mr. Julian Burnside QC as guest speaker to our second mentor and leadership breakfast. Mr. Burnside is an accomplished Barrister, Human Rights advocate and successful author who has worked tirelessly in support of refugees wishing to make Australia their home. During the breakfast Mr. Burnside spoke passionately about the difficulties and hardships these people endure in their struggle to make a better life for themselves and their families, free of the violence and oppression they face in their own countries. He also spoke of our role in supporting genuine refugees and asylum seekers in this country.

My few comments in this space could not do justice to the inspiring words offered by Mr. Burnside at the breakfast so I suggest you “check out” the Marcellin College website where a full audio transcript of Mr. Burnside’s speech is available to listen to. I highly recommend it!

I would like to thank Mr. Adriano Di Prato and Ms. Lee Campbell for initiating and supporting these valuable events. I would also like to acknowledge the support and efforts of Jason Manakis and Jonathon Wilkinson, past Collegians of Marcellin who have shown great dedication to and affection for the College in giving of their time, talents and energy to our mentor and leadership breakfast. These young men are living examples of service and leadership which I’m certain will inspire future student leaders of Marcellin.

Something which Mr. Burnside did say at the commencement of his speech, unrelated to his comments on refugees, struck a timely chord with me as we enter the last part of this academic year. He said the following…

“As you plough through your studies, don’t plan too much for you future…the world will make up your mind for you.”

By way of illustration of this comment Mr. Burnside spoke about his own career path, one in which he never planned to be a lawyer but where life circumstance and opportunity led him to it.

Having said that, Mr. Burnside went on to add this crucial piece of advice…

“Do less planning for your future and more preparing for it….The idea of having a mind that is prepared means that when the right opportunity comes you’ll be able to take it and make the best of it.”

Often I speak to students who are concerned about their uncertainty as to what they want to do when they leave school. Mr. Burnside’s idea is one which suggests that we need not worry ourselves too much about certainty as far as our future career path is concerned. More importantly, he posits that we should work hard now on placing ourselves in the best position so that when opportunities arise we are ready and able to take them.

I know that at Marcellin we provide boys with many opportunities to prepare for their future - academically, spiritually, socially and physically so that as Mr. Burnside suggests, when the right opportunity comes their way, they can take it and make the most of it.

This is a time of the year where these ideas are particularly poignant. Assessments are being finalised and examinations are being prepared for and undertaken, I encourage all our students to take advantage of the time and support offered by their teachers and wish them every success with their studies.

Last week the College held its annual Ladies Luncheon to acknowledge and celebrate the support provided by many people who voluntarily assist Marcellin College in many ways. Details of the day are provided later in this newsletter.

I would like to offer my own thanks to those who continue to provide of their time, energy and expertise in support of our College and I would also like to thank all those responsible for organising this luncheon, particularly Mrs. Jenny Hudleston who not only supports me daily in her role as Principal’s PA but whose attention to detail and thoughtfulness ensures that events such as these are so successful.

Yours sincerely,



Mark Murphy
Principal

Dear members of the Marcellin College family,

Last Saturday Marcellin College held its annual Open Day. As part of the program for this important day in the College calendar I had the opportunity to speak to prospective families about the benefits of having their sons educated in an all boys setting. I explained that boys’ education had come a long way in the past thirty years. I spoke of the concept of multiple masculinities - that there are many positive and legitimate pathways toward manhood and that boys at Marcellin are provided with numerous opportunities to explore and embrace these pathways. My task was made dramatically easier as I drew on the events of the past week as examples of this idea.

Firstly, I spoke about the Remar Gold Graduation dinner that was held the previous Tuesday evening. The Remar program of faith, service and leadership development is the best of its type I have seen anywhere. It assists young men in their growth and development towards what St. Marcellin Champagnat would describe as Good Christians and Good citizens. It particularly helps them to realise their potential as leaders in service of others especially those in greatest need. Congratulations to Tim Hannah, Luke Cardamone, Jesse Ruse, Tim Conroy, Kalem Ortiz and Alex Rathbone for completing all three years of Remar and to Mr. Mario Frazzetto for his helmsmanship and coordination of this worthwhile program.

I then went on to speak about the College’s Arts Expo which was opened the following evening. This night provided an opportunity for boys from across the College to showcase their artistic and technological talents. Many parents commented to me that they were astounded as to the quality and creativity of the works on display as was I. This is a great testament to the talents and hard work of the students as well as the skills, enthusiasm and commitment of their teachers. I would like to thank all those who made this event such a success. Particular thanks need to be extended to Mrs. Carolyn Easdale (Learning Coordinator - Visual Arts) for her professionalism and attention to detail in coordinating the Expo.

Finally, I spoke about the College’s Junior School Production which also opened in the same week. As you may be aware M2 is a collaborative effort between the students of Our Lady of Mercy College and Marcellin College. This year, apart from our major production of The Wiz, the group also decided to produce a junior production for students in Years 7, 8 and 9. For their first effort they took on the challenging task of bringing to life Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Nights Dream.” I recall studying Shakespeare when I was at school and I found it a very difficult exercise. These young boys and girls presented themselves as seasoned Shakespearean actors who demonstrated a maturity of performance, characterisation and stagecraft well beyond their years. Congratulations to all those involved. I would particularly like to thank Mrs. Natalie Ciardulli and Miss Melissa Rapinett for their courage, foresight, skill and a belief in the theatrical capabilities of our students.

In speaking to the parents on this diversity of events I was aware that as they entered the driveway of the College that morning they would have also passed the many sporting ovals at the front of the school which were filled with students involved in Round one of the AGSV Summer Sport competition. I was aware too that they had just finished a tour of the College led by Marcellin College boys who spoke from the heart about their love of the school and the many opportunities they have been provided to shine in their time here. On the tour the boys would have pointed out the many opportunities for boys to achieve their best and find their niche as members of the Marcellin College Community.
You can see therefore why my task of presenting Marcellin College as a well rounded all Boys’ School where students have an opportunity to shine in a multitude of areas was not a difficult one. I would like to thank all those who supported our Open Day especially the vast number of teachers, students and parents who gave up their precious Saturday in support of the College. I would particularly like to thank Mr. Adriano Di Prato for his coordination of the day.

Yours sincerely,


Mark Murphy
Principal

Dear Members of the Marcellin Community and Visitors,

The Open Day on Saturday, October 17th is a wonderful opportunity for parents to come and learn a little about the Marcellin community. Marcellin College is a secondary boys’ school conducted since 1950 by the Marist Brothers. The College was founded upon the principles of St Marcellin Champagnat to provide an education grounded in Gospel values with emphasis upon each student striving to reach his potential. Indeed the College motto: “Virtute ad Altissima” means “Through virtue and courage to strive for the highest”. We encourage our students to be young men of character, committed to the ideal of personal excellence so that they may contribute in a meaningful way to the community in which they live.

The College cherishes a strong sense of community amongst the students, parents and staff. This does much to foster a safe and caring environment where the students are able to grow in their education and in their understanding of themselves and the world around them. The College philosophy promotes an ‘open entry’ in terms of academic ability, encouraging students of all abilities to undertake their studies here. This is continued into the VCE and VCAL where the large majority of students are encouraged to complete their Year 12. The mainstream curriculum is augmented by extension programmes for the gifted and additional support for those with learning difficulties.

The College enjoys excellent facilities in terms of specialist classrooms, learning technologies, performance and sporting venues. The beautiful 15 ha property includes the playing fields used in the Associated Grammar Schools’ of Victoria competition and by the various Old Collegians Sporting Clubs.

Over the years there has been very strong interest by parents in securing a position for their sons here at Marcellin. It is therefore important for parents to consult the Marcellin College Enrolment Policy which guides us in our decisions regarding enrolments.

I wish parents all the very best in their important deliberations in choosing a school for their sons. Their decisions ought to be based upon many factors including school philosophy, pastoral care, academic programme, breadth of the curriculum, co-curricular offerings and facilities. At Marcellin we are committed to providing the boys with the best possible education in each of these areas.

Mark Murphy
Principal

Dear members of the Marcellin College family,

In the past few years a concept has emerged in educational circles which many schools, including Marcellin, have adopted as a fundamental aim for their students - that is, the concept of encouraging students to become life-long learners. Schools are constantly searching for and developing programs and strategies to help students develop a love of learning for learning’s sake. Most significantly we attempt to achieve this by employing teachers who are passionate about the subjects they teach and who engage and connect with their students through the learning process. The aim of all this is that students will continue to engage independently in their own learning long after our direct influence over them has ceased.

As parents we too are engaged in this most important task. I believe the most valuable thing a parent can do in support of this endeavour to create life-long learning is to encourage in our children a love of literature from an early age. The research is quite clear here that the more a child is exposed to books from an early age the more enthusiastic and connected they will become with learning. It is not enough for us to encourage them to read or read to them, although these are valuable strategies in themselves, we also need to model this type of behaviour to them through our own example. I’m sure that this is not necessarily a revelation for any of you but perhaps a reminder that at school and at home we constantly need to focus on helping our boys to engage regularly with the written word.

The VCE and VCAL have both become educative programs where sound literacy skills are increasingly important. Even Mathematics and some of the Sciences have more than ever become subjects where excellent literacy skills are a must for those wishing to achieve high results.

I particularly bring this to your attention this week as Marcellin College celebrates ‘Book Week’. This year the theme is “Book Safari” which encourages us to see books as a means of journeying towards discovery of knowledge, enlightenment, wisdom and fun.

Throughout this week the dedicated and creative library staff in the Brother Placidus Centre have provided our students with an array of opportunities to explore the beauty, enjoyment and rich experiences which can come to us through picking up and opening a book. Perhaps there was a time when many boys were not attracted to this activity. I see less of this attitude today in schools than ever before, although to a degree it still does exist. That is why I applaud those who have broken through the stereotypes and shown boys that reading can be a valuable experience for everyone.

One such person who has spent a good deal of time promoting reading amongst boys is former Collingwood footballer Paul Licuria. This week the College was fortunate enough to have Paul come to our school and present his love of all things - Literature at our ‘Blokes and Books Evening’ held on Wednesday night. I was particularly impressed to see many fathers there on the night in support of their sons. You cannot underestimate the power and value of a father’s presence on an Evening such as this and I deeply thank all those men who also demonstrated their understanding of the importance of this event through their attendance. You have done your sons a great service.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Jim Sheridan (Learning Coordinator – Resource Centre) and all the library staff for their hard work and thoughtful initiatives in bringing ‘Book Week’ to our students. I would especially like to thank Grace Florio for her creativity and skill in developing the fun and interesting displays which provided a visual reminder of the significance of the week.

This week the first of our Year 9 O.E. Camps depart. This is another valuable experience for the students of Marcellin. The Camps remind us that the promotion of life-long learning can take place in many settings. I look forward to speaking to the boys on their return and discussing the value of their experiences on Camp.

Yours sincerely,
Mark Murphy
Principal

Dear members of the Marcellin College family,

Working as educators in a Marist school it is our constant responsibility to draw on the teachings of Marcellin Champagnat as we help our students in their growth toward becoming good Christians and virtuous citizens. We are often reminded in many ways of the need to promote the five characteristics of Marist Spirituality:

• Presence
• Simplicity
• Love of Work
• Family Spirit
• In the Way of Mary

This week I have especially been reminded of the fifth of these characteristics: In the Way of Mary due to two significant events.

Last Saturday, the 15th August was the feast of the Assumption of Mary. On this day as Catholics we celebrated Mary who entered body and soul into Heaven. On November 1, 1950, the Feast of All Saints, Pope Pius XII declared as a dogma revealed by God that "Mary, the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, after the completion of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into the glory of Heaven".

This is a highly significant day for all those who follow the Marist way as it reminds us of the tremendous importance of the place of Mary in the life of the Church and our lives as Marist Educators.

Marcellin Champagnat himself speaks of Mary as the “Good Mother” placing ultimate trust in her and vowing to carry on her work in the world. Marcellin once said of Mary:

Without Mary we are nothing and with Mary we have everything, because Mary always has her adorable Son within her arms or in her heart.

I am sure that this image of Mary as loving Mother is one we can all relate to. It is an image of unconditional love of a mother for her son. As Marist educators this image should be at the forefront of our minds as we interact with and support the young men in our care.

The concept of in the way of Mary, is possibly best summed up in the 2007 book on Marist Spirituality “Water from the Rock”:

Our attitudes towards young people find their inspiration in Mary. In contemplating Mary in the scriptures we impregnate ourselves with her spirit. We go without delay into the “Hill Country” of the lives of young people, bringing them news of the justice and faithful mercy of God. By relating to young people in a Marial manner, we become the face of Mary to them.

There are many examples in our school community where we see the face of Mary. Which brings me to the second event in the week which reminded me strongly of the fifth pillar of Marist Spirituality.

Last week I was privileged to host a lunch for ‘Past and Present Mothers of Marcellin College’ who have offered significant contributions to the life of our school community over many years.

As Mary offered an unconditional “Yes” to the Angel Gabriel at the Annunciation, these mothers have offered their own unconditional “Yes” as supporters of Marcellin College. I see so many examples of this everyday in our school. From the support of our mothers from the MCCA for their tireless work on initiatives such as second hand uniform and book sales as well as their efforts at the recent Champagnat Day to the mothers of FOMPA who provide great support to our Performing Arts program. One of the most significant of these contributions comes from the mothers who each week provide vital support to the running of our College Tuckshop. Not only do these ladies ensure that our Tuckshop can operate on a daily basis feeding hundreds of hungry boys, they do so with a mother’s love, affection and expectation for each boy they serve. I know that our boys appreciate the caring way they go about their work for our school, as most definitely do I.

I know too that there are many mothers in our school community who would love the opportunity to support the College in more tangible ways. I also know that other commitments, particularly work commitments make it very difficult for them to do so.

However, I see mothers providing their sons and our school with support and example in many other ways; at parent teacher interviews and Information nights where they demonstrate a close partnership with teachers in educating their sons; at performance evenings and Saturday sport where they show interest and encouragement for their sons endeavours; At special school Masses and other events where they display pride and joy at their sons achievements. These types of contributions should never be forgotten or the value underestimated.

I am very grateful to the mothers of Marcellin College who constantly remind me of the idea of working “In the way of Mary” and who constantly present the face of Mary to the students and staff of our school community.

Yours sincerely,

Mark Murphy
Principal

Dear members of the Marcellin College family,

We know that Marcellin College is a School in the Marist Tradition. We know to that every policy, program, event and interaction in our school is strongly influenced by the Marist Charism and it’s associated educational philosophy. What you may not be as familiar with is the Marist Educational Vision itself:

Students learn to know, to be competent, to live together, most especially to grow as persons A Marist school community is one which reflects Gospel and Marist ideals

I bring this to your attention partly because it is always good to touch base every now and then with our roots and remind ourselves about exactly who we are and what we are setting out to do. Partly too I present this information to you in this article because it provides a rationale for the various events and programs we develop here at the College. One such event was our recent Champagnat Day.

If we look carefully at the Vision for education set out for us by the Marist Brothers, through the inspiration and influence of St. Marcellin Champagnat it is easy to see that it clearly provides us with a blue print and rationale for an event such as Champagnat Day. The Vision speaks of many elements which are essential for the development of such a day. For the purposes of this example I would like to touch on three of them.

The first is the idea presented in the Vision with regard to learning to know. On Champagnat Day the boys of Marcellin were provided with many opportunities to Learn to know. Guest speakers came to speak at Year Level Assemblies on a variety of topics connected with the concept of being in solidarity with the poor. The day also saw the launch of Solidarity Week where students were encouraged to learn more about the plight of those living in poverty. Brother Doug Walsh, OAM officially launched Solidarity Week and spoke to them about an important opportunity our community had - to raise funds for a truck desperately needed by the people of East Timor to transport disabled people to education and health centres.

I am pleased to say the students have raised over $6000 dollars for this important initiative.

The second idea from the Vision which infuenced our planning for Champagnat day was the idea of reflecting gospel values. It is important on days such as these that our boys have an opportunity to take time out to reflect on the words of Jesus which will hopefully put into context the actions they take not only during Solidarity week but also toward each other. Our Mass on Champagnat Day was quite a meaningful and moving experience. As parents I wish you could have seen the way your sons attended to the liturgy. They showed a depth of maturity and sensitivity that was truly inspiring. Our Musicans and singers, beautifully led by Mr. Peter Cavenagh along with our readers and others involved in the mass were a great credit to our school community. I would like to thank Mrs. Gail Coates and Miss. Anna Liggieri for their hard work and creativity in providing us with a special celebration. I would also like to thank the magnificent Fr. John Carnie for the way he led our community in prayer. Fr. John has a unique way of connecting and engaging with boys through the celebration of the Eucharist. His warm and at the same time, reverent manner ensures that our students get the most from this vital part of life in a Catholic school.

Thirdly, I would like to speak about one other part of the Marist Educational vision; the idea of living together…in community. The exciting and engaging activities provided on the day gave the boys an opportunity to enjoy the company of each other and their teachers in a relaxed and fun-filled atmosphere. Even the Principal managed to join in the spirit by being strapped in to a device called the gravitron! (I still have not fully recovered!). Finally, another important example of community on display on Champagnat Day was the great work of the mothers from the MCCA who cooked lunch for 1200 hungry boys and the staff of Marcellin in extremely windy and trying conditions. Thank you very much ladies!

Before Champagnat day I met with Mr. Di Prato, the overall coordinator of Champagnat Day. Together, we came to the conclusion that to have a successful and meaningful Champagnat day three elements had to exist.

LEARNING, LITURGY, FUN

These three elements equate well with the ideas outlined above from the Marist Educational Vision. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Di Prato (Deputy Principal) and members of the College SRC for their meticulous planning and hard work preparing for and presenting this significant day in the College Calendar and for staying true to our Marist ideals.

Yours sincerely,

Mark Murphy
Principal

Dear Members of the Marcellin Family,

This time of the year is one of discernment for all students in our school. It is a time when our Year 12 students begin to finalise their choices of pathway options post VCE/VCAL. It is also a time when students at other levels determine their subject choices for next year. In order to assist students and parents with this significant decision-making process a number of subject selection Assemblies have been held at all year levels to provide students with the necessary tools and information to make these choices.

As mentioned in this column last week another important service provided by the College to assist in this process was the VCE Expo evening held last week. This night provided a great opportunity for students and parents at the senior levels to hear presentations on the structure and processes involved in the VCE/VCAL program as well as the opportunity to speak directly with subject teachers and senior students on the requirements and programs associated with specific senior subjects.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to speak with families on this evening to provide my own experience and advice which may help as students and families begin their journey through the VCE/VCAL. Below is an extract from my presentation at the VCE Expo.

“One of the tensions for us as parents in observing our sons growth from boys toward manhood is that we increasingly have to step back and allow them to make their own decisions. Our sons often tell us that they are old enough to make all kinds of choices and that we should allow them room to do so. As parents it is our task to discern the moments when we should step back. Can I tell you that this evening is definitely not one of those times. From this moment on in your son’s education the partnership between student, parent and teacher becomes even more crucial.

Boys, can I tell you that you can’t do this by yourselves. Your teachers present here this evening have knowledge about subjects, prerequisites, careers and pathways, the tertiary sector etc. which will support you in making wise choices.

Your parents have life experience and education and most importantly, they know you better than everyone. My advice is to utilise all of this collective wisdom as you discern your subject choices.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Head of faculties, Mr. McIlroy, Mr. Houlihan, Mr. Di Prato, Mr. Morandini and Ms. Karas for providing an excellent forum in which to begin this discernment process.

Finally, as you navigate the many choices open to you this evening my advice is to keep it simple and think about the answers to 3 questions:

1. Would do I like?
2. What am I good at?
3. What do I need to get me where I want to go?

Good luck as you begin to determine the next phase of your education here at Marcellin and remember that the College is there with you each step of the way. Remember, none of us can do this on our own.”

Accountability and transparency are two words which have become synonymous with the culture of all schools in the past few years. Recently you would have received a copy of the Marcellin College annual report which is a mandated requirement of all schools in Victoria. The report provides our community with information on all aspects of the delivery of education to the students of Marcellin. Another important part of this process of whole school accountability, transparency and reporting is the School Improvement Framework.

The School Improvement Framework is an initiative of the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria in conjunction with the Catholic Education Office Melbourne. It has been developed with two purposes in mind:

1. To assist Catholic Schools to satisfy legitimate expectations of government and sector authorities about accountability for the outcomes of schooling.
2. To assist schools and teachers to improve student learning outcomes

Each Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Melbourne has been scheduled to adhere to the School Improvement Framework (SIF) within the time period 2008 – 2012. Marcellin College will participate in the first cycle of the SIF in 2010.

The SIF is a whole school review process which will support us in providing a long term vision for Marcellin College with regard to the provision of Catholic Education and the development of programs to assist with continued improvement of student outcomes. Over time I will provide you with further information regarding this significant initiative and how you as parents can become involved in the process.

Yours sincerely

Mark Murphy
Principal

Dear members of the Marcellin family,

It is with great enthusiasm that I write to you for the first time as Principal of Marcellin College.

I would like to begin by acknowledging the outstanding contribution of the former Principal Mr. Mark Merry. Under Mark’s Leadership Marcellin has continued to develop as an exceptional provider of Boy’s Education in Melbourne. His focus on supporting boys to achieve excellence in all aspects of school life has been one from which I am certain all in this community have benefited greatly.

Personally, I would like to publically thank Mark for his generous support and guidance during my transition and induction to the Principalship of this school.

In Term one my wife Caroline and I were privileged to attend the commencement Mass and Induction of Year 7 students and leaders for 2009. This celebration provided me with a great insight into the ethos of the College and most particularly demonstrated the things which are of importance to this school.

• The Mass was held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and celebrated by the Archbishop of Melbourne His Grace Archbishop Denis Hart. This is significant as it provides a tangible example of belonging to the broader Catholic Church as well as a view that the centrality of faith is at the heart of life at Marcellin.
• The celebration was imbued with the Charism of St. Marcellin Champagnat. It is this tradition which provides the school with the foundation of its identity. Indeed, in the short time I have been involved with the College I have already gained a sense that the vision and philosophy of Marcellin Champagnat is at the very heart of every action and interaction between all members of the Marcellin community.
• I observed the support and care shown towards the Year 7 boys as they were inducted into the College. It was quite apparent that each pastoral teacher is dedicated to the wellbeing of each of their students. In speaking with some of the boys afterwards it was clear too that they felt welcomed and accepted as members of the Marcellin family.
• The recognition of student leadership during their induction ceremony demonstrated that the gifts and talents of students are valued and acknowledged. It also showed that the boys themselves take great pride in their school; that they strive to be their best in all they do. They recognise the care and support the College has shown towards them and wish to give of their abilities to the life of the school.
• The students themselves took a significant role in many aspects of the celebration from welcoming people at the door to reading and singing. This showed that firstly, the students are comfortable and confident to share their particular abilities for the good of the community and secondly, that the College provides them with many vehicles to do so.
• This celebration was deliberately held in the evening to ensure that the families of students could attend. This confirmed for me the importance the College places on family and partnership as we walk together with the boys on their educational journey.
• Finally, I personally felt a great sense of warmth and welcome as I entered the Marcellin Community for the first time. From the ushers who met me at the door, especially Jesse who provided me with a particularly enthusiastic welcome, to the staff and parents who took the time to come and say hello after Mass.

Each of these observations confirm for me that Marcellin College is a vibrant, engaging and healthy educational and faith community. It is my hope that I can support Marcellin College as it continues to provide the best possible education for boys in mind, body and spirit and that together we can support our boys to become what St. Marcellin Champagnat hoped for his boys…
To become Good Christians and Good Citizens

Yours sincerely,


Mark Murphy
Principal

Dear Members of the Marcellin Family,

This is my last post before finishing up on Friday March 20th. On my very first front page back in February 2001, I wrote the following:

“I hope that Marcellin is a school where students and teachers have a genuine love of learning. Where there is an interest in learning new things and better understanding the world around us. I hope that the school community is based on unity and mutual respect whereby no one feels marginalized or alone. I hope that it is a place where students through their conduct and appearance demonstrate an understanding of personal responsibility and show support for their school. Where they in turn are encouraged and recognised as valued members of the community. “

I remember thinking very carefully about these words back at the very beginning of my time at Marcellin. Those aspirations I still have for the school. Marcellin has so much going for it. The school has great facilities, a long and proud spirit and tradition, supportive parents, committed staff and students of great character and promise. With all these gifts and members of the community moving forward with the same purpose; the school must go from strength to strength.

I would like to thank you the parents for your support over the past eight years. There is no doubt that the partnership between the parents and the school is a strong one. The beneficiaries of this are the boys who see consistency of purpose amongst the adults…this make both parties more effective in their roles. I thank my colleagues both past and present who have worked so hard to teach and care for the students. I thank them for their service to the boys and the many times they have supported me in my work. I offer my gratitude to the boys themselves. They are a great group of young men. This is borne out in their generosity, their humour and their willingness to contribute in so many ways to their school community. I have enjoyed their company and will certainly miss them.

Next Term Mr. Mark Murphy commences as Principal of the College. Mark brings with him extensive experience in boys’ education and a great dedication to the work of the Church. The school will be in good hands.

I wish the Marcellin community the very best in the future. I leave with great memories and an abiding affection for the school.

Yours sincerely,

Mark Merry
Principal