#virtuteadaltissima

+ “Faith is not a light which scatters all our darkness, but a lamp which guides our steps in the night and suffices for the journey.” ~ Pope Francis | 2013 Lumen Fedei, Rome

Change Matters

All leaders need to set the expectation that change is inevitable. So anyone, especially in schools, should never adopt the mindset that their work environment is free from growth and evolution. Yes, stability and comfort are important constructs, but the reality is, as humans, we need to be forever open to our possibility to learn, unlearn and relearn.

Although leaders can’t control how all their employees feel or the stories they tell themselves when progress and change inevitably hits. It is the responsibly of all people, especially the leaders, to clearly communicate and articulate the “why” and define the impact of the proposed change. Then provide a strategic change process that is agile and adaptable and at its heart has real progress, while cultivating psychological safety for all stakeholders.

As a leader, your best approach is to create a fluid environment that embraces change. At Marcellin I was fortunate that most were open to change and welcomed the opportunity to lead and/or participate in the continual growth of each member in the community. Some of the challenges back when I commenced in 2008 included:

- A largely punitive Student Management and Expectations guidelines that demanded compliance not engagement

- Low levels of community engagement and opportunities for Christian service

- No expectation on what it meant to be a member of the Marcellin community

- Small number of student leadership positions offered

- Student Leadership roles primarily ceremonial

- No rationale or structure for Extended Pastoral (now Student Wellbeing Program)

- Poor student & teacher relationships

Over the twelve years at the College the community was witness to significant change - to the physical environment, the empowerment of staff and a clear focus on the increase of student agency and advocacy, particularly around Catholic Social Teaching. The changes yielded:

- the best academic outcomes in the College’s history

- record enrolment growth (11% growth from 2013 to 2018) and waiting lists at every year level

- record number of students applying through VTAC receiving 1st round University offers (95% on average)

- record student retention rate of 97% from Years 9 to 12 (previously 78% in 2008)

- huge increase in student participation in a broad range of co-curricular offerings

- greater awareness and active involvement of students in social issues

- No. 1 followed secondary school on Twitter in Australia with approx. 500,000 views per month

- strong reputation in the broader educational community

The substantial change in the overall culture and the fostering of an inclusive faith learning environment is something that all the students, staff, families and community, over the past twelve years, should be extremely proud of. Huge credit to the students, staff and parents who have all contributed to the realisation of these initiatives. Collective efficacy and collaboration at the centre. Here is a look at what that change agenda looked like over the twelve years:

2008

- Established a new Strategic Plan that included the dimension of Relationships

- In partnership with students and the Pastoral Care Team established a new Student Leadership Body, SRC Constitution and developed a Positive Relationships Policy

- In partnership with students introduced a new Year 12 Celebration Day program

2009

- Introduced a re-imagined Student Wellbeing Program, inc. House Assemblies, faith formation, right relationships, digital citizenship and social & emotional learning

- In partnership with students, staff and parents introduced a new Champagnat Day format, including Marcellin’s Got Talent

- Introduced Restorative Practices as a new approach to student wellbeing and conflict resolution

2010

- Introduced many new student leadership opportunities – Ministry, Academic and Sport

- Introduced a digital Teacher Professional Portfolio and renewed ARM process, incorporating Student Feedback Surveys and Peer Observation for each teacher

- Established the annual Year 10 Learning & Pathways Expo

- Participated in the annual Marist Pilgrimage to France, Rome and Central America 

2011

- Official opening of the Brother McMahon Performing Arts Centre (MPAC)

- Introduced a Transition Coordinator to better support Grade 6 students and families with their transition to the College

- Established Year 7 Student Ambassadors

- Established an annual Arts & Leadership Assembly

2012

- Established a new Communications and Marketing Strategy, including a social media presence

- Established a new process for staff induction to the College, , which incorporated Being Marist and In the Way of Mary formation sessions

- Introduced a Ninth House – Carnie House

- Introduced new AGSV & VSRU Playing kits, ensuring the dignity of all students was recognised and a sun smart H&PE Uniform

- Introduced an annual ANZAC Day ceremony in Saint Marcellin’s Hall

- MCCA establish an annual Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Breakfast

2013

- Established Junior School Captains and a Junior School SRC Executive

- Established an annual Globalisation Assembly, celebrating cultural diversity and languages

- SRC Executive introduced a Staff Marist Award

- Established a Middle Leaders staff formation program in partnership with Educaa and a Senior Leaders program with ILMP

- Refurbishment of the Brother Placidus Lecture theatre, including increased capacity to 250 seats

- During my long service leave participated in an immersion to the Holy Land, Israel during Easter, followed by eight-weeks as a volunteer in on an African refugee program in South Africa called Three2Six.  

2014

- Commencement of a new School Improvement Plan (2014-2017), including launch of the Masterplan development with Cox Architecture

- Development of a Vision for Learning that incorporates the teaching of 21st Century skills and curriculum review at Years 9 and 10

- Commenced involvement in the Victorian Young Leaders to China six-week immersion program

- Shifted the House Charity focus to an emphasis on House Social Justice

- Launch of a new website and eNewsletter version of The Eagle, as well as the further consolidation of social media tools such Twitter and our YouTube Channel for communication

- increased VET study opportunities

- Completed the Camino Pilgrimage “The Way of St. James” from Sarria to Santiago, Spain. Shared learnings via his blog and a presentation to the Executive team upon his return

2015

- Launched the much heralded prospectus film “I Am Known”

- Established an annual Transition Breakfast with priority parish feeder primary schools

- Established a new Acknowledgement of Country in partnership with the Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation and Cultural Heritage Council

- Established Day 3 Staff Professional Learning afternoon

- Established an Emerging Leaders staff formation program in partnership with Innate Education

- In partnership with the Junior SRC Executive introduced a new summer shirt with navy trim

- Introduced a new role of Assistant Principal (Mission)

- Junior School Captains & Junior School SRC Executive involved in Masterplan development

- Established EncounterMC – Junior School Youth Ministry Program

- Introduced an annual immersion opportunity to South Africa for three Old Collegians (aged 18 - 25) to support the Three2Six Holiday Program for refugee children

2016

- Launched Hope…Living Water – a publication about the College’s commitment to Catholic Social Teaching

- Introduction of a new College Blazer with navy trim, paying tribute to the original all navy blazer from 1950

- Introduced new liturgical celebrations during Lent, Easter and the Assumption of Mary

- The College raised over $35,000 for World’s Greatest Shave in solidarity with a Year 12 student diagnosed with leukemia

- Senior SRC Executive involved with Cox Architecture for the Hermitage Project development

- In partnership with the AP (Mission) reviewed the Year 11 & 12 Retreat program, developing digital resources 

- Introduced of a Spectator Scarf, designed by a Year 8 student and the annual Year 12 Publication Nest

2017

- The Bicentenary of the Marist Institute was commemorated by commissioning local Melbourne mosaic artist and parent Cetta Pilati to design, build and install ‘Three Violets’ (picture)

- Senior SRC Executive worked on enhancing whole school mindfulness around Men’s Mental Health by actively participating in the National Mental Health Awareness Week in October

- Introduced Junior School Social Justice Captains and Science Captains

- Introduced Spectator Beanie by the MCCA

- Completion of six multi-purpose playing fields

- Completed a three week ACU theology course, Catholic Education: Mission, Culture & Spirituality at their Rome Campus. Shared learnings via his blog and a presentation to the Executive team upon his return

- Participated in the annual Marist Solidarity Immersion to Cambodia

2018

- Whole school review process into learning via the National School Improvement Tool (NSIT) supported by the Australian Council of Educational Research (ACER) and Catholic Education Melbourne

- Development of 12 Guiding Principles, that with the NSIT findings are the foundation of a new Strategic Improvement Plan (2019-2021)

- Launched Living Hope – a publication about the annual Marist Solidarity Immersion to Cambodia

- Introduced Tenth House – Chirat House, the first house named after a female

- Participation in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) which is sponsored by the OECD

- Students participated in Design Workshops with Cox Architecture for next stage of Masterplan

- Officially opening of the Hermitage project and Marist House

- Established the Wurundjeri Heritage Garden, which includes a reproduction of William Barak’s famous ‘Figures in possum skin cloaks, 1898’, with permission from the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV)

- Begun to develop a new future-focused learning ecosystem, titled Polaris

- Established a partnership with Future Schools Alliance (FSA)

2019

- Launched Polaris – a dynamic vision for faith, learning and life for a new world environment

- Commencement of a new College Leadership structure, including Deputy Principal responsible for the vison for learning, an Assistant Principal (Mission), 2 x Assistant Principals (Students), an Assistant Principal (Staff & Strategy), a Director of Professional Learning & Partnerships, a Director of Community Engagement & Marketing and a Director of Operations

- Established a partnership with CIRCLE Education to build and deliver comprehensive Emerging, Middle and Senior leadership programs for staff

- Launched MyMC, a learning management system developed in partnership with SchoolBox

- Developed one hundred Depth Stage courses, designed to stretch and challenge each student, that commence in 2020

- Commenced involvement in the Victorian Young Leaders to Indonesia six-week immersion program

- Commenced involvement in the Asian Bridging Program with Indonesia

- Commenced a partnership with the Government of Sardinia, Italy for an annual student exchange program

As we are close to the commencement of a new academic year I wish all in the Marcellin community the very best for 2020. It will be a special time as they navigate and celebrate the beginning of their dynamic new learning ecosystem - Polaris, in their 70th anniversary year.

+ “Education is unfolding the wings of head and heart together. The job of a teacher is to push the students out of the nest to strengthen their wings.” ~ Amit Ray | Walking the Path of Compassion

Selamat tinggal | 再見 | Arrivederci | Goodbye

After twelve wonderful years my time at Marcellin College has come to an end. The decision to resign was a difficult one, as I have much affection for the Marcellin family. Nonetheless it was a decision I came to after much reflection around priorities in life. It has been an honour and gift to serve the Marcellin community over the past twelve years, an experience that I will always treasure.

During the past twelve years I have had the great fortunate to work alongside many exceptional educators and leaders, all of whom remain deeply committed to supporting each young man in their care, in unlocking their possibility. I have also had the blessed opportunity to encounter highly committed and generous parents, who in active partnership with the College, dedicated their time in support of the growth and achievement of each young man. It has been a great pleasure to work with you all.

I feel my time at the College has allowed me to become a more complete educator, thought leader and person. I hope over time that my faithfulness and unconditional service has been able to leave some form of legacy for the Marcellin community.

Finally, to the young men of Marcellin College. It has been a privilege to encounter the remarkable young men of the “Nest”. Saint Marcellin Champagnat stated, “To raise children properly, we must love them and love them equally.” Now, not all were easy to love, all of the time. Nonetheless I loved them anyway! I loved every encounter I had with each young man and I very much appreciated your acceptance, loyalty, honesty, commitment, humor and especially Marist humility.

My hope, for each young man that I have encountered over the past twelve years, is that you all understand your responsibilities as Good Christians and ethical global citizens. That each of you take your place in society as active contributors to social change, justice and human advancement. And that, just like I, will forever have in your hearts, Virtute Ad Altissima.

Grazie mille

“Transformational leaders don’t start by denying the world around them. Instead, they describe a future they’d like to create instead.” ~ Seth Godin

  Gratitude | Mark Murphy

As you are all aware Mark Murphy will be concluding his time at Marcellin College at the end of 2019 to take up a new Principal position at another Catholic secondary school.

I have been very fortunate to work alongside an educational leader of Mark’s calibre for the past eleven years. And we, as an inclusive faith learning community have all benefited greatly from Mark’s example of faith leadership and deep generosity for the other.

There is much to be celebrated across the past eleven years under Mark’s leadership, that has been marked by his unrivalled trust and faith in our staff, especially that of the Executive and Leadership teams, allowing each of us to contribute fully to the life of the College.

Mark has been a most present Principal, supporting the work of all our staff and the active participation and achievement of our young man, often seen at most evening events and Saturday sport fixtures. He has given much of his time, because when he is present it is an affirmation of the work of our staff, our parents and the commitment of each young man to be better than they were yesterday.

Under Mark’s Principalship the College has seen record enrolment growth, record student retention from Year 9 to Year 12, the strongest financial stewardship in our 69-year history and a significant growth in the broad range of ministry, academic, cultural immersions, sporting and arts opportunities ever witnessed in our community.

When I reflect on the professional relationship I have forged with Mark over the years, one that remains the envy of most leaders in Catholic education across Victoria, I remember receiving a card from Mark in October 2015, showing his appreciation for my commitment to our faith learning community. It was unexpected and unnecessary, but most appreciative. This is an example of what best articulates the significant value of a leader like Mark Murphy – a man that believes in people, as he believes we all matter. Some people have no comprehension of how generous he is as person and as a leader. Mark is an educational leader that operates from the deep construct of love and permission, backing in his team, believing in their capacity and empowering each member to co-produce our community, in support of each young man and their families in our care.

Our inclusive faith learning community has a very bright future. There is a renewed energy and verve around the place. Lots of things are aligning under our new learning ecosystem, Polaris – especially through yet another growth in enrolment interest from 2021 and unprecedented numbers of prospective teaching staff applications. Most of this is due to Mark’s thoughtful leadership. He is inclusive, respectful and compassionate.  Each of us, and especially our young men and their families, have been fortunate to have a man of his depth and character serving our Catholic community.

Marcellin College have been guided by a strong faith leader with an exceptional understanding of what it means to be Marist. Mark’s strong, personal faith in the Holy Spirit has supported him to, in the way of Mary, bring Christ’s love to birth for each young man, staff, families and extended community. His ability to ensure that others know they are loved has strengthened the family spirit of the Bulleen community and set an example of extraordinary discipleship for all who serve.

My personal growth as an educational leader is due largely to Mark having given me permission to implement much needed change and growth for our community. I am forever grateful for his friendship and his faith in me and in support of the mission of Saint Marcellin Champagnat. For our community has been witness to what it means to lead with love, courage, compassion and conviction through Mark’s example.

+ “Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” ~ Marcus Aurelius

I was recently asked by Victor Perton, founder of the Australian Leadership Project the following question:

What makes you optimistic? My response:

Very simply, young people.

In 2017 I had an opportunity to travel with ten young men from Marcellin and three other staff to Cambodia. Here we lived and worked in solidarity with Marist Brothers in support of the young people of Pailin.

Each student for me was an example that hope is the virtue of a heart, that doesn’t succumb to darkness and despair, but is able to see a tomorrow flooded with light and optimism. They were a group of young men capable of starting a revolution of deep faith, hope and love. 

The pilgrims in Cambodia I encountered are, but one example of young people prepared to share their gift of generosity, love and possibility with the world.

Each generation of young people over my educational journey has reminded me that love is a verb. They continue to provide me with much oxygen and hope of our collective possibility as we navigate an unknown future.

+ “To be a teacher is to be a prophet. We are not educating students for the world we grew up in, not even for the world that exists today, but for the future they will live into, a future that we can barely imagine” ~ Gordan Brown former Dean, School of Engineering, MIT

Polaris noun | poh-lair-is | stella polāris

In ancient days of star navigation, sailors found their ways in uncharted territories by first locating the North Star. Ancient peoples found destinations relying solely on observations from their environment versus complicated instrumentation that was yet to be invented. The North Star provided an internal compass—that which was unmoving amidst the ever-rotating star-field. From the North Star, the course was mapped and arrival certainly promised—as long as True North was kept ever in sight.

Each of us has an internal compass or instinct that points us in the direction of equilibrium. Our inner compass warns us when we are off course and when we are on the right track. What is your North Star, that which is a priority and supreme motivator above all else? Your core values are your North Star(s). They’re often very universal and when held in sight, have incredible power to direct and focus our lives.

It can take some deep exploring to discover our True North. True North points in the direction we wish to go toward – it becomes our guiding light, not our destination. The North Star is the one constant in an ever-changing world.

We need to remember that the opportunity for transformation is present always. Marcellin College, our Village on the Hill, could become a North Star in education and schooling – a shining light of what’s possible - Polaris.

+ “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9

On Friday 26 October Marcellin College hosted its Valedictory Mass of Thanksgiving and Dinner. During the dinner we presented our three College Captains a framed gift in recognition of their outstanding service.

James (Vice Captain), Lewis (Captain) and Gerard (Vice Captain) are three wonderful young men that have immersed themselves in the full life of the College. Each contributing to co-producing our faith learning community through their active participation, compassion and leadership. Each are highly relational, inclusive and hope-filled. Each love the Nest.

I’m unsure what the future holds for Lewis, Gerard and James however I’m confident they collectively have a call to lead and serve the other. It’s been a privilege to walk alongside these three student leaders. I have watched them grow into exceptional young men.

Thank you for your personal friendship gentlemen and for your huge contributions to the Marcellin community. Go in peace.

+ “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” - Albert Einstein

On Friday was my final class with this bunch of amazingly talented, fun and highly relational VCE Visual Communication Design young men!

This group of young men remind me every day that I don’t teach a subject, I teach people. We’ve experienced so much as a group over the past two years - family loss, separation, hospitalisation, self-doubt, joy, elation, success and most importantly trusting friendship. Collectively we contributed to a culture of care and encouragement. Each growing equally as accomplished design students and as fine young men.

The power of design thinking has allowed each young man to develop mastery and skill attainment in this class. Each was prepare to trust in me, as together, we witness great growth and commitment to being better then we were yesterday. Creative and design thinking can be a game-changer. Creativity is a key component for survival, advancement and resilience. Think of the ideas and inventions that have contributed to human evolution and that have enabled people to move forward and flourish. Advances in technology, medicine, engineering, sciences, and every other field of endeavor would not have been possible without someone taking initiative and persisting in pursuing a creative notion.

Sir Ken Robinson defines creativity as “the process of having original ideas that have value.” These young men represent our collective creative future. I encourage them all to never stand still, be open to the other and continue to find opportunities to share their gift with the world.

These boys drove me crazy over the past two years, but the right type of crazy. They will forever have a special place in my heart.

+ “It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing. It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dream, for the adventure of being alive.” ~ Oriah Mountain Dreamer

My message to the graduating Class of 2018

Listen to the words above. Really listen. This invitation is about finding what we need, the necessary inspiration, the awareness, the courage and the commitment to live an abundant life. This invitation is ultimately calling for a conscious intimacy of self.

“At the heart of intimacy is self‐disclosure.” ~ John R. Buri. Listen to this invitation of self‐disclosure as it is most inspiring. It is an absolute human certainty that no one can know their own beauty or perceive a sense of their own worth until they are prepared to look within. You have a responsibility to become the individual you are at the deepest level of your being. Listen to your own awareness. Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone else’s inability to see your worth. You determine your truth.

Listen to the courage to dare to be yourself. You cultivate a commitment to honouring your truth when you allow your most vulnerable and powerful self to be deeply seen and known. This heightened level of consciousness ensures an awareness of self that creates your life meaning and your life story. You must have the courage to becoming self.

Listen to the words deep within. Commit to making your life the best, for yourself, those you love and those who love you. Only then can you ask how you can co‐create meaning together, in an indifferent world. Remembering that only those who truly feel the discomfort and challenge of these times will lead meaningful change.

On the 17 May 2009 President Barack Obama delivered a commencement address to the graduation class and stated, “Your class has come of age at a moment of great consequence for our nation and our world ‐ a rare inflection point in history where size and scope of the challenge before us require that we remake our world to renew its promise; that we align our deepest values and commitments to the demands of our new age. It is a privilege and a responsibility afforded few generations ‐ a task you are now called to fulfil”. This challenge to all present is one we should encourage all young people in our care to aspire to, a selflessness for the other. So finally listen to our collective story. The narrative we tell together is far more profound than the one you share alone.

A world where self and the other co‐exist in harmony. A world where love, compassion and joy win. A world that simply needs your truth to change.

Life is often an endless process of self‐actualisation. And our longest journey remains the journey inward. This requires a conscious connectedness with our truth and our compassion for the other ‐ people and nature. For us to continue to evolve we need to be conscious in our relationship and communion with self, God, place and the other.

Our collective future is in our hands, through our collective capacity to be advocates for the voiceless and oppressed. May you use this moment to awaken the light within you. Be gentle with what you discover through encounter. Be true to this calling to serve the other. Become beacons of light for those encountering much darkness and despair.

We are then called to be streams of living water in a world that is often succumbed to drought – faithless and hope‐less. The human is restless and dynamic, but oriented toward the mystery of life and therefore being open to self through the other is a reality.

I will leave you with the African philosophy of Ubuntu, the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity, as a profound example of becoming ‐ “I am what I am because of who we all are”. Through the power of relationships we construct who we are as humans. Relationships with our self, God, place and the other.