PRINCIPAL'S PEN 

"Energy and persistence conquer all things." – Benjamin Franklin

Success is often attributed to talent, intelligence or opportunity. Yet when the stories behind exceptional achievement are examined more closely, a different quality frequently emerges – persistence.

During the recent Marist Schools Australia Basketball Tournament in Perth, former Perth Wildcats player and Australian representative Greg Hire shared a powerful lesson with our players. Hoping to discover the secret behind NBA star Donovan Mitchell’s success, Hire observed one of Mitchell’s training sessions. What he witnessed was not cutting-edge techniques or a revolutionary approach to performance. Instead, he saw hours devoted to stretching, movement patterns, visualisation and the repeated practice of fundamental skills.

The difference was not in what Mitchell was doing, but in how consistently he did it. Day after day, he arrived, remained focused and committed himself to mastering the basics. For Greg Hire, the defining characteristic of Mitchell’s success could be summed up in a single word: persistence.

It is a lesson that applies just as readily in education as it does in elite sport. The outstanding academic results celebrated at the beginning of Semester 2 provide clear evidence of what can be achieved through sustained effort and commitment to learning.

This semester, 248 Academic Awards were presented to our students across the College, recognising exceptional academic achievement and improvement. Several results were particularly noteworthy:

• 40% of our Year 7 students received an Academic Award.
• Our Year 12 students earned twice as many awards as they did in Year 11.

• Every year level from Years 8 to 12 increased its number of Academic Awards compared with the previous year.

   

These results reflect a strong culture of learning across the College and are a credit to our students, staff and families.

Importantly, the awards themselves tell only part of the story. Behind every award are students who completed revision, sought feedback, refined their skills, worked through challenges and remained committed to improvement over time. Success in learning is rarely the product of natural ability alone; it is more often the result of persistence, discipline and a willingness to keep improving.

The lesson shared by Greg Hire serves as a timely reminder that excellence is built through consistent attention to the fundamentals. Persistence develops resilience, deepens understanding and establishes the habits that underpin long-term success. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, in the arts or through leadership, meaningful achievement is usually the result of sustained effort over time.

As Semester 2 progresses, the challenge for every student is simple: continue to persist. The habits that produce success are rarely dramatic, but they are powerful. Consistent effort, focused attention and a commitment to continual improvement remain the foundations of excellence. And these are the very qualities that shape capable young men and prepare them for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. 

Please click on this link to view the Awards Assembly.

Scott Street digital sign

Families may have noticed the installation of the College’s new digital sign on the corner of Scott and Severin streets.

This project was made possible through the generous support of our Parent Forum, and sincere thanks are extended to the forum for its ongoing commitment to enhancing college life.

The sign will strengthen communication with families, promote upcoming events and provide another avenue through which student achievement can be celebrated. It represents another positive investment in strengthening the connection between the College and our community.