Assistant Principal News

A tribute to our retiring Principal - Mr Le Brocque

It is a great privilege to stand here today to acknowledge the contribution made by Alan to the world of Education, but most importantly to celebrate his amazing contribution to the Marian Community during his 15 years of service as College Principal. 

Alan is known under a number of aliases, Boss, chief, Alan, Brocky, Al, sir…… to name a few. But the one thing that all people know Alan for, is his role as Principal of Marian, a man of vision and approachability. But his career did not begin here. Alan commenced his career in 1978 working for four years in the government system. In 1982 he moved to the Catholic Education diocese of Wagga Wagga working at Mt Erin from 1982-2003, serving their community as Assistant Principal for 6 years of that time. He then commenced  the role of Foundation Assistant Principal at Kildare in 2004,  leaving there to commence his tenure as Principal of Marian Catholic College in 2008. 

This means that Alan has dedicated 45 years of his life to educating young people and leading, developing and mentoring staff. 41 years of his life has been spent in Catholic Education -  to put that into perspective that is:

• 30 years longer than Instagram has existed
• longer than 41% of our staff have been alive
• 10 times the number of games West Tigers have won this season

Now the goal is not to make you feel old Alan, but students.. Have a think… How much can one person contribute to the lives of young people, as a teacher and leader in 45 years? How many students have had their lives transformed from his teaching? benefited from his wisdom and sharing of life lessons? had their day changed by his attentive nature and kindness? went on to pursue careers and followed pathways they never thought possible?  How many teachers have been guided in their early careers? offered understanding and compassion in times of distress? given opportunities to grow as professionals and to always aspire to do their best? The answer is countless…

As an ex-student of Catholic High School, I can vouch for the mirrade of changes that have occurred as a result of Alan’s strategic planning, love of work and desire to see the school grow and evolve. 

Under his watchful eye the College has benefited from numerous building works that resulted in quality learning spaces and offices in the newly built  L Block,  access to technology in every classroom, and all students having a device to assist their learning. We have covered areas ( some with their own built-in misting fans) to provide students with an escape from the extreme heat or shelter from rain. Our College gardens and statues provide an aesthetically pleasing environment in which students prosper but also creates an educational environment that offers a sense of pride in the beauty of our facilities and enhances the environmental awareness of our students.  And of course, while we have not officially opened our latest builds, our new state of the art TAS block and hospitality rooms will enable generations of students to access innovative learning, in a cutting edge space. Our new staff centre is also the envy of the diocese and certainly a significant ‘step up’ from our old staff facilities. 

Over the last 15 years Marian has also undergone a significant cultural shift. Student growth and the development of the whole person has seen student wellbeing become a core focus of the college. Alan has championed the development of the Yr 11 student wellbeing committee, pastoral care and Cultural liaison staff roles and the move to having a full time counsellor on staff. He supported the embedding of the Staff Wellbeing professional learning program and encouraged all around him to appreciate the intricacies of mental health and the importance of always showing empathy and compassion.

Alan is always supportive of new initiatives and is keen for staff and students to embed activities that will enhance their experience while at the college. From study club, games group, sporting teams, T3 cafe and chess club to festival of the word, art club, public speaking, fundraising events, information nights and our Community action team, you are always onboard and present to show your support with an enthusiastic smile. His support of the Creative Arts department has seen the College produce sold out musicals and cabaret nights and he is in attendance with obvious pride, at every event .  He has built staff capacity and given them a sense of ownership and responsibility by giving autonomy in these activities which ensures that our staff are willing to ‘step up’ and work together to provide our students with opportunities they would never have had… and  always with your support. 

During his time as Principal, Alan has always held the students at the centre and heart of all his work and decision making. To achieve this, he has always placed the college mission at the forefront of young people’s education. As Principal he has invested time and energy to ensure that the faith and spirituality of all members of the community be nurtured and enriched, and reminded us always that central to all our work in Catholic schools is to teach the young people in our care the values modelled to us by Jesus  Christ in the Gospels – values of love, compassion, service, honesty, humility, and respect, and to help students know how to love God and to love their neighbour.

Alan has succeeded in ensuring that our Christian faith is lived by all in the inclusive way students, staff and parents can take part in masses, liturgies, and prayer services, whilst still respecting their personal beliefs and values. His strong faith in ‘living the way of Mary’ has seen us reconnect with the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat and the development of an active MCC C Marist chapter.. Making us the  only dual Charism college in the diocese, a Mercy and Marist College.

Throughout his leadership, Alan has always maintained that placing quality teachers and staff in front of our students to model high standards and provide quality and engaging learning is crucial to shaping their futures and helping young people know that they can achieve anything they want to achieve.  Alan has supported a strong focus on building teacher capacity and nurturing a culture of learning, resulting in outstanding results year after year.

During his time at Marian Alan has been a visible leader, always outside speaking to staff and students at break times, attending staff social evenings and welcoming all new families to our College. He has conducted approximately 1950 enrollment interviews, shaken the hands of over 1500 graduating students and the consistency of his leadership has inspired a shift in the community view of the College, which is clear evidence through an significant increase in the enrollment of students with approximately 250 more students attending the College in 2022 then  in 2008.

Alan’s leadership at MCC has been guided by the clear vision that he has for our College that it be a place of faith, learning, care, service and stewardship. He has made our College a School that welcomes, that prepares our students for life and a place of wonder, learning and peace. On behalf of the College community, I want to thank you for your contributions to our community . May you find time to rest and relax and enjoy many new adventures.  Alan, it has been a privilege to serve as your Assistant Principal over the past four years, your guidance and wisdom has been a transformative experience both personally and professionally. You have led this College through loving kindness and service for 15 years, you have been guided by our College Charisms of Marist and Mercy and achieved many wonderful things. It is your College vision that will continue to guide us, centre us, and ensure that we continue giving current and future Marian students and staff the best quality education and care possible every day.

Mrs Lora Segrave

Assistant Principal