Deputy Head of College News

World Teachers Day provides an important opportunity to pause and give thanks for the people who dedicate themselves each day to the formation, growth and wellbeing of young people. We celebrated this special date on Friday last week.

In a school, it is easy to think first of what happens in classrooms, and understandably so. Our teachers invest enormous energy, care and professionalism into helping students learn, grow in confidence, discover their strengths and navigate the many challenges of school life. But the life of a College is much bigger than the classroom alone.

Every day, our students are supported by people whose work takes many different forms. Some teach. Some coach. Some accompany students through music, the arts, clubs and co-curricular activities. Some provide learning support, manage technology, care for our library, prepare facilities, maintain our grounds, keep our buildings safe and functioning, organise events, support administration, apply first aid and healthcare, or provide the countless services that allow the College to operate well.

What makes a community thrive is not that everyone contributes in the same way, but that everyone contributes something different.

That is very much a Marist idea.

Our tradition reminds us of the importance of Presence, Family Spirit and Love of Work. These characteristics are lived out not only in lessons, but in conversations, rehearsals, training sessions, maintenance work, technical support, administration, camps, events, performances and the many quiet acts of service that often happen without recognition.

Students and parents may see only a small part of this work, but its impact is felt everywhere. It is present in the teacher who stays back to help a student understand something difficult; the staff member who gives up evenings and weekends for sport or rehearsals and performances; the support person who quietly removes a barrier to learning; the grounds or maintenance team who prepare spaces before anyone else arrives; the ICT staff who keep systems functioning; the music tutor who helps a student discover confidence through performance; and the many people whose work creates the conditions in which young people can flourish.

No single role makes a College community what it is. It is the collective contribution of many people, each bringing their own gifts, expertise and commitment, that creates the environment our students experience every day.

For families, this is something worth celebrating. When you entrust your child to the College, they are surrounded by a network of adults who care deeply about their learning, character, wellbeing and development. Some will influence them very visibly; others will do so quietly and perhaps without ever knowing the difference they have made.

On World Teachers Day, we celebrate our teachers with deep gratitude. But we also take the opportunity to recognise the wider staff community whose generosity, professionalism and commitment make their work possible.

To every member of staff who contributes to the life of the College, thank you.

Our College is stronger, richer and more authentically Marist because of what each of you brings to it.