Pastoral Leader - Wellbeing News

Leading with Respect: MCA’s Emerging Leaders Step Up

Previous articles published in the MCA Newsletter have touched on topics of masculinity and the challenges put forward to our young Marist men to be healthy male role models and leaders. Masculinity is often portrayed through stereotypes, strength, stoicism, and dominance, but today’s young men are navigating a far more complex reality. True masculinity is not about rigid roles; it’s about character, respect, and empathy. In a world where social pressures and media messages can confuse what it means to “be a man,” schools like ours play a vital role in helping boys develop a healthy sense of identity. This includes understanding consent, valuing equality, and building relationships based on trust and kindness.

In light of this, MCA sent 20 year 11 students to the Mate 2 Mate Emerging Leaders Day. This event was organised by Carolyn Robinson and her team. The same team responsible for the Ask A Mate app. The Ask A Mate is an exciting new initiative developed by Beyond DV, an Australian charity committed to creating a society free from domestic violence. The team at Beyond DV has pioneered interactive tools to help young people form healthy relationships. Ask A Mate focuses specifically on young men aged 13–18.

In 2024, Carolyn collaborated with diverse high schools to survey young men about the questions they wanted answered—questions about relationships, consent, gender, and respect. They also nominated high-profile male role models they’d trust to provide those answers. Working with experts like Professor Michael Flood (QUT), the Brisbane Lions Football Club, and Moonward Apps, Ask A Mate has become a highly accessible mobile resource. It delivers evidence-based advice through voices young men want to hear, helping them navigate challenges and make informed choices.

Guided by feedback from young men themselves, Ask A Mate continues to evolve as a trusted space for honest conversations and positive role modelling. On Monday November 3, our 2026 Wellbeing Leaders were requested to “ask a mate” to attend the Mate 2 Mate Emerging Leaders Day – a day designed for the young men who will lead our future. The day covered three main topics of Leadership, Mental Health (and how traditional stereotypes of masculinity can impact it) as well as Healthy Relationships and Consent.

Our Wellbeing Leaders returned energised and equipped with new ideas to strengthen peer support and promote positive masculinity. In the coming weeks and into 2026, the Wellbeing Leaders (and mates) will be sharing what they learnt and challenging our young men to rise as healthy role models and leaders of their generations.

They will share insights on:

• Active Listening: How to create safe spaces for mates to talk.
• Respectful Relationships: Practical ways to challenge harmful stereotypes.

• Peer Leadership: Encouraging others to seek help and make healthy choices.

   

These leaders are committed to embedding these principles into everyday school life, ensuring that respect and empathy remain at the heart of our community.

Please encourage your sons to download and explore the Ask a Mate app via the QR code or search the App Store or Google Play.