Dear Families,

Thank you for visiting Whitefriars College.

Choosing the right school for your son is one of the most important decisions you will make. It is not simply about subjects or facilities. It is about formation. It is about character. It is about the kind of young man your son is becoming.

I am grateful you have taken the time to walk our grounds, meet our staff and students, and experience something of the spirit that has shaped this College for 65 years.

Since 1961, Whitefriars has stood on this hill in Donvale as a place where boys are invited to grow in faith, learning and life. In 2026, as we mark our 65th year, we are guided by a simple yet profound theme: Gentleness.

In the Carmelite tradition, gentleness is not weakness. It is strength expressed through empathy, justice and peace. It is the capacity to listen deeply, to stand firmly in one’s convictions and to act with compassion. Our world needs young men who are secure in themselves and attentive to others. This is the work we undertake each day.

Set across 50 acres of natural bushland, our landscape shapes our students as surely as our classrooms do. There is space here to reflect and space to strive. Space to test limits and space to build friendships that last well beyond graduation.

As a Catholic school in the Carmelite tradition, our purpose is clear. Whitefriars provides a rigorous and holistic education for young men grounded in faith and animated by the search for meaning. We challenge our students to think critically, to serve generously and to contribute to the common good.

Academic excellence matters deeply to us. So too does pastoral care. Boys thrive when they are known. At Whitefriars, each student is both supported and challenged, encouraged to pursue his best while understanding his responsibility to others.

In 2026, we welcome new staff who bring fresh insight and energy while honouring those who have served this community faithfully over many years. I am particularly proud of the Old Collegians who return to teach and mentor here. Their presence speaks powerfully of the enduring impact of a Whitefriars education.

Thank you again for considering our College. I look forward to continuing the conversation with you about your son’s future and the journey ahead.

Almae in Fide Parentis,

Mark Murphy
Principal

Principal’s Podcast

Tune In: Friars’ Focus
Parents, stay connected with life at Whitefriars College through Mark’s fortnightly podcast, Friars’ Focus. Each episode explores school events, learning initiatives, student achievements and insights into our College community—giving you a front-row seat to the stories that matter.

Listen every two weeks and keep up with all things Whitefriars!

Available here:

The FriarsCast Podcast | Whitefriars College

And on Spotify and Apple iTunes.