Dear Whitefriars families,

My name is Joshua Lyons, and it is my honour and privilege to serve this community of humble, gentle men as the 2026 College Captain.

This year marks a particularly special milestone. Last Saturday, Whitefriars College celebrated its 65th anniversary, a testament to our rich history and thriving community. Grounded in the Carmelite values of faith, gentleness, excellence, justice and respect, we strive to foster a culture built on authenticity, camaraderie and brotherhood, a place where boys look after one another and grow into authentic, gentle men.

I was fortunate to hear about Whitefriars from an early age, but I was nine years old when I first experienced the Friars community firsthand. My Year 3 class visited this “mysterious” high school in the bush, and little did I know the impact that day would have on me. From the moment I arrived, I felt the spark the Carmelite brothers envisioned all those years ago. The camaraderie was palpable. The older boys were inspiring. Suddenly, the daunting decision of choosing a secondary school felt far less overwhelming.

Before long, my peers, the Class of 2026, walked down the hill and stepped off our buses as newly enrolled Year 7 students. We were ready to embrace every opportunity, from competitive sport and performance to the wide range of subjects and pathways on offer. We entered high school with excitement and a few apprehensions, but always with the strength of the Whitefriars and Carmelite community behind us.

Five years later, I stand here shaped by both the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. This community has helped form the person I am today. From mates and teachers to the many staff who have offered guidance and support, it is our people who set Whitefriars apart. Our motto, Alme in Fide Parentis, translates to “In the care of a loving mother”, and I have come to understand how deeply this reflects life at the College. Whitefriars is not simply a place to learn and grow, it is a home where each of us is genuinely cared for.

It is a privilege to serve this community in my final year. Alongside my fellow College Captains, Matthew Haste and Conor King, I look forward to strengthening our community and empowering students to contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the College. The new leadership structure reflects this vision, creating meaningful opportunities for student voice and engagement.

Thank you for your continued support of Whitefriars.

Kind regards,
Joshua Lyons
2026 College Captain