It is with a great sense of optimism and hope that I write to you as we commence another exciting year at Whitefriars. The challenges of 2020 and 2021 have taught us a great deal about how to be adaptable, self-reliant and resilient; how to be problem solvers and innovators and that by working together we can accomplish great things. 2022 was a great year, and as a College community, we saw great success.

I would especially like to welcome all those who are new to our College in 2023, particularly our new Year 7 students and their families along with students and families new to other year levels. I pray that your time at Whitefriars is fulfilling and productive.

This past year has reminded us of the worth of community. It is the strength of our community which gives me the greatest cause for hope here at Whitefriars. Community, along with contemplation and service are at the heart of our Carmelite identity formed over 800 years ago on Mt. Carmel, by a small group of people who pledged their lives to Jesus in service of those in greatest need.

It is fitting, therefore, that we have chosen Community as our College theme for this year as we come together with a renewed sense of understanding and appreciation for each other and our great school. It is now more than ever that we need to unite in support of each other, to keep each other safe and to work in partnership as we walk with the young men of Whitefriars, assisting them to grow to become fine gentle men.

As a Catholic school for boys in the Carmelite tradition, Whitefriars leads its students to Belong to a community which nurtures and celebrates the diverse gifts and unique contributions of each person; to Believe in a community that provides opportunities for spiritual, social, intellectual, emotional and physical growth and; to Become a community that develops ‘gentle men’ of compassion who have active and creative minds, and have the courage to act on their beliefs. Our expectation is that each boy takes on the abundant opportunities, values excellence and challenges himself to achieve his best.

I look forward to meeting you and your son/s and hope and pray this year is positive and life-giving one for all in the Whitefriars community.

Mr Mark Murphy, Principal