The FriarsCast Podcast

Whitefriars Day Old Collegian Timor-Leste Special

On this Whitefriars Day edition, five Old Collegians reflect on how their Timor-Leste immersion shifted their focus from self to service.

Mitchell Guest (Class of 2019), Thomas Mecuri (Class of 2016), Luke Murphy (Class of 2014), Hugh Parrot (Class of 2019) and Alex Vander (Class of 2019) share how the generosity of the Timorese people - giving more than their share - continues to inspire them to live out the Whitefriars values of belonging, belief and becoming.

In conversation with Principal Mark Murphy, they revisit lessons of humility, community and helping others that still guide their lives today.

Pivot Point

PIVOT POINT – EPISODE 1

In our very first episode, Deputy Principal of Learning and Teaching, Carmel Delzoppo, sits down with three of our Year 12 Academic SRC members to explore subject choices, pathways and life beyond Whitefriars. From discovering subjects they love, to backing their strengths and resisting outside pressure, the students share honest reflections on their journey through school and what excites them about the future.

 

Tune in to hear their favourite parts of College life, the decisions shaping their next steps and advice for younger students: do what you enjoy, try your best and make it your own path.

Friars' Focus S02 Ep08

In this episode, Principal Mark Murphy reflects on the power of confidence and how it can be nurtured through hard work, individuality and the support of others. He shares inspiring stories from the Whitefriars Vocal Music Soiree and a Year 9 employability skills day, highlighting moments where students thrived with encouragement and mentorship. Mark also celebrates the dedication of the Shortis Library team in fostering a love of reading during Book Week, showing how community and care help students grow.

Friars' Focus S02 Ep07

In this episode, Mark explores the quiet yet powerful role of family in the formation of young men at Whitefriars College. Through three recent moments - subject selection evenings, the Kairos parent night, and the success of a student in an Italian poetry competition — we reflect on how presence, encouragement and culture shape a boy’s journey. It’s a tribute to the consistent, loving efforts of parents raising teenage boys.

Friars' Focus S02 Ep06

LEADERSHIP

In our last podcast for the semester, Mark Murphy speaks of leadership. At Whitefriars, leadership goes beyond titles and authority—it’s about service, authenticity, and heart, rooted deeply in our Carmelite values. Inspired by the words of St. Albert, we believe true leadership is found in humility and the willingness to serve others. Every day, our students demonstrate this through acts of compassion, initiative, and community spirit, whether in formal roles or quiet moments of support. At Whitefriars, leadership is everyone’s vocation, and it shines brightest when it comes from within.

Friars' Focus - S02 Ep 05

PILGRIMS OF HOPE: A JOURNEY TOWARD A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Join Mark as he explores the 2025 Jubilee theme from Pope Francis, Pilgrims of Hope, and St Paul’s message that hope is born through struggle and faith. Hear simple, powerful stories from the Whitefriars community—of boys, teachers and parents showing love through everyday acts. Together, we walk a gentle path toward a future filled with hope.

Friars' Focus - S02 Ep04

In this episode, Mark reflects on the everyday growth we witness in our young men at Whitefriars College—through their compassion, leadership and quiet acts of service. From hosting student leaders across Melbourne to showing unity on the cross-country track and grace at the Year 12 Formal, our boys continually rise to the occasion. Mark also celebrates the creativity and collaboration showcased at the recent VCE Music Evening. Tune in to hear how our students are becoming men of integrity, empathy and strength, guided by the values we uphold as a school community.

Leadership Lounge - Ben Duffy

In this episode of the Leadership Lounge, Laurissa Parastatidis chats with Old Collegian Ben Duffy, who is embarking on an extraordinary journey — running 52 marathons in 52 weeks in support of the Pat Cronin Foundation. Ben shares the story behind this mission and the strong sense of purpose that drives him, offering powerful reflections on resilience, the importance of mateship, caring for others, and positive masculinity. His words are a timely reminder for Whitefriars students that true leadership is grounded in service, compassion and looking out for one another.

Link to Ben’s socials if you would like to find out more.

Instagram: @_52in52
Go fund me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/52-marathons-in-52-weeks-for-the-pat-cronin-foundation

Supporting the Pat Cronin Foundation - https://patcroninfoundation.org.au/