The FriarsCast Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

This week I share moments that capture the heart of Whitefriars – from Star Wars trivia in the library to powerful Kairos reflections to a standout VCE Theatre performance.

Whitefriars is a place where boys are free to have a go, connect and grow without judgement.

Listen now to hear more.

#FriarsFocus #WFCLearning #podcast #Friarscast