The FriarsCast Podcast

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 other...

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

In this episode of In Fide, Principal Mark Murphy reflects on a term marked by grief, remembrance and the power of community. From the passing of Pope Francis to the anniversaries of Jed Beaton and Damian Tavella and the solemnity of ANZAC Day, we explore how faith and togetherness help us navigate loss and find hope.

Friars Focus: A Year of Faith and Connection As Whitefriars College steps into 2025, Principal Mark Murphy invites us to embrace the theme of Faith. This year, we unite as educators and mentors, strengthening a community built on hope and connection. Through our shared commitment to faith, excellence, gentleness, respect and justice, we support our students in becoming their best selves. Let’s mak...

Tom Petrowski, 2024 College Captain joins Cath Spurritt on the Leadership Lounge for a discussion about respectful relationships with women and his passion for creating spaces for learning, dialogue and reflection for his peers. Whitefriars exists to shape gentle men, who have strength of conviction and empathy in their hearts and Tom reminds us of the role that the men of this community in creati...

In December 2024, Tom Petrowski, 2024 College Captain, joined Cath Spurritt on the Leadership Lounge to talk about leading from a place of love. Tom was a student leader who loves our school, and this was a common thread through all of his work with the community last year. In this episode, Tom shares with us his journey to College Captain and his desire to live his values and make a powerful cont...

Matt King – From struggle to triumph In this episode of the Leadership Lounge, recorded in December last year, Cath Spurritt interviews Matt King, Class of 2024. School hadn’t always been easy for Matt. But with a clear goal, the right team around him and a fair dose of trust, Matt King has become an absolute success story. Matt was the recipient of the 2024 Applied Learning Excellence Award and i...

A New Chapter at Whitefriars   As we kick off another exciting academic year, join us for a special episode created by our College Captains for 2025! These inspiring young leaders share their journey to leadership, their vision for the year ahead and what Whitefriars means to them. Let’s start the year with purpose, pride and passion. Tune in now!

KICKING GOALS : JAMES BLANCK, PATRICK LIPINSKI AND ANDREW OTTEN In this episode, we celebrate the achievements of Whitefriars College alumni who have made their mark on the field. From James Blanck (2018, Trinity House, Hawthorn Football Club), Patrick Lipinski (2016, Corsini House, Collingwood Football Club) and Andrew Ottens (2007, Mantua, Adelaide Crows Football Club). Join us as we reflect on...

SUMMER SPOTLIGHT FROM AVILA TO AUSTRALIAN IDOL : JOSH HANNAN Meet Josh Hannan, a proud Avila House alumnus and 2020 graduate, whose incredible talent took him to third place on Australian Idol. Josh reflects on his unforgettable journey from our College to stardom, and how his time at Whitefriars shaped his character, artistry and passion for music. In this special summer podcast, we ask what’s ne...

Celebrating Excellence – Whitefriars Annual Celebration Evening In this episode, Mark reflects on the inspiring moments of the Whitefriars College Annual Celebration Evening, held at Monash University’s Robert Blackwood Hall. Mark shares the highlights of the night, celebrating the achievements, courage and spirit of the students who embody the school’s values of Faith, Gentleness, Excellence, Jus...

Podcast Episode: Life Beyond Exams – Lessons from Whitefriars College Join Mark Murphy, as he reflects on the true purpose of VCE exams. More than just a test of knowledge, they embody lessons of resilience, self-belief and the wisdom gained from both triumphs and challenges. Mark shares insights on how parents can support their children during this time, not by mastering equations but by offering...

Friends are Like Family: Starting Fresh for Solo Starters Join Cath Spurritt as she dives into an open-hearted conversation with Oscar, a current student, and two Year 6s who are gearing up to join Whitefriars as solo starters in 2025! These soon-to-be Year 7s bring all their questions to the table—covering everything from finding classrooms and mastering the timetable to navigating bus routes, de...

Beyond Comfort Zones: Lessons from Timor-Leste In this episode, join us as we share insights from a life-changing immersion in Timor Leste. Experiencing new challenges—from basic living conditions to engaging in prayerful reflection—our students found joy in simplicity and connection. Through teaching, playing, and reflecting with the welcoming Carmelite communities, they learned that true happine...

The Pursuit of Excellence In this episode, Mark delves into the Carmelite value of excellence at Whitefriars College. With roots in education stretching back to the 1200s, the Carmelite tradition continues to shape a culture of academic achievement and service. Join Mark as he spotlights recent successes in debating, music and sport, and celebrates the rise of our future leaders. Discover how, thr...

Join James Palumbo as he welcomes Graham Hocking from Men's Wellbeing for a special episode in celebration of International Men’s Day. This year's theme, "Positive Male Role Models," shines a light on the importance of men's wellbeing and the influence of strong role models in shaping our lives. Tune in and take a moment to reflect on the qualities you admire in your role models, and the person yo...

In this episode of the Leadership Lounge, Cath Spurritt and Harry Evans, 2023 College Captain, talk about the synergy between the mindset required for high performance in sport and for learning. Hear about some of the talented Whitefriars College staff who helped Harry to get the best out of himself in Year 12.

Come and celebrate Book Week with us at Whitefriars! Some amazing students talk about what this year's theme, 'Reading is Magic' means to them. How our school supports them in literacy and even what magical superpower they would all choose.  Thank you so much to all those students who participated in the podcast, you know who you are! We appreciated your candid discussion!

Cath Spurritt is again joined by 2023 College Captain, Harry Evans, who speaks about responsibilities, sport, learning and competing demands on his time and attention during Year 12. If you want a job done, ask a busy guy like this one!

Join us for a special episode of our podcast where Mark delves into the rich history of Whitefriars College and shares his personal journey as a 'Friar. Following a Middle Years and Senior Years assembly this week, where students had the opportunity to discuss what it means to be a 'Friar, Mark reflects on the College’s evolution, the stories behind its buildings, and his own experiences that have...

In our inaugural episode of the Leadership Lounge, 2023 College Captain, Harry Evans, joins Cath Spurritt on the lounge to talk about peak performance and collaboration in learning.

As we reach the middle of Term 3, let's take a moment to reflect on the many achievements that highlight the vibrant life at Whitefriars. From academic honours and sporting triumphs to creative showcases, our community has had an incredible term full of opportunities for students to excel and find their place.

With a focus on resilience and adaptability, Mark talks about Grace Brown's journey from injured runner to Olympic cyclist, Carmelite history, and how our community should bravely pursue new paths and adapt courageously to thrive in new directions.

Episode 1: A Journey of Reflection and Carmelite Tradition How often do we crave time and space to reflect on our lives? I was blessed to embark on a six-week journey to Ireland and the UK. I explored Carmelite history, visiting Terenure College in Dublin and many Carmelite centres. I invite you to join me, as I share these experiences and envision their impact on our Carmelite community at Whitef...

Tanya Vandervelde talks with Year 12 students Max, Hayden and Jack about what Reconciliation Week means to them and what we are doing as a College.