Remain a person married to amazement
It is good to return amongst the sometimes organised chaos of school life. Listening to the laughter of boys and watching the teasing and joking between them is a long way from the quietness of the office in Sydney. I have missed them. My gratitude to Liam Stakelum and Glenn Slater for once again taking on additional responsibilities during my absence and to all the other staff who filled roles.
I have been keeping a close eye on the many activities that are part of a busy school life. We have welcomed parents and sons of our 90 new Year 7 students, we have a basketball premiership, Year 12s have undertaken their final retreat, and history, football and immersion tours left our shores for what were, no doubt, memorable experiences for both staff and boys. There is much to be grateful for and many opportunities for boys to take risks, discover new passions and enjoy the opportunities the school presents.
Recently, I saw photos of our Year 9 boys on their outdoor wilderness experience. The allure of the landscape and the wonders of biodiversity offers a transformation journey that shape their minds and souls.
We often hear that we live in an age of unparalleled connectivity. Yet, the wilderness experience offers our students a welcome respite from the constant distractions of modern life. Many of our boys shared how much they valued the break from the ever-present pull of social media.
Time moves differently in the Australian bush. Here, our boys face challenges that expand their sense of what they can accomplish—whether it is hiking a steep mountain trail, setting up camp as the light fades, or simply adapting to life away from the comforts of home. These encounters in nature cultivate resilience, self-reliance, and problem-solving skills.
For me, however, the Australian bush offers a sense of awe and wonder, nurturing a deep appreciation for the natural world and inspiring a commitment to its preservation. It is said that God uses beauty to lure people to Him; indeed, I believe the natural world is a beautiful expression of God’s love. The poet Mary Oliver, one of my favourites, encourages us to ‘remain a person married to amazement’ when surrounded by nature’s beauty. Her words remind us of the importance of fostering this wonder in our students as they grow.
Beyond the headlines: seeking depth
The U.S. election model is an extraordinary spectacle of democracy that wields both astonishing influence and staggering complexity. This year, the race has escalated beyond policy debates into a battle of identities, values, and future visions, turning the process into a high-stakes theatre watched by the world. While personal attacks on character seem to dominate much of the political discourse abroad, fortunately, in Australia, our political life remains comparatively focused on policy over personality.
Like many, I have followed the US election campaign closely. I have been seduced by the press and, almost daily, enticed by a steady stream of headlines, predictions, and analysis that turn each moment into a spectacle and every candidate into a character in a grand, unfolding narrative. What has surprised me, however, is the bias that has crept into my search for information. Outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Daily podcast, and even our own ABC News seem more inclined to confirm my already firmly held views rather than challenge them. Their coverage has encouraged me to avoid deep dives into complex issues, rarely offering alternative perspectives that might broaden or refine my understanding.
One of the aims of a Marist education is to arm our boys with knowledge and teach them how to think critically, to seek deeper understanding and explore ideas thoughtfully, to express themselves eloquently. We need our boys, and all of us for that matter, to move beyond any superficial level of understanding, simply skimming the surface on important issues and believing we have a well-informed opinion. This is made all the more difficult in a world where algorithms play an important part in the information we receive.
More importantly, it is hoped, a courageous, discerning, and informed young man will graduate from their time with us. What they choose to do with that knowledge is ultimately their own decision. However, I hope their time in a Catholic school has informed their conscience and developed good judgement, guiding them by the values and teachings of the gospels and enriching them with the charism of being men of strong minds and gentle hearts.
Matthew Hutchison
Headmaster
