Extract of 2025 Captain’s Speech
Rocco Bragg
Each year, the Senior Leadership team is tasked with creating a vision for the school. This vision serves as the foundation for everything we do—it’s the purpose behind our actions, the beacon that guides us toward a greater goal. Last year, Ben and his team shared a vision focused on student life and connection. He spoke about immersing ourselves in all that Marist College Eastwood has to offer and fostering a sense of belonging and connection for every student.
When the current leadership team met to develop our vision we all had a shared desire to improve Marist College Eastwood’s community spirit, to improve everyone’s sense of belonging and connection. We realised that while we are all part of Marist College Eastwood, there is more work to be done in building a stronger, more connected school community—one where every student feels truly seen, valued and supported. Helping us build a vision statement built upon the community that builds Marist College Eastwood.
Our Vision Statement for 2025 is: “By stepping into discomfort, we shape a community where resilience strengthens us and hope leads us through the path that lies ahead.”
While forming our vision statement we selected key words and phrases which expressed our vision and hopes for the College.
- “By stepping into discomfort” — This means we’re willing to face challenges, embrace new experiences and push beyond what’s comfortable to grow.
- “We shape a community” — Every action we take contributes to building the supportive, connected Marist College Eastwood we envision.
- “Where resilience strengthens us” — Resilience is what keeps us going through tough times. It’s our strength to overcome setbacks and continue forward.
- “And hope leads us through” — Hope is the guiding force that keeps us looking forward, giving us confidence in a positive future.
- “The path that lies ahead” — We’re all on a unique journey, but together, we’re creating a lasting path for ourselves and those who will follow.
But this Vision isn’t something that can be achieved by the leadership team alone. It’s going to take all of us. Every single student here has a role to play in shaping the culture and spirit of our College. Whether it’s by showing kindness to a new student, stepping up in co-curricular activities, or simply offering a word of encouragement to a classmate, we all have the power to contribute to this vision. Let hope lead us through.
This year, we aim to empower every student to take up the call to lead—whether that means showing kindness to someone new, participating actively in co-curriculars, or lending support to a friend in need. Each of us has a role in making Marist College Eastwood a place where everyone feels they belong. Where every step we take, every choice we make, helps us build a stronger, more united community.
I want to remind you that leadership in a Marist school is about humble service. It’s about stepping up when needed but also stepping aside to let others shine. It’s about being there for your peers—not just as captains or someone with a badge, but as friends who listen, support and care.
At Marist College Eastwood, leadership is grounded in humility, service and a deep sense of community. These values, drawn from the Marist pillar of Family Spirit, inspire us to lead not by power or authority, but by example, with compassion and integrity. To me, being a leader in this College means being a role model, a guide and someone who serves others—not for recognition, but because it’s the right thing to do.
As Marist men, help build a community that encourages a sense of belonging. Let hope lead us through.