When I returned for my second stint at CBC Fremantle, I was struck by how much the College had changed since I first joined in 2005. Today, CBC is almost unrecognisable - its facilities are truly first class, providing our young men with the spaces they deserve to learn, play and grow. The Marshall Wing, the John Hughes Centre, 223 High Street and the Waterford Theatre stand as symbols of innovative planning and a vision for excellence. 
And yet, as impressive as these spaces are, they do not define who we are. As Mr Burgio often reminds us, quoting Dennis Denuto from The Castle: "It's the vibe, your Honour." That "vibe" is the heartbeat of CBC - the intangible spirit of community, care and belonging that makes this place unique.
It is easy to admire the glass walls of our classrooms or the upgrades to our amenities, but what matters most is the thinking behind them. Every decision is guided by child safety, transparency and care. The tangible is always shaped by the intangible - the vibe of CBC Fremantle.
Even our most practical projects speak to this philosophy. The boys' bathrooms, already of a high standard, were recently redesigned with child safety as the priority. By separating junior and senior facilities and sealing off areas that can pose challenges, we have created spaces that are safer and more respectful of students' needs.
Beyond physical spaces, our approach to facilities also supports the wider life of the College. Whether it's ensuring safe transport via our College bus service, upgrading amenities, or creating gathering places, the goal is always the same: to strengthen the bonds between staff, students and families. Facilities are not just buildings or vehicles; they are tools that allow us to build trust, foster belonging and create moments of care in everyday school life.
Our Director of Finance and Operations, Mark Bianchini, has also led initiatives that build both safety and community. The addition of two 12-seater Hiace vans gives staff flexibility to transport students safely and easily to events and activities. Likewise, the arrival of "Eddy's Eats," our food van outside the Waterford Theatre, has become much more than a place for coffee or hot chocolate - it is a space where community comes alive. Staff buying a colleague a coffee, a student sharing a smile with the barista, or a casual chat between teacher and Year 12 before class - these small acts of kindness and connection strengthen our bonds each day.
For me, this is what continues to impress most: no matter how our facilities evolve, CBC remains defined not by buildings but by people and relationships. At CBC Fremantle, community is paramount, care is central and the vibe is unmistakable.
Mr Brent Butcher
Vice Principal