It is often said that it takes a village to raise a child. At CBC Fremantle, the best expression of this village is our Mentor and House system.

The years between childhood and adulthood are among the most significant in a young person's life. During this time, boys begin to discover who they are, what they value and the kind of men they aspire to become. While families remain the first and most important influence in this journey, they should never have to walk it alone. In our community, this famous proverb is more than a sentiment; we have intentionally built this village through our Mentor and House system.

One of the greatest strengths of our House system is that it reminds boys they are part of something bigger than themselves. They are not simply members of a year group, or participants in a class - they belong to a community with shared identity, values and hold a responsibility to care for one another. Within this environment, our boys learn that their actions have an impact on those around them. They experience the joy of celebrating one another's successes, supporting a peer through personal challenges and contributing to a community that is stronger because of the unique gifts each person brings.

Our vertical House structure also creates opportunities for boys to grow into sociocentric members of society. Older students become role models and explore their nurturing qualities as they mentor younger boys, while our younger boys grow in confidence, knowing there is always someone looking out for them. In these contexts, boys often discover strengths they did not know they possessed. Compassion, humility, courage, gentleness, and leadership are practised every day. These are the spaces where they become gentlemen.

Earlier this week I wrote to all our families regarding the expansion of our Mentor structure from six to eight Mentors within each House, along with an invitation for students to volunteer for these new groups. By creating smaller Mentor groups, we are investing in the relationships that sit at the heart of our pastoral care and creating even more opportunities for meaningful connections between boys, Mentors and our families.

Change can naturally bring a sense of uncertainty, particularly when it involves relationships that are such an important part of school life. We see this not as a disruption but as an opportunity to strengthen the community that surrounds our young men. As we journey through this change together, families can be assured that every decision is guided by a clear purpose: to create the village that helps form young men of good character.

At CBC Fremantle, we are proud to be part of the village that nurtures boys who understand that the communities to which we belong quietly shape the people we become. It is our privilege and responsibility to be part of your village.

Ms Emer Hickey
Deputy Principal, Pastoral Care