Honouring the past, embracing the future

We warmly welcome Adrian Correia and his family to the CBC community as we begin an exciting new chapter.
On the day his appointment was announced, Adrian was leading by example by participating alongside students and staff in the World's Greatest Shave - having his hair styled into a mohawk - helping to raise over $26,000 for those affected by leukaemia and cancer.
From supporting students and staff through such events to leading thriving school communities with faith, service and vision, Adrian exemplifies leadership in action.

Depending on the school, Principal tenures can vary. Some schools' honour boards show a revolving door and others have a series of long-serving leaders all the way back to the school's foundation.  Changing Principal comes with a variety of emotions; sometimes great lamentation, sometimes great joy. But whatever the emotion, one thing is true; when you change the Principal you can potentially change the school and its culture. It is for this reason that EREA undertakes such an involved process to make sure they get it as right as humanly possible.

CBC Fremantle has now, with the appointment of Adrian Correia, had five lay Principals since 2002. Each Principal appointed before Adrian had come to the position as a substantive Deputy Principal and I guess that reflected CBC Fremantle's reputation as an entry-level school for leaders. I know each of the lay Principals before me have spoken of their love for this school and its community and have left the school in a strong position for their successor. What makes this latest recruitment so exciting is that for the first time several Principals applied for the role and were interviewed. I am told by the panel Chair that any one of the applicants interviewed would have made an outstanding Principal of this school and the quality of the field would suggest that CBC Fremantle is now a destination school.

I would like to publicly thank every member of our community; staff, parents, students, Advisory Council past and present, Alumni, EREA, CEWA and wider stakeholders like the City of Fremantle's Deputy Mayor, CEO and many of the City staff who have all contributed positively to the Journey of CBC Fremantle. That journey, from a school that nearly closed its doors in the late 1990s to a thriving school today reflects all our combined efforts in creating not just a school of choice, but a village that works tirelessly to create the CBC Gentleman. I would also like to publicly acknowledge Brothers Pat Kelly and Alan Wedd for their long tenures as the last of the Christian Brother Principals in what were not easy times for the College. I am aware that not all boys who attended in the 1980s and 1990s had similar experiences and have made comment about that in other forums, but the truth is that had Br Kelly and Br Wedd not kept the doors open, there would be no CBC today.

A little bit about Adrian. I could attempt to write my own observations and experiences of Adrian, but I think an introduction to who the next Principal of CBC is better gleaned from Adrian's application letter.

My desire to return to CBC Fremantle is grounded in a deep belief in the College's mission and its distinctive role in shaping boys into men of character. "Today's Boys…Tomorrow's Gentlemen" is far more than a slogan, it is a guiding mantra that underpins the culture of the College and informs expectations, decision-making and relationships with students and families. It reflects a commitment to excellence, dignity, service, and formation, and it is a vision I have carried strongly throughout my leadership journey.

My passion for boys' education is strongly connected to my involvement in the Rite Journey program. I was heavily involved in its introduction at CBC in 2012, taking responsibility for developing, creating, and coordinating key ceremonies that gave life to the program's purpose. I volunteered for this work because I believed strongly in its potential to shape boys through meaningful reflection, faith, family connection and personal challenge. Over time, I contributed heavily in the continued refining of the ceremonies to ensure they spoke to the hearts of students and parents through letter writing, symbolic journeys, and powerful moments of shared story and vulnerability. In later years, I became the coordinator of the Rite Journey program and had the privilege of leading its development more broadly, including organising the documentary featured on ABC Compass. I feel that rites of passage are essential for adolescent boys, and CBC has created something truly contemporary and deeply formative.

The program powerfully shifts boys from a child-centred psychology to an adult mindset that recognises responsibility, service, and the impact they have on others. It builds belonging, strengthens relationships, encourages respect for women, and challenges boys to consider what childish behaviours they must leave behind in order to become the men they are called to be.

What I value most about CBC's Rite Journey is that it is not simply a Year 9 program; it is a signpost within the broader formation of a CBC gentleman. It reflects a shared commitment between the College and families, beginning when parents first choose CBC in Year 4, commencing formally in Year 7, and continuing through to graduation. Together, staff, boys and their families embark on a journey of growth, challenge and transformation.

My leadership is grounded in authenticity, visibility, and faith. I believe that a Principal must be fully present within the community, modelling Gospel values in both word and action. I strive to lead with integrity, compassion and strength, ensuring that every student and staff member feels known, supported and challenged to grow. I have always valued the Catholic mission of our schools, and I am committed to building cultures where faith is lived, not simply taught.

I hope the comments above will bring great comfort to those of you who may have experienced some anxiety about the future. Adrian has been intimately involved in our points of difference and has had his handprints on almost every facet of what makes our school unique. He understands our community, our culture, our social capital, our raison d'être. He not only understands it, but it is also who he is. He, together with his wife, Kate, and beautiful children, Harley and Jasmine, will in my opinion, be a blessing for this community and I'm sure Adrian, the College Leadership Team, the CBC staff and all our community members will take CBC Fremantle to greater heights.

I hope you will all join me in welcoming our 29^th Principal, Adrian Correia.

Mr Domenic Burgio
Principal