Message from the Head of School

In the first assembly for 2026, Head of School, Roberto Mariano, addressed the boys of the College. 

"Eighty-five years ago, young men who were not dissimilar to us, stood on these same grounds, as the founding classes of St David’s Marist Inanda. These were young men filled with hopes, dreams and determination. The times were uncertain in 1941 – World War II was raging and the future was unclear. Undeterred by circumstance, the men of St Davids forged ahead, building a proud history and strong traditions of humility, perseverance, and above all, a brotherhood. 

In these classrooms, halls and sports fields, friendships and unbreakable bonds were formed based on these values and a shared sense of purpose.  

It is fitting that the significant milestone of the school’s 85th year is marked in the presence of you all - young men similarly brimming with character, ambition, and vast potential.  

We have such a tremendous legacy to leverage. We move forward in 2026, with confidence, defining success for ourselves as individuals, and as the St Davids collective, with the intention to become a source of encouragement and inspiration to our peers.  

This year promises to be an exceptional one for our School. 2026 is the year of the All-Rounder. This is a place where you are encouraged to explore, to try new things, and to discover more about yourselves. Some experiences you may not enjoy, others you may come to love, but all of them will contribute to your growth. At the same time, there are standards and expectations that must be upheld. There will be moments where you may feel uncertain or overwhelmed. In those moments, I am reminded of a saying my father often shares with me: Ukubona kanye ukubona kabili. “To look once is to look twice”. It reminds us to be aware, to observe carefully, and to learn from those around us before acting. 
 

To the Grade 8s, you are now part of something greater than any one individual. As the year progresses, there is no doubt that you will come to appreciate all that this School has to offer. We encourage you to embrace every opportunity presented to you, to remain open minded, and to enjoy your Grade 8 year fully. A privileged time to form meaningful bonds with people from different backgrounds and cultures, and experiences that will shape you well beyond your time here. And remember “Please don’t walk on the Matric grass!”

Grade 9s, you find yourselves in an important transitional year. You are no longer the newest members of the school, yet still discovering what it truly means to expand your influence. We encourage you to approach this year with continued humility and kindness. Build relationships with those around you, guide peers where you can, and remember that leadership often begins with simple acts of inclusion and support. After all, you never know who will end up in your group on Journey!   

Grade 10 is a year of growing responsibility and influence. Expectations increase, but so do opportunities. Be leaders within your own spaces, not through authority, but through example. Set standards through your actions, look out for those who may be struggling. Set a tone, find your rhythm, build momentum.  

To the Grade 11s, this year brings increased academic pressure and greater demands in sport. It is a step up that will challenge many of you, often in unexpected ways. However, it is also a year of growth and preparation. With it comes a sense of seniority amongst your peers, a privilege that is to be respected and appreciated. You now have the opportunity to immerse yourselves more fully in leadership and to contribute meaningfully to the life of the school. And when your time comes as leaders, please keep the halls quiet during Matric finals, I am going to need all the help I can get!   

Finally, to the Matrics, as we step onto this battlefield, armed with privileges, pride and a platform like no other, our task is to not only to win the battles, but to win the war – our futures are bright, and are in the palms of our hands. 

Perhaps it still has not quite sunk in that this is our final year. Although I imagine that when we open that LO paper on Monday morning at 7:45, reality may hit us. 

As we move through this year, let us remember the Italian saying: Il tempo è galantuomo. “Time is a thorough gentleman”, it reveals character. May the way we conduct ourselves reflect the values of this School, and may time prove that we were worthy of the responsibility and trust placed in us. 

2026 will be a year defined by unity, opportunity, and purpose, a year we ALL look back on with pride, having given blood, sweat and tears."

Roberto Mariano 

2026 Head of School