From Canberra to Guaynabo: Australian Educator's Visit to Puerto Rico Strengthens Global Marist Connections

When Australian educator Wayne McAuliffe from Marist College Canberra travelled to Puerto Rico, he carried with him more than just his bags. He brought a strong sense of professional curiosity and a desire to explore how the Marist ethos is lived and expressed in different cultural contexts. Last month, Wayne visited Colegio Marista de Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, to gain a deeper understanding of the global reach of the Marist mission and the bonds that unite Marist educators across cultures and continents.

Wayne with Janhir, Presidential (Principal) Assistant, Marketing and Communications Officer

A member of the Health and Physical Education faculty at Marist College Canberra, Wayne visited the Puerto Rican school to strengthen professional collaboration, exchange educational practices, and experience firsthand the distinctive ways Marist education is lived within the local community. The visit was supported by Principal Matthew Hutchison, who described Wayne as an educator deeply committed to student wellbeing, holistic development, and the Marist ethos.

During his time at Colegio Marista de Guaynabo, Wayne immersed himself in the life of the school, engaging with staff and students, and observing classroom practice. While separated by geography, language, and culture, he discovered many familiar elements that reflected the shared vision of Marcellin Champagnat.

With Br Carlos R Velez, the Principal of Colegio Marista de Guaynabo. Wayne presented Br Carlos with a gift from Marist College Canberra

“The experience reinforced just how connected the global Marist family is,” Wayne said. “Although our schools operate in different contexts, we share the same commitment to accompanying young people and helping them grow into compassionate, capable, and faith-filled individuals.”

While the visit highlighted the many similarities that unite Marist schools around the world, it also provided valuable insights into the distinctive ways the Marist charism is expressed in different cultural contexts. Wayne observed that both Marist College Canberra and Colegio Marista de Guaynabo share a strong commitment to student-centred education, prioritising the holistic development of young people academically, socially, spiritually, and physically. In both schools, teachers place great importance on being present among students, building relationships founded on trust, respect, and genuine care. Faith formation and Marist values also remain at the heart of each community, shaping both learning and daily life.

At the same time, Wayne noted several distinctive characteristics. In Guaynabo, the Marist spirit is expressed through a strong sense of extended family, visible cultural warmth, and the close integration of family and community life into the school experience. By contrast, Marist College Canberra reflects a contemporary Australian educational environment that balances community engagement with structured academic and co-curricular programs.

With a group of senior drama students, one of the classes Wayne attended

The visit also created opportunities to exchange ideas around teaching practice, particularly in the areas of physical education, student wellbeing, and strategies for engaging young people in diverse settings.

For the Marist communities in both Australia and Puerto Rico, the visit highlighted the value of international collaboration and the importance of building relationships across the global Marist network. Such encounters strengthen not only professional practice but also the sense of belonging to a worldwide family inspired by the vision of Marcellin.