QUICKLINKS
QUICKLINKS
QUICKLINKS
Safety, Rest, and Reflection This Advent Season
As we live the season of Advent and approach the holidays, we are reminded of the importance of slowing down, finding peace, and cherishing time with loved ones. This is my hope for all the students, their families, and our staff, as the community has worked extremely hard to make 2025 a great school year. Christmas is a special time to reflect on the year that has passed, to celebrate the joy of community, and to prepare our hearts for the hope and promise that this season brings.
At the College, we deeply value the partnership we share with our families. Your support, trust, and collaboration have been instrumental in creating a nurturing environment where every student can thrive. Together, we have faced challenges, celebrated achievements, and worked toward a shared vision of excellence and care.
In the recent release of the NAPLAN Data for all schools across the state of Victoria, the My School (www.myschool.edu.au) site provides some positive information about the growth of our students from Year 7 to Year 9 under the care of their teachers. We are proud to share that:
· We are ranked 154 out of 550 schools in the state
· 14th in the Western Region
· 1st in the Western Region for Catholic Colleges
· 1st for Co-Ed Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (Secondary Colleges)
· We rank 3rd to all Co-Ed Catholic Colleges in the state.
· We rank 19th in the State for all Catholic Secondary Schools, with all but two of the schools offering Single Gender Education
Congratulations to our students, their families and our dedicated staff.
Although academic achievement is only one sphere of the holistic development of the students, it is nonetheless an important area which we embrace. Students were also able to enjoy physical, social/emotional, spiritual and moral development through their engagement, interaction and partaking in the available activities.
I have recently engaged with senior students to ensure that there is an understanding that everyone is responsible for choosing the most appropriate VCE/VCE-VM/VET course and subject areas to enhance pathways options. It is important that discussions about pathways lead the decisions about choices and it is vital that parents understand the different options that the Department of Education offers for Year 11 and 12 students.
During this Advent season, we encourage you to prioritise safety and wellbeing, by embracing moments of rest, and taking time to reflect. Whether through family traditions, quiet prayer, or simply enjoying time together, may this season bring peace and renewal to your homes.
Thank you for walking alongside us in the journey that is the education of your child. We look forward to continuing our partnership in the year ahead and wish you and your family a blessed Advent and a joyful holiday season. Best of luck to our Class of 2025 Year 12 students who are eagerly awaiting their VEC results or perhaps are preparing for work, future study or training. In all cases, well done to such a wonderful group of students.
Key school dates for your 2026 diaries:
Thursday, 29 January: First day of Term 1,
Year 7, 10, 11 and 12 students commence
Friday, 30 January: Year 8 and 9 students commence
Friday 6 February: College Photo Day
Thursday 2 April: Last day of Term 1
Finally, this is the speech that I shared with all students at the Afternoon of Excellence Assembly:
Principal’s Address — Evening of Excellence Assembly
Good morning, staff, students, parents, carers, and friends of the College.
It is my honour, as Principal, to welcome you to our Assembly. We have gathered to cherish the tradition of recognising scholarship, character, and service within our community.
Before we commence, I wish to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather and pay my respects to Elders past and present. I extend that respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples joining us today. May we learn with humility from the wisdom, culture, and stewardship of First Peoples.
Today’s assembly is a formal occasion to celebrate achievement and the pursuit of truth through disciplined study. Academic excellence is not limited to grades or prizes; it is the formation of the mind and heart, curiosity refined by rigour, resilience borne of challenge, and integrity which are expressed in the daily habits of learning. These qualities elevate the individual and enrich the life of the College.
Excellence is fostered by expert teaching, thoughtful mentoring, and the steadfast support of families. I acknowledge our teaching and support staff, whose professionalism and care have enabled you to flourish. I also thank parents and carers for their partnership with the College, and for the trust you place in us to educate your sons and daughters.
To the students who we recognised today, your achievements reflect sustained effort, intellectual curiosity, and an exemplary commitment to study. You have set a standard that inspires your peers and honours the College. Accept these accolades with gratitude and humility, mindful that honours are both a recognition of past accomplishments and a call to further service.
To those still on the journey toward these goals, please remember that excellence is a path walked step by step. Attend to your studies each day; seek feedback; ask the difficult questions; persevere when the work is demanding. Remember that genuine learning broadens the mind, strengthens character, and prepares you to contribute meaningfully to the world beyond these gates.
Our mission as a Catholic School is the holistic formation of young people, founded in the mind, the character, and the spirit. Achievement without character is incomplete; character without achievement is unformed. In uniting both, we cultivate learners who are intellectually prepared, ethically grounded, and outward-looking. All of you are called to lead, to serve, and to build communities marked by justice and compassion so your education and preparation are paramount.
Dr Munjed Al Muderis is a former refugee who has become a world-leading surgeon. Born in Iraq, Munjed grew up in a country torn by war and political instability. His family faced severe financial hardship, and as a young medical student, he was forced to flee after refusing to participate in acts against human rights. He arrived in Australia as a refugee with nothing but determination, and he endured months in detention and years of struggle to rebuild his life.
Despite these challenges, Munjed completed his medical training in Australia, often working multiple jobs to support himself. He pioneered osseointegration surgery, transforming the lives of amputees worldwide. He is now a world-renowned orthopaedic surgeon, author, and advocate for refugees. Despite these achievements, he continues to mentor young doctors and campaign for humane treatment of asylum seekers.
His story demonstrates that challenges and adversity do not define destiny, as it is in our resilience, education, and compassion that we truly lead to extraordinary achievement.
As Munjed often emphasises, the journey from hardship to success begins with courage and perseverance. His message reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we must hold fast to hope and never stop striving for excellence.
Students, you are all destined for greatness if this is what you truly want. I offer my warmest congratulations to all award recipients and my sincere thanks to the staff who have prepared today’s ceremony, and to the families whose encouragement sustains all of you, our students. May this assembly remind you of our shared commitment to a culture of high expectations, scholarly endeavour, and mutual respect. And those of you who did not receive an award, be your best, give everything 100 percent, and the rest will take care of itself.
God bless you always.
Napoleon Rodezno
College Principal
