Churchill Avenue News

From the Principal

60 18 September 2026

As we conclude another busy and rewarding term, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our entire College community for a highly successful Term 3.

To our parents and guardians, thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. The strong relationship between home and school always plays a vital role in the growth, learning and wellbeing of our young people. Your trust, encouragement and collaboration are deeply appreciated.

To our students, thank you for your presence, commitment and enthusiasm throughout the term. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, through the arts, in service activities or simply in the daily life of the College, you have contributed positively to our community and made us proud.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge our staff for their professionalism, dedication and genuine care for our students. Their commitment to excellence, their willingness to go above and beyond, and the relationships they build each day help create a learning environment in which every student can flourish.

Thank you to everyone for your contribution to a wonderful term. I wish all members of our community a safe, restful and enjoyable break, and I look forward to all that Term 4 will bring.

Please read below my Assembly Address shared with our students today.

Good morning everyone,

Thank you for the way in which you have conducted yourself during this assembly. I want to begin by reflecting on what has been an extraordinary period in the life of our College. Over the past term, we have witnessed countless examples of excellence, perseverance, and generosity that have made us immensely proud.

Across representative sports, our students have led the College with distinction. Whether on the field, court, track, or in competition, you have demonstrated not only talent but also teamwork, resilience, and humility. Success in sport is not measured solely by victories and trophies, but by the way we conduct ourselves and the respect we show our opponents. Everyone who has participated in sports competitively against other schools have been outstanding ambassadors for our College. The wins, medals and trophies are just a bonus.

In the performing arts, our students have once again shown remarkable creativity, courage, and passion. Music, and the drama, and dance on display at the musical were extraordinary. Through the arts, many of the students continue to enrich our community and remind us of the incredible gifts that God has entrusted to each of us. The dedication shown by our performers, directors, musicians, and staff is inspiring.

Academically, we have much to celebrate. Every student who has committed themselves to learning, who has persevered through challenges, who has sought improvement, and who has embraced feedback deserves recognition. Achievement is not only reflected in the highest reached goals and scores, but also in the commitment to growth, effort, and continuous improvement. Education remains one of the greatest gifts we can receive and the most powerful tool we have to shape our future.

Our commitment to service has also been evident throughout the term. Through outreach programs, fundraising initiatives, justice activities, and simple acts of generosity, many of you have demonstrated what it means to place others before yourselves. In doing so, you have lived the values upon which our College was founded.

As we look beyond our own community, we are all aware that we live in a world experiencing significant political and social tensions, both here in Australia and internationally. In times such as these, it is easy for division, negativity, and fear to dominate public conversation. However, as people of faith, we are called to something greater.

We are called to always uphold our values, commit to our faith, dedicate to our learning, and be determined to become better versions of ourselves for the benefit of others. The world does not need more anger or division. It needs people of character, integrity, wisdom, and compassion.

This always begins with goodness.

It begins in the way we speak to one another.

It begins in the way we speak about one another.

It begins when we choose kindness over gossip, understanding over judgement, and forgiveness over resentment.

As a Catholic community, we believe that every human person is created in the image and likeness of God. Every person possesses a sacred dignity that must be respected, protected, and honoured. No matter a person's background, beliefs, strengths, struggles, or circumstances, everyone deserves to be treated with respect.

In the Gospel according to John, we are reminded that:

Jesus said: “a new command I give you: Love one another as I have loved you”

These words capture beautifully what it means to be a member of our College community. Faith is not simply something we proclaim. It is something we live. We live it through our words, our actions, our relationships, and our commitment to serving others in the manner demonstrated by Jesus Christ through love.

Jesus showed us how to live with courage, humility, compassion, mercy, and hope. As we continue to navigate a complex world, may His example remain our guide and may his command to love proclaim his ministry in our actions.

I would also like to acknowledge our Year 12 students, who continue their Trial Examinations as they prepare for their final VCE examinations later this year. These exams represent an important milestone, and I know how much effort, commitment, and sacrifice has gone into their preparation. And if this is not yet the case, it is not too late to get moving.

For all students who are completing coursework requirements, assessments, and preparing for examinations over the holidays, this is a significant time. Continue to finish strongly. Continue to show determination and pride in your work.

I encourage our Year 12 students to embrace the final moments of your secondary school journey. These years pass quickly. Take time to appreciate the friendships you have built, the opportunities you have experienced, the challenges you have overcome, and the memories you are creating.

And for every student here today, please remember to thank your teachers. Their commitment to your learning, wellbeing, growth, and success often goes unseen. Behind every lesson, every assessment, every conversation of encouragement, and every opportunity provided to you is a teacher or a helper who cares deeply about your future. We are blessed to have an outstanding staff who give so much of themselves for the benefit of our students.

As we move into the holiday break, I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to rest, spend time with family and friends, recharge, and enjoy a well-earned break.

When we return next term, let us do so with renewed purpose and commitment. Let us return ready to engage fully in our learning, to demonstrate the highest standards of behaviour, to cooperate respectfully with our staff, and to continue building a culture where everyone feels safe, valued, respected, and able to thrive.

I will be asking staff to monitor your presentation, appearance, engagement in the classroom and progress very closely. It is important that we finish the year strongly.

Thank you for a wonderful term. Thank you for your commitment to our College. Thank you for the ways in which you contribute to making this community special.

May God bless you and your families during the holidays, keep safe, and enjoy the sun.

Have a wonderful break, and I look forward to welcoming you back next term.

Thank you.

Napoleon Rodezno
Principal

ALSO IN THIS EDITION