Principal's Report

Rites of Passage Ceremonies

Over recent weeks here at the College, students have participated in and celebrated as a community in recognition of the completion of 13 years of education. 

Over the school holidays students began their preparation for examinations by completing a practice examination for all unit 3/4 subjects.  The College placed great importance upon these examinations so students are provided with timed practice in completing examinations in a similar environment to end of semester exams and provide a summative indication of the progress made by students in relation to their examination preparation. Unit 3 / 4 teachers have corrected these exams and created revision sessions based around the needs shown by students in their results.  Parents and guardians are able to review the achievement of their child by logging into PAM and viewing the report for the Practice Examinations.

Last week, students participated in three key celebrations which allowed students and the wider community to celebrate together achievement of a senior level of education and the provision of a pathway  for the future. 

A final year 12 assembly on Thursday afternoon allowed our community to farewell our year 12 students and recognise the hard work and dedication made to education.  This year, Therese Strachan was recognised by the students and was chosen to provide a final address to the year 12 students on behalf of all staff.  Four key awards were presented to year 12 students including:

1. The Captains Award: The Captain’s Award is presented to a student who embodies the College Spirit and demonstrates College qualities is nominated by The College Captains each year. In 2017 the recipient of the Captain’s Award was Marco Shehata.

1. The Peter Mastek Award: The Peter Mastek award honours the memory of a young man who was committed to VCAL and was a much-respected member of our College. In 2017 the recipient of the Peter Mastek Award was Jack Elliot.

The Long Tan Award: The Long Tan Leadership Award recognise students who demonstrate leadership and teamwork within both their school and broader community and who display strong values such as “doing one’s best, respect for others and mateship” – the values that are integral to Australian Society. In 2017 the recipient of the Long Tan Award was Cindy Do.

 The Caltex All Rounder Award: The Caltex All Rounder Leadership Award recognise students who achieve academically, model exemplary behaviour, are a positive role model and have a willingness to help others. In 2017 the recipient of the Caltex All Rounder Award was Jessica D’Lima. 

Our Current 2017 College Leaders Allison Carruana and Maverick Sequeria addressed the community.  A copy of their speech is as follows:

Alison Caruana

It’s crazy to think that a year ago I was making my first speech as College Captain and now as I stand here for the last time at this very lectern, it’s crazy to think how much we’ve achieved as a whole college community over the last two years.

Not only have we gone through so much together as a cohort, but individually, each of us have grown into the people we are today. And as cliche as it sounds, our strength has risen through the struggles.

I don’t know about all the other year 12’s, but I know for me the ‘f word’ has been something that has been over-used this year. And no, I’m not talking about that ‘f word’, I’m talking about FREEDOM. All I remember saying this year is “I can’t wait to have freedom”, “I need freedom”, well, now we have freedom.

Just picture this, no more English classes with teachers driving us crazy about asking the symbolism of a pair of shorts, no more private studies with Jan telling us to be quiet, no more hassling about whether we’re in the right uniform or not and of course, no more anxiety that came along with getting to the bakery first. That’s all done. We’re done.

I know the stress of exams is just starting to build up on us but if we can manage to have up to 5 SACS a week then we can do anything.

As Maverick and I step down as College Captains and as we hand-down our thrown, I’d like to Congratulate the class of 2017 and thank each and everyone sitting here today, especially our teachers, you’ve all been a part of our special journey and we are so grateful for all your hard-work.

Thank-you

Maverick Sequiera

Just about a year ago, I was told that I was going to be the College Captain of Catholic Regional College Sydenham. I knew it was going to be no easy task but I was willing to take up the challenge. Just as I have had a challenging year, so have many of you.

And for that, we need to thank none other than all the staff members at the College, not just the teachers, but each and every person that has been an integral part our community which forms the backbone of this College.

No matter what our ambitions are, they have supported us, incorporating ‘every student every pathway’ into our education.

Some of us here will be starting our journey into year 12, while many of us will be preparing ourselves for exams. This time of the year isn't about what you've achieved, it's about what you want to achieve.

The past shapes us. It is undeniable that our experiences, whether they be at home, school or elsewhere, impact who we are, but we need to remember that our future shapes us just as much as our past. My advice to you is we must live through who we were, to become who we are.

Thank-you

On behalf of the class of 2017, the Student Leadership group, presented a plaque to be presented at the entrance to the College which was engraved with the following quote:

"You're all geniuses, and you're all beautiful. You don't need anyone to tell you who you are. You are what you are." - John Lennon

Friday saw our year 12 students arrive at the college in a variety of costumes to be served breakfast by staff in celebration of the completion of formal classes.  Throughout the morning, students were entertained by student performances and cluster ran awards.  Much gratitude was shown towards Clusters and staff for their organisation and commitment to this celebration.

On Friday evening, we concluded our celebrations with a Eucharistic celebration and Ceremony at St Patricks Cathedral.  The Graduation Mass and Ceremony was a truly beautiful and moving occasion. Mass, celebrated by Father Maurie Cooney was attended by almost 2000 staff, parents and students. During the ceremony, each of our eligible year 12 students are presented with their graduation certificate and this year introduced the presentation of a graduation stole.  The stole symbolises the journey of personal development of the individual guided through faith, where through baptism students are also presented with a stole.  The stole recognises the contribution of all Federation schools in their contribution to educating the child and illustrates an image, which represents the 2017 College Theme – “Soar like the Eagle”. The Graduation Ceremony culminated in the presentation of a number of awards including 2 awards from each Cluster and the College’s two most prestigious awards, which are presented to one student each year – the School Spirit Award and the Corpus Christi Award. We take this opportunity, on behalf of our entire Catholic Regional College community to recognise and congratulate the award recipients.

Cluster Awards: 

These are students who have not only applied themselves to their academic studies, but have also demonstrated leadership in a variety of areas within the College.

School Spirit Award: 

The School Spirit Award is awarded to a student who has demonstrated leadership and dedication to his or her academic studies, has participated in College events, has shown positive support for their peers, and has cooperated with all College policies. The award recipient for 2017 was Alicia Grech.

Corpus Christie Award:

Our Corpus Christi Award acknowledges the central place of the Eucharist in the life of our College Community and so recognises a student who participates fully in the life of the Church through active involvement in its key rituals and contributions to living out Social Justice through ongoing participation in community service. The award recipient for 2017 was Magdalena Dolic.