Welcome to the beginning of the 2026 school year at Good News Lutheran College — a year filled with possibility. It was a joy to see students, staff, families, and special guests gathered together, ready to step into a new season of learning, growth, and God-given purpose.

During our Commencement Service this morning, we honoured the courage and achievement of our recent graduates as we presented the 2025 Dux and Proxime Accessit awards. Their resilience, determination, and faith shone brightly throughout 2025, lighting the path for those who follow. Their example continues to inspire our community to lead with heart and strive for excellence.

We also extended a warm welcome to those joining our community for the first time. New staff were formally installed, acknowledging not only their roles, but the deep trust placed in them and the shared responsibility of nurturing every learner in our care. The ceremony also gave thanks for the leadership across our College as we installed our 2026 student leaders and staff stepping into College Leadership roles.

Our theme for this year—Community—is both a reminder and a calling. It reminds us that none of us walks this journey alone. We are strengthened by those who stand beside us, uplifted by those who believe in us, and shaped by the gifts we share with one another. Community is where individuals flourish because they are seen, valued, and encouraged to reach their potential.

As Philippians 4:13 tells us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Christ is the centre from which our community draws its courage, compassion, and purpose. With Him at the heart of who we are, we can step boldly into each day, confident that we are equipped—together—for whatever lies ahead.

Growth is never accidental. It takes intention, nurture, and the steady encouragement of others. Here at Good News, we commit to striving for an environment where every lesson matters, every moment is purposeful, and every student and staff member can thrive.

The spirit of community is reflected in a well‑known African proverb:

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

This truth speaks to us today. When we move alone, our progress may be quick but when we move together, our impact is lasting. Community is our strength. It is what makes us resilient, hopeful, and capable of achieving far more than we ever could on our own.

So, as we step into 2026, let us choose to go far—together. Let us dream bravely, serve generously, and build a community that reflects the very best of who we are in Christ. Together, let us make 2026 a year defined by unity, courage, and extraordinary growth.

Fiona McAuliffe

Executive Principal

2025 Dux Anushka Desai's Speech from the Commencement Service

Good morning students and teachers

I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to everyone in the Good News community who has supported me and made it possible for me to stand here today.

In particular, I would like to thank my teachers - for believing in me, challenging me, and taking the time to nurture my growth. Their effort and care have played a huge role in this achievement. However, there’s no doubt that reaching this point came with challenges.

Like many, I went into school with big goals for myself and what was constantly tested along the way. And I know from experience that when we're under that kind of pressure, it's easy to slip into negativity — to feel constantly tired, always stuck complaining, or focused only on what is ideal.

I remember being in the middle of Year 12, buried under SACs and assignments, just wondering "when will this end? when can I leave?" But it's crazy to think now about how much I actually miss that time. Not to say that I miss doing SACs because I definitely don't, but I miss the moments in between. The group study sessions where we laughed and talked more than we studied. The occasional class we spent playing Kahoot or Just Dance and messing around. The days where we came together as a cohort — dressing up for carnivals and putting on performances.

So yes, school will come with challenges and with times that really test you, but with that journey comes the chance to experience so many meaningful moments — to meet people who will become your lifelong friends, to share memories you'll remember for life and to be part of a close-knit community that grows up together until the very day you graduate.

So I encourage you all to value that, to not spend your final years wishing them away and waiting for it to be over, but to make the most of every day. Be excited to see your friends everyday, go all out on dress-up days and take photos to capture the memories. Because when this chapter comes to an end, when one day you will no longer walk through those school gates, it's those times where you truly embraced being at school that you will value the most.

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