Around the College

Awards Presentation 2025

List of Awards and Recipients

1. Captain’s Certificates

We acknowledge their outstanding contribution to College life, their consistent modelling of Respect, Responsibility, Wisdom and Courage, and their service in the spirit of Mary MacKillop.

• College Captains:
  • Eleanor Pedlow
  • Patrick Wilson
• Vice Captains:
  • Taine Lowe
  • Diesel Bonaddio

2. Justice Leader Certificates

Our Justice Captains have played a vital role in embodying the College's Catholic identity and Josephite charism in practical ways. Guided by the Gospel, the Catholic Social Teaching principles, and the example of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, our Justice Captains have:

•      Helped lead liturgies, prayer and outreach

•      Supported social justice initiatives and fundraising

•      Encouraged their peers to “see a need and do something about it”.

•      Promoted a culture of Respect, Responsibility, Wisdom and Courage in their Houses             and homerooms

This year, our 2025 Justice Captains have been:

• Alexis McGuire
• Gretchen Clarke
• Tayla Atyeo-Peters
• Brooklyn Collocott
• Campbell Reid
• Maeve Sutherland
• Phoebe Cleveland
• Isabelle Ferrone
• James Montgomery

3. Christian Leadership Awards

This award recognises students who authentically live the Josephite spirit in daily school life and lead others through example, service and hope. Inspired by St Mary of the Cross MacKillop – who did what she did out of her love for Jesus and her desire to make Him known – these students ‘see a need and do something about it’ in practical, often quiet ways.  They notice those who are lonely or on the margins, respond with genuine welcome, follow through on their commitments and stand up for others. In this, they give living expression to our School Wide Expectations of Respect, Responsibility, Wisdom and Courage and contribute generously to the faith, service and community life of the College.

Year 7 Christian Leadership Awards:

• 7A – Nikita Zuidema
• 7B – Hara McIndoe
• 7C – Daniel Tom
• 7D – Livinia Hermans
• 7E – Sophia Licciardello

Year 8 Christian Leadership Awards:

• 8A – Mikayla Occhipinti
• 8B – Sidney Bishop
• 8C – Cooper Webb
• 8D – Olivia Marinou

Year 9 Christian Leadership Awards:

• 9A – Angelina Tom
• 9B – Jessica Barrett
• 9C – Isaac Jorgensen
• 9D – Kelsey Landry

Year 10 Christian Leadership Awards:

• 10A – Cassidy Chipperfield
• 10B – Mitchell Collocott
• 10C – Claudia Croatto
• 10D – Bradley Leversha

Senior House Christian Leadership Awards:

• Senior Cameron – Audrey Vernon
• Senior Chisholm – Olivia Aulich
• Senior MacDonald – Niya Manavalan
• Senior Tenison – Owen Maskell

4. Academic Growth and Mindset Awards

This award recognises students who have demonstrated significant academic progress through dedication, resilience and a positive growth mindset. They listen carefully, act on feedback, and take increasing responsibility for their learning.  They attempt challenging tasks, persist after setbacks and continually adjust their strategies. In doing so, they embody Respect, Responsibility, Wisdom and Courage and remind us that genuine learning is built gradually through consistent effort and belief that ability can grow.

Year 7 Academic Growth and Mindset Award:

• 7A – Liam Mackenzie, Penny Carruthers
• 7B – Colbie Cottle, Antonio Pace
• 7C – Troy Myers, Ella Thompson
• 7D – AJ Henham, Caitlyn Jacobs
• 7E – Cooper Clark, Isla O'Neill

Year 8 Academic Growth and Mindset Award:

• 8A – Zara Gannon, Maggie McGrath
• 8B – Sophie Edwards, Oliver Emanuelli
• 8C – Chem Jones, Dylan Bruitzman
• 8D – Harry Piasente, Jerriah Murfin-Barden

Year 9 Academic Growth and Mindset Award:

• 9A – Elsie Morris, Taolin McNeil
• 9B – Carmine Burslem, Scarlett Mathews
• 9C – Harper McRae, Tayah Matheson
• 9D – Belamy Murfin-Barden, Evvi Winn

Year 10 Academic Growth and Mindset Award:

• 10A – Jack Harvey, Eli Nowacki
• 10B – Lily Reid, Samantha Davies
• 10C – Jessica Lawson, Minna Sutherland
• 10D – Emily Wallis, Mikaela Piasente

Senior House Academic Growth and Mindset Award:

• Cameron – Lily Hanily, Melanie Indian
• Chisholm – Jack Fincher, Henri Bott
• MacDonald – Lily Gowers, Maia Enbom
• Tenison – William Isted, Neon Jijo Cherian

5. Academic Excellence and Achievement Awards (Years 7–11)

The Academic Excellence Awards are presented to the students who have achieved the highest academic result in a subject over the course of the year. It represents sustained performance at the highest level and acknowledges intellectual discipline, consistency and scholarly excellence.

Year 7 Academic Excellence and Achievement Awards:

Year 8 Academic Excellence and Achievement Awards:

Year 9 Academic Excellence and Achievement Awards:

Year 10 Academic Excellence and Achievement Awards:

Year 11 Academic Excellence and Achievement Awards:

6. Year Level Dux

The Year Level Dux is calculated from individual academic success achieved across all subjects undertaken by students within the year level.

These students demonstrate:

• Wisdom, through consistently strong academic performance across a broad program
• Responsibility, in their approach to study and assessment
• Courage, in taking on challenges and high expectations
• Respect, in the way they contribute positively to the learning environment of their classmates

In the spirit of Mary MacKillop, who championed education for all, our Dux recipients show what can happen when natural ability is matched with effort, focus and a desire to learn.

• Year 7: Mia Kruger
• Year 8: Helanah Gallicchio
• Year 9: Lincoln Newton
• Year 10: Alyssa Blackshaw
• Year 11: Gemma Meadley

7. DOSCEL Award

This award is for the top student in Religion and Society, Units 1 and 2, and is sponsored by Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL).  The award recognises a student who has approached the study of faith, Religion and Society with intellectual Wisdom, personal Responsibility, and Courage to engage thoughtfully with complex questions in light of the Gospel.

• R&S Unit 1 – Sophie Granzow
• R&S Unit 2 – Amy Treacy

8. Saint Cecilia Music Medallion

This Medallion is awarded to a student who has shown dedication, enthusiasm and leadership throughout the year in the Music Program.

This student has demonstrated:

• Consistent attendance at rehearsals and performances
• A cooperative and cheerful attitude
• Willingness to assist with organisational tasks
• Encouragement and support of other students

Their commitment reflects Respect for the ensemble, Responsibility in preparation, and Courage to perform publicly and share their gifts.

The recipient of the Saint Cecilia Music Medallion - Owen Maskell.

9. Excellence in Enrichment

The Excellence in Enrichment Award recognises a student who has shown dedication, enthusiasm, and leadership across the College’s enrichment programs. This student engaged in extracurricular activities, demonstrating initiative, creativity, and a commitment to extending learning beyond the classroom.

The recipient of the Excellence in Enrichment for 2025 is - Chelsea Delbridge.

10. Campion Award

This is an Encouragement Award, presented to a Year 10 student who has shown consistent application and effort in their studies. This student models Responsibility in their study habits, Courage in persevering through challenges, and Wisdom in steadily building their skills over time.

The recipient of the Campion Award for this year is - Jasleen Dhillon.

11. Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program

The Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program is an academic enrichment initiative that offers high-achieving Year 10 students the opportunity to engage with the University of Melbourne through an extensive program of events and activities. The selected student has demonstrated strong academic Wisdom, personal Responsibility, and the Courage to pursue challenging learning opportunities – in a way that honours Mary MacKillop’s belief in education as a path to transforming both self and society.

The recipient of this award is: Patrick Frayne. 

12. Monash University Scholars Program

The Monash University Scholars Program is a prestigious academic enrichment program that provides a high-achieving Year 10 student with an early connection to Monash University and a unique head start on university life. 

The student selected demonstrates strong academic achievement, active involvement in extra-curricular endeavours, and a thoughtful understanding of leadership in action – reflecting our College values of Respect, Responsibility, Wisdom and Courage, and a desire to use their gifts in service of the wider community.

The recipient of the Monash University Scholars Program Award for 2025 is: Georgia Ashby.

13. TAFE Gippsland Awards

Our College has recognised the following students who have excelled in their VET programs, showing initiative, perseverance and real-world application of their learning:

• Lauren Sinclair 
• Adam McIndoe 

14. CUC Bass Coast Award

The Country Universities Centre (CUC) Bass Coast Student Achievement Award is presented to one student from each of the seven secondary schools in the greater Bass Coast area, to recognise and celebrate their efforts to strive to achieve their educational goals in their final year.

In 2025, the award recipient at Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College is a student recognised for outstanding achievement, dedication and commitment to learning, responsibility for their learning, courage in setting ambitious goals, and wisdom in using local opportunities

The recipient of this award is - Poppy Maxwell.

15. Leongatha RSL Kokoda Trek Scholarship

The Leongatha RSL Kokoda Scholarship is offered to students undertaking Year 11 studies in 2026 at Secondary Colleges in Leongatha. This opportunity is being offered in conjunction with the George Collins Kokoda Award, which has been operating in the Baw Baw shire for a number of years. Successful recipients of the Leongatha RSL Kokoda Scholarship will travel alongside the recipients of the George Collins Kokoda Award on the adventure of a lifetime.

The recipient for the 2026 Kokoda Trek Scholarship is - Rose Bowler.

16. Leongatha RSL Encouragement Awards

The Leongatha RSL has generously provided three encouragement awards. They aim to recognise students who are applying themselves both in and outside the classroom. These students show Respect for others, Responsibility in their commitments, and Courage in stepping forward to contribute.

The RSL Encouragement Award for Year 7 goes to - Max Greenwood.

The RSL Encouragement Award for Year 8 goes to - Zoe Cleveland.

The RSL Encouragement Award for Year 9 goes to - Roman Carr.

17. Panthers Family Quiet Achiever Award

The Quiet Achiever Award recognises a Year 9 student who quietly lives the educational and pastoral values of the College through good behaviour and steady commitment, in appreciation of the support and education given by the College to their children

The recipient for 2025 is - Lincoln Newton.

18. STEM Zone Award

This award recognises a student who has shown outstanding interest, creativity and persistence in STEM learning.  Through their curiosity, problem-solving and innovation, they demonstrate Wisdom in how they approach complex questions, Courage in experimenting and learning from mistakes, and Responsibility in using their skills for the good of others.

The recipient for 2025 is - Isaac Jorgensen.

19. South Gippsland Youth Council Award

This award recognises outstanding student leadership at a local level.  The recipient has shown Courage in advocacy, Responsibility in representing peers, and Respect for diverse viewpoints – echoing the servant leadership shown by Mary MacKillop in her care for people on the margins.

The recipient of this award is - Thalia Baker. 

20. South Gippsland Bass Coast LLEN Award

This award recognises outstanding effort and achievement by a student in the Vocational Major pathway.  The award acknowledges Responsibility in workplace learning, Courage in pursuing practical pathways, and Wisdom in making choices that build a hopeful future.

The award for Year 11 VCE Vocational Major Studies goes to - Charlotte Emanuelli.

The award for Year 12 VCE Vocational Major Studies goes to - Gretchen Clark.e

21. ADF Long Tan Leadership & Teamwork Awards

These awards recognise the achievements of young people who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and Teamwork within our school and the wider community.

The recipients have shown Courage in taking initiative, Respect for others in collaborative work and Responsibility in following through on commitments.

Year 10 Recipient – Lily Smairl.

Year 12 Recipient – Maeve Sutherland.

22. ADF Future Innovators Awards

These awards encourage the next generation of innovators, critical thinkers and problem solvers – bright Australian students who are succeeding in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

The recipients have demonstrated Wisdom in applying STEM concepts, Courage in exploring new ideas and technologies, and Responsibility in using their skills to contribute positively to the community.

Year 10 Recipient – Mitchell Collocott.

Year 12 Recipient – Bailey Fowles.

23. Ampol All-Rounder Award

The Ampol Award recognises students whose achievements span academic studies, sport, community work, conduct, and leadership.

Winners are characterised by:

• Commitment to doing their best in all pursuits
• Consistently setting a positive example
• Willingness to assist their peers and others

This reflects the all-rounder qualities of Respect, Responsibility, Wisdom and Courage, and the kind of integrated life of service that Mary MacKillop modelled in her love for Jesus and for others.

The recipient for 2025 is - Mackenna Whiteside.

24. SSV – School Sports Victoria Award

The SSV Award medal recognises the most outstanding student at the College who has achieved a high level academically, combined with a strong sporting contribution to the school.  The recipient models Respect in sportsmanship, Courage in competition, Responsibility in training and commitment, and Wisdom in balancing study and sport.

For 2025, we present the SSV Schools Award to - Aaron Bruce.

There are four sponsored awards as well as the 2025 Academic awards, which will be awarded next year:

• Cardell’s Accountants Humanities and Social Science Award
• Leongatha Medical Group Science and Mathematics Award
• WestVic Staffing Solutions VET Excellence Award
• College Dux

These awards will be presented at the Achievers Assembly in February 2026 along with academic awards.

We thank all our sponsors for their generosity and look forward to their continuing involvement with the College.

25. House Shield

The House Shield is awarded to the House that achieves the highest aggregate score across House Swimming, House Athletics and House Cross Country, with individual commendations given by teachers also contributing points.

The Shield recognises not only achievement, but also:

• Respect in the way students support one another
• Courage in participation and competition
• Responsibility in representing the House and College
• Wisdom in setting goals and working as a team

In the spirit of our Josephite charism, and following Mary MacKillop’s example of community and perseverance, House events remind us that success is built together.

Winning House: Cameron

• Represented by 2026 leaders:
  • Gemma Meadley
  • Audrey Vernon

26. Peter Noonan Award

Peter Noonan was indeed a man of faith and of love.

He loved God.

He loved the Church.

He loved his family,

and he loved young people and this College.

He had very high standards for himself and his students. He encouraged his students to be well-mannered and to present themselves with a tidy appearance. While he was strict, he encouraged his students to look out for one another with care and to learn.  He had a thirst for learning and encouraged others to pursue it. His sense of humour was clever and witty, often beyond many of the students.

Before Mary MacKillop College existed, Peter served on the Diocesan Education Advisory Council. At the time he was teaching at the Korumburra High School. At these DEAC meetings, he often expressed the need for a Catholic Secondary School in this region, and he worked tirelessly to achieve this.  When the steering committee for this College was formed, Peter worked on it until the College was established in 1986.

Peter was a teacher at Mary MacKillop College from 1988 until his death on 9th December 1992. The well-used quote from Micah sums up Peter’s life.  He ‘lived justly, loved tenderly and walked humbly with his God’.

In keeping with the person Peter was, the award in memory of him is given by the staff, to the student who they consider has contributed most to the academic and general growth of the College. Peter set a fine example to us all and the recipient of this award has also set a fine example.

The Peter Noonan Award is the most prestigious award presented each year at Mary MacKillop College. Over the years this award has been presented to many young people of outstanding character, dedication and enthusiasm and this year is no exception.

The recipient is an outstanding student who, over the years, has shown tremendous commitment to their faith, to our College, to the community. Their approach to study is not only reflected in their own high grades but also in their preparedness to help others to achieve.

When we look at this year’s successful nominee, the true story isn’t in the list of accomplishments, but in the engine that drives them. 

The first quality that defines this student is their determination. Their resume reads like a blueprint for future leadership. Among other activities, they have participated in Live4Life, Dolly’s Dream, multiple sporting teams, and numerous musical and academic competitions. These activities not only extend the individual’s personal development but serve to support others in the community.

This student represents the spirit and values of this college: someone prepared not just for completing their education, but for global citizenship and lifelong growth. She knows her direction, she controls her effort, and she trusts her purpose.

The awardee of the Peter Noonan Award is - Thalia Baker.

Vinnies Christmas Appeal Report

The 2026 Year 12 Youth Ministry class proudly continued the College tradition of supporting our local Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Throughout the campaign, the students worked tirelessly to create advertisements and encourage staff, students and families to donate food, toys, hygiene items and cleaning products.

Like Mary and Joseph, who sought safety and refuge, Vinnies' work continues to support the vulnerable and those in need within our community. We were blessed to welcome Vinnies volunteers Anne and Alan, who is also a former teacher at MMCRC, to our College Mass where they gratefully accepted the donations. Alan shared with the community the vital work that Vinnies provides for families and individuals across the region.

The Year 12 Youth Ministry class sincerely thanks all students, families and staff for their generous donations and support. Your kindness has helped to provide the gift of love, dignity and hope to others during what can be a challenging time of year.

Thank you, and we wish everyone a safe and joyful Christmas.

Life in Space – Gippsland Tech School

In the last week of Term 4, MMCRC Year 7 students took part in the Life in Space program at Gippsland Tech School. This hands-on STEAM experience immersed students in space science and exploration through virtual reality (VR), mixed reality (MR), and robotics. They investigated Earth’s place in the solar system, designed their own rocket, and explored ideas for future human habitats beyond our planet. Throughout the program, students strengthened their coding, problem-solving, and design-thinking skills, helping to prepare them for future pathways in space science, engineering, and other STEAM careers.