From the Principal Leader

YEAR 12 2025 GRADUATION

I am very proud of our 2025 Year 12 graduates and would like to share some words I presented as part of my speech:

‘This afternoon, as we gather as a community to celebrate not only the academic achievements of our Year 12 students, but also a time to acknowledge their outstanding character, their resilience, and their growth as young women of faith, courage and tolerance. As Principal of this college, I could not be more proud of the graduating class of 2025, in all that they are and all they have achieved thus far. There is so much to look forward to, so much to experience and so much life to live. Each of you is now ready for all that life has to offer you and whilst that may feel bittersweet right now, it is your time now to embark on the next stage of your great life adventure and enjoy all that life will offer you as you continue to flourish into adulthood as lifelong learners.

Graduation is always a bittersweet occasion. It marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. For the past six years, Caroline Chisholm College has been your second home and your safety net. Within these walls you have learned, laughed, struggled, triumphed, and formed friendships that will hopefully last a lifetime. You leave here not just with knowledge, but with values and experiences that will guide you in the years ahead. The experiences and support you have engaged in here will most definitely set you up well for a bright future ahead.

To our award recipients tonight – we celebrate your excellence, your determination, and your willingness to give of yourselves in academics, leadership, service, the arts, and sport. Each award represents not just talent, but dedication, perseverance and the support of those who have walked beside you. You remind us that success comes in many forms and that every achievement is worth honouring.

To the entire Class of 2025 – whether or not you receive a special award this evening, every one of you has something to be proud of. Completing your HSC successfully is a remarkable milestone, and the legacy you leave behind at our College is one of positive energy, creativity, kindness and generosity of heart. You have set an example for the younger students, showing them what it means to live out our motto with courage, faith, and tolerance.

I also want to acknowledge the role of families. Parents, carers, and loved ones – tonight we honour you as well. You have been the quiet strength behind these students, encouraging them through challenges, celebrating their successes, and entrusting us with their education. As parents and carers, we also acknowledge your role in developing your daughters as independent young women who are ready to take the next steps in your life journey. A very special vote of appreciation to your parents,  caregivers and families for the love and support you have shown in working in partnership with us during the last 6 years of your daughter’s secondary education. We are grateful for all that you have done to support your daughter and the authentic partnership that we have shared with you allowing your daughter to successfully complete her education. Please show your gratitude to the families of our class of 2025 graduates who could not have achieved this milestone without your steadfast support and unconditional love. Thank you for walking this journey with us and always trusting us.

May God bless you and may your future be bright and joy filled, as you continue to grow and flourish as a lifelong learner! Thank you for all that you are, for all that you have given of yourselves and for the joy that you have brought to the Chisholm community and your beautiful family who I know are all filled with an enormous sense of pride and joy today watching you graduate.

On behalf of the staff and students of CCC, we wish you all the very best for your upcoming HSC exams and bid you a fond farewell. Of course, we will miss you and look forward to hearing from you and hopefully reconnecting with you in the future through our Alumni events.

Finally, may God bless you and hold you gently in the palm of his hand as you leave the safety net of Caroline Chisholm College and embark on the next exciting chapter of your life story! Stand strong, stand tall and stand proud ladies… we are Chisholm…. Go forward now with confidence making a difference in the world wherever God may lead you. Remember, YOU must be the change you wish to see in the world.

To conclude with the words of Australia’s first saint, St Mary of the Cross Mackillop as your guide through the next chapters of your life …”When I could not see my way, God kept my heart full of trust’. ‘

I would like to congratulate Year 12 2025 for being an exceptional year group who have always been warm, compassionate and kind to each other and our Chisholm girls Year 7-11 as their ‘sisters’.

Best wishes and see you again soon for your HSC exams

Year 12 Award Ceremony

Special Awards

First in Course

JERSEY DAY 2025

Today we celebrate Jersey Day — a day that may seem light-hearted on the surface, with its sea of colours and sporting team pride, but it carries a message that is powerful and life-changing. 

By wearing our jerseys today, we are raising awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation. Jersey Day is inspired by the story of young Nathan Gremmo, whose family chose to give the gift of life to others through organ donation. Their courage reminds us that through one generous decision, lives can be transformed.

At Caroline Chisholm College, we know that leadership and compassion often show themselves in small but meaningful ways. Today, our jerseys symbolise more than just support for a favourite team — they represent teamwork, solidarity, and the belief that we can make a difference in the lives of others.

So while today is about fun and community, let’s also remember the deeper meaning behind it. Take the energy and spirit you’ve shown today home with you, and maybe even start that important conversation with your family. I encourage each of you to take the spirit of Jersey Day home. Talk with your families about what organ and tissue donation means. These conversations, though not always easy, can be some of the most important you’ll ever have.

Thank you for embracing the day with so much joy, colour and enthusiasm. Together, we make a difference in raising awareness, coming together to unite as a college community invested in the greater good and the precious gift of life.

As a community of faith, courage, and tolerance, may we continue to show kindness, to support each other, and to honour the incredible gift of life.

Thank you for embracing the spirit of Jersey Day and for the joyful energy you bring to our celebrations today.

PDHPE Team for promoting and supporting this exceptional cause.

Prayer for Jersey Day

Loving God, 

Today we wear our jerseys with joy and pride,

but most of all, we wear them to remember the gift of life.

We give thanks for the generosity of families,

who in times of sadness, choose to bring hope to others

through organ and tissue donation.

Bless all those who have received the gift of life, 

and bless those who are still waiting. 

Fill our hearts with courage, compassion and kindness, 

so that we may always look for ways to care for one another.

Mrs Tania Cairns

Principal Leader