Student Stories, Achievements & Community Updates

Student Stories

Our High Achievers Program (HAP) supports Year 12 students with mentorship across their final year of Secondary education. This year's group were supported with personalised guidance, mentorship, and holistic development, empowering students to excel in Year 12 and beyond. 

Brenda McCullagh, our Learning Area Leader – Gifted and Talented says the program has been impactful. 

"Mentorship isn't just about academic success, it's about nurturing lifelong learners and leaders. This year's program showcased the powerful impact of mentorship, demonstrating its invaluable contribution to the Year 12 journey." 

Our HAP students share their mentorship experience.  

"The program kept me driven and motivated, with fortnightly sessions and updates to track where I'm at with my mentor."

 

"My commitment towards achieving academic success was heavily influenced by the program, as placing myself around like minded individuals facilitated further growth and development than I would in my classes. Although my motivation wasn't fully consistent, mentor meetings as well as incursions or excursions brought me back on track and motivated as I could vision my future benefit from consistent efforts."

 

"My mentor aways provided me with support and encouragement that helped me to strive towards good results."

 

"My mentor has provided and continues to provide very helpful guidance on both managing my studies and balancing this with other commitments."

 

"I made sure to meet with my mentor biweekly, however by the final term, as I got more busy, I made sure to meet her whenever I was able to. The meetings were so helpful in keeping myself in check, and made me keep up with short term and long term goals.

 

"Mentoring sessions allowed me to open my eyes about my plan for upcoming tasks, in the form of decision making and insights for future events as well as current, whilst also assisting with my onlook towards life."

 

"I enjoyed having my mentor there as someone I could talk to and gain advice from, about what I was dealing with at school and my thoughts in regards to study."

It was a pleasure to celebrate the dedication of our mentees and their mentors at a recent morning tea. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our mentors and mentees for their dedication and commitment to making the program a success.

Student Achievements

Brother Quentin O'Halloran Public Speaking Evening

On Wednesday 16 October, our College held its annual Brother Quentin O'Halloran Public Speaking Evening, showcasing the exceptional Public Speaking talents of our students. 

Participants from Years 7 to 12 delivered both a prepared and impromptu speech, demonstrating their confidence and eloquence. It was an inspiring event that highlighted these skills nurtured within our College Community.

Congratulations to the evening's winners: 

Junior - Samuel D (Year 8) 

Intermediate -  Zane K (Year 9 M) 

Senior and Overall Best - Tom G (College Vice-Captain) 

Well done to all our speakers - Daniel A, Liam C, Cameron C-L, Sam D, Oliver F, Tom G, Oran J, Hugh J, Zane K, Luke K, Thomas L, Vinnie M, Jacob M, Tomas P, Harper R, Nicholas S, Alex S.

Thank you to our Public Speaking Coordinators - Leah Oirbans and Nick Gleeson, English teachers Kalli Dimitrokalis, Dolores Doran and the many others who supported our students.

Class of 2024 Student Awards

Congratulations to our Year 12 students who received their awards at the Graduation Valete this week. 

Leadership Award - Archie Lamb 

Principal’s Award - Brandon Duong

Lasallian Award - Eli Collantes

Community Spirit Award - Liam Casey, Liam Napier & Hugo Risvanis

Cultural Award - Ethan Hepworth & Alex Hodgkins

Long Tan Leadership Award -Lucas Shaw

Future Innovators Award - Daniel Bentrovato

Leadership in Sport Award - Edward Gibson & Riley Kotow  

Patrick Clarke Vocational Major Award - Ryan Haskins

John Clements Student Athlete Award - Oliver Etienne & Ashton Roberts

Rhys Gillard College All-Rounder Award - Tom Gregory

Community Updates

Road Works in Parkdale / Mentone

• Como Parade East will be closed between Bethell Avenue and Stuart Avenue 7am to 5pm Thursday 24 and Friday 25 October, this includes closure of parking spaces in front of traders and traffic detours.
• Como Parade West northbound lane will be closed, along with approximately four car parking spaces in front of traders Hellenic Food Services to Bocconcinos Woodfired Pizzeria, 7am to 5pm Thursday 24 and Friday 25 October.
• Como Parade East closed between Barry Street and Warrigal Road 7am to 5pm Monday 28 October, this will also require a short road closure for NDD works on the Thursday 24 October. 
• Como Parade West closed between Warrigal Road and Antibes Street 9am to 3pm Monday 28 October, these works will be completed out of school peak to assist with minimising impacts to the school commute.

In Memoriam

Denise Chesters, mother of Sandra Griffith (staff).

Adrian McLennan, father of Lynette McLennan (staff).

May God's comfort and love be with you and your families in this time of need.

Tennis Players Welcome

Parkdale Tennis Club has courts open to the community. Book a court and have some fun with family and friends. For details, visit Parkdale Tennis Club.