Chev Need to Knows 

Dear Parents and Carers,

Celebrating Chevalier Day

Today on Chevalier Day, we honour the legacy of our founder Fr Jules Chevalier, whose mission to address the ills of his time gave rise to a movement rooted in kindness, compassion and dedication. Jules deeply believed in the transformative power of love — a love that sees the dignity in every person, reaches out to the marginalised and builds a better world through service and education. His mission was to form hearts, not just minds. 

On reflection of this, I am excited to share with you our new visual identity, expressed as a shield. It blends the traditions of the past and acknowledges our future-facing aspirations. The short video below explains further. 

It is fitting that on a day that bears his name, we also pause to recognise those among us who have lived out this mission through their long-standing service to Chevalier College. Whether they have served for 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 years, each of these staff members has contributed to the spirit and story of this place. Their work has helped shape generations of students, and their presence has helped sustain the culture of care and excellence that defines our community. 

As initiated, developed and prepared by our Assistant Principal – Faith Formation and Mission, Mr Sandy Abbey, please take your time to read about our Staff Service Awards, which were presented immediately after Mass earlier today. 

Fr Victor Jouët MSC Award – 10 Years of Service. 

Named after one of Fr Chevalier’s most tireless collaborators, this award honours staff who have dedicated a decade of service to the success of Chevalier College. 

Recipients: 

• Mrs Gemma Farrugia 
• Mrs Kylie Gillespie 
• Mrs Rebecca Graham 
• Ms Peggy Handley 
• Mr John Hargreaves 
• Mrs Natalie Lagarde-Hassall 
• Ms Sophie Schymitzek 
• Mrs Morwenna Whitton-Cario 

• Mrs Alishya Worthington 

   

Dominican Cross Award – 15 Years of Service.

Inspired by the Dominican Sisters who contributed to Catholic girls’ education in the Southern Highlands, this award recognises those who have found truth in their service, relationships, and care for others. 

Recipients: 

• Mr Andrew Gillespie 
• Mr Matthew Heard 
• Mr Phillip Ingram 
• Mrs Abigail Parsons 
• Mrs Anna Rieber 
• Ms Leah Robertson 
• Mr Bryan Rossi 
• Mr John Treanor 

Basilica Shield Award – 20 Years of Service. 

Named after the Minor Basilica in Issoudun, this award honours those who have laid strong foundations in the life of Chevalier College. 

Recipients: 

• Ms Kim Delaney 
• Mr Jonathan Dinning 

Jubilee Cross Award – 25 Years of Service. 

Symbolising faithfulness and dedication, this award celebrates those who have helped shape the College over a quarter of a century. 

Recipients: 

• Mrs Julia Esposito 
• Ms Kelly-Anne Walker 

Fr Charles Piperon MSC Medal – 30 Years of Service. 

Honouring the exemplar of loyal service in Spirituality of the Heart, this medal recognises those who have given three decades of service to the spirit of Chevalier College through their practice. 

Recipients: 

• Ms Joanne Crowe 
• Mrs Jacquelyn Daly 
• Mr Simon O’Hea 

We acknowledge and thank all of the above-mentioned staff members for their dedication and service to the College over their time at Chevalier. 

Esprit du Chevalier Award Lunch 

As part of Chevalier Day, the College hosted a special lunch in Jules Café for past recipients of the Esprit du Chevalier Award, a prestigious award recognising individuals who have demonstrated the “spirit of the knight” through a lifetime of positive impact, achievement and service. This award is bestowed upon past students or those connected to the College who have shown a strong sense of ‘Chevalier Mission’ in their careers or community work. 

This year, we confirm the awarding of the Esprit du Chevalier Award to Mr Richard (Dick) Simpson, Class of 1968. The award was bestowed upon Dick in recognition of his lifelong connection and commitment to Chevalier College, along with his other outstanding achievements.  

You can click the link below to read more about Dick’s award and the outstanding achievements of all 24 Esprit du Chevalier award winners.

Esprit du Chevalier Award winners' booklet

In conclusion, reflecting on the above, the afternoon of community activities and the launch of our new College Shield, I am reminded that, 

"Ours is a spirit of family and a spirit of brotherhood, formed by kindness and understanding,  by compassion and mutual forgiveness, by gentleness, humility and simplicity, by hospitality  and a sense of humour.” MSC Constitution #34. 

Happy Chevalier Day to one and all! 

Greg Miller

Principal

Ps. Please don't forget to take the opportunity to provide feedback to us regarding all aspects of the College via the link sent to you in an email from MMG Education on Monday, 20 October.

Generative AI and Learning - Online Parent Seminar 

As Generative AI becomes part of modern learning, it's important our students can navigate this environment effectively and responsibly. This online session will outline our approach to AI and learning, focusing on Clarity, Consistency, and Capacity.

Format: Online Teams Event (This event will be recorded)

When: Tuesday 4 November (Week 4) 

Time: 6.00 - 7.00pm 

What you will learn: 

• Our approach to AI and learning: Clarity, Consistency and Capacity
• AI road signs for student clarity
• AI Tools available for students
• Building capacity through AI knowledge and skills

Please RSVP here. The Microsoft Teams link for this event will be emailed to registered parents on the day of the seminar.

Ryan Noonan

Teacher / Leader Digital Technologies and Innovation 

Year 11 Presentation Ball

As Year 11 prepare for the Presentation Ball on Friday 31st October a reminder that there are two dance practices students need to attend.

• Monday 27th October  - 3:30pm -4:30pm
• Wednesday 29th October  4pm - 5:30pm

Girls are asked to bring their shoes they intend to wear on the night to the practices.

TEENS and SCREENS Survey and Presentation

Year 9 will have the opportunity to take part in the Teens & Screens program created by researchers at the Black Dog Institute. Teens & Screens is a 45-50 minute interactive presentation aimed at improving digital literacy to help teenagers have better experiences when online. This will occur on Monday 27 October. 

Wellbeing Parent Webinars 

As part of Mental Health Month in  October, the Black Dog Institute is offering a series of free webinars for parents and carers.

Webinar 1: Parents/carers helping teens thrive online

Wednesday 29 October - 4.00pm 

This live session will explore key strategies for parenting in the digital age. 

Register here: Helping Teens Thrive Online

2025 Highlands Wellbeing Forum

The 2025 Highlands Wellbeing Forum, ‘Fostering Hope through Tough Conversations' is on Monday 27th October at the Bowral Memorial Hall, 5:30pm - 7pm. 

For further information please click here. 

Kelly Walker

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Growth

Year 12 2026

Just a quick reminder that UOW's Year 12 Summer Master Class applications close this Sunday, October 26th at 11:59pm.

Students can apply via the Summer Master Class website. 

Who can take part in this program? Students completing Year 12 in 2026. 

When and where will the program be run?  Classes run on campus at UOW Wollongong from 5 January – 23 January 2026 with students also required to attend an Orientation Afternoon on 8 December 2025. 

What are the benefits for students?  Students undertaking the Summer Master Class will: 

• Complete a university-level subject during their summer holidays 
• Students who successfully pass their subject will earn themselves 6 unspecified credit points that can be used towards most UOW undergraduate degrees, and; 
• Summer Master Class results will be considered to support an Early Admission application. 

How much does it cost?  

The Summer Master Class program costs $470 (compared to HECS fees between $578 – $2124/ subject).  

Students who meet criteria outlined on our website, including regional, rural and remote students, can apply for a fully supported place, which will allow the fee to be waived. 

Donna Murchie

Careers Facilitator / Study Supervisor

ISA Round 1

ISA Rounds begin on Saturday, 25 October.  Team fixtures and bus information can be found in the Parent Lounge and Orbit app under School Links / Extra Curricular.  All buses will leave from the bus zone on Charlotte Street.  Students leaving the College should be dropped off in the JFC car park. 

The BBQ a will be situated on the JFC lawn from 9.00am. Please see below for the link to volunteer.

IMPORTANT:  We aim to have fixtures and bus times uploaded to School Links by Wednesday each week.  Please check the fixtures every Friday afternoon/evening for any last minute changes to bus times and/or game cancellations. 

Parent Volunteers

We’re seeking parent volunteers to help make our home game hospitality a success by assisting at the Sports BBQ and Basketball and Cricket Desk Duties.

Your support is greatly appreciated!

Click here to view the BBQ volunteer roster.

Click here to view the Basketball volunteer roster.

Click here to view the 1st Cricket volunteer roster.

Click here to view Junior Cricket volunteer roster.

Reminder regarding commitment to summer sports teams

A reminder that all training sessions and games are compulsory for summer sport team members unless they are absent from school due to illness. 

We kindly ask that parents review the Home and Away schedule in School Links on Parent Orbit to ensure that you can support this requirement.  Students should contact their coach directly to advise of extenuating circumstances prohibiting attendance at either training or games.

Cricket Umpires Required

Chevalier College is urgently seeking cricket umpires to assist during the upcoming summer season.

If you are interested, please email extracurricular@chevalier.nsw.edu.au with your availability.

Coach Phillips

Extra Curriculum Coordinator

Carols on the Meadow is back! 

Join us for a festive evening filled with Mariah Carey themed carols and our wonderful community, featuring performances by talented Chevalier College students, a spectacular fireworks display, food trucks and rides for the kids! 

Date & Time: Thursday 27 November 2025, 5.00pm-8.15pm

Location: The Parade Ground, Chevalier College

Free Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/carols-on-the-meadow-2025

Bring a picnic or enjoy treats from the food trucks on site. 

Please note – this is an alcohol-free event.

Let’s make it a magical night together – don’t miss out! 

Thank you to our wonderful supporters:

• Our Lawyers
• Australian Survey Solutions
• The Palms Golf Studio
• SAOR Skincare
• Whitebull Pressure Cleaning
• Lime Building Group
• Ray White
• Physio Space
• Macey Insurance
• Aureum Finance
• SH Private Hospital
• Leading Electrical
• Highland Fires
• Links Roofing
• Bookshop Bowral
• Trimech Pty Ltd
• Finders Finance

• HSC exams - 16 October - 17 November
• Year 10 Retreat -  27 - 28 October
• Year 11 Visual Arts Excursion - 29 October
• Year 11 Mock Trial Semi Final - 29 October
• Year 9 Dance excursion - Sydney Dance Company - 30 October
• Presentation Ball - 31 October
• Generative AI and Learning - Online Parent Seminar - 4 November
• Carols on the Meadow - 27 November