Clyde North Campus News
Farewell to the Class of 2025
As the final two weeks of Term 4 unfold, a special energy fills our College. For our Year 12 students, this time marks both an ending and a beginning — the final steps of their secondary school journey and the threshold of life beyond the gates of St Peter’s.
This week, we have begun rehearsals for one of the most significant events in our College calendar — the Year 12 Graduation Assembly. It is the most formal occasion in their school years, a moment that encapsulates their growth, resilience, and the friendships that have shaped their time here. During rehearsals, there has been laughter, chatter, and the occasional giggle as students practised walking onto and off the stage, adjusting to the formality of the occasion. Yet amidst the light-hearted moments, there was one truly moving experience that shifted the atmosphere entirely.
When the entire cohort of 158 students gathered on stage to rehearse the College song Be Not Afraid, their first attempt was accompanied by backing music and vocals. It was pleasant enough, but when asked to sing again — this time with just the instrumental music — something extraordinary happened. As their voices rose and filled the Geode Theatre, the sound was powerful, pure, and deeply emotional. In that moment, the reality of their graduation truly set in. The words of the song, so familiar and yet newly resonant, seemed to speak directly to this milestone — a call to be courageous, to trust in the path ahead, and to embrace what comes next with faith and confidence.
It was a privilege to stand there, witnessing that moment — the moment when the Year 12's themselves seemed to recognise that this is it. Their time as students of St Peter’s is coming to a close. These are the final days of shared classes, familiar routines, and spontaneous laughter in the corridors. Next week, as we gather for the Graduation Assembly, Mass, and the Valedictory Dinner, the emotions will be plentiful — joy, pride, gratitude, and, inevitably, a few tears.
Graduation is a time of celebration, but also of reflection. For parents and guardians, it is an opportunity to look back — to remember the little hands that once clutched theirs on the first day of school, the milestones reached along the way, the challenges overcome, and the young adults who now stand tall, ready to step into their future. We all ask ourselves those quiet, universal questions: Have we done enough? Have we given them what they need to thrive? And though we can never know all the answers, we take comfort in knowing that the foundation has been laid with love, guidance, and a community that has walked beside them every step of the way.
As I spend these final days with the Year 12's — in rehearsals, quiet conversations, and shared moments of laughter — I am reminded how truly blessed I am to witness this stage of their journey. Watching them grow into confident, capable young adults has been a privilege and a joy.
Last week also saw a wonderful celebration for Augustine House, who were crowned the Rosemary Graham Shield winners for 2025. The entire house enjoyed a special excursion to Chadstone Shopping Centre, where students took part in the fun and energy of the Social Quarter. It was a fantastic day out for all, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and well-deserved celebration. A special thank you goes to Ms Angus, Augustine House Leader, and her team of Learning Advisors for their organisation and care in providing this memorable experience for their students.
While we prepare to farewell our graduating class, the rhythm of school life continues — and with it, the next generation of leaders is already stepping forward. This week also saw our newly elected 2026 College Captains take on their very first official duty, leading the Year 7 2026 Information Night.
Standing before an audience of more than 450 people, they spoke with poise, sincerity, and warmth. While I knew that behind the scenes there were nerves and butterflies, you would never have guessed it from their performance. Their presence and confidence were a credit not only to their own emerging leadership but also to the example set by our 2025 College Captains, whose commitment, teamwork, and spirit of servant leadership have clearly left a lasting mark.
Moments like these remind us of the beautiful continuity within our school community — one group preparing to leave, another preparing to step up. Each cohort shapes the next, passing on traditions, values, and the essence of what it means to be part of St Peter’s.
As we prepare to say goodbye to the Class of 2025, we do so with hearts full of pride. Their achievements, their kindness, and their character will continue to inspire those who follow. May they walk forward with courage, with faith, and with the assurance that they will always be part of the St Peter’s story.
Mrs Julie Banda
Deputy Principal - Head of Clyde North Campus