Deputy Head of College News

2026 Awards Night

Our recent Awards Night was a wonderful celebration of the gifts, achievements and character of our students, and a powerful reminder of the richness of College life. Across the evening, students were recognised for excellence in mission, culture, sport, wellbeing, NAPLAN, academic achievement, community contribution, character and service.

The breadth of these awards speaks to something deeply important in a Marist school: that excellence is not measured in only one way. We celebrate the student who achieves outstanding academic results, but also the student who serves others, contributes generously to community life, shows courage, demonstrates character, supports the wellbeing of others, or uses their gifts in culture, the arts, music and sport.

In the spirit of St Marcellin Champagnat, we seek to help young people discover their gifts, develop them fully and use them generously. Awards Night offered a beautiful snapshot of that mission in action. Importantly, we acknowledge the parents and families of our award recipients. High achievement rarely happens alone. Behind every student there are often people who encourage, transport, listen, sacrifice, reassure, celebrate and quietly keep believing. The support of families gives young people confidence, stability and the encouragement to persevere when things are difficult. Parents and families, your contribution to these achievements is significant, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership with the College.

The evening itself was also a celebration of student leadership and our student musicians. Our student hosts led the night with confidence, warmth and maturity, while the musical performances added great energy and beauty to the occasion. We sincerely acknowledge the students and staff involved in School of Rock, Chamber Choir, Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Strings. Their performances reminded us, once again, of the important place of music and the arts in the life of our College, and of the joy that comes when young people are given opportunities to develop and share their talents.

An event of this scale does not happen without an enormous amount of work behind the scenes. We extend our sincere gratitude to the many non-teaching staff who contributed to the planning, coordination, preparation, presentation and smooth running of the evening. Much of this work is unseen, yet it is absolutely essential. Their professionalism, generosity and attention to detail allowed the night to become the fitting celebration our students deserved.

We also offer heartfelt thanks to our teachers and academic support staff, who encourage, challenge and accompany our students throughout the year. So many achievements celebrated on the night are built through countless moments of guidance, encouragement and belief in the classroom.

We congratulate all of our award recipients and thank every student, staff member and family who contributed to such a memorable evening. May our students continue to pursue excellence with humility, use their gifts generously and, in the words of our College motto, continue to act courageously — Viriliter Age.