Hard Work Pays Off
Mr Gary Conwell, Principal
The Celebration of Excellence
The Celebration of Excellence was an excellent evening where our students' hard work and dedication were appreciated and celebrated. It was a recognition of individual accomplishments and a reflection of the collaborative and supportive spirit we strive to foster within our college community. I want to thank Mr Simon Vaughan for his superb organisation of the event, and to all staff who participated in the evening and in its organisation.
We are very thankful for the crucial support our students have received from parents, carers, and friends. The event was a timely reflection on the importance of students engaging with their studies, attending school regularly, and the absolute importance of parents, carers and friends partnering with the College and our teachers to undertake our educational mission.
Pope Paul VI's 1967 letter "Populorum Progressio" highlighted the responsibility of modern nations to address social, cultural, and economic disadvantages. Since then, Western governments have recognised the importance of education in reducing marginalisation and enhancing social and economic mobility. Pope Paul teaches us that education is inseparable from the child's development. As we educate the child, we educate him socially, culturally, economically and spiritually. As we teach the child, we teach her socially, culturally, economically and spiritually. Her humanity, dignity and advantage are a product of her education.
Catholic schools like St Stephen’s Catholic College exist to reduce disadvantage, empower social and economic mobility, and engage in restorative practices that elevate the human condition. What and how students learn affects their entire person. Pope Paul reminds us that Catholic Schools have a powerful mission to advance and uphold human dignity, promote social justice and equity, foster inclusion of students from diverse and disadvantaged social and cultural backgrounds, promote the common good, support the poor and other marginalised people to access catholic education and stand with those on the periphery. Successive popes from 1890 to Pope Francis have developed these principles as primary tenets of the Catholic school.
Year 12 Graduation
The Year 12 Graduation was an equally significant event, marking a transition in the lives of our Year 12 graduating students. I want to thank Ms Janai Sugars for organising a wonderful liturgy and graduation ceremony and all the staff who participated and helped organise the event. The morning showed just how important teachers, parents and carers are in the lives of our students, and the gratitude shown by the students in this regard was heartfelt and gracious. It’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices of the whole community in the education of our children.
Our graduates are well-prepared for the path ahead. Their critical thinking skills, intelligence, self-awareness and self-regulation, empathy, and effective communication skills will be challenged and honed. As they take control of their lives, they step into a phase of profound change. Challenges and disappointments will be part of their journey, but they offer opportunities for growth and self-improvement.
I urge the Year 12s to focus their energy on what they can control. Nurture their thoughts and actions. Develop resilience in the face of uncertainty. Their education has equipped them with knowledge and skills, but their inner strength, character, and values will define their success and well-being. Our Year 12s must embrace the path ahead, cultivate faith, service and courage, and do good. They carry our blessings, best wishes and hopes for your future.
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:14-16
God bless our Year 12s, in all that they do and become.
Gary Conwell