Principal's Address

Dear Parents and Carers,

End-of-Year Reflection: Gratitude, Hope, and Looking Ahead

On the last day of the school year, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable year we’ve shared as a community. It’s been a year of challenges and triumphs, of growth and resilience, and one filled with countless moments of joy and inspiration. Above all, I am overwhelmed with gratitude — for the vibrant, heart-centred community that is Chevalier College, for the opportunities we have embraced together, and for the enduring MSC ethos that binds us all.

This year began with profound sadness as we mourned the loss of our Year 12 students, Violet Chanter and Chkye Tracz. Together, we found strength to support both families and also in one another to honour their memory. Our Year 12 students demonstrated remarkable resilience, and it was humbling to witness their courage and unity as they finished their journey at Chevalier College. 

2024 will also be remembered as a year of bold innovation. Chevalier College was honoured to be recognised as one of Australia’s most innovative schools (see below), a testament to our shared commitment to preparing students for a rapidly changing world. 

From the implementation of early commencement of the HSC in Year 9 and 10, new courses, using flipped learning as a strategy to ignite self-regulation to our continued embrace of high-impact teaching strategies, this year has been one of change. The hard work shown by staff and the adaptability shown by our students and families have been inspiring. Together, we’ve proven that when a community dares to imagine a new way of embracing a very different future, new learning can be had.

We also celebrated many milestones this year, including:

• The captivating High School Musical production, showcasing talent from across all year levels.
• The spectacular Winterfest, drawing thousands of visitors to our grounds for a celebration of sport, fireworks, and community spirit.
• The formal adoption of Flexible Mondays into 2025 and beyond, confirming our Future-Facing strategy as a defining feature of life at Chevalier.
• Progress on our Master Building Plan, ensuring sustainable, contemporary facilities for the foreseeable future.

At the heart of it all is our shared purpose: to foster students who know who they are, what they can do, and where they belong in the world. Every moment of academic achievement, artistic expression, sporting triumph, and community service embodies the Chevalier spirit.

To our dedicated staff, whose commitment to our students' wellbeing and growth makes all this possible, thank you. To the College Board, for your vision and trust in our bold initiatives, and to our exceptional leadership team, for guiding us forward with purpose and care, I am deeply grateful. To our supportive parents, the primary educators of their children, I am reminded that it takes a village to raise a child.

As we step into the Christmas season, I invite you to reflect on the words of Pope Francis:

"It is only by starting from the heart that our communities will succeed in uniting and reconciling differing minds and wills, so that the Spirit can guide us in unity as brothers and sisters. Reconciliation and peace are also born of the heart.”

This message resonates deeply with our mission at Chevalier College. We remain steadfast in our commitment to nurturing young people who lead with compassion, hope, and a heart for service.

In conclusion, may your Christmas be holy and happy, filled with love and peace. I wish you all the best for the start of 2025 and eagerly anticipate another incredible year in the life of Chevalier College. Together, we will continue to honour our past, embrace our present, and boldly shape our future.

With blessings and gratitude,

Greg Miller

Principal

Chevalier College recognised as one of Australia's most innovative schools

Last week,  Educator Australia revealed Australia’s most innovative schools of 2024. 

It is with great pride that we share the news Chevalier College has been recognised as one of those schools for our adoption and implementation of a future-facing approach to education. This recognition is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and perseverance of our teachers and staff. 

This journey has not been without its challenges. At times, the work has been tough, requiring deep reserves of energy, adaptability, and commitment. Yet, together, we have demonstrated what might be possible when a community commits towards a vision for the future of education. 

While we did not embark on this journey seeking accolades, today’s recognition offers an opportunity to reflect on the impact of our efforts, not just within the College, but also beyond our immediate context. 

We take this opportunity to thank our dedicated staff, to thank our parents and carers for attending forums, filling in surveys, and your overall engagement in this process. We share the same goal -  to nurture heart-centred graduates ready for a rapidly changing world. 

Finally, to our students, your children, for their ongoing engagement and feedback, which is informing the next iteration of future-facing, and for the energy and joy they bring to the College every day, we hope they are proud of their school.