From the Head of Campus
Farewell Year 12
This week we celebrated our Year 12 students and their 13 years of schooling in a beautiful Graduation Mass led by our Leader of Mission, Ms Belind Redden and celebrated by Father Cong. Our Graduation Presentation Ceremony followed, recognising our students contribution to the life of St Matthews including formally recognising students who achieved ‘First in Course’ for their subjects and also a series of Special Awards. The special awards are voted by the staff of St Matthews, whilst the recipient of the Keith Baker Benevolence Award is determined by the Year 12 cohort. A list of recipients of the Special Awards follows:
2025 Year 12 Special Awards:
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Lions Club Scholarship Demonstrated industrious application and worthiness in all that they do. Recognised for always assisting others and showing dedication to community building at St Matthews Catholic School. |
Mia Halpin |
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Glencore Scholarships Recognised for consistently displaying high levels of academic performance, volunteering their service in our local community, and enthusiastic involvement in extracurricular activities. |
Connor McLean
Halle Potter |
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Keith Baker Benevolence (student votes) Recognised by their cohort for demonstrating continual optimism, compassion and benevolence throughout their HSC year. Always striving to create an inclusive environment, one that supported and inspired the year group throughout the stresses and pressures generated by the Higher School Certificate. |
Ruby Piscioneri |
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VET Student of the Year This award recognises a Year 12 student who has excelled in their chosen VET subject throughout their senior pattern of study. It recognises not only academic achievement, but also commitment, effort, and the ability to apply practical skills in their chosen industry. |
Connor McLean |
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Principals Award Recognises a significant contribution to the life of St Matthews. Displayed academic excellence, commitment and persistence. A role model in citizenship, highlighting the ethos of our school by demonstrating the St Matthews Way.
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Ruby Piscioneri |
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ADF Long Tan Leadership Award Recognises leadership and teamwork within the school and broader local community. Additionally recognising strong values such as doing ‘ones best’, respect and mateship that are integral to our Australian society. |
Tom Sutherland |
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ADF STEM Award Recognises a student who demonstrates innovation and high levels of motivation in the learning area of STEM |
Grace Maclean |
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Kristi Smith Young Woman in Mathematics Demonstrated dedication and devotion to their mathematics and science studies, and is planning to study next year a STEM based course at University.
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Grace Maclean |
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St Matthews All Rounder Recognises a student who has achieved in all areas of the school. They are genuine, honest, ethical and confident in their actions and words. Recognised for their diligent work ethic in all their subjects and having participated in a range of extracurricular activities within and outside our school community.
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Maddy Campbell |
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Catherine McAuley Award Acknowledges a deep passion for school justice and commitment to their own and other’s life-long learning. Has a commitment to transforming their world through learning and service - as Catherine McAuley |
Sophie Letham |
Every year saying goodbye to Year 12 has an element of sadness - not just for the students but for staff too. For many of us, we have watched these students from when we were all together on the Primary campus, all the way through their secondary years. The relationships that are fostered between teacher and student are precious and it’s always a privilege to be a part of a person's educational journey, helping them develop into young adults ready to face the world. On behalf of all the staff at St Matthews I again wish all our Year 12 students the best of luck in their upcoming HSC exams and for all their future endeavours. Whilst we are sad to see Year 12 walk through our gates for the last time, we are excited for them and the future that lies ahead…( and there’s always the dance floor at the Graduation Dinner in November). I have included one of my favourite quotes, which I often reflect on in times such as these - I think it’s particularly pertinent for our Year 12 students,
“A ship in the harbour is safe ….
But that’s not what ships are built for”
We will notify families and share the professional photos when we receive them.
Have a wonderful holiday
I would like to wish all families a wonderful spring break - such a great time of year. For those travelling, stay safe, and I hope all students have a time to recharge ready for Term 4.
Blaney Mccarthy-English | Head of Campus - Secondary