Good afternoon staff and students of Salesian College Chadstone.
Welcome to our final assembly for the year.
Thank you for your attention and reverence during our mass this morning. It was of an exceptional standard.
I begin by recognise the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ spiritual and cultural connection to Country and a commitment to reconciliation, I acknowledge the First Peoples and the Traditional Owners and custodians of the Country, the Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin nation.
As we gather together for this final assembly of the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve achieved in 2024, and what we hold dear as we move into the Christmas season.
First and foremost, I want to extend my sincere thanks to each of you – students, staff, and families – for your hard work, your resilience, and your commitment to our Salesian values. As we reach the end of the year we are reminded of the Values that make our Salesian community so special: belonging, respect, integrity, joy and dynamism – and how living by these values leads to a life well-lived.
This year, we’ve celebrated successes, faced challenges, and grown together as a community. Today, as we close this chapter of the year, it is important to pause and think about what truly matters, and how we can continue to live out our College’s mission and values in the coming weeks.
Christmas is a time of joy, a time when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and reflect on the importance of love, kindness, and family. It’s a time when many of us come together with family and friends to share in the warmth of these connections.
The other evening when I was online I came across a story, author unknown. Let me share this with you now.
The Little Star’s Gift
In a small village, there was a tradition of placing a star at the top of the Christmas tree in the town square. This year, the star was missing, and the villagers were worried that Christmas wouldn’t be the same without it.
A little girl named Emma found a tiny, dull star in her attic. It wasn’t as bright as the one they usually used, but she decided to bring it to the town square anyway. The villagers were skeptical, but Emma insisted they give it a try.
As they placed the little star on top of the tree, something magical happened. The star began to glow, not because it was the brightest or the biggest, but because it was given with love and kindness. The warmth of Emma’s heart made the star shine brighter than any before.
The villagers realised that the true spirit of Christmas wasn’t about having the perfect decorations, but about the kindness and love they shared. From that day on, they remembered Emma’s little star and the lesson it brought: that even the smallest acts of kindness can light up the world.
How do you plan to spread kindness this holiday season?
I’d also like to take a moment to acknowledge that Christmas can be a difficult time for some. Christmas can be a time of loneliness or sadness. For those who are far from family, those who have experienced loss, or those who find themselves without a place to call home, the holiday season can bring a different reality.
Don Bosco’s heart for the young and the vulnerable was always centred around a desire to bring people together, and we can continue that legacy by supporting each other, especially during the holidays.
It’s in these moments with others that our Salesian Charism—our guiding light—becomes most relevant. Don Bosco, our founder, dedicated his life to caring for those who were forgotten, neglected, or abandoned by society. His message was simple: “To love one another, and to treat each person with dignity and respect.” This spirit of care, compassion, and inclusion is something we must carry with us throughout the holidays and beyond.
It is important that we include those who may need extra support. Whether it’s offering a kind word, lending a hand, or simply being a listening ear, you have the power to make a difference in someone’s life. If you know of someone in your community who might be struggling, reach out to them, invite them to join in celebrations, or just let them know you care.
As we approach Christmas, I encourage you all to reflect on the relationships you hold dear. Consider how you can reach out to others, especially those who may not have the same support systems around them. It’s in these small, meaningful acts of connection that we bring Don Bosco’s vision to life. Whether it’s a call to a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, spending time with someone who might be feeling isolated, or simply being present with your family and loved ones—these are the moments that matter most.
My challenge for each of you is,
- How can you be the light for others?
- How can you show love and kindness to someone in need?
- How can you bring joy to someone at this time of celebration?
Let’s take time to listen and support one another during this season.
Joy is the spirit of Christmas. It’s the joy of giving, of sharing, of spending time with those who matter most. It’s the joy we find in simple moments, in laughter, and in connection. But joy doesn’t always mean we are happy all the time. Sometimes, joy is found in the act of simply being together, of supporting each other, and of being there for those who need us.
Let us carry with us our Salesian values and kindness through the Christmas season and into the new year. May we be people who bring light, joy, and compassion to the world, just as Don Bosco did in his time.
Speaking of joy, there are many people in our school community who have created opportunities of joy for you this year. Please take time as you leave the College today for holidays to express your gratitude to your teachers and professional support staff who have contributed to your Salesian education.
I too want to express gratitude to our amazing teachers and professional support staff who have helped create our wonderful learning environment. Thank you.
As with any year we too need to say farewell to those who move to new ventures. Thank you and best wishes to the staff who are leaving the College.
Thank you to our student leaders have represented the school by modelling themselves on Don Bosco whilst helping to create our Salesian culture. I too thank our Tour Guides who have led Monday tours, greeted guests and families at events, and spoken at information evenings.
Thank you to our students, for your efforts in striving for excellence and participating in opportunities at the College. It has been pleasing to see your academic growth through the commitment to your studies in the classroom and our resource centre. Likewise, it has been rewarding to witness you using your talents in chess, debating, public speaking, in a drama and theatre productions, service learning, music performances, leadership and sport. Well done.
Students and staff you each deserve a well earn rest during the upcoming holidays.
To all the students, staff, and families, I wish you a peaceful, joyful, and meaningful Christmas. I look forward to seeing all of you in 2025, ready to continue our journey together.
God bless you all, and Merry Christmas.