Good afternoon students and staff,
It is great to be with you today on our last day of the 2025 academic year.
What does Christmas mean for you?
Acknowledgement to Country
Before we contemplate this question, I 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.
Thank you, Leo, Darcy, Liam and Milan, for your reflection on the indigenous immersion. I encourage students to participate in future indigenous immersions to further listen and understand to different cultures. It is a strength of our Salesian community.
Advent / Christmas
What does Christmas mean for you?
Is it a time when the pace of life slows down just enough for us to truly appreciate the people around us? Christmas may offer the value of family, friendship, and community. Creating moments with loved ones – whether that’s sharing a meal, laughing over old stories, or simply being present with those we love.
Does Christmas offer the sense of gratitude? We often take so much for granted during the year, but Christmas gives us a chance to pause and be thankful – for the blessings we have and the opportunities ahead. It is about warmth, kindness, and generosity. Even small acts, like reaching out to someone who might feel alone, can make Christmas truly meaningful.
Maybe it is about the gift or the presents? It’s easy to focus on gifts and presents, and while giving can be an expression of love, it can also create challenges. Pressure to buy the perfect gift or spend beyond our means can be a distraction. Sometimes, we measure Christmas by what is under the tree rather than what is in our hearts.
Is Christmas about hope and togetherness? A reminder that the greatest gifts aren’t found under a tree, but in the relationships, we nurture and the love we share.
So let me rephrase my earlier question.
What is the meaning of Christmas?
Christmas is more than a festive season – it is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came into the world to bring hope and salvation. This is central to our faith because it reminds us of God’s incredible love for humanity. The humble setting of the Nativity teaches us that greatness is found not in power or wealth, but in humility and service. When we gather at Christmas, we are not just remembering a historical event; we are rejoicing in the living presence of Christ among us today.
As Catholics, we are reminded that the greatest gift is Jesus Himself -God’s love made visible. When we keep that truth at the centre, we can approach gift-giving with simplicity and generosity, focusing on relationships rather than material things.
Mary’s role in the Christmas story is profound. Her trust in God’s plan, her commitment to saying “yes” despite uncertainty. Mary was a teenager when God asked her to be the Mother of Jesus.
She was scared, confused, and unsure – but she still said yes. Her willingness to sacrifice her own comfort for the sake of God’s will are examples for all of us.
Mary teaches us what true faith looks like – complete surrender to God’s love and purpose. That’s why Advent begins with her. She shows us what it means to trust God even when life feels uncertain.
As Mary Help of Christians, she continues to guide us, reminding us that when life feels overwhelming, we can turn to her for strength and courage. Her example calls us to live with openness to God’s will, even when it requires sacrifice, and to trust that His plan is always for our good.
As followers of Jesus and Mary, we are called to live out the spirit of Don Bosco, especially at Christmas. Don Bosco taught us to see Christ in every young person and to respond with kindness, joy, and hope.
Our community – your teachers, your classmates, your friends – is built on the idea that we welcome everyone, we listen to seek understanding, we support one another so no one is alone, and we celebrate your God given talents.
The prayers around our Hall highlight your journey. As we journey into Advent, let us focus on hope, peace, joy, and love.
Hope is our anchor – it reminds us that God is with us.
Peace helps us calm the storms inside us and leads us from uncertainty.
Joy gives us energy for the journey.
Love is what makes the pilgrimage worthwhile.
Jesus provided the example for these virtues. Mary lived these virtues. Don Bosco lived them. And here at Salesian Chadstone, we are invited to live them too, supporting each other with kindness, love, and courage.
Celebrations
We have much to celebrate in 2025, there are many achievements.
- Increases in commendations, merits and attendance highlighting the positive connections to school
- Record number of Year 11s applying for College Captain, 17 students wanting to contribute and co-design our school
- Decrease in cautions, detentions, meaning an alignment with our values
- Recognised as a 5-Star Best School – Named among The Educator’s 5‑Star Best Schools for 2025, praised for academic excellence, innovation, technology integration, well-being programs, and diversity and inclusion
- Class of 2025 respectfully celebrated their final days and Valedictory celebrations
- Annecy House secured the Overall House Cup
- Sports Awards Night: Celebrated excellence and teamwork across all sports
- Year 10 Soccer Premiership
- Emerging Socceroos: Ethan (Yr 11) and Harry (Yr 10) earned selection as Emerging Socceroos representatives
- VCE Leader of the Year – Year 12 Thomas Maguire Nguyen
- Child Safety Committee Award for student empowerment
- Salesian Cup and Soccer Festival events being led by students
- Liturgy celebrations, both whole school and year level based, emphasising the importance of our faith community. Might I add, the way in which you have respected the liturgical space this year has given me much joy
- Emerging Leaders Forum: Year 7 and 8 students participated in Asialink’s virtual forum against 400 peers from nine countries
- House events – Soccer Festival, Debating, Athletics and Swimming Carnival: A vibrant house-versus-house events showcasing teamwork and community spirit
- Debating, Public Speaking, Chess and Spelling Bee achievements
- Music concerts with increased numbers and exceptional performances
- Outstanding musical production
- Samoa immersion, indigenous immersion, Year 9 China Academic Program, and US Basketball trips highlights experiences that develop our students and staff as global citizens
- National Robotics Competition – excellence in technologies. I wish our Year 7s all the best this weekend in Adelaide
Each of these achievements reflect Salesian College’s commitment to academic excellence, faith, leadership, and vibrant community life in 2025.
Congratulations to every student for taking on these learning opportunities
Thank you
There are many people in our school community who have created opportunities of joy for you this year.
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.
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 my gratitude to our amazing teachers and professional support staff who have helped create our wonderful learning environments. 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 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 extra-curricular pursuits. Well done.
Christmas Greeting
Let us remember that Christmas is a time of faith, hope, and love – a season to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to live with the same joy and generosity that He and Mary showed us. May this Christmas bring peace to your hearts, warmth to your homes, and a renewed sense of gratitude for the blessings we share.principal
Conclusion
Stay anchored in hope, keep walking as pilgrims together, and live the virtues of Advent. Merry Christmas and may God bless you all.