As we come to the end of another school year, we reflect on the incredible progress our students have made, the challenges they have overcome, and the many memories they have created along the way. This past year has been filled with learning, growth, and community, and we take this moment to celebrate all the accomplishments that have shaped our students into the remarkable young people they are today.

For our Year 7 students, it has been a year of transition and change as they took the significant step of beginning their secondary school journey. For many, the year has passed quickly, and they are now looking forward to becoming Year 8 students in 2025. During the final assembly for both Year 7 and Year 8 students, I asked them to reflect on what it means to be a CRC Caroline Springs student. Many responded with values such as kindness, respect, pride in wearing their uniform, eagerness to learn, and a commitment to embracing the college motto: Live Fully, Act Justly. My challenge to them was to select two of these key attributes and focus on embracing them next year, making the most of the opportunities that lie ahead in 2025.

Our Year 9 cohort has shared many special experiences throughout the year, including camp, the city experience, and Project 9. My message to our Year 9 students as they transition into Year 10 was to recognise the importance of being an active and contributing member of our school community and to embrace the expectations that come with it. This includes attending required College events, stepping out of their comfort zones, committing to a new co-curricular activity in 2025, and understanding the dedication it takes to thrive as a student at CRC Caroline Springs.

Finally, last Friday, we had the privilege of bidding farewell to our Year 10 cohort of 2024. On Thursday evening, we celebrated with a special Mass as a College community, followed by our Graduation Ceremony, during which students were presented with their certificates and a special memento. We hope the Year 10 students have enjoyed their journey over the past four years and cherish the memories they have created along the way—whether through their learning experiences, special events, or everyday moments of laughter and friendship. These memories are an integral part of the school experience, and we are proud to have been part of their journey.

On behalf of the College Wellbeing Team, I would like to wish our students and their families a joyful Christmas and a restful break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2025.