Padua College is delighted to congratulate our 2025 Dux, Max Barrette, who achieved an outstanding ATAR of 99.35—a remarkable accomplishment that reflects their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. We also extend our congratulations to the students who achieved an ATAR of 90* and above, an impressive milestone that recognises their consistent effort, hard work, and determination throughout their years of learning at Padua.

Max Barrette
Madison Hole
Emma Welsh
Fin Fowler
Hugh Lott
Ella Nixon
Samuel Boyden
Molly Robertson
Cameron Griffin
Asha Smart
Alexander Polatidis

Special recognition goes to Isla Parris (Year 11) and Max Barrette, who achieved a perfect study score of 50 in Physical Education and Physics respectively, and to their teacher Rob Murray (PE) and Ben Sedick (Physics), who guided and inspired these students to excel.

Congratulations to all graduates in our Class of 2025. You have each brought your own strengths, determination, and commitment to your learning, and we are immensely proud of the maturity, courage, and resilience you have shown throughout your final year. As you step into the next chapter of your lives, we wish you every success and hope you carry forward the confidence that comes from knowing you have given your very best.

These results are far more than numbers on a page; they are the culmination of years of perseverance — of early mornings, late nights, challenges overcome, and moments of growth that have shaped the people you have become. They also reflect the unwavering support of our staff and families who walked beside you, encouraging and believing in you at every step.

As a community, we share in the joy of your achievements and look forward to celebrating them together at our High Achievers Assembly at the beginning of next year.

A heartfelt thank you to all staff who taught, mentored, and supported our students across their journey. Your dedication to their learning and wellbeing has been instrumental in shaping these outcomes, and our graduates carry with them the impact of your guidance.

To all students, staff, and families of the Class of 2025 — thank you for the collective effort, spirit, and partnership that made this year remarkable. Together, we have truly lived our College motto: Perseverance Conquers All.

* Some names have not been shared as we have not been able to speak directly to the student.

Year 12 Valedictory Dinner

The celebration of the Year 12 Valedictory Dinner on Thursday 20 November at The Palladium Room brought together students and parent of our graduating class of 2025 for a wonderful evening. The evening was much enjoyed by all guest and was a true celebration of the culmination of 13 years of education for our graduates. The evening included an address from our guest speaker, Lisa Moloney, a former student of the College (class of 1978) who talked about Padua College in the 70’s and the impact that her education at the College has had on her life. The evening also included the presentation of the Principal’s General Excellence Award. This year the Principal’s General Excellence Award was awarded to two very worthy recipients: Zoe Smith and Fin Fowler and I congratulate them both on this achievement.

Exams

With the VCE exams, along with the Year 10 & 11 having now concluded for the year, I wish to thank the Senior School Team for their organisation and management of this particularly busy time. VCE results will be released on Thursday 11 December. We keep all our VCE students in our prayers as you approach this milestone. May they find confidence in knowing they have done their very best, and may their days ahead open the pathways that are right for them.

Headstart

All 2026 Year 8 – 12 students have all had a good introduction for their 2026 classes with our Headstart Program for the final two weeks of the school year. This is a great opportunity for staff and students to get to know each other and start to cover 2026 course content and I thank those involved in having the 2026 timetable ready for Headstart.

End of Year Celebrations

With last Wednesday 3 December being the last day of the school year for students, celebrations were held at each of the Campuses that included liturgies or the celebration of Mass, Awards Assemblies celebrating student achievements throughout the Semester and a number of activities. This was a wonderful day of celebration for staff and students and a great way to finish the year.

The Paduan

In working to ensure we are communicating current information with parents and members of the community in a timely manner, we have decided to place The Paduan into hibernation for the 2026 school year, shifting our focus to the soon-to-be-launched new website as our central hub for timely news and updates. We will review this in the later part of 2026 and will seek feedback at that time before making any ongoing decisions regarding school communications.

Staffing Changes for 2026

I wish to express my sincere thanks and best wishes to Phil Helisma as he prepares to take long service leave from the commencement of 2026 and at the conclusion of this leave will be retiring. Phil has given 43 years to Catholic education and 28 years of service to Padua College, Phil has dedicated his career to positive outcomes for students. Over his time at Padua College, Phil has held the positions of House Coordinator, Performing Arts Coordinator, Pastoral Coordinator, Camps Coordinator, Student Wellbeing & Growth, Transition Coordinator and Co-Director of the Rosebud Campus.

I wish Phil, his wife, Kris and daughter, Sophie, all the very best for the future and thank him for the dedication, service and good humour.

I also would like to acknowledge the following members of the College community who are leaving Padua College and wish them all the very best for 2026 and beyond:

Staff finishing at the end of 2025:

Staff Taking Leave at the Commencement of 2026:

Staff new to the College for 2026:

• Gregg Bryant
• Steven Catanzariti
• Naomi Hagenmuller
• Leanne Hemburrow
• Michael Johns
• Zachary Lansdell
• Cheryl Owen
• Sabina Sestigiani
• Alexandra Watkins
• Katelyn Zaal

Staff transferring Campus at the commencement of 2026:

• Bria Daher from Mornington to Rosebud
• Chris Kitchingman from Mornington to Tyabb
• Emma Robbins from Tyabb to Mornington
• Mahima Stephen from Rosebud to Tyabb
• Sonny Voss from Tyabb to Rosebud

Condolences

We keep in our thoughts and prayers past staff member Rob Knight, and his sons, Tom and Max, on the passing of wife and mother, Jan Schleiger. Jan was also a former staff member of the College and will be much missed by our community.

We keep in our thoughts and prayers Lee Coggins (R) in our prayers on the passing of her mother, Irene, recently.

We keep in our thoughts and prayers Jaymie Miall (T) in our prayers on the passing of her mother, Patty, recently.

I wish all families a happy and holy Christmas and holiday break. May the season bring you peace and joy and special time with family and loved ones.

Warm regards,

Kelly McGurn
PRINCIPAL