Presentation Evening 2022

Our annual Presentation Evening made a welcome return on Wednesday 7 December at the Marian Centre. Students from Years 7 to 11, their families and College staff gathered to celebrate academic achievements across all subjects, as well as contributions to College life and outstanding sporting achievements.

2023 College Captains, Sophie Giles and Zachary Grieve read the Acknowledgement and Prayer at the beginning of proceedings. This was followed by Musician of the Year, Grace Elliot’s stirring performance of the National Anthem. Grace returned later in the evening to perform her version of Dear Rosemary by the Foo Fighters.

Students who have achieved academic excellence were acknowledged across all subjects and year levels. There were also scholarships and special prizes in a range of categories that recognised high achievements or dedication by students.

Term 4 Spirit of Catherine Awards were presented to students at each year level from year 7 to Year 11. The Spirit of Catherine Awards recognise members of our community who epitomise the Mercy values and demonstrate Living Mercy in their words and actions.

The Seeds of Justice Award, which is given in memory of Sarah Slattery to a Year 9 or 10 student who has shown the greatest commitment to social justice, was awarded to Shaye Couch. Shaye is a student who is committed to her studies and demonstrates the Mercy Values both inside and outside the classroom.

The Mercy Scholarship, which aims to foster leadership in the Mercy tradition, is awarded to a student who exercises genuine concern for others less fortunate, promotes school spirit and takes an active part in fundraising. This year’s recipient was Jack Osborne. Jack has a strong commitment to social justice, conducts himself with integrity and shows compassion and respect for others in all his interactions. He demonstrated excellence in leadership and community participation and lived out the Mercy values. As a Faith & Ministry Captain he has also represented the College through a number of community events in 2022.

The 2022 Outstanding Achievement Awards recognise students who have been successful in co-curricular activities at State or National level such as sport, arts or science during the year.

St Vincent’s College Past Students Association confers awards to Year 9 students who have demonstrated potential and are encouraged further in the areas of Agriculture and Technology. SVCPSA representative Mr Tim Coates presented the Technology Award to Kobi MacDonald and the Agriculture Award to Jaida Raco.

Some awards are given in recognition of former teachers and students including in language, social justice and the arts. The 2022 Val Pinder Memorial Award for French was presented to Genevieve Nihill. The Year 9 Art Award – Cavalier Scholarship was awarded to Chloe Maher while the Friends of the Bendigo Art Gallery Bursary was presented to Eh Tha Yu Soe. We were, fortunate to have Ms Gaye Peel from the Friends of the Bendigo Art Gallery present the award.

Several awards and scholarships are also provided by La Trobe University, Melbourne University and the Australian Defence Force to high-achieving students. Ms Caitlin Rogers from La Trobe Bendigo presented the La Trobe School of Business Excellence Awards and the La Trobe Infinity Awards.

Congratulations to all the students who have achieved success in their academic studies and personal pursuits, as well as those who have represented Catherine McAuley College at high levels throughout 2022.