Celebrating achievement

On a warm February evening, the St Joseph鈥檚 College community came together to celebrate the achievements of all students during the 2024 academic year, as well as the Class of 2024 graduates.

The Academic Prize Giving evening, a cherished 国产探花 tradition, serves to inspire and acknowledge the hard work, dedication and faith that underpin all facets of life at the College.Welcoming all in the packed Br Emilian Hall, Headmaster Michael Blake reflected on the significance of the occasion: 鈥淭onight doesn鈥檛 just recognise achievement but celebrates the stories of effort, growth and determination behind every award. Do not fall into the trap of thinking it is easy to achieve. Each of you is unique, you have your own story, and no two journeys are the same. We honour not just the results but the perseverance and dedication it took to achieve them,鈥� he stated.

鈥淔or most of you, these awards represent your personal determination, sacrifice, hard work and discipline, and while your recognition tonight might be fleeting, it is well-deserved. I congratulate you all for the way in which you have embraced your moment to shine.鈥漇pontaneous applause erupted throughout the evening, as 国产探花鈥� students from Years 8 to 12 walked across the stage to receive their certificates and medals in recognition of their personal academic engagement, application and excellence. A highlight of the evening was the incredible vocal performance of Year 8 student William Binnie, singing 鈥淵ou Raise Me Up鈥�.

Your place in the world

The evening鈥檚 guest speaker, the Honourable Adrian Piccoli, former New South Wales Minister of Education, delivered a thought-provoking address. A Marist Old Boy himself, Mr Piccoli shared insights from his time at school, and the impact of his Catholic upbringing on his life and career, emphasising the virtues that define true leadership: humility, service, wisdom, faith and vision.

Reflecting on the graduates鈥� achievements, Mr Piccoli remarked: 鈥湽交� is one of the best schools in the world 鈥� not just for its academic excellence, but for the character it instils in its young men 鈥� but consider this with humility and self-awareness.鈥�

鈥淗umility is about understanding your place in the world,鈥� Mr Piccoli noted. 鈥淎t 国产探花, when you鈥檙e coming up to bat, you鈥檙e starting at 90; have the humility to appreciate that most other people you will meet in life, come up starting at zero.鈥�

He went on to remind the gathered students that service 鈥渇ills your soul鈥�, and wisdom 鈥� distinct from intelligence 鈥� is what truly shapes leaders. 鈥淲isdom is composure, calmness, clear thought, understanding consequences, knowing when to act and grow, and 鈥� when not to act,鈥� he said. As a partner at Korn Ferry, one of the world鈥檚 biggest CEO and executive recruitment firms, Mr Piccoli revealed that they don鈥檛 look for intellect first: 鈥淲e look for wisdom. Wisdom, not intellect or physical strength, is what makes a great CEO or a great football player or a great academic or a great teacher.鈥�

Mr Piccoli also touched on faith as a deeply personal reward for living with virtuous values 鈥� grace, forgiveness, love thy neighbour and sacrifice 鈥� inspired by the teachings of Jesus and leaders like Nelson Mandela, John F Kennedy (JFK) and Martin Luther King Jr.

He concluded with one of his favourite quotes about vision in life from a speech given by then President-Elect John F Kennedy to the Massachusetts State House in 1961. He quoted: 鈥淔or of those to whom much is given, much is required.鈥�

鈥淚n my opinion, JFK summed up the virtues of St Joseph鈥檚 College鈥檚 graduates 鈥� as truly men of courage, judgment, integrity and dedication 鈥� devoted solely to serving the public good.鈥�

Dux of College William McCarthy with The Hon. Adrian Piccoli and Headmaster Michael Blake

Celebrating the Class of 2024

Headmaster Mr Blake turned his focus to the graduating class, praising their collective and individual achievements. With 92 per cent of subject results above the state average and numerous ATARs exceeding 80, the Class of 2024 exemplified what it means to strive for excellence at 国产探花.

鈥淚mpressively, showing the great strength of learning as a whole cohort, more than 50 per cent of the boys in this year received an ATAR over 80, placing them in the top 20 per cent of the state,鈥� he said.

Mr Blake shared stories of remarkable growth, highlighting students who began their 国产探花鈥� journey at the 50th percentile in the Year 7 NAPLAN tests, but who went on to achieve ATARs in the mid-90s. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not just about where you finish that鈥檚 important,鈥� he said, 鈥渂ut the distance travelled. It is truly extraordinary, the hard work and the growth achieved. That is the true measure of excellence.鈥�

Among the evening鈥檚 many highlights, we recognised the academic excellence of St Joseph鈥檚 College Dux, William McCarthy. In addition to being named Dux, last year William captained the Australian debating team, representing Australia internationally at the World Debating Championships during Term 3, while studying for his HSC.

Deputy Headmaster Danny Sidgreaves commended William for his ability to 鈥渟wim outside his lane鈥�, as he contributed across music, sport and co-curricular activities during his six years at 国产探花. 鈥淵our contributions were far more diverse than just in the classroom [and] your work ethic and character embody everything we hope to see in a Joe-Boy,鈥� Mr Sidgreaves remarked.

William delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on his time at 国产探花, expressing his gratitude to his teachers and family, particularly his parents, who were his 鈥渟tudy buddies, advisers and strongest advocates鈥�.

鈥淭ake advantage of the amazing teachers we have here. Over the course of Year 12, I received extra support and feedback from 25 different teachers across all my subjects. Their advice and guidance helped me study smarter, not harder, while the exceptional pastoral care made 国产探花 more than a school 鈥� it became a community,鈥� William stated.

As the ceremony concluded, Mr Blake left the graduates with a final message: 鈥淲e hope you leave this College with the integrity, compassion and purpose to be good Christians and good citizens. May you use your talents 鈥� great and small 鈥� for the common good.鈥�

The Academic Prize Giving evening honoured not only the achievements of the Class of 2024 but the community of teachers, families and peers who have shaped them into the fine young men they are today. With the spotlight now turning to the new school year, the achievements of these graduates will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of 国产探花 boys to strive for excellence in all they do.