Celebrating our 2025 High Achievers
On Monday 2 February, MacKillop College held its first whole-school assembly of 2026, gathering students and staff to celebrate the 2025 High Achievers].
The Assembly began with the procession of the College Candle, the singing of the College Song, an Acknowledgement of Country and the College Prayer, grounding the community in faith and the traditions of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop.
Student leadership and Captain’s mantra for 2026
College Captain, Tanami, welcomed students and staff back for the new school year, extending a warm welcome to the Year 7 students beginning their secondary schooling and to the Year 12 cohort embarking on their final year.
In the Captain’s Address, Tanami congratulated the 2025 High Achievers on their “continuous dedication, passion and pride” and highlighted how their determination and optimism have set a powerful example for future students. The Captain’s 2026 theme, Pride and Passion, was introduced as an invitation for all students to be proud of themselves, to wear the MacKillop uniform with honour, and to pursue their interests—whether academic, sporting, creative or personal—by seeking out new opportunities and supporting the diverse College community.
Quoting writer Jorge Borges, Tanami encouraged students to be servant leaders who listen and serve others as members of the MacKillop College community.
Honouring our High Achievers
Deputy Principal – Learning and Teaching, Mr Gitson, then presented a series of academic awards recognising excellence in VCE and Vocational Major pathways.
Students who achieved an ATAR of 90 or above were acknowledged on stage, followed by the announcement of the Vocational Major All Rounder award and the subject dux awards for each study. These awards celebrated students who achieved the highest MacKillop study score in subjects including Biology, English, Mathematics, Languages, Humanities, the Arts, Technologies and more, reflecting the breadth of talent across the Class of 2025.
Further recognition was given to students who achieved study scores of 40 and above, many of whom excelled across multiple subjects. Together, these achievements highlight the hard work, persistence and support of students, staff and families working in partnership.
2025 College Dux address
The community then heard from the 2025 College Dux, Aidan Johnston, who reflected on his journey from Year 7 through to VCE. Aidan described his time at MacKillop as “enjoyable, eventful, sometimes stressful, but rewarding”, and spoke about making the most of the opportunities offered by the College, from leadership roles to involvement in the annual musical.
Aidan shared practical advice for students aiming to do their best in VCE: staying organised by tracking homework and study, completing tasks before the next class rather than leaving work until it is due, and planning ahead for busy periods such as SACs and exams. He also encouraged students not to give up the co-curricular and social experiences that make school memorable, noting that while results are important, the experiences and relationships formed at school are what endure]
Importantly, Aidan reminded students that their worth is not defined by their ATAR or study scores, and that there are many pathways to their future goals. He concluded by thanking his teachers for their generosity, support and the extra time they devoted to answering questions and providing feedback, and wished his fellow Year 12 graduates the very best for the future.
Student leadership and service in action
The assembly also acknowledged the 2026 College and Portfolio Captains, who shared their leadership goals in a video presentation while receiving their badges on stage. This moment affirmed the vital role student leaders play in shaping the culture and spirit of the College.
Catholic Identity Captain, Diya, addressed the College about the 2025 St Vinnies Christmas Appeal. She described how College and Portfolio Captains gathered on 3 December to sort and pack the community’s generous donations into hampers of food and toys for families in need, with Christmas music playing and a strong sense of teamwork and service. Diya thanked students, staff and families for their contributions and highlighted how the appeal reflects MacKillop’s Josephite charism and commitment to serving the less fortunate in the spirit of St Mary MacKillop.
Looking ahead, Diya expressed the captains’ hope to inspire even more donations in 2026 so that the St Vinnies Boxing initiative continues to grow as a tradition of faith in action at the College.
Looking forward with Pride and Passion
Principal Mr Chris Caldow concluded the assembly by thanking students for their attention and reinforcing the importance of working together in the year ahead.
MacKillop College congratulates all 2025 High Achievers and extends gratitude to the staff and families who supported them.
