Principal Greg Miller’s Address 2024 HSC High Achievers Awards

Mr Miller’s Address to the College at 2024 HSC High Achievers Awards

Distinguished guests, invited guests, staff, students and, of course, 2024 HSC High Achievers. I offer my welcome to you all and also my thanks for attending today.

Firstly, my congratulations to those 2024 alumni who were presented here today. All of you have attained excellent results which not only reflect the outcome of hard work and dedication, but results of which you can be proud – results which now set you up in post-school life for further education in a field of interest, maybe even passion. May that go well for you and, more importantly, may you enjoy a life of contentment and fulfilment made up of not only further learning and work, but also family, friends, travel, exploration and, most importantly, love of others and the love of God.

Of course, the focus on Band 5 and 6 results and ATAR achievements is only one way to acknowledge great performance as results. Further to the results and achievements we see today, there are many other hidden success stories of students who achieved results beyond what was expected of them.

Another key source of data, known as the DeCourcy Analysis, has recently been shared with all New South Wales Catholic schools in the new year. Whilst this analysis cannot be used for promotional purposes or shared publicly, the DeCourcy Analysis will soon be reviewed by key members of staff where those hidden success stories will be identified.

Overall, the 2024 HSC cohort is to be congratulated on their very pleasing results, especially considering the start of this year. Just as importantly, the teachers who have been there for those students are also to be congratulated. Their subject matter expertise, experience of HSC delivery and willingness to go the extra mile have ensured potential being realised through these satisfying results – after all, ‘teacher makes the difference!’ The pastoral care offered by Home Room Teachers and Stage Coordinators cannot be underestimated, and for this, I would point out a lot of the hidden work of Miss Glase and, before her, Mrs Maronese. Also, the organisation, reflection and direction offered by Leaders of Learning played a significant part in these results, and we cannot forget the drive and expertise provided by both Mrs Graham and Mr Hargreaves, which starts when students are in their junior years of schooling.

Whilst we reflect as a community with pride on the results of the 2024 cohort and High Achievers, we continue to remember that education is more than ‘one number on one day’.

In 2025, at Chevalier, we will continue to evolve and grow as an MSC educational community by being on earth the Heart of God. With the mantra of ‘HSC and Capabilities’, ‘ATAR and Complex Competencies’, we look forward to maintaining our commitment to excellent HSC results and the next phase of learning, care and formation of 971 students at the College in 2025.