The Principal’s Award is an occasional award which may be presented to a Year 12 student, who has achieved commendably in Year 12, in spite of some particular hardships which he has had to contend with throughout the year and throughout his VCE journey. Like Bartholomew Garelli, the student recipient is resilient, persistent, is humble, yet quietly confident.
This year there are two recipients for the Bartholomew Garelli award.
Luca Mandile is the first recipient and is an individual who comes to school with a smile on his face every day and always possesses a polite and caring demeanour, despite any challenges he is facing. He has matured into a kind and considerate individual, who is always there for his peers.
Facing some personal challenges this year, Luca remains dedicated to his studies and school work, working with his teachers and those in our school community to stay on track. He has shown tremendous efforts to engage in classrooms and actively participates in the sporting culture of the school. He is resilient and displays strong morals and values in all of his actions.
Luca is a beacon of light in our college community, embodies everything it means to be a good Salesian and respects all those he comes into contact with.
Luke Lazos is the second recipient has experienced some challenges over the past few years, losing someone very special to him. Throughout this experience, he demonstrated openness to discuss wellbeing, resilience and above all, kindness and appreciation.
Luke has made valuable contributions to the College, particularly in his sporting endeavours, and displays consideration when working as part of a team both in and outside of the classroom.
Luke’s persistence and determination with his school work is commendable and despite his world dramatically changing, he remained humble and caring in his interactions with others. He is a loyal and beloved friend and student; whose respect and politeness make him a truly valued Salesian young man. He puts others ahead of himself and is selfless in the support he gives all those around him.
The Michael Rua Award (VCE Scored) is awarded to Liam Matteo. Over Liam’s time at the College he has:
- Achieved outstanding academic results consistently during his six years at the College,
- Demonstrated a consistent approach to achieving personal excellence and,
- Shared his skills and knowledge by participating in authentic, collaborative learning that enriched others
Liam has demonstrated a strong and consistent commitment to the College community across his time at Salesian, through his unwavering dedication to our learning environment. Liam displays a sincere willingness to assist others, both in and outside of the classroom. Further, he approaches every teacher, student, lesson and task with a positive and polite attitude.
Liam makes the most of every opportunity to learn and is diligent in the way he implements the feedback he willingly seeks from his teachers. This has led to him achieving consistently excellent results in all of his subjects, both this year and in his Unit 3/4 study of Business Management in 2023, achieving a 45 study score.
Liam is actively involved in all aspects of the College, holding the position of Environmental Captain in 2024, and most recently achieving overall winner for the College’s McKertich public speaking award.
The Michael Rua Award (VCE VM) is awarded to Christian Bernardo. Over Christian’s time at the College he has:
- Demonstrated personal excellence in each of the learning components of the Vocational Major Program,
- Demonstrated a high degree of independent and collaborative learning skills and knowledge, in a range of learning and work commitments
- Strived for personal excellence whilst modelling himself on servant leadership qualities and,
- Shown leadership for learning in a variety of learning environments
Christian has demonstrated consistent leadership in class, in projects and events, and has been a positive advocate for the applied learning program at parent information evenings and in the wider community.
Christian is a joyous individual and positive role model for his peers. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to both his studies and to his career development through his school-based apprenticeship, balancing the requirements and responsibilities of work and school.
Throughout the year, Christian has shown exceptional organisation, time management and dedication to his future pathway.
The first Omnia Award is awarded to Jackson Leopold. Over Jackson’s time at the College he has:
- Made an outstanding contribution to community service within, or on behalf, of Salesian College, thus living out our College motto of “all things to all people” and,
- Demonstrated community mindedness and action, which is selfless, voluntary and regular, without the expectation of reward or recognition.
Jackson is renowned for getting involved in all community events and has shown exceptional leadership skills, whilst doing so with a smile and a ‘can-do’ attitude. He has participated in many ACC teams throughout the year, whilst balancing his other school commitments. He has also dedicated many recess and lunchtimes assisting in the school Canteen. In Jackson’s leadership position as Sports Ambassador in 2024, he organised and ran a House Soccer Festival for the entire College, devoting time to organising new initiatives within the College and approaching them with kindness, respect and positivity.
The second Omnia Award is awarded to Brodie Grewcock. Over Brodie’s time at the College he has:
- Made an outstanding contribution to community service within, or on behalf, of Salesian College, thus living out our College motto of “all things to all people” and,
- Demonstrated community mindedness and action, which is selfless, voluntary and regular, without the expectation of reward or recognition.
Brodie is always the first to volunteer and assist at any event, initiative or opportunity presented to him. He is an active participant in all aspects of school life, volunteering in the school Canteen consistently over the last two years and being a tour guide for many years before that. Brodie lives out the College Values proudly and always has time for those around him. Further to this, he is a valued member of our College public speaking community and has offered his time to speak at recent parent information evenings. He has shown exceptional dedication to his role as Cultural Ambassador in 2024.
The Dominic Savio Award is awarded to Andrew Tan. Over Andrew’s his time at the College, has:
- Demonstrated personal growth and maturity,
- Had significant involvement in artistic or sporting endeavours,
- Endeavoured ‘above and beyond’ in some capacity and has been actively involved in the wider College community.
Andrew has shown great commitment to the College through his involvement in numerous events and activities over the last 6 years. He has primarily been involved in sporting events, through representing the College at different competitions, ACC teams and house leadership.
Andrew embodies the Salesian spirit through and though. He supports all members of the cohort in different capacities, is a loyal friend and is highly regarded by all staff and students.
He is a committed student, regularly participating in after school VCE study sessions, where he works diligently individually, and also supporting peers in a kind and patient manner. Andrew has excelled, both in and out of school, in his sporting endeavours, particularly in our Swimming competitions. Whilst humble in his success, he is also always first to celebrate the successes of his cohort and the other members of our College community.
The St Francis De Sales Award is awarded to Benji Mathieson. Over Benji’s time at the College he has:
- Consistently embodied, exhibited and promoted the vision, mission and values of the College in his conduct and relationships – both within and beyond the College community
- Demonstrated the Salesian charism of a ‘strong mind and gentle heart’ and a ‘loving kindness’ in his relationships with others.
Benji is a humble and gentle young man. He is an inspiration to his peers, with his positive attitude and kind nature. He consistently promotes the vision and mission of the College in his relationships with others and the way he goes about his daily life.
He is a loyal friend and always has time for others when they’re in need of support. Furthermore, he goes above and beyond to make sure others feel included.
Benji has made valuable contributions to the College as an ACC representative in basketball, cross country and football.
He truly cares about the culture of the school, and has committed himself completely to his House Vice-Captain role in 2024. Benji is the epitome of a true Salesian man, demonstrating a ‘strong mind and gentle heart’.
