Honouring the High Achievers of 2025

On 20 February 2026, St Bernard's College proudly hosted the High Achiever Academic Awards Assembly for the Class of 2025 in the O’Brien Centre Gymnasium. This event gives us the opportunity to recognise our students’ hard work and outstanding academic achievement in front of their families, peers, and distinguished guests, including School Advisory Council Chairperson Ms Pauline Duggan, representatives from EREA, and Jo Briskey, MP for Maribyrnong.

The ceremony commenced with an energetic performance by our College Drumline, setting the tone for the Principal’s address from Dr Michael Davies. His passionate speech emphasised the value of hard work and lifelong learning, drawing on two examples from our community:

Old Collegian and recent Hall of Fame inductee Dr Anthony Slavin, whose dedication to the field of immunology has saved the lives of many, including one of our other old collegians.

Current teacher Ms Klavins, whose commitment to lifelong learning meant she had the first aid knowhow to give crucial medical assistance when a community member was recently in need.

In their example, Dr Davies encouraged our graduates and students to keep applying themselves and lean in to learning opportunities.

Our 2025 cohort were recognised for their outstanding results, with 26 students achieving an ATAR of 90 or higher. Presentations also honoured the Unit 3/4 Subject Prize Winners, which included Year 12 students and accelerated Year 11 students who attained exceptional results in a particular subject. Other awards celebrated included ten outstanding students who completed the prestigious VCE Baccalaureate Award, along with the Baccalaureate Student of the Year and the Vocational Major Student of the Year.

We were honoured to welcome Jo Briskey MP to the stage to present the Jo Briskey Award for Excellence in Community Leadership, recognising a student who is dedicated to community service and positive change. This year, 2025 Year 11 student Matthew was celebrated for his involvement in just about every social advocacy program we offer, from the Vinnies Appeal to the South American Immersion.

It was then time to acknowledge our Proxime Accessit, Christian, and our College Dux, Anthony. In an inspiring and gracious address, Anthony was quick to acknowledge his family, friends, teachers and community for all their support, noting that the award of Dux was not his alone. He left us all with a key thought—that “excellence is not measured by how far ahead you finish, but by how far you travel from where you began”.

The assembly concluded with a delightful morning tea hosted by the Welcoming Community Group. The gathering was a wonderful opportunity for award winners and their families to connect and reminisce with staff and fellow graduates.

As St Bernard’s College looks toward the future, we remain committed to supporting the aspirations of our students and alumni. To our Class of 2025, we are proud of each and every one of you, and as you move on to the next phase of your life, know that you will always be a Bernard’s Boy.

Keep an eye out for a full list of our award winners in the upcoming 2025 Clairvaux!