Good evening all and a warm welcome to Bishop Columba, Fr Arthur Givney and Fr Harry Phillips, parents, carers, staff, and most importantly, our Year 12 Class of 2025.

I begin by acknowledging the Wiradjuri people of the Galari clan, the original custodians of the land on which we gather tonight. I pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and extend that respect to any First Nations people with us this evening.

Welcome to this Graduation ceremony, a night to celebrate the life, faith, and learning of our Year 12 students at Red Bend Catholic College.

Every school has its own spirit, its own heartbeat, its own way. At Red Bend, it can be described as “the Red Bend spirit.” It is something felt as much as it is seen. It is the family spirit that binds our community together; it is the hospitality and warmth of our traditions that welcome students from across the region and beyond; it is the humility and resilience shaped by our down-to-earth nature, where people look out for one another and reach out in times of need. And it is the vision of inspiring minds, hearts, and spirits, forming graduates who are not only prepared for careers, but for lives of meaning, service, and hope.

In speaking about resilience, our new Pope, Pope Leo XIV offers us a beautiful insight. He said in a recent address,
“Difficulties in youth are to be treated as springboards, tools to touch hearts, to grow courage, and to give the best of ourselves.”

That, too, is the Red Bend spirit: turning challenges into opportunities, pain into compassion, and learning through service. You, Year 12, have done this in your time here, showing one another how hardship can shape character and how setbacks can become stepping stones.

You, the Class of 2025, have embodied this Red Bend spirit.

This year's HSC class of 2025 has shown courage, adaptability, and heart. You have led initiatives that strengthened College life, supported one another through setbacks, and embraced opportunities to shine. Whether it was rallying together at carnivals, leading prayer and reflection, or stepping forward in outreach and service, you have demonstrated the resilience and generosity that mark a true Red Bend graduate.

Your journey has not been without its challenges, but you met those challenges with determination and optimism. You have shown that “through difficulties to greatness” is not just our motto, but a lived reality.

This year, our Marist theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’ has guided us. A pilgrim walks with purpose, with eyes open to beauty, and a heart open to meaning. You, too, are pilgrims. Your time here has been more than lessons and assessments; it has been a journey of faith, friendship, discovery, and growth.

Hope is what gives you courage as you step forward. Hope steadies you in times of trial and inspires you to believe that a better future is possible. Carry that hope with you, for yourselves, for others, and for the communities you will join.

To our parents and carers, thank you for your trust and for walking this journey with us. You have demonstrated great faith and trust in us to educate your daughters and sons. Most importantly, thank you for your support, your encouragement, your interest and the role you have played as partners in nurturing the faith, life and learning of these amazing students. My appreciation and thanks to the families who are concluding their direct association with the College. We have valued your partnership and we wish you well in the future.

I extend my deep gratitude to the staff at Red Bend, I could not have asked to be with a more dedicated and committed staff. They do everything for this school and its students, and I am very proud of their vocation to young people and their love for this community. 

My sincere thanks to all the staff who have played a role in the graduation ceremonies today. We could not do what we do without the generosity of our staff (please join me in acknowledging our staff)

I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to our College Captains and the Student Leadership Team. You have all been outstanding leaders; gracious, full of energy, positive and with a deep commitment to College life. You have left an amazing legacy.  Thanks to our student leaders listed on the screens, and a special thanks to our College Captains Ruby and Lachlan who have led our community this year.  

And so, Class of 2025, you graduate as young women and men of Red Bend. You carry within you the Marist characteristics of presence, simplicity, family spirit, love of work, and in the way of Mary. You are now called to embody these characteristics wherever life takes you.

Be pilgrims of hope. Be resilient, compassionate, and generous. Be people who notice the needs of others and step forward to respond. Remember, greatness is not measured by titles, but by how well you serve, how deeply you love, and how faithfully you live.

I pose two questions to you: Whose lives will you touch? And whose burdens will you help carry?

Your education at Red Bend has never been just about knowledge. It has been about shaping your character, deepening your compassion, and preparing you to lead with integrity. In a world that often prizes achievement above all else, Red Bend asks you to lead differently. Be proud of what you have achieved, but go as servant leaders, placing the needs of others before yourself.

The Red Bend community will always hold you in our prayers. We ask Saint Marcellin Champagnat and Mary our Good Mother to watch over you. May you always walk as pilgrims of hope, carrying forward the spirit of servant leadership and presence into the world.

My prayer for you tonight is that your future will be what you pray it to be, and that you will always find joy in lives lived with courage, compassion, and hope.

Please know how very proud we are of each and every one of you. Congratulations, Class of 2025. 

God bless you.

Awarded to students who have achieved overall excellent academic results in their HSC assessments. 

Alice Paul

Immy Ousby

Blake Reeves

Phoebe Morrison

Kade Mikita

Ru Little

Rini Emseis

Elizabeth Brindle

Sienna Alexander