Vale Sinead Ryan
As a College community we have been incredibly saddened by the news of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Ms Sinead Ryan, on Friday 4 October. Sinead was diagnosed with brain cancer last year and fiercely fought to beat this terrible disease, as well as doing all she could to raise money for further research into finding a cure and support for brain cancer patients at the Peace of Mind Foundation.
Sinead and her family have had a long association with Padua College, her parents Bart and Sharon have been long-term employees of the College, and Sinead and her brother Christian are both former students, with Sinead taking on the role of College Vice Captain in Year 12. Her life was celebrated in the Mornington Campus gymnasium on Saturday 19 October with family and friends coming together to remember a truly unique woman who was full of joy and hope; she was a dedicated and talented teacher and we are blessed to have known her.
We continue to keep Sinead’s husband Brendan, son Koa, parents Sharon and Bart, brother Christian, extended family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.
Eternal rest grant unto Sinead O Lord, may perpetual light shine upon her.
Year 12 Graduation
Last week we celebrated our graduating Class of 2024, commencing with students from all three campuses coming together at the Mornington Campus for our College Assembly. During this assembly we acknowledged and congratulated students who received Best in Subject, as well as a number of other awards. The assembly also included a number of musical acts and the recitation of the Year 12 pledge.
The following day, Year 12 students enjoyed their Celebration Day during the morning and later that evening returned to school for the Year 12 Graduation Mass and Ceremony. I thank Fr Geoff McIlroy, Fr An Le and Deacon Graeme Pender for celebrating this important Mass for our community. This year we are separating our Graduation and Valedictory celebrations with the Valedictory Dinner being held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre following exams.
2024 Award Winners announced at the Assembly on Monday were:
Year 12 VCAL FMPLLEN Award
Year 12 VCAL FMPLLEN Award: Each year the Frankston Mornington Peninsula Local Learning and Employment Network (FMPLLEN) hosts the Applied Learning Awards to celebrate the achievements of students, schools and industry partners and recognise the work in the Applied Learning field of education.
This year an Excellence Award was presented to Vanessa Siemienowicz of MacKillop House.
The Achievement Award was presented to Matthew Stringer of MacKillop House.
And the Industry Award was presented to Judd White of John XXIII House.
Sports Achiever & Sportsperson Award
These students exemplify the values of our College community, consistently demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship, a proactive attitude, strong leadership, and unwavering commitment to Padua's sporting teams throughout their time at the College. Their dedication and involvement have set a standard of excellence for others to follow.
The 2024 Sports Achievers of the Year are Emily Dixon of Merton House and Hudson Maggio of Mercy House.
Global Citizenship In Education
This year Padua College awarded two students The Global Citizenship Award for their commitment and performance in the United Nations Youth Evatt competition where they represented Padua in the State semi-finals in September; and for their outstanding performance in the Rotary Model United Nations Assembly for winning the Perpetual Trophy - the Peace Prize.
The winners were Ryan Healy of MacKillop House and Jakub Szadura of Bernard House.
Performing Arts Award
The recipient of this Award for 2023 goes to a person who lives and breathes all areas of the Performing Arts. Not just in Year 12 but across all 6 years of their Padua journey they have become a part of the furniture in this department.
The Performing Arts Department have selected the 2024 Performing Arts Award to go to Ruby Proy of Mercy House.
Senior Musician
The recipient of this award is recognized for their growth and development as a musician throughout their entire six-year journey at Padua, not just in VCE.
The 2024 winner is Amelia Craigie of MacKillop House.
The Melanie Holden Surfing and Academic Award
Melanie Holden (1972 – 2004) a past student of Padua College who completed Year 12 in 1989. This award is given annually to a young woman from Year 11 or 12 who combines an avid interest in surfing with a diligence in her study.
The winner is Reese Fischer of Merton House.
The Susan Lash Award
This award is in recognition of Sue Lash, a staff member of Padua College for 22 years who was actively involved in both Careers and VET at both the Mornington and Rosebud Campuses. The Sue Lash Award recognises a student who reflects the perseverance and positive use of VET as part of their career journey.
The winner is Levi Bishop of Merton House.
Mick McLoughlin Art & Technology Awards
Presented by the College, “Mick McLoughlin Principal’s Choice” acknowledgement is in memory of Mr Michael McLoughlin (1943 – 2012) who in 27 years at Padua College was Deputy Principal and inaugural Head of Rosebud Campus. This acknowledgment is given annually to a Year 11 or 12 student who has produced an outstanding piece of work in the Arts Learning Area and to a Year 11 or 12 student who has produced an outstanding piece of work in the Technology Learning Area as part of their portfolio work for the VCE or VET course.
The winners are Ruby Proy of Mercy House for Art and Ella Cox of Merton House for Technology.
ADF Future Innovators Award
The Australian Defence Force is acknowledging and encouraging the next generation of innovators, critical thinkers and problem solvers. The ADF Future Innovators Award is for a Year 12 student who demonstrates innovation in the learning area of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths). The recipient also demonstrates a level of high motivation in the learning area of STEM.
The winner of the ADF Young Innovator Award for 2024 is Tate Wakenshaw of John XXIII House.
ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership & Teamwork Award
This Award recognises students who demonstrate leadership and teamwork within both the school and the broader community and who display strong values, such as doing one’s best, exemplary leadership, respect for others and “mateship”, that are integral to Australian society.
The winner of the ADF Youth Leadership & Teamwork Award for 2024 is Yasmine McCoy of Mercy House.
VCAL - Tyler Shaw Memorial Award
The Tyler Shaw Memorial Award is presented in memory and honour of Tyler Shaw (1993 – 2013) a past VCAL student of Padua College. Tyler had a zest for lift and lived her short life to the fullest. Tyler’s story is shared with many students on the Mornington Peninsula through the DRIVE 4 LIFE program, TRAG. This award is given to a VCAL student who shows determination, strength and the will to live their life to the fullest.
The winner of the Tyler Shaw Memorial Award for 2024 is Michael Sweeney of Bernard House.
Principal’s General Excellence Award
The nominees of the Principal’s General Excellence Award were presented at the Graduation Ceremony that followed Mass, with the winner to be announced at our Valedictory Dinner on Friday 22 November. We congratulate the following short-listed nominees for the 2024 Principal’s General Excellence Award: Makayla Cooper, Amelia Craigie, Hudson Maggio, Yasmine McCoy , Ella Michie, Hannah O’Loghlin, Lucas Parrish, Sahar Pnini, Lachlan Polinelli, Amelia Poutney, Jakub Szadura and Candace Walker.
