The 2025 Valedictory Mass was a heartfelt and memorable celebration of our graduating students. Fr Stephen Hanly presided over the Eucharist, setting a reverent tone for the morning. Ms Niamh Timlin, Assistant Principal – Identity, graciously MC’ed the event, guiding the community through each moment with care.
With a yellow rose and a handwritten letter, our boys say thank you to the ones who walked beside them every step of the way.
Between the Mass and the formal Valedictory Ceremony, our Indigenous dancers delivered a powerful and moving performance that captivated the entire audience. Their storytelling through dance honoured culture, connection, and country, adding a deeply spiritual and emotional layer to the day’s proceedings. It was a standout moment that reminded us of the richness of tradition and the importance of shared identity.
Following the Mass, each Year 12 student was presented with their Senior Certificate and a Valedictory gift bag, thoughtfully curated to reflect their journey. Inside were:
- A cross and SBC keyring
- The College Prayer
- Certificates from our State and Federal Members
- A pair of SBC socks – a symbolic reminder that no matter where life takes them, they will always be part of the fabric of the SBC family
Marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another – our seniors received their certificates and Valedictory gift bags, each item a symbol of their journey at SBC
A significant moment followed with the formal leadership jacket handover between the 2025 and 2026 College Captains. Outgoing leaders Cameron Da Forno (College Captain), Matthew Bezuidehout (Vice Captain), and Jaxson Wyman (Boarding Captain) passed on their jackets to incoming leaders Cooper Witts (College Captain), Thomas Brown (Vice Captain), and Louis Maxwell (Boarding Captain). The exchange was rich in tradition and meaning, marking the continuity of leadership at the College.
A moment rich in tradition: outgoing leaders entrusted their jackets to the next generation, symbolising the strength and legacy of leadership at St Brendan’s College.
Michelle Da Forno, mother of College Captain Cameron Da Forno, delivered a moving Parent of the Captain Address, reflecting on the friendships formed through the College and the special bond shared by families, especially those from the Northern Territory. Her words highlighted the strength of the SBC community and the lifelong connections it fosters.
Behind every great young man is a strong, supportive mum. Cameron Da Forno shares a heartfelt hug with Michelle Da Forno after the Valedictory ceremony.
Old Boy and current parent to Mason Dendle gave the Old Boys Foundation Address, urging the young men to be good blokes, good husbands, and good mates. His message was clear: “Check in with each other – and that means pick up the phone, don’t just text.”
After the Mass, younger students respectfully exited, allowing a private moment between parents and their sons. Each parent received a flower and a handwritten letter, sparking emotional scenes as tears flowed freely. The seniors then walked through a Guard of Honour formed by the entire school – a powerful farewell with hugs shared and memories cemented for years to come.
As students passed over the bridge into the CPAC gardens after the Guard of Honour, they were presented with an Old Boys cap by Old Boys Mark Boyd, Chris Hughes (Assistant Head of Residence – Fitzpatrick), and James Couper (Acting Assistant Principal – Residential).
Brotherhood runs deep. Caylen O'Dell’s emotional farewell captures the spirit of SBC – mateship, memories, and meaning.
The celebration continued with a luncheon in the CPAC gardens, where families, staff, and students gathered to reflect and rejoice. With 51 boarders and 97 day students in the graduating cohort, the sense of community was strong.
It was a day filled with pride, gratitude, and connection – a true celebration of the young men who have grown within the walls of St Brendan’s College and are now ready to step into the world.