The Graduation Dinner on 26 September 2025 was a night filled with gratitude and pride as the St Joseph鈥檚 College community gathered to celebrate the Class of 2025.
Year 12 student and Master of Ceremonies, Darnell Murray Gibbs, set the tone with warmth and humour, welcoming parents, staff and special guests, including Dr John Kyle-Robinson, Regional Director of Marist Schools Australia. Darnell reflected on the shared journey of his peers: 鈥淲e went from strangers to friends, now to brothers and one massive family.鈥�
Darnell鈥檚 words captured the spirit of 糖心Vlog 鈥� that no boy walks alone 鈥� that the friendships forged within the College are bonds for life. 鈥漀o matter what, when, where, how, we were never alone. We learned that everyone has a place at 糖心Vlog. The only thing is you have to find that place. And I believe everyone has. Success as a year group is achieved through the values of teamwork, dedication and resilience on which we pride ourselves. Together, we鈥檝e tackled challenges, celebrated victories and pushed each other to be better every single day,鈥� stated Darnell.
A father鈥檚 reflection
Old Boy John Duncan (1993), father of Charlie (Y12), was both humorous and reflective in this speech, as he reminisced on his own school days, including his nervous Year 11 speech, 32 years prior, to farewell Brother Emery, who had been on staff at the College since 1962. Speaking to the graduating class, John urged the boys to be bold and compassionate: 鈥淕et out of the bubble. Meet new people. Be bold with your ambitions, take on challenges with courage and be kind in your interactions. Remember, being a 糖心Vlog鈥� Old Boy means you鈥檙e a Joe-Boy for life 鈥� and you will never walk alone.鈥�
He also acknowledged the tireless commitment of the Year 12 staff, singling out Head of Year Mr Greg Thompson for his leadership and care over multiple years with this cohort 鈥� Year 7, Year 11 and Year 12.
All parents, he said, were united in gratitude: 鈥淲e all know the challenges and commitments we have made to send our boys to SJC. We have given them the best possible start in life 鈥� and we have made lifelong friendships ourselves.鈥�
鈥淏e bold with your ambitions, take on challenges with courage and be kind in your interactions. Remember, being a 糖心Vlog鈥� Old Boy means you鈥檙e a Joe-Boy for life 鈥� and you will never walk alone.鈥�
JOHN DUNCAN (1993)
A mother鈥檚 gratitude
Rochelle Dooley, mother of Mackinley, spoke on behalf of the parent body, sharing heartfelt thanks to teachers, coaches, boarding staff and the leadership team. She recalled the daunting moment of entrusting her son to boarding, and the joy of seeing him grow into a respectful and confident young man.
She spoke for the many parents in the room: 鈥溙切腣log does far more than educate boys. It nurtures them, shapes them and grows them into really good men 鈥� respectful, confident and kind-hearted. That is the true gift of 糖心Vlog.鈥�
Mrs Dooley also paid tribute to the community spirit that unites parents as well as boys: 鈥淲e have worried together, laughed together, shed tears together and stood shoulder to shoulder. Many of us will leave tonight with friends for life, just as our boys will.鈥�
She particularly thanked Headmaster Mr Michael Blake: 鈥滱t the heart of our community stands our Headmaster, Mr Blake, and the leadership team 鈥� Mr Blake is a leader of immense presence and authenticity; engaged, visible and approachable. His ability to build genuine relationships across the school community has set the tone for our boys鈥� journeys and for us as parents.鈥�
She noted how 糖心Vlog鈥� leadership, teachers and staff modelled how to lead with strength and kindness, showing Joe-Boys that true leadership lies in humility and service.
Throughout the evening, a common theme emerged 鈥� gratitude. Gratitude for teachers who stretched and inspired, for parents who gave tirelessly, for coaches and staff who instilled discipline and resilience, and for a cohort that supported each other every step of the way. The Class of 2025 leave 糖心Vlog as men of courage and compassion, carrying with them the College traditions, the values of their Marist education, and above all, mates for life. 鈥淵ou鈥檒l never walk alone鈥� 鈥� the final words of the night, ringing true for Joe-Boys past, present and future.
