From the Principal: Term 4 College News

Principal Appointment

The appointment of Michael Chiera was announced earlier this term and information about Michael is on our website (Latest News – 29 October 2025). I have been meeting regularly with Michael to assist with his transition into this role. During the term he has been visiting the College and meeting with the Leadership Team and other key staff.

To read our announcement, please click here.

Year 12 Graduation

In Term 4 the College proudly celebrated the Graduation Ceremony of the Class of 2025, bringing together students, families and staff for a night filled with pride, joy and reflection.

The ceremony honoured the achievements, resilience and growth of each graduate as they received their certificates and marked the end of the Servite journey. Additionally, the evening highlighted academic success and contributions to sport, service, leadership and College life.

Although the inclement weather prompted the post-ceremony refreshments to be moved to the Alexis Research Centre, it did nothing to dampen the spirits of the community, who gathered there for photos, conversation, and heartfelt farewells, sharing memories of the friendships and experiences that shaped the cohort throughout their years at the College.

The evening was a meaningful celebration of the Servite charisms of service, Marian identity and community, reminding students that no matter where life takes them next, ‘Once a Servite, Always a Servite‘.

Year 10 River Cruise

This term, our Year 10 students came together for their annual River Cruise, celebrating the end of a fantastic year in style. A stunning sunset set the scene as the boat set off, and the dance floor quickly came alive with DJ tunes, laughter, energy and some seriously impressive moves.

Students spent the night dancing, laughing and enjoying the company of their friends while taking in the breathtaking views along the river. This unforgettable evening was a well-deserved reward for their hard work and dedication throughout the year, and a wonderful moment to reflect on their achievements as they look ahead to Year 11.

Thank you to the staff and students who helped make the cruise such a memorable experience, and a special thank you to Ms Deanna Tonon and the San Clemente staff for their support in making this night truly magical.

LCFIA Visit

This year, Servite College proudly became the first high school in Western Australia to join the Liverpool FC International Academy family, a historic milestone for our community. This partnership provides students with a unique opportunity to develop both their football skills and personal character, with a strong focus on Ambition, Unity, Dignity, and Commitment.

The program is open to all students, with Years 7–8 training before school, Years 9–10 participating through elective classes, and Years 11–12 engaging while also completing a Certificate II in Sport and Recreation.

In Term 4, we were also privileged to host visits from Liverpool FC Technical Directors, Daniel Gavin and Kevin Grima, who were highly impressed with the quality and conduct of our students. Our players further represented the College with distinction at a Liverpool Legends Day, demonstrating skill, commitment, and excellent character throughout.

Year 9 Nannup Rotations

Year 9 students recently completed the Nannup Experience, applying their Science and Humanities learning to real community challenges while building teamwork, independence, and connections with peers.

The program also fostered personal growth, giving students time away from digital distractions to build independence, strengthen friendships, and develop teamwork skills in an outdoor setting.

The program concluded with students pitching solutions to the Shire of Nannup, with the HelioPlant team – Grace Melo, Etsuo Namgay, Mitchell Potter, and Ricardo Varela – announced as the winning group. To read more click here.

Awards Night

The evening was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the success of our students. While we recognised these outstanding achievements, we also acknowledge the hard work and effort shown by all our students throughout the year.

My speech that night focused on the idea of success, beginning with the statement: “The greatest predictor of success is previous success.” I then expanded on a key message about what helps students continue to succeed as their work becomes more challenging – a principle that applies not only to academics, but also to sporting and musical pursuits.

Masterplan

Over recent years a tremendous amount of work has taken place to develop our Capital Development Master Plan. As parents you would be aware of this and, have probably been asking “When will it happen?”. The new double gymnasium and the double story Montorsoli Centre are now in the tender process.

We will have tender prices from several builders on Tuesday 9 December 2025. From this date, and after College Council approval, the selected the builder will be given the go ahead to commence in January 2026. Prior to commencing, we need to demolish some existing structures and fence off the building site.

The timeline for completion is hopefully close to the commencement of the 2027 academic year. Unlike many former building constructions at the College, this one will have minimum disruption, as current classrooms and facilities can operate as normal.

Music Lessons

Is Santa giving your child a new instrument this Christmas? If so, you may wish for them to receive weekly lessons at the College in 2026 from one of Santa’s elves (aka music tutors). Enrolments for private vocal and instrumental lessons are open for 2026 and are available for all students in Years 7 – 12. More information and to enrol can be found here.

For more information, please see our Music Handbook here.

Staffing Updates

We also express gratitude to our long-standing staff members whose dedication has left a lasting mark on our college. Their service is invaluable, and we appreciate the passion you bring to the Servite family. I would like to farewell and thank:

• Charlotte Strawhorn
• Valerie Glossop
• Amy O’Connor
• Susan Stirling
• Nadia Tati
• Sarah Light
• Natalie Diggins
• Eloise Lambert
• Samantha Rathmann

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop has now closed for 2025. Please note the following special opening hours for next year:

• Tuesday, 20th January – 9.00am – 1pm
• Wednesday, 21st January – 9.00am – 1.00pm
• Tuesday, 27th January – 9.00am – 2.00pm
• Wednesday, 28th January – 8.00am – 2.00pm
• Thursday, 29th January – 8.00am – 4.00pm

Normal hours then to resume the following week:

• Tuesday – 8.00am – 4.30pm
• Wednesday – 8.00am – 1.30pm
• Thursday – 12.30pm – 4.3pm

Office Opening Hours

Our office will be open until Thursday, 18th December and will reopen Monday, 5th January 2026.

Please note the office will be closed:

• Friday, 5th December
• Tuesday, 9th December from 12.30pm

2026 Key Dates

To view all 2026 Key College Dates, please click here.

Finally, I say farewell. It has been a pleasure to serve the Servite College community over these two terms and I look forward to hearing about your continued successes in the coming years. I also hope the approaching holy season of Christmas is a time of love and joy for all families.

Best wishes and God bless.

Mr Ian Elder