Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,
I hope the three-week break provided an opportunity for rest, renewal and precious time with family and friends. It has been wonderful to welcome students and staff back to our beautiful campus and begin another term together with fresh energy and optimism.
During the break, I found myself returning to two ideas that have stayed with me throughout the year: our Word of the Year, Aspiration, and the virtue of gratitude. Like many educators, I value the chance that holidays provide for a little extra reading and reflection, and over the break I revisited some of the writings of the Roman philosopher Seneca. He wrote about gratitude as both the giving and receiving of gifts and benefits, and I was struck by how deeply that idea resonates with life at St Michael's.
Every day at St Michael's we participate in a virtuous circle of giving and receiving. Our staff generously share their knowledge, expertise, care and encouragement. Students receive these gifts with curiosity, commitment and openness. In turn, they give back through their talents, leadership, kindness, service and contributions to the wider community. It is this exchange that sustains and strengthens our School and, ultimately, enables us to live out the purpose expressed in our Constitution: to make a positive difference in the world and for the betterment of humanity.
I was reminded of this powerfully on a memorable evening in the final week of Term 2. I attended the launch of the St Michael's Foundation's 2025 Donor Impact Report, led by Foundation Chair and parent, Elizabeth King, which celebrated the extraordinary generosity of those who continue to invest in the life of our School and the opportunities available to future generations. Immediately afterwards, I joined families, staff and students for our Virtuoso Solo Performance Concert, a celebration of excellence amongst our Year 11 and 12 musicians. Virtuoso recognises students who demonstrate outstanding musical performance, technical mastery and artistic creativity and provides an opportunity for exceptional young performers to showcase their talents.
Experiencing those two events together was both moving and inspiring. On one hand, we celebrated those who invest in young people; on the other, we witnessed what becomes possible when young people are given the opportunity to develop their gifts. Watching our students perform with such skill, courage, discipline and artistry filled me with both pride and gratitude. Their achievements reflected not only individual talent, but also the dedication of teachers, tutors, accompanists, families and a community that believes deeply in the potential of every young person.
It was also a powerful reminder that aspiration rarely develops in isolation. It flourishes within communities that encourage, support and invest in others. It is this same belief in the potential of young people that sits behind the two important initiatives I would like to share with you in this newsletter: a new VCE Scholarship pathway into St Michael's for students beyond our current community, and Giving Day 2026, our annual celebration of generosity and hope.
A New VCE Scholarship Pathway
Thanks to the generosity of our community donors, I am delighted to share that St Michael's has launched a VCE Scholarship for new students entering the St Michael’s community in Years 10 and 11 in 2027.
This scholarship represents a wonderful opportunity for talented and motivated young people from beyond our current school community to join St Michael's for their senior years, and experience all that makes a St Michael's education distinctive: academic excellence, exceptional pastoral care, and a culture that values an individual's character as highly as achievement.
We know there are outstanding young people within our wider community who would benefit greatly from the opportunities a St Michael's education provides and who would, in turn, make a meaningful contribution to the life of our School. If you know a family, whether among friends, neighbours, or colleagues in your wider network, who might be exploring options for their child's senior schooling, I would be grateful if you would help spread the word.
Applications for the VCE Scholarship close on Thursday 30 July 2026, so time is short. Full details, eligibility criteria and application information are available on our website, and our Enrolments team would be delighted to answer any questions.
Word of mouth remains one of the most powerful ways new families find their way to St Michael's, and I thank you in advance for helping us connect with young people who would thrive in our community but may not yet realise that an opportunity like this exists.
Giving Day 2026: Together, Opening Doors
On Thursday 6 August, St Michael's will hold Giving Day 2026, our annual day of community philanthropy and one of the most inspiring days on the School calendar. For twenty-four hours, current families, Old Michaelians, staff, and friends of the School come together with a shared purpose: to open doors of opportunity for students who might otherwise never have the chance to walk through them.
This year, Giving Day will support the Terry Bux Memorial Scholarship, established in honour of a much-loved member of our School community whose belief in the dignity, worth and potential of every young person continues to inspire us. Having overcome significant challenges in his own life, Terry never lost sight of the transformative power of education and simple acts of kindness.
During his 33 years as St Michael's Crossing Supervisor, he greeted generations of students each day with care and deep respect, helping every child feel seen, valued and known. Through this fully funded scholarship, we honour Terry's legacy by opening the doors of a St Michael's education to a young person whose family would not otherwise have the financial means to access it, ensuring that circumstance does not stand in the way of talent, potential and opportunity.
I am proud to share that, thanks to the generosity of families who have already contributed, we are already halfway towards fully funding the scholarship Reaching our goal this Giving Day would allow us to offer this life-changing opportunity as soon as possible and make a profound difference in the life of a young person and their family.
In the lead-up to 6 August, you will hear more about Giving Day and the many ways you can become involved — whether through a donation, by sharing the campaign with friends and family, or simply by helping us tell this important story. I hope you will join us in marking the day, in whatever way you are able.
As always, thank you for the trust you place in St Michael's and for the many ways you contribute to the life of our School. Whether through volunteering, attending events, supporting your child's learning, or encouraging others within our community, your involvement helps make St Michael's the special place it is.
I look forward to seeing many of you throughout the term ahead and wish you and your family a rewarding and fulfilling Term 3.
Warm regards,
Gerard Houlihan Head of School