
From the Deputy Principal
THE CLASS OF 2021 ACADEMIC AWARDS CEREMONY
It was with a great sense of Lasallian pride that we welcomed our Year 12 2021 Award winners and their parents back to St Michael’s College on Tuesday evening. Whilst proceedings were directed by SA Health requirements around COVID-19, it was important to the College to continue with this tradition where we acknowledge the outstanding academic and vocational results of the recent graduands. As such, the ceremony was held during the evening when we could have visitors on the campus. Numbers were limited to immediate family members and the event was filmed so that our Year 7 to 12 students could view the presentations during extended Pastoral Care the following day.
As our Acting Principal, Mr Damian Patton noted in his address the results for this cohort were equal to, or better than previous, reflecting our focus on continually striving for excellence, and there were many “good news” stories to celebrate:
“It is also important tonight to recognise former Principal, Mr John Foley, and his contribution to ongoing improvement in student academic performance. St Michael’s Grade Comparison is worth noting today, where in 2012, 24 students achieved an A+, in 2017 48 students and for the 2021 cohort, 75. It is results like these, and continual improvement, that recognise Teaching and Learning excellence at St Michael’s College.”
There were several award categories presented throughout the ceremony:
- Subject Dux Certificate: Students who achieved the highest scaled score in their subject.
- Academic Excellence: Awarded to students who achieved a SACE Subject Merit.
- Outstanding Academic Achievement: Students who received 5 or more A grades and/or an ATAR above 95.
- Outstanding Academic Achievement and Excellence: Awarded to those students who achieved 5 or more A grades, an ATAR of 95 plus, and/or a SACE Subject Merit.
We are always genuinely in awe of the exciting and diverse opportunities undertaken by our graduands in their chosen pathways. The medical sciences and law degrees remain very popular as well as creative options such as a Diploma of Screen and Media, a Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Textiles and a Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation. One graduand is reflecting a futures- focussed trend in undertaking a carpentry apprenticeship whilst studying Medical Science part-time.
The event culminated with acknowledging the stellar achievements of the 2021 College Dux – Valen Kostich – who achieved:
- Subject Dux: Electronics, Physics, Specialist Mathematics
- SACE Merits: Electronics, Research Project B, Mathematical Methods
- “A” Grades: 5
- ATAR: 99.9
Valen has elected to study a Double Degree program combining a Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Honours) with a Bachelor of Mathematical and Computer Sciences at Adelaide University where he has been offered a Principal’s Scholarship. Valen’s acceptance speech reflected not only his heartfelt appreciation for his teachers but also his strength of character and he offered words of insight for all our students:
“…there wasn’t a single day at St Michael’s College that I wanted to stay…away from lessons. I attribute that to the overwhelmingly positive and supportive environment that the students and staff maintain. It was a wonderful thing, knowing…you can come to this place and feel safe and happy, being with your friends, joking with your teachers, and knowing that everyone is looking out for you…”
And specifically for our current Year 12 students:
“The year ahead will demand consistent focus, dedication, and a lot of hard work. You should also be prepared to make a lot of sacrifices if you want to achieve highly. Make sure to always keep your goals in mind, as these are your motivation to keep going. Also, be proactive and don’t get caught up in work and fall behind…please look after each other and be nice. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else – getting high grades requires teamwork and cooperation…help each other out wherever possible…and put your well-being first.”
To the Class of 2021, all at St Michael’s College applaud you on your efforts over 13 years of schooling. This next stage of your journey will be immensely exciting and we look forward to seeing you make your Lasallian mark on the world of your future.
Ms Bronwynn Kemp, Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning


















