Farewell Class of 2025

Marking the end of one journey and the beginning of another for our Class of 2025, we gathered in All Saints Church Belmore – a sacred space at the heart of our school and parish life for our 2025 Valedictory Service and Awards Ceremony.

We were honoured to have His Grace Bishop Bartholomew of Brisbane representing His Eminence Archbishop Makarios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia, Reverend Father Dimitrios, Chair of the Board of Director Mr Ulysses Ntoumbos, staff, community, and most importantly, our Year 12 graduates come together for the occasion.

For some Year 12 students, this has been a 14-year journey – from those first days in PreKinder with uniforms a little too big, to now, young men and women standing tall, ready for what comes next. For others, the journey began in Year 7 or later. Wherever it began, our Year 12 cohort is part of the one All Saints Grammar story.

Our Year 12 students have grown here – not just in knowledge, but in confidence. They’ve built friendships that will last long after the bell rings for the last time. They’ve faced challenges, cheered one another on, and sometimes stumbled – but always kept moving forward.

Three things to remember

As they prepare to leave, I ask our Class of 2025 to hold on to three simple things:

• Keep dreaming big. Dream beyond what feels comfortable.
• Believe in yourself. Even when the road is uncertain, trust in what you carry within you.
• Respect yourself. Because how you treat yourself, shapes how others will treat you.

These words aren’t just advice. They are drawn from the life already lived here – shaped by our values of Faith, Excellence, and Respect.

Saint Paul reminds us in his letter to the Philippians: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). I implore Year 12 to carry these words with them. They are a promise that even in the hardest moments, they will find strength, guidance, and hope.

And from our Hellenic tradition, we remember the words of Socrates: “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” Their time here has not simply filled our Class of 2025 with knowledge – it has ignited something deeper: a flame of curiosity, purpose, and courage that will guide them through life.

Thank you

I thank our staff for the countless hours of teaching, guiding, and caring for our students. And to our parents and grandparents: thank you for entrusting us with your children, and for the sacrifices you have made to support their journey.

Thank you to our outgoing School Captains – Penny Varvaressos and Anthony Vrahnos together with the student leadership team for being exemplary role models and great school ambassadors.

Mr Ulysses Ntoumbos, Chairman, and the Board of Directors: thank you for your leadership, support and faith in our vision. We were humbled and grateful for His Grace’s presence at the ceremony, with which his blessing elevated the celebration.

Honouring the past and looking to the future

Personally, it has been  the greatest privilege to walk this journey with our outgoing Year 12 students. I have watched them grow not only as learners, but as people. To watch them discover their voices, form friendships, and shape their dreams. They have reminded me daily of the joy and responsibility of being the Head of School.

As Year 12 now prepare for their HSC, I want them to know this: you are ready. You are well prepared. You carry with you the dedication of your teachers, the love of your families, and the resilience you have built along the way.

We wish every Year 12 student every success, not just in their exams, but in the years that follow.

The Class of 2025 leaves with knowledge, values, memories, and most importantly, purpose. They will forever be a part of the All Saints Grammar family. Wherever life takes our Year 12 students, be it into university or workplaces and communities, I would like them to know that they carry with them the spirit of All Saints Grammar, and the love of those who believe in them.

I encourage the Class of 2025 to walk forward with courage. Let faith guide you and always strive to be the best version of yourselves.

Congratulations, Year 12. It’s now your time to fly. May God bless you and guide you always.

Elfa Lillis
Head of School