News | 7 Mar 2025

“Do the wise thing and the kind thing too, and make the best of us and not the worst.”

Charles Dickens

The largest ever intake of Freshers to St John’s College in its history took place on 17 February 2025. While St John’s remains the smallest residential College within the University of Sydney by student population, this did not deter over a thousand eager young students from across Australia and the world from applying to be a part of this historic institution.

With this year marking my third Matriculation Day as Rector of St John’s College, I am very proud of how this event has developed into the ceremonial milestone that is fondly remembered by students, families, and parents alike. It has always been my vision that Matriculation Day at St John’s College be more than just a simple matter of parents dropping off their children with their baggage. Rather, the Matriculation Day we celebrate at St John’s is one that welcomes not only students but also parents and families into the St John’s College community. It is a day where all our new members can share in the joy and humbling pride of beginning a new journey and taking their first steps toward adulthood.

To attend Matriculation Day at St John’s is to be inducted into the annals of healthy University and College tradition that stretches back over a century, alongside the Ecclesiastical traditions of education that have endured for millennia.

Each aspect of Matriculation Day holds significant meaning: the presentation of the academic gowns by the Rector marks the student’s commencement in academic life until graduation; the signing of the College Register with the Vice-Rector symbolises lifelong membership in the College community; the Chapel Service reminds us that “if the Lord does not build the house, then in vain do the builders labour”; the Matriculation Ceremony in the College Quadrangle, where each new student is introduced to the entire College community, impresses the expectation of ongoing hard work and achievement on all commencing students; and finally, the Matriculation Dinner emphasises the importance of friendship. The speeches by the House Presidents foster the spirit of leadership that is nurtured here, while the Rector’s address reminds everyone that “to whom much has been given, much will be expected.”

After unpacking their luggage into their College rooms, our new students were invited to the Rector’s Office, where they were formally greeted by the Rector, presented with their academic gown, and signed the College Register in the presence of Dr Peter Cunich.

As people of faith, our new Freshers attended Chapel and received blessings from College Fellow Father Richard Waddell in a ceremony of prayers and hymns within the oldest Catholic University College in Australia. They were joined by members of the College Council, including Mr John Coorey, Chair of the College Council, and other members including Mr Matt Gordon, Mr Khan Horne, Judge Gerard Phillips, Prof Emeritus Marea Nicholson AM, and Mr Phil Towzell. Vocal pieces were performed by final-year Sydney Conservatorium student Mairead McCaughan, joined by College Scholar Danny Eid and Opera Australia Tenor Mr Diego Torre, along with members of the College Choir, conducted by Director of Music Mr Richard Perrignon.

College House Treasurer Greta Perrignon delivering a reading.

Left to right: Members of Council Judge Gerard Phillips, Mr Khan Horne, Prof Emeritus Marea Nicholson AM, Mr Phil Towzell and Mr Matt Gordon.

College House Secretary Dougal Lane delivering a reading.

Mairead McCaughan and Diego Torre leading the hymns conducted by Director of Music Mr Richard Perrignon.

The Chapel service was followed by the formal Matriculation Ceremony in the College Quadrangle, where each new student was presented to the Rector and announced by Senior Tutor, The Hon John Sackar AM KC.

“This ceremony involves the Matriculation of new members to the College.  

The context for these elements is known as a Convocation, a term for a formal meeting of members of the College which goes back to the earliest days in the 1860s.”

The Hon John Sackar AM KC inviting the Rector to open the Convocation.

Chair of College Council, Mr John Coorey addresses the new students.

Left to right: College Counsellor Dr Matthew Lennon with President of the Senior Common Room Dr Ivan Head, and Dean of Students (Student Life) Ms Christie Breakspear.

2025 Student Leaders gathering before the Matriculation Dinner.

2025 College House Presidents Lauren Whiting and Henry Madigan addressing the new students and parents.

2025 College House Presidents Lauren Whiting and Henry Madigan.

Rector Dr Mark Schembri delivers his commencement address.

Member of College Council Mr Khan Horne with the Rector.

“I have seen the real future of St John’s College alive and well, and I know that I see before me another great generation about to join this great tradition. A humbling weight of expectation that reminds us of our responsibility to do St John’s, our parents, and our society including the weakest and most vulnerable proud.

From those to whom much has been given, much will be expected. 

Nisi Dominus Frustra. Welcome to St John’s College!”

Dr Mark Schembri
Rector