At Holy Cross College, we believe that education is about more than academic achievement alone. Our LIFE pillars — Learning, Inter-relationships, Faith and Enrichment — shape the experiences, opportunities and values that help our students grow into confident, compassionate and capable young people.
To further celebrate student achievement and recognise sustained contribution to College life, we are proud to introduce a new Middle and Senior School badge initiative as part of our bi-annual LIFE Awards.
These new pillar badges provide a visible acknowledgement of students who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, achievement and representation of the College within a particular LIFE pillar. Earning a badge signifies more than a single accomplishment; it recognises sustained excellence, leadership and a positive contribution to the Holy Cross College community.
Recognising excellence across the LIFE pillars
Each badge represents a significant milestone in a student’s journey and reflects the values at the heart of our College.
Learning
The Learning Pillar recognises students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and a commitment to their personal growth as learners.
Students may receive recognition through:
- The Academy – awarded to students in Years 7–10 who are selected based on exceptional academic performance or significant growth in their Grade Point Average (GPA).
- Learning Excellence – awarded to students in Years 11–12 who achieve outstanding academic results.
These awards celebrate students who embrace learning opportunities, strive for excellence and consistently apply themselves to achieving their best.
Inter-relationships
Inspired by the example of Frederic Ozanam, the Inter-relationships Pillar Badge recognises students who consistently demonstrate compassion, empathy, respect and meaningful connections with others.
Recipients are recognised for their ability to:
- Foster inclusive and respectful relationships
- Support and encourage others
- Demonstrate integrity in their daily interactions
- Strengthen community connectedness through collaboration
- Value and celebrate diversity
These students contribute significantly to the welcoming and caring culture that defines Holy Cross College.
Faith
The Faith Pillar celebrates students who actively live out the College’s Catholic values through service, faith formation and social justice initiatives.
Students may be recognised through:
Giving LIFE
- Middle School students who have completed all Years 7, 8 and 9 Giving LIFE Programs
- Senior School students who have completed more than 100 hours of Giving LIFE service
Social Justice Immersion
- Students selected to participate in the College’s Social Justice Immersion program
These achievements reflect a commitment to serving others, promoting justice and living the Gospel message in everyday life.
Enrichment
The Enrichment Pillar recognises students who actively contribute to College life beyond the classroom through sport and the arts.
Students may receive an Enrichment Pillar Badge for:
Sport
- Representing Holy Cross College in three or more inter-school sporting teams
Arts
- Representing the College across three or more disciplines within the Arts
These students demonstrate dedication, passion and a willingness to embrace opportunities that enrich both their own educational journey and the broader College community.
More achievements to celebrate
The introduction of these badges marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in recognising student achievement. Additional badges will be presented throughout the year, including recognition for students involved in initiatives such as Altar Servers and pilgrimage experiences including the Camino.
Alongside the LIFE Pillar Badges, the College will continue to award its highest annual honours through the Oscar Romero Award and the Principal’s Award, recognising students who exemplify outstanding leadership, service and commitment to the values of Holy Cross College.
Celebrating students who have life to the full
The new badge initiative highlights the many ways our students contribute to College life and reflects our commitment to recognising excellence in all its forms. Whether through learning, service, relationships, faith, sport or the arts, these students embody the spirit of our LIFE pillars and inspire others through their example.
We congratulate all students who received a LIFE Pillar Badge at the mid-year awards assembly and look forward to celebrating many more achievements in the months and years ahead.