This week was filled with mixed emotions for students, staff and families, as we said goodbye to our Year 12 students.
Wednesday morning started with the traditional Year 12 breakfast and activities, followed by a College assembly. The graduating students listened to speeches by Principal, Mr Crothers, and Head of Year 12, Mrs Viv Mckenzie, and were presented with symbolic gifts from each year group.
The College community enjoyed the traditional funny performances by both the Year 12 and the Year 11 cohorts.
There were a lot of smiles and a few tears as the students left through a Ceremonial Guard of Honour formed by fellow students and staff.
Please find below a message from Head of Year 12, Mrs Viv McKenzie, for our graduating Year 12 students:
In 2017, 132 of you noisily gathered in the downstairs AC breakout area, and I asked you to make the most of every opportunity presented to you because before you knew it, you would be graduating, and so here we are.
This journey does not happen without the support of many people: your parents, teachers, peers and friends. Remember to thank them!
I am acutely aware that for a significant number of our Year 12 families, today is the end of an era, and you too, are finally graduating from high school. I’m sure this moment is bittersweet, but I am also confident that there is an element of relief that school is done!
Thank you for all your support over the last six years, this is a journey we have undertaken together, and I am incredibly appreciative of your effort to support both your child and me.
From Year 7 to Year 12, Mr Galati and Mrs Lanigan have been a constant presence in your lives. Additionally, Mr McKenzie, Mrs Lorraine McKenzie, Ms Ashley Miller, Ms Haworth, Mrs Parmar, Mrs Pere, Mrs Byett, Ms Mullane, Ms Abdo, Mrs Basson and Mr Harris have all played their part in assisting you to navigate the last six years. I am certain that each and everyone of you has valued their patience, kindness and guidance.
All of you have shone in your own way, some on the sporting field, others in the academic sphere, some in the area of the Arts and many in the practical aspects of school. A few of us are not seated in the gym today because they have found employment and have moved into the workforce. This is a testament to their hard work and the goals that they set for themselves.
You have had many wonderful opportunities, including Retreats, Explorus, Work Experience, sporting carnivals, Country Week, Philosothons, Tournaments of the Minds, Debating, and subject competitions, all of which have allowed you to develop new skills. I hope that when faced with challenges, these experiences will allow you to problem solve and find great solutions.
I have had the privilege of journeying with you over the past six years.
There have been times of great amusement; I have laughed out loud at some of the things you have said or done.
There have been times of great frustration; the grey hairs my hairdresser so ably hides, when your decision-making has been less than ideal.
There have been times of great joy; when your accomplishments have been truly outstanding.
And overwhelmingly, you have made me proud; when the occasion demands, you have risen to the challenge and ensured you have done all that was asked.
It is now time for you to move into the next chapter of your lives. Be respectful of yourselves and all whom you meet, compassionate rather than judgemental, courageous rather than shying away from a challenge, hospitable, always welcoming, serving others whenever the opportunity arises and working for justice in all you do. If you can do these things, then you have taken to heart living your lives in ‘The Mercy Way’.
Year 12s, you have so many wonderful opportunities ahead of you, do not hesitate to make the most of these when they present themselves. I hope you will always strive to be the best version of yourselves and continue to make me proud. Go well, Year 12s.Thank you!