Our journey together began on Monday, 1 February 2016, when I stood nervously at the front of a group of 103 excited Year 7 students in the CM Amphitheatre to welcome you as you began your high school journey, and I began my first experience as a Head of Year. For a handful of you, we had already met when I worked at St Brigid’s but there were many new names to learn.
Now here I stand, six years later, to farewell you as you begin a new stage of your life journey.
I am no longer nervous – I have come to know you all well in the time you’ve been here. I am excited for you all but also sad that our time has drawn to a close.
There’s a saying that goes, “people come into your life for a moment, a day, a week or a lifetime. It matters not the time they spent with you but how they impacted your life in that time.” Each and every one of you has made a lasting impression on my life.
There’s a song line that says that you are my first and my last….You will always hold a special position in my life – my role as Director of Ministry means that I can not hold another Head of Year position, and realistically you may be the only group of students who I am a HOY to. Thank you for creating so many wonderful memories.
Highlights for me…and hopefully you as well:
The enthusiasm and excitement you showed during the Uno, Pictionary, Spelling Bee, and sporting competitions we ran at lunchtimes when you were in Year 7.
The sleepover we held in the Learning Commons for the St Vinnies Blanket Appeal……oh what a night.
Watching you as you planned, coordinated and ran your $20 Boss stalls.
Learning about your hobbies and interests from the impressive displays you put together for your RAP Projects.
Visiting some of you in your workplaces during Work Experience in Year 10 and hearing the many positive comments your employers made about your outstanding work ethic and maturity.
Sharing a meal with you, sitting around a campfire at Explorus - hearing about your experiences and the challenges you overcame each day.
Assisting you with planning and coordinating our Starry, Starry Night.
Laughing as I watched the group performances at Gala Night during Year 12 Retreat – the talent some of you displayed was definitely unique.
Chatting with you as a homeroom teacher this year – not many Heads of Year get this opportunity – and hearing about your plans for the future.
Listening to the highs and lows of driving lessons and who has passed their driving tests (or not), the latest car mishaps, the experiences of casual work, the success of sporting teams.
As a year group, you have had a range of staff who, as Homeroom teachers, have shared your journey and steered you in the right direction when you needed help. Most of whom remain at the College today – Mr McKenzie, Ms Mullane, Ms Miller, Mr Obern, Mr Galati, Ms Ramos, Mr G, Mr Frisina, Ms Doyle, Mr Harris, Mr Wood, Mr Simpson and Mrs Basson. Remember to thank them before you leave the College.
To the Year 12 parents – thank you for trusting me to look after your child. I hope that you have felt welcomed and supported over the last six years.
When I was working at a previous school, I came across an Irish blessing that resonates with me and so Year 12s, this is my final wish for you:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
And the rains fall soft upon your fields
Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Thank-you.
Mrs Karyn Cronin
Director of Ministry
Head of Religious Education
Head of Year 12
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