Farewell to Year 12 students

A glorious morning was spent with our Year 12 students on their final day on 30 October.

The morning was full of celebration and excitement as students enjoyed their last day together as a cohort with their homeroom teachers. The relationships that students fostered with their homeroom teachers were significant, especially in this unusual year.

The day started with a display of costumes and plenty of photos. Students then gathered in small groups to view their graduation ceremony video that was filmed the week prior due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Plenty of cheers could be heard in Padua as students congratulated each other on receiving their certificates of completion! It was a very positive and energetic atmosphere with lots of laughter, clapping and cheering.

A celebratory walk through the College was next on the agenda and our Year 12 students enjoyed parading their costumes while other year levels congratulated them and clapped their achievement.

Although our traditional breakfast was not possible this year, students received a food pack that they enjoyed in Sheehan Stadium while they watched a video put together by staff as a send-off.

Despite all the restrictions in place, students and staff had a great time celebrating this significant milestone.

In the evening, parents and guardians were invited to view the pre-recorded Graduation Mass and Ceremony from the comfort of their own homes. Principal Marelene Jorgensen welcomed families and staff and students were asked to light the candle that was gifted to them in preparation for the Mass.

Although we were physically separated, we joined together as a community for this special moment.

I would like to thank staff, parents and guardians and the College leadership team for supporting our first-ever virtual graduation event.

Once again, I’d like to congratulate the Year 12 class of 2020 on their graduation. Whatever path students have chosen for 2021, I wish them the best and hope the effort and commitment they showed in 2020 continues beyond our gates.

Good luck to students who are joining the work force, moving into a short course, starting a traineeship or are planning on taking a gap year. I wish you happiness and blessings as you begin a new stage in your life. Good luck also to students who are currently completing examinations. I am sure your hard work, determination and resilience will bring success.

May God Bless you all and continue to keep you safe as you transition from secondary school and start your journey as well-equipped young adults.