IT WAS a big final week of school for Mary MacKillop Catholic Regional College Year 12 students recently.
While the cohort’s classes ended on Wednesday, October 16, the group squeezed in a staff versus students netball game, a final college assembly, a breakfast prepared by staff, Graduation Mass and a Valedictory Dinner.
The Year 12s claimed victory in the netball.
The group left behind a lasting reminder of its time at the school, planting a Graduation Tree along the college’s driveway, a relatively new tradition that began in 2019, with each tree being marked with a plaque including the college’s annual theme.
“Be faithful in little things: All will be right with time and a little patience,” was this year’s theme.
The Thursday, October 17 whole of school assembly followed the breakfast and proved a moving and joyous occasion with Year 12 students entering Pioneer Hall, dancing and celebrating on the stage to the applause of staff and pupils from other year levels.
Each of the Year 12 students was individually acknowledged and given a commemorative gift.
Principal John Freeman paid tribute to the departing group, urging them to keep learning throughout their lives, and to always be welcoming of others and maintain Christian values of helping those in need.
“So, as you go forward from here, be patient and persistent, ask for and accept help, celebrate successes, realise mistakes are an opportunity to learn and improve, be kind and gentle to all you encounter on the way, and all will be right in time with a little patience,” Mr Freeman said.
On the night of Thursday, October 17, the students gathered for the final time, first at the Graduation Mass at St Joseph’s, Wonthaggi, and then at the Silverwater Resort in San Remo for the Valedictory Dinner.
