What a wonderful week to return to school to celebrate our Year 12 Graduation day. It started with a fantastic breakfast, followed by Year 12’s last year group assembly, an emotional walk through the school being cheered on by staff and students before celebrating Mass together. I have attended many Year 12 Graduation Masses over the years; ours here at St Patrick’s Marist stands out as a truly moving experience. As I watched our Year 12 students up on the balconies surrounding us with their candles lit, it not only exemplified the coming to an end of their Marist journey but the wonderful family spirit here at the College. To complete the night we celebrated each student’s achievements at St Joseph’s College Hunter’s Hill. It was a wonderful evening enjoyed by all and a fitting way to conclude the Academic life of our students. I thank the many staff and students who helped to make the day so successful and memorable.
I dedicate this newsletter to our Graduands of 2019 and share a few of my reflections on the Class of 2019. The way that they presented themselves and moved through the day and evening was validation of what we know and have verbalised about this group of young men and women. “They are an outstanding example of what we hope a Marist Graduate should be”. Their involvements have been wide ranging and they have left us with a great legacy for younger students to follow, forever a part of the heart of St Patrick’s Marist College Dundas.
Our Year 12 Graduands and I started together in 2014. I can’t believe they are graduating, it has been a privilege to watch them grow, to share their journey. I am so proud of them and they will always hold a special place in my heart.
They have worked as a team in 2019. They have been positive, supportive, generous, hardworking and thoughtful. Generous of spirit, compassionate in service and you have always shown loyalty and kindness.
They have, as was said in our readings during our Graduation Mass, loved each other as brothers and sisters and have shown a profound respect for one another, especially in their final years together.
I think it is important to acknowledge the wonderful leadership of Year 12 2019. The House Captains and Prefects have left their mark. Not only promoting our Marist values and traditions, but living them out in a real and authentic way.
We especially recognise Emma, Joshua, Claudia and Max for your outstanding Leadership. The role of College Captains and Vice Captains is a serious and important one. The success of the year group, in how they work as a unit to make a difference in the school lies with them. Their sense of service and witness has been demonstrated time and time again.
They have truly exemplified what it means to be Marist. I am so proud and thankful that they have led the student body with pride, strong minds and gentle hearts.
They will be remembered not only for their leadership, but as truly genuine people – with a desire to build a stronger Marist Culture for all students to be proud of.
I hope that term 3 has been a happy and rewarding experience for our students and families.
As always I remind families if there are any concerns please contact us so that we can resolve any issue or assist as needed.
I wish Year 12 All the very best in their preparations for their HSC.
Have a safe and happy holiday.
Mrs Angela Hay
Principal