Farewell to our Year 12 students
There is perhaps no more poignant a moment in the annual calendar at events at Marist College Canberra than the time signalling the departure of our Year 12 students.
Last week witnessed the end of formal lessons for our graduating class of 2020 and was marked by House Farewells and the Valedictory Assembly, streamed live for the first time for the many family members who were unable to attend. The Assembly provided an opportunity to place on record my appreciation, on behalf of the College, to our graduates for their willingness to adapt, and to sustain the circulation of hope and positive expectations in the face of COVID-19 disruptions. Our student leaders, guided by College Captain Lesh Samaranayake, Vice-Captain Joshua Green, and Service Captain Dean Pham, led with commitment and honour, always by example and caring for their peers. With the cancellation of significant events and limited opportunity to celebrate as a collective group, our graduating class remained optimistic and engaged. Their leadership in their House Groups, in the coaching of sporting teams, in their academic mentorship to younger students and their generous contribution to service has been admired and appreciated. Their actions and involvement in College life exemplified the warmth with which they hold for the College, and the real affection in which our graduates, in turn, are held.
As our graduates complete exams and then begin a new stage of their life’s journey, we want them to be hopeful, and faith-filled people. Young people emerging from a school like Marist College Canberra should be full of optimism. They have been taught to think for themselves, to stand on their own two feet, to know that their actions can and do make a difference to the world around them. We farewell them with a great sense of gratitude, with our hopes and our hearty congratulations.
Matthew Hutchison
Headmaster