Class of 2023 Final Day

The Class of 2023 was blessed with perfect weather to celebrate an emotion-packed final day of formal school.

Activities commenced with an early breakfast shared with teachers, before spending time in Student Advocate groups for the last time. St Mary’s students were joined by the Coolock cohort in a final assembly in the Marian Centre for the first time in four years.

As students, parents, guests and staff took their seats, the traditional Year 7 and Year 12 photo presentation featured on the screen. The Year 12 Captains and leaders led the assembly which included an Acknowledgement of Country, prayers and speeches. A highlight of the assembly was a repeat of Musician of the Year Sarah Duane’s winner performance of ‘Nuvole Bianche’ by Ludovico Einaudi.

In a welcome return to tradition, the Senior Student Leadership Team for 2024 was announced with the current leaders handing over symbols of their roles to the new leaders.

College Captains, Sophie Giles and Zachary Grieve gave a heartfelt speech reflecting on the highs and lows of the past six years. They thanked their fellow students and as well as staff for the opportunity to lead the College and for the support they were given.

Their advice to the current students was to embrace their school days: “Sooner than you think you’ll be having your last lunch with friends, your last library study or sitting here in front of us for the last time thinking ‘I wonder how long Mr Turner’s story will go for today?’ There’s no doubt that you’ll find yourself thinking about the destination, but don’t let that stop you from enjoying the journey.”

In response, Principal, Mr Brian Turner thanked the cohort for their contribution to the College and wished them well for the exams to come and good luck for their futures. He noted that they are the first group who began as Catherine McAuley College students and commenced a new chapter for this school. He said that they have been outstanding examples for the rest of the College.

After treating the audience to a version of ‘This is Me’ from The Greatest Showman, and while a collection of photo highlights from their years at CMC played on the screen, the Class of 2023 left the gym in procession to a long round of applause.

Afterwards, proud parents were on hand to share the emotional moments and celebration before students left to commence preparing for exams which begin next week.

While the next few weeks will undoubtedly present challenges and stress, before long the Class of 2023 will gather again for the Graduation Mass and Celebration on 16 November. Meanwhile, we wish all our Year 12s every success in the next few weeks, as well as the years ahead.

Breakfast

Assembly