Our graduating class of 2019 were honoured at our recent Valedictory events. Many girls have worked exceptionally hard, shown great courage, demonstrated excellent leadership and graduate as fine Mercy women.

Perhaps the most rewarding part of being a teacher is sharing in the journey over the years and being witness to the transformation that takes place from timid little girls into confident young women who walk out of the College ready to face the world.

We commenced our Valedictory events with Mass and were delighted to have Father Ellio Capra our Priest In Residence 2019, celebrate Mass for us. Many of the Year 12 girls were involved as readers, altar servers or members of the choir. We are so fortunate to have talented musicians who made our Mass so special.

Following Mass, at our Valedictory Assembly, we acknowledged the achievement and commitment shown by our Year 12 students. I shared a reflection on the year and acknowledged the diverse talents of this cohort. Each student has travelled a different journey, and all students have worked very hard throughout the year. We congratulated the students who received Vocational and Education and Training (VET) Certificates, Course Awards, Academic Excellence and our College awards. We also acknowledged all students who have done their very best to achieve to their potential.

All awards can be seen HERE.

Following the Assembly, the McDonald Building was transformed into a beautiful setting for our Valedictory Dinner on Saturday evening, and a meal was shared by the girls and their parents to celebrate the end of their schooling years. It was a lovely evening of reflection and thanks.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who contributed to the success of these events. Without the contribution of our parent volunteers, these events would not be possible, and the willingness of our volunteers to assist is one of the reasons why Santa Maria College is such a special community.

I also thank Mrs Rosa Speranza, Dean of Students Year 12 for the wonderful care she has given our graduating students throughout the year.

We wish the Year 12 students well for their WACE examinations and on their future pathways. We hope that each of these young women will always be part of the Santa Maria College family and share with us their future stories. I hope that they will reflect and look back upon their time at Santa Maria College with much fondness.

Farewell and God Bless to the Graduating class of 2019.