Valedictory celebrations are a way of saying goodbye and good luck and sharing final messages with the graduating class.

Our community farewelled our wonderful Class of 2018 at our recent Valedictory events. There are many stories of courage, persistence and determination among our graduates and we could not have hoped for better leaders of our community. I shared the following as part of my address.

 “It is the diverse talents of each graduating student here tonight that has brought such richness to our community. I am truly confident that each of you will make a difference in our world and find your true calling in life. There are so many possibilities.”

We were delighted to have Father Sean Fernandez who has been part of the College since the girls were in Year 5 to celebrate our Valedictory Mass. Sinead Smithies sang the Alleluia which was beautiful and many of the Year 12 girls were involved as readers, altar servers or members of the choir.

Awards

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 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.

ACCESS Dux	Emily Mascaro
ACCESS Runner Up	Laura Scott
ATAR Dux	Eloise Dixon
ATAR Runner Up	Taylah Carozza
Mercy Award	Ella Douglas
Mercy Award	Allegra Biagioni
Principal’s Award	Fioline Oetomo

All awards can be seen here.

Valedictory Dinner

Following the Assembly, McDonald Building was transformed into a function centre for our Valedictory Dinner on Saturday evening.  The girls and their parents shared a meal 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 and to Audrey Hebiton for her coordination of all the volunteers. Without the contribution of our volunteer parents, these events would not be possible.  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 Rebecca Kinsella, Dean of Students Year 12 for the wonderful care she has given our graduating students throughout the year and for her exceptional organisation of these events.

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. Farewell to the graduating class of 2018.