Cranbourne Campus News

A “Class Act”

The Graduation Day program – Friday, 19 November 2021

1. Presentation of the Legacy tree (plaque) gift to the Principal by the College Leadership team
2. Final farewells and thank you in Tutor Group
3. House Assembly farewells and presentation of gifts
4. Formal ceremony including formal procession, presentation of the Graduation certificate, special awards, singing of Be Not Afraid, Ringing of the Final bell
5. Shared luncheon

Those of us who have come to know the Cranbourne campus class of 2021 needed no convincing of the calibre of young people who were graduating this year. So, it was wonderful to see this on show for the broader community through the reverence and sincerity with which they carried themselves in Friday’s graduating ceremony – it really did bring staff to tears.  Beamed via a closed YouTube link into the homes of parents and the classrooms of the students whom they inspire, the graduates looked fantastic. The ceremony was packed with symbolism not least of which was the donning of College sash and mortarboard over their professional dress, signifying the transition from the College into the challenges and opportunities that they are now prepared for. They looked fantastic. 

Below is a transcript from the final College Captain speech from Cal and Milly. Within it you will notice humour and gratitude, joy and formality, scripted words and natural adlib, and a tone that blends genuine humility with sage words of wisdom for our community.

We give thanks for each and everyone of you – for who you are, and the example you have set for us.

Graduating class of 2021... you have been a ‘Class Act’.

Speech for Graduation assembly

Milly:  Wow, we’ve finally made it.

6 years of Mr Black’s assembly speeches, early morning tutor groups, cold sports carnivals and many, many hours procrastinating much needed study. But here we are. 

In junior years we knew that we would face challenges in Year 12, always hearing how stressful and difficult it would be, but we never expected it to be like this. 

Over 200 days of remote schooling with our teachers always trying to keep us motivated. Online SAC’s where we definitely didn’t cheat, and lots of Netflix time to use as “study breaks”. 

Although we didn’t get to experience everything we wanted to, we were still able to share so many experiences and memories with each other, creating a closer bond between us all. Year 7 choir practice every morning definitely made us stronger, learning a skill for life singing ‘Be not afraid’. Numerous camps and retreats where we got exhausted on walks and froze in our wetsuits, even getting to dress up for the swimming and athletics carnivals for the last time this year. We know this journey has not been easy for everyone and want to acknowledge the hard work you’ve all put in, and congratulate each and everyone of you for making it to today. 

Cal: Although it may not seem like it, we can all confidently admit that the St. Peter’s community has put us all in good stead for our future beyond school. Whether you might have to pay for your ATAR, like myself, although as Milly said we definitely did not cheat during remote learning, we were just being innovative during our SACS. Or if you are on the other side of the boat and are high achievers, nothing should stop anyone from doing what you truly want to do. In life, there will be many obstacles to overcome, like St Peter's assemblies, dodging your house leader when you’re in sports uniform, or saying you left your book at home on the first day of term, knowing damn well you did not complete that set work, THAT'S DEFINITELY NOT A CALL OUT TO YOU MATTHEW KHORANI. But no matter what the class of 2021 faces in the years to come, we know that everyone will be able to face their challenges with resilience and determination, because that’s what we’ve done these past two years. 

Milly: This speech does not go without many thanks. We thank you, the students of St. Peters, for being the sole inspiration and driving force for us as captains this year. Teachers, we weren’t always the best students, but you prepared us for much bigger things than scores and course work. It's a blessing to be comfortable knowing we are going into this massive thing called the ‘Real World’ with just a little bit of your knowledge and experience. To the principal leadership team, thank you for always listening to us and supporting our ideas to ensure that our vision for 2021 was achieved. Thank you also to the exec for being beside us every step of the way, making our job as captains so much easier and so much more enjoyable. Also to our friends and family, you’ve been there for us when we’ve needed it most and encouraged us since the beginning, so thank you. And finally to the cohort, for trusting us with this role and helping us to make our final year the best it possibly could.

Cal: When we began this role we were excited and nervous for the year ahead but knew that no matter what we had unconditional support from everyone. Through this position we have learnt the importance of teamwork, sharing ideas and good communication, and even figured out how to write a decent speech (but that’s still up for debate). 

We have enjoyed every moment of our time at St. Peter’s, especially as captains, and thank everyone for allowing us to lead the school through this crazy year. Although we definitely wish we could have spent more time at school, and are sad to leave so many wonderful memories behind, we’re also incredibly grateful for all the opportunities we’ve had during our time here. 

Milly: So as we depart for the final time, we want to leave you, the students with this final message, to embrace every opportunity that is thrown at you. Not everyone's high school journey is easy, and you will most certainly face challenges in these next few years, however appreciate and enjoy every moment because before you know it you’ll be sitting in the hall at your own graduation, looking forward to what’s ahead. 

Cal: Now it is time for us, the graduating class of 2021, to walk out of the college gates for the final time and enter the next chapter of our lives. Thank you for being such an amazing cohort to lead and for helping to make our final year the best it could be.

So for the final time, good morning Mr Black, students and teachers… (both) this is your 2021 College captains signing off. 

Pastoral Care Leader 2022 – Mr Andrew Sambell

We would like to officially and warmly welcome Mr Andrew Sambell to the Cranbourne Campus, in the vital role of Pastoral Care Leader for 2022. This is a very important leadership role at the campus, responsible for running camps, promoting the McGuigan shield competition, developing student leadership opportunities and working pastorally to support the staff and students of the campus. Andrew is no stranger to the St. Peter’s College family and comes to the campus following several successful years as the Marian House Leader at the Clyde North Campus and may be known to some of the families of senior students as he teaches VCE History cross campus. 

As a teacher, Andrew is passionate about English and Humanities (majoring at University in History and Geography). He has studied a Master of Education in Evidence-Based Teaching along with a number of St. Peter’s College staff and he looks forward to being able to implement the knowledge gained from this course, to help further inspire expert teacher practice and improved learning outcomes for each student. 

Andrew brings great enthusiasm and dedication to this role and he is looking forward to getting to know the students and parents of the Cranbourne campus throughout Headstart and into 2022.

Andrew takes over from Mrs Cathy Michael who is taking the year to be at home following the birth of her first child, the beautiful ‘Matilda’.

Mr Jeremy Wright

Deputy Principal - Head of Cranbourne Campus