Year 12 Class of 2020 Graduation

This Speech was written by Trish Star Pastoral Co-ordinator.

This evening is a culmination of 13 years of schooling. A celebration of your time at Marian. And an acknowledgement of the completion of your HSC studies. At your final assembly I thanked a number of people and I would again like to recognise the work put in by our amazing office staff to ensure the smooth running of this event, the College leadership for their support of this group over the years and the teaching staff for their care and guidance.

It is so wonderful to finally have the opportunity to gather together as a group and I am so happy that you, as parents, are able to share in this occasion. Like it or not, through a six year journey, this group found themselves with an extra parent. And like any large family we have had our ups and downs. I haven’t always been happy with the choice of outfit (specifically socks!), the makeup or jewellery, the beards…the carpark! I have shared in moments of great pain but also great joy. Like most parents, I am sure, there have been days I could throttle a few of my children and then they turn around and do something that completely amazes me and I am reminded of their individual gifts and talents. The rewards have been many and I am so grateful for this experience.

I wish to thank you the parents for choosing Marian for your child and also for the trust you placed in me as their pastoral coordinator. Believe me when I say I have ridden the highs and lows with you. These young people are very special to me and the tears I have shed over the years have been genuine. I thank you for supporting me in this role and for the part you have let me play in the formation of these young adults. I have never taken this for granted.

This year has certainly not been the year we thought it would be. It has been a major source of frustration that Covid 19 has denied you many opportunities. Yet it has also shown you to be a remarkable group of young adults in unexpected ways. You have become adaptable and extremely resilient – qualities that will be invaluable as you move forward to life outside the safe walls of Marian. The challenges of life can at times seem overwhelming and out of our control but remember that you will find a way to move forward and you are never alone. The ups and downs of life are the things that make us stronger.

We can focus on what 2020 has taken away from us but rather I ask you to think about what it has given you… you have been forced to reflect and slow down, you have appreciated the gift of human interaction after this was taken away from you, you have faced challenges and one by one overcome them.

You leave us with a sound grounding – yes an education obviously but also hopefully the knowledge that the relationships you build around you, and your faith, are the things that will truly support you as you leave the sheltered school grounds. 

Now is your time. Take a chance, try something new, open your heart, be kind, be loving, be grateful. Fill your life with joy. Make the most of this precious life you have.

Thank you and may God bless you all

Trish Star 

Year 12 2020 Pastoral Co-ordinator