Community News

A Graduation like no other

Year 12 student Oliver Archibald, who missed graduation celebrations due to illness, was the star of a surprise ceremony last week.

Four weeks ago, on the eve of graduation, Oliver was under doctor's orders not to attend the Year 12 Breakfast, Graduation Mass and Ceremony due to a bout of chicken pox. Instead, he kept up his spirits by watching the formalities from home via the College's live-stream (pictured right).

After making a full recovery, Oliver's family arranged to return to the College last Friday to collect his graduation certificate and say thank you and goodbye – unaware that a huge surprise was planned.

Along with parents Stephanie and Travis and grandfather Bobby, Oliver was directed to the ORC where a crowd of his friends, staff and students had gathered, including fellow graduates wearing their full winter uniform and gold sash one more time. As music played, Oliver was led into the ORC by Magdeburg flag-bearing Mr Ah Fong while Mr Harvey and Fr Peter waited on stage. After the certificate was presented and speeches were made, there was barely a dry eye in the house as Oliver walked through a guard of honour to formally mark his successful completion of high school.

Oliver’s mum, Mrs Stephanie Holmquest, said: "This was a truly outstanding gift the College provided to Oliver and one that we will be forever grateful for.

"2020 has thrown up its challenges and missing the graduation due to sickness looked like it was just another one to add to the list. However the compassion, care and generosity shown by the College to do this was something that we could never have dreamed of. That Oliver could have made such an impact that this would be organised for him was really humbling and just made us all the more proud of him.

“For the staff and students and in particular his close group of friends to make the effort they did to make this so special for Oliver was an experience none of us will ever forget.

"In particular we would like to thank Mr Harvey, Fr Peter, and staff members Ms Rainford, Ms Harvey, Miss Fitzgerald and Mr Ah Fong for making this possible and their continued support for Oliver throughout his entire high school journey - they have all been amazing. "Oliver misses them already, so do we!’’