Valedictory Celebrations

by Kris Austin, VCE Coordinator

It was with a mixture of happiness, pride and sadness that we farewelled our graduating year of 2018. This group of students has been universally loved and their presence will be sorely missed.

The festivities began on Thursday with the group springing a surprise by arriving dressed as a variety of teachers. The attention to detail was really impressive! Might be the beginning of a new Preshil tradition?

In the afternoon the BK students and teachers all gathered in the library where the 12s had their chance to say goodbye to the student body. The overwhelming message they gave was that Preshil was an environment that allowed them to be themselves; the overwhelming message from staff and students was that we love who they are.

On Friday they gathered at a local cafe for breakfast while dressed in their best fancy dress.

As the final person to pay my section of the bill I was pleased, but not surprised, to find that every last student had paid their share and the remaining items were indeed mine - those of you who have ever found yourself in this situation would know how rare that is!

Back at Preshil we held a final Year 12 Assembly where we gave out the infamous Chupa Chup Awards and spoke about the significance of this moment. For some this would be the last time they set foot on campus. The Year 12 Grad Film was shown, which included many photos and films from memory lane. Public thanks must again be given to Sam Heeps for his efforts at editing the footage and creating an excellent memento.

A group of students donated an ornamental pear tree to the school and it was on this day that they planted it. With spades and a pick axe in hand they dug the hole and prepared it for planting. I look forward to watching it grow and the memories it will spark.

A new tradition established this year was for the students to leave their mark on the painted wall near the basketball court. Some of them spent all afternoon finishing off their masterpieces.

And finally, we arrived at the Valedictory Dinner. Kevin Borland Hall looked SPECTACULAR thanks to the children and staff from Arlington. Parents, students and teachers gathered for drinks, stories, hugs and tears. Dinner was absolutely beautiful. But the highlight of the night, as it should be, was hearing from our Year 12s. They spoke freely and from the heart. The thanks given to the teachers who have watched them grow in front of their eyes were special to be a part of.

I wish this group the best of luck for the remainder of the year and beyond. As we have told them countless times, they are such a special group and will be missed. We hope they keep in touch.