FAREWELL YEAR 12

The departure of the Year 12 class each year is always an emotional time. For many of these students, it is the end of a 6 year association with the school; for all of them, it marks the end of their formal secondary education. This milestone in their lives is celebrated with a number of school occasions. 

Friday, October 18th, was marked with a final senior school year level assembly where year 11 students were given the opportunity to farewell the year 12’s of 2019. This was followed by a bbq lunch and in the evening the students were joined by their families and staff for a Graduation Dinner at the Flemington Racecourse Atrium Room.  

The excitement amongst students, families and staff during this prestigious event was evident. We were graced with the presence of our former principal Maria Bawden, our current principal Angelique den Brinker, school council president Karen Ingram and executive principal of Footscray High School Frank Vetere.  Our students accepted their graduating certificates and awards with pride and a sigh of relief that all their hard efforts had been rewarded.  

Natae Sheriff and Darcy Altschwager were the valedictorians and I wish to congratulate them on speaking with such poise and passion for their time at Footscray City College.

I’d particularly like to recognise the role of Toby Walker and Leela Gray who as Year 12 school representative council members have been simply superb – great role models, encouraging, supportive and extremely positive young people and who most importantly did a wonderful job as the  Masters of Ceremony for the Year 12 Graduation dinner.

Over the past few years, I’ve admired the extraordinary array of talent amongst the senior school students, their kindness and the level of genuine warmth shared with each other and staff. I’ve loved the way they’ve grasped opportunities to enrich their lives and make their mark in a positive way.  From a school perspective they’ve challenged us to be responsive; to trust them and to embrace their youthful exuberance. On balance, this has built a level of mutual respect and bond we can all be proud of.

My final message to our students has been to shape their world rather than allowing it to shape them. But be sure to do it with a clear Moral Purpose – we’d like to think that between their parents and our school we’ve provided them with the necessary skills in setting their moral compass – knowing right from wrong, and the shades of grey in between! We have challenged them to go out and make their mark on life – to be brave and aspirational in their pursuits. And most importantly, shared how proud we are for them to be the last ambassadors of Footscray City College.  On behalf of all staff, we wish you every success as you embark on the next phase of your journey into the world of exams, further study and work.  

 I would also like to express my appreciation of the fine efforts of our teachers, the career pathways coordinator and support staff but in particular, I would like to acknowledge the Senior School team for their hard work and the contribution that they have made throughout the last two years in shaping these young people’s lives. 

Vicki Tentzoglidis - Assistant Principal