Year 12 Graduation

Year 12 Graduation

Last Friday evening the College formally farewelled Year 12 at the 2020 Graduation. The Range was an elegant dining and dancing space for this special occasion and the night began with the presentation of the graduates. The Major Awards were then presented by the dignitaries in attendance.

Congratulations to the following recipients:

Leadership Awards

2020 College Captains

The Principal’s Address was given by Mr Lawrence, deputising for Mrs Thomas, who is on leave. He thanked the staff members who were responsible for organising the Graduation and those who assisted on the night. The words of the 2020 College Captains Nathanael Mooney and Hannah Reardon were acknowledged, along with Chair of the College Council Mr Kym Holbrook, who spoke on behalf of the parents on the night. 

The following is an excerpt from the Address:

And now my final words are to you, former Year 12 students!   I have spoken to you quite a few times during this year. At the College Farewell I spoke in glowing terms of your contribution to Mater Dei and how much we would miss you when you leave.  They were sincere words and we were all sad at the prospect of you leaving (remember the tears!).

But I have some final thoughts for you:

Although there is a great excitement in finishing and the prospect of what is to come, don’t forget that there are some things that never change.  The values that you have learned at home and at Mater Dei are all based on Gospel Values and will always guide you throughout your life. Look deep inside yourselves to find what is really important in life and then take time to develop that!  And you can be sure that what you find will be deeper than all the superficial attractions that secular society often promotes!

We don’t know what the future will hold for each one of you – who will be the future Doctors, IT Giants, Mechanics, Barristers, Builders, Teachers, Artists, Politicians and so on. But all this fades into insignificance when you reflect on, not what you will be doing in your life, but on the person you will be - who you really are, deep down.  What you become in the future will never be as important as who you are. 

And, “who you are”, is what Mater Dei and your parents have been helping you understand all these years. 

The cycle of life never stops, and so, here you are tonight graduating from Mater Dei – and how exciting is that! Tonight is the last time you will be together as this group.  You are officially ex-students of Mater Dei Catholic College.

I hope you are proud of being graduates of Mater Dei. We will follow with pride your achievements throughout the years to come, no matter how small or big, and we will always be there whenever you need a listening ear. 

Never forget us, as we will not forget you, and I hope you will always hold Mater Dei Catholic College dear to your hearts. Always be inspired by the goodness of Venerable Nano Nagle and Blessed Edmund Rice, whose vision brought schools in Wagga and our College into existence, and who worked tirelessly to make this world a better place.  I guess this is the challenge for all of us.  And may you never forget God’s love for you – it is something that will never leave you, no matter what!

On behalf of all here present and the Staff and Students of Mater Dei, I congratulate you on your Graduation tonight and formally farewell you. I wish each of you each a future that is filled with every happiness. Seek out the opportunities, celebrate the successes, learn from your mistakes and most of all, keep our College motto in your heart, to live God’s message every day. 

After Grace, which was led by Fr John, a delicious dinner was served and later students were entertained by a disco with Mr Adam Cutler, College IT Manager as DJ.

Ms Melanie Cramp | Leader of Students