It is an honour to acknowledge the achievements of Year 12 2022. Through the celebrations that have taken place this week it has allowed the students to reflect upon their successes, the lessons they have learned and connections they have made. The challenges they have overcome and the personal journey they have experienced during their time at MCC.

I actually remember their transition program when you were all in Year 6 … their eager faces and excitement at transitioning into a new phase in their life was clearly evident. They all wore different uniforms then and had different primary school experiences, but once they started at MCC they became one unified team. I am proud of their achievements over the years, their various successes in a wide range of pursuits from the great scholarly achievements, to the cultural pursuits, Creative arts achievements, sport and community contributions. They have willingly and enthusiastically accepted the challenges of leadership opportunities, both formal and informal to positively influence the student body as a whole and have grown both individually and as a group. Some have joined the group along the way and some have left, at times they have driven us mad and at other moments made us incredibly proud. Watching the students on Friday during your water fight made me smile, the innocent enjoyment of chasing each other, laughing and enjoying each other's company shows the strong connections they have built in your time with us. That fact that none tried to throw water bombs at me also shows that they have grown in wisdom.

As many staff and parents in this room attest, the days are long but the years are short. Who would have thought when they took the Kindergarten photos we saw when they received their portfolios that in a blink of an eye they would be sitting here… graduating Year 12. This year has been a huge year for them all regardless of their academic pathways and I can't blame them for counting down to the end of assessment tasks and exams as the load they have carried has been heavy, but I hope with all of those stresses put aside they always look back at their time at MCC with a smile.

I remember sitting in this hall at my final assembly and at the time I failed to realise what a fundamental milestone it was to successfully reach the completion of Year 12. I did not know that I would rely heavily on the skills I had learned in school to navigate my way through the next stages of my life. I also remember realising ( probably a little too late) that the advice of my parents and teachers would actually not only be relevant to me, but generally also correct.

It was the educators in my life that taught me:

To be courageous and set myself meaningful goals
To hopeful and optimistic and be willing to accept adversity as a challenge
To never be afraid to seek advice
To Only expect to get out of something what I put in
To know which days to wear my sport uniform

My family taught me:

To develop a sense of justice towards others
To choose my battles carefully
That every moment is precious so take hold of them and make the most of life’s opportunities
To have the capacity to direct my own life; to use the tools of love, compassion,

humility, respect, trust and above all service of others to shape my journey and to

Never settle for anything less than my integrity dictates

These lessons shaped who I am and hopefully will inspire them to take the lessons they have learnt during this phase of their life, to use them, grow from them and model them to those around them… because they can change lives…

On a personal note - I was blown away by the amount of Joy the Year 12’s showed at providing such thoughtful gifts to their teachers and mentors, so many staff have commented to me about their generosity. But I would like to say that the words in their cards are what has really impacted so many of us. The sentiments that they have expressed are what we cherish, as teachers we want to make a positive impact and their words of gratitude are what we take away with us….. We have a fantastic staff at our college, they go above and beyond what they are paid to do, I know that everyone would agree that we are privileged to have such dedicated and experienced staff shaping the lives of the young people in our care but particularly the Year 12 teachers and HR team, because they genuinely care about the students education and them as people.

Year 12, you have entered to learn and you leave as well rounded individuals. As you

make your final preparations for the HSC remember that a number does not define you, but what you are willingly to dedicate to doing your best does. I know that with

considerable guidance from both home and School you will walk out of school today with your heads held high. You go with our fondest farewells, best wishes and prayers.

Lora Segrave

Acting Principal

Farewell Year 12

Year 12 Farewell Lunch with Staff

Year 12 Final Mass

Year 12 Final Assembly