Staff in Focus

Thanks for the ceremonies . . . 

This year, as Year 12 Coordinator, Mr Ah Fong was responsible for organising and overseeing the formal graduation of the Class of 2021. Head of Magdeburg House reflects on how this special event unfolded.  

St Norbert News: How long did you work on the Class of 2021’s graduation formalities and what was involved?  

Mr Ah Fong:  I started the planning in Term 2 which involved meetings with key staff and the students. There was also alternative planning in case we were limited by restrictions due to COVID. The organisation of the graduation ceremony is a team effort by our staff and I thank all those involved.  I must also say that our Year 12 students did very well in planning their graduation video and speech.

SNN: What was the highlight of this year’s Graduation Day for you? 

PAF:  Our graduation ceremonies started with each House farewell assembly, then we had the College assembly finishing with the Graduation Mass ceremony.  I was pleased to see the connections between our Year 12 and their teachers and the gratitude our students showed to our staff.  It was also very emotional for our staff to farewell our students which shows the relationship built over the years.  I also liked the speech by Sydney Midgley and Max Patriarca, especially the appreciation shown to their parents.  I am sure the video at the church would have brought lots of emotions and memories to the parents when they saw the photos of their children and how much they have grown up. Another highlight was having Tegan Reder and Loui both graduating from our College.  Loui had his very own graduation sash.  Most of all was at the supper seeing all the students and families enjoying the event, interacting with staff and sharing stories.

SNN: How would you describe the Class of 2021?

PAF: As a group of students who have formed strong friendship groups and are ready for life after school.  They were looking forward to their independence and to embrace life as a young adult.  I remember them being excited driving to school for the first time.  Unfortunately, no one took on my offer to switch their (better) car with me.

SNN: What range of emotions are experienced at graduation? 

PAF:  I was very pleased to see our Year 12s and their families having a memorable graduation ceremony.  As teachers, we are always proud to see our students graduating and it does lead us to reflect on the years the students have been with us.

From our students, I saw a range of emotions from tears, commitment to keep in touch with their friends, to joy that they have completed their Year 12.

SNN: What was your own education and graduation like?

PAF: As many would know I come from Mauritius.  I went to an all-boys private school and unfortunately it is not in the tradition of our education system to have a graduation ceremony at the end of Year 12. You are basically given your statement of results and that would be the end of your school journey.  The first graduation ceremony I experienced at St Norbert College was prepared by Mrs Cardenia, who was then the Head of House for Kilnacrott. I have seen graduation ceremonies at other schools and I believe the St Norbert graduation ceremony, from House farewell assembly, Year 12 breakfast to the Graduation Mass is the most memorable one.

SNN: What inspired you to become a teacher?

PAF:  I like the interactions with the students and how we can influence our students to become young responsible adults.  It is always a pleasure when I meet ex-students and they talked about their time at the College.

SMN: What do you enjoy most about being Head of Magdeburg?

PAF:  The House spirit, the pastoral care aspect of the work, working with the Magdeburg student leaders and staff. As Head of House we have the privilege to work with and support our students and their families, which it is very rewarding.

SNN: Have you been to St Norbert’s original burial place in Magdeburg, Germany?

PAF: No but something for the future.

SNN: Do you have any hidden talents?

PAF:  My students know I like doing Crossfit and we often speak about sport as a way to connect. 

SNN: For the record, how many orange ties do you own?

PAF: I have about 10 orange ties with some that I wear only on special occasions. I am proud to be Head of Magdeburg which is why I wear my orange tie. This is well known by our students and our 2020 Magdeburg student leaders made a special orange tie with the Magdeburg logo as a farewell gift for me.  Mr Mulligan and Mr Hawke even got me an orange tie.

Mrs L Quartermain

(Community Relations and Marketing)