Year 12 Graduation 

Year 12 Graduation

Last Friday evening the College formally farewelled Year 12 at the 2021 Graduation. The Range Function Centre was an elegant dining and dancing space for this special occasion and the night began with the presentation of the graduates, followed by the announcement of the Major Award winners. Congratulations to the following recipients:

Leadership Awards:

Carroll House Captains - Lara Holden and James Graf von Mengersen

Kennedy House Captains - Ella Stanford and Harry Russell Wichman

Rosarie House Captains - Grace Goldthorpe and Wil Hurst

Sherrin House Captains - Zoe Glanville and Joshua Myers

Webber House Captains - Amy Leddin and Keng Chia

Mt Erin Boarding School Captains - Ada Crain and Aiden Jones

2021 College Captains – Millie Owen and Mitchell Davoren

Reuben F Scarf Award - Oscar King

ADFA Long Tan Future Innovators Award - Carter Fitzgerald

ADFA Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award - Mitchell Davoren

Nano Nagle and Edmund Rice Charism Award - Grace Goldthorpe

Bishop of Wagga Wagga Award - Millie Owen

College All Rounder Award - William Hurst

The Principal’s Address was given by Mrs Thomas. She thanked the staff members who were responsible for organising the Graduation and those who assisted on the night. The words of the 2021 College Captains Millie Owen and Mitchell Davoren were acknowledged, along with Mrs Deb Hurst, who spoke on behalf of the parents on the night.  

The following is an excerpt from Mrs Thomas’ Address:

And now my final words are to you, former Year Twelve students. 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 the world often promotes!

We don’t know what the future will hold for each one of you – who will be the future Medicos, IT Giants, Mechanics, Barristers, Builders, Teachers, Artists, Movie Stars, 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.  What was the basis of this formation?  It is very simple and can be summed up in the two most important Commandments: Love God and love your neighbour as yourself!

If you can say that you have done this, then “what you do” will make sense because of “who you are”.

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 and Mater Dei is now your Alma Mater. I hope you are proud of being graduates of Mater Dei. We are proud of you. We will follow 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.  

As I have said in many ways during all those College assemblies over the last six year never forget God’s love for you which so often comes to us through our family and friends – it is something that will never leave you, no matter what!

On behalf of all here present and the community 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 Bishop Mark, a delicious dinner was served and followed later by a musical tribute performed by Mr David Saxon and Mr Steve McCormack and then with a disco.