This week we celebrated the hard work, determination and successes of the class of 2022 over the course of several Valedictory events.
On Wednesday, students completed their final day of classes while dressed as their childhood heroes. The 2022 cohort enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on their younger years, presenting in a fantastic array of costumes and characters.
That evening, students took to the stage for the Senior Presentation Night, featuring students from multiple year levels in music and drama performances and were farewelled with the annual rendition of ‘Time to say Goodbye’, a pivotal component of the Valedictory tradition.
Thursday morning saw the cohort gather for the final time on their own at the Valedictory breakfast in Café College. The cohort heard from VCE, VASS, Distance Education Co-ordinator and Year 12 teacher, Romina Norello, as well as Clarendon Connection Network Co-Ordinator and Old Collegian, Tony Lockyer (2010).
Miss Norello spoke of her attachment to Dr Suess’ poem Oh The Places You’ll Go, which she reads to her Y12 students on their final day of classes every year, and how the poem depicts her own journey to achieving her heart’s desire.
“Class of 2022, you have made it through your schooling with hard work, resilience, laughter, humility, dedication and kindness,” said Miss Norello. “I’ll leave you with the words of Dr Suess: You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So… get on your way!”.
Mr Lockyer welcomed the cohort into Clarendon’s community of Old Collegians, affirming that their relationship with the school does not end when they graduate.
“You’ll look back one day and reflect on all the lessons learned at Clarendon that helped form who you are,” said Mr Lockyer. “Be proud of where you come from, wear the badge with pride and, the more you give, the more you get involved, the more the Clarendon community will give back.”
The cohort then moved to Regent Cinema to participate in the Valedictory Assembly, during which, every graduating student is provided an opportunity to speak for 30 seconds. Parents, family, friends, staff and Y10-11 students watched on as the Year 12s reflected on their time at Clarendon and how they have grown into the people they are today.
That afternoon, students, staff and families enjoyed lunch back on campus, signing shirts and taking in their final moments as students of Clarendon.
The Valedictory celebrations concluded with a Graduation Dinner on Thursday night, which saw students enjoy a final opportunity to connect with and thank the people who have played an important role in their experience at Ballarat Clarendon College.
Congratulations to the class of 2022. We wish you all the best for your upcoming exams!