Today the 2023 cohort celebrated the conclusion of their schooling at Ballarat Clarendon College during Valedictory Day.
The celebrations commenced with a breakfast for the Year 12 cohort and their teachers, marking their final time together as students and staff alone.
After 25 years of service, teacher, David Parker, will retire at the end of this school year. Given his significant involvement with the cohort and, in particular, as their Mathematical Methods teacher, he provided students with encouragement and advice as they look toward life beyond Clarendon.
“As a parent of four Old Collegians who are very proud of their school and look back at their days here fondly, you will always be a part of our community, wherever you are in the world,” said Mr Parker. “When receiving your invitation to a reunion in the years to come, just think back to this day and how special it was when we were all here together.”
Mr Parker concluded with eight points of advice that will see students through their exams over the coming weeks, at university or in their chosen careers.
- keep smiling
- be kind
- don’t give up on anything
- don’t compare
- avoid negativity
- take time to really engage with people
- take care of your body and mind
- be loyal
The cohort then moved to the Regent Cinema for their Valedictory Assembly where they were joined by their families and the Year 10-11 students. A unique opportunity, graduating students spoke for 30 seconds each, reflecting on their Clarendon experience.
Taking in their final moments as students at the school, they returned to Clarendon and enjoyed lunch and signing each other’s uniforms in the afternoon.
Congratulations to the Class of 2023! We wish you the best for your Graduation Dinner celebration this evening and upcoming VCE exams. Welcome to Clarendon’s community of Old Collegians.
