And so, it ends! What a week this has been. Our Year 12 girls have completed their final classes and now commence their final revision and study in preparation for their VCE exams with English occurring on 29 October. 

This week we have seen all the emotions. Happiness, sadness, laughter, tears, joy, gratitude, and love. On Tuesday evening we had the Class of 2024 Valedictory Dinner which was a superb evening. It was a time for staff, parents, and students to gather and embrace the journey each girl has been on at St Catherine’s. The evening also marked the starting point of the next chapter in their lives. At the end of the evening the girls all gathered and sang the School Ode with pride and passion. It was beautiful to watch. 

At this time of year our media is often saturated with images and stories of students at school behaving badly. I wish the media had been at our School this week. The conduct of the Year 12 students has been exemplary and memorable for all the right reasons. This was a true celebration of them and our School. We had three days of dress ups and on Wednesday every girl came dressed as a clown. The theme of the day was very much about joy and laughter. My nervousness prior to Wednesday was completely unjustified. Our girls showed true respect for our School and the community. Their last days reminded me why I was happy to step in as Interim Principal for this year. 

Exactly 12 months ago, just as the announcement about Ms Carroll departing our School was made, Ms Jane Hodder our Chair of the St Catherine’s School Council asked me to be the Interim Principal for 2024. I did not hesitate to say yes. One of the main reasons I said yes, and I remember this very clearly, was: 

“…of course, I will do it, and you know why? The Year 12 class next year is going to be amazing. They are the best and most wonderful group of students. How can I say no to that opportunity” 

I have not been disappointed. 

While they have been a truly wonderful Cohort all year, led with distinction by School Co-Captains Alice Molnar and Scarlett Shelton along with the other student leaders, it has been the whole Year 12 Cohort who have been so impressive. All of them have led this School during 2024. They have shown integrity and compassion. They have shown leadership and given us inspiration, they have shown us energy and given us laughter.  

The qualities that made them all shine have been at the forefront this week. As mentioned, the Valedictory Dinner on Tuesday night was a memorable event.  

We were entertained by the sublime voice of Lilla Barrington, we heard a thoughtful, funny, and inspiring speech from Olivia Hargrave, we listened to an exquisite musical item by Yang (Doris) Song on the harp and we heard moving speeches from Scarlett and Alice’s parents. Two words on the night were said by many that characterised the evening, gratitude, and love. This was an evening where everyone belonged, and the Year 12s made it all happen.  

Yesterday our Class of 2024 showed their true class and created a day filled with fun, laughter, and joy. In the process they created memories not just for themselves but all of us. They have set a precedent, as they have done all year.  

The Yellow Rose Church Service followed by the Valedictory Assembly yesterday, set the tone for a very emotional but happy day. As the Year 12 girls ran out through the Heyington Gates for the last time, we were all reminded of not only what a truly wonderful Cohort of students they have been, but what a wonderful School St Catherine’s is.  

Our school moto is Nil Magnum Nisi Bonum (Nothing is great unless it is good). The Year 12s have created a whole lot of good this year. 

I said the Year 12s had not disappointed me this year. In the words of the singer/songwriter Alex Lloyd and his song Amazing: 

“Cause you were amazing
And you did amazing things
And I wouldn’t change it
Cause you were amazing things.” 

To the Class of 2024, we wish you the very best always. The Class of 2024 have been amazing. 

Additional images are available via St Catherine’s School’s myPhotos platform for all our Year 12 Celebrations.