Celebrating the Class of 2022

This week, we have celebrated a number of special occasions to commemorate the final days at School for the Class of 2022.  

Just as our lives are signposted by significant dates – birthdays, weddings, Christmas – so too are the symbolic events in the lives of a school journey – a Valedictory Dinner, the Final Assembly and walking through the Heyington Gates for the final time as a schoolgirl.  

Such moments create a particular rhythm, and a sense of belonging and identity amongst students. Just like the sound of hundreds of students singing “A thread that binds us all” with arms entwined and floorboards bouncing, this serves as a palpable reminder of our shared Vision and sense of community. 

One of my joys during the final week of school for each Year 12 cohort is the opportunity to listen to the speeches that are carefully crafted to appropriately express our gratitude and provide an opportunity to share in the jubilation of finishing school. 

At the Church Service on Monday morning, Deputy Principal, Mr Rob Marshall, recited the words of The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria, and St Catherine’s Old Girl, from her Address at the Barbreck Official Opening, on 26 February 2019. This was a poignant reminder of the value of a St Catherine’s education, an education that the Governor shares with each graduating class: 

“Just as quite possibly, you can’t yet imagine or grasp the privilege of this education: of a school where each one of you and your talents are respected and encouraged, where there are no obstacles or boundaries to what you can achieve, and where there will be no end to the possibilities to which you will be introduced. A place where you will make lifelong friendships. And where you will enjoy enduring relationships with the teachers who open your minds to all sorts of exciting concepts and adventures.” 

Our 2023 School Captains, Ava Colosimo and Flora Du also relished their opportunity to Address the Cohort with an open expression of thanks on behalf of their peers at School: 

“Be happy in knowing that this journey has enriched your life and set you up to be the successful woman you are born to be. Be happy in knowing that your education has provided you with the skillset to step into the real world as a confident, independent, and bold individual. Be happy in knowing that your friends now will not be lost, but only become a cherished thread between you and the St Cath’s community.” Flora Du 

“Through passing moments in the hallways and supportive comments before a test. Sharing a conversation with a Year 9 student about her new electives, or offering advice to an overwhelmed Year 7, you have all been sharing your wisdom and experience, not just for the past few months, but throughout the years you have spent here. At some point, you have all touched the lives of a blue-ribbon girl, be it a word of advice or a quick smile, there is a girl, sitting in class right now, who is just a little bit happier, a little bit smarter or a little bit more fearless because you were in her life. And for that, I thank you.” Ava Colosimo 

The attendees at our Valedictory Dinner, held on Tuesday evening, were indeed in awe of the eloquence of our Head of Year 12, Ms Vicki Spanos, as she addressed the Class of 2022. Vicky is forever the English Literature teacher, with the brilliance of her literacy skills ever present, providing a moment for us all to enjoy. I share below just a small section of her Address: 

Head of Year 12, Ms Vicky Spanos

“We first met in 2020, when most of the Class were just 15 years old and together, we have grown, we have endured life-changing global crises, we have experienced loss, we have won, we have loved, we have questioned the world around us and so often we have questioned ourselves. I would like to think however, that in moving through this chapter of our lives and indeed through this most extraordinary chapter in human history, together we have learnt – we have learnt about our inner strength and discovered our boundless resilience to push through  difficult times, we have learnt about the power of perspective and the need to put ourselves in other people’s shoes, showing empathy and compassion – recognising that it is not always about us. We have appreciated the power and wisdom that hindsight offers and the need for forgiveness as nobody is perfect, and we have learnt about the importance of our voice and the absolute imperative of inclusion, acceptance and service to others in community – for essentially, we are not alone, we are part of many communities and here we are today celebrating you, the Class of 2022 as a St Catherine’s School community, where at its core stands a school whose heart and spirit extends beyond any buildings, physical borders or boundaries. How fortunate we are indeed. 

And to my colleagues, your teachers, who really are the most extraordinary group of educators that you will meet. The academic and professional expertise, the rigor, the wisdom, and sheer delight that is evident in any VCE classroom – indeed any STC classroom one enters is impressive and beyond words. Every one of your teachers knows you and cares for you. I recall stating at the beginning of the year that this year, your relationships with your teachers will change. In Year 12, you will come to rely on them not only as sources of key subject information, but also for emotional support and for perspective in the VCE journey you are undertaking. I am sure that each one of our students has a teacher (past or present) that they can approach, feeling comfortable to share a moment which can make a difference to one’s day. Trust me, that interaction also makes a huge difference to your teachers too.  

Recently, I was listening to an interview with Federal Education Minister, the Honourable Jason Clare on ABC Radio National where teachers were described as the keepers of the key, ‘the key masters, the key makers’ – the key being knowledge and the ability to use this knowledge thoughtfully and appropriately. At St Catherine’s School teachers are ready to offer this key to any student willing to take on the responsibility of learning. This key will allow you to open the metaphorical door that leads to your life beyond and that is where the next chapter of your life begins.”

And after the laughter, the costumes and the tears of this week, the girls quickly returned to their study for the final leg of the journey. Whilst the oral VCE exams for Languages and Performing Arts subjects have already commenced, we wish the Cohort the very best as they together return next Wednesday for their English Exam. We collectively look forward to supporting them all through to the finish line.  

Girls, be bold, brave, and brilliant. 

Don’t be afraid to shine. 

Live substantial, meaningful lives – filled with hopes, dreams, and a vision. 

To view and download a full gallery of images from the Class of 2022, Year 12 Valedictory, click here.

Michelle Carroll, Principal