Valedictory 2015
On Friday 16 October 2015 we farewelled our Year 12 students at our Valedictory Assembly and Chapel Service held at the school, as well as our formal celebration dinner at The Belvoir. The Year 12s enjoyed a week of valedictions to staff and students, including a farewell House assembly and a dress up ‘Fun Day’ prior to the culminating events of Friday.
The day began as a beautiful one, with the opportunity to enjoy a delicious morning tea prior to launching the morning’s formal assembly. Parents, staff and students came together to eat, chat and reminisce about the progression of our wonderful Year 12 cohort.
The school’s Years 3-12 students then made their way into the Multi-Purpose Hall, which was filled with teary, proud parents and staff as well as School executive and Council members. Everyone enjoyed sterling performances by the School Concert Band, as well as the Year 12 Contemporary Ensemble. It is safe to say we were all entertained at the Assembly as the upcoming Year 12 leaders undertook their roles with precision and professionalism; accepting the mantle of leadership from the leaving Year 12 group.
The celebration of Symbols Awards and the Year 12 film shaped further reflections of success and personal growth during their time here at Swan Valley Anglican Community School. The students shared laughter, smiles and tears with one another as they made their way to the Guard of Honour. Here the Year 12 students took the hands of their Pre-Primary peers and walked through the applause of staff and students alike; high-fiving their way through.
The respect and reflection of the students' 100% graduation achievements were later celebrated at the Chapel Service- held in the Chapel of the Holy Wisdom of God- where Reverend Thom Bull guided students, parents and staff in prayers for the cohort. They lit candles; symbolising the principles they hope to epitomise in their lives after school: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Humility and Self Control.
The final event of the day was a celebration in the form of a dinner; where students, parents, staff, executive and school council members came together to farewell our fifth cohort of Year 12 school leavers; including five Foundation students. As part of this occasion, the Year 12 PCG tutors reflected upon the students who have been in their care for several years and shared insightful comments of their personalities and individual skills and talents. It certainly was an emotional evening.
It has been an honour and a privilege to have spent this year as the Year 12 Coordinator for the 2015 graduates. For those of us who have taught them both in Junior School and Senior School, we bid farewell with pride having helped in some way or another to craft fine young men and women who are ready to face the world. These students could not be more prepared to undertake their exciting life journeys and have truly embodied the school’s values of Commitment, Faith, Integrity, Service and Compassion. I have enjoyed getting to know the group individually and would like to personally thank them for making this year such a wonderful experience for me.
Abigail Field | Year 12 Coordinator
[See Gallery for more photos]