22/09/2023
On Wednesday 21 September, we celebrated the Graduation of the Class of 2023. The day’s festivities commenced with the boys and their Homeroom teachers sharing a breakfast together during which speeches of thanks were given. The graduating students all received a small gift from the College and in turn presented gifts of gratitude to their Year Coordinator, Mr Fox and their Homeroom teachers.
This was followed by the Graduation Assembly where our leaving class were presented with their Graduation Certificates. Academic and Special Awards were also presented to recognise the significant achievements of the Class of 2023. Final speeches were made by College Principal, Dr Lavorato, Year 12 Coordinator, Mr Fox and College Captain Alessandro Romeo. At the conclusion of the Assembly, each member of the Class of 2023 processed through a guard of honour formed by the rest of the student body and stopped for a group photo in the Powell Pavilion, the place where their journey had begun, eight years ago.
The most poignant event of the day was the Graduation Mass which took place in the early evening. Witnessing the boys process into the Chapel proudly wearing their graduation sashes brought a tear to many eyes. The significance of this last Mass together was evident when the boys sang their hearts out to hymns that held great significance for them. As they departed Mass, they received their Old Boys ties and gathered around the statue of Edmund Rice before proudly belting out the College War Cry for one last time.
The day concluded with a memorable Graduation Dinner at Rosehill Gardens. During the event, we acknowledged parents who have had a long association with the College through the education of their sons. Mr Mark Taffa (’83), a proud Old Boy parent, took to the stage to share his school memories and propose a toast to the teachers on behalf of all parents. The evening continued with a nostalgic journey through the boys’ eight-year adventure at SPC, featuring a beautiful pictorial. Festivities continued with a touching mother and son dance, followed by a lively dancefloor where guests danced the night away.
It was a wonderful and well-deserved send off for the Class of 2023, and we wish them every blessing as they enter the next stage of their lives!
