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Year 10 2017 Leavers Mass and Graduation

ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ Year 10 Class of 2017 graduated Thursday 23 November in a special ceremony at St John's Parish.

Earlier that day, the students had completed their final exam, and spent lunchtime and afterwards watching a show about their time at school, remembering the highlights of their years, and the special moments of friendship and spirit that characterised their journey.

Students gathered in their formal uniforms outside St John's Church in the lead up to the Graduation Mass, with family and friends taking photos. Students and staff processed inside for the service in the traditional format, and Fr Lawrie and Fr Nick together with the congregation welcomed Year 10s.

Felicia and Noah, College Captains, lit the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ candle; there were special readings by students, Stacey Readman and Kalia Combs, and a beautiful prayerful singing of the Responsorial Psalm by Year 7 student, Sarah Wright. Jack Breward and Julia Narracott, College Vice-Captains, and Lukas Bird and Cally Spangler, read prayers. Dylan Price, Lauren Banks, Megan Brennan, Adrian Castaneda, Ryan Gavan, Bradley Atkinson, Connor Murray and Annalise Ball, brought forward the traditional symbols of the College and special symbols representing our culture and our care for each other.

Fr Lawrie with the assistance of Fr Nick, celebrated Mass for all.

Following the conclusion of Mass, College Captains, Felicia Di Carlo and Noah McGovern, lead the whole Year 10 student body in special prayers. ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ Principal, Ms Beth Gilligan, addressed the congregation, speaking of the students goals, inspirations, ambitions and humour as revealed in their Yearbook comments.

Each student came forward to receive their graduation certificate from the Principal and to be congratulated by their Pastoral teacher and their House Coordinator. They also received the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ Old Scholar keyring from one of the old scholars present, Tony Webb, Leesa Baker and Nicole McKay. Their family, friends and peers congratulated each student with acclaim also.

As a special innovation the entire staff gathered at the front of the church to sing the blessing song 'May the Lord look upon you with kindness' - a truly moving moment.

Following the formal conclusion and Recessional Hymn, students exited in pairs singing the College song, 'To live by truth and justice.'

After a short interlude outside, students, families and staff made the short walk to Guilford Young College's Don Bosco PAC, where they could enjoy refreshments in some comfort in the foyer, and the opportunity for the community to take more photos and to gather for friendship and celebration.

Congratulations Year 10 2017. What a wonderful group of young people you are!

You can see photos on our gallery: Year 10 Graduation Mass.