Year 12 Graduation

from 2020 Yearbook - Mary MacKillop Catholic College

Sporting Pursuits

FOUNDATION YEAR 12 GRADUATION

Mr Kris Naiker | Assistant Principal: Teaching & Learning Senior

Mary MacKillop Catholic College celebrated the graduation of their foundation Year 12 students this year. Founded in 2003, the Mary MacKillop is the youngest P-12 College in Toowoomba and the diocese, and in a year of firsts, this cohort are no exception! They were the first to commence Year 7 as part of the state government initiative into high school in 2015 and now are the first to undertake ATAR and external exams in Queensland. In addition to this, these foundation graduates at Mary MacKillop were some of the first to step onto the new Senior Campus when it opened in 2016.

Amongst this small graduating cohort is Holly Hutchison, the first student at Mary MacKillop to complete her entire education from Prep to Year 12 at the College. Holly recalls her early years in the junior school with a small number of classrooms, a library and an open assembly hall that was very cold in winter! Reminiscing on her time at the College, Holly says “the senior school was once a grassy paddock, but I remember in Year 6, Mrs [Donaugh] Shirley (founding Principal) telling us and our parents to have faith in the growth and direction of the College”! Holly joined her small founding cohort of 7 Year 12 students to celebrate their graduation.

It was a privilege to see the first ever Year 12 graduation ceremony. I really believe as a community, we honoured Nadia, Caitlin, Grace, Holly, Daniel, Josh and Connor. Here is a quick overview of some of the key elements of the graduation ceremony.

The Year 12 students walked into the MacKillop Centre lead by stirring sound of the bagpipes. The Scottish bagpipe has become synonymous with strength, courage and perseverance. This was a fitting description for our students. Furthermore, the bagpipes were a nod to Mary MacKillop’s Scottish heritage.

of the Year 12 students were asked to anoint their child with oil. This served to remind the community that the parents were, and always will be, the first educators of their child.

As the Year 12 students left the MacKillop Centre, a ‘Guard of Honour’ was formed by our students. The students clapped and cheered, acknowledging the significant moment we all were experiencing. This highlighted that we are a P-12 school, our learning journey is connected, and we belong to a community.

The Year 12 students gathered at the outdoor Chapel. At the Chapel, an art piece created in stained glass was placed. This will be an ongoing tradition where each year level graduating will place an art piece which represent their learning journey at the College.

At the Chapel, the students also rang the foundational bell of the College. As students join the College in Prep, they will ring the bell upon entering the College. At their graduation, as they leave the College, they will ring the foundational bell for the last time.

As the students headed to the College gate, a candle was lit by the Year 12 College Captains. This light was passed on to the College Captain Elect for 2021. This served as a reminder to the Year 11 students to continue to lead and serve their community with humility. To be a shining light and an example for others to follow. This was a fitting way to end their graduation.

As the students walked out of the College grounds as Year 12 students for the last time, there was a sense of gratitude that we belong to the Mary MacKillop Catholic College family.

The class of 2020 is encouraged to continue to dream of inspiring possibilities and serve humanity with their gifts and talents.