Valedictory comes from the Latin ‘valedicere’, which means ‘to say farewell’. Valedictory at PCACS represents a very significant rite of passage as our Year 12s move from one part of their lives as school students into the world of adulthood.
Rites of passage form an essential element of the School’s role in growing incredible, positive, aspirational young men and women. The Valedictory Day commenced with a formal Valedictory Assembly, with the highlight being the buddy gift sharing. In that moment, we have students who are at the very start of their Wellard campus journey celebrating with the Year 12s the completion of their journey.
Part of my role in that Rite of Passage is to provide some words of guidance and reflection. This year, I focused on the power of ‘forgiveness’ as a crucial life tool. I explained that forgiving others isn’t forgetting. It’s remembering everything – and choosing to let go anyway. It is a choice not to punish yourself via anxiety or a loss of self-esteem for the behaviours of others.
The hardest part of forgiveness is self-forgiveness. Too many people are held prisoner by regret and shame. I asked the Year 12s to see mistakes as a part of being human. Learn to love the flawed person we all are and live with freedom.
The second element of the Valedictory celebrations was an afternoon Valedictory Eucharist. This allowed the students to celebrate the end of one part of their own faith journey and the beginning of their next stage with the ceremonial gifting of the Valedictory sash and a beautiful carved wooden cross that we hope acts as a symbol of deep support. We want the Year 12s to be strong and courageous in knowing that God will always be with them.
The celebrations finished with a wonderful dinner together. This event includes the presentation of PCACS Graduation certificates and celebrating the cohort’s character and contribution to the School community. Speeches from the Principal, Year Coordinator (Ms Frampton), and the Head Boy (Anotida) and Head Girl (Piper) brought forth all the excitement of new future pathways, the sadness of leaving behind a community that has helped them grow as well as lots of joyous reflections on the times they have shared.
God bless all Year 12s and their families – they are a wonderful group of men and women, and it was a privilege to watch them flourish as members of our School community.
Mr Steve Wynhorst
HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL