The end is just the beginning
For our Year 12 students, this week marks the end of their formal school classes and we have also shared in final assemblies. With only the Speech Nights and Valedictory Service and Dinner the following week and examinations shortly afterwards, their school days will soon pass. There is no doubt that this time brings a mix of emotions for the entire family.
Some of our students have been at Wesley for 15 years since the 3 year old program, whilst others have joined more recently. Regardless of how long they have been at the College, the Year 12 students have developed their own personalities and acquired a vast array of knowledge and skills that have equipped them to become successful and confident young people and will, no doubt, stand them in good stead in the future.
These skills and attributes have all been forged by the opportunities they have had in the classroom or when making music, playing sport, producing an art piece, performing on stage, debating, or undertaking social service activities. They may have developed through experiences in outdoor education, at Clunes or Yiramalay, or on tours or exchanges. Assemblies, chapels and Public Questions Society speakers have also provided them with opportunities to question, debate and ponder what is important. Central to all would have been the opportunities to develop meaningful relationships with others and it is these relationships that should also stand the test of time. In the coming days, I hope that the Year 12s take time to thank those who have helped them along the way, be it teachers or friends, but especially their families.
There is no doubt that the upcoming examinations are important, and our students must focus on doing all they can to achieve the most successful outcomes, but the final ATAR score will not define them as a person or their life. As a College we will no doubt be celebrating the students’ end of Year 12 results, but we will also be celebrating their Wesley experience and acknowledge the full journey individuals have taken, which cannot be captured in a final score.
Leaving Year 12 does not mean the end of their association with Wesley College. From this day forward our exiting students are automatically members of the Old Wesley Collegians Association and we trust that, for the many who will actively participate, they have a long and rewarding lifetime association.
We do thank the Year 12s for their contributions to the College and for the way they have lead the school in our sesquicentenary year. In wishing them well, we hope that they are always proud to say that they are a past student of Wesley College. Regardless of their future ventures, we expect that they will continue to be compassionate, to lead the way, and do all they can to enhance the lives of others so that they continue To Wesley Honour Bring.
