Lumen Christi Catholic College's Year 12 students finished classes last week, after what has been a challenging HSC year.
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It was important to the college that meaningful formalities that also aligned with current COVID-19 restrictions were developed to ensure students had a positive experience at the completion of their schooling.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the college was unable to extend its invitation for families to join them and instead events were lived streamed to allow family members the opportunity to watch the formalities.
The Year 12 students dressed to impress last Wednesday, arriving at school in old, recycled and out of date formal wear ready for a Retro Prom-themed lunch.
Students enjoyed a delicious lunch, prepared and served by the Lumen Christi VET Hospitality students, and college captains gave their final speech to the Year 12 cohort.
"I think it's safe to say none of us expected our final year at Lumen to turn out like this," school captain Ewan Piotrowski said.
"And although we can't have the graduation we all dreamed of, we can still celebrate the achievements and efforts of our graduating year.
"During COVID we have come closer together as a year group, overcoming the various challenges it has presented, not as individuals, but as a group."
In an emotionally charged address, school captain Lucy Little gave thanks to the teaching staff "whose passions have equipped many of us with the knowledge that has inspired our futures".
"This year we have learnt that, in order to appreciate even the simplest of things, sometimes we must face hardship," she said.
"In amongst all the complexities of life, we have learnt that human interactions are valuable."
At the end of the lunch students who had completed a major work as part of their HSC studies showcased their work to their peers.
This included an exhibition of stunning art and woodwork as well as amazing musical performances.
During the week students also took part in a graduation mass where students were presented with a graduation certificate and a parting gift from the college.
The last day for students included a special graduation assembly where students were awarded for their academic, service, sporting and cultural contributions to the college.
"Lumen Christi Catholic College is very proud of our graduating students," principal Shane Giles said.
"From their earliest days in Year 7, they have shown themselves to be a cohesive group, and over the many years, have made enormous contributions to the life of our school.
"In the extraordinary circumstances of 2020, they did not falter, and seeing them all together at the graduating mass reminds me of their strong spirit.
"As they head toward their HSC exams in October, they take with them the very best wishes and wholehearted support of our college community".