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I would like to offer everyone a very warm welcome to the 2020 academic year. As always, the first week back after a long break is exciting and full of energy, and 2020 has proved to be no exception. The College Leaders were waiting in anticipation to welcome all new students to our community on Tuesday morning and all Year 12 students were proud to take part in the annual ceremony for the Induction of our Senior Leaders on Friday 31 January in the DMPC.
The College community gathered to witness Board Chair, Mr David Tanner, Members of the Board, Executive Principal/Chief Executive Officer Mr Grimes and Principal: Head of College Ms Sheehy, presenting our Year 12 students with their Senior Badges. This important event in our calendar signifies the transition of our Year 12 cohort into their final year at the College and formally acknowledges them as leaders of our student body.
After our College Captain, Sascha Lawton, led her peers in the Senior Pledge, each student received their badge and signed the Senior Register. This register is the same one that all Year 12 students have signed at their Senior Induction Ceremony since the College’s inception and represents each student’s acknowledgement of the duties and responsibilities they agree to undertake as a member of the Senior Cohort.
The Year 12 students and College community were captivated by the wonderful singing of the Year 6 Choir. Their performance of Travelling was delightful and beautifully conducted by Rachel Newcombe and accompanied by Lexene Marquenie.
In her College Captain’s address, Sascha Lawton reflected on how significant a year 2020 is, not just for our graduating Seniors, but for our entire College community with 30th Anniversary celebrations taking place. This year, the Year 12 quote is, ‘You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step,’ spoken by Martin Luther King Jr., Sascha explained:
‘The most difficult part about doing something is taking that first step. You don’t need to be able to see every step that comes after it, as long as you have faith in your destination and journey. If you can keep climbing that staircase with full conviction and belief, everything else will follow through.
Today, we’re taking that first step.’
In response, Year 11 student, Jodie Down, offered words of encouragement and support and highlighted how the interactions that each and every Senior has with younger students has a profound impact, all contributing to the legacy they leave as a cohort. Year 6 student, Dior Duggan, spoke of the close relationship that Seniors build with the Junior School and encouraged the newly inducted Seniors to take their next steps into the world with courage, passion and a strong sense of self.
The Year 12 cohort entered the DMPC this afternoon as students of the College and exited through the centre aisle as inducted Seniors of A.B. Paterson College. On behalf of the entire College community, we wish our newly inducted Seniors the very best on their journey this year.
Charlotte Brook
Dean of Senior School
