Year 12 students at Lumen Christi Catholic College, Pambula Beach, have completed their formal schooling after what has been a challenging Higher School Certificate (HSC) year.

End of schooling formalities were adapted to align with COVID-19 restrictions, ensuring students had a positive experience in their final weeks at the College. This year, events were live streamed to allow family members the opportunity to join their children in celebrating this important milestone.

Dressed to impress, Year 12 students came to school in old, recycled and out of date formal wear, ready for a ‘Retro Prom’ themed lunch prepared and served by Year 11 Hospitality students.

During the lunch, the College captains gave their final speech to the Year 12 cohort. In his address, Ewan Piotrowski said that even though they couldn’t have the graduation they had dreamed of, they could still celebrate their efforts and achievements. “During COVID-19, we have come closer together as a year group, overcoming the various challenges it has presented, not as individuals, but as a group,” he said.

Lucy Little gave thanks to the teaching staff at Lumen Christi, “whose passions have equipped many of us with the knowledge that has inspired our futures,” she said.

After lunch, students who had completed a major body of work as part of their HSC studies showcased their work to their peers. This included an exhibition of art, woodwork and musical performances.

At a live-streamed Graduation Mass, students were presented with a graduation certificate and a parting gift from the College. On the last day of school, students were presented with awards for academic, service, sporting and cultural contributions to the College at a special Graduation Assembly.

Principal, Shane Giles said “Lumen Christi Catholic College is very proud of our graduating students. 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” he said. 

Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2020!