Illalong Newsletter - 15 November 2024

Celebrating the Class of 2024

As we approach the end of the academic year, it is with immense pride and joy that we celebrate our Class of 2024. This remarkable group of students has exemplified resilience, dedication, and a commitment to excellence in their final year, leaving a lasting legacy for future cohorts to follow.

Outstanding Approach to External Exams

Over the past few weeks, our Year 12 students have demonstrated an outstanding approach to their external exams. We are incredibly proud of the maturity, perseverance, and focus they have shown during this demanding time. They have faced the challenges of rigorous study schedules, balancing their commitments, and navigating the pressures of final exams with grace and determination. Their dedication to academic excellence has been evident in the way they have approached each exam, prepared thoroughly, and supported one another along the way.

We have witnessed countless study groups, revision sessions, and students coming together to help each other succeed. This collaborative spirit is a true testament to the strong bonds formed throughout their journey in Secondary School. Their resilience in overcoming challenges and their pursuit of excellence is something we are all incredibly proud of. We are confident that their hard work and dedication will be reflected in the results they receive, and we eagerly await the outcome of their efforts.

Valedictory Week Activities

The Class of 2024 have also embraced their final days at the College with enthusiasm and a spirit of celebration. Valedictory Week has been a highlight, filled with joy, laughter, and a few nostalgic tears. This week has been a time for our students to reflect on their journey, celebrate their achievements, and create lasting memories with their peers and teachers.

From themed dress-up days to heartfelt farewell messages, the atmosphere on campus has been electric. The camaraderie and spirit of unity have been palpable, with our Year 12 students making the most of their final moments together.

Looking Forward to Valedictory Day

This Friday, we look forward to honouring our Class of 2024 with a day of celebration, recognition, and reflection. The Valedictory Assembly will be a significant moment for us to acknowledge the journey of each student, celebrating their contributions to our community and their growth over the years. It is a time for us to come together as a college community, with parents, teachers, and students all celebrating this important milestone.

Following the Assembly, the Valedictory Dinner promises to be a fitting conclusion to the day’s celebrations. This formal event is always a highlight, where our students can enjoy a final evening together, surrounded by their families. It is a moment to celebrate not just the end of their school journey but also the beginning of exciting new chapters. The dinner will undoubtedly be filled with laughter, heartfelt speeches, and a few tears as we say goodbye to a truly remarkable cohort.

A Legacy to Remember

The Class of 2024 has left a lasting impact on our college community. They have been outstanding role models for younger students, demonstrating the values of respect, integrity, and commitment to excellence. Their leadership, compassion, and dedication to their studies and co-curricular activities have set a high standard for future cohorts. We are confident that they will go on to achieve great things beyond school, equipped with the skills, values, and friendships they have formed here.

As we celebrate our Year 12 students this week, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to each one of them. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and the wonderful young adults they have become. We wish them every success in their future endeavours, knowing that they will always be a cherished part of our college family.

Jacob Elms | Head of Secondary School

Student Achievement - Ivy Perry

Congratulations to Ivy Perry of Year 6, who has recently achieved remarkable success in the world of ballet!

Ivy has been accepted into the prestigious Australian Ballet School’s Interstate Training Program for 2025, a highly sought-after opportunity for young dancers across Australia. This program will provide Ivy with advanced training in Melbourne, allowing her to further refine her classical ballet skills and pursue her dreams.

In addition to her acceptance into the Australian Ballet School, Ivy has also been awarded two full scholarships to the Oklahoma City Ballet in the United States. Ivy received a short-term scholarship, where she can join their day program for a week and receive one on one intensive training. Further to this, Ivy was awarded a second scholarship to attend OCB’s Summer Program for either 3 or 6 weeks. This is a program that invites young dancers from around the globe who have been selected through a rigorous audition process. This incredible opportunity arose following Ivy’s participation in the Youth America Grand Prix in Sydney last month.

"As parents, Sam and I are profoundly grateful to A.B. Paterson College for their unwavering support of Ivy’s ballet journey. The College has shown genuine understanding and encouragement, recognising Ivy’s deep commitment to dance and standing by her every step of the way to help her pursue her dreams.

Whether Ivy is away for a day or an entire week due to competitions or auditions, her teachers welcome her back with warmth and dedication, ensuring she catches up seamlessly. Their commitment to her growth, both academically and artistically, goes above and beyond what we could have ever hoped for. Thank you, A.B. Paterson College, for believing in Ivy, lifting her up, and giving her the chance to make her dreams a reality. We are endlessly grateful for everything you do for our daughter." - Kasey and Sam Perry

Sharyn Walker-Joyce | Head of The Arts

Busy Bees Gardening at A.B. Paterson College

The Busy Bees Gardening Project at A.B. Paterson College has been buzzing with activity this year, and we are excited to share some of our highlights! Thanks to a generous Woolworths grant, we have been able to enhance our garden in ways that will benefit both our students and the environment for years to come. This funding has enabled us to purchase much-needed equipment, including three new worm farms, watering cans, new gloves, lots of soil, greenhouses, garden arches, brooms, insect catchers, and magnifying glasses for closer inspection of the fascinating world of insects and flowers.

Our garden is thriving, and we are proud to report that we are already harvesting fresh, homegrown produce. From capsicums and cucumbers to passionfruit and basil, our green thumbs are certainly paying off! These fresh ingredients are not only a source of pride for our gardeners but also provide a valuable hands-on learning experience for students involved each week.

In addition to our edible plants, our butterfly and bee sanctuary is in full bloom. It has become a peaceful haven for pollinators, and we are thrilled to see many beautiful creatures, including butterflies, native bees, and other insects, fluttering through the blossoms. It is a wonderful spot for students to observe and learn about the vital role these creatures play in our ecosystem.

As we reflect on the progress of the Busy Bees Gardening Project this year, I am filled with excitement for the future. With the continued support of the college community, we are eager to expand this program further in 2025. We look forward to bringing even more students into the garden, growing more fresh produce, and continuing to cultivate an appreciation for nature and sustainability within our school community.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the project this year, and we cannot wait to see what we can accomplish together in 2025!