Vale Class of 2020
Congratulations Year 12 Graduates – what a journey it has been!
As the Year 12 students crossed the threshold of the DMPC on Friday 31 January 2020, eagerly anticipating their induction as Seniors of the College, no one could have predicted the year to come. The challenges that the Seniors have faced this year, how they have coped with the ups and downs and the sheer determination and perseverance each Year 12 student has demonstrated in order to make the very best of their final year at the College has been inspiring.
This year has affected each of us in different ways but what I have noticed across multiple age ranges and nationalities is an increase in gratitude. Gratitude towards our family, our friends and our communities. Most remarkable - and I would never have thought I would hear this - is that all the Year 12s I have spoken to were grateful to return to the College after lockdown. To return to their friends, their colleagues and the wonderful community we have here at A.B. Paterson College.
Despite looking forward to their return, the Year 12s excelled at helping our student body to feel connected during lockdown. They delighted in maintaining an online presence and this social connectivity promoted optimism and resilience within our student body. The leadership, enthusiasm and care demonstrated through the A.B. storybook initiative and A.B. @ Home initiative was heart-warming, and these memories will remain as part of the 2020 graduates legacy for years to come. Our Year 12s offered our College community hope, laughter and fun when many of us would have been feeling isolated, and for this they must be commended and celebrated.
We will forever be impressed and astounded at the resilience that this cohort has shown this year. For many years to come, this generation will play a significant role in becoming our changemakers for the future. This year has taught our Year 12s to be emotionally prepared for the unpredictable, ready to take on change, to be flexible and have strength in the resilience they have developed this year. Each of these qualities will make for exceptional leaders, and I know that I speak on behalf of the College community when I say that we wait with anticipation to witness what this extraordinary cohort will achieve.
I have no doubt that the challenges and life lessons the Year 12 cohort has learned this year will play a significant role in leading them to achieve success in the future. The Year 12s have overcome challenges this year like no other Grade 12, they have learned so much, but above all they have learned to always be ready for the unexpected.
Congratulations Year 12, good luck and welcome to your next adventure!
Charlotte Brook
Dean of Senior School
