We celebrated the outstanding achievement, creativity and commitment to learning of our Years 7 to 11 students with several Awards Ceremonies over the past few days.
Our students’ contributions to the community, their spirituality and learning have been celebrated as each year level gathered with staff and families in Centennial Hall to witness the presentation of academic and merit awards. College Colour commendations were also presented.
We kicked off the series of awards ceremonies by recognising Year 11 students going into Year 12. Principal, Mr Philip Morison summed up the most important point to all the students that "Today's not just about marks on reports; it's a testament to the countless hours and dedication and resilience..." giving credit to all their hard work for the year. Mr John Rodgers, Deputy Principal — Pastoral Care, who addressed the Year 10s of 2023 spoke from the heart. He encouraged students to remember that everyone has the opportunity to achieve an award, and circumstances do not determine our future but our choices do.
I expressed similar sentiments, speaking about having the courage to learn and that success should be celebrated. I referenced Taylor Swift's song Shake It Off: "Today, amongst us are students who have overcome their own set of challenges to stand tall here because 'failure was not fatal'. Students who 'can't stop, won't stop moving' to achieve their best, 'because success is not final' and students who have 'music in their mind saying it's going to be alright'."
Students who achieved academic awards are commended and continue to serve as an inspiration to their peers. Academic awards were presented to students who have achieved academic excellence which included a weighted average of 85% or above in that subject, demonstrated personal organisation, creativity and originality, enthusiasm for the subject and a positive contribution to the learning environment.
Merit awards were presented for excellence in relation to enthusiasm for study, completion of work, punctuality and meeting task due dates, a cooperative approach to others and consistency in effort. Students who received Merit awards showcase the best values of our Vision for Learning at MLMC.
We wish all award recipients the best in the 2024 academic year and encourage everyone to strive to be courageous and be the difference.
