Catherine McAuley Catholic College at Medowie celebrated its first graduating class on September 25 – a bittersweet milestone for both students and staff. The students started year eight in 2021 and have made it through the ranks to Year 12 and graduation day. Year 12 Head of House Bronwyn Denham said the students have been part of the college’s journey every step of the way.
“We’ve worked very closely with them for the past five years, and they really had to step up and show leadership throughout all of their time at Catherine McAuley,” she said.
“It’s bittersweet for us; we’re excited for them, but sad to see them leaving.”
College captains Lara Murray, Destiny Atutahi and Amy Grant also made history as the college’s inaugural leadership team. “It’s an honour to be part of the school’s history and be the first ever year group,” Amy said.
Being in the spotlight wasn’t something Amy would usually enjoy, and she said she never saw herself becoming a leader.
“You are really supported to step outside of your comfort zone and achieve your best,” she said.
The cohort has about 74 students in Year 12, and Ms Denham said the students have set the college’s culture.
“They’ve really had to step up and raise the bar and set the standard for the community for years to come,” she said.
Both Lara and Amy have attended Catherine McAuley since Year 8, with Amy describing their year group as ‘close-knit.’
“We started off with so few classes, and we went through everything together,” she said.
Although Destiny arrived to the school later on, she said the community made her feel welcome from day one. “From the teachers and the students being so welcoming, I’ve always felt like I belonged at Catherine McAuley,” she said.
Destiny added that it’s bittersweet to be saying farewell to her time at Catherine McAuley. “It’s sad that you’re not going to see everyone every day,” she said.
Year 12 students across Port Stephens and NSW said farewell to school for the final time last week, as they look toward the HSC, which starts on October 16. ATARs are expected to be released in December, and Destiny said she is waiting for her results to determine what she will study at university next year.
“I have early entry into biomedicine, but once my ATAR comes out, I hope to get into medicine or midwifery,” she said.
Fellow classmate and college captain Lara currently works in real estate and said she has plans to get her real estate licence after school.
“I hope to sell a few houses and go travelling,” she said.
Amy is also hoping to see as much of the world as she can and said she has hopes of studying social work at university.
“I love being around people and helping people,” she said.
The girl’s advice to students heading into Year 12 next year is to ‘soak it all in because it literally goes by within a flash.’
“You’re never going to do this ever again, so you might as well have the best time and try the best in everything that you do,” Lara added.
