Friday 16 October signalled the final day as a student of SHC for our Year 12s. It marked an emotional and memorable milestone, as the graduating class officially completed their secondary schooling journey.
The morning commenced with a special Alumni breakfast, where the Year 12s were officially welcomed into the SHC alumni community. Our Alumni Association is one of the largest in Australia, and our Year 12s are automatically admitted into this wonderful community on completion of their final year. We look forward to seeing many of the Class of 2026 returning for their reunions and the various networking opportunities our Alumni Association provides.
The College community then gathered for the Transfer of Leadership Assembly, where the 2026 Year 12 leaders concluded their roles as leaders, handing back their stoles they have worn so proudly this year. The College Captains handed over their mantles, both physically and figuratively, to the incoming College Captains of 2027. We thank Mathilda, Milla and Alice for their outstanding work as Captains this year, and look forward to that calibre of leadership continuing through Ava, Polly and Selina’s stewardship next year. We also thank all our Year 12 leaders, who have occupied their leadership roles with distinction and pride throughout the year.
Following this was the Year 12 Final Assembly, celebrating our graduating class. Moving speeches were given by many, culminating in a heartfelt address from staff member Carl Tracey. Carl began teaching at SHC in 1992, and has seen a lot of students come and go over the years, making him perfectly placed to give his opinion on what’s important in life post SHC. One significant wish he imparted was that at the end of the day, may you like the person you see in the mirror. A highlight is always the Year 12 Video – a nostalgic and oftentimes hilarious visual look back on the journey of this cohort. Many Year 12s (and others) watched through tears as they saw how they had grown over the years, from young Year 7s to now being ready to take on the world as adults.
To conclude the farewell, staff and students then lined the pathways across campus for a heartwarming Guard of Honour, to cheer and applaud the Class of 2026 as they walked through the college as students for the very last time. Many families were there at the end to greet them; they have been with the students throughout their time at SHC, so it was only fitting they were there at the end.
We congratulate the Class of 2026 on completing their school journey, and we wish them every success in the future!
