Farewell Year 12 2008

The St Joseph’s College class of 2008 was farewelled by the college community on Thursday 25 September.

It was a day of mixed emotion. Many of the boys have been living and learning together for six years, and have formed unique and very special relationships with one another. They have supported each other through hard times, celebrated the many good times, shared laughter and tears and have become brothers in a very real way.

The Year 12 cohort began its final day with a BBQ breakfast, complete with live music and entertaining ‘storytelling’ by the boys.

A formal assembly provided an opportunity for the college community to reflect on the many gifts the Year 12 boys have shared during their time as students at St Joseph’s. A video, with scenes shot over the past six years, documented the boys’ growth and maturity from Year 7 students to Year 12 leaders, and finally young men who are ready to carry the Joeys spirit out into the world beyond the college.

A highlight for many of the boys was receiving the Joeys Old Boys tie. This symbolic presentation marks the boys’ graduation from current student to Old Boy.

Speeches by the Year 12 coordinator, Mr Pat Rodgers and Headmaster, Mr Ross Tarlinton, paid tribute to the lasting legacy of the graduating class of 2008, and thanked them for their contribution to college life.

Year 12 student, Matthew Frost, spoke on behalf of his peers. He shared some of his memories of being a student at St Joseph’s -  the first night away from home, the boys who have come and gone, the sporting victories, the adopted pets and, most importantly, the strong and everlasting friendships that have been formed. Matthew thanked the teachers, staff and Brothers of St Joseph’s, as well as his parents for giving him the opportunity to be a Joe boy.

At the conclusion of his speech, Mr Tarlinton left the boys with one final message. “Make us proud boys. Make us proud in everything you do.”

The Year 12 formal, held at the AJC at Randwick, ended the day's celebrations. The boys, who were dressed to impress, were joined by their parents and teachers for the evening.  

The cohort is now busy studying for the HSC examinations, which will begin on Thursday 16 November.

The college community wishes them every success.