Last week Catholic Education South Australia held two Graduation Ceremonies for Aboriginal students who, this year, completed their studies in a Catholic school.
At the first event, on Monday 23 September, 37 Aboriginal Year 12 students gathered at a Graduation Ceremony at the National Wine Centre, Adelaide, representing 15 Catholic schools. Year 11 students were also invited to attend the event as an opportunity to share in their peers’ achievements.
The afternoon began with a Welcome to Country, presented by Cliffy Wilson from Kuma Kaaru followed by a presentation of this year’s Artwork, Mothers of Country by local artist, David Booth.
David shared the story behind the work and the intricacies of the design and welcomed those gathered by playing the Yidaki (Didgeridoo). Father Tom Gleeson then led those present with a reflection and prayer.
Crystal Edwards, Captain of the Aboriginal Program at Sacred Heart College spoke on behalf of the Graduates:
“I am a proud Aboriginal woman, currently boarding at Sacred Heart College and raised in Whyalla on Bungarla Country. It is an honour to stand before you today on behalf of my fellow Year 12 students as we celebrate this important milestone.
“Attending a Catholic school has provided more than just an education – it has given us a framework for life. It’s a framework that prioritises justice, equality, service, and community. We have learned that knowledge is not just about academic success but about how we use it to make a difference in the world.
“Today is also an opportunity to thank those who have helped us get here. None of us arrived at this moment alone. Whether it’s family, teachers, boarding community, or friends, they have all played important roles in our journey.”
Dr Neil McGoran, Executive Director, Catholic Education SA, spoke to the Graduates with a heartfelt message focussing on celebrating their achievements and dreaming big for the future:
“I want to acknowledge how much work you have done, and how much you have learnt. School is also about formative experiences and relationships. School is when you form a social life; an academic life; a sporting life; a cultural life: and a faith and spiritual life.
“May these last few weeks of school and the next few years be times when you feel the freedoms of youth. When you feel like anything can be achieved. At the same time, I wish you the gift of gratitude. Gratitude for the support of your family and friends: and gratitude for your school and teachers.”
Each Year 12 student was presented to the gathering and received a Completion of Studies Certificate along with a signed and numbered copy of David Booth’s artwork.
The Aboriginal Education Team then travelled to Port Augusta on Wednesday 25 September where a smaller event was held at the Arid Lands Café, to recognise the Aboriginal Year 12 students in Regional and Remote Catholic schools also achieving their SACE and completing their studies in a Catholic school.
At this event two Year 12 students received certificates on behalf of the graduating student cohort, with staff and families from St Mark’s College, Port Pirie; Samaritan College, Whyalla; and Caritas College, Port Augusta in attendance.
CESA wishes each of these young people many blessings as they begin the next chapter in their lives.
The Catholic Schools Music Festival (CSMF) has once again positioned itself as the ‘Grand Finale’ for the Term 3 school calendar.
Now in its 36th year, the Catholic Education SA festival brought together approximately 1,800 students from 83 metropolitan and regional Catholic schools from across South Australia to showcase their musical talents.
