Nothing quite describes the feeling of graduating at the end of Year 12. You feel triumphant, the moment it dawns on you that yes, you have survived 13 years of primary and secondary and you’re still alive. But also bittersweet, because at that same moment, you realise this will be the last time you will sit beside your fellow year group wearing your Black & White —the College uniform.

On Friday 13 September, the College formally farewelled Yr 12 2013. While parents and family, armed with their cameras, took their seats in the New Gym, the Yr 12 boys sat quietly and respectfully behind the official party waiting for the Valedictory assembly to begin.

Senior Prefect Sam Hardy (ON ’13) commenced the assembly reflecting on his year as Head Prefect. He congratulated Year 12 on their superlative effort in making 2013 a year of ‘history-making’ and wished them the best of luck in their upcoming exams. The Headmaster Dr Mulford thanked Sam and all Yr 12 boys for their service to the College, but also offered some words of wisdom. He hoped that while each Yr 12 boy gained confidence during his time at the College, he also hoped each boy faced at least one challenge that had made him the Newington Man he is today.

“Be thankful for those moments, because it can now be considered that you can learn to cope with adversity. Be thankful for developing the skills to learn new things”, he said.

Dr Mulford concluded his address with a Franciscan benediction which, while blunt and direct, offered a great life lesson.

May God bless you with discomfort

At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships

So that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger

At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,

So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears

To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,

So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and

To turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness

To believe that you can make a difference in the world,

After the ceremony, boys from across the years formed a tunnel that began at the Space Frame, snaked up the banks of Johnson Oval and reached all the way to the doors of the College Chapel. There was thunderous applause, hugs and many more cheers of congratulations as Year 12 passed through led by the newly elected Senior Prefect Kevin Stathis (11/JN) and Vice Prefects Sam Woods (11/PR) and Thomas Van Der Velde (11/JN) . While some boys passed through with their heads held high, ready to take on the world, others took a look back at the younger boys who watched expectantly, before they assembled in the Chapel.

Congratulations Year 12 2013. You certainly did, ‘Make History 150′.