Celebrate good times: FCJ College Year 12 students and their teachers makred the end of the year with a meal at Benalla Racing Club.
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It has been a busy couple of weeks for FCJ College as it wraps up 2021.
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The Year 12 class of 2021 celebrated the end of year with a Valedictory Liturgy and dinner at Benalla Racing Club.
And the Year 11s also had reason to dress up and celebrate at their end-of-year formal, also held at the racing club.
High achievers: FCJ College students Zanthe Newman, Abby Ogden and Molly Close were all successful in winning the Spirit of Anzac Award.
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There was also an unexpected surprise for three Year 9 students when a letter arrived from Victorian Veterans Minister Shaun Leane advising that three students had been successful in winning a Spirit of Anzac award.
Abby Ogden, Molly Close and Zanthe Newham will each receive $2500 to go towards their schooling, or extra curricular activities.
End of an era: FCJ College Year 12 students celebrating the end of their secondary schooling
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Principal Shaun Mason said it was a wonderful surprise.
“It is a real achievement,” Mr Mason said.
“The students entered this off their own backs. We advised them they could enter, but said it was optional.
“I’ve had a look at the entries and they are really great pieces of writing.
Dressed up: FCJ College Year 11 students Ash MacPhee and Dani Costantino at their end of year formal.
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“One was a fictional account of going off to war, inspired by family members, which was fantastic.
“The award is great recognition for the hard work the students put in.”
Ms Close said she was hoping to go on the school’s Japan trip and might put the money towards that.
All three said their parents might appreciate some of it going towards school fees.
“I was thinking about school fees,” Ms Ogden said.
“But I might also get a computer.”
Ms Newman said it was a nice surprise to win.
“I just thought I’d give it a go. I had no idea I’d be successful,” Ms Newman said.
“I’d advise students to enter next year. Even if you’re not confident, give it a go. You never know, you might be successful, too.”
Mr Mason said he was proud of all students in each year for their achievements in another difficult year.
“At the Valedictory Liturgy I spoke to the Year 12s about not forgetting where they came from,” Mr Mason said.
“While these big milestone events are significant I spoke about the small moments in life.
“Things like going to the gym or making a coffee, these are the everyday things that make up the majority of our lives.
“We spoke about reflecting about the photos on their phones. It’s not always about the big moments they cherish.
“It could be a selfie with friends that is important to them, and it’s about focusing on these important moments once you’ve left school.”
Mr Mason said he was also pleased the Year 11s were able to hold their formal after it was postponed in September.
“It was a bit different to previous Year 11 nights, which have been presentation balls with formal dances,” he said.
“Because of COVID we had to rethink how we celebrated this year and our incoming captains.
“They all brought a special person, a friend or family member, and we had a bit of a disco and a sit down dinner at the racecourse. And it was a wonderful night.”
As Mr Mason mentioned, the college has recently announced its captains for 2020. Keep an eye out on www.benallaensign.com.au and in next week’s Ensign for more on that.
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