<< Peninsula New 12 December 2005 - Students enjoyed 'rite of passage' >>

Students enjoyed 'rite of passage'

Year 12 students from Brisbane Water Secondary College enjoyed their "rite of passage" formal function at the Ettalong Beach Club recently, according to principal Mr Pat Lewis.

"At a glittering formal, 185 students, their parents and many staff members, totalling over 500 people, enjoyed a wonderful evening which was a fitting finale for six years of high school for a wonderful group of young people," Mr Lewis said.

"Befitting the occasion, students presented themselves in the best of formal attire and the sudden transformation from school student to graduate was amazing.

"During the evening, students were presented on stage to the audience and a slide presentation of their year's activities was shown."

In his address to the students, principal Mr David Beattie praised the students' application to their studies and their contributions to the school and to the community. Mr Beattie also broke the news that one student, Chris Richardson, had been awarded the title of Australian vocational education student of the year in the field of entertainment.

Another, equal dux of Year 12, Sarah Harvey, had the unique distinction of having her major HSC works in drama, design and technology, and visual arts, selected for state exhibitions for the best HSC works in the state.

"A notable absence from the formal was student Tessa Nuku who was performing in front of an audience of thousands at the high profile NSW Public Schools Spectacular at the Sydney Entertainment Centre," Mr Lewis said.

"Reports indicated that Tessa's performance there was outstanding and seemed set to launch her into her dream of a career in entertainment.

"In her absence, the audience were treated to a video performance of Tessa singing on Umina beach, and a wonderful live performance from Megan Purcell, also of Year 12."

Year 12 Advisers Mrs Nuku and Mrs Labberton and the students of the Formal Committee staged the end of school event."

Press release, December 7 Pat Lewis, Brisbane Water Secondary College