Tocumwal Sacred Heart’s presentation night and Year 6 graduation was bitter sweet, with a sad farewell to long-running principal Pat Boake as part of the evening.
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Mr Boake has been principal at Sacred Heart for almost 40 years, and was presented with a photo book celebrating those 38 years at the school.
In giving his final school presentation speech, Mr Boake said it was pleasing to share the night with so many parents, grandparents and friends of the school.
“It seems hard to believe that I was only 28 years old when I first took this job on,” he said.
“Some may think that I’ve waited a little bit too long, but I can assure you that I haven’t stopped trying to do the best for every child in our care.
“I have worked under five Bishops, more than a dozen different parish priests, a multitude of staff and have taught many children.
“What have I learnt? I have learnt that most teachers want what’s best for children and work hard to achieve this.
“If I could make a suggestion for the future to parents, I would say continue to support teachers as they have your child’s best interests at heart.
“As children we were corrected and it has held us in good stead.
“Please let them get into trouble and accept the consequences. Please let your children be bored. Let them be sad. Let them complain, don’t fix everything. Let them argue with their friends like you argued with your friends.
“Life doesn’t have to go their way everyday. It is still a wonderful life. It will be ok.”
Mr Boake said he was proud of the young people Sacred Heart has helped develop over many years, which he said comes down to great support.
“Parents at this school are the people who have chosen these values for their children, and we have supported you.
“I am confident in their futures.
“Sacred Heart has delivered many successful people - whether they chose to be doctors, farmers, engineers, teachers, nurses, truck drivers, trades people, businessmen, AFL players, architects, IT experts, et cetera.
“They have developed into independent, thoughtful humans who have contributed to society.
“It is great to meet these people in later years and have them express their gratitude to Sacred Heart.
“Thank you everyone for the memories. Thank you for the many ways you have supported Sacred Heart and myself.
“I’d like to thank my wonderful hand picked staff for their teamwork. And I’d especially like to thank (my wife) Jo for supporting me all these years.
“We leave believing we have done our best.”
The Year 6 students were also bid a fond farewell as they continue their education in high school.
Each was presented with a copy of The Frog Prince, and a photo book of their time at the school.
Presentation results from the special evening are as follows:
Kinder/Year 1
Classroom Spirit Award - Eddie Blackbourn.
Christian Living Music Award - Archer Landmeter.
Persistence and Effort Award - Henry Garner.
Principal’s Award for following the School Rainbow Rules - Harper Nicholson.
Mathematics Excellence Award - Ross Grieves.
Literacy Achievement Award - Lincoln Wraight.
Creativity Award - Noah Grieves.
Imagination and Creativity Award - Poppy Boake.
Reading Award - Jack Edwards.
Years 2, 3 & 4
St Peter’s Parish award for persistence & effort in all key learning areas - Parker Boaden (Year 3).
St Vincent de Paul award for community spirit and an outward looking concern for others - Lilly Grieves (Year 3).
Diocesan Provident Fund award for academic achievement in all areas of schooling - Eliza Wraight (Year 4).
Principal’s Award for commitment to the school Rainbow Rules, citizenship and mathematics - Lucas Grieves (Year 4).
Persistence and Effort Award - Rose Wiles (Year 4) and Adélise Flury (Year 4).
Literacy Achievement Award - Rose Blackbourn (Year 2).
Mathematics Problem Solving Award - Banjo Boake (Year 3).
Consistent Sports Skills Award - Harvey Boake (Year 4).
Art Award - Lachlan Wraight (Year 3).
Creativity Award - Matilda Chappell (Year 4).
Resilience Award - Phoebe Chappell (Year 2).
Christian Living Award - Leo Haynes (Year 3).
Year 5 & 6
Berrigan Shire Outstanding Leadership Award - Chiara Galati.
Tocumwal Optimist’s Club Award - Alivia Noonan.
St Peter’s Parish Pursuit of Excellence Award - Lila Haynes.
Diocesan Provident Fund Community Spirit Award - Ava Mangion.
Member for Murray Helen Dalton Award for perseverance throughout the year and an ability to work with other students within his learning area - Vito Galati.
David Craig Award for Most Improved Student - Andy Smallwood.
Academic Excellence - Mia Noonan.
Creative Arts and Drama Award - Lily Fulton.
Principal’s Encouragement Award (sponsored by Tocumwal Lions Club) - Sloane Bonat.
Conscientious Achiever Award - Tobias Flury.
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