Reflecting on a year defined by “balancing tradition with innovation,” Orbost Community College (OCC) brought its community together to celebrate student excellence during its 2025 end-of-year presentation ceremonies.
Events were held for both prep to year four students and years five to 12, giving the school community a chance to pause and acknowledge the academic and personal growth achieved over the past 12 months.
Addressing the assemblies, principal Peter Seal noted that while the school is closing off its second year as a unified entity, the journey of evolution continues.
“We know we don’t always get things right, so we need to be patient with ourselves and each other, resilient and creative,” Mr Seal said.
“Things are not always perfect in our world, in our community, or in our school, but they’re mostly pretty good.”
A significant portion of the proceedings was dedicated to acknowledging departing staff members, including a special tribute to Koorie Engagement Support Officer, Lynnette Solomon-Dent, who is retiring after 11 years of service to schools across Far East Gippsland.
Mr Seal shared wisdom left to him by Ms Solomon-Dent regarding her time in the role: “Challenges taught me patience, resilience, and creativity. I discovered how to balance tradition with innovation, how to carry forward wisdom, while adapting to new contexts.”
The college also bid an emotional farewell to Mr and Mrs Thexton.
Mr Seal paid specific tribute to Dave Thexton’s contribution to the technology faculty over the past 25 years.
“Dave, your commitment to teaching automotive and engineering to our students has helped to create a generation of people with skills and knowledge that they use every day,” Mr Seal said.
“No greater compliment can come to a teacher than to see one of their former pupils working in the area that you taught them. We see them working in our community every day.”
The principal also acknowledged Mr Murphy and Ms Ryan, who are moving on, and wished Mr Bates and Mr Dunn well as they take leave for the 2026 school year.
Mr Seal extended his gratitude to the School Council for their work on the school’s first Strategic Plan, and to the families who have supported the college through the challenges of its first two years.
However, the highest praise was reserved for the students.
“You are the most important part of the school,” Mr Seal told the students.
“Your unlimited energy, adaptability and enthusiasm have helped to show us
how we should balance tradition with innovation.”
