Orbost Community College celebrated the end of its inaugural year as a P-12 institution with a packed day of presentation ceremonies last Wednesday.
The festivities highlighted the achievements, creativity and community spirit that defined 2024 for the school.
The day began with a presentation event for prep to grade four students held in the college hall. Each class showcased a musical performance, ranging from choreographed dances to an acoustic piece composed by one of the classes. Students shared their yearly highlights, with social activities like school camps, dress-up days and sports events emerging as favourites.
College principal, Peter Seal, officially opened the event, followed by an Acknowledgement of Country by Koorie Engagement Support Officer Lynnette Solomon-Dent. She emphasised the cultural importance of welcoming people to the land, ensuring safety and fostering kindness.
“All of our children that are here, I talk about making sure that you look after others and, most of all, make sure that you look after yourself and be kind to yourself,” Ms Solomon-Dent said.
Mr Seal reflected on the year during his speech, noting the college’s journey of growth and the strong sense of community that developed.
“We won’t be perfect on day one of 2024, but we will be ready,” he had predicted at last year’s Orbost Secondary College presentation night.
His reflections highlighted how that readiness carried the school forward.
“Positivity, optimism and general goodwill helped us begin the school year with great momentum,” he said, emphasising that great schools are built on people, not just infrastructure.
Mr Seal shared a personal highlight: an impromptu indoor cricket match during a rainy lunchtime that brought students from prep to year 12 together for some light-hearted fun which showed that that the goal of creating one united school had been achieved rather than three schools all coming together on the grounds.
He also mentioned the camaraderie of workmanship between the teaching staff at a maths planning event which very much stood out to him because of the staff taking the opportunity to work together to plan a curriculum for classes right through from prep to year 12.
The prep-grade four event was hosted by Sub School Leader Kelly Scott who led much of the event’s proceedings.
In the evening, the years 5-12 presentation ceremony welcomed parents and community members. The school choir led the national anthem, followed by musical performances from the combined school’s band. Awards were presented to students in recognition of high achievement and effort throughout the year.
Gabrielle Conte and Jacob Farley were announced as the 2025 college captains, receiving their leadership badges. Outgoing 2024 college captain Melody Mull concluded her commitments, leaving a legacy of dedication and service.
Orbost Community College has made significant strides in its first year as a P-12 college, laying a strong foundation for continued growth and community engagement in the years ahead.
Academic awards are given to students for their outstanding achievement across the curriculum.
Endeavour awards recognise students who have shown endeavour through effort and behaviour.
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Prep/1A academic and endeavour awards: Lily Smith.
Prep/1B academic and endeavour awards: Lisa Masamune.
Year 2 academic award: Harrison Clay.
Year 2 endeavour award: Chloe Ellul-Dandridge.
Year 3/4A academic and endeavour awards: Harper Smith, Hugh Den Otter.
Year 3/4B academic award: Beau Russell.
Year 3/4B endeavour award: Asha Farley.
Prep/year 4 domain awards: English: Elsie Freeman; Mathematics: Beau Russell; Science: Amira Barnes; Health and Physical Education: Hugh Den Otter; Humanities: Chloe Ellul-Dandridge; The Arts: Jax Marsh; Technology: Marcus Martin.
Leadership award: Savannah Lindfield.
Year 5 academic awards: Violet McDowall, Angus Seal, Malcolm Morrison, Ruby Faithfull.
Year 5 endeavour awards: Violet McDowall, Ruby Faithfull, Noah Cooney, Paige Grenfell, Alyssa Clay.
Year 6 graduation certificates: Jasper Anderson, Hunter Greaves, Cooper Males-Letchford, Marie Bradshaw, Trae Healey, Silas Martin, Ryah Burn, Jasper Hewat, Kitty Millward, Samson Clementine, Hamish Hewat, Abigail Palmer, Lity Crofts, Allister Horner, Hayley Russell, Charlie Cullinan, Alex Kenny, Jacob Rutherford, Kayley Dandridge, Ashley Light,
Chevy Young, Archer Flynn.
Year 6 academic awards: Jasper Anderson, Archer Flynn, Hayley Russell.
Year 6 endeavour awards: Lily Crofts, Chevy Young, Hayley Russell, Kitty Millward.
Year 7 academic awards: Orio Moore, Kayley Robinson, Tyler Austin, Leila Barnes.
Year 7 endeavour awards: Orio Moore, Tyler Austin, Audrey Marshall, Chloe Apps.
Year 8 academic awards: Mitch Herbert, Zoe Kleinitz, Campbell Edlington, Asha Milliken.
Year 8 endeavour awards: Owen Fisher, Hayley Jones, Mitch Herbert, Zoe Kleinitz.
Year 9 academic awards: Lara Seal, Harriet Freeman, Shelley Martin, Isabella Gallagher, Joshua Mitchell.
Year 9 endeavour awards: Shelley Martin, Jasmine Westaway, Aster- Lily Anderson, Harriet Freeman, Joshua Mitchell, Lucas Shanahan.
Year 10 academic awards: Fletcher Kleinitz, Phoebe Seal, Amilie Robinson, Katie Jenkins, Adam Healey.
Year 10 endeavour awards: Shaniel Newlyn, Christa Ridgwell, Mia Borley, Dragen Cameron, Alara – Reha Martin, Katie Jenkins.
Year 11 VCE Academic Award: Giaan Woerz.
Year 11 Vocational Major Award: Georgia Anderson.
Year 5-9 KLD prizes – Students have demonstrated excellent achievement combined with commitment and passion for the subject: English: Tyler Austin; Mathematics: Zoe Kleinitz; Science: Lara Seal; Health and Physical Education: Mitch Herbert; Humanities: Lucas Shanahan; The Arts: Jessica Hearl; Technology: Shelley Martin.
Year 10-12 KLD prizes: English: Amilie Robinson; Mathematics: Toby Herbert; Science: Jacob Farley; Health and Physical Education: Jessica Griebenow; Humanities: Joshua Hearl; The Arts: Isabella Puglisi; Technology: Kaylee Cameron.
