Year 13 Graduation 2021
Year 13 students celebrated their graduation in June. This year the parents were able to celebrate the occasion on campus, and the event was also live streamed for friends and other family to watch. The social distancing rules did now allow the traditional ISPTA hosted reception, and in lieu ISPTA presented each graduate with a graduation-themed laptop sleeve and reusable face mask in colours reflecting Island School’s blue uniform.
ISPTA’s Vice chair and Year 13 parent Manju Anand addressed the parents and graduates on behalf of the parent body:
Dear students,
Two years ago when you started your IB path, who would have thought how fundamentally your life would change in a matter of months, and how unusual your IB path would end up being. It has been a challenging two years. There is no denying that you have missed out on some things. Large part of your last school year was done in distance learning, and many of the fun aspects of the school did not happen. Things have not always been easy, but you have made it. You have shown that success is possible even under challenging and unusual circumstances. These challenges have turned you into resilient people with the best “when I was in high school” stories of a generation – or maybe a century. I am sure I speak for all parents when I say that we are very proud of you all. And with the pandemic subsiding, you will spread your wings and soar. You will rise to the challenge and contribute to the opening up of the world again.
Dear teachers and staff,
I cannot thank you enough for guiding our children — no — our young adults through these years. We appreciate the enormous challenges that online teaching and working from home poses for education and running a school, and we are thankful for all the work and dedication put into this year. As parents, we thank you for helping to shape the Class of 2021 to these wonderful young adults they now are.
Dear parents,
Just seven short years ago they climbed those stairs at Borrett Road as fresh year 7 students. Doesn’t that feel like yesterday? Those seven years have been filled with so many joys, some challenges, and countless memories to hold dear. With this graduation ceremony, one chapter closes and a new one starts. This is true for us, the parents, as well. This chapter will be one about letting go, trusting the foundation that we, and this village of ours, have instilled in them.
On behalf of all parents.
Congratulations to Class of 2021, and thank you to each and everyone at Island School
With these words, we wish the Class of 2021 all the best for the path ahead.
Once an Islander, always an Islander.
