Final bell for graduates

By Rebecca Fraser
THE final bell for 2005 signalled more than just the end of the school year for 123 grade six students at Berwick Lodge Primary School.
For them it meant the end of an era and the beginning of a new and exciting journey, as they prepare to enter the next phase of their schooling lives.
School principal Henry Grossek said 2005 had been a memorable year for the young graduates.
“Throughout the year the students have polished and refined the knowledge and skills they have developed over the past seven years.
“They have excelled both as individuals and as team members; academically, in the community, and in areas including sports and performing arts.
“For instance, this year our student leaders took on a more public role. Our confident and articulate school captains each spoke eloquently in front of more than 800 people at an assembly celebrating our 15th birthday in May of this year.
“And, at the Early Learning Expo, they welcomed visitors to our display and talked about some of their many positive experiences at our school,” he said.
Mr Grossek said there had been many highlights throughout the year, including “Way Back When”, the annual production which played to sell-out audiences, and the enormously popular “Fantastic Fridays” elective program which engaged students in a range of activities from fashion design to film-making.
He said students also completed a transition program for entering Year 7 and understandably had mixed feelings about leaving Berwick Lodge.
“There is excitement at the prospect of new challenges, but a little sadness too, as friends split up to attend different colleges.
School captains Suzannah Kalweit and Jake Campbell said they had enjoyed the many opportunities presented in their years at the school.
Jake, a Berwick Lodge student since prep especially enjoyed his involvement in the radio program that aired on 97.7FM SER.
“I have enjoyed my role as captain and I have been proud to show visitors around our school and point out all our wonderful features. I am really looking forward to moving on to high school but I will be sad to say goodbye to Berwick Lodge,” he said.
Students celebrated their graduation with their teachers at a formal dinner on Monday where they were presented with graduation certificates and give a special performance for their parents.
“As principal, I am very proud of this year’s graduating class – the largest in our school’s history,” Mr Grossek said.
“You have all conducted yourselves admirably and have been great ambassadors for Berwick Lodge. Thank you for the wonderful year we have shared together.
“ I’m sure I speak for all your teachers when I wish you every success in the next chapter of your lives,” Mr Grossek said.