Rosmini College was determined to give its current Year 13s a special send off on Friday 19th November despite the lockdown in Auckland. However, a few changes had to be made in order to adhere to the current restrictions.

Consequently, the traditional Leavers’ Mass was replaced with a Liturgy held in the courtyard of the College’s new Mary Thomas Building. Once the Liturgy concluded, the departing Year 13s were awarded their Jubilee Crosses which had been blessed by the School Chaplain, Father Nathaniel Brazil. The boys then signed each other’s shirts and walked through a teachers’ guard of honour to the top field where a picnic lunch was provided for students and teachers alike.

Rosmini’s Catholic Character Leader, Lishan De Silva said the School Prayer and the Senior Sports and Academic Prizegiving began. Musical items were performed by Year 12 student Aaron Fiahlo, Pasifika Leader, Salesi Vea and Year 13 Prefect, Shewon Fernando. Speeches were given by the Headmaster, Mr Nixon Cooper and the Head Boy, Tony Lim who read his poem that began, “Seven years at 36 Dominion, Now we’re here outside John Copson Pavilion. Let’s reminisce on the good ol’ days, and forget about the English essays…”.

The captain of Rosmini’s 1st XI Hockey team, Jordon Thomas, was named Rosmini College’s Sportsman of the Year and the Team of the Year was the 1st XI Hockey team.

The Academic Prizegiving followed, with students receiving over 30 Scholarships for various universities around New Zealand. The Ned Covich Scholarship was awarded to Tony Lim, who also received the Father Charles Sormany Chemistry Cup. The Jared Lineses Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Joshua Moyle who also received the John Stevenson Memorial Cup for Determination. Year 13 Prefect and Young Vinnies Leader, Ross McFadzean was awarded the St Jude Thaddeus Commerce Scholarship and he also received the St Vincent de Paul Cup along with the Catcheside Cup. Rosmini’s Sports Captain, Isaac Rockell won the Chris Ireland Cup for School Spirit. The School Dux and the Proxime Accessit Dux will be announced early next year once the 2021 NCEA results are released.

The day concluded with an emotional haka. All the events of the day were live streamed via Rosmini College’s official Facebook page to allow the boys’ families to also share in the celebrations. Rosmini College wishes their departing Year 13s all the best for the future.