Students told to lift status

By SALLY TIWARI
AUSTRALIAN High Commissioner to PNG Ian Kemish says the country’s generation of today is the most fortunate with the high economic growth from the mining and petroleum boom.
Addressing Grade 10 and 12 students at the St Joseph’s International Catholic College at their graduation last week, Kemish said although today’s generation was successful, they had a bigger challenge of turning the success into developments that could benefit all.
The graduation was the fifth for the Grade 10s and the third for the Grade 12s. It was themed ‘Sent forth-the next chapter’ and saw 58 Grade 10s and 41 Grade 12s graduate.
Kemish said the students were well-equipped with high quality education and he had no doubt they had been prepared for the next chapter of their lives.
St Joseph’s College executive director Fr Paul Jennings said since the graduation coincided with the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women, his message was to encourage the graduates to fight against violence against women.
“Wherever you are sent forth, in the next chapter of your life, have respect for women and girls and have the courage to act against violence,” he told the students.
Ina Marie Mendoza, of class 10A, took out the dux award plus six other awards for high achievement and one effort award. Stephanie Deklin (12A) got the Dux award plus four high achievements awards and one effort award.
Grade 12 student, Helen May was awarded the Reuben F Memorial Foundation Award for her commitment to the school.