The Djarragun College community came together for an unforgettable celebration of achievement, growth and leadership at their 2024 Presentation Day. The entire school gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of their peers, say their official farewell to the 2024 seniors and welcome in the 2025 Year 7 leaders.
The Pullman International’s Grand Ballroom was packed with students and many travelling families. One student, Qinston Watson, had his family of over 20 travel from the remote Northern Territory community of Yuendumu to celebrate his graduation. He was the first in his family to finish Year 12 and was celebrated with great pride for his achievement.
“Our Presentation Day is the one day a year in which our whole college community comes together to celebrate," Principal Michael Barton said. For us, it is an opportunity to put on stage the very best of our achievements across 12 months.
“Day in and day out, our students are coming to school, going to classes, being involved in our sporting teams, committing to training and getting to recognise all that hard work in front of our community.
“The smiles, the gratitude and, most importantly, the role modelling they do for their peers is amazing.”
Students come from across the country to attend Djarragun College, including the Cape, Torres Strait, Tiwi Islands and more.
We are producing the next leaders for their communities with qualifications, life experience and opportunities that their local communities are striving to provide, and we do it in partnership.
Djarragun College Principal, Michael Barton
“The successes of our Year 12 students on stage today is 12 to 13 years of hard work with their families, Elders and their communities," said Dr Barton. "The teachers that have helped them through their primary years, the local school teachers; everybody has contributed to the success we got to celebrate today.”
Year 12 graduate Kaylene Sambo was mixed with sadness and happiness upon leaving the stage, but she also left with a sense of pride in herself for making it to the end of her secondary schooling journey.
“I am feeling a little bit sad, happy and proud of myself because I made it this far,” she said.
Kaylene then spoke about a role model who helped inspire her to become a better version of herself.
“The things I have today are because of Aunty Nola our Boarding Supervisor… I’m very proud of myself for making it here,” Kaylene said.
Kaylene seeking a career in the ADF to challenge herself and see how far she can go.
Cape York Partnership Group CEO and Djarragun College Executive Director, Fiona Jose discussed education's significant role in achieving positive outcomes.
“We know that when our children complete Year 12, they can transition to employment, and through employment, we can close the gap,” she said. “Year 12 completion with a pathway or vocational education is important to securing their future.”
