On Thursday, November 14, Gateway Community High held its 2024 End of Year celebration, a vibrant and heartfelt event that brought together our students, their families, staff, and special guests to honour the achievements and growth of our incredible young people.
This celebration was more than just a ceremony; it was a testament to the power of community, perseverance, and the transformative impact of education.
The End of Year Celebration ceremony was opened by Bella and Niyx, our fabulous MCs who kept us all on track and amused throughout the morning.
The event kicked off with an Acknowledgment of country by Cathi Fuller, a proud Wallumedegal woman. Cathi, a staff member of the School, reminded us of the importance of connection to country and community as we gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of our students.
Theresa Collignon, CEO of Macquarie Community College Group in her opening remarks gave a shout out to the students and their proud families.
"It’s my favourite day of the year because together we are celebrating YOU – more than 60 young people who took the brave decision to change schools, to set a new direction for your education pathway in a new school that does thing differently. This is a day to celebrate everything you have achieved and the incredible people you’ve become."
Theresa's enthusiasm was echoed by special guest Joe Kwon, who shared his remarkable journey of transformation.
At the age of 21, Joe was sentenced to 13 years in prison for directing a criminal enterprise. During his time in prison, he found a mentor who challenged his perspectives on life, education, and self-worth. Today, Joe is the Founder and CEO of Confit, a social enterprise dedicated to helping former inmates to transition successfully back into society. His story of redemption and growth left a lasting impression on all who attended.
A Year of Achievements
Natalie Creighton, Head of Campus, Emma Marshall and Danielle Collins proudly congratulated our Award winners, Year 10 Graduates and our first ever Senior 1 HSC cohort.
"As we reflect on another incredible year, we’re reminded of the outstanding progress made by our Year 9 students, who embarked on their journey at Gateway this year, and our Year 10 graduates, who are now ready to take the next step in their lifelong learning journey.
To our Year 9 students – Gateway is so proud to watch you grow and thrive in your first year with us, and we can’t wait to see where your journey takes you.
To our Year 10 graduates – you’ve reached a significant milestone, and we couldn’t be prouder of everything you’ve accomplished. Whether you’re heading into further education, vocational pathways, or the workforce, remember that this is just the beginning.
You’ve shown that with determination and support, anything is possible.
To our Senior 1 students – we could not be more proud of you. It was inspiring to watch as you tackled every challenge and made every effort to get to and through your first HSC exams. We cannot wait to see you graduate next year!”
As proud families and students cheered looked on, students received various awards and their ROSA certifications. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and determination these young people possess, and the unwavering support of their families and the school community.
Students Reflection and Performance
Gateway students Brianna and Phoebe shared their reflections on being part of the Gateway community of learners. Both spoke passionately about their journeys highlighting some favourite moments.
Niyx wrapped this all up with a great insight:
"The collective progress we have all made, both academically and individually, is an outstanding accomplishment which we should all be proud of."
These words beautifully captured the essence of the day – a celebration of growth, resilience, and the endless possibilities ahead.
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the student performance of "Take Me Away" by Peace Cult, performed by Olivia Turcolin, Abbie King, Andy Jurkowski, and Shane Butler-Sargeant. The energy and excitement of the performance showcased the creativity and talent nurtured at Gateway, leaving everyone in the room inspired and uplifted.
Words of wisdom from our Head of Campus
Natalie Creighton’s address had two strong themes – cherish the memories and seize the opportunities.
“The accumulated snapshots of memories are what build the jigsaw puzzle that tells the story of our lives. It is these small moments that we need to learn to look for, recognise and cherish. And I have countless moments provided by the students and staff at Gateway. I want you to strive to cherish your moments.”
Through the lens of pride, achievement and a focus on the future she reminded all that
“To chase opportunities means to be open to possibilities. Opportunities come along all the time in our lives, but we sometimes fail to recognize them because the opportunity is disguised as hard work”.
A Bittersweet Farewell and Warm Welcome
At the end of the ceremony, we took a moment to bid farewell to Natalie, who has served as the Head of Campus at Gateway Community High for the past two years. Natalie’s leadership, dedication to student wellbeing, and innovative approach to teaching have made a significant impact on the School.
We are grateful for her contribution and wish her all the best as she embarks on the next steps on her journey as a transformational educator.
We also welcomed Mark Burgess as the new Head of Campus. Mark's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Gateway, and we are thrilled to have him lead the school into 2025 and beyond.
As Theresa Collignon summarised at the end of Celebration ceremony - Gateway is not just a school; it is a community where students thrive because they feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow as individuals.
"Gateway Community High is about more than just classes and certificates. It’s about creating a safe and supportive environment where every student can achieve, belong, and grow. That’s our promise, and we work tirelessly every day to make it a reality."
This year’s celebration reaffirmed what we already know: Gateway is a place where students don’t just learn – they flourish.
Looking Ahead
At Gateway Community High, we promise to continue offering a place where students can feel safe, supported, and empowered to take control of their learning. It’s a place where every individual can achieve, belong, and grow – and we look forward to seeing even greater things in the year to come.
We thank everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey – our students, their families, our staff, and all the supporters who make Gateway the unique and special community it is.
As we close year 2024, we leave our students with this message:
"Go into the world and do well, but most importantly, go into the world and do good."
Here’s to another amazing year at Gateway!
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