BCC Graduates Say B-Y-E

After 13 Years of Growing, Learning, and Memories

The school bell rang out one last time for Burdekin Christian College’s graduating Class of 2025, closing the book on over a decade of classes, camaraderie and countless hours of homework.

The College celebrated them in style this month with a graduation ceremony at Populin's Hall and a traditional farewell on the school grounds. Both events saw smiles, tears and heartfelt farewells as the BCC community came together to send the graduates confidently into life beyond the school gates.

A Magical Send-Off for BCC Graduates

Populin's Hall doubled as the North Pole on Saturday, 15 November as BCC celebrated its graduating Class of 2025 with an elegant Winter Wonderland-themed formal graduation ceremony.

The theme, elected by this year's cohort, saw the hall adorned with the snowman Olaf, hanging icicles and snowflakes, gingerbread houses filled with ginger biscuits and sparkling trees, with the impressive cake by Naomi from Mix, Bake, Frost holding a personalised snowflake bearing each student’s name.

Students began the night with final photos at school before boarding the decorated BCC “Party Bus,” for a farewell tour of Ayr. Their grand entrance featured a choreographed routine to a mashup built around the song Beat It by Michael Jackson, a performance they had rehearsed over the preceding week.

The formal program included the presentation of senior certificates, with each student walked down the aisle by a significant other, gifted a rose, and recognised with awards. Teachers contributed meaningful tributes throughout the night, with principal Debra Creed delivering a speech likening each student to an orchestra, Mr Jensen sharing a poem connecting the cohort to a number of care bears, and Dimity Gleeson giving a special tribute to homeroom teacher Mrs Karen Wilson. Videos shown included a “Then and Now” photo montage and a farewell video featuring the whole school waving goodbye, with special student performances rounding off an emotional occasion for students, teachers and guests.

Stepping Boldly into the Next Chapter

In what was another emotional affair, BCC’s Year 12 cohort of 2025 gathered on school grounds for one final farewell last Friday, marking the end of 13 years of schooling. The day featured a traditional ceremony in the school hall, followed by a guard of honour and the final mortarboard toss, symbolising the transition from school life to the wider world.

Looking ahead, students are pursuing a wide range of pathways, with several having gained early entry into tertiary programs, including the Brisbane Conservatorium of Music, while others are taking up apprenticeships or local career opportunities.

Principal Debra Creed urged graduates to hold fast to their character as they take this vital next step into the world.

"I urge you to remember, while you are embracing change and growth, to stay true to your values, which are hopefully the values BCC have instilled in you during your time at our College," she told them. "Continue to show the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every human being."

She encouraged the cohort to embrace their individuality and potential, adding, "You all have your own song inside you. Whatever your song let it out–never be scared to sing it. Celebrate life, take those chances, make the most of every moment.

"I know every Year 12 student has something amazing to contribute to the world and I can’t wait to see the positive changes you will make to our society."

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