They might have hung up their uniforms but the unmistakable William Clarke College spirit was alive and well when the Class of 2025 returned for the annual Extraordinary Learners Assembly last Friday. More than 30 alumni joined us in the Sports Centre to formally celebrate their achievements, recognising not just their academic success but also their character growth along the way. Mr Alex Koch, Head of College, drew inspiration from Adam Grant’s ‘Hidden Potential’ in his speech, reminding us that “character skills matter more than raw ability. Growth requires discomfort and imperfection.” A powerful statement that highlights how being an extraordinary learner is about more than academic achievement; it’s also about the personal virtues and traits you build along the journey.
A special highlight of the morning was hearing from alumni Frederik Bounassif, who described how the support of his parents and teachers, particularly Mr Jimmy Macourt, helped him realise that being an extraordinary learner is about more than marks. “An extraordinary learner finds value in perseverance and embraces challenge, not for applause at the finish line, but for the way the process shapes character – character grounded in values that carry through every chapter of life,” he stated. Frederik also challenged our Years 10-12 students attending the assembly to find their own ‘North Star’, a steady point in the sky when everything else moves. “Each of you has a North Star,” he said. “It reflects who you are at your best – your values, your curiosity and your sense of what truly matters. You don’t need to have every answer right now. You just need a direction you believe in.” Wonderful advice that encourages reflection on the nature of learning and the person we aspire to become.
After the assembly, alumni joined staff for a celebratory morning tea, where they shared plans for study and work, and were able to peruse the Extraordinary Learners booklet gifted to them on the day, a special publication showcasing their journey and achievements. Thank you to all the graduates who returned for this celebration. We wish the Class of 2025 every blessing as they continue to exemplify what it means to be extraordinary learners in the next chapter of their lives.
