St Gregory's College

29 June 2023

Mrs SALLY QUINNELL (Camden) (17:27): St Gregory's College has had a long tradition of sending young men out into the community well-prepared and informed, and this year's year 12 cohort will be ready. On Tuesday 6 June I was honoured to be invited to speak at their inaugural Night with a Mentor. The evening started with a masterclass with mentors John Issa and Anthony Minichiello, followed by a reverse interview involving three 13-minute chats with year 12 students. This was followed by an excellent supper and a Q&A session. The young men were beautifully prepared and asked pertinent questions such as, "How do I know what to choose at university?" and "How do I make my music hobby into a career?" I was surrounded by an incredible array of mentors, including pilots, doctors, lawyers, cleaners, local developers, scientific researchers and a representative from the United Nations. I congratulate Michael Ivancic, the leader of learning, transition and pathways, and Matthew Brennan, the headmaster, on a fabulous and well-organised event. However, it is the young men of the year 12 cohort who conducted themselves with maturity and intelligence who I congratulate the most, and I wish them the greatest of luck in their future endeavours.