Fifty Seventh Annual Cadet Parade
The Fifty-Seventh Annual Cadet Parade was held on Thursday 10 May marking the end of the cadet year. The parade is a proud Ivanhoe tradition and a chance to see the full breadth of the Cadet program in all its splendour. Unfortunately, the forecasted severe weather hit at the last minute and the difficult decision to move the parade into Buckley Hall was made. It was, however, wonderful to see how adaptable the students, staff and guests were with such a last minute change and of course, the show went on.
Cadets isn’t just about leadership opportunities, it also helps students to work as a team and face challenges together. It was inspiring to see our students putting into practice the Ivanhoe Learner Attributes in their ability to manage their disappointment at not being able to march down to the North Ground by putting on a brave face and working together to bring their all to the ceremony in Buckley Hall.
As Principal Gerard Foley said in his address, “The Unit has again enjoyed an active year of training and leadership development, which was very evident at the Annual Camp. I commend the leadership shown by our Senior Cadets over the last twelve months. 74 Year 12 Cadets leading, teaching and managing in excess of 400 younger Cadets speaks volumes for the value of the program. On this particular camp, Cadets were challenged by a new, unfamiliar campsite, difficult weather conditions, and circumstances that required the unit to operate from two different locations simultaneously. In response, they demonstrated qualities that reflect the school’s learning attributes: they were courageous, innovative balanced and collaborative, and the outcome was, to use their own reflections, one of the best cadet activities ever run.”
During the official proceedings, we welcomed honoured guests, the Cadet Unit’s Honorary Colonel, Col Hugh Wilkinson, LTCOL Michelle McCormack, Deputy Commander Headquarters, Victoria Brigade, Australian Army Cadets, Professor John McKenzie and Mr Nigel Kendall, Patron of the Cadet Unit and former Commanding Officer LTCOL David Waugh, RFD. David Waugh was awarded Honorary Colonel.
After the official proceedings commenced the Senior Cadets held an impromptu war cry on the North Ground. It was particularly moving to hear the words of Hugh and Mika in their speeches to the Senior Cadets. They both acknowledged the struggles faced over the year and praised the seniors on their ability to “get things done, be so adaptive, resilient and reactive.” They also praised the grit and determination in the face of adversity of the unit and honoured the many friendships made over the course of their four years in the cadet unit.
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