MS Short's replacement, Tracey Gatt, praised the graduating students for being so friendly and hospitable.
"Seventeen years ago I sat, just as you are now, for my final day at secondary school," she told the students.
"I heard my year adviser sharing life experiences but I don't recall a single word of that speech; I couldn't even tell you who spoke but what I do remember is the graduation.
"Various emotions fleeted through my body.
"I recall being both excited and apprehensive — or should I say terrified — about taking that leap into the real world.
"I also felt downhearted that I might never see my fellow graduates again and relief the 13 years of schooling had led to this moment.
"As I ponder, I realise those same feelings would have been shared by most, if not all, of my fellow graduates.
"You too will remember this moment: graduation."
Her final words of advice: "have self-respect, live life, set goals, travel and be optimistic".