YEAR 12 GRADUATION DINNER SPEECH

Well Year 12 2020, I kept telling you all to stay groovy - and boy - do you look groovy tonight!

Before I begin my speech I would like to acknowledge the work of Kate Davis. Miss Davis as Assistant Year Coordinator has been responsible for organising everything you see tonight and it would not have happened without her. I would also like to thank Monica from Hoorah Events who has transformed our boring school hall into a glittering gatsby ballroom!! Mrs Chittick who was our counsel to make sure we were doing it right! And all the staff who have offered their assistance and support and are here tonight to wish you well.

My graduation speech was lessons learnt from Masterchef - tonight it is “Lessons learnt from COVID”

Lesson 1

We have learnt the value of friendship - and to actually be with our friends and in the company of people that make us smile and bring us joy.

Lesson 2

We have learnt the value of community (especially the St John’s community!) and the strength it can provide.

Lesson 3

We have learnt that it is OK to slow down and take time to appreciate, with awe and wonder, the natural beauty that surrounds us in the beautiful Shoalhaven.

Lesson 4

We have learnt how lucky we are to live in Australia!

Lesson 5

We have learnt the value of zoom!!!!!!!!!

But most importantly - We have learnt about the things in life that matter most!

This is the script from a video I show to staff when it is my turn to do prayer - it is something that resonates with me and hopefully you!

If life is a race, then who are we competing with, is there a prize for first place, or do we just reach the end a little quicker? Humans aren’t designed to go fast, sooner or later we crash. 

But when we slow down, we discover that life has a natural pace and it is good. We slot into a groove and life becomes richer, more pleasurable and more fulfilling, we may do fewer things but what we do we do well.

Life is where you are and what you are doing right now! 

Life will always have its ups and downs but you should ALL draw strength from knowing that you have persevered and completed your HSC - and although it was a challenging experience for each and everyone of you - you should take comfort in the fact that you did it - you successfully completed the HSC when others had given up. 

And know that the HSC (and life!) is a lot like the weather. Every time you hit the big storms that seem like they are going to snow you under, it will change and get better and the sun will come out!

In fact, the sun is shining so brightly on your future Year 12 - you're going to need those shades!!!!

Never lose your groove Year 12 2020!

BISHOP'S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

Broadcast livestream to our Chapel last week, we received the pleasure of presenting the prestigious Bishop's Excellence Award to worthy recipient Jonathon Staunton.