Headmaster Mr Michael Blake addressed the graduating Class of 2025 on the final day of Term 3, emphasising the importance of their collective and individual achievements.
鈥淲hat matters most is the lessons you鈥檝e learned along the way, the challenges you faced, and the friendships that you鈥檝e built,鈥� said Mr Blake.
鈥淵our legacy is about all those achievements that impacted others, that inspired the younger boys to discover their own potential and strive for their own excellence.鈥� He thanked Head of Year Mr Greg Thompson, Leader of Wellbeing and Formation Mr Barry Hughes and Academic Leader Mrs Donna Quinn for their role in guiding these Joe-Boys on their unique paths. 鈥淏oys, you leave here with great heart, you鈥檝e matched your words with actions, and you鈥檝e shown how the small things are what really matters 鈥� you have contributed enormously to our culture at 国产探花. You shape the dreams of those that follow 鈥� never underestimate that impact.鈥�
Mr Blake reminded Year 12 that while looking back shows them where they鈥檝e come from, looking forward challenges them to shape where they will go. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e not simply memories to hold on to, but the foundations of what comes next 鈥� what matters most is who you are becoming, and the man you continue to grow into beyond these gates,鈥� stated Mr Blake.
In a heartfelt, emotional and humorous reflection, Head of Year Mr Thompson acknowledged the many boys in Year 12 who were the quiet achievers 鈥� the boys who went about their daily commitments without fuss; who went quietly to their desks each evening to study; who turned up to training each afternoon; who gave 100 per cent to everything they did; who never sought praise but simply worked hard and contributed. 鈥淵our efforts have never gone unnoticed, and each one of you, with your modest and unassuming natures, have been an absolute pleasure to look after.鈥�
His advice to the graduating Class of 2025 was simply 鈥測ou don鈥檛 have to be the best, just be your best鈥�.
Year 12 student Louis B responded on behalf of his cohort, noting that 鈥渨hat makes this group so special isn鈥檛 just the things we鈥檝e done, but the way we鈥檝e done it, backing each other, picking each other up when things got tough, and celebrating everything, win, draw or loss.鈥�
That is truly something they should all be proud of. 鈥淎s we move beyond these stone walls, I will carry that same spirit with me,鈥� stated Louis. 鈥淭he world outside is bigger and full of opportunities, but I鈥檝e no doubt we will face it with the same courage, humour and loyalty we鈥檝e shown at 国产探花.鈥�
