Final speech to year 8 leavers of 2012

Ira Hayes, a Native American Indian once said – no one complains about a speech being too short…I don’t like complaints so I’ll do my best here

Thank you to all of you for coming tonight for our 2012 year 8 dinner.

Thank you to the Board of Trustees, represented here by Dave Griffiths, who give so much of their valuable time so generously through out the year. They do this quietly and with efficiency.

Thank you to the parents of our year 8 children who have stuck with and supported Muritai School, in many cases for many, many years. For most of you this is your last year at Muritai and I hope you feel a sense of pride in what your children have achieved here and that as a school community you feel a real sense of pride to be part of.

To our students - this is your evening. I am very proud of you. I am sure you mums, dads and family are very proud of you…I know your teachers are proud of you and this school is proud of you. You have been an impressive group of pupils, you are lovely people, each and every one of you, and all have something to offer our world.

Most of you have been here since 5 years old and each of you has offered something special to this school.

As you move onto your senior schools, think of all the things you have done here, whether it was the school productions, wearable arts, choirs, representing the school in team sport and even your everyday class work. All of these things are an important part of your education and a special part of growing up.

As your principal for the last 8 years I have really enjoyed this group…sometimes we have enjoyed you more than other times, but overall you have been excellent school leaders this year and set a strong school tone for our younger pupils to follow. Of course as you are still 12 and 13, at times you are just that 12 and 13 and that is OK. But this group does have a real ‘can do’ attitude so hold onto that spirit going forward. I do want to add that going forward may be tough but remember your core values, have integrity and always live by the golden rule – do unto others how you would expect them to treat you. Be kind and make a difference.

On your behalf I would like to thank staff of both the Main School and the Muritai Senior School staff who through their dedication and hard work have improved your results, outcomes and behaviour year after year and put so much effort into making your Muritai experience a positive one. To Stu, Lisa, Ruth and Melissa and their support team of Diane, Hillary, Romy and Abby and Ann – thank you for polishing the rough edges off these diamonds this year.

Prize giving is a strange occasion – a mixture of happy and sad emotions, but at its core it’s a time to acknowledge the many personal successes you have had over the years. It is also time to congratulate those who receive an award tonight. Not all of you will win a prize tonight. Don’t be disappointed. As far as the school, the other pupils, and your parents are concerned – each and every one is a success story.

In 2 days time you will be on your next journey. I would like to finish tonight with a piece from Robert J Hastings entitled The Station…it encapsulates the life advice that I would like to give you as you approach the next stage of education and beyond which we all hope will be a lifelong and successful journey.

Tucked away in our subconscious mind is an idyllic vision. We see ourselves on a long, long trip that almost spans continents. We’re travelling by train and out the windows we see the passing scene of cars on the motorway, cattle grazing in the field, rows of corn and wheat, flatlands and valleys, mountains and hillsides, city skylines and wave topped harbours…biting winter, blazing summer, cavorting spring and docile autumn.

Uppermost in our minds is the final destination. On a certain hour on a certain day we will pull into the station. Once we get there…will there be bands playing, flags waving, will our dreams come true, will our wishes be fulfilled…… will the many pieces of our lives finally be neatly fitted together like a completed jigsaw puzzle. How we wait, restlessly for the station.

Sooner or later we will realize there is no one station, no one place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of our life is the journey. The station is only a dream that stays in the distance.

When we get to the station will that be it….

Translated this means…

When I get to 17 will that be it…I can drive and have my first car

When I get to university ….that will be it…

When I get my first flash car …that will be it

For us adults it means…

When our last child leaves home that will be it…

When I have paid off the mortgage…that will be it…

When I get to the top of my career…that will be it….

When I reach retirement…that will be it…

And only then will I live happily ever after!

Unfortunately, once we get ‘it’, then ‘it’ disappears. The station hides itself further at the end of an endless track.

SO be happy now and enjoy the moment…there are many more moments to come. As you go forward to the next station don’t pace the aisles and count the miles. Climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, wear bare feet, jump off the wharf, laugh more and cry less. Our lives must be enjoyed as we go along. The next station will come soon enough.

So as you move off to your high schools, throw yourself into the opportunities that are available to you enjoy the moment, the challenge and possibility but most importantly and above all, do your very best.