We often refer to
life as a journey made up of highs and low’s, successes and failures, happy
times and sad times. Life is a journey that must be travelled no matter how bad
the roads and accommodations. Life is a journey and it's about growing and
changing and coming to terms with who and what you are and loving who and what
you are. Life is a journey, not a destination. Schooling is just one part of a
life long learning journey.
On Thursday 19
October 2017, we acknowledged a milestone in the life journey of our Year 12
students, that is the completion of 14 years of formal education. Students enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast at the Vines Resort. This was followed by a farewell assembly with the whole school. Students from the Middle and Senior Schools reflected on the character of the Class of 2017 and the legacy they leave. The Junior School gave a delightful retelling of the classic tale of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, only this time the characters were the Year 12 students. The graduands left the assembly through a guard of honour, to the rapturous applause of the students. The day concluded with a special Graduation Mass and supper.
Graduation
from high school should be seen as a new beginning rather than the end of an
era. Hopefully, we, your teachers, friends and families, have had some
influence in shaping the people you are and the talents and skills you have
developed.
Our hope for you,
our Year 12 students, is that you leave our school and continue to grow these
talents and turn them into your passions. Follow your passions and challenge
yourselves to be the best you can be. Push yourselves and go beyond your
comfort zone. When you do this, you will make mistakes, but mistakes are made
because you are taking a risk. This is how we learn and move forward in life.
As you transition
to the next stage of your life’s journey I would like to leave you with a
couple thoughts:
Firstly, learn from
the wisdom of constructive criticism; though sometimes difficult to hear and
challenging to accept, constructive criticism helps you to become reflective
and critical thinkers capable of understanding alternative points of view.
Secondly, draw on
your faith experiences at Holy Cross College to foster a strong moral and
emotional compass. A well formed personal GPS will guide your day to day
decisions and help you to make a positive contribution to society.
Thirdly, make time
for face time. That is, have more face to face conversations with people you
agree with and people you disagree with. Have the courage to look people in the
eye and hear their point of view. Listen to understand first before you listen
to respond.
Fourth, give life
to others. Build on your Giving LIFE experiences to continue a spirit of
volunteerism. Healthy societies are founded on the willingness of people to work
together, particularly in times of trouble and doubt.
Finally, to our
Year 12 Graduates, I would like to say a big thank you to all of you, for your
contribution and spirit over the past six years. You have developed your own
unique character and personality and your legacy will be long lasting. I
especially thank our College Captains, Caitlyn McKenzie and Rebecca Hughes, and
all our leaders, for your enthusiasm and involvement in enriching the life of
the College.
Life is a journey, and
I am confident that you are ready for the next stage beyond school.
Pope Francis said,
“if we want it to have real meaning and fulfilment,
as you want and as you deserve, I say to each one of you, 'Put on faith', and
your life will take on a new flavour, it will have a compass to show you the
way; 'put on hope' and every one of your days will be enlightened and your
horizon will no longer be dark, but luminous; 'put on love', and your life will
be like a house built on rock, your journey will be joyful, because you will
find many friends to journey with you.
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