Ithaca Creek State School Year 6 Farewell

Thank you, Mr Nash, for your kind words of introduction. I acknowledge the presence tonight of Councillor Matic, and so many members of the Ithaca Creek State School community.

I too acknowledge the Aboriginal custodians of the lands on which we gather.

I am pleased to join you all for tonight’s special occasion. Kaye and I were very proud last year to farewell the first ever year 6 Ithaca Creek class transitioning into high school. 

Now, boys and girls, it is your turn.

It is a momentous occasion. And one for which I am sure your teachers, friends and family here at Ithaca Creek have prepared you well.

The advice I was most often given when I was young, was simply that I should always do my very best.

That is the best advice which can be given.

If you do your best, you will make the most of your talents, and feel a great deal of personal satisfaction. Now I confess, I did not always achieve my best, but the important thing, I think, is that I tried.

Trying to achieve one’s best – and, importantly, being true to oneself – will assist you immensely in taking control of the direction of your life.

These ingredients will also assist you in making friends and collaborating and working with others; all vital ingredients in helping you make your own successes.

As you have heard, I attended this fine school a very long time ago (and I note that while Ithaca Creek is 130 years old this year, it wasn’t quite that long ago for a 67 year old!).

I am especially proud now, as your Governor, and your nearest neighbour up the road, to be a former student of Ithaca Creek State School. My father, who was Principal here in the late 1950s, would be so pleased to see this former student in this position tonight.

I urge you all, boys and girls, to be true to your school motto, “strive to improve”, from this you will thereby succeed.

And always respect those wonderful people who help and support you along this exciting journey! May I as your Governor and former pupil of this fine school, add my weight to the advice you will have been given so forcefully by your parents and teachers: do your best, be true to yourselves, and, I must say, avoid drugs and avoid violence. Go forward realistically, and optimistically.

And thank you, parents and friends, for your undoubted support of these wonderful young people.

Congratulations to all of tonight’s graduands, and to the award winners, particularly to the recipients of the Paul de Jersey Academic Awards I will shortly present.  

I am absolutely delighted to be with you this evening, and I am inspired to hear of your performance and potential. I wish you all, and this great school, every continuing success! And I wish you all a happy, and safe, festive season.