Official Visit to Gordonvale State High School

Speech delivered as Administrator of the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia:

May I say that Kaye and I are both especially pleased to be spending time with you today and to hear more about the good work you are doing.

Travelling to the regions makes us very aware of the tyranny of distance, and when it comes to education, we know just how important it is for the voices and concerns of students and       educators to be heard, so far away in our State capital of Brisbane.

I must congratulate you all on the school’s milestone anniversary celebrated last month - fifty years!  That is indeed a wonderful achievement and I note the names of some well-known alumni of the school including our current Treasurer The Honorable Curtis Pitt MP and Member for Cairns, Mr Rob Pyne. Both work hard for their communities and more broadly for Queensland, and it is certain that their education here at Gordonvale gave them some strong foundations for their chosen paths.

Being a contemporary Governor, I have my own social media accounts and website. I note on your website the school vision which talks about “Personal Vision and Successful Futures”. 

I was also pleased to see that some of the drivers for quality teaching and learning include “high expectations”, and   “personalised learning and productive relationships”.

These things all resonate so distinctly with what I was told by my parents and my teachers during my formative years; always strive to do your best and don’t underestimate your abilities; work hard on your relationships and always respect those who support and encourage you along the way – for these relationships and people will hold you in good stead now and into the future. And it was so true.

Visiting here this morning and earlier at the Gordonvale Primary School, I have been reminded of my own school days - of       teachers who had a passion for education and of fellow students who enjoyed the ups and downs of school life with me.

I am reminded that, in addition to learning specific curriculum areas, I acquired a variety of life skills including the values of loyalty, sportsmanship, integrity and friendship – skills which I am sure Gordonvale State High School has been imparting to its students for the last fifty years and will continue to instil in its students for the next fifty and beyond.  

I thank you all for enabling Kaye and I to spend time with you today and we wish you every success in continuing the fine   tradition of Gordonvale State High School.

Thank you.