Official Visit to Cairns State High School

Thank you, Principal Zilm, for your very kind introduction, and for organising today’s special assembly. I also thank our Captains, Master Morgan Lui and Miss Tess O’Donohue, for greeting Kaye and me so warmly – you are a great credit to this great School community. 

I begin by respectfully acknowledging the Traditional Owners of these lands, and their Elders past and present.

Kaye and I are particularly delighted to visit Cairns State High School in this, the School’s centenary year. The ceremonial presence of the Governor’s Sergeant-at-Arms and Honorary Aide-de-Camp, and the flying of the Governor’s Standard, enhances the significance of today’s visit.  

Kaye and I have an enduring interest in education, partly because our eldest daughter, and both my parents, have been teachers, but also because of the transformational role education has played in our own lives.

Since being sworn in as Governor in July 2014, I have very much cherished the opportunity to visit schools all over our vast State, as has Kaye.

I am particularly pleased to have the opportunity to address today such a conscientious group of Year 7 students.

The transition into high school is one of life’s great adventures, both educationally, and personally.

My advice to you is quite simple: stay focussed, and make the most of your capacities – thereby you shall succeed! And do not forget to thank those who support you along the way – friends, family, and yes, especially your teachers!                

You are all very fortunate beneficiaries of a robust school administration and a dedicated contingent of teachers.  

This is self-evident through the progressive and focussed curriculum on offer here at Cairns State High School.

It is wonderful to see you all have so many opportunities to build upon this solid academic program, including through the attainment of an International Baccalaureate Diploma – should you so choose, and by participation in an array of sporting and cultural endeavour!

And, Principal Zilm, may I congratulate the Cairns State High School Symphony Orchestra on their recent success in the State-wide Fanfare competition.

It is additionally reassuring to see that the School is so committed to upholding the first part of your tagline – valuing tradition – in this, the School’s significant centenary year.

Principal Zilm, teachers, students – I wish you all a most successful and invigorating scholastic year, enriched by the fine traditions which have denoted Cairns State High School as exceptional for the past 100 years… traditions which I know will sustain the School for many years to come. Thank you.