Official Visit to Shorncliffe State School Visit

Thank you, Principal Rehm and student leaders, for your Acknowledgement of Country and welcome this morning. I, too, at once acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands, and pay respects to Elders, past and present, with encouragement to emerging leaders.

Thank you everyone for welcoming Kaye and me am so warmly to your school. We regretted being unable to accept your kind invitation to attend your Centenary fete in September. From all accounts it was a wonderful event.

We would have particularly enjoyed seeing the maypole performance, with its long links back to the beginning of the school. Since the school was first established in 1919, the maypole dance has been performed at school fetes and public celebrations, and that the tradition continues is a real credit to you. It is one of the things that makes your school unique, and it is one of the many things to be proud of as a Shorncliffe State School student. 

Another thing to be very proud of is your commitment to sustainability. Each of you is playing your part. I congratulate you on receiving two prizes in the Active School Travel initiative. That is a wonderful achievement, and one that takes a whole school effort. 

There is a real sense of community spirit at this school, and it is obvious that this extends to the community at large. Kaye and I are looking forward to walking through the heritage listed rainforest, and visiting the Grandparents garden, and seeing what the volunteers do every week.

We are also looking forward to visiting classrooms and meeting students, and to witnessing the musicianship and artistic creativity of Shorncliffe State School students.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Year Six students all the very best as they see out their last few weeks as a primary school student and prepare for their journey into high school and beyond.

It is an exciting time, and I know you will take with you the lessons that you have learned at this wonderful school.

I would like to wish, also, all the other year levels the very best for the remainder of the school year. May I also offer every student and staff member early wishes for a very happy Christmas and a safe and enjoyable school holiday.

It has been a very long and fulfilling year, and you deserve a long and restful break. Thank you for inviting us to visit. Kaye and I congratulate you once again for the continuing success of the school over the past century.