Official Visit to St Francis School

Mayor, Cr McLaughlin; Principal, Mrs Jones; staff, students and supporters of St Francis School. Thank you all for welcoming me so warmly this morning.

Thank you, Master Roncato, for the welcome to country. I too acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands and extend respectful greetings to Elders and emerging leaders. 

I am delighted to be visiting you for the first time, because I am keen to learn more about your School, and also about the wonderful town of Ayr.

As Governor of Queensland, my travels regularly take me to parts of this State I have never visited before.

I love meeting different people and discovering new places, because one of the most important things you can do in life, is to keep being curious – even when you get to be my age!

Indeed, I have recently learned that the St Francis School Crest symbolises both your School’s rich heritage, as well as its deep connection to the wider community, and your region’s famous sugar cane industry.

I know that this School – since its very beginnings back in 1912 – has always encouraged deeper thinking, inspired and served by a strong Christian faith.

Your School Crest is a reminder that we learn by looking in all directions at once, rather than along one narrow path. It also shows us that reaching out to others makes us stronger.

Soon I will be reading a special book about our Vice-Regal Dog, Gavel, to the Years 1 and 2 students. I mention this, because before living at Government House, Gavel struggled to find his place in the world. 

Yet, even when he did not succeed, he met people who helped him learn more about himself. 

At St Francis School, your teachers work hard to share their wisdom and knowledge, bring you opportunities to develop, and encourage you to do your best.

Your parents, especially those in the P&F, help this school thrive, and the wider community is enriched by the St Francis School values.

These relationships are what make your School strong.

 I encourage you to grasp the chances you are being given and make the most of them, because one day, you will realise how wonderful it is to be supported by the generosity of such an impressive School family.   

Thank you all again for making my visit to Ayr so memorable.