St Laurence’s College 2021 Secondary School Awards Celebration

Federal Member for Griffith; Principal, Mr Leadbetter; distinguished guests; staff; students and supporters of St Laurence’s College.

 

I too acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and extend my heartfelt respectful greetings and best wishes to Elders and emerging leaders.

 

I am delighted to join you this evening, as we honour the remarkable students who have excelled at St Laurence’s College during 2021. I thank Mr Leadbetter for the invitation.

 

This is the first school I have visited since being sworn in as Governor of Queensland, and I am so pleased it is for an award’s ceremony, as they are always such uplifting, special events in a school’s calendar.

 

To those of you who are receiving awards tonight, congratulations!

 

It takes enormous effort, diligence and courage to achieve at the highest level, whether it is through academic, sport, or cultural endeavours.

 

Earning an award requires the determination to keep focused, to push through challenges, and to grasp opportunities along the way.

 

You should each be very proud of your successes, because I am sure they have not come easily.

 

The recognition you are receiving tonight is really important.

 

It demonstrates that what you do is valued and appreciated, and this in turn, helps to generate a wider sense of school pride, as you inspire others.

 

I am sure — particularly for all the senior students with us — these recent years have been made more difficult by the disruptions caused by COVID-19. 

Yet, I know that “Lauries” is a school that has long prided itself on encouraging and supporting every boy and young man who enters its gates. 

 

This is a “place of belonging” yet at the same time it also fosters individuality.

 

St Laurence’s students are encouraged to consider those around them and this creates socially minded young men, motivated to help build stronger and more caring communities.

 

Tonight, we must thank your principal, and your many dedicated teachers, who bring out your best, by sharing their knowledge, wisdom and talents, and for continuing the visionary mission of Edmund Rice.

 

I further recognise the important contribution of parents and mentors who do so much behind the scenes to smooth the journeys for the young people in their lives.

As some of you near the completion of your studies, I encourage you to draw on the rich philosophy nurtured by the “Laurie’s” community. 

 

Your future paths may twist and turn in unexpected ways, but if you remain true to the values you have learned, I am sure you will continue to find your own successes, and contribute to the wider fortunes of our State.

 

Congratulations once again to all of tonight’s commendable awardees.

 

I am looking forward to presenting special Year 12 awards later, but until then, there is much more for us to celebrate!

 

Thank you.