There is always something a little strange about this time of year. For so long, Year 12 have simply been part of the fabric of our school. They have been in our classrooms, turning up to events, leading younger students and keeping their teachers on their toes (only sometimes). And then suddenly, we reach the point where we have to say goodbye.
This Year 12 group will be particularly difficult to farewell. They are a group who have always been willing to get in and have a crack. Whether it has been in the classroom, on the sporting field, on stage, at school events or simply getting involved in the everyday life of the school, they have brought enthusiasm, humour and energy with them. They haven’t always taken themselves too seriously, but they have taken seriously the opportunity to contribute to our school community.
I’ve had the privilege of working closely with many of them over the years, and I have genuinely enjoyed watching them grow into the young men and women they are today. They have been wonderful leaders of our school, not simply because of badges or positions they have held, but because leadership is often found in much smaller things. Encouraging someone else, getting involved when it would be easier to sit back, having a go when something is difficult and helping make school a place where others feel they belong.
So there is certainly some sadness in seeing them go. Schools are built around relationships, and when a group like this leaves, their absence is felt. We are going to miss them a lot.
But that’s also exactly how it should be.
School was never meant to be the destination. It has always been preparation for whatever comes next. For our Year 12 students, a new chapter is about to begin – one that will take them into further study, work, travel, new friendships and experiences that none of us can completely predict.
There is wonderful encouragement in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart… and he will make your paths straight.” Our hope for Year 12 is not that every step ahead will be easy or that they will have everything figured out immediately. Rather, it is that they will continue to trust God, seek His direction, make courageous choices, care for the people around them and keep being willing to have a crack when new opportunities arise.
Year 12, thank you for everything you have contributed to our school. Thank you for the laughs, the memories, the leadership and the enthusiasm with which you have approached school life.
We’re sad to see you go. But we’re excited to see where you go.
Your time at school is finishing, but the next chapter is just beginning.
Greg