Principal's Message

 Mrs Josie Crisara

Class of 2023

The final assembly for the Class of 2023 was held on 17 October.  The theme for their final assembly was based on the powerful works of US Poet Laureate Joy Harjo’s iconic poem, “Remember”.  In this poem, Joy Harjo is speaking. She is speaking to someone younger, passing down wisdom, almost as if a grandparent is speaking to a grandchild.

It is a poem that speaks of memory, history and the connection between past, present and future, reminding us that our lives are woven into a rich tapestry of human experience and that we are not alone in this world.

Remember the Sky that you were born under, know each of the star’s stories

Remember the moon, know who she is.

Remember the sun’s birth at dawn, that is the strongest point of time.

Remember sundown and the giving away to night.

Remember your birth, how your mother struggled to give you form and breath. You are evidence of her lifer, and her mother’s and hers. 

Remember your father. He is your life, also.

Remember the earth whose skin you are: red earth, black earth, yellow earth, white earth, brown earth, we are earth. 

Remember the plants, trees, animal life who all have their tribes, their families, their histories, too. Talk to them, listen to them. 

They are alive poems.

Remember the wind. Remember her voice. She knows the origin of this universe. 

Remember you are all people and all people are you. 

Remember all is in motion, is growing, is you. 

Remember you are this universe. 

And this universe is you. 

Remember.

The poem has some hidden meanings but some very powerful ones. 

Remember where you have come from. Your past, your culture, your values,  your family and your personal experience are the building blocks of your identity. Embrace them, cherish them and allow them to guide you as you move forward.  

The poem beautifully captures the interconnectedness of all living things. You are the stewards of this planet, so treat it with respect and care as it is not just your home but the home of generations to come.  

The power of resilience. Life will present with challenges and set back.. Life is full of transitions. Embrace change and the lessons it brings. Embrace diversity, respect all cultures and celebrate the difference that makes our world so beautiful.

Remember the importance of community. In your journey ahead there will be encounters with mentors, friends and allies. Students were reminded to build a strong network of support and to remember to give back to their community as well. 

The essence of this poem serves two purposes:  firstly the human connection to our Earth and each other and, secondly, the realisation of the importance of each individual to this world. 

Our students of the Class of 2023 have the power to inspire, lead and make the world a better place as they are a generation of change-makers and visionaries.  

Students were reminded to remember that as they finish one chapter, the next starts, as they are part of a larger story that is still unfolding. Their dreams, their ambitions and their contributions are essential to shaping the future.  To hold onto the lessons of the past, embrace the challenges of the present and step out confidently into the future. 

May their journey ahead be filled with wisdom, compassion, courage and unforgettable memories and that they Remember that the power to shape their future lies within them. 

We then celebrated with a picnic and that evening at the Valedictory Dinner which was a time for families, staff and the students to take some formal photos and dance the evening away.   We wish the students well as the complete exams and finish their schooling. 

We congratulate the following Year 11 students who will be our College Leaders in 2024.  We look forward to their contributions.

We congratulate our 2024 Student College Leaders

Open Evening

Open Evening was a buzz of activity despite the poor weather.  The Twilight Concert was held indoors, the Virtual Art Show exhibited student work and student-led tours were run for prospective students and families.  Word of mouth continues to be an important marketing tool.  Thank you to all involved in the evening.