A message from the principal

Final Assembly Year 12 2025

I too would like to acknowledge the Dunghutti people who are the traditional custodians of this land. I would also like to pay respect to Elders both past and present of the Dunghutti nation and extend that respect to other Aboriginal people present.

Good morning to our Year 12 students, and to the entire student body from Years 7 through 11,

Today is a special day — a day of celebration, reflection, and anticipation. To our Year 12 cohort, congratulations on reaching the culmination of your 13 years of public schooling. This milestone is the result of years of hard work, perseverance, and growth. As you prepare to leave school and step into the next chapter of your lives, I want to take the opportunity not only to acknowledge your incredible journey but also to speak to the younger students here today about the value of what school and education offer each of you.

To our Year 12s: thirteen years is a long journey — from the first day you nervously stepped into your kindergarten classroom, to the confident young adults you are today. Throughout this time, you’ve experienced moments of joy and challenge, discovery and growth. You have not only learned facts and figures but also developed the skills and qualities that will serve you throughout your lives: resilience, curiosity, empathy, and the ability to think critically.

Your education has been much more than academics. It’s been about building friendships, discovering your passions, and learning how to navigate the complexities of the world. The friendships you have formed here will often be the friendships that support and sustain you well beyond school.

To students from Years 7 to 11, and to Year 12, I want to acknowledge that school offers so much more than what appears in textbooks or on exam papers. It is a vibrant community where you grow not only intellectually but personally and socially.

One of the most valuable parts of school is the friendships you build. These relationships teach you about trust, kindness, and cooperation. They provide laughter in tough times and celebrate your successes. Whether it’s your classmates, your teachers, or your support staff, the connections you make here become part of your support network for life.

Education opens doors. It provides you with opportunities to explore different subjects, discover new interests, and develop talents you might not have known you had. It prepares you for the diverse paths you might choose—whether university, vocational training, creative careers, or entering the workforce. The skills you learn in school – communication, problem-solving, teamwork – are essential in any field

At its heart, education is about curiosity. It encourages you to ask questions, to challenge ideas, and to seek understanding. It empowers you to think critically and creatively about the world around you. The inquisitiveness nurtured in school fuels innovation and personal growth. Never lose that curiosity, regardless of where life takes you.

Your journey has not been without challenges. Over the past 13 years, the world has changed dramatically. You have experienced global events that have impacted the way you learn and live. You have adapted to new technologies, endured the disruptions of a global pandemic, and learned to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing society.

These experiences have shaped you into adaptable, resilient individuals. These qualities are as important as academic success. They prepare you to face future challenges with confidence and determination.

Year 12, as you graduate, you become role models for the younger students. Your achievements, your attitude, and your contributions to school culture inspire those who follow. You have the chance to lead by example—showing kindness, embracing challenges, and pursuing your dreams with passion.

Remember that your education is a foundation, not a finish line. The world beyond school will invite you to continue learning, growing, and contributing. Carry the friendships, values, and inquisitiveness you have developed here into your future.

To students in Years 7 to 11, your journey is just as valuable, even if it feels like you have many years ahead. Embrace the opportunities school offers you now. Build friendships, engage deeply with your learning, and develop your passions. Remember that every year you spend here is building the foundation for the person you will become.

Look to your Year 12 peers as examples of what you can achieve with dedication and resilience. They have walked the path before you, and their successes and challenges can guide and inspire you.

Finally, I want to acknowledge the power and promise of public education. Your 13 years in the public school system have provided you with access to quality education, diverse experiences, and a community that supports you. This system is designed to give every student, regardless of background, the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

You are part of a community that values inclusion, respect, and shared learning. Carry this spirit forward and remember that education is both a right and a privilege—one that can transform lives and communities.

Year 12 of 2025, congratulations once again on your achievement. As you leave school, take with you the lessons learned, the friendships made, and the curiosity that has driven you. To Years 7 through 11, I encourage you to embrace your journey with enthusiasm and purpose. School is more than a place—it’s a launching pad for your future.

Education shapes not only your minds but your hearts and your character. It opens doors and invites you to dream bigger. It challenges you to think critically and act compassionately.

Thank you all for being part of this vibrant school community. I am proud of each of you and excited to see the impact you will make in the world.

Congratulations, Year 12 of 2025 — and to all our students, keep learning, keep growing, and keep believing in your potential.

Thank you.

Kind Regards,

Simon McKinney