Captains Corner
On Wednesday evening the 3rd of December the 52 strong Year 6 cohort celebrated their end of primary school graduation. The evening started with the Year 6s arriving at school dressed to impress! They shared dinner together and took lots of photos at the photo booth before heading to the MPC where they were personally introduced, by a class peer, to the audience of their families. Miss Epskamp presented them with their graduation certificates and yearbook. Speeches were given by the Year 6 teachers (Tamara Scully & Yolanda Nell), School Council President (Lubna Edge) and local state government representative (Rachel Tien). The Year 6 Captains also each gave a speech that shared their journey of primary school and their experience of being a School Captain. In the final newsletter of 2025, we thought we would share these with you.
GRADUATION SPEECH – Sham Naser
Once upon a time, I started primary school. I met my prep teacher for the first time, I met my class for the first time, I did a lot of things for the first time. At the start it was hard, but I got used to it, it became a routine, a part of my life. I remember meeting new people. People who accepted me and saw me as a friend. Those people helped me. I became a School Captain at the end of last year because I wanted to help people too. I wanted to be someone who could be a role model for others. This year being a school captain has been enlightening. Being in a position of power has taught me many things. But I think the most important of all is I learnt that being a leader isn’t just talking, its listening, its collaborating, it’s having an open mind. I’ve become a better person. A person who got to experience many things, all thanks to the people who voted me. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here, If they didn’t see potential in me, I wouldn’t be here, if they didn’t think I was worthy of a chance, I wouldn’t be here.
This year as a Year 6 has been amazing. I didn’t just learn, I grew. Our year has been packed with events all thanks to our teachers. The teachers who helped me whenever I had a problem. The teachers who taught me things that are far more important than English and Math. The teachers who taught me that it’s ok to not know the answer to everything. Those teachers are the reason I grew. Thank you Mrs.Nell, you helped me during this last stretch of the year. You taught me to keep my cool in bad situations. Thank you Mrs Scully, you helped me grow as a school captain. You taught me that leaders don’t just have to speak. And thank you Miss D, the teacher who helped me through the start of the year. You taught me that learning can be fun.
And even though my time as captain is coming to an end, I will never forget those people that believed in me from day one.
And even though my time as captain is coming to an end, I will never forget those people that believed in me from day one
GRADUATION SPEECH – Ethan Shoshan
Good evening teachers, families, and classmates,
Today is an extremely big day. It is the day we have been thinking about all year— maybe since we first stepped into this school as tiny preps who couldn’t even tie their shoes properly! Here we are now, taller, smarter, and mostly able to keep our shoes tied.
Being a School Captain, this year has been an incredible honour. I’ve had the chance to represent our school, meet so many amazing people, and see how much effort goes into making our school the welcoming place it is now.
Thank you, teachers, for everything. For your patience, your stories, your dedication, and even the homework. You’ve taught us to research properly and taught us so much more than what fits in a book - even if it was the longest book in the world (1.2 mil words). By my calculations, teachers teach us using 1.6 million- 3.2 million words a year. You have taught us to be curious, to persevere, to be kind, and to believe. We are all thankful.
To our families: thank you for cheering us on, helping us, signing homework, and getting us to school—even on the mornings when we insisted, we were “too tired to move.” Or “We had zero sleep last night” Even just making us was enough.
And to all the Year 6’s we made it! We have survived most of NAPLAN, two camps, projects, and the annual Christmas Carols. We’ve laughed our heads off, challenged ourselves, and made memories that I’ll always remember. Even though we’re heading off to different high schools, we’ll always be connected by the years we spent together.
As we step into the next stage, be brave. Be kind. Try new things, make new friends, and don’t be afraid to chase big things. We might not know the future, but if there is one thing this school has taught us, it’s that we are capable to do anything (almost).
Thank you to everyone who has helped us reach this moment. We hope we’ve made you proud—and we promise to keep on doing our best in the years ahead.
Congratulations to the class of 2025!
GRADUATION SPEECH - Mann Attly
Good evening, everyone, my name is Mann and this past year I have had the great privilege of being one of the 2025 school captains. My journey began several years ago when I joined this school as a small, shy kid. I was greeted by a kind and caring teacher, Ms MacDermott (now Mrs Duke) and welcoming classmates. Most of them are still with me today.
Then in Grade 1, me and my family went to live in Sydney. The following year we returned, and I was greeted back with the same warm welcome. But that year, Covid 19 forced us to attend online classes, making us the first (and hopefully last) generation to ever experience that. The next couple of years I spent learning the euphonium & being part of the school band. I also developed an interest in running. Some of you have probably seen me running laps of the oval before school and during breaks.
I am so thankful to all my teachers who have guided me, supported me and helped me learn and grow. I would also like to thank my family who have nurtured me into the person I am today. I will always cherish my amazing memories of primary school, and I wish everyone the best of luck for high school. Thank you.
GRADUATION SPEECH – Anvita Shinde
Good evening, I’m Anvita and I offer my sincere welcome to our inspirational teachers, incredible parents, family members and of course my fellow graduates. We are here today to mark our significant conclusion of our time in primary school. It feels strange, this night has come sooner than I had imagined, where I am standing in front of you, delivering my last formal speech as a primary school student. Over the past year, being one of the school captains has been an amazing opportunity in my primary school life. I used to watch our previous leaders, admiring their sense of responsibility and maturity and it felt wonderful to be the same role model everyone would look up to. This role not only taught me standing in front but working alongside each other. Every assembly and conference has taken part in shaping who I am today, and I am grateful for the faith you have put in me.
To my teachers- I am sure we all remember stepping foot into this school for the first time. Small and perhaps a little shy. You met us here and you taught us simple things like how to line up quietly and how to listen. You made this place safe and welcoming, like our home. You turned those nervous moments into educational, fun-filled days. You didn’t only teach us reading, writing and math, but curiosity, resilience and kindness. We will carry these lessons long after we leave these gates. Thank you for your patience, especially when teaching us things for the 5th time, with your humor and dedication.
To parents and families- Thank you for those countless early mornings and late night help with presentations we didn’t really understand, the encouragement after a tough day and for always being our loudest cheerleaders even when your car was stuck in traffic trying to drop us off. You’re the foundation that made everything possible.
Finally to our principals- Miss Epskamp and Mrs Soccio, thank you for your leadership and setting a positive tone for the entire school. You are always there, whether it’s giving a serious address or secretly judging our costumes during book week. Seriously though, your hard work and dedication have made this school the best place to spend our primary years.
Looking into the future- Now we face the great adventure of high school. It’s a blend of feelings. A little scary but excitement that’s filled me to the brim. We are moving onto new schools, friendships and even new subjects. We will have more freedom but a lot more responsibilities. I’ve heard that the hallways are so big, we’ll spend the 1st week trying to find the actual toilets.
My advice to all of you is this, don’t be afraid to be a beginner again. Don’t be afraid to stand out and don’t be afraid to be kind. We are leaving primary school stronger, smarter and more ready then we realise. Take this confidence you have built and use it to make a mark on the world.
Graduates, I wish you all the very best as you take the next courageous step in your journey. Let’s make the most of every new opportunity that comes in our way. Thank you