Valedictory2024

Celebrating our Valedictorians 2024 

Tonight, I’m standing here not just as a proud parent, but as someone who's been on this journey right alongside all the students and families here. The journey from Year 7 to Year 12 has been like setting sail on a long voyage across the sea.

Most of us embarked together back on 30 January 2019, while others joined later - maybe in a lower year level or through the new Vocational Major. But whether we started together or came aboard along the way, we all set off with hope, excitement and maybe a bit of nervousness. Back then, October 2024 felt like a distant destination, far off on the horizon.

As we set sail, some of us cruised ahead on smooth, sturdy ships, while others felt every wave in smaller, more humble vessels. But no matter the size or speed of our metaphoric boats, we were all heading in the same direction. Along the way, there were so many rich academic and co-curricular opportunities: interesting core and electives subjects; camps, excursions and incursions; the Skillz program; expo nights; music lessons; concerts; the school production; athletics; cross country; swimming; and more.

Then, of course, came the storm we never saw coming - the pandemic. Suddenly, the waters got rough, and we found ourselves off course in uncharted seas. Homes became classrooms and we juggled work, life and school. For nearly two years, we navigated this unpredictable ocean, learning as we went and trying to stay on track despite all the uncertainty. It was a time none of us will forget.

Throughout this journey the Mullauna team have been our lighthouse, guiding our young people and their families through both the rough and calm seas. Their dedication, encouragement, and genuine care have been incredible. Whether during in-person or remote learning, they provided the stability and support we needed. The teachers, the principal team, the well-being team and all the education support staff have worked so hard to make this journey as smooth and rewarding as possible. Tonight is as much a celebration of their work as it is of our students’ achievements.

And now, here we are. Together, we’ve reached the shore. Each family, each student, may have taken a slightly different path, with different highs and lows, but we’ve all arrived at the same destination. We made it - through the triumphs, the 'ah-ha!' moments, the challenges, the late nights, the virtual classes and everything in between.

To the Class of 2024, this is your moment - you are now the captains of your own ships. To my fellow parents and carers - the deckhands who’ve guided and supported every step of the way - congratulations to us, too. We made it!

A huge thank you to the amazing Mullauna staff who helped chart the course. Tonight, we celebrate this journey we’ve all taken together. What a voyage it’s been.

Liesl Coulthard

President of School Council & 'final year' parent