Message from the Principal

Class of 2025 Graduation Ceremony 

On Friday, 26 September 2025 it was my privilege to address my final graduation ceremony at Kinross Wolaroi School for the Class of 2025. I have been fortunate to watch these students throughout their time here at Kinross Wolaroi as they have grown, learned and developed in character. They will hold a special place in my memories. Below is my address to the Graduation Ceremony.

Chair of Council, Reverend Andrew Cunningham, Deputy Chair, Mrs Paras Meates, distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, families, friends and students of Kinross Wolaroi School.

Welcome, and a special thank you to all our parents, families and friends who have joined us today to celebrate the graduation of this outstanding Year 12 class. 

Your presence here is a testament to the support, love and dedication that have helped shape these young men and women into the impressive individuals that they have become.

Today, as we say farewell to the graduating class of 2025, I want to acknowledge not just their achievements, of which there have been many, but the values they have demonstrated throughout their time here.  Many of our graduates are exceptional musicians, athletes, creators, dramatists, scholars and leaders.  Their Showcase yesterday was beyond exceptional. But beyond those accomplishments, what truly makes me proud is the way they have contributed to the life of our School community, showing commitment, kindness, and a willingness to serve others. 

It is the choices we make today that shape our future character, and they have chosen well. This cohort have shown us through their actions a genuine care and concern for the welfare of others, particularly for those whose life journeys have been less fortunate than our own. They have proven time and time again to be resilient, dedicated and supportive of one another.

I want to particularly acknowledge our school leaders, the Prefects and Captains - and especially our Head Prefects, Grace Simpson and Nick Tancred -  for their outstanding service, example and commitment.

To every member of this graduating class, thank you for your contributions. You have made our school a better place, and we are deeply grateful.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the dedication of our fabulous teachers and staff.  Your passion for education, your care, and your guidance have been instrumental in assisting our students reach this milestone. On behalf of our students, parents and the entire school community, I extend a heartfelt thank you to each and every one of you.

To our parents and families, congratulations. This moment is not just a celebration of your child’s accomplishments, but also a recognition of your unwavering support throughout their journey.  We know that the road has not always been smooth, but your love, patience and encouragement have brought them here today.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children and for the countless hours you have devoted to supporting school activities and fostering our very special community.

Now to our graduates, as you walk across the stage today, know that we are proud of you – not just for your academic or co-curricular success, but for the individuals you have become. You have approached school life with great enthusiasm and have been dedicated and determined in your desire to learn.

Remember that your academic results do not define you. Life is much bigger than exams and qualifications.  Your true success lies in the choices you make from this moment onward, choices that will be governed by your character. It is how you live your life, the kindness you show, the respect you give, and the contributions you make to your community that will truly matter.

I have been enormously impressed by your openness, friendliness and ‘can do’ attitude.  You have integrity and authenticity, highly admirable qualities that have been shaped by your regional backgrounds and the country spirit that pervades our school community. This combined with your natural confidence and warmth are highly valuable personal attributes that you must never lose.

As you commence your journeys into the future, I would like to leave you with three reflections, not instructions - for you are ready to chart your own course. Rather, I offer encouragement in three directions:

• to live a life of contribution
• to be brave enough to stay true to your values and aspirations
• and to keep a sense of perspective.

First, contribution. 

It is tempting, in our world, to measure success by what we gain — wealth, recognition, achievement.  But true fulfilment — as history, philosophy, and faith traditions remind us — lies not in what we accumulate, but in what we give. 

Winston Churchill remarked:  “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” 

Each of you has been blessed with gifts and opportunities. With such privilege comes responsibility:  to use what you have gained not only for your own advancement, but for the good of others.

Contribution is not only about grand gestures:

• It is about generosity of time
• Acts of kindness
• The willingness to listen
• The courage to stand with those who are vulnerable.

Contribution may be as simple as mentoring a younger colleague, supporting a friend or giving your energy to a cause greater than yourself. 

In the end, the true measure of your life will not be what you accomplish for yourself — but what you give to others. 

Second, courage. 

Courage is not just the heroism of battle or discovery. It is the daily determination to live with integrity. To remain true to your values.  To follow your aspirations — even when the world tells you to take an easier path.

Nelson Mandela stated:  “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.  The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

And you will feel fear. Fear of failure. Fear of being judged. Fear of standing out. But the call of courage is to act despite those fears. 

As you leave here, remember this school has sought to give you not only knowledge, but also a moral compass.  [pause]  It has asked you to consider not only “What can I do?” but “What should I do?” 

Hold fast to those questions.  They will serve you well.

Third, perspective. 

Life will give you triumph.  Life will also give you disappointments.  Perspective is the gift that keeps both in balance.

In success, perspective reminds us to stay humble and grateful.  In setback, perspective teaches us that failure is not final.  It is often the very soil in which resilience and wisdom grow.

Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor and philosopher, wrote: “You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength.” 

You cannot control every circumstance but you can control your response. And perspective also means remembering what matters most. Not fame.  Not possessions.  Not even worldly success.  What matters most are relationships. 

The Harvard Study of Adult Development - one of the longest studies ever conducted - concluded this:  

The single greatest predictor of happiness and health is not wealth, not status, not even achievement, but the quality of our relationships. Cherish them. Invest in them.

Know too, that some of the friendships that you have formed here at school will remain the deepest and most sustaining throughout your life. 

And so, Year 12, as you step into the next stage of your lives, I offer you this hope:

• That you will give generously of yourselves
• That you will live courageously, in line with your values
• That you will hold fast to perspective - through the highs and the lows. 

The poet Mary Oliver once asked: “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” 

Your answer will not be written in a single moment. It will be written in the choices you make — day by day, year by year. 

We are proud of you.  We celebrate who you are and who you are becoming. 

Go with gratitude for what has been given to you. Go with courage to live authentically. Go with perspective — to see clearly what matters. 

And above all — go with the conviction that your lives can and must make a difference.

Remember your friendships and special experiences enjoyed at Kinross Wolaroi School and remember that you are forever part of this community.

Congratulations Year 12.  It’s been a great privilege to see you mature into the impressive young people that you’ve become.

May you live not only successfully but significantly. 

Good luck and God Bless.