Now this is not the end

To the Year 12 Graduating Class of 2018

“Out there things can happen, and frequently do, to people as brainy and footsy as you. When things start to happen, don't worry, don't stew. Just go right along, you'll start happening too!”  

from "Oh The Places You'll Go"  Dr Seuss

At Cecil Hills High School, we demand high expectations in everything we do.  You’ve not only met these expectations – you’ve exceeded them.  In years to come, you may not remember which novel you studied for English and you may forget the Maths formula that you once knew off by heart, however, you will never forget the experience that is high school. 

As you know, the teachers at Cecil Hills High School worked tirelessly for you and they genuinely value the connection they’ve developed and are committed to seeing you turn into tomorrow’s leaders.  All of your teachers have invested their heart and soul into your grade and their reward is seeing you graduate.

Since 2006, when you were in Kindergarten, so much has changed in the thirteen years you’ve been attending school.  In 2006, in Australia, we had a population of 20 million, the Xbox 360 was released, Happy Feet was the most popular film in Australia, Greg, the original yellow Wiggle, retired from the group, the last episode of Blue Heelers went to air on Channel 7, the very first A-league championship was held (for the record, Sydney FC beat the Central Coast Mariners 1-0), Shane Warne retired from international cricket, the Socceroos competed in their first FIFA world cup in 32 years and nothing had to be ‘off and out of sight’ as the iPhone had yet to be invented!

I’m very excited and a bit jealous considering the adventures that lie ahead of you.  This is the start of a new chapter of your lives where you’ll discover yourselves, define your place in the world and forge your own path.

Cecil Hills High School is firmly built on mutual respect between staff and students and the class of 2018 has continued that tradition.  I’m proud of the fact that you’re all individuals with strong personalities, a good sense of humour and confident leaders.  As Dr Seuss said “kid, you’ll move mountains” and more important than your academic achievement is the fact that you are all good people, something to be proud of, I know you will conquer your individual mountain, whatever that is for you.

I’m the most fortunate principal in NSW, where I’m given the honour of leading a school with dedicated, energetic, committed and diligent students, not to mention our amazingly skilled and brilliant HSC teachers who’ve set you up for a rich and rewarding life.  Year 12, you’ve made a positive impact on our school and you leave with our best wishes.  I’ll have fond memories of you and we’ll enjoy watching your next chapter unfold. 

On behalf of our wonderful school community, best wishes for the future and congratulations on achieving this important milestone.

 Mark Sutton, Principal