Considerate of others

185 successful students

When Mrs Farah and I first decided to become year advisers we had a simple goal, to ensure that every student in our year group was successful.

Consequently, whilst you were in year 6, I was already thinking of quotes and developing inspiring speeches about success and goals that would transform each of you into the best student ever seen at Cecil Hills High School.  Mrs Farah was sitting next to me at the time and I could almost see the regret, as she then understood that she would also be subject to six years of listening to me rave on about what it takes to be a Champion or a Little Ripper.

Whilst we may have initially had different ideas about how to mould the class of 2018 into the 185 successful students you have become, we were both united in the common belief that we would focus on building character over academics. We would be unwavering in our goal to ensure that the graduating class of 2018 was Intrinsically Motivated, Considerate of others and Confident in themselves. Today, I am very proud, as this goal has been achieved.

With Raw Challenge in year 10, I saw 100 students motivated to have fun and complete the obstacle course but there is one image that stays with me from that day. It is an image of Sammy Nance-Palmer struggling as she clings to rope netting determined to make it to the end of the obstacle. She took her time, refusing to give up and made it safely. It came as no surprise to see her this year come back from injury, determined to represent the school in soccer. Now her drive is to be a physiotherapist and I have no doubt that she will make it, not just because of her academics but because of her grit.

Saira Harris is motivated to help others and has not only completed her certificate in health services but is now already working in health care. Saira is not just waiting to see what the world offers her, but rather is seeking out every opportunity to be a successful person. Saira is but one example of the motivated students in the room today. We have also had a number of students that have been part of our family that have already taken the leap and entered the workforce, we have sparkies, plumbers, builders, greenkeepers, hairdressers, crane operators and child care workers that are already successful with their careers.

As well as being intrinsically motivated, we wanted you to be considerate of others. In year 7 this basically meant for you to stop whining about how mean everyone else is, whilst you did the same back to them. Thankfully as you grew older, you demonstrated caring and compassion for your peers, teachers and the community. Most recently, you agreed to donate $3000 of your fundraising money to farmers and students in need.