Year 7 Traditions - Graduate Speeches

Way back in 2009, we began multiple initiatives, which have since become Lockleys North traditions. Amongst many things they include collaborative online planning for teachers, High Flyers as a portfolio of evidence of possessing graduate qualities and our Year 7 Graduate Speeches.

For our senior students to be able to stand before audiences that can number 600 at times and reflect about their 8 years of primary schooling, it is both a challenge and right of passage. Family members and R-7 staff alike frequently take great pride in the exhibition of maturity, bravery and depth of thought by our students.

For those of you who do not have the opportunity to attend our assemblies, we’d like to share an example of a Lockleys North Graduate Speech. Ada Skalonja is one of our 2018 graduates who has attended our school since Reception and is an outstanding example of the powerful learners we are all working to support.

Ada Skalonja - Year 7 Graduate Speech

Good morning, some of you know me but for those who don’t, my name is Ada Skalonja and I am here today to share with you my 8 years at LNPS. I am currently in the very recently renovated Fisher building, for which I am very fortunate, with my teachers Ms J Martin, Ms K Martin and Mr Starr.

My immediate family includes my mum, dad and older brother. I have a grandma that lives in Adelaide and I also have grandparents and family who live overseas in Europe, whom I love visiting. Some of my hobbies include dancing Jazz, Lyrical and Contemporary at TK Studios, Taekwondo at World Taekwondo on Tuesday evenings, enjoying nature and jamming out raps in my bedroom.

My most memorable moments at Lockleys North would of course have to be camps to Arbury Park in Year 3, El Shaddai in Year 5 and when the Year 5/6s went to Ballarat, Sovereign Hill. Sovereign Hill was probably one of the biggest highlights of my time at LNPS. I felt extremely excited to be one of the first students at Lockleys North to be going interstate, so I would like to thank my teachers in Fisher and everyone else who played a part in making it possible.

Book Week parades are also very high on my list of favourite memories as I love dressing up as my favourite book characters and seeing what teachers and staff have conjured up. Sports Day this year was very special, since I was chosen by Malurus to be their female captain for 2018. This was a great honour and although we weren't victorious, I had a lot of fun encouraging my team and others.

Over my years at LNPS I have made numerous contributions to the school such as being a 10c recycler in Term 1, helping as a library monitor in Term 2 and this term being in charge of the Mac in Tech Team. I have also represented the school at many STEM conventions, lending a hand in the canteen, running meal deals and Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls. As well as being a member of SRC and other committees for events such as discos and Open Nights.

I’m super thrilled for this year’s camp because It’s my last one for primary school and I want to enjoy it as much as I can. I believe every camp holds new adventures, laughs and experiences.

As for people to thank, the list is endless. However, I would especially like to thank my mum and dad for always supporting me in anything I do and my older brother Amar who always helps me and knows how to crack a smile on my face. Thank you to all the teachers for working tirelessly to provide engaging and interesting learning for us. You have pushed me to do my best and encouraged feedback as well as asking questions to further understand the work and ideas I need to produce.

I would like to particularly acknowledge Mr Tarleton for introducing this new age of technology at LNPS. It truly has changed my ability to present and create my work. I express my appreciation towards Mr Clayton for being extra supportive, motivating and pushing me to strive for success. Thank you to Ms K Martin, Ms J Martin and Mr Starr for providing positive and interesting learning this year. I would also like to thank my friends for making me laugh until I can’t breath and for always being there being for me. I will miss you dearly next year.

I have loved my 8 years at LNPS, because of the multiple opportunities and experiences I have shared with friends, peers and teachers. I will definitely miss the many memories and even just walking through the gates everyday.

As for the future, I am not exactly sure what I would like to do but something to do with TV or media sounds interesting and I think it would be something I would enjoy. What I do know for certain is that I want to travel to exotic places and see the world. I have listened to approximately 658 speeches and it took me a while to figure out what I would like to say. So my advice to future Year 7s is to strive for progress not perfection and to not stress - everything will work out with some persistence and determination. And one more thing, enjoy every moment and don’t about worry about the little things because before you know it, you are up here presenting your graduate speech just as I am now.

Thank you.