From the Head

In the four weeks I have had the privilege to know our current Year 12s, the Class of 2020, they have exemplified everything articulated in the well-known description of ‘The Departing Girtonian’.  

I’ve had several opportunities to address our valedictorians before today, their final day at school.  I am sure we can all recall that day vividly for ourselves, when finally, surreally, everything we had ever known came to an end.  However, two weeks ago, as they were entering their final days I shared an experience with our valedictorians in the hope it could positively frame the extraordinary difficulties of 2020 for them.

Between 2010 and 2019 I was part of a process whereby I was able to nominate a number of students for university entry without any reference to their school results or examination scores.  The only prerequisite for selection was that the student had to have endured some hardship or unexpected setback and, regardless of this, persisted with their studies.  In short, faced with some adversity without giving up, and over the years I saw these nominees succeed in their tertiary studies time and time again.  

Between the letdowns of cancelled events and the difficulties of lockdown, this year has been a challenge and none more than for our leavers.  The lessons of adversity told through our school history and reflected in our school motto, remind us that we do become stronger, more determined, resilient and committed when we overcome a setback.  What is more, adversity and achievement are interconnected, and that is worth remembering.

Dr Clayton Massey

HEAD

To view today's Year 12 final assembly, click below: