Principal's Report

Farewell Year 12

On Thursday 26 September we  celebrated the Year 12 graduation. This most important event on our school calendar marks one of the last formal occasions that our Year 12 students will be together as a year group; as such it is seen as a rite of passage. As I take this opportunity to congratulate Year 12 on not only this significant achievement, but on the successful completion of 13 years of schooling. As we farewell our graduating class of 2019 I’d like to share my speech at this week’s Graduation Ceremony;

Good morning everyone and welcome to our graduation ceremony for our Year 12 students, the class of 2019. This morning is the end of one of the most significant journeys of your life and it is the beginning of the unknown journey of your future.

I would like to welcome parents, carers and families of our 2019 graduating class. As teachers we understand that you have shared this journey, and that it has not always been easy. You have been there for them as they have grappled with assessment tasks and submitted works. You have provided advice, guidance, support and laughter that has helped them get to this point today. Please enjoy all that today is and represents. It is a very proud moment for you, as you watch your children reach an important milestone that is so much more than a HSC.

Year 12, before I start to talk about how wonderful you are, I invite you to stand and show your heartfelt appreciation to your parents, carers and families who have been there for you, and will always be there for you, no matter what happens.

Now, most importantly, I would like to welcome our graduating class. Year 7, 2014 and now Year 12, 2019. You are a very special group of young men and women who shine in many ways. A group who care about each other no matter how different they may be, because you have looked for the positives in every experience.

I seem to remember saying to you, about twelve months ago, that this time would fly by – yes Mason, I worked it into my speech. And now you are here and your journey at Henry Kendall High School is about to end; but over six years your bright personalities have left a mark on the culture of what this school is. We asked you to be the best version of yourselves and to make each moment count. We asked you to always persevere. And you have achieved something to be rightly proud of. What will you now ask of yourself, for the questions are yours to ask? In the words of the poet William Earnest Henley, “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” There are times when we all compromise – that is a necessary part of the human condition. But not on the things that really matter to you. As an aspiring artist I was told that the subject matter in my paintings was too uncomfortable for people, and that the paintings were too large, and that no-one would buy them. It was pushed on me, even by some close to me, that if I couldn’t sell my works I wouldn’t amount to anything as an artist. And this led to some heated exchanges at times. But my art was mine. It was and is important to who I am. It was not to be compromised. I made very clear choices at that time that I would be the master of my fate. And still I have never compromised on my art. What I ask of you is, be the captain of your soul. Do not compromise those things that define you right now and will continue to define you.

The last six years have been about so much more than absorbing and understanding content so you can sit HSC exams. You have grown physically, you have grown socially, but you have also grown as people. You have developed characteristics that are essential to a fulfilling life. These embody a positive attitude backed by purpose, and therefore will have a lasting impact on your life.

A Chinese proverb once resonated with me; “Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.” Learning is much more than subject content or consistent high achievement. It is a life-long love of learning. In the end it is a sum of small choices. Each time you decide you WANT to learn something, you grow as a person and are intrinsically rewarded.  When I went to university it was to art school. I wanted to be an artist, and finished a three year degree. I was already at uni, so decided to tag on a teaching degree while I was there – but had no intention of using it. The first six months of study were pretty mundane – teaching theories, methodologies, all from a book or a lecturer. But when I did my first teaching prac, my world changed. Being in a classroom, teaching my passion to others, ignited a spark in me and my direction in life changed. I was still passionate about art, but my learning was in teaching. And throughout my career, as each new challenge arose – Head Teacher, Deputy Principal, Principal - I have found myself continually learning a new set of skills. And while I have yet to find any joy in financial management, I have learned how to do it. For you learning will now have nothing to do with marks and ranks. It is an attitude toward life. Be a learner and be open to possibilities – always.

I talk a lot about leadership, but not in the context of being elected or appointed to an office. The office does not teach someone how to be a leader. Leadership is an attitude cultivated over time. Are you one to stand for what you believe in? Do you have a purpose and follow that purpose to get the ends you desire? Do you have a vision? Be the master of your fate. Be the captain of your soul. Don’t allow others or circumstances to dictate your purpose for you. Discard the doubters. Be the leader of your today and your tomorrow.

Many see citizenship as someone else’s responsibility. But the truth is, it is more important now than ever before. We all face a rapidly changing, highly interconnected and uncertain world. This future presents significant challenges but also tremendous opportunities. Will you be someone who takes a role in social justice? Will you make decisions that make a difference to the place where you belong? Will you be someone who looks for similarities instead of differences? These things do not need to have a global impact; all changes start small. Remember, the distance between our dreams and reality is called action.

Finally, character. If there is any one thing that is evidenced by your daily choices it is your character. A J Perez once said, "I’ll take character over reputation. Your character is who you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."   We all have a public face. Behind the façade, who are we really? It is easy to say hurtful things about someone just to fit in with the crowd. How many people use social media to criticise or degrade someone – and all can see it. But would they say these things to a person’s face? Is this truly a reflection of who they are? If not, why be the keyboard warrior? The answer to this question reveals true character. Integrity and respect come from being true to yourself at all times. As you go forward in life be sure to look inward when you consider your actions and be sure that they reflect your true self.

And so, when I say that what you have achieved and taken from the last six years at Henry Kendall is so much more than a HSC; this is what I am talking about. These are the characteristics that have been developed, tested and refined, shaping who you have each become and will have a lasting impact on your lives.

While I sincerely hope that the HSC results provide the success for which you strive, I hold a greater hope that these characteristics underpin your sense of purpose and lead to a rich and fulfilling life. You are amazing individuals, all in your own right. Wherever you go, whatever you do, let these guide you.

Some people who have guided me along the way have been some extraordinary people – Alex, Senjay, Tiarna, Eli, Mason, Gemma and Oscar. Each one of you has been a guide and a role model to so many. Many don’t and won’t realise what you have done as leaders because so much of what a leader does is behind the scenes. Don’t under estimate the power of your words and actions. The greatest impact of leadership isn’t the office you hold, and the seven of you are reflections of this. The role models that you are, the influence you have, the integrity you hold – be assured that these intang