Graduating Class of 2021
To the graduating class of 2021,
Talking with some of you recently and reflecting on the past 6 years, I’ve been thinking of that Disney film ‘Inside Out’ where we see the protagonist’s memories and emotions stored in different coloured bulbs and over time some of those memories fade, but others stay as illuminated as they ever were. Take a moment to reflect on the memories made here that light your life.
You have reminded me of the old canteen, the Silent Room, the old Greensborough bus breaking down and I have remembered many of you as tiny Grade 6 students on Orientation Day and your first days of Year 7. You have reminded me of your responsibility of being ‘duty students’ and I have remembered the comfort of Camp Barjarg. What will you remember from your time here?
The class of 2021 has made many outstanding sporting, arts and academic contributions throughout the years.
We fondly remember your participation in the State Schools Spectacular, Annie and the School of Rock, arts shows, cheerleading, music soirees, and being extras on the Nowhere Boys, and we applaud your courage and immense efforts with these performances.
We commend all of you who have represented the college through sports, athletics and swimming competitions. There have been many wins and our fair share of losses, but most importantly, we thank you for always participating with great sportsmanship and respect. A special shout out to the Year 7 Boys Basketball State Championship team. I should also note that not one of them have taken up my challenge for a one on one basketball game.
We have students who have excelled and celebrated success in many academic pursuits and we are fortunate to be surrounded by amazing poets, brilliant math and science minds, historians, future politicians, engineers, lawyers, teachers, health-care workers and anything else you dare dream to be.
As we celebrate all that you have achieved and experienced, we should also dedicate some time to applaud the people you are. You are a class of unique characters with varying approaches to life, different aspirations and all the weird and wonderful things that make you…you… but you also share some common characteristics. You are a class of kind-hearted, good natured, empathetic and caring young adults, and for that, you should all be immensely proud.
You came through the old buildings and helped shape the new. The Greensborough College you leave behind looks quite different from the Greensborough College of 2016, but as much as things change, they, in many respects, stay the same. Whilst we are very fortunate to have these modern facilities to take us forward, we also acknowledge that a great school is not merely bricks and mortar. A great school has culture, it is a community, it embodies the spirit of mateship and endeavour – a school is great because of you, the students. You have personified these qualities and you have upheld traditions passed on from those who walked before you, and you have established some of your own which will carry on throughout the years. You have been the heartbeat of this great school and your legacy will forever remain in the spirit of students who are yet to walk the path you’ve laid. To the future graduating classes of Greensborough College, as you make your way through adolescence and try make sense of it all, look to the class of 2021 for guidance and inspiration, for here they stand, having gone through it all.
From the victories and triumphs, to the tragedies and epic fails. From talking about your Jar of Junk to presenting your final English speeches. From fidget spinners to mullets and from dabbing to Covid, here you stand, ready to overcome whatever else life throws your way.
As a rose grows from a crack in the concrete, you too emerge from adversity, having fought through it all and here you stand, ready to bloom with aplomb. So, walk tall and shine bright and thank you for adding to the light in my life.
Yours sincerely,
Shane Maloney