MCAULEY ASSEMBLY
SCHOOL CAPTAIN SPEECHES
I would like to begin by saying 2020 has been one of the most unpredictable years. There is absolutely no doubt that we’ve been through so much over the past few months. However, here we are. After months of separation, we’re reunited again. After months of lockdown, we’re free again. After months of uncertainty and confusion, our vision is clear again. So there’s always, always light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes, we have to go through the worst to get to the best. But through our hard work and determination, we’ve made it. We’ve reached the light, but we are about to enter another tunnel. So buckle up because this tunnel has a lot of mysteries and possibilities, but also fears and obstacles. But the good thing is: it’s your choice! You either choose to see obstacles as barriers that stop you from reaching the light, or as valuable opportunities for you to explore and change yourself for the better.
So let’s take a moment to reflect on what we have accomplished on a personal level and as a school community. Let’s hold on to what is good - the resilience we’ve built, the relationships we’ve formed, the things we’ve learnt - and let go of what is bad. Because there is a lot to be grateful for!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge my fellow student leaders who I formed an unbreakable bond with. A bond that connected all of us as one family.
And on behalf of the students, I would also like to thank all teachers and staff members for being incredibly supportive throughout this journey. We owe you a debt of gratitude for everything you’ve done for us.
I know I will miss every single detail of this school. The school that has welcomed me with open arms and helped me grow as a person and a leader. I never thought that I would be standing here delivering a speech that the whole school is watching. So to all students and the new student leaders, do not doubt your worth! You were given this life because you deserve it and you are strong enough to live it. Trust your abilities and grow through your weaknesses. You’re important, you’re loved and you belong.
Finally, we trust that you will continue to serve our school community with love and passion. Let your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more and work hard for their dreams.
Sonany Istaifo, College Captain 2020
For better or worse, I would say that 2020 has changed each of us. And now, looking back, I can say that I’ve developed and learnt about the importance of health, resilience, community, and not taking anything granted. It has been such a year of the unknown. Hugs and kisses became our weapons, not visiting family and friends became an act of love and using technology has never been more important to stay connected. Suddenly we realised that power, beauty and money are worthless, and can't get us the oxygen we’re fighting for.
With that being said, there are two attitudes that you could have had this year, one-blaming the world and the pandemic for your failures or two-doing things differently.
If you had the second mentality and wanted to thrive and be better despite all the chaos, you’ve won. If you had the first mentality, I’ve got a few questions for you.
What if you got the opportunity to start over? To go back to the start of 2020. To learn from every mistake, to learn from every lesson, and start with a clean state. What would you do differently? What if you had another opportunity, to do better, to be better… would you take it? Well, you get that opportunity every day. We all get that opportunity every day. It’s called WAKING UP. Every day that you wake up is a blessing and you should never take that blessing for granted.
Which means you let GO and FOCUS on NOW. What are you going to do right NOW to create a better FUTURE for yourself? What PLANS are you going to make NOW, for today and in the future to ensure this NEW VERSION of you is better than the last? Will your TOMORROW-SELF be proud of the work you do TODAY, by the PERSON you are today?
Every morning that you wake up, remind yourself that you have another opportunity to experience your GREATEST day. Another opportunity to push yourself. Another opportunity to set an example. Another opportunity to LEARN something that will make YOU BETTER. Another opportunity to ENJOY the day, to enjoy other people… to enjoy life. You are blessed to get the opportunity of LIFE… so work hard, have fun and make the most of it.
And now for the Year 10s, we might not be having our typical graduation and ending for this year. We might not have had our formal or taking pictures with family on graduation night. But we’re still graduating. Right now, you might feel uncertain. You might feel lost and upset but mark these words, things will improve and as they do, you will too.
So, as graduation peeks around the corner I’m encouraging you to focus on the good times. I’m encouraging you to focus on your accomplishments. I’m encouraging you to celebrate with friends.
You see, graduation isn’t defined by a sheet of paper, a stage or a mass. Graduation is defined by your courage. Your courage to move forward in your life. Your courage to take the next step. So, what does graduation mean to you? Because the meaning isn’t gone… are you going to Sydenham to do VCE, are you to join the military, are you moving to a new school? Or are you going to start an entirely new life?
To my fellow year 10s, whatever graduation means to you, I believe in you. Don’t lose your belief in yourself. Now go! Celebrate, and use your gifts and talents wherever it may be. As the school motto comes and goes, "Love one another as I have loved you".
