Churchill Avenue News

A couple of weeks ago we farewelled the Class of 2023 with three beautiful ceremonies; the Valedictory Assembly, where we recognized all the students and made special mention of those students who excelled throughout the year, The Valedictory Mass where we were joined by the parents and each student received their graduation certificate and a gift from the College, and then we wrapped up proceedings at the Valedictory dinner. These events were a fitting way of saying goodbye to a group of students who had given so much and had left a lasting impact on this community. I share my Valedictory speech, which I delivered on the day, reminding the students that they will continue to have an impact and that they needed to decide what impact they wanted to have.

The students are now busily undertaking their final exams and we wish them well and we hope that their results reflect the students work and ability. Our Year Ten and Eleven students also entered their exam phase on Friday and we wish them all the best too.

Please enjoy my valedictory speech:

Staff, students, proud parents, and the graduating class of 2023,

Today, as you stand on the threshold of a new chapter in your lives. I am honoured to address you as the principal of this remarkable institution. Graduation is a momentous occasion, one that marks not just the end of a chapter, but also the beginning of a new journey. As you bid farewell to the familiarity of your school, you carry with you the memories, experiences, and friendships that have shaped you into the individuals you are today.

The theme I have chosen for this valedictory speech is simple, yet I believe profound: "Leaving a Positive Mark on Those Around You." Jane Goodall once said “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you must decide what kind of difference you want to make.”

The theme encapsulates the essence of your time here at this school. The legacy you have left and the legacy you should strive to create as you move forward. In life we leave our mark regardless of whether we choose to or not. Our actions, our words, and our demeanor all impact those around us.

Throughout your educational journey, you have learned much more than just facts and figures. You have learned about compassion, resilience, and the power of community. Hopefully you have discovered that a smile, a kind word, or a helping hand can leave a lasting impression on the lives of others. It is these moments of empathy and connection that truly define our legacy.

Each of you has had the privilege of being influenced by incredible teachers, mentors, and peers. They have not only imparted knowledge but also instilled in you the values of integrity, empathy, and kindness. Over the past six years it would have been impossible not to have been impacted by the care and concern your teachers have shown you. Nor would it be possible not to have been influenced by your peers. Now the examples I use are students that have impacted on me or that I have noticed impacting on others, there would be thousands more examples that other teachers have experienced or you yourselves have experienced so as I share my examples think of the people who have impacted on you over the past six years, those who have left an indelible mark on you.

Many of us have been wowed by the talents of Daniel Serpa, Anna-Marie or Thu. Or had our day brightened by the smiles of the likes of Ryan, Kaya, or Sarah. I’m sure some of you have watched on in awe, witnessing the dedication and hard work of students like Lilianna, Zoriana, Destiny, Samantha Sacco and co, or been moved by the speeches or marvelled at the leadership of your Captains, Uzonna and Izabella, or been amazed by the enthusiasm and exuberance of Grace; maybe some have felt a tinge of guilt as you witnessed the social awareness of students like Ivy, Chelsea and Max. Who will ever be able to forget the big personalities of the likes of Sebastian, Kingy, Eyobe and their crew and who will forget the sophistication of Thomas Tu. All these are but examples of students who have influenced and impacted on our community over the past six years yet I’m sure these students didn’t set out deliberately to impact those around them, and probably weren’t even aware of the impact they were having, however their actions, words, behaviours did have an impact in a positive way. Stephen Covey highlighted this when he said “What you do has far greater impact than what you say.”

As we step into the world beyond these walls, you must remember the importance of paying it forward. You must strive to be the source of inspiration, guidance, support and most importantly a source of joy for others, the people you encounter, known or unknown, just as your teachers and friends have been for you.

Leaving a positive mark on those around you doesn't require grand gestures or extraordinary acts. It can begin with the small, everyday choices we make. A smile, a greeting, an act of kindness. It can be about being a good friend, a caring neighbour, or being a responsible citizen. It might be about lending a hand to someone in need, listening to someone's troubles, or offering words of encouragement. It's about being present, being a beacon of positivity in a world crying out for good people.

As you embark on your respective paths, whether it be in further education, the workforce, or pursuing your passions, carry with you the conviction that you can make a difference. Remember that your actions, no matter how small, have the potential to ripple through the lives of others, creating a wave of positivity that can extend far beyond your own reach.

In conclusion, I want to congratulate each and every one of you for being sources of positivity in your time spent at the College and on the remarkable achievement of completing your secondary schooling but most importantly thank you and congratulate you for simply being you. To our award winners recognised today; a special congratulations and thank you for your dedication and the special contribution you made to the community.

As you say goodbye to your beloved school, don’t forget the lessons it has taught you and the people who have left an indelible mark on your hearts. Go forth with the intention of leaving a positive mark on those around you, knowing that by doing so, you can contribute to a brighter, kinder, and more compassionate world.

I share a quote from Anna Taylor that I believe provides something to aspire to. “Some people arrive and make such a beautiful impact on your life, you can barely remember what life was like without them.” Many of you have done that in this community but remember, all of you have the ability to impact your world in this way in the future.

So, to the Caroline Chisholm Catholic College Class of 23, Congratulations and thank you, may your journey ahead be filled with purpose, joy, and success and as you leave may you always pursue being a positive mark on the world.

Finally I leave you with these words of wisdom “Behind you, all your memories and experiences. Before you, your life and all your dreams. Around you, all who love you. Within you, all you need.”

Good luck and God bless.