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Reach for the stars

SARAH LANGLEY, TEACHER IN CHARGE OF NETBALL. KATHRYN ALEXANDER, DEPUTY CHAIR OF COUNCILAAIWGHAERGHAIORGAOIWRGHWRIOGHAEOIGHEOIRGHAEROIHroi

During my address to this year’s Valedictorians, I contemplated our College motto –the advice we consistently encourage our students to follow: ‘Be of courage. Reach for the stars’.

The gravitas of a Valedictory Ceremony pays great respect to the students who have completed their secondary schooling, and the many individuals who have helped them achieve this milestone – it is a time of great community celebration.

As we joined together to sing our College song, I considered the poignancy of its words. The chorus resonates with the words “Show me the Way to the Stars” – a reference to the College’s motto. Adopted in 1861, the words continue to be as relevant today as they were 163 years ago; Macte nova virtute…sic itur ad astra.

Blessing on your new bravery …this is the way to the stars.

The words are intended to inspire, energise, and suggest the promise of something exceptional. Their wisdom is of value throughout life – far beyond our students’ years at the College. Since ancient times, stars have been considered beacons that guide us, they are light in the darkness, super and supernatural.

And they are prolific.

According to Google, NASA states there could be anywhere between 100 and 400 billion stars in the galaxy. This