Farewell to the Class of 2022

PROF RICHARD PAGE, CHAIR OF COUNCIL It was a pleasure to be able to mix with, and speak to, Dr Miller, Members of Council and the Executive, staff, parents, and students at the Valedictory Ceremony in October.

It was so good to finally be back in person amongst the school community. For this edition of Ad Astra, I have chosen to reproduce the essence of my speech to the 2022 Year 12 group, as something for our wider community to ponder as the year draws to a close. For the Class of 2022, it has been an action-packed year, and it is natural to reflect on all that has happened along the way. Life is a journey with the destination a mystery and therein lies the paradox of both the uncertainty and the fun. Along life’s journey, you will find yourself the recipient of a good deal of wellmeaning advice. Much of it will come from home. Some of this advice you will seek out, but other advice will be given to you freely - whether you want it or not! When preparing my address this year, I was informed (in no uncertain terms) that I was not to speak about sunscreen (despite it being a fabulous reference from American author Kurt Vonnegut). Nor was I to mention ‘new puppies’, as the one that joined our household in 2021 is now over a year old, and more of an uncontrolled garden excavator. Therefore, this year I chose to focus on lawnmowers. We have a new one and it is brilliant, although I have been hanging onto the old favourite as well. The new one is red and cuts very efficiently. I have offered it to family members to have a go, but they seem less enthusiastic to test its power –I can’t understand why. So, what is it about lawns and the simple pleasure of freshly cut and neatly trimmed grass? Well, it is a great allegory for slowing down and appreciating the moment, taking in the simple things. Such as finding the time to sit outside and take in a podcast (under the careful supervision of attentive family dogs). Your listening experience, accompanied by the sounds and smells of spring, and experiencing the sense of satisfaction and ‘a job well done’ as the podcast draws to a close.

Life gets busy and sometimes we just need to slow down and appreciate the ‘now’, rather than rushing to whatever is coming next. Be present with the people around you, and with yourself. Give your time to those you are close to – especially your older relatives. At the end of the day we are all on borrowed time.

For a number of families, the end of 2022 marks their final transition through College. Their youngest child has now graduated and is moving to the next phase of life. This is a significant moment for families - parents as well as graduating students.

It is also one we experienced in our household this year, as the last of our children moved rapidly from school student into a young adult, ready to commence the next phase of study, work, and adult life. It is a time of celebration and pride for all involved, but is also a time for reflection at the end of a prolonged period of personal family attachment to the wonderful school that is The Geelong College. For students, the rush to get to the next stage may not leave time to consider the final echoes of running from the Cloisters for the last time. The final dive into House Room lockers, or the expressions on the faces of their friends as they race to the next event that marks the end of year, and flags the end of school days. Of course, there was the wee hurdle of final exams along the way, but the culmination of school years and exam preparation has finished in a blink, and now another year group has scattered into the summer haze.

They take with them the many memories they have gathered along the way - of faces, teachers, sport days, camps and events.

Despite the enormity of this transition, our finishing students and families will always remain part of the school community. Our students become ‘Old Collegians’ and our finishing families ‘Friends of The Geelong College’.

My final remarks to our Class of 2022 were borrowed from a popular Billie Eilish song, often heard in our house, ‘Your Power’.

Try not to abuse your power I know we didn’t choose to change You might not wanna lose your power But having it’s so strange

All leaving students have ‘power’ - one facet of this being the ability to adapt to change. Just as they have done across the years of schooling at The Geelong College, especially when faced with the tumultuous COVID-19 years. This power is given strength by knowing they are prepared and ready for the future.

Prepared with the strength and the love of family. Prepared by the strength of a broad and liberal education, with all the knowledge and experiences it brings. So, in closing, I again offer my congratulations to our finishing Year 12 students. Well done on making it this far, good luck as you go forward on your personal journey, and know we are right behind you. We wish you well as you navigate this change and find your power. We also hope you find your passion and place as contributors to society in the years to come.

Remember to take time to stop and soak up the sun along the way, and be confident knowing you are prepared by your experiences - not just those that occurred inside the school halls, classrooms and out on the playing fields, but by the love of family and friends.

Mostly remember to work hard, be kind and to laugh – and use your power to shape your future!