grit
WORDS OF SUPPORT FROM THE ORA In the lead up to VCE exams under the most unusual of circumstances, Old Ruytonians were contacted and asked if they would like to send a message of encouragement to the Class of 2020. 74 people replied and their contributions were bound in a book for each student in the year level. Excerpts from some of their letters are below: ‘I would like to quote my Anderson House motto as a guide, which seems particularly appropriate in the present circumstances, “to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield”. May your House motto and your time at Ruyton continue to give you hope and strength in the years ahead. Take the lessons you have learned at School and during this unprecedented year of challenge into your future and play your part in making this planet a better place to live. I wish you every success in the world’.
Judith Cooke, Class of 1959
‘Dear Year 12 Ruyton Students, Work towards your goals. If you don’t succeed at first, try again and again. And be grateful especially for the education you have been given. Best wishes for your future and go forward knowing you are not alone in this world. Be happy and joyful. Blessings from another Ruytonian.’
Johanna Martin, Class of 1974
‘I was just like you. A young woman with dreams. I was a half-scholarship student at Ruyton, a high achiever but a bit of a rebel. Headstrong, determined but yet to truly appreciate the adults who guided me. Unknowingly at the time they instilled great life lessons and prepared me to fight for what I wanted. To stand tall, anywhere in the world, in any circumstances. That is what I took away from Ruyton. Iron-clad confidence. So I say now: cast aside ANY self-limiting beliefs. You can be anything you want to be. You are in the driver’s seat’.
Sarah Hope, Class of 1986
‘Over the coming weeks as you sit your final exams and finish your schooling at Ruyton, please know that we are all cheering you on. Family, friends, teachers and old girls of the School who have walked the path before you. We will be thinking of you and wishing you all the very best. …Stay true to who you are, look after each other and dare to dream!’
‘What a year you have had. Probably not the Year 12 experience you had imagined or hoped for. Just wanted to say that I am sure you will look back one day and realise the resilience you have gained during this difficult year will stay with you for the rest of your life. Whilst this might not be the regular Maths, Science and English skills usually gained in Year 12 – it is a skill that will get you further in life than any of those things. Try not to stress about the exams and the future, everything always works out just the way it is meant to in the end’.
Amy Mulready, Class of 1998
Jacquelyn Whelan, Class of 2006
Jenny Gunson, Class of 1965
8
‘My tips for you going forward are: 1. Take charge of your financial literacy straight away. Learn how to read company annual reports, be aware of the smorgasboard of investment options (e.g., shares, efts, bonds) and how you can use them. And become aware of philanthropy. 2. Keep your eye on ‘the prize’, whatever that may mean for you. In other words, take control of your destiny and plan ahead. Being rudderless is very unsatisfying and wasteful. 3. Pay attention to your health. Maintain a sport as it contributes to good health both physically and mentally. Don’t take good health for granted and make sure you have annual medical check-ups. I wish you well and may all your dreams come true. Have a wonderful life, with lots of fun along the way’.
the ruyton reporter
