Our Year 13s Graduation left us deeply moved
On Saturday, May 18th, parents, teachers, and invited guests gathered at the school to celebrate the graduating Class of 2024. Seeing so many parents and alumni in school was wonderful, and bursting with pride for the 87 students completing their secondary school education.
Our guest of honour and the keynote speaker was Professor Pedro Santa Clara, Nova School of Business and Economics and 42 Director, who spoke inspirationally about the importance of embracing the opportunities that come with change. This was pertinent for our graduating students, some of whom have been at St. Julian’s for many years. Stepping out of the gates for the final time comes with excitement but also nerves around the significant change in their lives that they are on the cusp of. Listening to the students giving speeches, I was struck by their maturity, open-mindedness and what fantastic human beings they are. The importance of the 6Cs has been mentioned on several occasions. I firmly believe that an education underpinned by these values will enable our young people to embrace opportunities and surf the waves of change that life inevitably brings.
The second theme that came through strongly was the strength of the relationships this group has with each other and their teachers. One of the world’s longest-running studies on adult development at Harvard University has found that in their study of hundreds of people over more than 80 years one of the most significant factors contributing to good mental and physical health in life is positive relationships. Whether in school, work, family, friends or romantic relationships, the warmth, depth and authenticity of relationships lead to a healthier and happier life. I was proud of many things on Saturday. Still, perhaps the most important is that the graduating class of 2024 demonstrated genuine care, compassion and gratitude towards each other, their families and their teachers. This is certainly the foundation for a good life - one to which we all aspire for our young people.
Mr Dan Norbury, Secondary Principal
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