I shared the following with them and although I am not sure of the author, it was an opportunity to share some words of wisdom.
If there could be one thing in life for me to teach you, I would teach you to love…
To respect others so that you may find respect in yourself
To learn the value of giving, so that if ever there comes a time in your life that someone really needs, you will give
To act in a manner that you would wish to be treated
To be proud of yourself
To laugh and smile as much as you can, in order to help bring joy back into this world
To have faith in others
To be understanding…
To stand tall in this world and learn to depend on yourself
To only take from this earth those things you really need, so there will be enough for others
Do not depend on money or material things for your happiness
But learn to appreciate the people who love you, the simple beauty that God gave and to find peace and security within yourself.
With some clips from movies that they had surely seen (Toy Story, Moama, Ratatouille, Despicable Me, Inside Out, The Lion King and Finding Nemo) students were reminded to:
So the advice was to lead with love—love for self, for others, and for the world around you. Treat people with respect and kindness. Give when you can, because one day, someone may need your help, and the smallest act of generosity can create the greatest impact. Life’s greatest joys often come from the things money cannot buy—friendships, family, and self-contentment, so these are the things on which they should focus.
Students were reminded to take a moment to recognize the love, support, and guidance parents have provided throughout the years. And for the parents, the importance of continuing to be an anchor for the students and their guide, but also trust that they are equipped with the values and strength to navigate the world. That their children will make mistakes, as we all do, but they will learn, and grow stronger, with your love always behind them.
As teachers, we’ve had the privilege of watching students grow, not just in knowledge, but in character, strength, and independence. As you move forward into the world beyond the school gate, we want you to remember a few things.
Embrace learning in all its forms, not just as a pathway to success, but as a lifelong pursuit of growth and discovery.
Carry with you the values that matter most—kindness, respect, and integrity. In a world that can sometimes be unpredictable, these qualities will always guide you in the right direction.
Believe in yourselves. You are capable of more than you know, and the world is waiting for you to make your mark. Strive to make the world a better place.
We look forward to hearing about the incredible things they will accomplish.
Mrs Josie Crisara OAM