FROM THE HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
More than results
After what was an emotion filled week
in the Senior School as we farewelled our
2019 Valedictorians, I am certainly reflective
of the words made famous by William
Shakespeare that “parting is such sweet
sorrow”.
We are sad to farewell our Year 12 students,
after we have watched them grow, achieve
and overcome challenges, but we are
also both hopeful and optimistic about
the next time we meet and hearing how
their journeys have continued, how the
characteristics and strengths they have
developed during their time in the school
have enabled them to continue to live out
our School’s purpose in their contributions
to creating a just, loving and peaceful society. educational cohort complete their schooling,
marking the culmination of what was an
exciting new step in the School’s history.
To say this has been a success would be an
understatement and it was certainly clear
by observing our students on their final day,
how much the school has had an impact
on their lives. This outcome would not have
been achieved had it not been for a number
of brave and courageous young women
taking a leap and choosing to be part of our
community; nor would it have been a success
without a group of young men being so
welcoming, encouraging and caring of the
newest members of our school and being
outstanding custodians of what is so special
about our school.
2019 has been especially significant given
this is the first time the School has had a co- We were privileged to be joined for the
evening by Old Guildfordian Raleigh
Finlayson (Sc 89-95) as our guest speaker.
Raleigh provided key messages relevant for
our students embarking on the next stage
of their journey. One of the most important
messages was the need to commit to
remaining humble as Old Guildfordians and
always make an effort to acknowledge and
thank all those people who do the small
things that make our schools or organisations
what they are.
At our Valedictory Eve celebrations, I shared
the following thoughts with our students:
The purpose of a good school is to provide
more than results – we do not exist just
to fill university places or ensure there is a
skilled workforce to meet the demands of
the economy. We see success in schooling in
developing young people who:
• Stand for something that captures
their passion, and are brave enough to
challenge everything that does not
• Understand how to listen to and
appreciate that differences exist in the
world and there is value in considering
the point of view of others
• When the time calls for it (and inevitably
it always does) can make a sincere
apology
• Know what they stand for, and what
they are willing to compromise for a
greater good.
Mr Brad Evans
Head of Senior School
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