Creating A Legacy
Our Toolern Vale community recently came together for a very special occasion—to celebrate and acknowledge our founding students. It was a lovely afternoon filled with connection, laughter, sweet treats, and a sausage sizzle. One of the highlights was unveiling the stunning mosaic artworks created by these students, now proudly displayed at the base of each tree along our campus entrance—what we’re now calling our Tree Walk.
Each mosaic tile is mounted with a name plaque, acknowledging the role these students have played in establishing our beautiful campus. It was so moving to see our whole community gathered together to commemorate this moment, and to reflect on the journey we’ve taken together.
When speaking with our students earlier this term, we talked about the idea of legacy—what it means, and how it relates to us here and now. We discussed how each of those mosaic tiles is a physical legacy: something that will remain here for many years, long after our founding students have finished school and moved on. These artworks will be a lasting reminder of their presence, creativity, and contribution.
But we also explored the idea of personal legacy—the mark we leave on others through our values, actions, and everyday choices. Legacy isn’t just about physical objects or achievements; it’s about how we treat people, how we live our lives, and how others remember us. Every one of us is building our legacy, moment by moment, through our words, our attitudes, and our interactions.
It’s powerful to stop and think: how do we impact the people around us, in our lives and also within our school community? Many years ago, someone shared with me a thought that I’ve never forgotten, and which I often share with students: Every interaction we have with someone else is either positive or negative—there’s no such thing as a neutral interaction. That might sound surprising, but when you think about it, it’s true. A smile, a kind word, a helping hand—these small things can lift someone’s day. On the other hand, thoughtless words or actions can leave someone feeling unseen or hurt.
So, whether we realise it or not, we are constantly creating our legacy through every interaction we have. That’s why it’s so important to pause now and then and reflect: What kind of legacy am I leaving? When people think of me, what do I want them to remember?
Personally, I hope to leave a legacy that brings value to others—a legacy that makes people feel worthy, valued, and loved. And I hope each of us find meaning in shaping a legacy they can be proud of, both here at MCC and beyond.
kellie giannes, head of toolern vale campus