Secondary News

Our Year 12 students have concluded their secondary education with their final exams taking place on Monday, 14 November. Each student should be very proud of this achievement. Working hard through two years of lockdowns, and then, a year back onsite quickly refamiliarising themselves with what it’s like to be an onsite student all year. Well done to the year 12s!

On Wednesday November 16 they celebrated this end by being part of what is called the Valedictory Dinner. I was privileged with the opportunity to talk during this event and give advice for their future. I would like to share a part of my speech from the night, as it’s advice written in the Bible on how we should all live our lives and I believe it is helpful at any age.

It’s from Ecclesiastes 9:10 and this verse is from the Message Bible.

Seize life! Eat bread with gusto,
Drink wine with a robust heart.
Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure!
Dress festively every morning.
Don’t skimp on colours and scarves.
Relish life with the spouse you love
Each and every day of your precarious life.
Each day is God’s gift. It’s all you get in exchange
For the hard work of staying alive.
Make the most of each one!
Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!
This is your last and only chance at it,
For there’s neither work to do nor thoughts to think
In the company of the dead, where you’re most certainly headed.

Isn’t this verse fantastic? Don’t you want to go out and seize life now? I particularly love the line “Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!”

How can we go wrong when we are doing everything that ‘turns up’ with the passion that is displayed in this verse.

Let’s continue praying for this Year 12 cohort, for their future decisions and pathways.

Derek Bendall, Head of Secondary