2024 College Captains’ Address
TAYA
Good evening everyone, I am Taya and this is Jacob. And we welcome you to our final graduation assembly.
To start, what a year we have had. These last 6 years have flown by incredibly fast. To reflect on this last month we have had, it has been memorable, exciting but also daunting for so many of us. The last month has included our waterfest, mock exams, our walk of honour, our final high school classes and our valedictorian dinner, and of course DJ Diesel put on a masterclass for us. Our cohort continued to share special moments together, and memories of which we will always remember.
JACOB
Hey Everyone,
I can’t believe that we are standing here today at our Graduation. I remember our first day in year 7 as we stood out on the oval in front of the R block classrooms, the start of our highschool journey. I am so grateful for everything the school has done for me and all the amazing memories and opportunities that have come over the years.
Carey has played a significant role in shaping who we are today. Out of the 147 of us today, 32 of the Year 12 students began their schooling journey at Carey 14 years ago, in Kindy. To be honest I was surprised at such a high number. To see you grow over the last 14 years has been amazing. Some of you have changed a lot, and others haven’t changed much. Like myself who has been rocking the same hairstyle for the last 14 years. I am so grateful to have shared this journey with you.
TAYA
In all aspects of life, we have experienced change. Whether this be as individuals, the friendships we hold, the hobbies we pursue and as Jacob said, even differences in haircuts. But there was no better than the buzz cut trend in Year 7, led by Zach and Vaughn, who fortunately, both remain best friends to this day.
In addressing the change we have already experienced, and becoming excited about the changes to come post-schooling, there is no doubt there have been many people along the way that have helped provide guidance as we journey through the first part of our lives. I look to the back of the room, towards our parents, guardians, families and friends who have had input into us making it here today. Countless hours of helping with homework, a lot of tears and stress, always taking unwanted photos and sometimes, a kick in the behind, but always a support to come back and lean on. On behalf of our cohort, we thank you guys for your amazing contributions.
JACOB
Over the years we have got to know the Staff so well and build so many wonderful relationships with them all around the school. Our teachers at Carey are all great teachers. They have taught us that the Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell, and the difference between a Eulieran and Hamiltonian cycle. Things that will be important to remember as we enter the adult world. But above all the teachers at Carey are outstanding people. A teacher’s primary role is to teach us, however there have certainly been lessons where not a whole lot of teaching has taken place. But it is the conversations, stories and laughs with the teachers in these lessons that I will cherish the most. Year 12’s lets not forget the support, care and connections that we have found with the teachers here at Carey.
TAYA
In all of our camps and classes, there have been vulnerable conversations, lots of story-telling and unforgettable laughter. A special mention to our homeroom teachers, the faces we see everyday and to Mr Scaddan and his men-in-black suits, you guys have undoubtedly demonstrated that with work-ethic, hope and integrity, that we will be able to do amazing things like you guys one day. From day 1, the teachers in our community have encouraged us to be the best versions of ourselves, and without a doubt, we leave as better young women and men thanks to your influence and compassion.
JACOB
Reflecting on the journey there have been plenty of memorable moments. The Tim Shaji haircut saga in Year 10 and the infamous Harry Roberts speech in Year 10 English. And I will never forget when Mr Fallon almost sent me out in Year 8 Homeroom. Over the years we have had so much fun. From our camps, to X-Over, to carnivals and to our special events this year like Graduation, the Valedictory dinner, Rottnest and the Waterfest. Despite all of these amazing memories the best part of our highschool journey has been the company. What makes all of these moments special is the people who we have shared them with. Year 12’s, look to your left and right, and be grateful for the people sitting beside you. As I look out over all 147 of us I see a group who are all unique with different interests and goals. I see a group of courageous, kind, encouraging and special people; a group which I am so proud to be a part of.
TAYA
It has been in these special moments that we have created a legacy at school. We have been challenged to create new norms, which have led to the improvement of our school community. Within our last term, every student had the opportunity to shed light on their experiences at school with Mr Gifford and Mr Scaddan. In these meetings, we were asked about what advice we would give to an incoming Carey student. In all of these meetings, our cohort emphasised the importance of giving things a go and immersing yourself with all the opportunities the college offers, carrying out strong values we have learnt at school and not being afraid to have some fun.
JACOB
As we leave the school behind I hope that it is better than when we first got here. I know for sure that getting AFL fantasy unblocked is a legacy that I have left, for what I hope can be enjoyed for many years to come. The Compassion cup this year was an enormous success and something that I am extremely proud of. Thanks to Clayton, Mr Gethin and the student leaders we managed to build an event that can continue on for many years to come. But when I think about our legacy as a year group I think about the way that we just gave things a go. Our group’s ability to encourage each other to give things a go has allowed us to make the most of all that highschool offered us. We didn’t care about what others were doing but we were brave enough to give new opportunities a try and naturally others followed creating an environment where we have been able to make so many great memories with our friends.
TAYA
This year I have had the privilege of developing my leadership with one of my closest friends. To Jacob, I am incredibly grateful to have had the last year to bond over footy, talk and argue about your school marks, but also have you to lean on. With such a hectic year, you have continued to be organised, kind and thrive in many events. I wish you the best of luck for all your future endeavours and encourage you to just keep being you! In all that you have done with leadership, you have put the cohort’s best interests forward, and left an incredible legacy that you should be extremely proud of.
As a leader within this cohort, I encourage all to understand that time is precious and to surround yourself with people who make this time worth it. I encourage you all to continue to build strong relationships with others, as The Gospel of Matthew 7:12 reminds us, “In everything, Do to others what you would have them do to you.” Continue to shine in your own skin, and be yourself, the best version of yourself, just the way you are. Hold onto these values for the many years to come, and be grateful for the journey we have gone through, and the people we have crossed paths with so far.
So, my last goodbye to you all, it has been incredible to be part of such an admirable and encouraging group over the last 6 years.
Taya, signing out for the last time.
JACOB
Finally, Taya, for you to be able to navigate this crazy year with everything that is going for you is so impressive. I am so grateful to have been able to work alongside you this year and I have loved every minute of it. It is crazy to think of how far we have both come as people and leaders this year. I wish you all the best with your football and I know that if it’s not footy, you will achieve great things, while being an amazing person at the same time.
I hope that the people sitting in front of me have cherished their time at Carey and are grateful for everything the school and teachers have provided for us. Each of us will enter life outside of school with the Carey values still ingrained in our lives out in the adult world. To look out over this group for the final time knowing that many of you I can call my mates is very special. I will miss this place and all of you. I wish you all the best and I know that everyone here can achieve great things and live happy and fulfilling lives. I look forward to seeing you all in 5 years at the reunion to hear all about what has been going in your lives.
Thank you, Jacob signing out for the last time.
