Some Graduation Prayers
At an Assembly last week, our College community was able to farewell and celebrate our Leaving Class of 2020. It was an opportunity to reflect on their journey so far, to remember times shared and lessons learned and, in a more immediate sense, to wish them well over the next few weeks as they embark on further examinations and apply for further training, university or employment. College Head Prefect, Cameron Pell ('20) gave his final address and reminded all students to be grateful for the special opportunity to be part of the Trinity community and urged them to continue to strive for personal excellence. In a most respectful and genuine way, Cameron gave special thanks to parents and families for the love and support they have showed, and he acknowledged the many Trinity Staff who have provided encouragement and guidance throughout the years. He also gave a most sincere thanks to his Year 12 ‘Brothers’ and asked them to reflect on the College Crest that “has pushed you to succeed, guided you when it was tough and asked you to act ‘in the Name of the Lord’ day after day”. It was a most sincere and heartfelt message.
Although my assembly address was intended for our Graduating Class, the messages and prayers contained within were certainly applicable to every young man at Trinity College. It was a reminder that as we travel through school, indeed life, it is our actions and our relationships that will determine how we grow and what we ultimately achieve. I have included some excerpts below:
‘‘…some years ago, I am sure many of you would have sat nervously at your first College assembly, probably very unsure of what lay ahead. Today, you sit here, at your final College Assembly, probably still a little unsure of what may lay ahead, but today I pray that you sit as young men having developed some knowledge and skills to thrive in an ever-changing world; having developed a sense of self–worth and purpose for the road ahead; and having developed some courage and confidence to make a positive difference in your world – to be a man for others.
Today marks the end of your formal school education and today marks the end of your formal association with your College. However, today should be viewed as less about the end and more about the beginning. Graduation from school is another marker on your path through life, a signpost that marks a turning point in your personal development and the beginning of the next phase of your life journey. As you embark on that journey, may I leave you with three pieces of advice.
- Keep on learning and keep on growing as a person
- Always choose what is right and importantly, do what is right
- Believe in yourself
Firstly, as you move through life, never stop questioning things and striving to learn. It is in learning from our experiences that we develop and grow as people. Count everything as an opportunity to learn and grow. Learn from your triumphs and learn for your losses. Learn from your success and learn from your failures. When you experience the joys and excitement of the good times, and I am sure that you will be blessed with many, ask yourself what you can learn for the future. Similarly, when you experience some hard times, and unfortunately you will, look to ask yourself what this setback is trying to teach me.
Life lessons are constant, they will come one after the other. While the lessons aren’t always easy, it is important not to let them slip by. If you learn them well, you will always be growing as people. Fortunately, as we move through life, we learn from our own experiences and we also learn from the experiences of our families; we learn from our friends; we learn from our teachers; we learn from our coaches and, in time, you will learn from your own children.
It is a reference to a very simple Christian value - to be grateful for the many blessings that life presents us. This morning, as you prepare to leave your College, I pray that you continue learning and continue growing as good young men!
Secondly, I would encourage you to always choose what is right and, to do what is right. I am sure that all of you want to do well in the future, but if you don’t do good things for others, then simply doing well in life will never be enough. The true measure of you as a person will not be found in the ATAR score you achieve, the career you follow or the salary you earn. Rather, it will be measured in the quality of the relationships that you experience with others and in the way you treat other
To be a Trinity ‘Man for Others’ will require you to be a man for all others, including those on the margins of your life. It is relatively easy to help and seek the best for those who are like you, or close to you, or to those who may be good to you, but this is not the commitment you are called to as a graduate of Trinity. You are called to have the courage and character to serve the other, all others – the alienated and voiceless among those you will meet in your futures. You are completely unique and you can determine the way you choose to live your own life. Live it in a manner that is reflective of the values that you have gained from your families and from this College.
It is a reference to a very simple Christian value - be inclusive of all, reach out to others and lead by example in the way you respect others and respect yourself. This morning, as you prepare to leave your College, I pray that you are always striving to do what is right and go from here and continue to be a Man for All Others.
Thirdly, I would encourage you to always believe in yourself. You all have such enormous potential. Strive to achieve your best and be confident in your ability to make a difference. You all have the necessary gifts to move forward and succeed in life. Have the confidence to set your goals high and to follow your prayers and to follow your dreams. Do not be defined by others or constrained by trendy norms, but rather, reach high for the possibilities because it is there you will define yourself. It is a reference to a very simple Christian value. Value your gifts and explore all possibilities, so that the best you can be shines for others to see and follow. This morning, as you prepare to leave your College, I pray that you remain confident, believe in yourself and believe in the possibilities of what you can achieve!
Finally, as you prepare to Graduate, may I urge you to commit to the values of Christ in determining your journey ahead. I encourage you to stay true to your values and be open to the invitation to be in a relationship with God. I trust that you leave Trinity with a strong sense of faith and find comfort in the knowledge that God will continue to travel with you on the journey ahead. I can assure you that my sincere prayers go with you all.
While my obvious wish for you all is to Do Well – what I truly hope and pray for each of you - is that you Do Good! It is in doing good for yourself, your family and in doing good for others, that you will be truly remembered. Congratulations, well done and may you Live Jesus in your Hearts – this day and every day…”
Once again, on behalf of all the College community, I would like to formally congratulate our 2020 Graduating Class and thank them for being such generous and humble young men. Please keep our graduating Year 12 students, and indeed all our students, in your prayers.
Live Jesus in our hearts
Mr. Darren O’Neill
Principal
