๐๐ฐ ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ณ ๐ฅ๐ฆ๐ข๐ณ ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ด๐ด ๐ฐ๐ง 2021โฆ
The annual Valedictory Speech – which was this year delivered by Union High School’s outgoing Head Boy, Kyle-Luke du Preez – was a goodbye speech, but also a โLook at what weโve doneโ moment.
And what our Class of 2021 have done has been nothing short of miraculous.
From the start of their Grade 11 year, to the end of their Grade 12 year, their schooling experience was masked and distanced, tracked and tested, and always a small coronavirus outbreak away from everyone being sent home.
So, yes, ๐ท๐ข๐ญ๐ฆ ๐ฅ๐ช๐ค๐ฆ๐ณ๐ฆ to all that. But also . . . look at what theyโve done.
As uncertainty swirled around them, they stayed focused. They adapted their learning. They finished their assignments. They passed their tests. They supported one another. They gutted and gritted it out even when the end seemed out of reach.
Off into the future you go. Your minds filled with academic knowledge eager to acquire more and share your skills with others. Your hearts brimming with compassion, patience, understanding, kindness, humility and faith.
We are sad to say goodbye but grateful that our paths have crossed and hopeful for what you will become. Strive to bring joy and comfort to those you meet on your journey through life because when you serve and uplift othersโฆ you will find contentment and joy.
Matrics, your education is only beginning.
Live in this world with an open heart to embrace others with compassion; live in this world with an open mind willing to learn new things; live in this world to end oppression; live in this world with a grateful heart and live in this world with open eyes to see the splendours of God’s creation.
