Speeches
Friday, 29 September 2023
Port Lincoln High School Centenary Showcase
Rod and I are delighted to be with you this evening and to be part of the first of several events over the weekend to mark the Centenary of the Port Lincoln High School.
Firstly, many thanks for the warm welcome extended to us, in particularly from Denise and Nathaniel.
Similarly warm welcomes have been extended to us over the past few days as we have been touring the Lower Eyre Peninsula.
There is obviously a community spirit and immense pride in the region, also evident here for the Centenary where we celebrate 100 years of education and service.
The school has come a long way from its first intake in 1923 with just 51 students and a few staff.
Opportunity has been at the heart of the school’s history; especially perhaps in the 1940s and 1950s when staff ran the Bush Church Aid Society Hostel on Queen Street so country girls could access a high school education here.
It’s wonderful to know that some of those women are here today.
Today, the school has grown to 840 students, with 134 staff including 73 teachers.
Many generations of local people have gained much from their learning at Port Lincoln High School and given much in return. You are testament to that, as are the many people Rod and I have met today.
The school is made up of a very diverse community from various cultural, economic, and religious backgrounds.
From my previous career as an Australian diplomat, I know diversity brings richness to a community, whatever its size, and from my current role as Governor I know how schools are at the heart of the community.
The current and past students of Port Lincoln High are an impressive group, of which to be proud, with contributions in sport, business, the arts, defence, politics, the law and many other areas.
I am happy in this company to say I rely heavily on one alumnus in particular: the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Honourable Chris Kourakis often acts as Governor’s Deputy when I am interstate or overseas. The fact that we are both here this evening and the Lieutenant Governor is also away, means the President of the Court of Appeal has taken on these duties.
It’s a tribute to the school and I am sure is a mark of his appreciation that Chris has addressed the students earlier today and will be taking part in the celebrations.
Many Port Lincoln High students have excelled including Tuna fisherman and Olympic Gold Medallist Dean Lukin, much loved author Colin Thiele, and AFL footballer Shaun Burgoyne among them.
There are many more, but I don’t want to steal the thunder of Sunday’s announcement of the Hall of Fame!
Rod and I are looking forward to enjoying the Centenary Showcase performance and exhibition and congratulate the dance, drama, music, and design students on their talents.
I also thank everyone who has contributed to the many activities and commemorations over the weekend that celebrate your Centenary.
I hope that all Port Lincoln High School students as they go through life, will always hold the school motto in their hearts – non nobis solum “not for ourselves alone”.
Because contributing to your community helps build a strong future for everyone.
Congratulations on reaching your Centenary. I wish the school community well for the next 100 years and beyond.