Speeches
Friday, 10 February 2023
Scotch College 90 Assembly
I am very pleased to join the Scotch community for this assembly.
As we drove through the school grounds today, it brought back memories of coming here to play Saturday morning sport as a student in the 1970s, in particular interschool tennis matches.
Your grounds remain as lovely as ever, and I’m sure you all appreciate being able to learn – and teach - in such surroundings.
Today we have gathered to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2022, and I congratulate every graduate who has returned for today’s assembly on their outstanding results.
For the past two days at Government House we have hosted the SACE Merit Ceremonies, and I congratulate all of the Scotch students and alumni who attended to receive their merit certificates.
In addition to the large number of Scotch graduates who received an ATAR of 90 or more, I am very pleased to see that the Class of 2022 achieved a 100% SACE completion rate.
This speaks to the hard work and dedication of every single graduate, as well as their teachers.
As members of the Class of 2022 celebrate their achievements and enjoy their summer, I’m sure you are also all looking to the next phase of your lives.
As the parent of four young adult children, I remember this phase well.
It can be both exciting and somewhat daunting.
You have a sense that school is one thing, a big thing certainly, and soon you will come to appreciate that university, or learning a trade, and employment can be something else, often something bigger and more challenging.
Just when you thought you had passed a huge test with flying colours, you discover there are further, larger tests.
Academic tests, tests of character, tests of stamina and nerve, moments of decision and indecision.
Sometimes, defining moments.
Our graduates here today – in fact many of you, as students – will know what it feels like to be successful.
Perhaps even more usefully for life and leadership, some of you will also know what it feels like to have failed, or not done as well as you might have hoped.
During my career, I have learned that a deeper sign of success is not only when you succeed at your goal.
It’s when you choose to learn from obstacles on your path, and draw on your resilience and resourcefulness to overcome them.
Over time, this will develop your character, as well as give you an inner sense of strength and confidence to set yourself ambitious goals.
Another source of great satisfaction, which I know many of you already have discovered, is to be of service to others, whether here at school or in your broader community.
As Governor of South Australia I have the privilege of getting to know people in local communities right across the state.
I have seen the impact that volunteering can have, how it enriches the lives of Australians and the amazing contributions of those who give of their time and talents.
I encourage you to pursue opportunities for service at school, and in your lives beyond.
A well-functioning democracy requires all of our society, including young people, to be involved as active citizens.
Diversity of participation is what helps make such a system strong.
And by the way, service is one of the main paths by which South Australians are invited to Government House, as well! I look forward to seeing there.
Graduates, congratulations once again on the achievements which have brought you back to Scotch College today.
Staff, thank you for all that you do to assist your students, both academically and in their broader lives.
Thank you also to the families and friends who offer students, particularly those in the senior years, the moral and practical support they need to thrive.
Students, I wish you the very best as you continue your schooling, and graduates, as you move out into the world.
May you all pursue your highest potential, and in doing so, contribute not only to your own success, but the success of our community, our state, our country and our world.