Speeches
Thursday, 14 November 2024
Warriappendi School Closing Ceremony
Niinna Marni – hello how are you! It is wonderful for Rod and me to be back with you.
Today we mark the closing of a chapter of the history of Warriappendi School here at Marleston and celebrate the opening of another with the soon-to-be move to the new site at Thebarton.
While it is good to mark the end of something that has been important in your lives, it is exciting to welcome new beginnings.
I know you are already connected with Thebarton, having had a smoking ceremony there earlier this year.
You’ve visited the site and checked out the brand-new classrooms, learning spaces and environment.
I know that some of you put your hands up to undertake work experience at Thebarton and put on your high-viz vests and work boots to work with pride on the landscaping.
When you return to school next year, you will know that the grounds look good because of you.
Warriappendi means “to look, to search, to find” and here at the school you will have found friends, learned new things, explored your Aboriginal culture, and set a pathway for the future.
You will take all those things with you to Thebarton because a school is much more than just the buildings.
It is what happens inside and outside in the community that is important. Always carry that, and a sense of belonging, with you.
I thank the school for its role in supporting students to embrace and understand their indigenous culture.
As Governor I have learned so much and gained new perspectives by engaging with Aboriginal people as we walk a path of reconciliation.
Friends
Your school has come a long way in 44 years when there were just seven students at another place.
As part of that history, today we celebrate the vision and bravery of the original founders Leila Rankine and Veronica Brodie and are honoured that relatives of Leila and Veronica are here today.
To mark your journey, the original school sign will be taken to the previous two sites at Moore Street and Glandore and eventually will have pride of place in the Front Office at Thebarton. It’s symbolic of how, while we move on, we retain connections to the past.
Thank you to everyone involved in the project from the planning and building to the task of moving.
But ultimately, I thank everyone who has worked hard in ensuring a vibrant, engaging learning environment for the Warriappendi School community throughout its story - the staff, the teachers, the Aboriginal Secondary Education Transition Officers, the students, parents, the carers.
Because education provides a pathway to a meaningful future for our young people.
Enjoy your new space when you return to school in 2025.