Farewell to Year 12

08 November 2007

Speech presented by Mr Dawson (Relieving Principal) to farewell the Year 12 class of 2007.

"JOURNEYS"

Good morning honored guests, parents, friends, staff, students and especially Year 12.
Today I would like to focus on the concept of "journeys" by employing the analogy of the journey of the First Fleet and the HSC journey taken by our students.

Beginnings
In January 1787, you can imagine the apprehension as the 700 convicts of the First Fleet faced their journey to the unknown. Did these students feel the same apprehension 220 years later, as they began their HSC Journey or were they simply enjoying a well earned summer holiday! As the First Fleet gathered in London in May 1787, our students in 2007 attended an information evening on "Surviving the HSC", a swimming carnival and sat for their Half Yearly exams.

Setting Sail
On May 13, 1787, eleven ships sailed from Portsmouth unheralded, no one realised the grand design at the time and for that matter we know so little of our student's future grand design. Who knows what impact these students will have on the world?

The First Fleet's Captain was Arthur Phillip, although born in London; he was of German heritage and had worked for the Portuguese Navy. The idea of nationality was still a developing concept. Your current Relieving Principal, the captain of the good ship "Narrabeen", was born in England of Viking and French stock, but I feel a very proud Australian today.

Multicultural
The multicultural nature of the 'First Fleeters' is often overlooked. While the majority had English, Irish, Welsh and Scottish origins, you would be surprised to learn that there were also Spanish, Portuguese and Africans aboard. On the good ship Narrabeen, you also see many English, Irish, Welsh and Scottish names but also other European and Asian names.

Names - Sentences
NOW
Marcel Bingham .......there was a John Bingham on the Friendship, sentenced to be transported for 7 years for stealing a woolen blanket!

Agh .... Matt Campbell ... yes there was a James Campbell on the Scarborough, received 7 years for robbery of goods to the value of 30 shillings - He was a blacksmith.

Aimee Cunningham ...... Edward Cunningham stole a silver mug, received 7 years; he was 21 sailed on the Scarborough.

Adrian Harper, ..... Joshua Harper also on the Scarborough stole some curtains to the value of 265 shillings, received 7 years he was 34 years old at the time.

Joe Jones and Belinda Jones, ........ Edward Jones was 23 when he stole a watch and received 7 years, he traveled on the Alexander.

Erin Lee ....... Elizabeth Lee was a 24 year old servant/cook; she received 7 years for stealing wine and left on the Lady Penrhyn.

Emma Levy, ......Mary Levy stole silk handkerchiefs, received 7 years when she was 19 years old. She received 50 lashes later for stealing and another 50 for bad language! So you think Narrabeen's Code of Behaviour is tough!

Alexandra McGrath ..... Redmond McGrath, 30 years old, sailed on the Friendship having received 7 years for stealing household goods to the value of 30 shillings. Described as "troublesome at times".

Spencer Morgan ........ Richard Morgan received 7 years for assault; he was 25 and sailed on the Alexander.

While all this sounds harsh and lacking humanity, the 'First Fleeters' were destined for a much brighter future in Australia.

Journey Continued
On June 3rd the fleet entered Madeira Harbour for fresh supplies. Our students took on the task of checking their BOS entries and attending Narrafest.

When the fleet crosses the equator on July 14, our HSC'ers are hard at work. As the Trial HSC exams were in full swing, on Aug 6th, 1787, the fleet entered Rio de Janiero, Brazil, for supplies.

On this day, 220 years ago, the 'First Fleet' were sailing the South Atlantic Ocean and will have arrived at the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa by October. Our students will also be full of good hope as they sit for their final exams next term.

When the HSC results come out in January next year, our 'First Fleeters' would have been sailing off Tasmania. When our students receive their Uni/TAFE offers in mid January, the Fleet will have arrived at Botany Bay. On Jan 26 1788, the first 'Schoolies Week Party' was held at Sydney Cove after the fleet arrived as our students will enjoy a well earned break!

Journeys End
Like all journeys, the HSC journey has a beginning, middle and an end. The 'First Fleeters' set out on their journey not knowing where they were going or what was going to happen to them. The Year 12 students before me will share the same feelings of excitement with some apprehension.

At this point I would like to acknowledge all those who have accompanied these students, so far, on their HSC journey. To all the teachers, parents, family and friends who have provided invaluable support.

HOWEVER
Your journey is not at the end .......... Because I sentence you ....
Not for 7 years......

BUT to LIFE ........ LONG .........LEARNING!

I wish you good luck on your learning journey. Remember life is a marathon not a race.

THANK YOU AND FAREWELL.............

Roger Dawson
Relieving Principal
28.9.07