Below are my words of farewell to the Class of 2025 from today’s Graduation Assembly:
Welcome to the final assembly for the Class of 2025, to their families and friends, and the whole SAC community gathered here to wish them well. This year, we have been walking together as pilgrims of hope, and today, as we farewell the graduating class, my reflections will centre on the hope that these young people hold for our world and the ways they have already lived that hope in action.
The English primatologist and anthropologist, Dr Jane Goodall, who died earlier this month, said:
“Hope isn’t just sitting back, wishful thinking. Hope depends on our action. Hope for the future depends on each one of us doing our bit.”
And how do we know what “doing our bit” looks like? As a Mercy school, we firmly believe that Catherine McAuley’s vision for a more just world, grounded in the Gospels and brought to life through our Mercy values, guides us towards a good life. If Catherine were here today, she would surely be amazed by the wisdom and maturity of our graduates. At this assembly, we have recognised just some of the ways you have already “done your bit”, and we know Mercy will continue to shape the way you do so beyond school.
Amongst the Class of 2025 are students who have faced profound challenges whilst completing Year 12. Some have experienced grief and loss of unimaginable proportions, yet through it all, they have continued to work hard and accept the love and support of family, friends and the SAC staff. Their courage and determination have been extraordinary, and we know that their families, both those here today and those who are not able to be here, are incredibly proud.
It has also been wonderful to see the relationships between the Reception and Year 12 students grow and strengthen throughout 2025. From spending time together in RE lessons and celebrating the first 100 days of school in July, where Year 12 students returned after exams, in their uniforms, to lead the activities for the little ones, to last week’s picnic in the Jordan courtyard, you have shown genuine care for our youngest students. Thank you for showing us what it means to look out for others.
And at SAC, doing our bit extends beyond our community. It means finding ways to connect with those we may never meet. For many years, our Year 12 cohort has supported the education of a child at the School of St Jude in Tanzania. This year’s class continued that commitment by sponsoring Angel, a Year 2 student, demonstrating their understanding that education transforms lives and their willingness to pay it forward.
This is the first group of students that I have walked alongside from Reception to Year 12 as Principal of SAC. Over those thirteen years, I have watched you grow from curious, spirited children into capable, compassionate young people ready to take your place as young adults in the world. I’m sure, like me, your families are noticing how much has changed in that time, and also how much of that same spark that first walked through our doors remains.
Parents and guardians, thank you for making it possible for us to share this journey with your children. You placed your trust in us, and together we have watched them grow into young people with heart, integrity and purpose. As we farewell the Class of 2025 today, we do so with deep gratitude for all they have given to this community and great hope for all they will continue to do for the world.
