Good morning Mr Dykes, staff, students, parents and guests.
I’d like to thank Xavier High School for inviting me back to accept the award for the Dux of 2018. I am greatly privileged and honoured to be standing here today, even though I am still in a bit of shock to be getting this prestigious award.
Year 12 for me was definitely the most challenging yet enjoyable year of my life. I made a pact to myself before starting year 12 to make the most of the opportunity, no matter how hard it got at times. This pact was something that I couldn’t achieve by myself however, countless people supported me and helped me to strive towards my goals.
Firstly, I would like to start with my family. My parents were my rock in year 12 and supported me immensely. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve half the things I did last year. The endless late nights before assignments and exams where they would stay up as I try to cram that last bit of information before I call it a night. The morning when there was no ink left in the printer at home so we had to rush down to Officeworks to print out my biology assignment, handing it in just minutes before it’s due. The stories go on. I don’t know how they put up with my last minute antics every single time and still found the time to support and help me whenever I needed it. Also to my brother Jensen, thanks for distracting me from the pressures of year 12 every now and then. I’m very appreciative to have you guys in my life.
Secondly, I would like to thank all the teachers who have helped me over my journey at Xavier, especially those I had in Year 12. Mr Thomas who I know isn’t here today, was the most dedicated and motivated teacher I ever had. The countless lunchtime, after school and holiday sessions you ran without fail or even just marking our tests the same day we did them so we could see where we went wrong. I was really lucky to have you as a teacher. Hope you’re feeling better. Miss Meani, thanks for your utmost dedication to making sure I achieved my goals and pushing me to my capabilities, especially with your constant barrage of past paper questions nearly every lesson without fail. Mr Parkinson, the time you committed and the resources you created especially your huge A3 syllabus sheets, made life a lot easier. Miss Donaldson, the amount of essays you gave feedback on was substantial and really helped me to improve my English skills. I also appreciate your patience as us boys would misbehave sometimes. Mr Pinson, thanks for making physics a lot more enjoyable. I’ll never forget the time you rode your bike down school street holding a pendulum to demonstrate relativity. Miss Scott and Mr Williams, thanks for helping me achieve my best and challenging me to always do better. Finally Miss Hall, thanks for being my homeroom teacher my whole high school journey. Your constant support over the years I really appreciated and you finally got your wish of me getting a haircut after six years so there’s that.
Lastly, I would like to thank Xavier. I made memories here that will last forever. The experiences you have here may seem insignificant now as a student, but looking back now these memories I will cherish forever. Whether it be the friendships I made with peers, to the shenanigans in class, to the recesses and lunches on the handball courts with all the boys every day without fail for six years. The number of balls we lost on the roof would be in the hundreds. All these things I look back on and will miss a lot.
Now some advice to the current year 12’s now. Find a study strategy that works for you, whether that be studying in small or large chunks, to textbooks or videos, to alone or with others. Find what works best for you and stick to it. Also, try and find a balance between school and life. Finding this perfect balance will help you not burn out. Don’t feel guilty in taking a break every now and again as well as sometimes you just need to recharge. Year 12 isn’t all bad, I developed stronger friendships with my classmates as we journeyed through the challenges of the HSC year, you grow to rely on each other and support one another. More so, don’t be afraid to ask for help from your friends, family and teachers. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at times during the HSC and you shouldn’t have to go through it alone. Lastly and I think most importantly, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are the catalyst to growth and by making them we can make improvements not only in our schooling endeavours but in life as well. So good luck and try to enjoy it as much as you can.
To end this speech, I want to give one last thanks to Xavier. This Xavier community made my high school years really enjoyable and helped shape me into the person I am today. I’ve made lifelong friends here and memories I’ll never forget.
Thanks for listening and all the best.
