Valedictory Address O
ver the course of our lives, there are various milestones and skills that we achieve at various stages. One of the more common in this list, must surely be attending and completing our time at school. There are few things that have been more commonly experienced. As Matthew Fitzsimons students at Trinity in 2005, we Head Prefect are a part of a group of thousands, who will soon complete their schooling lives. What is it then that is different and distinguished about being a member of this particular school? My experience over the last five years, would lead me to believe that the things that are unique to our College stem from the existence of our founder the Blessed Edmund Rice. The guidance of Edmund provides a basis for our experiences that seem unique to those on the outside, yet are commonplace for all those within our School. The spirit of Edmund within our College community is exhibited in numerous ways. It stretches from the simple deed of the boy who stands up for adults on public transport, to the select few who travel on our pilgrimage to India. In January of this year I had the privilege of attending a conference for the head prefects of Edmund Rice Schools around Australia. Here it was both comforting and inspiring, to learn that it is not just at Trinity that the example of Edmund is followed, but also Nationally and Internationally that his message is constantly acted out. Martin Luther King said, “we must learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools.” Every Trinity student is challenged to exhibit the brotherhood in the spirit created by blessed Edmund and in doing so we gain an irrevocable membership to a proud group of men, who have been privileged to operate under the guidance of blessed Edmund Rice. These unique elements that comprise Trinity College, provide excellent opportunities for all its students. It is on our orientation day that these opportunities are first presented to us. These opportunities allow us to develop our talents as academics, musicians, sportsmen, and members of society, in the hope that we may one day go on to create a life of our own. As year 12’s, we must now reflect on whether or not we have taken full advantage of the opportunities that have been presented to us. As a community, we must ensure that we continue to provide the best opportunities for all. We must not entirely gauge our progress by the medals and trophies that we have won, but rather be ever vigilant as students, staff and parents to continue to protect and uphold what is special about our school. Edmund provided the opportunity for underprivileged boys to receive an education and fulfil their potential. Together, we must ensure that Trinity College is a place where all of us can develop to the best of our potential as we strive each day to achieve this goal.
For many years we have felt privileged and empowered to be part of a highly respected College such as Trinity: benefiting from and celebrating its highs, and working together as a team through the lows. The time has now come for us to forge our own mark on the world, so that we may be recognised and remembered for our own personal achievements, in contrast to that of the College. History would tell us that very few of us will reach our ultimate goals of degrees in medicine, gold medals and performances in the Royal Albert Hall. However, no matter what the future may hold, no one can take from us the experience that has been our time at Trinity, years which we shall cherish, for they have given so much to us.
Speech Night
We are all greatly indebted to our parents, for without their decision to send us to the College, we would not have had the privilege to enjoy the rich experiences offered. Whilst it is one thing for us as students to take on the many extra curricular activities on offer, we often underestimate the extra strain that they also place on our parents. On behalf of all the students, I thank our parents for the emotional and financial commitment that you have all made in sending us to Trinity. I hope that our efforts have in some way repaid all that you have done. I also extend my thanks and appreciation to my fellow classmates, who some twelve months ago entrusted me with the responsibility of Head Prefect. It has been humbling to lead a group of such talented young men and the role is one that I have enjoyed and benefited from. I will be forever grateful to you for providing me with this opportunity, and hope that I have fulfilled the responsibilities and duties expected of the Head Prefect, as well as you would have hoped. When we first arrived at the College, the boundaries of the Centenary Fence seemed so foreign and daunting to us all. As the days have unfolded however, the surroundings have become so familiar to us, that it now is difficult to leave. Early in Year 8, I remember being told that surrounding me in the classroom were students who would become lifelong friends. This statement was difficult for us to comprehend at the time, but looking back I find it hard now to imagine life without my friends. They have been such an integral part of my life at Trinity and I am sure that our friendships will continue well into the future. As we leave school behind, we thank the College for the fond memories and well learnt lessons it has taught us. Upon entering into the unknown we will carry with us the mark and pride of being part of the proud history of the College. In the words of Mark Twain: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover.” Thank you and God Bless Matthew Fitzsimons Head Prefect 2005
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