Spectacular Senior Speeches
When I met with our Student Council at the start of the school year, one of the things that they really wanted me to know is that I shouldn’t miss Senior Speeches. This tradition was unfamiliar to me, so I asked for some clarification. They explained that each Grade 12 student has the opportunity to deliver a prepared speech to the Upper School on the topic of their choice. They encouraged me to attend because of the high quality of the speeches as well as their personal content. They connected these speeches with their upcoming graduation in May telling me, “if you really want to know us as a grade, make sure you hear us speak.” I have heeded their advice.
Today was one of the days when we had the privilege of hearing four of those speeches. James, Hannah, Emily and Robin spoke on topics including the value of being multilingual, the challenges of dealing with anxiety, the journey to a student’s birthplace long after she was adopted and the positive impact an SJK teacher had on the life of a student. All the speeches were exceptional, personal and deeply moving. I certainly shed a few tears this afternoon. Our speakers demonstrated great bravery, a willingness to be vulnerable, excellent public speaking skills and visible confidence. We were all so proud of our speakers this afternoon!
When you enrol your child at SJK, you expect that this decision will have positive outcomes for your son or daughter. You certainly are anticipating positive academic results, as well as the resulting offers to attend choice universities. What you are also expecting is the development of leadership skills, confidence, an ability to be brave, to have a voice and to be able to use it to tell their own story. Judging by the four speeches this afternoon, the Class of 2020 are well on their way to being successful, well-rounded confident citizens of the future.
I felt so fortunate this afternoon to witness the four students nearing the end of their SJK journey. I left Chapel feeling deeply moved and confident about their futures. I have no doubt that once they leave our walls, they will go far.
Ms. Cheryl Boughton
Head of School
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Today was one of the days when we had the privilege of hearing four of those speeches. James, Hannah, Emily and Robin spoke on topics including the value of being multilingual, the challenges of dealing with anxiety, the journey to a student’s birthplace long after she was adopted and the positive impact an SJK teacher had on the life of a student. All the speeches were exceptional, personal and deeply moving. I certainly shed a few tears this afternoon. Our speakers demonstrated great bravery, a willingness to be vulnerable, excellent public speaking skills and visible confidence. We were all so proud of our speakers this afternoon!
When you enrol your child at SJK, you expect that this decision will have positive outcomes for your son or daughter. You certainly are anticipating positive academic results, as well as the resulting offers to attend choice universities. What you are also expecting is the development of leadership skills, confidence, an ability to be brave, to have a voice and to be able to use it to tell their own story. Judging by the four speeches this afternoon, the Class of 2020 are well on their way to being successful, well-rounded confident citizens of the future.
I felt so fortunate this afternoon to witness the four students nearing the end of their SJK journey. I left Chapel feeling deeply moved and confident about their futures. I have no doubt that once they leave our walls, they will go far.
Ms. Cheryl Boughton
Head of School
St. John's Kilmarnock School
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