Today’s assembly at St Paul’s Collegiate School was marked by inspiring speeches from the Deputy Heads of School, Gracie Potter and Liam Inman, as they shared their aspirations and goals for the academic year 2024.
Gracie Potter, beginning her address, expressed her excitement at serving as the Deputy Head and conveyed her anticipation for the year ahead. Reflecting on her upbringing in Whangarei and her transition to boarding school life at St Paul’s, Gracie emphasized the importance of embracing opportunities with a 'give-it-a-go' attitude, instilled in her by her parents. She remarked, "My parents always taught me to approach life with a give-it-a-go attitude because you never know if you don't try."
Drawing parallels from her own experiences, she highlighted the significance of making the most out of every opportunity and fostering a positive atmosphere within the school community. Gracie emphasized, "It’s the people who create the culture at St Paul’s. It’s about motivating the people to continue to create this atmosphere that makes St Paul’s so unique."
Liam Inman, in his speech, recounted his unique upbringing in Saudi Arabia and Egypt before returning to New Zealand and joining St Paul’s. He emphasized the value of seizing opportunities for personal and social development, urging students to approach each day with enthusiasm and resilience. Liam shared, "Every day that passes through these gates offers us countless opportunities for learning and personal development."
Drawing inspiration from his Tihoi camp experience, Liam encouraged students to embrace challenges and make the most out of every moment, emphasizing the role of positive thinking in achieving success. He emphasized, "Stay positive and stay open-minded because it’s all in the state of mind."
Both speakers emphasized the importance of the school’s community in fostering a supportive and encouraging environment. Gracie concluded her speech with a poignant poem, 'It’s all in the State of Mind' by Walter D, urging students to believe in themselves and approach life with a positive mindset. Liam echoed this sentiment, encouraging students to set high goals and stay motivated throughout the year.
We look forward to enjoying 2024 with these leaders of the school.
