Here Acting Principal Dean Sheppard shares his thoughts.

Kia Ora and welcome to the Mount Aspiring Newsletter,

Another fulfilling week here as we fare-welled our seniors at prize-giving. A huge congratulations to each and every one of you - but particularly Siena Shotwell and Michael Geologo who are not only our head students, but gained Dux and Proxime respectively. You can read more about it elsewhere in the newsletter. I do also want to say a huge thank you to all our staff who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to support all of our students, and another heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming support from our sponsors - you are so appreciated. 

I will now leave you with the second half of my prize-giving speech, directed at out senior cohort. Good luck with your exams, I have been so proud of your tenacity and dedication this year. 

"Prizegiving marks a pivotal moment in the school year, a sentiment that is especially poignant given the turbulence we have endured these past 12 months both as a school and as a country. For many of you the implications of 2020 don’t end here. Your path to success may have diverged somewhat, your choices may look a little different now.

I know that some of you are uncertain, some of you are hesitant - I know that some of you are questioning what the future holds. So the first thing I would like to say to you is this: you are in good company. I too am uncertain, and I too am in a place of wondering. But such is the nature of life.

I would like to borrow a quote from the late Jimmy Dean: “I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”

Sometimes, things go wrong. Failure happens, disappointment happens, COVID happens. For some in this room, your gap year has been cancelled, your travel plans non-existent. For others, you’re taking different subjects next year, because you don't know whether the career path you've chosen will be viable in five years. But reflecting on the words of my country-music namesake, it's not adversity that defines you - it's how you respond. Today you have a choice. Your approach and your outlook right now will lay the foundations for your success later.

In 2021 whether you are still here at MAC, or pursuing the next stage of your life, your attitude to learning, your willingness to embrace change, your altruism and character will have far greater impact than you might expect. So as this year draws to a close, I leave you with three tips I have found helpful, and still find helpful, in my career thus far.

Number one is: Strive for something bigger than yourself. Find a cause, something you are truly passionate about. Become well-read in your chosen area, volunteer your time. Working for the betterment of others will give your life a spark that is often hard to find elsewhere.

Number two - Embrace responsibility. This one can be difficult, but important. It’s daunting when you’re asked to step up, when you might feel others can do better. Put your hand up, take the risk. The learning and confidence you will gain from putting yourself outside your comfort zone will be worth it.

And lastly: Do the small things really, really well. No building can stand without strong foundations - and the same is true of you. Focus on mastering the tiny details, opening the door for someone, planning your day well, finishing your homework or study - when you put time into small tasks or gestures, more significant tasks no longer seem insurmountable.

For all our Year 13 leavers, hold onto these three principles and you will fly. Remember - in this world we need good people, not just smart people. Whichever path you take, whichever career or contribution you make - your success will be magnified by the success of those you choose to help along the way. I wish you the very best with whatever you go on to do, And I look forward to seeing the difference you’ll make. "

Nga mihi,

Dean Sheppard