Nailed it? You betcha!

Jeepers Creepers! At times it did not seem when we were trying to organize this year’s Variety Concert that it was going to be a great success. We had to postpone it when we moved back to level 2 and then as the end of the year got closer some doubted it would ever happen. However, we never gave up and were always cautiously optimistic as an organizing committee that we could still put together a great show that would allow our students to showcase their talents and what a wonderful night we had on October 29!

After all the panicking and stressing, in classic St Thomas’ style it all just sort of came together on the day of the show when we went from about 8 acts at 8am to 23 acts by the time the school day had finished. One of the true signs of Brotherhood to me was when all the Year 13 boys flocked to the Hall from completely different backgrounds, talents and interests and all got up and performed our Year 13 act which definitely would have been out of the comfort zone for many of them to get up and dance in front of 300 people. They all bought into the spirit of what the Variety Concert is all about – a chance for everyone to show their talents, have a bit of fun and raise money for a worthy cause.

This year we raised $1600 for the START foundation who help those affected by sexual abuse which we believed was an important issue that has affected members of our St Thomas’ community. Have a look at all the pictures and see in these images the personification of fun. I see boys who feel a sense of belonging. I see boys who are proud of who they are and feeling free to express themselves.

St Thomas is a land of opportunity where Year 7’s can chase their goals and dreams from their first day right until they join the ranks of Old Boys.

I have gone to the past 7 Variety Concerts and performed in the show every year since Year 8 when Cormac Gallagher and I performed Rugby World Cup comedy. A challenge I would leave next year’s Year 13 group and organizing committee would be to encourage more juniors to get involved in the performance. This year, we had only 6 Year 9’s who were absolutely brilliant in their performances.

Finally, I would like to thank Mrs Gaffaney and Mrs Guerin for all their hard work behind the scenes and for keeping calm when it may have seemed in the days leading up to Thursday night that the Concert might only last for 15 minutes. To Cormac, our cultural leader, well done for all your work this year and for the commitment to our school over the past 7 years especially in the cultural sphere. To Cameron Anisy for running the tech all these years at school, thank you for your commitment and dedication to helping make the show possible and flow excellently. To Jack Cunniffe, thanks for your unending commitment to helping at any opportunity and to all the boys on our committee. You boys hung in tough and put many hours in especially on the day. Cheers Isaiah for co-hosting with me. It was a goal I had aspired to achieve since I was in Year 7 to be the one up the front and I sure had fun.

No matter what happens during your time at school, where there is a will there is a way. Never settle always reach for your dreams and try new things because it is then we can become the greatest version of ourselves and a true STC man. My race has been run and won and it is now time for the next group to pick up where we year 13’s leave off. To Wilson, Max, and Harvey and all the Year 13 boys of 2021 best of luck for next year’s Variety Concert and never settle for less than the best.

5139 over and out