I have to admit this was not how I imagined finishing off this academic year. This week we would have been saying farewell to our Year 14 students who are moving on. It’s always a time of mixed emotions, firstly of immense pride at just how far all our students have come on their journey with us at the Learning Centre. It’s been an absolute privilege to watch them all grow, mature and develop into the amazing young adults we see before us. There is also the tinge of sadness that we are in fact saying goodbye.
It’s an equally emotional time for our students, especially this year as they have not had the opportunity to say a proper goodbye to their friends and staff teams. I can promise everyone however that we will be holding the year 14 ‘Prom’ celebrations and ‘Record of Achievement’ celebrations as soon as we are able to, so keep your glad rags handy.
I would normally have been able to speak in person to our Year 14 students to share some words of encouragement, however this year I’ll have to make do with using my final blog.
During our final assembly, I would have shared the inspirational story Nicholas James Vujicic, an Australian motivational speaker who was born with Tetra-amelia syndrome, a rare disorder characterised by the absence of his legs and arms.
As a child, he struggled mentally and emotionally, as well as physically, but eventually came to terms with his disability and, at the age of seventeen, started his own non-profit organization, Life Without Limbs.
Vujicic presents motivational speeches worldwide, on life with a disability, hope, and finding meaning in life.
Vujicic says that even if we feel angry, sad, frustrated or afraid we should:
“Be Positive
We can all overcome challenges
We should Be Thankful
Dream big
We should Never give up
We should always try and SMILE”
My final message goes out to our Year 14 students.
To all our wonderful students, I wish you all the very best for your future life. My heartfelt blessings will always be there with you all. You have come so far and it’s been an absolute pleasure and privilege watching you grow and mature into amazing young adults. Please remember how far you have already come during your time with us, and I hope that gives you the confidence to believe you will do amazing things as you move on from New Bridge.
Dream Big! Never give up, be brave, believe in yourselves, always keep trying and smile.
Dawn
Click here for a special message from our Chair of Trustees, Steve Williams
You can find Gavin’s blog for the school site here
For news on our Key Stage 5 pathway groups at Medtia Square please click here
You can find my previous blog posts here
