Page 14 - Grundtvig International Secondary School Yearbook 2019

THE PRINCIPAL’S
WELCOME KNACK FOR EXCELLENCE
ADDRESS

any students have graduated from this school,
many of whom have continued to uphold the
Mideals, values and philosophy upon which
Grundtvigian education stands. We believe in excellence
through hardwork, perseverance, dedication and
commitment in the execution of the duties and
responsibilities that define our noble profession. We
remember each graduating class in a unique way. Some
students are remembered for their doggedness; some, for
their academic prowess and some for their exceptionally
good leadership qualities and high moral standards.

Today, I look at you, the class of 2019 and the first words
that come to my mind are EXCELLENCE and SUCCESS.
The knack for excellence, the drive and passion to be or to
beat the best, is a seed that has been sown in so many of
you. It was quite visible that the competition which could
have naturally turned friends into enemies became a
healthy and productive one in your case and culminated in
a steady improvement as you climbed higher and higher up
the ladder and pathway to the successes you have achieved
so far. However, this is just the beginning of even greater
successes as you prepare for tertiary education.

Today, I am also filled with delight at being able to talk to
all of you before pronouncing you graduates. Many of you
have worked hard and some probably a bit harder than others. However, one common reason for the
efforts you have put in all these years is very obvious: to prove to your parents that the six years of their
huge spending on you has not been in vain.
If the knack for excellence continues to be
your focal point, you will feel more The knack for excellence, the drive and
fulfilled knowing that getting to this point passion to be or to beat the best, is a
was an uphill task and that you would not seed that has been sown in so many of
have sailed through if you had not put to you. It was quite visible that the
good use, the lessons, admonitions, competition which could have
guidance and grace of God in attaining the naturally turned friends into enemies
height you have reached so far. became a healthy and productive one in
your case and culminated in a steady
There is no doubt in saying that you cannot
wait to be independent and free from improvement as you climbed higher
parental control. As a matter of fact, many and higher up the ladder and pathway
of your parents are probably looking far to the successes you have achieved so
more forward to it than you yourselves. far.
Independence is good and for me one of
the most significant values to have, in
order to become a good decision maker which obviously will help you to become a better person.
More times than I can remember, you have always said, “Sir, all work and no play…” Yes, we cannot
just study all the time; but similarly, we cannot just have fun all the time. Many of us find this
demonstrated daily in their families where mommy could be the cheerful one pushing and strategizing
on how to get you to go out, make friends, have fun and enjoy; while on the other hand, daddy could be
the serious-minded one, constantly reminding you to focus on your studies and put as much effort in
studying as you do in playing. My message here is simple – you should strike a balance between the
two.

012 Grundtvig Interna onal Secondary School