Page 106 - yearbook soft copy

Director's Tree Planting Speech

Good evening honoured guests, parents, teachers, staff members and most

importantly, the graduating class of 2018!

It is an honour for me to stand here tonight, on behalf of the SABIS family,

to celebrate this very special occasion: the completion of a journey that

started more than 12 years ago, thus marking the beginning of a new

chapter in these young people’s lives.

Graduation is a special day that symbolizes the end of years of hard work.

It is a time for us to celebrate the goals you have achieved, to remember the

road that you have travelled, and to thank your parents for the opportunities

they have given you. As Jim DeMint once said, “One of the greatest titles in

the world is PARENT, and one of the biggest blessings in the world is to have parents to call MOM and

DAD.” So let’s thank your parents for their endless support.

Let us not forget that this journey would not have been possible without those who saw “tomorrow” in our

children’s eyes, those who enlightened their path and helped them achieve their potential: their teachers.

After all, teaching is the profession that teaches all other professions. As A. P. J. Abdul Kalam once said,

“Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, calibre, and future of an individual. If the

people remember me as a good teacher, then that will be the biggest honour for me.” I am positive that

every single graduate has, at some point, experienced such special teachers, so tonight, I will thank your

teachers on your behalf.

Last, but not least, let us honour our graduates whose journey has taken them to remarkable heights.

Always remember that the harvest you secure tomorrow depends on the seeds you plant today, so be

proud of how far you have come, Seniors’ 18, and all that you have achieved along the way.

Your parents, teachers, and staff members are tremendously proud of you and also proud to witness this

very special day that completes the first chapter of your academic life. This is merely the beginning of the

rest of your life. Never forget what Aristotle said almost 2400 years back: “Good habits formed at youth

make all the difference.”

Class of 2018: you are truly an exceptional group. I admire your team spirit, your loyalty, your willingness to

help others and above all, your positive attitude in everything you do. I feel privileged to have known you

and admire all your achievements. You have been such an exceptional year group that one of our former

teachers, Miss Bernadette, asked if I could mention what a pleasure it was teaching many of you, and

getting to see you mature into the impressive adults on stage today. In fact, in discussing this momentous

day, she expressed her thoughts on how intelligent, funny, and kind each of you are, and I couldn’t agree

more.

Class of 2018: we wish you the very best in your path ahead and urge you to continue building your future

and living your dreams. It has been an honour and privilege for all of us to watch your progress and achieve

success.

Class of 2018: Take pride in how far you have come, have faith in how far you can go!

Hisham Hassan

School Director