Success comes through knowledge and application

I was invited to speak at the school presentation awards for Merewether High School

The school’s motto is “Scientia Ac Labore” (success comes through knowledge and application). It is one of only three fully academically selective high schools that sit outside the Sydney metropolitan area

This is my speech...

I am proud to be here and be able to present the special awards for highest academic achievement and highest sporting achievement.

I’m also proud as a father, because my daughter Louisa finished her HSC last year at Merewether, my son Jonathan finished a few years ago and my other daughter Harriet has been accepted into Merewether for next year.

All students here today should be proud of their achievement – not only proud of being accepted into Merewether in the first place but proud of your achievements over the years. And also proud of your Year 12 students.

The Greens believe that Governments have a responsibility to provide high quality public education for everyone

A well funded Public Education system is essential as it is the only system that can respond to the diverse educational needs of the whole community. Comprehensive public education contributes to the reduction of inequality, supports social cohesion and economic well being and creates a safer society.

Governments should be increasing the funding to great schools like Merewether, not increasing the subsidies to carbon polluting industries like the coal industry.

Investment in education is an investment in the future of our society. It’s an investment in you.

And that investment has paid off. Through the great education provided at Merewether you have the skills and knowledge to do whatever you want to do

Many of you will continue your studies at Uni or TAFE or elsewhere, many will take up employment – but you can all contribute to a better society, to a better future

Some former students of Merewether are playing their part for a better future for our world by pushing for a serious government response to the greatest emergency that we face, that of runaway climate change.

Those former students are pushing for a serious policy to address the emergency, they’re pushing for serious leadership from the state and federal governments.

They make us proud that they are standing up, to make the world a better place

And you will make us proud in whatever way you contribute to making, Newcastle and Australia and the world a better place for all.

As a great poet once said...
take your time, think a lot,
Why, think of everything you’ve got.
For you will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not.

Follow your dreams and you can be proud...

and some feedback (by email)...

Dear Councillor Osborne,

Please accept my most sincere thanks on behalf of the students and staff of Merewether High, your attendance at our award presentation today was very much appreciated.