PR E PA R ATORY S C HO OL
100 years and still going strong
The second half of the year has been as
busy as always, but this year we had one
additional celebration that was a focus
of our attention - the very special and
meaningful celebration of the Centenary
of the Preparatory School. A hundred years
is a long time in anyone’s book, but the
real significance of this celebration is the
recognition of the work of all who have
contributed to what the School is today. In
reflecting on this event, I have included some
excerpts from my speech on the day of the
celebration assembly:
Different people view the world and life
differently. Many love to look back at
what was and reminisce and enjoy the
nostalgic views of our memories, a time
that was once viewed through the filter of
our experiences. Others of us often accept
but put less focus on what has passed but
always look to the next adventure and
experience that is to come. If I am truthful,
the latter probably best describes me. But
when it comes to matters of importance, we
must indeed pay great heed and homage to
the past. To do so is to celebrate, to learn
and to honour and respect those that have
come before.
It is arrogant to take for granted all we
have today and who and what we are
without truly valuing those that have laid
the foundations. A strong vibrant school
and vibrant community does not in one
generation or primary school cycle appear.
The roots are deep, complex and intertwined.
I encouraged all present at the assembly
to be still and imagine all those that had
passed before us. How often we look at our
lives, our opportunities and our challenges
and forget all that come before us. We are
but one part of a far greater picture. Every
person that has passed through this place
has experienced joy, sadness, challenge and
success just as we do now.
The challenge I set and continue to put to all
our boys and girls is this – consider what part
you want to play in the rich story that is the
history of Guildford Grammar School. What
do you want to look back on with pride,
what do you want people to remember you
for? We all have the opportunity at a positive
legacy, but that legacy is not something of
the future, it is something that is forged now
in the present. Every choice we make now,
shapes our future.
A great measure of the impact the School
has had is to look at those who have been
through it. I am continually encouraged
by reading of the exploits of past pupils
over many generations. What is more
encouraging is often the focus, not
necessarily on their success but on what they
contribute to those around them and society
as a whole. The two amazing young men
that were guests at the assembly, Dr Isaak
Lim (Sc 94-06) and Dr Alex Wood (He
04-06), are wonderful examples of young,
talented and humble Guildford men. Both
the musical performance and the speech
were inspirational. It was also wonderful to
see the deep meaning that the School holds
for Old Guildfordians with so many returning
to celebrate with us.
As you read through the pages of this
publication and take in snippets of all that
has gone on over the past semester, take a
moment to reflect on opportunities, blessings
and all that comes together to make this a
special place to be for students, staff and the
community.
Mr Justin Krause
Head of Preparatory School
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