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February 2012.

Each year our graduating Year 8 pupils have the opportunity to present a farewell speech at our end of year assembly. Last December, three pupils presented their own personal reflections on their time at Little River School. I'm pleased to be able to share them with you here.

Enjoy. Christian Couper

 

Logan Brooks, Year 8 Leavers Speech.

December 2011.

 

At the age of five, I embarked on a journey that would last me thirteen years. A journey that has, and will, shape me for my future.

To date, I have completed eight years of this journey through the wilderness of School. As I say good-bye to my days at Little River School, I look back at the events, both positive and negative, that have influenced me to become the person I am. Over the next few minutes I will share some of these events with you.

 

On my first day of school, three thousand and fifty two days ago, I remember how Eden Skipper helped me to do my work. He helped me with colouring in a picture because back then, I would just scribble on the page. Eden also told me that I needed to share my brand new colouring pencils with him.

Through this, I made my first friend at school. Being the first day, I had opened the first major chapter in my life; and so was taking my first step out into the big wide world where I didn’t have Mum to hold my hand. Just having someone to talk to, made it easier for me to take those first few steps.

When I was in room three we did many plays; most of which were from School Journals that the school seemed to have an endless supply of. I loved doing these as my Nana, Margaret Robson, would take us into the back room to practice them. I use to look forward to every Wednesday when my Nana came and did plays with us.

In year four I went on my first camp to New Brighton. On the first night, in our group of six, we put together $5 each and brought our tea at the nearby supermarket. That year was also my second production, where I played a medium role as an unknown alien on Earth. I found it very easy to learn the script off by heart.

In year five we had two teachers. We had Mrs Smith for half a year, then Miss Meyer the other half. This was one of the best years because with Miss Meyer we had two sport activities in the day; a morning fitness session and then PE later in the day. Being a typical boy, I didn’t complain about this.

 

Waipara camp in year six was the highlight of the year. The area where we stayed was so big to roam. The rock climbing was the scariest activity as I’m scared of heights. There was also a deep waterhole, which we all went for a swim in. It was quite cold but fresh. It was about this time that I realised why we go on school camps. We are taken out of our comfort zones and try new things, as I found with the rock climbing. All of which, we have to do in the real world.

 

My final production in year seven is an event that built my self-confidence so much and is half the reason why I chose to stand up and do this speech. I had a major acting role that took al my limited acting skills for me to perform. The couple of days before, I fell sick and I was so worried that I wouldn’t be able to perform. In the end, I toughened up and managed to pull it off.

For our school camp at Orton Bradley Park that year, we had to walk to get to our camp site, which took nearly all day and required a lot of fitness. We went coasteering and everyone complained the sea water was cold, but I didn’t think so.

This year, I began my last year of primary school. I took on a major leadership role. The Thursday I found out I was a Student Leader, was one of my best days at school, I was so pleased and happy.

The Hanmer camp was one of the best camps. The best parts were whizzing around the superbowl at the hotpools, and the mountain bike orienteering in the drizzle.

So, these events over my eight years here at Little River School have allowed me to meet people, build my self confidence, gain knowledge and learn skills that will benefit me forever. It is only now that I realise how big an influence, both academically and socially, your time at primary school has on you. Saying goodbye to my primary school days, I would like to thank all the teachers who have taught me over the last eight years. You have taught me to not only read, write, add and subtract, but also skills that will allow me to tackle life.

 

As I close one chapter in my life, I turn the page to start a new one. Next year, I will take another step out into the big wide world as I start at Lincoln High School. Here, there will be many more opportunities for me to grab and extend myself. The last five years of my journey through school will be the biggest years yet. I am looking forward to the many new people I will meet, the knowledge I will gain, and the opportunity to continue to learn the skills and values that will help me on my even bigger journey through life.

Thank you.

Logan Brooks.

Class of 2011.