Page 22 - The Gonzaga Record 2004
P. 22
show to be proud of, but everything that had made our year that far and what it
would come to be.
And then, finally, the green jumpers. As quickly as our time here had begun, it
was to end. But we still had one year left. Thoughts of dedicating the year solely to
study were soon put aside as we realised the truth. This year may have been our last
chance to work for the most important exams in our lives, but it was also our last
year together and therefore not to be wasted. It coincided with a significant birth
day for most of us, and so it was a year of parties galore, the stories of which will
surely be told for many years to come. But our recreation was not restricted to
night time activities - this was a year for sport too. We finally took ownership of
the Senior III squad and gave it new life as the Panthers. That team might have
dominated our conversations were it not for the existence of a certain soccer league.
To figure out precisely what motivated the origins of this competition and subse
quently the fierce passion and pride associated with it would probably take the
return of Mr. Psychology himself, Dr. Dingle. Mindful of these fierce loyalties, I
will only say that the team named for a well-known mode of transport claimed a
famous victory and furnished themselves with a spectacular trophy, the team that
might have been named for the Jesuits were reportedly unbeaten by the champi
ons, and the team that prided themselves on skill still pride themselves on skill. But
the team formed just outside there assured me that they are fully confident of beat
ing you all.
But our year is not defined by any of these events or even by their sum. It’s men
tally contributed to by every member of the year and everything that happened
whenever two or more were gathered in its name, an ideal understood by everyone
but owned by none. The contributions to the year are not limited simply to those
in the year. From the beginning of first year we have been blessed with a staff who
matched their outstanding teaching efforts and patience in the classroom with an
untold amount of work spent on co-curricular activities, sharing generously of
their time and talents. A special word of thanks must ,go to our Year Head Mr.
Slevin and to our Deputy Principal Mr. Whirdy. Mr. Potts also deserves our thanks,
not just for all his work as Headmaster but for his contribution to the spirit with
in the school.
And so we come to the end of our time here. A moment far beyond the horizon
on our first day here, it’s now immediate and inescapable. Part of me wishes we
could return to that day, or maybe Fourth Year, and not have to face the reality of
the impending exams and the unfamiliar institutions we will find ourselves in come
August. Most of me, though, is excited about what is to come. The exams might
n’t be our most fun experience here but the day will come when we will walk out
of the exam hall for the last time and start living again. And then we’ll start the next
phase of our lives. No longer will we see each other by default, without planning.
We will be scattered throughout courses and colleges with no obligation to see each
other. But we will continue our friendships as before, in a new context, with new
Page 20
would come to be.
And then, finally, the green jumpers. As quickly as our time here had begun, it
was to end. But we still had one year left. Thoughts of dedicating the year solely to
study were soon put aside as we realised the truth. This year may have been our last
chance to work for the most important exams in our lives, but it was also our last
year together and therefore not to be wasted. It coincided with a significant birth
day for most of us, and so it was a year of parties galore, the stories of which will
surely be told for many years to come. But our recreation was not restricted to
night time activities - this was a year for sport too. We finally took ownership of
the Senior III squad and gave it new life as the Panthers. That team might have
dominated our conversations were it not for the existence of a certain soccer league.
To figure out precisely what motivated the origins of this competition and subse
quently the fierce passion and pride associated with it would probably take the
return of Mr. Psychology himself, Dr. Dingle. Mindful of these fierce loyalties, I
will only say that the team named for a well-known mode of transport claimed a
famous victory and furnished themselves with a spectacular trophy, the team that
might have been named for the Jesuits were reportedly unbeaten by the champi
ons, and the team that prided themselves on skill still pride themselves on skill. But
the team formed just outside there assured me that they are fully confident of beat
ing you all.
But our year is not defined by any of these events or even by their sum. It’s men
tally contributed to by every member of the year and everything that happened
whenever two or more were gathered in its name, an ideal understood by everyone
but owned by none. The contributions to the year are not limited simply to those
in the year. From the beginning of first year we have been blessed with a staff who
matched their outstanding teaching efforts and patience in the classroom with an
untold amount of work spent on co-curricular activities, sharing generously of
their time and talents. A special word of thanks must ,go to our Year Head Mr.
Slevin and to our Deputy Principal Mr. Whirdy. Mr. Potts also deserves our thanks,
not just for all his work as Headmaster but for his contribution to the spirit with
in the school.
And so we come to the end of our time here. A moment far beyond the horizon
on our first day here, it’s now immediate and inescapable. Part of me wishes we
could return to that day, or maybe Fourth Year, and not have to face the reality of
the impending exams and the unfamiliar institutions we will find ourselves in come
August. Most of me, though, is excited about what is to come. The exams might
n’t be our most fun experience here but the day will come when we will walk out
of the exam hall for the last time and start living again. And then we’ll start the next
phase of our lives. No longer will we see each other by default, without planning.
We will be scattered throughout courses and colleges with no obligation to see each
other. But we will continue our friendships as before, in a new context, with new
Page 20
