ROEBOURNE TEACHER SHARES CLEAR MESSAGE WITH YEAR 12 GRADUATES
Roebourne District High School teacher Sheryl Hicks closed last night’s Year 12 graduation with a short, direct speech focused on pride, culture and staying connected.
She congratulated the graduates on completing Year 12 and earning their International Big Picture Credential, saying they should be proud of what they’ve achieved.
Hicks spoke as a mother and grandmother. She said she wished her own children had access to the Big Picture model and the school’s cultural programs, which help students build confidence and explore their interests.
Next year, her grandsons start Kindy and Pre-primary at Roebourne. She told the crowd she chose the school because students have access to:
language learning with Miss Sonya
Connected Learning and regular education on-country
the Big Picture Program in high school
a culturally safe and responsive environment
staff who support students every day
Hicks encouraged students to stay grounded in who they are and to stay close to family, country and community. She said setbacks happen, but you need to get back up and keep moving.
She also told graduates to keep learning, take up opportunities when they come, and surround themselves with people who support them.
She said next steps look different for everyone. Some may go to TAFE or university, others might start work, travel or keep exploring their interests. She reminded them that believing in themselves matters now as much as it did throughout school.
Before she finished, Hicks thanked families, peers, school staff, community partners and employers who supported the graduates through their schooling.
She closed by congratulating the class again and encouraged them to enjoy their moment.