True Friends are Never Apart

I am approaching forty years since my last day of school. Each year, in the final weeks of Year 12, I tell a story of my own closing weeks of school about how I almost lost one of my closest friends. He had a job with his family business which was a large stone masonry and on a rare occasion they tolerated me too.

On the day of the accident, a large block of sandstone was swinging on a crane into place and a mistake was made by the operator who was one of his half a dozen big brothers who worked at the masonry, and he was crushed between two blocks and his pelvis broken badly. Quite easily, vital organs could have gone with it. So, he found himself in intensive care and in hospital for a big chunk of our final weeks of school. I clearly remember my Mum receiving a phone call from his Mum that night and my Mum telling me what had happened and that he had asked that I come to the hospital. 

We have remained in touch throughout the years, never in each other’s pockets, but always with a deep understanding of each other’s foundational story, identity and personality tics and traits. It’s one of those relationships where we understand each other, can cut through to the chase without any effort and pick up where we left off no matter the time or distance gap in between. We make each other laugh; really hard. But when there is a serious topic we can lock in however required! It’s a competitive relationship both physically and intellectually. The truth is I lose on both counts but I will never let truth win out against him.

I think of him every year in the final days of Year 12 for our students. What could have happened that day and how close I went to losing a person who has remained a touchstone throughout my life, is never lost on me.

I especially think of him at the Valedictory meal each year. He was and is a clever and funny fellow, but I would never tell him that! He was selected by our Principal to present a Valedictory speech and he got a paragraph or two in and froze with tears of overwhelm in front of a large crowd. There was quite a lot going on for him at that time of transition, physically, emotionally and psychologically.

I remember sitting and looking at him frozen thinking that he would carry on. But he didn’t and couldn’t. So, I hopped up and stood with him and read his speech which was wise beyond his years, funny and insightful. We have some wonderful photos of us together at the meal with our glorious 80s haircuts. He retains more hair than me which is point of conflict and competition amongst many.

Plenty has happened in between. We have had years of no contact and years of lots of contact. But five years ago, I was in a very tight spot when my then 84 year old Father was selling our family home of 46 years and had a terrible accident where he smashed his hip like a china plate and mangled his leg. 

It’s a long story, but I had a huge job ahead of me to pack up half a century of life on a big property and so, I took leave from work and moved home for two months to get the job done.

The first phone call I got was from my old friend. I don’t mind admitting that I sobbed. He was also the first person who rang me when my Mum died.

The very next day, around he came with his red ute and he started packing, lifting moving and getting more done that I could have ever managed on my own. And he kept coming whenever he could during those long, lonely and hard weeks. 

He’s moved to Tasmania now and last year, when I took some leave, I went to his new home, and we bullied each other as old friends do with jibes and mockery. And I’ll keep going back as we become old men.

I am blessed to have my lifelong friend along with a tight small group of others who truly know me, my story, my vulnerabilities and strengths. I am sure many a parent is similarly blessed with old friends from the old school yard. There is nothing like a friendship that has survived the years of time. There is nothing like the laughter shared between people who share childhood story.

I thought of him when our College Captain, Declan spoke honestly about his own story during his Valedictory speech on Thursday and thanked a friend and class mate who was present for him at a time of doubt and struggle. I hope they remember that moment when they are 54 like me and that their class mates know deeply that it is ok to need each other, reach out to each other and keep checking in throughout their lives.

I pray for our graduating class that they treasure their friendships that will ebb and flow like the seasons. I hope and pray and they will be Signum Fidei: Signs of Faith for each other in good times and bad and that, like my friend and I, a safe, reliable and secure port to which to return throughout the journeys ahead.

I encourage you to give your old friend a call this Christmas.

Celebration of Excellence and Valedictory Celebrations

Thank you to all of our families who attended one or both of these significant events last week. They were joyous demonstrations of our culture and wonderful displays of our student and staff gifts. They were also demonstrations of the support offered by our parents and caregivers.

Thank you to everyone who made these events possible in facilitation and with your presence. We were delighted with both special celebrations and grateful for your support.

Exam Block

As our students head into exam block, it's important to acknowledge the hard work and dedication they've shown throughout the semester. This is the culmination of their efforts, and while it can be a stressful time, it's also an opportunity to demonstrate everything they've learned. We encourage all students to stay focused, manage their time wisely, and remember to take breaks when needed. Above all, believe in yourselves – you've prepared for this, and we're proud of all that you've accomplished. Best of luck to each and every one of you!

Community Prayers

Lord, we pray for those in our community who are suffering. Be with them in this time of hardship and uncertainty. Give comfort and peace to those who have lost loved ones. May their sorrow be turned into strength, and their distress turned into peace. May our hearts remain loving and pure as we seek to always be compassionate to those around us.

God bless,

Chris Ryan

College Principal

“Of all possessions a friend is the most precious.” [Herodotus]