On Wednesday 17 November 2021, the St Edmund’s Senior Class of 2021 graduated to the world. For this newsletter I paraphrase some of my speech from the Valedictory Dinner, partially because these sentiments apply to all our Eddies Men and partially because I’ve run out of time to be creative.
Six life lessons and values you can learn from SpongeBob SquarePants -
Lesson 1 - Be the Eternal Optimist
SpongeBob SquarePants, an innocent little bloke made of yellow sponge often wins the day because he unfailingly sees the positive in any situation. As humans we have the tendency to always take the most notice of the bad things; however, a person’s thinking really can shape their reality. Be the person who looks at a glass and finds it half full. Be the silver lining, keep your chin up as you look for the light at the end of the tunnel kind of guy.
When one door closes another one opens, so hang in there because when life gives you lemons you can always make lemonade.
Constantly look for the best, because like SpongeBob if you do, you’ll invariably find it.
Lesson 2 - Value People
He looks like you could use him to wash dishes, but SpongeBob treats everyone, no matter who they are, with the same unfailing, friendly respect.
He loves his pals, in fact, he loves everyone! His friends are a motley crew: Patrick Star a frustratingly naïve starfish, Squidward Tentacles a constantly grumpy octopus, Mr Crabs an overly money obsessed crab, and Sandy Cheeks a squirrel from Texas who lives underwater in a dome and spends her time in a diving suit. SpongeBob knows that respect and putting people first are two of the most important elements of a strong relationship.
Eddies Men will be loyal to their friends, backing them wisely when they are in need and challenging them courageously when they need it. They will respect all those who enter their life, fleetingly, intermittently or permanently whether as friends, as acquaintances or as colleagues, as partners.
People make up our world and they’re worth every moment of investment. Be open to all and value them for who they are.
Lesson 3 - Be Original
A soft, hyper-absorbent and squishy yellow guy who wears geometrically precise square pants, SpongeBob is one of a kind. He lives in a pineapple and has a sea snail as a pet.
Often, people are afraid to be themselves. We sometimes hear “don’t be the one who just follows the crowd”. But following the crowd can be just as ok, as much as it can be not ok. Yes, walk with the crowd, but if you do, make sure you walk as yourself. If on the other hand, you walk your own path, do so because you’re committed to it and it’s truly who you are about.
Shakespeare wrote “To thine own self be true”. We wish our Eddies Men the courage to be their truest and best selves.
Lesson 4 - Love What You Do
SpongeBob SquarePants works in a dodgy diner making Crabby Patties, the underwater equivalent of a cheeseburger. He loves it and he’s good at it, really good.
Whether you design buildings or build buildings; whether working in an office or on a worksite; whether you know what you want to do right now, or you discover it later, love what you do and be good at it. It may take time and a few tries but find your special purpose.
Not everyone wants to be making Crabby Patties at the Crusty Krab. But everyone wants to be doing something in which they find fulfilment. Flipping burgers or building spaceships, life’s too short to spend it doing something you don’t love. Enjoy what you do for work every day and you’ll never work a day in your life.
Lesson 5 - Always Remember Where You’re From
Life in a place called Bikini Bottom means something. SpongeBob loves the place. It’s his place and they’re his people. We come from Eddies, Ipswich, pretty different to Bikini Bottom, because, well, Bikini Bottom is underwater. No, now that I think about it, we’ve occasionally been underwater too, but let’s not worry about that now.
We come from a place that has always prided itself on its history, on its sense of belonging; a place founded on producing strong, kind and gentle men; a community that values humility, simplicity and loyalty. Never forget that.
No matter what you do or where you may be, always remember where you’re from and you’ll always know who you are.
Lesson 6 - Laugh And Have Fun But Always Make A Difference
He’s imperfect, full of holes and unconventional, constantly laughing and always having fun, but continually and consistently, SpongeBob SquarePants always seems to make a difference. Be that guy.
Farewell
Farewell to all our Eddies families who finish their time with us this year. Your role in the Eddies team may change following the graduation of your youngest son but we hope your association with Eddies continues. You are always welcome on the Hill. You are always “Eddies”.
Our young men left us last Wednesday evening with the symbols of departure - a certificate, a message stick and an Old Boy’s Cap. They also left us with the values instilled in them by their families, their faith and by Eddies and the Eddies Team.
To the gentlemen of the Graduating Class of 2021, from the bottom of my heart, I wish you all the best for the years to come. Be good, be safe and forever be, strong, kind and gentle Eddies Men.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Nigel Lucas (Pastoral Dean – Ignatius) who has been appointed Assistant Principal Students from 2022.
Nigel replaces Shannon Lee who sadly leaves the College at the conclusion of this year to take up the position of Principal at All Souls St Gabriels Charter Towers.
