The following is an excerpt of a speech delivered by Jaden Taveira, 2023 Academic Head of School, at the 2024 Academic Assembly. The title of Academic Head of School is awarded to the top performing VCE student in any given year.
It is truly a privilege to be able to share with you my reflection upon the lifeblood of our School – a culture of learning which is unashamed in its pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.
I have always believed a holistic education [like one offered by Melbourne Grammar School] – one which seeks to foster the student’s development as a whole person – to be synonymous with boundless opportunity. The opportunity to grow in understanding of the world around us. The opportunity to seek out the very best within us in all that we do. The opportunity to hone valuable skills and behaviours that will abide in adulthood.
…Learning happens bit by bit, day by day. Learning prepares us for the future but, for this, it demands our greatest efforts today, in the present. The successful learner is one who is always engaged with the present learning opportunity, who is prepared to be challenged and to be inquisitive, and who relishes the journey and not merely the result.
…Remember that the purpose of the education provided by this school is not merely to enable you to enter your preferred course at university. In fact, to me, the behaviours you develop over the course of your educational journey are just as important as the actual course content you learn in class, for these are behaviours which are so readily transferable, and which will hold you in good stead in your endeavours beyond the Bluestone. … Now, more than ever, successful learning demands independent, critical thinking.
…When I look at all the teachers gathered here today to celebrate the achievements of their students, I cannot help but feel so very fortunate to count many of them as mentors throughout my Senior School journey, equal parts font of wisdom and source of inspiration. To the staff, I say a very sincere thank you.
…Everything the School does revolves around enabling you to be confident, lifelong learners. For when you do eventually walk through the Ross Gates for the last time, the facts, the information you learnt throughout your schooling may fade away… What will remain is far more important; these are the skills and behaviours that will give you the confidence to tackle the challenges which face our ever-changing society.
…I wish you all a year filled with successful and rewarding learning.
About Jaden Taveira
Jaden Taveira (OM 2023) is an exemplary scholar. He achieved the highest possible score of 99.95 in Year 12 and was awarded Prizes in English Literature, French and Latin. During his time in the Senior School, he was an active member of the Chapel Choir and Ross House, receiving Colours for both.
A scholarship recipient, Jaden was supported by the RWA Alcorn Bequest.
Jaden is currently studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne. His future aspiration is to pursue a Doctor of Medicine at the university.
