As year 12 students in Victoria sit for their final exams, the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria (GOCMV), Bill Papastergiadis, has some last-minute advice.
The advice that I got back in my days at school, which was a long time ago, was that it’s 99 per cent perspiration and one per cent inspiration.
“The advice that I got back in my days at school, which was a long time ago, was that it’s 99 per cent perspiration and one per cent inspiration,” he said.
“I think that still holds true today.”
Mr Papastergiadis, who is also
the chairman of Alphington Grammar’s school council, spoke at the school’s valedictory dinner last week.
He told the 49 VCE graduates it was important to focus on their long-term goals and not be distracted by short-term diversions.
“In modern life, it’s quite common for people to change their jobs, or change their courses,” he said.
“But the message sent from the school was to have high aspirations and to try to achieve those, and at the end of the day to be faithful to your own beliefs and values.”
He said while it was a chance for the students to celebrate a coming of age, many were keen to get back to studying for exams, which started on Thursday.
He also told Neos Kosmos that the school will be making a major announcement about two scholarships next week.
An Alphington Grammar spokesperson said the students and their families and teachers enjoyed Greek music and dancing after the formal presentation.
“There was a very festive mood during the evening as families and graduates reflected on the growth and achievements of the graduates,” she said.
